Japanese restaurant in north Fort Worth serves sushi with a colorful edge

Aug 28, 2023

This week in gluttony

Live music paired with themed cocktails is on the menu this week, as Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. This week also kicks off college football season, and there’s a tailgating party and grilling class just for the occasion. Save room for a bourbon dinner and a tequila dinner, too.

Wednesday, August 30

Real Minero Mezcal Dinner at Don ArtemioBe one of the first to partake in Real Minero’s new private batch mezcal during this five-course dinner at the nationally recognized Mexican restaurant. Menu highlights include dry beef ceviche, watermelon salad, and filet mignon with bone marrow. Cocktails will be paired with each course. Dinner is $195, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, August 31

Maker’s Mark Dinner at Clay Pigeon Food & DrinkRepresentatives from the iconic Kentucky distillery will be on-hand to tell the story of Maker’s Mark bourbon and showcase its unique barrel stave finishing program. Guests will be among the first to try Clay Pigeon’s own wood-finished version of the spirit. A three-course menu will include a chopped grain salad, filet mignon, and sweet corn pot de crème. Cocktails will be paired with each course, and there’ll be a welcome cocktail upon arrival. Dinner is $135, plus tax and gratuity, and seatings are available 5-8:30 pm.

Saturday, September 2

National Tailgating Day at Whiskey RanchThe home of TX Whiskey will toast to the kick-off of college football with a TCU watch party. Also visit for DJ tunes, TX Whiskey-infused popsicles by Melt Ice Creams, food trucks, and yard games. The $10 ticket also takes care of your first cocktail. The party will run 12-5 pm.

Let’s Go Girls! at Hotel DroverThe Stockyards hotel puts some giddy up in girls’ night out. They'll host a live performance by local double female-fronted duo Danni & Kris, who’ll cover all the best country girl anthems from the likes of Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, and Kacey Musgraves. Themed cocktails will include Man! I Feel Like a Woman made with strawberry Malibu rum with strawberries and coconut, and the Any Man of Mine margarita made with anejo tequila and pink dragon fruit. The party will take place outside in The Backyard, 7-10 pm, and is open to the public.

Sunday, September 3

ChickensU at Martin House Brewing CompanyThe pitmasters behind BrisketU have launched ChickensU, a hands-on class that shows home cooks how to smoke, grill, and rotisserie a chicken like a pro. Participants will learn chicken anatomy, pros and cons of injecting and brining, the eight-piece breakdown, and more. The class is $89 and will take place at Martin House Brewing Company, 11 am-2 pm.

Red Wine Blending Class at Hotel VinBecome a winemaker for a day during this hands-on wine blending class, where guests will learn how to craft their own signature red blend. A selection of premium reds will be available for each guest to create with. The $50 class price, plus tax and a small fee, also includes charcuterie and summer sips from Susana Balbo Wines. The event will run from 3-5 pm.

Cowtown Unplugged at Omni Fort Worth HotelThe Omni Fort Worth Hotel will host its twice-yearly Cowtown Unplugged country concert event for hotel guests, where delicious dishes and live acoustic music combine for a Texas-themed weekend staycation. This year features Suzy Bogguss and headliner Jack Ingram. A preshow dinner, reserved for VIP package holders, features coffee and peach smoked buffalo brisket, honey habanero pork spare ribs, charcuterie, passed hors d’oeuvres, and several sweet treats including Dr Pepper cupcakes. Packages start at $299 per couple and include overnight accommodations, the intimate show, and a Texas-themed breakfast buffet the next morning.