While we learned of the departure of two big-name chefs, we still have a lot to look forward to in coming months. One Michelin recognized taqueria is branching out into seafood. And, a farmer’s market favorite is putting down roots with a Southside storefront. Here’s what you need to know in Fort Worth Food News this May.
Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez is one of Michelin Guide’s rare recognized eateries in Fort Worth. This family run taqueria located at 2108 East Rosedale and it is now planning a new concept. The seafood spot will be located within walking distance, in the former Noodle House. And, where the interior of Birrieria is red, the new seafood restaurant will go aquatic, painted blue.
The announcement was made on Facebook on Tax Day. They say the menu will consist of 10 items max, and they will strive for the same consistency they have achieved at Birrieria. The unnamed concept is anticipated to debut this year. Will it earn another visit by Michelin? We’ll have to wait and see.
“Guys we’ve been keeping this a secret but we can’t hold it in anymore,” they said. “We are opening a seafood bar right across the street! Same quality same amazing service same atmosphere but different menu! We are so excited to show y’all what else we can cook!”
The owner of Sunrise Scones, Gretchen Seegel, has long been a first stop for many at The Clearfork Farmer’s Market. Her delicious Sunrise Scones are artisan, small-batch scones made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients since 2021.
She told us at the recent Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival (as we devoured one of her delicate lemon blueberry scones) that she is opening a brick-and-mortar bakery in South Main Village this May. We can’t wait. It will be in the same building as The Holly Wine Bar and the forthcoming Hiro’s Kitchen, that we told you about in early March.
Nativo Café y Bodega is now open at 1701 White Settlement Road. It’s a garden shop with a coffee shop inside. Having soft opened in late April, they say the best sellers so far are the Nuez de Tejas Latte, the Nativo Shaker and Abuelita’s Matcha. The interior leads with soft lighting and thrifted furniture. Plus, the garden vibe is inspired by Mexican culture.
And, in Grapevine, you’ll find a book shop/coffee shop concept called Talking Animals Books. It’s located at 909 South Main Street. You can browse for your next favorite read, and sip on a fresh cup of coffee while soaking up the coziness, according to The Grapevine Edit. It’s their second Grapevine location.
Chef Preston Paine arrived in Fort Worth to open The Crescent Hotel. A Food Network star of Ciao House, and Cutthroat Kitchen, Paine is also a co-owner of Dallas-based Shug’s Bagels, which will arrive soon on Camp Bowie. During his tenure, he took the dining and fresh pasta dishes at Emilia’s and its swanky Blue Room to new heights.
He announced his departure on April 2. Chef Paine tells Fort Worth Digital Diary that he is now heading the culinary at the luxury resort known as Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Crescent has not named his successor as of yet.
Paine said he had no intention of leaving Fort Worth, but they offer was something, “I really couldn’t say no to.”
And, Chef Kevin Martinez has announced he will step away from Tokyo Cafe.
In his Goodbye Letter To Tokyo Cafe, dated April 28, Martinez said, “After many years, it’s not easy to say goodbye. Since 2008, Tokyo Cafe has been more than a workplace to me — it’s been a second home. I’ve grown here, learned so much, and shared countless moments with people I truly respect and care about. This Thursday will be my last day.”
Kevin Martinez tells Fort Worth Digital Diary that he plans to stay Fort Worth, and is in talks about some potential opportunities at present. We can’t wait to see what he does next. He was the creative force behind Tokyo Café, even through its fire and rebuilding. His authentic dishes including Japanese okonomiyaki pancakes, yakisoba and recent omakase dinners came from his travels to Japan and respect for the cuisine.
Martinez’ partnership with owners Jarry and Mary Ho, and Casey Kha have made Tokyo Café one of Fort Worth best sushi restaurants for many years.
More Fort Worth Food News to come from Fort Worth Digital Dairy.
