Mark Your Calendar Now: May Crawfish Boils at Tricky Fish!

The weather in North Texas has really warmed up this week, and we’re longing for those dog days of summer. But in the meantime, crawfish is in season, and we’re decided it’s time to let you in on a little secret: we’ll be hosting several crawfish boils, starting in May! We really can’t wait! 

Richardson Crawfish Boil

Bring the whole family and get excited about crawfish boils at Tricky Fish. Cajun food is in our roots. We’re distinctively southern and love the casual elegance of a summer crawfish boil. There’s just something about eating crawfish that brings people together, and we love being a part of that. 

Seafood Saturdays in May

We’ll just call every Saturday in May a 

“Seafood Saturday,” because each and every Saturday we’ll be hosting a crawfish boil! Hit the Tricky Fish patio between 5-7pm each Saturday and you’ll get a bucket of crawfish and a beer for just $15! And that’s any draft beer mind you, so order your favorite craft beer or local brew to accompany those tasty mudbugs. They’ll be available on a first come, first served basis, so get here early! 

How much is in a bucket? 

Each bucket is about 2 pounds of crawfish, but if that isn’t enough, you can re-up for more crawfish. We know they go fast! Just know – when they’re gone, they’re gone! 

Don’t Wait! Tickets are On Sale Now!

If you’re interested in joining us at Tricky Fish for our May Crawfish Boils, then grab your tickets now! They are on sale here. Simply select your date and order the tickets before they are gone. It’s going to be so much fun, you won’t want to miss out.

In the meantime, join us for Cajun seafood favorites in Richardson, Texas, mouthwatering appetizers, handcrafted cocktails, and ice cold craft beer. There is a reason we’ve been voted the best restaurant in Richardson! 

Q&A: Is there a Right Way to Eat an Oyster?

Tricky Fish specializes in fresh, Gulf seafood with little fuss and lots of flavor. And yet, there is one menu item that often garners questions – our oysters on a half shell. How do I eat them? Is there a wrong way to eat them? A right way? How do I know if they are fresh? If you’re new to eating oysters, it can seem intimidating.

So – in honor of National Oyster on the Half Shell Day coming up on March 31 (yes, there is a holiday for everything), we’d like to set the record straight.

Is there a right way to eat an oyster?

Even if you didn’t ask it – you know you were thinking it! The answer, quite simply, is no. When you receive your oysters on a half shell, simply use your spoon or fork to separate the oyster from the shell, then put the utensil down and slurp! We recommend chewing before swallowing to get the full flavor. You can choose to eat it plain (as an oyster purist would) or top with lemon juice, cocktail sauce, etc. The choice is yours. After eating, some people will then flip the shells over to signal to the waiter they are done, but this is not necessary.

How do I know it’s a fresh oyster?

At Tricky Fish, we use only the highest quality suppliers to guarantee freshness year-round. That being said, you are always welcome to ask your server for details on the oysters. Look for visual clues to freshness. Good oysters will look full in their shells, should never be too salty, and will not smell bad or overtly fishy.

Does the size of the oyster matter?

Big or small – the there is no correlation to oyster size and flavor. This is simply a matter of personal preference.

Ready to enjoy the best oysters in Fort Worth or Richardson, Texas? Join us at Tricky Fish this week for our oysters on a half shell or the oyster shooters.

Why are Moscow Mules Served in Copper Mugs?

Copper mugs are synonymous with the Moscow mule, but why? Is it just for show? It turns outs, there are both historical – and even scientific – reasons why the copper mug and Moscow Mule are the perfect combination.

History of the Moscow Mule

The history is fuzzy (as is the case with most cocktail legends), but it appears that the copper mug for a Moscow mule could have started as a mere coincidence. Most historians agree that the Moscow Mule was invented sometime around 1940 by Jack Morgan and John Martin. Morgan was the owner of the Cock ‘n’ Bull restaurant in LA and Martin was the newly minted owner of Smirnoff vodka. As legend would have it, the two were having trouble selling their drinks to the public (Cock ‘n’ Bull ginger beer and Smirnoff vodka), so they decided to combine the two to make the Moscow Mule. (We’re pretty glad that worked out!)

Now as for the copper mug, some stories say Morgan had a girlfriend who owned a copper company. Other stories say it was a Russian immigrant who was selling copper for cheap to make ends meet that owned the copper mugs. Either way, Morgan and Martin found cheap copper mugs readily available and, combined with the tangy flavors of the mule, they hit the jackpot.

Scientifically Copper Just Works Better for a Mule

Whether Morgan and Martin realized it or not, the copper mugs were the perfect glass for a mule. Copper is very good at conducting temperature, so when an ice cold mule is poured inside, the glass actually takes on that temperature and keeps the drink frosty cold longer. Also, there is research to support that the copper interacts with the drink and actually enhances the tangy flavors of ginger and lime in the cocktail.

If you’ve made it this far, then we know you’re ready for a mule! Head over to Tricky Fish in Richardson, Texas or Fort Worth, Texas and join us for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. We’ll show you what a great Moscow mule tastes like!

Make it a Pasta Night at Tricky Fish!

With this chilly North Texas weather we’ve been having, it’s the perfect time to join Tricky Fish for a pasta night. Pasta, salad, and a glass of vino – sounds pretty tempting. Here are some of our customer favorites for your next pasta night at Tricky Fish in Richardson or Fort Worth:

Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese

This is one dish our customers rave about! Mac and cheese is comfort food straight from our childhood, but ours is creamier, with the perfect cheddary bite thanks to the addition of Tillamook cheddar cheese. Order it plain, or add grilled shrimp or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

This can also be ordered as a side dish to accompany any of our other Cajun favorites – fish and chips, blackened salmon, or grilled redfish – just to name a few.

Shrimp Linguine

Creamy pasta with shrimp – does it get much better?! Our shrimp linguine is cooked al dente, then prepared with plump shrimp, roasted tomatoes, onions, Parmesan cheese, and green onions, all wrapped in a Bourbon sherry cream sauce.

Caesar Salad

Our salads are the perfect accompaniment to any of our pasta dishes! Our Caesar salad is set apart with its grilled Romaine lettuce, perfectly charred, then topped with roasted tomatoes, croutons, and our house Caesar dressing. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon if you’d like a little protein in it.

Drink Specials and Wine Selections Galore

Pick your poison: red, white, sparkling…Tricky Fish has a perfectly curated list of wines that you are sure to love. And if you come on Wednesdays, the wine is half price!

Of course, if wine isn’t your thing, check out our full bar menu, chock full of seasonal cocktails and craft beer as well.

What are you waiting for?! The next time you’re in the mood for a pasta night, come see us at Tricky Fish in Richardson or Fort Worth, Texas.

Tricky Fish: Fresh Seafood that Can’t be Beat

If you’re looking for the best seafood in Richardson or Fort Worth, Texas, then look no further than Tricky Fish. We know, it seems an odd choice, but Southern comfort food with a coastal flare is our jam. It’s our sweet spot. We give you fresh Gulf coast cuisine, right here in the heart of North Texas. We use only the best suppliers to ensure quality and a freshness you can taste. Here are a few of our customers’ favorite seafood dishes, guaranteed fresh and delicious every time:

Kitchen Sink Gumbo

As the name implies, it’s everything but the kitchen sink, a gumbo loaded with allllll the good stuff. Fresh shrimp, fish, chicken, and andouille sausage with rice. Warms you to the core and perfect for this cold weekend coming up!

Gulf Oysters & Peel/Eat Shrimp

Both of these seafood platters are the perfect meal starters! The gulf oysters are guaranteed fresh year-round, thanks to suppliers who ensure quality even in the warmer months. And who can resist plump, juicy peel and eat shrimp? Order them by the dozen….and you’ll want at least two orders!

Salmon and Redfish

Salmon and redfish are two of our signature fish entrees here at Tricky Fish. Our chefs prepare them like you want ‘em – blackened or grilled – then serve with the perfect accompaniments. For example, the blackened salmon comes with an incredible fruit relish and the grilled redfish really comes to life with a wilted spinach salad and fried onions on the side.

The Tricky Fish

We leave you with our signature dish, the perfect combination of fresh Gulf seafood and Cajun cooking, all served with a gourmet flare. The dish comes with your choice of fresh blackened fish (choose between salmon, tilapia, or redfish), crawfish etouffee, and dirty rice.

Ready to experience some of the best seafood in Richardson or Fort Worth, Texas? Come on by Tricky Fish this week for lunch or dinner. We’d love to see you!

4 Things You May Not Know about Brunch at Tricky Fish

After you’ve slept in and you’re ready to start the weekend, don’t forget where to find the best brunch in Richardson or Fort Worth – Tricky Fish! Here are a few things you may not know about our fabulous Richardson weekend brunch:

1.  There’s a DIY Mimosa Bar.

Not only do we offer some amazing brunch cocktails like fruity mimosas, Bloody Marys, micheladas, Irish iced coffee, and more – we also offer a DIY Mimosa Bar. Start with crisp Prosecco Ruffino, then add your own juice (or juices) of choice and proper garnishes. It’s so much fun and oh so delicious! Pair with a nice plate of Praline Pancakes and you’ll be in brunch heaven.

2.  The Couple’s Brunch is Perfect for a Table for 2.

Bring your favorite plus one and enjoy our couple’s brunch at Tricky Fish! The couple’s brunch is a great deal because you each order your entrée of choice - complete with eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage, pancakes, etc. – then finish out the meal with the Bananas Foster Monkey Bread, perfect for 2.

3.  Our Menu Brings a Cajun Flare.

Tricky Fish is Southern comfort food, with a little bit of Cajun twisted in there. That’s why you’ll find menu items like the Fried Shrimp & Oyster grits, Andouille sausage hash, and the NOLA Benedict with Creole mustard hollandaise sauce.

4.  You can enjoy free yoga before brunch.

Tricky Fish Richardson is conveniently located in Richardson’s CityLine development, and each Saturday starting in April, enjoy free yoga on the lawn at 9am – then come see us at Tricky Fish for brunch! You’ll sure feel better about stuffing your face after a workout.

Ready to get your brunch on? Visit us at Tricky Fish in Richardson, Texas or Fort Worth, Texas this weekend! Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 2pm.

Upcoming Events: Learn to Make Cocktails Like a Pro

Do you ever feel like your cocktail skills are lacking? As in, you have friends over, and instead of offering make them a cocktail, you divert to beer and wine out of fear of failure?

If this is you, then join Tricky Fish for one of our cocktail classes! It’s such a fun way to learn the trade, try some amazing food and drinks, and learn expert tips from the best bartenders around. Both Tricky Fish locations – Richardson and Fort Worth – have a stellar staff who knows how to make a great drink. It’s just one of the reasons we were named best cocktails in Richardson and best happy hour in Richardson!

So on to the events… Here are a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss:

Feb. 23: Tricky Fish Richardson – Mardi Gras Preview Party!

Mardi Gras is right around the corner…want to learn how to make some of the classic Mardi Gras cocktails?! Join us at our Richardson location on Feb. 23 at 6:30pm to learn the ins and outs of perfecting the Hurricane and the Sazerac. Delicious Tricky Fish bar bites are also included. This is an extra special event because it’s actually a media event, but we’ve decided to open a few spots to the public. Grab them while you can and enjoy a fun evening at Tricky Fish!

April 2: Tricky Fish Fort Worth – Copper Cocktails Class

At Tricky Fish, we love great food, drink, and giving back! For this event, we’ve partnered with Raise It Forward  and part of the proceeds will go to bringing water to underprivileged countries. Feel good about giving back while you learn how to make the best cocktails in copper cups. Of course, we’ll cover the Moscow Mule and other favorites. Cocktails will be made with Absolute Elyx Vodka – a single estate, handcrafted vodka you are sure to love! The event also covers heavy appetizers to munch on as you sip your new creations.

April 6: Tricky Fish Richardson – Copper Cocktails Class

Good news, Richardson! We’re hosting a Copper Cocktails Class for you too! Join us for the event on April 6 for fun, food, and a chance to hone your cocktail skills.

These are just a few of the events coming up at Tricky Fish! Visit us here to learn more about each of the events and register now! Our events fill up fast, so reserve your spot today.

Debunked: 3 of the Top Oyster Myths Revealed

At Tricky Fish, oysters are one of our most popular dishes. We serve gulf oysters on the half shell, and we also serve oyster shooters. Whether you love them or hate them, oysters are just one of those foods with many opinions and myths circulating about them. Read on as Tricky Fish debunks 3 of the top oyster myths:

Myth #1: Bigger oysters are better.

Bigger is always better, right? Well, with oysters, not necessarily. What matters when it comes to oysters is freshness – not size. Studies show that across the different types of oysters, flavor varies little from big oysters to small oysters of the same harvest date.

Myth #2: Oysters are an aphrodisiac.

Hate to break it to you right before Valentine’s Day, but according to the Smithsonian Magazine, there is no evidence to suggest oysters are in fact an aphrodisiac. It appears this myth dates back to the Roman empire, as the Romans believed in the romantic power of the oyster and believed it would help their men find strength in battle.

Myth #3: You can’t eat raw oysters during months without the letter “R” in them.

Oh but you can! This myth originated because the months without “R” in them (summer months) are when the water is the warmest and 1) oysters are spawning and 2) the water can be too warm and cause certain pathogens and bacteria to infiltrate the oysters. While both of these statements are in fact true, the fact is, many major restaurants – like Tricky Fish – use Gold Band Oysters in the off-peak oyster season. These Gold Band Oysters are harvested then undergo a high pressure wash that kills bacteria, but keeps the flavor and freshness intact.

Ready for some oysters?! Visit us at Tricky Fish in Richardson or Fort Worth, Texas for some of the best oysters in DFW! We guarantee they will be fresh and delicious.