While this year’s Halloween column is more about the beverages, one of the spots in this roundup of specials features both food and beverages. Read on for a mix of strong cocktails, nonalcoholic spirits and a Samhain dinner with wine pairings.
I should also mention that while vino isn’t technically considered a spirit, I included the Celtic-inspired dinner here in case you prefer wine over liquor. And to be honest, I wanted a reason to drop some folklore trivia on you.
The Samhain festival traditionally signifies the end of summer and the start of winter, according to Britannica. The holiday has roots in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It was believed to be a time when spirits walked the realm of the living, with different traditions and lore associated with the holiday, such as tales of fairies causing mischief, practitioners lighting bonfires for protection, and plenty of feasting and romance divination.
OK, history lesson over. Thanks for your patience.
Costume contest, fright night movies at Thompson’s Bookstore
Thompson’s Bookstore near Sundance Square will host a two-night Halloween celebration Oct. 30-31.
Friday the 30th, the bar is showing scary movies all night, with four or five classic horror films running on the second floor from 7 p.m. to closing at 2 a.m. Jeremy Terry, general manager, said the list of films isn’t finalized yet, but one confirmed movie is the 1931 film “Dracula” starring Bela Lugosi. Popcorn, candy and 75 seats will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Movie night is free to attend.
Halloween translates to a series of costume contests and a party “worthy of Hell’s Half Acre,” according to the bar’s Instagram page. Tickets are required for entrance and cost $20 per person or $30 per couple. One drink is included with each ticket.
If tickets are still available Halloween night, Terry said they’ll sell for half price at the door.
First, second and third place prizes for each costume competition will be gift cards, ranging from $75 to $200 in value, along with surprise Thompson’s merch.
Different varieties of spooky cocktails will be offered on each of the Thompson’s four levels both nights. Terry said one of the specials is similar in flavor to Sour Patch Kids candy, while another is pomegranate and cherry-forward.
Their regular fall drinks menu will also be available, as well as alcohol-free options including nonalcoholic spirits and beers. Terry said the vodka-based Best Little Whorehouse in Texas cocktail is a current bestseller.
900 Houston St., Fort Worth; 817-882-8003
Burgers and martinis at Walloon’s
Walloon’s is encouraging diners to dress up and stop by any time 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for their second annual Halloween party Oct. 31. Staff said last year’s party was very popular and prompted them to make the event a tradition.
Halloween dining and drink specials are a $10 burger and $1 freezer martinis, which will be either a dirty Grey Goose or classic gin version that come with an initial food order.
Those looking for nonalcoholic options have two zero-proof cocktails to choose from. The Mood Indigo builds from a zero-proof Empress 1908 gin base with Coco Royal, lime juice and Mineragua, while the Peace Offering brings together zero-proof tequila, lime juice, grenadine and Lady Bird sparkling lemonade.
Halloween is also the last day for diners to order the house October cocktail, Love Potion Number 9. This mystical mix sees Teremana blanco tequila combined with pineapple juice, ginger simple syrup, Giffard banana liqueur and ginger foam.
Walloon’s validates parking in The 701 parking garage.
701 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth; 682-224-3230
Wine tasting presented by the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation
Representatives from 40 Napa Valley wineries will share their vintages at the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation’s The Napa Valley Wine Experience Oct. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Cullen Yards. This wine tasting will include light bites from Reata while foodies enjoy sips from wineries including Davies Vineyards, Sleeping Giant, Lithology, Boich Family Cellar and Almacerro.
“What makes this event unique is that a vineyard representative will be on-site to pour the wine and answer any questions,” according to an FWFWF public relations representative, “ensuring attendees leave the experience with a deeper understanding and appreciation for wines of the region.”
This one-night-only event is $159 per person.
2412 Cullen St., Fort Worth
Samhain dinner and wine at Ellerbe Fine Foods
Those looking for a full-on dinner and drinks experience can get tickets to Ellerbe Fine Foods’ Around the World dinner Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. The three-course prix-fixe dinner and wine pairing features Celtic cuisine in honor of Samhain.
A spot at the table costs $58 with an additional $22 for the wine pairing. Dinner kicks off with roasted beets in rosemary creme fraiche with blackberry vin, pistachio and endive. For the main dish there’s stout-braised beef with herb potatoes and mushrooms in stout jus.
A chocolate and orange tart with orange curd, cocoa and toasted marshmallow rounds out the meal.
Tickets and reservations are available on Resy.
1501 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth; 817-926-3663
We’d love to hear from you! Send your restaurant tips and hot takes to erin.ratigan@fortworthreport.org.
Erin Ratigan is a freelance journalist and writer specializing in narrative news features. You can find her on X @erinratigan.
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