Not only is Miss Ava on her way to walking on her own, but Fort Worth is not just your typical cowboys and stockyards any more boys and girls. We started our session in the most wonderful cupcake shop called J’Raes. In the summer people flock to get their hands on their specialty cupcake “Pink Lemonade” and for the fall the favorite is “Pumpkin. A must see for anyone looking for an interesting day out or a date night for all those couples looking for something different to do. Read on to find out more about this up and coming area and to spot Ava’s sneak peek!
This ain’t your mama’s Cowtown. Much as Dallas is still trying to defeat the Sue Ellen and J.R. stereotype, so Fort Worth struggles with its own outdated rep as a small town full of big hats and oversized turquoise jewelry. Now don’t get me wrong, if you need a cowboy fix, brisket at Railhead Smokehouse BBQ followed by dancing at Billy Bob’s should do the trick. But if you’re interested in exploring a different side of the city, this list should be just about right to fill a Saturday, with offerings that range from chic antiques to ultra-hip fashion and furnishings, from juicy burgers to market-fresh cuisine utilizing the finest local ingredients.
Start your day trip at Byrd + Bleecker (2962 Park Hill Drive, 817-924-2973, byrdandbleecker .com) near Texas Christian University. Owner Libby Pettit, a darling New York transplant originally from the tiny North Texas town of Graham, opened the store a year ago. The deep, dark, almost-black back wall with a stark white fireplace greets you with a powerfully modern and graphic feel the minute you walk in. Pettit has filled the store with a blend of gifts and furnishings that include carefully selected letterpress stationery and cards, Kartell pieces, noteworthy art books and other decor delights.
Just down the street is one of my favorite FW spots and has been for years: Simple Things (1540 S. University Drive, 817-332-1772), a furniture and custom upholstery store in the University Park Village shopping center. It’s overflowing with goodness, thanks to owner Sherry Griggs’ great eye for obscure antiques and curious finds. She has a magnificent way of putting together the most random collections that could be considered mundane, yet are anything but. Last trip, it was a heaping bowl of plastic soldiers, and a row of vintage bowling pins lined up like artwork that added an unexpected twist to an otherwise serene and lovely setting.
Sometimes just driving by and spotting a neat sign or interesting window is the best way to find new places. That’s how I stumbled onto Home to Garden (3896 W. Vickery Blvd., 817-377-0318), just a few blocks from Simple Things. Even from the street, the brick cottage-turned-store looks cool. HTG’s main draws are its stylish succulents, including huge, almost architectural agaves, and other plant lovelies. But inside the quaint little building, you’ll find great old metal sign letters, home furnishings and other odds and ends. The wonderful indoor-outdoor space is also available for intimate parties. I’m trying to think of an occasion.
Herringbone Home (1628 Park Place, 817-927-0797, herringbonehome .com) is another new discovery, a store I’d read about on other blogs but had yet to check out. I adore the name and the graphic identity underscored by the elegant H logo and herringbone-painted wood floors. The small, exquisite store boasts an extensive collection of chi-chi period pieces, from mod ’70s Lucite-and-chrome chairs to French heirlooms – many also showcased for sale on Herringbone’s well-organized Web site.
With four stores under your belt, you may need some nourishment. I have two burger suggestions and advise just flipping a coin because you can’t go wrong either way. If you want the newest, hippest joint in town, head to the just-opened second location of celebrity chef Tim Love’s Love Shack (817 Matisse St., 817-348-9655, shakeyourloveshack.com) across from Montgomery Plaza in the blossoming West Seventh Street area. The hip interior takes its cues from a dive (chalkboard menu walls, Polaroids of Tim with friends and patrons), and flows into a cool patio where you can kick back and listen to live music. Condé Nast Traveler named Love’s 50-50 mix of prime tenderloin and prime brisket “the Lone Star State’s best burger.” And I can personally recommend the Dirty Love Burger, which dresses things up with bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and a fried quail egg.
For a more authentic dive experience, nearby Fred’s Texas Cafe (915 Currie St., 817-332-0083, fredstexascafe.com) is a neon and weathered-wood joint that’s earned best-of awards for both its burgers and its party patio. Even on a Saturday afternoon, the line is out the door.
Back to the spending spree. If you’re a home junkie like me, you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring The Old Home Supply House (1801 College Ave., 817-927-8004, oldhomesupplyhouse.com), “Fort Worth’s Renovation Headquarters.” Five buildings are bursting at the seams with reclaimed architectural elements. Anything you need, right here, from a glass knob to sconces or a claw-foot tub. Allow yourself some time on this one.
I’ve tried to think of a place in Dallas that comes close to the vibe of Dean-Kingston (821 Foch St., 817-698-8323, dean-kingston.com ) and I can’t. It is full-on rock ‘n’ roll – great, great jewelry; lots of hip black clothes; and retro-tinged men’s and women’s fashion from labels such as Ben Sherman, William Rast, True Religion, and Young, Fabulous and Broke. All housed in a brick-walled, 1930s-era warehouse for an overall effect that feels more LA than Cowtown. If the salesperson offers you a complimentary Lone Star or Chardonnay, say yes.
You might need a little snack after your antique-to-chic whirlwind, so walk the covered half block from Dean-Kingston to J. Rae’s (935 Foch St., 817-332-0090, jraes.com) for a little cupcake or cheesecake. Exceedingly delicious.
Before you wrap up your Fort Worth shop-and-eat-athon, stop by dh Collection (3320 W. 7th St., 817-877-1994, dhcollection.com), the contemporary offshoot of the more traditional Domain XCIV showroom down the street. This place is swarming with fabulosity – Missoni Home and Jonathan Adler accessories, Oly Studio furniture, Blissliving and DwellStudio bedding. This was the moment in the day when I really stopped to marvel,
“Where am I?”
Not ready to point the car back east? Cap the day with drinks and dinner at Ellerbe Fine Foods (1501 W. Magnolia Ave., 817-926-3663, ellerbefinefoods.com). The converted fuel station feels as comfy as an old house, with crisp white tablecloths and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Chef Molly McCook bases her menu on fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. People are nuts about it!
courtesy of the dallas morning news
