The Cowtown Chronicles

Well, here’s your chance! Read more about it on Adam’s blog…

As I mentioned a few days ago, Jenna and I were invited to the soft opening of 29º Tavern, in the same shopping center as Central Market, off Hulen and 30.

The decor was excellent. The bar top was a plate of burnished stainless steel, the stools were VERY comfortable (we sat in the bar), and the bathrooms had tap handles on the sinks! Very attractive, warm, and well executed.

We only got to see a limited portion of the menu, but what we did see was very promising! Louis had the Chicken Fried Steak, which comes with a Chipotle gravy, which everyone agreed was excellent. Emily had the Fried Chicken Salad, and commented that her experience with honey mustard dressings has been hit or miss, but the dressing on this salad was “just right.” Jenna had the Fried Shrimp (I’m seeing a “fried” trend here) on a bed of shoestring french fries. She liked it very much, particularly the cocktail sauce, which our waitress informed us was made with “sweet chiles.”

I had the prime rib, which wasn’t on the “official” menu for the evening, but was available. It was very well marbled and flavorful. The Au Jus that came with it wasn’t much, and the horseradish was not particularly hot, but all in all it was good. My mashed potatoes were cold, but still very good.

I did (as promised) have a beer, which was served at 29º (at least they say it was, it spent a lot of time on a tray waiting to get to me). I chose an “American Light Lager” (Miller Lite) because I just couldn’t justify wasting one of Fritz’s wonderful brews like that. Emily warned me at the beginning of the evening not to be “Beer Snob Pete” and to just have a good time, so I didn’t, and I did.

Service was as to be expected for a new joint. They seemed to be working well together, but there were a few mixups. Our waitress was excellent, but either she or the drink runners need to work on table numbering a bit more. It was no big deal though, everyone eventually got what they ordered, and we really did have a good time.

The prices seemed reasonable, and it looks like they’ll have a great happy hour, so we’ll definitely be back.

So, I’ve been invited to the opening (soft opening, actually) of the new 29º Tavern in Fort Worth. It’s over off Hulen and 30, by Central Market.

I’ve been told that it’s from the same people that brought you Bennigan’s and The Plano Tavern. I have to say that I haven’t been impressed with either of those concepts, and the thought of beer (especially good beer) served that cold makes me well, shiver. Or sad and disgusted. I guess I’ll just be drinking Miller Lite, since “American Light Lagers” are designed to be served that cold.

I’ll be back on Friday or Saturday with my full report!