Foodie Friday: Andouille Sausage Explained

When you peruse the menu at Tricky Fish, you’ll notice that our menu is an infusion of traditional, Southern-style cooking, Cajun cuisine, and gourmet, scratch kitchen fare all rolled into one! And you may have noticed the term “Andouille sausage” on several menu items and thought….what exactly is Andouille sausage?! 

If you’ve never had Andouille sausage or never cooked with it at home, you’re missing out! Read on as Tricky Fish, home of the best food in Richardson, explains a little history for you foodies on this beautiful Friday in North Texas: 

Give Credit to the French

In its very earliest forms, Andouille sausage can find its roots with French cuisine. The French had a rich history in sausage making – or charcuterie as it was called - prior to entering the New World.

French immigrants then headed off to Canada and the area now known as Louisiana, and their French cuisine quickly became infused with local cultures. The result: the Creole and Cajun cuisine we have today! Creole cuisine – or Louisiana’s “city food” is a melting pot of various cultures, including French, German, Native American, and Caribbean flavors all united as one. Cajun cuisine – or “country food” – originated with Arcadian immigrants from Canada with French roots who settled in the backcountry. Both types of cuisine incorporate the delicious flavors of Andouille into their dishes.

What is Andouille exactly?

Andouille is known for its spice! Originally, Andouille sausage was made as a way to use up each and every part of the pig, leaving nothing to waste. Cajun settlers didn’t have much and would mix the pig meat with spices, seasonings, onion, and wine to create the vibrant flavors of the sausage. The meat is smoked prior to stuffing the casing, then smoked again once stuffed for added intensity. Today, Tricky Fish gets our Andouille from Syracuse Sausage, prepared with only the highest quality ingredients for the best food in Richardson and Fort Worth.

Want to visit the Andouille Capital of the World?

Yes, it’s a thing. If you’re really into Andouille, then you might mark your calendar to join the folks of LaPlace, Louisiana for their annual Andouille Festival, showcasing the best of this delicious smoked sausage. The town was given the title of “Andouille Capital of the World” in the 1970s by the governor of Louisiana.  

How Can I Cook with Andouille Sausage at Home?

If you’re making Cajun cuisine and want to step it up a notch, grab some Andouille! Can’t find it at the store? Don’t worry. Try another smoked sausage with Cajun spices or even a Spanish chorizo will work. Andouille is a rather dry sausage, so the drier the sausage, the better. Andouille goes great with jambalaya and gumbo, just to name a few dishes.

Ready to enjoy delicious Andouille sausage with no prep required?! Join us at Tricky Fish – home of the best food in Richardson or Fort Worth - today! Cajun Andouille sausage is served up with our Kitchen Sink Gumbo, among other dishes. Just don’t forget to order a glass of craft beer to wash it down!

Do You Know the Oldest Breweries in the US?

At Tricky Fish, we love experimenting with new beers, carrying a huge selection of craft beer, domestics, and imports, both on tap or bottled. But have you ever wondered…what are the oldest breweries in the US? Read on as we pay homage to the ones who paved the way for us to enjoy the plethora of ice cold brews and great bar food near me that we have today at Tricky Fish:

#5: Miller Brewing Company

It’s Miller Time! Head to the Miller Valley of Wisconsin and you’ll find number five on our list! The original Miller Brewery was founded in 1855 by Frederick Miller and it remained a family business for over 100 years, until it was sold in 1966. Over the years, Miller has expanded operations tremendously, but you can still tour the original Milwaukee brewery where it all began.

#4: Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch has been dubbed the King of Beers – and for good reason. Founded in 1852 in St. Louis, Missouri, Anheuser-Busch was fundamental in determining ways to extend the shelf life of our favorite beverage through pasteurization. Plus -we can thank them for the beautiful invention of the refrigerated railcar, transporting ice cold beer, bar food near me, and more to this day. Cheers!

#3: Minhas Craft Brewery

In 1845, in the rolling hills of soon-to-be Wisconsin, the Monroe Brewing Company was founded by Swiss immigrants, anxious to pave their way in this new world. Since then, it’s changed names and owners, but has amazingly remained family owned for 175 years – and has remained in the exact same facility! Sure, it’s grown to cover 3 city blocks, but it still produces some of the best craft beer around, right in the heart of “cheese country.” 

#2: Pabst Brewing Company

Number two is yet another Wisconsin brewery, as resilient as those icy cold Midwest winters! Pabst Brewery has been in existence since 1844, founded in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin! It’s changed hands – and names – multiple times, but still remains an iconic craft brewery to this day. Fun fact: Pabst brewed beer and sold cheese until the early 1900s. In the 1930s, the cheese business was sold to Kraft. 

#1: Yuengling

If you want to take a sip of history, then grab an ice cold glass of Yuengling! Yuengling is the oldest brewery in the United States, founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania by a German immigrant named David G. Yuengling. When it opened, it was called Eagle Brewery, but the name changed to D.G. Yuengling & Son in 1873 when David’s son, Frederick, joined the family business. This brewery has weathered nearly 200 years, surviving the Prohibition-era and multiple wars, and still operates out of the same facility it has been in for the past 190 years! And nearly two decades later, this beer is as popular as ever, as production has ramped up year-over-year to meet demand. 

Anyone thirsty?! Join us at Tricky Fish today for bar food near me and an ice cold brew!

Cajun Comforts: 4 Menu Items You Must Try

You don’t have to drive all the way to Louisiana to experience the best of Cajun cooking. Tricky Fish has a rich history in Southern fare, rooted in simple, fresh ingredients prepared the way your Mimi would cook ‘em. 

When you’re got an itch for the best Cajun food in Richardson or Fort Worth, then head over to Tricky Fish!  Here are 4 dishes that won’t let you down:

1.  Kitchen Sink Gumbo

Few things say Cajun cookin’ like a hot bowl of gumbo! Recipes vary from kitchen-to-kitchen, but our motto is “more is better,” so ours is jam-packed with shrimp, fish, chicken, and spicy Andouille sausage that won’t disappoint. Served over a bed of rice, this dish is perfect as a stand-alone meal or on the side. (Hint: Feeling hangry? Order a Fried Platter and craft beer with the gumbo and you’ll be in heaven.)

2.  Crawfish Étouffée

Now we’re talking! Our Crawfish Étouffée is gumbo’s thicker cousin, perfect on its own or poured over a perfectly cooked piece of fish (ahem - try the Tricky Fish!). It’s always served with our famous dirty rice, and beware, it’s finger-ticking good! 

3.  Po’Boy Sandwiches

You’ll feel like you’re rambling around the French Quarter as you enjoy one of our po’boy sandwiches! We start with a fresh French loaf, then stack it with all the good stuff: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and your choice of meat and sauce. The fried shrimp and fried catfish po’boys are classic and delicious, complete with fresh tartar sauce. The fried oyster po’boy gets a savory twist with our homemade bacon jam – yum! And horseradish cream and provolone complete the perfect roast beef po’boy! These are perfect for lunch or dinner food in Richardson or Fort Worth.

Gulf Oysters on the Half Shell

Those who love oysters know they get the best ones in town at Tricky Fish! No matter what time of year you visit us, you can rest assured that our raw gulf oysters on the half shell are fresh every time. We use Gold Band Oysters, perfectly prepared with a proprietary high-pressure technique that reduces any possible harmful bacteria in the oysters to non-detectable levels! The process has no effect on flavor or texture, leaving you with the freshest, best tasting oysters. Pass the hot sauce and lemon please! 

Whether you’re looking for Cajun comfort food or simply the best food in Richardson or Fort Worth, then Tricky Fish has you covered! Come see us this week for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or weekend brunch. Your safety and the safety of our staff is of the utmost importance, so we’ve instituted new protocols to help keep everyone healthy. Want to enjoy Tricky Fish at home? You can do that too! Order for takeout or delivery to enjoy in the comforts of home. (Just don’t forget to grab a half gallon of margs to go with it!)  

7 Secrets to the Perfect Grilled Fish

Memorial Day and Summer grilling season is right around the corner!

Most folks are comfortable with grilling burgers, steaks, and hot dogs, but fish…we’ve heard time and time again how daunting it can be!

It’s time to give it another try! Whether you’re attempting to grill salmon, redfish, or another type of fish on the grill at home, try these 7 tips from Tricky Fish, the best bar and restaurant near me:

1.  Seal in the Moisture

One of the things that makes fish more difficult to cook is that it loses moisture more quickly than many other types of meat. That being said, it’s important to coat your fish with oil prior to cooking. This seals in the moisture and allows for the juiciest grilled fish. 

2.  Go Easy on the Marinade

Marinades are designed to penetrate the meat and begin to breakdown the fats, allowing for more tenderness with each bite. When it comes to fish though, they are naturally very flaky to begin with! That being said, limit marinades to a few hours before cooking vs. overnight or other extended periods of time.  

3.  Preheating is a Must

When grilling fish, it’s imperative that you start with a nice, hot grill like we do at our bar and restaurant near me. Why? 2 reasons: 1) It prevents the fish from sticking to the grate and 2) it allows the fish to cook more quickly, preventing it from drying out.  Aim for somewhere around 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit before grilling your fish. 

4.  Don’t Flip Too Early – or Often

It’s tempting to check your fish often and flip early. Resist the urge! If your grill is properly preheated and your fish is done on one side, then it will naturally separate itself from the grate, allowing for a smooth transition to the other side – and keeping your fish intact. Over flipping – or flipping too early – can cause the fish to stick, break, or dry out. 

5.  Close the Lid

Think of your grill as an oven. When you’re cooking your fish, close the lid and allow the top side to begin cooking while the bottom side sears. Plus, this allows for a shorter cooking time to finish off your fish after flipping.

6.  Use Foil to Your Advantage

Thicker, more dense fish varieties – like salmon or tuna – hold up well on the grill. If you’re working with a more delicate type of fish or a thinner cut, then you can always wrap the fish in foil before placing on the grill – or use the foil as a barrier between the grate and the fish to prevent sticking. (Just be sure to oil the foil first so it doesn’t stick to the foil!)

7.  Give it a Rest

As with all meats, give your fish a couple minutes to rest before serving. This allows just enough time to redistribute the juices throughout your fish and create the most flavorful bites of fish.

Worried about grilling your own fish? You always have Tricky Fish to fall back on! Join us for our delicious grilled Salmon, Redfish, Mahi, Tilapia, and more. Our bar and restaurant near me is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery in Richardson and Fort Worth, Texas.

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at Tricky Fish!

We’re Back: 3 Ways to Enjoy Tricky Fish!

It’s been a weird season, hasn’t it?

During this unpreceded time, Tricky Fish thanks you – our loyal guests – for sticking it out with us and supporting us! The restaurant industry has been hit hard during this pandemic, and your constant support has been monumental.

That being said, we’re excited to now be open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery! Learn more about these 3 ways to enjoy your favorites from Tricky Fish:

Dine-In!

We’re back! We love seeing the faces of our guests at our Richardson and Fort Worth restaurants! Please know that your safety, along with the safety of our employees, is of our utmost concern. We are doing everything we can to comply with the state guidelines for reopening, including functioning at 25% capacity for now. When you dine with us at our top restaurants near me, you will see that we’ve done more to social distance the seating as well. Our staff is constantly disinfecting and cleaning throughout the restaurant in order to create the healthiest environment possible for you and your fellow patrons. Another very cool thing we have implemented is a Touchless Payment Option. Dine with us, scan the code on the table, and you can view the menu and pay right there! No need to exchange cards or menus! We respectfully ask that if you are not feeling well, please stay home. The staff at Tricky Fish is under the same mandate. All that being said, we hope you’ll join us in the dining room at our top restaurants near me in Richardson and Fort Worth! You can order off of our regular menu – including options like the Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese, Crawfish Etouffee, or the Fried Catfish Po’Boy. While you’re at it, don’t forget a signature cocktail or craft beer to go with it!

Takeout!

To-go options are still very much available from Tricky Fish! In addition to our amazing food, you can get plenty of to-go cocktails, to-go wines, and to-go beers too! This is definitely one good thing that’s come out of the pandemic. Anyway, these options include our Tricky Fish margarita, fully prepared and in a half gallon container. All you have to do is add ice! We also have drink kits for two – including several different kinds of mules. Order wine and beer to-go by the bottle; simply check the menu for current offers. 

Delivery!

We have partnered with DoorDash to bring the freshness you crave from Tricky Fish right to your door! Simply click here to order online and navigate the prompts to choose the options you’d like. It’s simple, easy, and you don’t have to go anywhere to enjoy one of the top restaurants near me. 

Dine-in, takeout, or delivery: enjoy it all at Tricky Fish! We can’t wait to see you! 

Get Your Favorite Drinks “To-Go” at Tricky Fish!

Have you dreamed of having your favorite Tricky Fish cocktails, wines, and craft beers delivered or available for pickup?

On March 18, Texas governor Greg Abbott issued a waiver that allows restaurants in Texas to offer their drinks for delivery or takeout with the purchase of food – an unprecedented move to help restaurants during citywide shutdowns. What that means to you is that your favorite beverages from Tricky Fish – one of the best places to eat near me - are now available for “to-go” orders or delivery!

How do I Order?

When you visit our website, go to Online Ordering. From there, you will see that there are options for “Food” and “Drinks.” Click the “Drinks” selection and you will see that we have “to go” cocktails, “to go” beer, and “to go” wines by the bottle. No, you won’t see our full menu of drinks offered at the restaurant, but it will be a robust list of customer favorites sure to please. 

“To Go” Cocktails

Tricky Fish is known for our handcrafted cocktails, and we’ve found a way to offer that same level of care in a “to go” cup! One of the favorites offered is the Lime in the Coco drink. This drink comes with Tito’s, coconut, lime, and ginger beer on the side, offering a tropical twist on the traditional mule. Plus – it makes 2 beverages so there is more to enjoy! The same is true for our Filthy Pineapple Mule and the Hill Country Mule, giving you the opportunity to enjoy 2 drinks – or share with someone you love. If bourbon is more your thing, then how about an Old Fashioned made with Woodford Reserve, to-go and ready to be enjoyed. We are also offering Margaritas, Manhattans, and the Raspberry Smash.

“To Go” Wine by the Bottle

Wine just makes any meal taste better – can I get an amen?! Enjoy your favorite Tricky Fish entrée with bottle of delicious wine. Some of our customer favorites are available for order by the bottle, including a cabernet, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and a red blend. If you aren’t sure which one works best with your meal, simply ask! Our team at one of the best places to eat near me is happy to assist over the phone. Just a hint, the chardonnay and the pinot noir are great accompaniments if you ordered something on the spicy side like our crawfish etouffee. 

“To Go” Beer

Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer or a domestic, Tricky Fish has you covered! No need to make a run to the store; simply order your favorites along with lunch or dinner. A few on the menu include the Deep Ellum IPA, Bishop Cider Co. Crackberry Cider, Deep Ellum Neato Bandito, and the Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde. We love pairing a great craft beer with comfort food like our Tillamook Mac n Cheese, Shrimp and Grits, or the Fried Shrimp Po’Boy. 

Together we are Stronger!

Thank you for your continued support of Tricky Fish – one of the best places to eat near me – during this tough time. We are stronger together and appreciate you supporting local. 

5 Handhelds to Sink Your Teeth Into Now

Looking for an easy lunch or dinner – preferably one that requires no utensils?

If that’s you, then Tricky Fish has some great options! Tricky Fish is known as the source for the best food near me, and here are 5 handheld sandwiches, burgers, and more that you can sink your teeth into today!

Seafood Tacos

Whether it’s Tuesday or not, it’s always a good day for a taco! Enjoy our Tricky Fish tacos, stuffed with your choice of blackened fish or shrimp and drizzled in avocado cilantro sauce, then served with a side of delicious fries or slaw. Each order comes with 3 loaded tacos, so come hungry!

Tricky Fish Cheeseburger

Cheeseburgers are the quintessential handheld meal, and we do our part to show you what the best food near me tastes like with our fabulous burger. In short: it comes down to quality. We start with a half-pound patty of 100% all-natural beef, then pack on the cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and our famous house bacon jam! Of course, this burger is completely made to order, so let the server know how you like it.

Fried Shrimp Po’Boy

Po’boys got their start because they were the perfect handheld meal for hungry workers in need of a quick meal. Ours is no different, offering hearty toasted French loaf stuffed with all the fixins. For the fried shrimp po’boy, we pack on the fried shrimp, house tartar sauce, lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles. You can also order our po’boys with fried catfish, blackened catfish, blackened chicken, roast beef, or fried oysters.    

Fish Sandwich

Speaking of fish sandwiches, why not go for our classic Tricky Fish Fish Sandwich? It’s a taste of the South, with our own flare that makes it stand above the rest. First – it’s in the breading. We use a specialty blend of spices and Abita beer in our batter to make it light, crispy, and delicious. We also load our sandwich up with bacon jam, our house remoulade, and slaw for the perfect blend of flavors. Try the Fish Sandwich; you’re going to love it! 

Nashville Hot Chicken

Last, but not least, you’ve got to try our Nashville Hot Chicken! It’s a spicy chicken sandwich that puts competitors in this category to shame. What makes ours different? We think it’s the quality ingredients and the proprietary blend of spices that kicks it up a notch. Each sandwich is topped with a vinegar slaw as well, lending the perfect balance to each bite.  

Ready to enjoy a simple, handheld meal at Tricky Fish? Come see us in Richardson or Fort Worth, Texas for the best food near me. And remember – we also have easy online ordering for to-go orders! Simply visit our homepage, click “order online” above, and begin the selection process. Note we are currently offering a 10% coupon on online orders; enter 10forTricky at checkout. 

Promotions and specials subject to change. Ask for current offers.

5 Reasons to Visit Tricky Fish for Brunch

What are your weekend plans?

If they involve food (and we know they do), then make plans to join us at Tricky Fish for our fabulous weekend brunch! Why you ask? Read on to learn 5 reasons why Tricky Fish is an absolutely fabulous spot for brunch near me:

Mouthwatering Brunch Options

Whether you visit us in Richardson or Fort Worth, our delicious brunch options do not disappoint. Whether you’re uber hungry, looking for Southern cookin’, want something light, or want to indulge with something sweet, Tricky Fish has it! Some of our customer favorites include the Breakfast Hash & Eggs – an excellent, classic breakfast – with 2 fried eggs, Andouille sausage, and our signature potato and pepper hash with spinach. Another favorite? The Praline Pancakes! Cure your sweet tooth with these fluffy pancakes, drizzled in praline whisky syrup, then topped with macerated berries and a dollop of orange cream. So delicious! And if you’re looking for something with distinctively Southern charm, we recommend the Fried Shrimp & Oyster Grits. This fabulous breakfast version of shrimp and grits features creamy Parmesan cheese grits, topped with fried gulf oysters, shrimp, a fried egg, and Shiner Bock BBQ Sauce. 

Delicious Handcrafted Cocktails

Brunch isn’t complete without a brunch cocktail! Tricky Fish does it right with handcrafted favorites you simply cannot miss. Let’s start with the classics, shall we: Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Depending on if you’re looking for sweet or savory, either is a great choice. The Tricky Fish Bloody Mary features a house mix and Absolut vodka. Our Mimosas can be ordered 2 ways: straight from the bar with your choice of juices, or with the option to make your own at our DIY Mimosa bar. We also have a Michelada, Blossom, Irish Iced Coffee, and a La Paloma available on our brunch menu.

Option to Add-on a Side

No matter what you order on the menu, you always have the option to add-on a side of bacon, orange juice, or biscuits and gravy. Each of these favorites is great alongside anything on our menu for brunch near me.

4 Glorious Hours Long

Some weekend brunch options only last an hour or so, but our weekend brunch lasts for 4 glorious hours! Weekend brunch at Tricky Fish is served from 10am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday, so you can eat it as a breakfast – or a lunch! 

Centralized Location

One of the great things about Tricky Fish is that we are conveniently located in CityLine Richardson and Waterside Fort Worth – both great communities with lots to do and see within walking distance of our restaurant. 

Who’s ready for brunch?! We invite you to join us this weekend at Tricky Fish for the best brunch near me in Richardson or Fort Worth.