Love Bourbon? 4 Interesting Facts You May Not Know.

The weather has shifted here in North Texas, and it’s cold!

When you want something to warm you up from the inside, bourbon never fails. On a cold day, we love pairing a glass on the rocks with our Kitchen Sink Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, or Tillamook Mac & Cheese to warm you right up! It’s the good stuff, yall. 

Whether you’ve been sippin’ bourbon whiskey for years or are new to it, Tricky Fish – one of the best restaurants in Richardson Texas - loves educating our guests on the “ins and outs” of this delicious spirit. That being said, here are 4 interesting bourbon facts you may not know:

Only Native Spirit – Declared by Congress in 1964.

Can you believe bourbon production is actually dictated by law? There are 5 principles that must apply to a spirit before it can be officially designated a bourbon. They are:

·     Must be made in America.

·     Aging process must take place in a new, charred barrel.

·     Must include at least 51% corn mash.

·     Stored at no more than 62.5% ABV.

·     When bottled, must be no less than 40% ABV. 

For this reason, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. If the whiskey does not meet the qualifications above, then it’s just whiskey – not bourbon whiskey.  

95% of Bourbon Comes from Kentucky.

Kentucky is at the heart of bourbon production, and yes, 95% of it comes from this state. This tradition of bourbon production began back in the 1780s when Thomas Jefferson gave 60 acres of beautiful Kentucky land to be farmed for “native crops.” He then began referring to this land allotment as “Bourbon Country,” in honor of French royalty and the French contribution to helping the Americans with the Revolutionary War.

Not All Bourbon is Straight Bourbon.

The designation “straight bourbon” only applies if the bourbon has been aging for at least 2 years and anything under 4 years of aging, must say the age on the bottle per U.S. law. If you don’t see an age on your straight bourbon bottle, then you know it’s been aged more than 4 years. As one of the best restaurants in Richardson Texas, we have many varieties of straight bourbon on hand.

Bourbon Barrels Lose about 4% a Year Due to Evaporation

This evaporated bourbon is called the “Angel’s Share” of bourbon because it’s gone and never to be seen again. Through the aging process, you will see the barrels shrink and expand, letting the liquid bourbon work its way in and out of the wood. As it does, it infuses the flavorful wood undertones into the bourbon for the rich taste we all love. We’d say the loss is worth it for the tasty results!

It’s Bourbon Time at Tricky Fish!

Thirsty yet? Tricky Fish has an extensive menu of spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer available to be enjoyed, including bourbon! Enjoy it on the rocks or in an Old Fashioned. You can even request it “maple smoked!” Just ask the bartender to make it happen. 

See you this week at Tricky Fish, one of the best restaurants in Richardson Texas!

Tricky Fish: Now Serving an All-New Brunch Menu!

Looking for the hottest brunch spots in Richardson?

Look no further than Tricky Fish!

When you want brunch, fun people watching, and a great location, Tricky Fish has it. We are centrally located within the CityLine DFW development in Richardson, Texas, close to major shopping and highways, and we would love to have you join us for weekend brunch. 

Our brunch menu has recently been revamped to offer some delicious new brunch offerings, as well as some of the old favorites you have come to know and love. Want to learn more about what’s new? Read on:

Avocado Toast

Healthy and light, avocado toast is always a great choice! We love that it packs tons of protein, good fats, and fiber all into one delicious package. Our avocado toast is topped with bruschetta tomatoes and a balsamic glaze, upping the ante on this wonderful brunch mainstay. 

Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Oh yall – this dish is just so good! When else have you ever had French toast stuffed with delicate cheesecake?! Ours is cooked to perfection, then drizzled in macerated berries and a dollop of orange cream. You’ll have to try it to believe how good it is. 

Seafood Stacked Enchiladas

At Tricky Fish, we’re known for our casual, coastal vibe, and we love incorporating the freshest seafood into many of our dishes. If you’ve ever had New Mexican style stacked enchiladas, these are similar – but with seafood and a brunch twist! These stacked enchiladas offer layers of shrimp, crab, and queso between fresh tortillas, then add an egg – sunny side up – on top. Served with breakfast potatoes on the side, this is a brunch dish you will certainly want to try!

A La Carte

Sometimes you just want a “little bit of this and a little bit of that” at brunch spots in Richardson. We completely understand! That’s why we added an “a la carte” menu to our brunch offerings. Just choose the options you’d like, and we’ll assemble and bring them out piping hot. Enjoy favorites like bacon, grilled Andouille sausage, pancakes, or breakfast potatoes. Sparking water and juice are also available a la carte. 

Don’t Forget Your Drink!

Brunch isn’t complete without your favorite brunch cocktail. Tricky Fish offers great deals on mimosas, Bloody Marys, micheladas, Irish iced coffee, sangria, and palomas. These pair well with our new menu options, as well as old favorites like the American Standard or the Fried Shrimp & Oyster Grits. 

Brunch is On this Weekend at Tricky Fish!

What are you waiting for? Join us this weekend at Tricky Fish for brunch! We take pride in being one of the best brunch spots in Richardson, serving brunch from 10am-2pm Saturday and Sunday. 

Come see us and tell us which new menu item is your favorite!

Bartender Secrets: How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned

You’ve seen our bartenders make it. 

It smells like a “campfire in a cup.” Delicious scents of caramel, vanilla, and maple flood your nostrils. 

Oh yes – it’s Tricky Fish’s Famous Smoked Old Fashioned!

At Tricky Fish, we love us some whiskey. In fact, serve it up on ice, in a Manhattan, or in an Old Fashioned – it’s hard to go wrong. The Old Fashioned at Tricky Fish – your home for great cocktails and craft beer in Richardson - is super popular, and this time of year, guests love ordering the Smoked Old Fashioned. Head to our restaurant and order the Old Fashioned or a craft beer in Richardson today, or if you’d like to try your hand at one at home, here are a few bartender secrets on how to do it:

Step 1: Grab a Stick of Maple & Burn

The first step to getting the perfect Smoked Old Fashioned is to start with the right wood. You can use a variety of woods, but our favorite is maple because it lends a sweetness to the finished product. Use a culinary torch and gently torch the maple chunk, allowing it to slowly blacken and char, releasing smoke as you go.

Step 2: Capture the Smoke

Once the wood is smoking adequately, use a large mason jar and put it over the wood block to capture the smoke. This sounds hard but you can do it! We promise it’s easier than it sounds. 

Step 3: Start Preparing the Old Fashioned

Now that you have your smoke ready to go, it’s time to start preparing your drink. Grab a low ball and zest some orange into the bottom of the glass. Next, add 2 oz. of the whiskey of your choice (we like TX whiskey or Woodford), just a touch of simple syrup (we would say around ¼ oz.), and 3 dashes of bitters. Lightly stir it all up and you’re well on your way to the perfect Smoked Old Fashioned! 

Step 4: Strain and Mix

Now comes the fun part! Use a strainer to strain your drink – removing the chunks of zest from your cocktail – then pour into the jar with the maple smoke. Pop a lid on the mason jar and gently swirl the jar, watching the smoke infuse into the drink. Maybe it’s just us, but there is something tranquil and soothing about watching the smoke rise and mix. Plus – it just looks cool! We recommend doing this for at least 10 seconds. You can do it longer if you want that drink extra smokey in flavor.

Step 5: Pour and Enjoy!

Lastly, pour your finished drink out of the mason jar and into a glass with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry, and you have a beautiful, delicious Smoked Old Fashioned ready to sip and enjoy. It’s great with dinner or during happy hour. 

Watch this video for more info from our Waterside location on how to do it!

Join us this week for cocktails or craft beer in Richardson! 

It’s Taco Tuesday: Join us for Tacos & Margaritas

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday gives us few things to celebrate. It’s the beginning of the work week, you are a long way from the weekend, and it might just put you in a slump. 

But there is one redeeming thing by Tuesdays: tacos! At Tricky Fish, we fully embrace Taco Tuesdays as a reason to celebrate! Tacos and margaritas? As one of the best Richardson restaurants, we have you covered! Learn more about what’s on the menu:

Tacos

We love any kind of tacos, but it can be hard to find really fresh and delicious fish tacos. That’s where Tricky Fish has the competition beat! We source only the freshest, highest quality fish and seafood for a difference you can taste in all of our dishes. For our seafood tacos, you can choose if you want blackened shrimp or blackened fish. Both are incredible! The tacos are finished off with avocado cilantro sauce and slaw on a warm tortilla. Oh – and you get our incredible fries on the side. It’s 3 tacos and a side for the perfect meal. Yum!

Margaritas

Few things go better with tacos than margaritas! And better yet, on Tuesdays, our house margaritas are $5 all day long! YES! Again, another reason to celebrate on your dreary Tuesday with one of the best Richardson restaurants. Our house margaritas are made fresh with freshly squeezed lime, simply syrup, and only premium tequilas. Are you a fan of getting yours frozen or on the rocks? It’s $5 either way. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of a marg and let the stresses of your day roll away. Of course, if margaritas aren’t your drink of choice, we also have a huge selection of craft beer, cocktails, and wine to choose from.

Side Items

Yes, our seafood tacos come with fries – but if you are still hungry – we have a variety of other wonderful sides as well! We have fresh coleslaw, roasted okra, Tillamook mac and cheese, and dirty rice that can all round out and complement your meal. The roasted okra and Tillamook mac and cheese are both very popular on a cool, Fall day! 

Dessert

Did you leave room for dessert? If so, you can choose between or famous Banana Pudding – made with mascarpone and dark rum – or the French Toast Sundae. The French Toast Sundae starts with spongy bread pudding, then gets layered with vanilla ice cream, peaches, and bourbon sauce. 

Who’s Ready for Taco Tuesday?!

Join us at Tricky Fish this Tuesday – or any Tuesday! – for Taco Tuesday. We’ll be here during regular business hours, ready to serve lunch or dinner, and again, it’s $5 margaritas all day long at one of the best Richardson restaurants. We can’t wait to see you!  

Fish & Chips: The Delicious Handheld from "Across the Pond"

When you hear someone talking about “fish and chips,” what comes to mind?

For most, it’s the vision of London, French fries, and piping hot fried fish.  

Did you know that Tricky Fish actually serves our own version of this British finger food?! Sure do! If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out! Our fish and chips near me gets a Cajun flare with an Abita Brewing Co. beer batter, our house remoulade, and delicious southern coleslaw. 

In honor of this deliciously popular dish, here are a few fun “fish and chips facts.” You know, for that day in the future when you’re on Jeopardy… ;) Enjoy!

Fish & Chips Came to Great Britain by Jewish Immigrants.

As with most foods, it’s hard to pinpoint a sure “beginning.” Arguments rage over who did it first. But most historians seem to agree that Jewish immigrants from Spain, Portugal, and Holland were likely the first to start preparing fish in this manner with oil and flour. The practice can be traced back to the 1500s, when these immigrants brought this cooking style to England. Of course, fish and chips was then carried “across the pond” by immigrants to the United States.

Fish & Chips Were Protected During WWI & WW2.

Many rations took place during World War I and World War II, but rations on fish and chips weren’t one of them. The British government recognized that its people needed something they could rely on as a morale boost. By the early 1900s, fish and chips was a staple in working class diets. It is said that the British government worked very hard to prevent rationing on the ingredients necessary for cooking fish and chips as a way to keep spirits high on the home-front.

Chips May Have Been Invented as a Fish Substitute.

Those delicious “chips” we all love – aka French fries! – might have been married with the fish because at one time they were used as substitutes for the real thing! Winters were hard in the UK and rivers often froze. This is where it’s said that potatoes entered the scene as a fish substitute, possibly even being shaped like fish before frying for effect. Either way, we love that fried fish and fried potatoes found their way to each other because they sure are a delicious combination! 

Newspaper – the “Plate” of Choice.

The beauty of fish and chips was its handheld nature. Similar to the po’boy (another favorite at Tricky Fish btw!), fish and chips became a staple in the working class diet because it could easily be grabbed and eaten on the go. In fact, it was normally wrapped in newspaper! The newspaper, often in a cone shape, made it easy to hold the piping hot fish and chips, not to mention, it soaked up the excess grease. This continued until about the 1980s when concerns arose about the inks in the newspaper (makes sense.) 

Want the best Fish and Chips Near Me?

When you want the best fish and chips near me in Richardson or Fort Worth, head to Tricky Fish! We are open 7 days a week, offering a large selection of delicious seafood, Cajun favorites, salads, po’boys, pasta, craft cocktails, beer on tap, and so much more.

Seafood in Richardson: Try One of these Entrees Tonight

Tricky Fish was founded on the premise of simple, delicious Southern comfort food. We want you to come in and immediately feel at ease, with delicious cocktails, a casual atmosphere, and of course, killer food.

And when you are in the mood for seafood in Richardson, it’s hard to know where to go. We get it. But rest assured, if you live in Richardson, Fort Worth, or the surrounding North Texas communities, when you visit Tricky Fish the seafood is always fresh! You will love our take on your classic seafood favorites. Here are 5 seafood dishes you must try tonight at Tricky Fish:

Fish Sandwich

Whether you are here for dinner or lunch, our Fish Sandwich is always a winner! The Fish Sandwich here is unique in that we batter our fish in a specialty-Abita beer batter before frying. The Abita beer, straight from Louisiana, lends a uniquely delicious flavor to the flaky fried fish. We top the sandwich off with creamy slaw, remoulade, and our house bacon jam that is out of this world! You’ll want to put it on everything!! Grab this tonight for dinner and you won’t regret it.

The Tricky Fish

Ahh – the entrée that bears our name. You better bet it’s good! If you like Cajun food, then the Tricky Fish is perfect. Our perfectly cooked fish is smothered in crawfish etouffee and served with our signature dirty rice. Just add a glass of ice cold craft beer on the side and you’re in heaven!  

Blackened Redfish

At Tricky Fish, we serve salmon, redfish, and tilapia just the way you like ‘em! Blackened or grilled – the choice is yours. If you need recommendations, we are partial to the blackened redfish. It’s so good, especially paired with our loaded mashed potatoes with herb butter or the wilted spinach salad. Seafood in Richardson never tasted so good.

Seafood Tacos

Let’s face it – it’s hard to go a week without tacos! In North Texas, tacos are a staple, and at Tricky Fish, we can’t be left out! We offer some pretty incredible seafood tacos that give a fresh take on the classic. Order yours with blackened fish or shrimp (many guests love the shrimp!), then we’ll serve it piled high with creamy avocado cilantro sauce and fries or slaw on the side. 

Gulf Oysters

When you want oysters, you know Tricky Fish has you covered! Tricky Fish has the best oysters around, guaranteed fresh year-round. You can order them by the dozen or half dozen to be slurped alone or with friends! 

When you want the best seafood in Richardson, Tricky Fish is the place! Come see us this week for lunch or dinner. We are available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery with safety precautions in place to ensure the health of our guests and staff.

See you this week at Tricky Fish! 

The Perfect Brunch Cocktail is Waiting at Tricky Fish!

Just because things look a little different this summer, doesn’t mean that summer brunches are cancelled!

When you want your brunch fix, remember that Tricky Fish is one of the Richardson bars near me that has an amazing weekend brunch. We take our fresh approach to simple, southern comfort food and apply it to the brunch menu. New infusions of old favorites; classics with a summer twist. You’ll love the menu -and you’ll love the cocktail menu too! 

Brunch isn’t complete without a cocktail, and these are the perfect brunch cocktails to kick off the weekend:

Bloody Mary

Enjoy this classic brunch cocktail, made with our house mix and Absolut vodka. It’s tangy, spicy, and might just cure that hangover. We also love that it pairs so well with classic brunch offerings like the Breakfast Hash & Eggs, NOLA Benedict, and Fried Shrimp & Oyster Grits.  

The Blossom

With floral and fruity notes, the Blossom is the perfect brunch cocktail. Ours is made by combining Bacardi Rum, berry blossom tea, strawberry cordial, and just a dash of lemon for a flavor all its own. Not to mention: it’s like sipping a fresh glass of summer! Refreshing, delicious, and great alongside our Farmhouse Brunch Burger. 

Michelada

A michelada is basically a Mexican spin on the classic Bloody Mary. Ours has the spice of chili peppers and the zest of lime that’s hard to beat! And as for the beer we use, you won’t find any run-of-the-mill domestics here. Ours is made with Deep Ellum Neato Bandito, crafted right here in North Texas. (FYI – as one of the best Richardson bars near me, we’ve got a full selection of local craft beer that’s great for any day of the week!)

La Paloma

Enjoy mimosas but want something different? Then it’s time to try the La Paloma at Tricky Fish! The quintessential brunch cocktail is given a facelift by combining bubbly champagne with grapefruit, lime, agave nectar, and grapefruit infused tequila. Get down. Order the Praline Pancakes along with it and you’ll be in heaven!

Irish Iced Coffee

It’s a hot summer in North Texas…why not cool off with Irish Iced Coffee? You’ll get your coffee fix, infused with chocolate bitters, Jameson’s with coffee & vanilla, and topped with fresh whipped cream. 

Who’s ready for brunch? Join us this weekend at Tricky Fish, one of the best Richardson bars near me. We also have a location in Fort Worth; both are ready to serve you for dine-in, carryout, or delivery! Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm at both locations. Please note that your safety is of our utmost concern and we have added additional safety protocols for the health and wellness of our guests and our staff. 

5 Dishes to Get for Lunch at Tricky Fish

Have lunch plans?

As you’re deciding where to grab lunch from this week, don’t forget about joining us at Tricky Fish in Richardson or Fort Worth, Texas. Our menu has tons of great options, perfect for curbside to-go, delivery, or dining in with us. Here are 5 lunch favorites worth trying this week at Tricky Fish – the best fish restaurant near me: 

Fried Oyster BLT Po’Boy

Oh boy. Po’boys from Tricky Fish are an easy choice for lunch! We have a variety of options for protein – including fried shrimp, fried catfish, or blackened chicken – but one of our fan favorites is the Fried Oyster Po’Boy. We start with a fresh, spongy French loaf, then load it tall with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, fried oysters, tartar sauce, and our signature ingredient – bacon jam. Bacon jam is a specialty here, made in-house as a savory spread that takes this po’boy up a notch. Served with fresh French fries or slaw for the best lunch in town.

Seafood Tacos

Let’s taco ‘bout the amazing tacos at Tricky Fish, shall we?! We love tacos as much as the next person, and Tricky Fish’s seafood tacos are perfection. As the best fish restaurant near me, we serve only the freshest cuts of fish from the highest quality suppliers. Our seafood tacos come with your choice of blackened fish or shrimp, drizzled with our signature avocado cilantro sauce. 

Crawfish Etouffee  

Need to get your Cajun fix? The menu at Tricky Fish is infused with all sort of Cajun favorites, including Fish & Chips with Louisiana’s Abita beer batter, Kitchen Sink Gumbo, and of course, Crawfish Etouffee. Our Crawfish Etouffee is served over dirty rice for the perfect comfort food lunch. Yum!

Tillamook Mac & Cheese

This classic comfort food gets a creamy lift with the addition of Tillamook cheddar. Since the day we opened, guests have raved about this fabulously rich cheddar sauce, drenching delicious cavatappi noodles. Take it up a notch with your choice of protein: chicken or shrimp. Either is delicious. 

The Darn Good Salad

It’s called the “Darn Good Salad” for a reason. Take a break from the standard lunch salad and order this fresh salad, decked out in spiced pecans, blue cheese onion, dried cranberries, croutons, and balsamic vinaigrette on a bed of greens.  This salad can even be ordered with extra grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or fabulous grilled salmon. 

This week, remember Tricky Fish for these and other delicious lunch favorites! We can’t wait to see you! We are taking additional safety precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our guests and our staff. Order Tricky Fish – the best fish restaurant near me - for dine-in, carryout, or delivery this week.