Why You Should Support Local Craft Beer

Tricky Fish is all about shopping small. 

With just two locations – one in Richardson and one in Fort Worth - we call North Texas home. And we’re founded on the principles of simplicity. Simple, quality ingredients paired with simple, traditional recipes = a recipe for the best comfort food in town. You know what else we have? Local craft beer – and a whole selection of it! We love supporting local craft breweries and here are a few reasons why:

1. Support of the Local Economy

Craft breweries are part of the livelihood of North Texas, with more and more cropping up daily. Why not shop small and support your local economy through drinking local craft beer?

2. Empowering Small Businesses

In a world where it feels like the retail giants are always eating up the little guys, it’s nice when you feel like you can empower the small businesses to bite back. We love supporting the local, craft breweries of North Texas and empowering them in their livelihood. 

3. Quality Ingredients

We’re not going to speak to the mass producers, but what we do know is that small producers care about the product. They typically use the best ingredients for the best result – and the proof is in the taste. 

4. Variety

One thing we absolutely love about craft breweries is the small batch approach. We love that each variety doesn’t taste the same – and even batch to batch – the flavors can vary. It keeps things interesting to try Fall beers full of spice vs. Summer beers that are fruity, for example.

If you’re interested in craft beer or supporting local businesses, then Tricky Fish is the place for you! Come see us and try our wide selection of craft beers available, along with handcrafted cocktails, wine, and more. We’re proud to be one of the best restaurant and bars in Richardson, Texas.

Salads Don’t Have to be Bland.

Sometimes it’s hard to eat healthy. 

You KNOW a salad is a better choice that a burger and fries…and yet somehow…that salad doesn’t always sound so great. “Salads are bland” you think. 

At Tricky Fish, we’re here to show you that salads can – in fact – be absolutely delicious and nowhere near bland! Here’s a look into some of the salads on our menu:

All-New Low Country Cobb Salad

Customers are already giving “two thumbs up” to the Low Country Cobb Salad. This is not your traditional Cobb, adding in some delicious toppings including okra and banana peppers that you won’t typically find on a Cobb Salad. Ours starts with a bed of Romaine, then we add the okra, banana peppers, tomato, bacon, egg, and blue cheese, and lastly, drizzle in homemade honey mustard vinaigrette. So good you won’t miss those fries at all! 

D.G.S. Salad

When you’re looking for something fruity and flavorful, look no further than our Darn Good Salad (or the D.G.S. for short). Dried cranberries, spiced pecans, red onion, blue cheese, croutons, and a Balsamic vinaigrette are perfect over mixed greens. Add grilled chicken and you’ve got the perfect protein too! 

Caesar Salad

This one is simple – but that doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious and it’s definitely not bland! Grilled romaine, roasted tomatoes, croutons, and a homemade Caesar dressing are all it takes to make a perfect Caesar salad. Top with salmon, shrimp, or chicken. This one is great as a side salad to one of our signature sandwiches when you want to make sure you eat your daily greens.

You ready for lunch? Join us for a healthy, delicious salad at our Tricky Fish Fort Worth or Tricky Fish Richardson locations. We can’t wait to see you at the best restaurant in town!

Sweet Tooth? We Can Cure What Ails Ya!

Do you have room for dessert?!

It’s a question our guests are often asked, and at Tricky Fish, it can be pretty hard to turn down dessert! While our menu isn’t loaded with dessert items, we can tell you that each one is made fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients for a result that just tastes better. Our Tricky Fish desserts are the perfect way to finish off a lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Here’s what’s on the menu at Tricky Fish in Richardson and Fort Worth, Texas:

Banana Pudding

It’s truly one-in-a-million. If you love banana pudding, then don’t pass up an opportunity to try ours! It’s made with mascarpone, ‘Nilla wafers, and dark rum layered into a dish that’s perfect for one – or for sharing. 

French Toast Sundae

Here’s a dessert you don’t see everywhere! The Tricky Fish French Toast Sundae! So what is it, you ask? It’s a dessert layered in unique flavors that just work. You must try it to believe how good it is! Traditional Southern bread pudding, vanilla ice cream, peaches, and bourbon make the perfect blend of flavors you won’t soon forget. 

Cocktails

While not a traditional dessert, a cocktail after dinner can give you that perfect punch of “sweet” to finish of the meal. We recommend trying the Honey Badger – made with Roxor artisan gin, honey, and fresh basil, or maybe the Blossom – Bacardi, lemon, berry blossom tea, and strawberry jam are smashed into the perfect drink. Not sure what to order? Simply ask your server. She can recommend the best cocktails in Richardson or Fort Worth.

When you dine with us at Tricky Fish, don’t forget to finish your meal with dessert! It truly is the cure to any sweet tooth. Available at both our Richardson and Fort Worth locations.

Bacon Jam: What Your Backyard BBQ is Missing!

Labor Day is coming and the grills will be hot with burgers and brats with all the fixins.

Want to step those burgers up a notch – brats too? Smear on a little bacon jam! 

What is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is a savory spread made from – you guessed it! – bacon. Prepared with spices, oil, and vinegar, the result is a sweet and tangy spread that is absolutely perfect for burgers, brats, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, or just straight out of the jar. 

How Do I Make Bacon Jam?

Ahhh – so you’re interested! Impress your friends with this non-traditional spread, straight from our kitchen to yours:

Ingredients

·     ½ cup olive oil

·     1.5 T. minced garlic

·     1 qt. yellow onion, sliced into ¼” slices

·     4 lbs. of bacon, sliced

·     ¾ cup dark molasses

·     1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar, packed in tight

·     2 cups apple cider veingar

Directions

·     Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread bacon out on a parchment lined baking sheet, overlapping if necessary, then cook until the bacon is cooked, but not firm or crispy. 

·     Remove bacon from oven, then place on a paper-towel lined platter to cool and drain.

·     Once the bacon is room temperature, mince into 1/8 inch pieces.

·     Grab a saucepan and heat oil to medium. Saute onion and garlic in the oil, letting the onion soften and cook until it’s done, but not crispy.

·     Fold remaining ingredients into the onion and garlic mixture at low heat.

·     Let the mixture reduce and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until thickened. 

·     Remove from heat and cool completely, then pulse in a food processor for desired consistency. 

·     Enjoy!

This particular recipe makes about 70 servings, so plenty for a group gathering – and then some! And if you don’t feel like whipping up in bacon jam at home, come see us at Tricky Fish – the best restaurant in Fort Worth and Richardson – to indulge.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Plano Magazine BITE NITE!

We are excited to announce that the 3rd Annual Plano Magazine BITE NITE! This event has become a favorite in CityLine Richardson, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it!

What is BITE NITE?

BITE NITE is a sip and stroll type event where you’ll go up and down State Street, enjoying cocktails and small bites from 11 different vendors, all while listening to live music and enjoying all the fun with friends and family! This year’s event takes place from 5-10pm on September 5, 2019. Aloft in Cityline is also offering BITE NITE deals on your stay; give them a call to book today! 

What is included with BITE NITE?

When you purchase a ticket for Plano Magazine’s BITE NITE, you’ll receive one beverage (could be a variety of beer, wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic) and 2 sample-sized entrees from each of the 11 participating vendors. Tickets also include a goody bag of swag and you will be entered to win raffle prizes as well! You can see a full menu of the offerings available here.

How much are tickets for BITE NITE?

Tickets for BITE NITE are $32/person and can be purchased here. 

What will Tricky Fish be serving?

Glad you asked! We are excited to serve the following:

·     Blackberry Crush Cocktail: Absolut Vodka, blackberries, lavender, and lemon make for a delicious cocktail you won’t want to miss!

·     Crab Cake: Seafood is at the heart of what we do here at Tricky Fish, so we’re offering crab cakes, pan fried with a remoulade sauce as one of our “bites.”

·     Banana Pudding: Looking for a morsel of sweet? Enjoy our banana pudding made with dark rum, ‘nilla wafers, and mascarpone.

What are you waiting for? Buy tickets now and join us for the 3rd Annual Plano Magazine BITE NITE. It’s going to be a blast!

How to Order a Beer You’ll Love

At Tricky Fish, we have an extensive selection of beer available – everything from local craft beer to domestics. And as the craft beer craze has continued to grow, we’ve learned that a lot of our guests are skittish to order because the choices seem overwhelming! Whether you’re a beer snob or completely clueless about what type of beer you like, here are a few tips from Tricky Fish on how to order a beer you’ll love:

Start with What You Know

As you review the beer menu, start by evaluating what you know. Do you love sour beer? Are you not that into IPAs? This immediately helps you weed out some less desirable beers. Then, visit with your server about your preferences and let he or she steer you toward beers that are similar to your desired palate. 

Pair with Your Meal

In addition to considering your palate, you should also consider what food you’ll be pairing with the beer. Mexican food works well with an IPA, while ales and stouts are great with red meat. If you’re eating fish or chicken, maybe consider a pilsner or Kolsch. A good beer pairing can help bring out the flavors in your meal and make it that much more enjoyable.

Start with a Lower ABV

If you’ll be partaking in several glasses of beer, then it’s wise to start with a beer that has a lower ABV because it will be less overpowering than a heavier, higher ABV beer. 

Ask About Seasonal Favorites

Seasonal beers are a great way to experience beer that you wouldn’t otherwise order, and many of these beers will pair well with the seasonal menu as well. Simply ask your server for the latest available beers.

Ready to experience a great meal with an ice cold beer? Come see us at Tricky Fish in Richardson, Texas or Fort Worth, Texas.

4 Reasons Our Guests Love Brunch at Tricky Fish!

Lazy summer days call for less fuss, less structure, and brunch!

Sleep in then join us for Richardson weekend brunch at Tricky Fish. Served Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2pm, you’ll still have plenty of time to lay by the pool afterwards. 

Brunch is a beloved tradition with many of our regulars, and here are 4 reasons that they love it:

1.  Something for Everyone

It’s hard to beat variety. Sure, we’ve got eggs and bacon on the menu, but we’ve also got Praline Pancakes with praline whisky syrup, Fried Shrimp & Oyster Grits, a Cajun twist on Eggs Benedict called NOLA Benedict, and so much more. With a wide range of options, it’s hard to find something that makes your mouth water. 

2.  Freshness You Can Taste

 

Tricky Fish isn’t fussy. We strive to streamline everything we do, and at the center of it all, it’s fresh ingredients, cooked simply – for a taste you simply won’t forget. We don’t do mixes in our cocktails – everything is freshly infused – and all our dishes are made from scratch. Seafood is flown in regularly so it’s always fresh. 

3.  DIY Mimosa Bar

Fun right?! Make your own mimosa at our DIY Mimosa Bar, featuring Prosecco Ruffino. We offer a range of juices to make your cocktail flawless and fit your individual tastes. Oh – and the price includes 2, so get a refill of the same or make one that is completely different, the choice is yours!

4.  Couple’s Brunch Option

Looking for a different date option this weekend? Plan a brunch date to Tricky Fish in Richardson and enjoy our Couple’s Brunch, complete with your choice of 2 entrees and a Bananas Foster Monkey Bread for dessert. 

Join us this week for the best Richardson brunch at Tricky Fish! (Also available at our Fort Worth location.)

Oysters At Tricky Fish: 3 Ways to Enjoy!

Oysters are a Southern seafood staple, and one our customers at Tricky Fish love. We love offering our guests in Richardson, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas the freshest seafood around, prepared in unexpected ways you are sure to love.

Speaking of unexpected ways….did you know you can order oysters in a variety of ways at Tricky Fish? If you love oysters, then we’ve got several menu items for you to try!

Oysters on the Half Shell

Okay – so this is the traditional favorite that got you hooked on oysters! Some say you can’t eat oysters on the half shell in July, but at Tricky Fish, you can. It’s because we only use Gold Band oysters, which use a high-pressure sanitization process that eliminates harmful bacteria, all while preserving the flavor you love. Enjoy our oysters on the half shell and order by the half dozen. 

Oyster Shooters

Oysters shooters make a great appetizer or light snack during Happy Hour. Each oyster is full dressed and drenched in our house mixture of cocktail sauce, perfect for shooting! Want to step it up a notch?! Then get them spiked with Tito’s vodka! Now we’re talking!

Fried Oyster Po’Boys

A New Orleans staple, po’boys are known for their simple, hearty goodness. Sure, you’ve had po’boys with fried shrimp or catfish, but what about fried oysters? Tricky Fish does the Fried Oyster Po’Boy right, serving ours with fried oysters, lettuce, tomato, our house bacon jam, tartar sauce, pickles, and onions on a soft French bread loaf. Served with fries or slaw and you’re set. 

Ready to dig into some oysters? Come see us at Tricky Fish – the best restaurant in Richardson or Fort Worth - this week! And don’t forget about daily happy hour specials on signature cocktails, craft beer, and more. Life is better with oysters in it!