James Bond may like his martinis shaken, but the masterminds behind Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar are sure stirring things up in Fort Worth with their West Coast-based restaurant. Twigs opened up their first location Texas in The Shops at Clearfork last December and have already made a name for themselves for locals. With its sophisticated dining room, comfortable bar top and alluring patio, this is the kind of date spot that's worth the drive.
“Twigs stands out because of how you feel when you are there,” explains Trevor Blackwell, president of Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar. “The atmosphere is unique, fun and inviting. Plus, we have great food and drinks at reasonable prices.“
After walking by the see-through fireplace, grab a chair at the wrap-around bar to try out one of the bistro's signature concoctions. With an extensive martini menu, everyone can find something to enjoy. For an easy-to-drink cocktail that will pair well with your entrée, order the Cucumber Crush, made with Tito's Handmade vodka, Hpnotiq liqueur, muddled limes and cucumber. Or for a martini that packs some heat, go for the Jalapeno Cilantro Margatini, made with muddled jalapenos, oranges, lemons, limes and cilantro then combined with Lunazul Tequila, triple sec and sour and served with a salted rim. For a twist on a classic, try out the Ultimate Lemon Drop, made with Citron vodka and triple sec then shaken with fresh muddled citrus mix and served with a sugared rim. For a flirty and fruity flavor profile, order it as a Strawberry Lemon Drop. The options seem limitless.
“Our cocktail program is pushing the limits and evolving as we see what our guests want,” Blackwell says.
Then make your way to one of the bistro's sleek dining tables to watch entrees come out hot from the kitchen. After glancing at a few signature entrée dishes like the Pesto Margherita Chicken – a pair of pesto-encrusted chicken breasts stacked with mozzarella, tomato, chive sour cream, mashed potatoes and pesto cream – you'll see presentation is everything. With a serving of seasonal vegetables on the side and balsamic glaze on top, this dish looks as good as it tastes. And the cheesy Crab Mac and Cheese, made with fresh blue crab meat, shallots, smoked bacon, goat cheese, cheddar and jack cheese baked in a garlic cream sauce with cavatappi pasta and finished with toasted bread crumbs, tomatoes and chives, is just as irresistible as you would think.
“Our culinary team has put together a menu that is focused on providing great value with some unique and fun dishes,” Blackwell says. “Our objective being to design a menu that provides variety while also being a little adventurous.”
While the restaurant does have its classics available at other locations spread along the Western coast, its Texas menu does offer new items to their diners.
“We took some of our classic Twigs dishes and put a little big of a southern twist on them,” Blackwell says.
If you'd rather have something you can split with your significant other or your kids, then you are in luck with the 12-inch, handmade pizzas. While they have great classics, like Margherita, daring pizza lovers should try out the Polynesian Pizza, made with mango chili sauce, shredded Kalua pork, red onions, bacon, pineapple, mozzarella and Mama Lil's peppers. You may think all those bold flavors would fight each other when brought together, but they create this unique orchestra of synchronized tastes that keep each bite interesting.
Gluten-free diners should rejoice because they can also enjoy several of these scrumptious sensations, like Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread – a gluten-free artisan flatbread topped with gorgonzola cream sauce, mozzarella cheese, black mission figs and strips of prosciutto. There are also plenty of kid-friendly options like pint-sized pizzas, mac and cheese and Oodles of Noodles – pasta with butter and Parmesan cheese.
If you've left room for dessert, which is a necessity, try out The Sticky Cookie – a soft double chocolate chunk cookie served over vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauces and topped with whipped cream. Its indulgent flavors are just begging to be paired with another sweet treat, like the Chocolate Kiss martini, made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, crème de cocoa and garnished with shaved chocolate.
With a variety of drink and dinner options, there's no better place to branch out at than Twigs.
TWIGS BISTRO AND MARTINI BAR
5289 Marathon Ave.
Fort Worth
817.764.0025
TwigsBistro.com