Thursday, October 25, 2001

Good bread often influences restaurant choice
By Jaime Walker
Skiff Staff

If it’s possible to have a genetic appreciation for what quality bread adds to the dining experience, I’m sure I got that gene. I blame my grandmother.

Bless her heart, my grandma might hate me for sharing the story we laugh about almost every time we are together, but I’m going to do it anyway.

A few years ago my family treated my grandparents to a steak dinner at one of our favorite Atlanta restaurants. Grandma thought the steak was fine. She raved about the tiny loaf of wheat bread served before the meal. She was so certain she might never be able to recreate the warm, hearty bread in her own kitchen that she asked our server to get the manager. When he arrived, she asked if she could take a loaf or two home in her purse.

My father particularly likes to recount the event with the same fervor as his fishing stories — each time it grows. In his most recent version Grandma went back into the restaurant’s kitchen to make her request. But the point is always the same: We love bread.

I often find myself basing restaurant selections on what kind of bread or appetizer a restaurant serves. When I crave cheese bread, I head to Red Lobster. When I’m dying for garlic breadsticks, I go to The Olive Garden. When I want to feel like I’m getting a home-cooked meal, I have dinner at The Black-Eyed Pea. Sometimes I eat more rolls than I do chicken fried steak. When I want a killer bagel or muffin, I drive to The Corner Bakery. After all, how can you not love an establishment whose slogan is “The Corner Bakery: You knead it”?

Most of the time, I rely on those restaurants unique to Fort Worth when I want to satisfy my hunger for bread my grandmother would consider take-home-worthy — places where the food and atmosphere would inspire even a palate dulled by too much Main food.

Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant
2455 Forest Park Boulevard

The garlic bread could be a meal by itself, but each dish will make your mouth water. The pasta sauces are rich and the meats are tender.

The soft lighting, tiny tables and amazing Italian cuisine make Ruffino’s perfect for a date. During the lunch hour, it’s just right for those quiet “We-haven’t-talked-in-forever” meetings.

Pegasus
2443 Forest Park Boulevard

This family-owned Greek restaurant is more than a restaurant. It’s a Fort Worth treasure. I’ll start by mentioning that the pita bread is out of this world, but memories of the food at Pegasus won’t revolve around the appetizers. They will focus on the surprising dishes and charming atmosphere. You can’t talk about the food, you just have to try it. Pegasus is a great place to celebrate special occasions. If you go on your birthday let them know. The wait staff might decorate your dessert plate by writing “Happy Birthday” in icing.

The Original Mexican Eats Cafe
4713 Camp Bowie Boulevard

If you’re in the mood for chunky salsa, killer enchiladas and plates and plates of flour tortillas, this is the place. Located “on the bricks,” The Original isn’t one of the oldest Mexican food restaurants in the city, but you’d never guess it. The food is worth the short drive, and you will probably go back. If not for the tortillas, then maybe for the stellar margaritas.

— Jaime Walker