Maria's Mexican Kitchen

I wasn't aware that you could fall in love with a chef until in my late 30's, my husband and I began consistently eating over and over at the same group of restaurants.  Sunday brunch at the bar of Pacific Table, Friday evening drinks and appetizers with friends on the patio of Press Café (btw great location to allow kids to run around outdoors), and an obsession with the dip duo at The Tavern.  Many might not be aware that all of these (plus a currently shuttered FW Cork & Pig location) are the brain-child of Chef Felipe Armenta.  Should I mention I've even graced the Midland/Odessa Cork & Pig location with my presence - why stay exclusive to Fort Worth?

Transforming the shuttered Fort Worth Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House location into a true Mexican experience, Maria's atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission.  It's almost deceiving to believe that for 38 years the building housed a staple steak restaurant for the Fort Worth community.  

The first visit was in November 2021 on a whim while out and about in town.  It was packed - which lead to immediate running to the bar where we snagged two seats and immediately settled in for a lovely meal.  The fresh made salsa and tortilla chips are out of this world - like could eat a meal out of this good.  

My second visit was my "going away" party for work in December 2021.  This was a large group of over 10 people - several of them from all over the United States.  We had a wonderful time trying new drinks, sharing appetizers, and it was so fun to see what everyone ordered off the menu.  

I know! You want to know what I ordered!  Unfortunately, this specific dish is no longer on the menu in the form I ordered - Baby Rock Shrimp Enchiladas.  However, it has been replaced by a close relative in the Seafood Enchiladas.  Let's just say the plating of three enchiladas with three sauces is amazing.  The three sauces are unique on their own, but together created a balance from sweet to hot that I have yet to find elsewhere in Mexican dining.  

Our most recent visit was for my birthday in April (I know I've been working on this post for a few months).  I went for something lighter knowing I would dessert it up later in evening.  The Los Cabos Seafood Salad (pictured) was fresh, crisp, with just the right hint of spice.  While our food is always amazing, the service on this visit left us a little wanting...  Our daughter remembers the wait for our food more than the experience and food which bummed me out.

Nevertheless, we will return.

If you're looking for something with vegan or vegetarian options - they haven't quite hit the mark yet.  There are several great pescatarian options - and I'm sure they would give you the "you can order a salad without the meat".  It appears they have some options veg style for brunch, but we've not gone for brunch so I can't speak to that menu specifically.  However, if it's like any of his other restaurants brunch - I'm sure it is amazing.  

Rate Your Burgers

Burgers are personal to everyone. We debate all the time about who has the best. Do you like it thick or thin? What about the bun? Do you prefer all the fixings or just the burger, bun and maybe some cheese? Well in the world of veggie burgers it's no different. Do you like black bean patties, portabella mushroom or veggie patties? Do you opt for sauces, cheeses and fixings? What about that bun? Let me help you make an educated decision when it comes to choosing a burger joint that meets the veg requirements of some discerning diners. I don't eliminate one burger over another because of patty style, fixings, etc. I will rate them solely based on taste, quality, and consistency. I usually never have cheese or mayo on a veggie burger - so if it's on the menu with cheese or mayo it get's put on hold.

• #4: The Love Shack: The Boom Boom. See an earlier review for lots of details. This burger is a portabello mushroom that is deep fried and topped with all the fixings. Need I say more.

• #3: Jake's: The Veggie Burger. See an earlier review for lots of details. After lots of thought, I realized that Jake's homemade veggie patty really had it together. This place has potential!

• #2: Spiral Diner: Spiral Burger. Need I say more - Vegan all the way. A homemade traditional style patty topped with all the fixing. This is the most "meat-like" option out there.

• #1: Dutch's: The #7 - Portabello Veggie Burger. This marinated portabello mushroom has all the flavor - balsamic vinegar gives this burger the kick it deserves. I order with no mayo or cheese. You have to give this one a shot.

Top 5 Brunch (or breakfast) Spots

I was given a challenge the other day by a good friend to pick my top 5 of any category and keep a running list. He said my rules were they had to be top 5 based on my vegetarian requirements and that at any point the 5 could rotate or loose a spot.

Always up for a good challenge, I decided to start with my 5 top Veg Brunch spots around town. Remember these are only based on my vegetarian perspective and will have nothing to do with whether a place does or does not serve bacon & eggs.

1. Spiral Diner - by far best all you can eat pancake brunch (Sunday only)

2. The Jazz Cafe - who can beat jazz music and a great meal to cure growling stomach.

3. Esperanza's - I have never reviewed this place because I eat here usually once a week (that could be tedious), but if you crave Mexican early in the morning (or even at lunch on the weekends) their breakfast is great.

4. Taverna - one of our favs overall whether lunch, dinner or brunch (brunch: Saturday & Sunday only).

5. Cafe Modern - only been once, but the options for veg or vegan were nice and they change the menu seasonally.

So don't be a hater. If your joint isn't listed at least give these a try or post your favorite places and that way I can give them a try. I am always looking for new places to try (especially for breakfast/brunch).