It was Saturday, February 28th. The entire city of Fort Worth was covered in ice and snow 4 days that week. Needless to say, we were getting cabin fever. We ventured out with some friends, and decided on The Vine Greek Taverna located in the West 7th District.
Courtesy of Saulo in Fort Worth
Not being sure if the restaurant was open, we took a chance. Braving the parking lot, we approached the door. We walked into a small, busy restaurant with a dozen tables. I had never eaten at The Vine, and it was only David’s second visit. Our friends had been a few times, but one of the owners, John, recognized them and greeted us at the door. He said that he had good news and bad news. The good news was they were open, despite the ice storm. The bad news: tonight was their last night in business, and all the staff was either iced in or sick. Apologizing, John said we could stay if we didn’t mind slow service. WHAT? The last night? Upon further questioning, he stated they had sold the restaurant to another family in town. The Vine would be closed for a few weeks during the transition, but the new owner was planning to keep the menu, possibly adding a few new items.
We stayed for sure! The environment was great, like a going away party that we were fortunate enough to stumble upon! The restaurant was filled with regulars celebrating the last night. The owners were doing everything that evening: cooking, hosting, answering the phone, filling to-go orders and waiting tables. John was practically running back and forth from the kitchen, greeting guests while trying not to burn the food. Some of the regulars got up from their table and started serving the other tables. Picking up the cue, we grabbed our own drinks and silverware. It was such a family environment. Then another guest arrived and began playing what I believe is the bouzouki, a small guitar like instrument with a rounded back. It was crazy! What an unexpected and unique night.
Hummus and Pita Bread
Oh, and the food was incredible! We started with Greek red wine. For appetizers, we ordered the hummus and keftedes, which are little Greek meatballs. I could have eaten a whole bucket of those meatballs! So good. Then I got the traditional gyro and added feta cheese. As I mentioned in another post, I love cheese. The gyro was served with a traditional salad, a mixture of cucumber, tomato, feta and onion.
Pastitsio
David ordered pastitsio, a Greek baked pasta dish that looks similar to lasagna. The dish is topped with a bechamel sauce, a fluffy cream sauce made from six types of cheese. So tasty!
This was truly a great meal, and a great story. We felt like family, celebrating the end of an era. Everything was a celebration. This was a happy day for John and his family. We witnessed the end of something great! Now, we look forward to the beginning of something new as new owners bring new direction to this great restaurant.
As one last parting gift, a plate of eight pieces of baklava appeared from out of nowhere. John set the last pastries covered in honey he would make at The Vine before us. One for tonight, and one to take home for each of us!
Baklava
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