Smoke’N Ash BBQ
Glad to see the Twilite Lounge space is lit up once again. It has a new name, Morton’s Tavern, but Twilite regulars will recognize the owners: husband-and-wife Jimmy and Monika Morton. Jimmy was a co-owner of the Twilite, and Monika worked there, too, as general manager. The food menu comes courtesy of JesCrave, a local food truck, run by Jessica Chaves Martin and Janette Carillo, that specializes in Mexican dishes such as pozole and birria tacos. Morton’s offers 16 beers on tap, plus a non-boozy beer on tap as well as a full menu of cocktails and mocktails. 212 Lipscomb St., mortonstavern.com.
Swiss Pastry Shop recently debuted a new pastry: a caramel Paris-Brest. Paris-Brests — being very careful as I write this — date to the early 20th century, when a pâtissier named Louis Durand created them to commemorate the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race. The almond-studded baked rings of pâte à choux were originally round in design, to emulate bicycle wheels, and filled with praline crème mousseline; Swiss’ version comes layered in caramel with a dusting of powdered sugar. Get ‘em while they last. 3936 W. Vickery Blvd., facebook.com/swisspastryshop/.
‘Tis the season for food festivals of the barbecue variety. A three-day fest dedicated to Fort Worth’s favorite cuisine, Lone Star Smokeout is happening May 2-4 outside the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. More than a dozen pitmasters from around the country — including 10 from Texas, five from North Texas — will cook brisket, ribs, sausage, and other ‘cue essentials, while musical acts like Cody Jinks and Midland perform. Participating ‘cue joints include Panther City, Dayne’s, Hurtado, the Original Black’s, 2M Smokehouse and Curry Boys out of San Antonio, Dallas’ Slow Bone, and others. For info, hit up lonestarsmokeout.com.
Speaking of Dayne’s, the restaurant recently added evening hours on weekend nights. On Friday and Saturday, they’re now open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Co-owner Ashley Weaver says they’re staying open later to help meet demand. I’m hoping they’ll add some cool dinner specials. If you’re more of an early bird than a nightcrawler, get there early on Friday and Saturdays for their excellent, freshly made kolaches in flavors such as fruit, Oreo, and key lime. 100 S. Front St., Aledo, daynescraftbarbecue.com.
Arlington’s terrific Texas-Ethiopian barbecue joint Smoke ‘N Ash will be featured on the May 23 episode of “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” CultureMap recently reported. Patrick and Fasicka Hicks’ inventive ‘cue spot has received some major accolades lately, including being listed among the country’s 50 best restaurants by The New York Times.
