Taste Buds
V-Day Meal
Whether your status on Valentine’s Day is “single,” “taken,” or “hangry,” the Taste Buds have the perfect dinner spot picked out where you and (optimistically) your significant other can enjoy a marvelous meal, high-quality cocktails, and fresh, homemade desserts this upcoming February 14. Look no further than Twisted Fork, Grill & Lounge, at 5522 Summerhill Road on the Texas side of our Twice-as-Nice city.
Twisted Fork was a much-needed addition to the lineup of private dining establishments when it opened in the Four States area. The lounge and dining room each have a comfortable ambiance accented with vibrant colors and wood finishes. The cuisine is a combination of American and Southwestern influences—with a Twist, and weekly specials and seasonal menu updates elevate the regular menu’s flare! You can expect to enjoy dishes including fresh seafood, high-quality farm-raised beef and chicken, wood-fired pizzas, and a variety of scratch-made side dishes, all of which make Twisted Fork the perfect spot to spoil your significant other (or eat your lonely heart out) this upcoming Valentine’s Day.
Not only does Twisted Fork offer high-quality appetizers, pizzas, and entrees, but Chef Bri Flanagan’s homemade desserts are not to be ignored. Chef Bri graduated from the Texas Culinary Academy in 2009 with a certificate of Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie, which is French for “you’re going to want to eat these desserts.” She utilizes her skills to create and customize beautiful cakes, pastries, and other delectable sweets that are available daily for a nice treat following your hearty meal. Seriously, you must get dessert because, is it even really Valentine’s Day without a little sugar? (wink wink)
Given the vast, carefully constructed menu of available dining options at Twisted Fork, we (you can call us the Taste Buds) took to the streets (Summerhill Road) and made our way to Twisted Fork to enjoy our own pre-Valentine’s Day meal, and let’s just say, even Cupid would be proud.
Cocktails
Andrew—I started with a Twisted Fork original, Witchy Woman, comprising lemon juice, simple syrup, lime, and the key ingredient, “magic” vodka. If you are familiar with the Eagles’ 1972 hit, of the same name, this drink definitely makes a connection with that song... “sparks fly from her fingertips.”
Kyle—I began my meal with a classic old fashioned from the cocktail menu, consisting of Bulleit Bourbon, simple syrup, ice, and bitters, garnished with muddled cherries and an orange slice.
Appetizer
The steak crostinis were not your ordinary appetizer and were an unexpected treat from the kitchen. Three perfectly marbled, thick slices of ribeye resting perfectly on crostini with a house made horseradish sauce and balsamic reduction were topped, in true Twisted Fork fashion, with a fiery pico that led us right back to our wonderful cocktails. As one of the highlights of our meal, each bite was savory, sweet, salty, and spicy, with a nice kick of acidity to round out this perfect appetizer.
Entrées
We are firm believers that when dining out, a person should try new things. Variety is the spice of life! So, with that in mind, we pursued a route untraveled. We chose menu items neither of us had ordered before, but both of which we will have again!
Andrew—As a red meat enthusiast, I tend to stick with grilled, seared, or smoked, but the satisfaction resulting from the braised short ribs was second to none. It tasted like what you would get if a ribeye and a brisket were to have offspring. It was the tenderness of the brisket and the marbling of a prime ribeye. After the first bite, I tried to put on my best poker face hoping I might be able to finish my meal in peace, but once Kyle glanced over seeing the satisfied look on my face, it wasn’t long until his fork was coming in for a taste (or two). A parmesan and mushroom risotto accompanied the dish, which was equally gratifying. Parmesan was a perfect choice for this side dish and, combined with the mild taste of mushrooms, it left nothing to be desired. The longer it sat (which was not long thanks to Kyle), and the more au jus that soaked into the bottom, the better it was. Let’s just say this will be a repeat dish for both of us in the future.
Kyle—I decided to go a little lighter with my choice of the Baja tacos. They were refreshingly amazing! Just one bite of the three small flour tortillas, lightly toasted, filled with blackened redfish, a chilled coleslaw, fresh cilantro cream, and jalapeno slices transports you and drops you off beachside. Having grown up fishing off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, I am no stranger to preparing redfish dishes. Redfish is a firm, mild-flavored fish perfect for blackening in a pan with butter. Twisted Fork, however, takes this dish to the next level by balancing the rich, spicy redfish with a refreshing coleslaw and cilantro cream. The Baja tacos come with your choice of one side dish. They all sounded phenomenal, but I chose the grilled okra. The smoky and charred grilled okra paired perfectly with the light, refreshing redfish tacos. And yes, I did let Andrew have a taco to repay him for the “one or two” bites I took off his plate!
Desserts
When it came time to order dessert, we really had to dig deep after making happy plates with our entrees, but we were willing to make the sacrifice. (You know… for research purposes… the readers need to know!)
Andrew—I am VERY particular and consider myself an expert when it comes to bread pudding, so it made sense for me to try Twisted Fork’s Apple Pie Bread Pudding, and it did not disappoint—this dessert was AMAZING! Technically, one person could eat this monumental thing, but I would highly recommend sharing it with your Valentine (especially if your plans when you get home do not consist of putting on your stretchy pants and passing out in your recliner to an episode of Gilmore Girls). The portion size was generous, to say the least, but if you happen to find yourself alone in Twisted Fork on Valentine’s Day, eat away, my friend! It was a mix of Grammy’s Apple Pie and a phenomenal bread pudding made by someone who might ask you to “geaux” out on a date. The brown sugar cinnamon ice cream, apple caramel sauce, and cookie crumbles will leave you questioning how in the world it tastes even better than it sounds on the menu!
Kyle—I consider myself an expert on dessert in general, so I just wanted an awesome dessert—this is not a time to play games! I saw the first thing listed on the dessert menu and looked no further. With “The S’MORE,” a “graham cracker crust, fudgy-chocolate filling, topped with a toasted homemade marshmallow, served with graham cracker ice cream” on the menu, why would you look any further!? It was marvelous. End of story. Get it!
Overall, and as expected, the Taste Buds were extremely satisfied with our pre-Valentine’s Day meal at Twisted Fork and would definitely recommend it to each of you. The service was excellent, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. All in all, it was a fantastic dining experience!.
Kyle’s V-Day Meal
Apéritif
Old Fashioned with Bulleit Bourbon
Appetizer
Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream and Balsamic Reduction
Entrée
Baja Tacos with Grilled Okra
Dessert
The S’more
Andrew’s V-Day Meal
Apéritif
Witchy Woman
Appetizer
Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream and Balsamic Reduction
Entrée
Beef Short Ribs with Parmesan and Mushroom Risotto
Dessert
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
