It’s not everyday that a former “Top Chef” competitor helps open an awarding-winning restaurant in TCU’s backyard.
Brownstone Restaurant, located in the new West 7th Street development in Fort Worth, is one of the latest restaurants to be opened in the area. According to Fort Worth Weekly, Brownstone has been named “Best New Restaurant, 2010 critic’s choice”.
Casey Thompson, executive chef of the restaurant, was featured on the third season of Bravo’s hit show “Top Chef”. According to the restaurant’s website, Thompson was not only a finalist on the show, but also voted as fan favorite, an award that came with a $10,000 prize.
Courtney Hughes, a hostess for Brownstone, said the restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it stand out.
“It’s so much like a home,” Hughes said. “You walk in and feel very comfortable. It’s fine dining, but not so much that it’s stuffy.”
Hughes said her favorite dish was the seared sea scallops. She said other popular dishes include the chicken stuffed chicken, red wine braised pork shoulder, and the Kobe cheek pot roast.
She added that the southern-inspired dishes were creative and delicious at the same time.
“Chef Casey tends to take things that normally don’t go together and bring them together and just make a flavor explosion in your mouth,” she said. “We also use local fresh vegetables, herbs and ingredients, so everything you get is fresh from the market.”
Sophomore strategic communication major Jenna Yosten said she is looking forward to trying out Brownstone.
“I’m really excited [to try it]. My aunt went there and said it was really good,” she said. “I’ve heard it has good steaks, but I’ve also heard that its kind of more on the expensive side.”
Hughes said that Brownstone’s location makes it a great restaurant option in the Fort Worth area.
“We are right here in the middle of 7th Street, so we are five minutes from downtown, and we are five minutes away from TCU. We are right in the middle of everything.” Hughes said. “And with Chef Casey being on “Top Chef,” it really puts us out there making us even more of a popular restaurant. And of course the food is really, really good.”
Chris Benkis, a server and bartender at the restaurant, said that Brownstone has a wonderful staff. He said that it makes a difference in the restaurant experience.
“We are a family restaurant, we enjoy everyone here,” Benkis said. “It’s a great business.”
According to Brownstone’s website, the 5,000-square-foot restaurant seats 140 people and features an open-air patio, dining room and intimate library and bar.
Hughes said that all the different aspects of Brownstone came together to make a top-notch dining experience.
“When you go here you get the full experience, awesome food and awesome service,” she said. “It really just goes hand in hand here.”
Brownstone Restaurant
Location:
840 Currie St. (off West 7th Street)
Style: American food
Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. – midnight
Saturday 5:00 p.m. – midnight
Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
For dinner reservations:
817-332-1555
Website:
brownstonerestaurants.com
