Jon Bonnell is the executive celebrity chef of Amon G. Carter Stadium, subcontracted through Sodexo, which has the food service contract for the whole Texas Christian University campus. He oversees the food for the entire stadium, but his main focus is on the clubs and suites.
“This year, I purchased a new smoker to elevate the level of true Texas barbecue at the games. Club members can expect barbecue carving stations at every game,” Bonnell says. “I’ve also invited one guest chef for every home game this season to showcase one special of their choice in the Champions Club. I’m in the process of getting guest pastry chefs lined up for special desserts as well. It will give fans a chance to see a new face and try something different at every game.”
Bonnell says, “I’ll still keep a very large menu for the Club buffets with items ranging from creole gumbo and shrimp and grits to various salads and sandwich options.” He plans to cover a lot of yardage with traditional game day choices such as burgers, wings and dogs, and special upgrades for those seeking a more “foodie” approach to stadium food. Fans can expect something special and different at each game. Yum … Go Frogs!
Bonnell’s shrimp and grits – courtesy photo
Owner Carleen Anderson says Nosrenda Boutique Catering is rebranding and is now known as Le MONADE Beverage Boutique & Cafe and will be opening on the campus of Catholic Charities by mid-August. Anderson says, “We have over 20 different seasonal lemonades, all featuring fresh fruits, veggies and herbs. Our top flavor is vanilla and rosemary, but for August our feature will be Hatch chili and cantaloupe.” Her 100 percent fresh-squeezed lemonade will be showcased at the new Magnolia location of Stir Crazy Baked Goods as well. On the cafe side of things, expect classic sandwiches such as the turkey salad made with Greek yogurt called Thankful and paninis such as the best-selling Alfie, a chicken alfredo panini.
Vanilla rosemary LeMONADE – courtesy photo
Shannon Wynne has proven himself to be somewhat of a culinary savant, spotting trends before they are trendy. His concepts such as Flying Saucer, Meddlesome Moth, Rodeo Goat and Bird Cafe have all garnered high praise. What’s next? “We are doing a new concept called Mud Hen that will be located in Dallas Farmers’ Market. While not strictly vegetarian, vegan or paleo, the menu will be lower carb, lower sugar and loaded with seasonal vegetables and market produce,” he said. Mud Hen is set to roost in September.
After 21 years as a perennial Dallas favorite, Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery has plans for its first Tarrant County location. Owners Jim and Cindy Hughes have signed a lease in the up-and-coming Trophy Wood district located on State Highway 114’s frontage road in Trophy Club. The site is also the future home of the new Town Hall and police facility, surrounded by hotel, retail and other city amenities. They are in the design stages and plan to add to their brand the Quarter Bar. Look for both to open next year.
Grapevine Craft Brewery celebrated the opening of its taproom and beer garden in historic downtown Grapevine on July 10. President Gary Humble says, “You can expect all of our beers to be available on tap as well as special offerings and cask beers.” The taproom will be open seven days a week from 3-10 p.m., with food truck service from 5-8 p.m. so you can make an evening of it.
Janet and Carlo Capua have closed Bella Cafe. Most still know them best from their first creation, Z’s Cafe. They are refocusing efforts on Z’s Cafe – even adding an authentic Chicago-style deli. “We closed down Bella Cafe to consolidate all our efforts in the one location at Z’s Cafe. Actually, since we’ve added our Chicago-style deli menu to our already-famous chicken salad and quiche “lighter side” menu, our cafe business is up 300 percent from last year,” says Carlo Capua. “We’re the only Chicago-style deli in the area. Oh, and we’re officially Blue Zone certified, too.”
Le MONADE Beverage Boutique & Cafe
249 W. Thornhill Dr., Fort Worth
Facebook.com/le.monadeFW
Mud Hen
Dallas Farmers’ Market
Grapevine Craft Brewery
2150 W. Northwest Highway, No. 114-1094, Grapevine
grapevineontap.com
Z’s Cafe, Catering, Chicago Deli
1116 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Worth
zscafe.com