Iron Fork 2014

Last night’s Iron Fork event could be summed up in a few words; foodtastic boozelosity epicness. This year’s Iron Fork was held in Fair Park inside the Centennial Hall.

Chinese and Indian fusion @ Inchin's Bamboo Garden
Chinese and Indian fusion @ Inchin’s Bamboo Garden
Complimentary Iron Fork glasses.
Complimentary Iron Fork glasses.

The fourth annual event did not disappoint, giving folks a few good tastes of Texas, rather fine elixirs to wash it down with and a showdown of chefs hosted by the famous Kent Rathbun.

This year was all about the taco, as several eateries whipped up their versions of the shelled delights. Vickery Park served up a juicy filling chicken taco that left me plate picking. Luna’s also went the way of the taco with fresh cilantro, onions and a spicy creamy verde sauce for the big finish. But of the most innovative, party in my mouth taco, prize went to Tandoory Taco. This eatery fuses Indian food, Mexican food, and amazingness. The Texan, a marinated skirt steak taco with cilantro, sautéed onions and Himalayan sauce put my taste buds into a frenzy. The Spitfire with seasoned deep fried chicken and chipotle sauce was none too shabby either.

Misty having a good ole time with those good Vickery Park chicken tacos.
Misty having a good ole time with those good Vickery Park chicken tacos.
IRON FORK 2014_VICKERY PARK_CHICKEN TACO
Good ole Vickery Park chicken tacos.

Meanwhile Torteria Insurgentes left my palate slightly disappointed with their dry bite sized quesadillas. And the mini turkey burger from Gordon Biersch…yeah.

Tacos were a big deal, but The Londoner went straight comfort food with Sheppard’s Pie. Capriotti’s kept it heavy with samples of The Bobbie, pretty much Thanksgiving on a hoagie roll. For something a bit more on the green side, Snappy Salads let you know just how snappy a salad could be with their Gaucho Salad, a mix of mint,
udon noodles, mango, marinated tenderloin, and a whole bunch of other stuff in an artisan mixed salad. It was one of those things that sounds like too much going on, but somehow all that business works wonderfully well. Jonathon’s, known for their chicken and waffles uniquely created a sort of peppery gravy styled chicken salad in a sweet waffle cone. Cute, check. Yum, check.

A very serious Snappy Salad.
A very serious Snappy Salad.
Shots! Shots! El Jimador with orange wedge garnish sprinkled in cinnamon.
Shots! Shots! El Jimador with orange wedge garnish sprinkled in cinnamon.
Sweet little Lucy posing with that Deep Eddy.
Sweet little Lucy posing with that Deep Eddy.As for sugar rushes the crumb cake by Crumbzz, was a perfect combination of

moistness and crunchy cinnamon overload. Rush Patisserie also did not disappoint with tasty twist on banana pudding. The candied bacon from Local Oak was PMS paradise with its salty sweetness. Other notable sweet tooth stops were Nothing Bundt Cake, Chocolate Secrets and LaDunni.

Booze and beats flowed just as freely throughout the evening. El Jimador Tequila shots garnished with orange slices and sprinkled in cinnamon. Don’t mind if I do. Gentleman Jack, South African Wines, Deep Eddy Vodka, and plenty of brewskies. Don’t mind if I do those too.

VIP ticket holders were able to partake in samples of the limited edition release, Jack Daniels Sinatra Select. Plenty of bold notes in here, and after a few I’m certain you’ll think you’re old Blue Eyes himself.

Iron Fork did it again. New location, same amazing concept. Four years strong, let the food, the beats, and the booze carry on. TXmb