Have you Tried Smoked Whiskey?! - Tricky Fish Richardson

At Tricky Fish, we’re a huge fan of whiskey.

So much in fact, that we have an entire menu dedicated to our favorite sippin’ whiskies. Chances are, some of them are your favorites too: Woodford Reserve, Firestone & Robertson TX, Booker’s, and more.

But have you tried your whiskey smoked?

Tricky Fish in Richardson’s CityLine development has perfected the art of smoked whiskey and we invite you to come give it a try! Here’s the technique:

·     Start with the Perfect Chunk of Wood: Maple is our wood of choice, as it adds the perfect sweetness to any whiskey infusion.

·     Light in On Fire: We grab our torch and light that sucker on fire! You watch the maple flame and just know it’s gonna be good.

·     Capture the Smoke: After burning for about 30 seconds, we capture the smoke in a mason jar - it’s easier than it might sound.

·     Add the Whiskey of Choice: Pretty much any whiskey is delicious when steeped with smoke, so take your pick of our extensive selection of whiskies! (Smoked Firestone & Robertson TX Whiskey is locally produced and one of our customer favorites.)

·     Steep & Enjoy: Let the whiskey steep for a few minutes and serve over ice.

·     Try it in a Cocktail! We also love mixing our smoked whiskey in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan for a new twist on an old favorite. Let us know how you’d like your smoked whiskey in Richardson.

Want to see the process in action? CityLine recently posted our bartender in action:

A video posted by CityLine Life (@citylinelife) on Jan 8, 2017 at 7:04pm PST

To try a glass of smoked whiskey, visit us at Tricky Fish this week! We are conveniently located in the heart of Richardson’s new CityLine development and are open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late night cocktails.

Brewery Spotlight: Community Beer Company

Tricky Fish is all about the simple life and bringing a local flavor and charm to everything we do. A big part of that mission includes creating an atmosphere where you can try new craft brews and spirits, made right here in North Texas.

Community Beer Company is one of our craft brew favorites offered here at Tricky Fish, both because we love the beer and the mission behind it.

Beer with a Mission

Community was founded on the principle that any good, local business gives back and supports the other business and artisans in their area. It’s what builds communities and makes even big cities - like Dallas - feel small. Community’s motto is “Beer for the Greater Good” because being involved in the community, hosting events, supporting artists, and giving back to local charities is what it’s all about. Cheers to bringing people together with beer and fun, local events!

Speaking of events, Community has a taproom located in their brewery, just off of I-35E in the Dallas Design District. It’s a place to experience new beers, enjoy live music, and just be a part of your community. Taproom hours vary; check back here regularly for details.

Our Favorite Brews

Tricky Fish carries Mosaic IPA, Community Beer’s signature beer. Mosaic is named both for the diversity it takes to build community and for the particular hops used in creating this perfect beer. It’s hoppy and intense, but also mellowed by a malty backbone that balances the flavor. Flavors of citrus and toffee greet you with each sip, and you’ll love the intensity of the Mosaic hops.

Join us at Tricky Fish this week to experience the simple pleasures of Community Beer Company’s Mosaic IPA, or any of our other signature craft beers.  Pair it with one of our signature entrees, po’boys, salads, or sandwiches and you’ve got a match made in Southern heaven.

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Tricky Fish at Home: Loaded Parmesan Grits

At Tricky Fish, we like to keep our menu simple – just like the food we prepare. Uncomplicated, no fuss dining is what we’re all about. We're your Richardson scratch kitchen.

And because we love simplicity, it means we can’t put all of our favorite entrees on the menu. I’m sure from time-to-time we’ll rotate out a few new offerings, but for now, we’re keeping everything simple as pie.

One such favorite is our Loaded Parmesan Grits. Make it at home for the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday brunch or a hearty dinner. Enjoy!

Loaded Parmesan Grits

(makes 4-6 side dish servings)

Ingredients

·      1 cup yellow corn grits

·      ½ cup heavy cream

·      ½ cup chicken stock

·      2 cups whole milk

·      ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

·      1 cup corn kernels, cut from 2 small ears corn

·      1 Tbsp oil

·      ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

·      ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced

·      ½ cup green onions, sliced very thin

·      Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

·      4 slices bacon, cooked, drained, and chopped

·      Parsley, minced, for garnish

Directions

1.   Pour heavy cream, chicken stock, and milk in a saucepan and heat until it’s reached a soft boil.

2.   Whisk in the grits. To avoid clumping, whisk once per minute for about 5 minutes.

3.   Gently fold in the Parmesan cheese, then cover and remove from heat.

4.   Let the grits rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes until the desired consistency is reached. If they get too thick, use a little hot water or chicken stock to thin.

5.   Heat oil in a skillet and add corn kernels. Cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add red and green peppers, then green onions, salt and pepper, tossing to cook as you go.

6.   To serve, spoon the grits into bowls and top with the corn mixture, bacon, and parsley.

Join us at Tricky Fish for Southern Comfort Food at its Finest!

At Tricky Fish – one of the newest restaurants in Richardson’s CityLine development, our goal in 2017 is to serve up food that not only tastes good, but is prepared simply, just the way you’d find it in your neighbor’s kitchen. No added preservatives or prepackaged bases, just simple, fresh ingredients every time.

At the heart of our menu is simple comfort food that warms the soul on a chilly January day. Some call it Southern. Some call it Cajun. We just call it good eatin’ straight from our Richardson scratch kitchen to yours.

While our menu is chock full of sandwiches, appetizers, and entrees sure to hit the spot, here are a few of our favorite comfort foods to get you through this winter season:

·     Kitchen Sink Gumbo: There’s nothing like a big bowl of gumbo to take the chill off! The gumbo at Tricky Fish is fully loaded with Gulf shrimp, fish, chicken, and Andouille sausage, served with a bed of white rice on the side.

·     Grilled Salmon:  One of our limited time offerings, a grilled filet served with fresh sauteed garlic green beans and dirty rice, topped with jalapeno parmesan butter.  

·     Roast Beef Po’ Boy: Got a hankerin’ for the New Orleans favorite? Tricky Fish’s Roast Beef Po’ Boy can’t be beat with tender slices of roast beef layered with melted provolone, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and our signature horseradish sauce.

·     Tricky Fish’s Macaroni & Cheese: Fresh, homemade macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Ours is made with only the finest – Tillamook cheddar cheese. Served with your choice of grilled chicken or shrimp.

And don’t forget to pair any of these delicious entrees with an ice cold craft beer, glass of sippin’ whiskey, wine, or a craft cocktail.

Beat these winter blues with a warm meal at Tricky Fish in Richardson, Texas today!

Tricky Fish's Homemade Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese

Brewery Spotlight: Alltech Lexington Brewing Co.

It’s tough being a beer company in bourbon country.

But those are the odds that Alltech Lexington Brewing Co. was up against when they started brewing beer in 1999. Dr. Pearse Lyons believed that a good, craft beer could survive in bourbon country, and that’s why he bought the defunct Lexingon Brewing Co. (which had formerly been in business since the 1790s) and felt the need to reinvigorate it with fresh ideas.

Dr. Lyons – an Irishman with a rich history in brewing and distillery – wanted to infuse the flavors of the area into his beer. And what better way than to brew beer in an old bourbon barrel!

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

From an old bourbon barrel, the award-winning Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale was born! Alltech Lexington Brewing Co. gets seasoned barrels from the finest distilleries in Kentucky and then ages its beer in them for up to 6 weeks. The resulting beer is flavored with subtle hints of vanilla, oak, and caramel. It’s by far the breweries most popular beer, even spawning other brews such as Kentucky Peach Barrel Wheat Ale and the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale Stout. Alltech Kentucky Brewing Co. is careful to only select the most premium barrels for aging, barrels only used once to age bourbon, creating the most robust final product in its beer.

Are you ready to try some Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale yet? You’re in luck because Tricky Fish is proud to offer this delicious craft beer at our Richardson restaurant! 

We seek out unique craft beers from all over the country, offering new flavors you may be unfamiliar with. Our goal is to find pure, quality ales – such as the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – and introduce them to a whole new audience here in the Dallas area.

Not sure Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is right for you? Tricky Fish has a full selection of premium craft beers, signature cocktails, and sippin’ whiskies sure to please.

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The Perfect Lunch: Po' Boys at Tricky Fish

Po’ Boys are a New Orleans favorite dating back to the early 1900s when former railroad conductors turned restaurant owners, Benny and Clovis Martin, began serving free sandwiches to some of their conductor buddies who were on strike. Many referred to these guys as “poor boys,” and the free sandwiches quickly took on the name of “po’ boy sandwiches.” At least that’s the story we’ve heard.

No matter the origins, po’ boy sandwiches are a staple in New Orleans, and now that Tricky Fish is open in Richardson’s CityLine complex, you can now get your hands on some authentic po’ boys yourself! We are your New Orleans style restaurant!

Each of our delicious po’ boy sandwiches starts with fresh, simple ingredients. Our mama told us to start with simple ingredients, and not to over-complicate things. (Always listen to mama.)

Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles sit a top a crusty French bread loaf, which is then filled with your choice of the following:

·     Fried Shrimp or Catfish: Easily our most popular po’ boy, this traditional favorite features flaky, crispy seafood coupled with our homemade tartar sauce. We love the shrimp, but the choice is yours!

·     Blackened Catfish or Chicken: Looking for a lighter option? Ditch the fried and go blackened! Our blackened catfish and chicken is marinated then cooked to perfection and the po’ boy is coupled with a zesty horseradish cream.

·     Roast Beef: Tender roast beef and provolone melt in your mouth! Horseradish cream perfectly compliments the beef.

·     Fried Oyster B.L.T.: Give our “oyster loaf” a try! You’ll love the flavor of the fried oysters paired with our savory homemade bacon jam and tartar sauce.

Join us at Tricky Fish in Richardson, Texas this week for lunch and try one of our amazing po’ boys! Served with fries or our house slaw, you’ll be rolling back to the office.

Tricky Fish's Fried Catfish Po' Boy Sandwich!

Give the Perfect Gift: Tricky Fish Gift Cards Available Now!

So we’re new to CityLine in Richardson, Texas and we know many people haven’t had the pleasure of trying our new restaurant yet.

Why not make it easy for your friends, coworkers, and family to try our restaurant – give them the gift of Tricky Fish gift cards!

Tricky Fish gift cards are available in any denomination. Just visit our new restaurant location in CityLine of Richardson and ask to get a gift card or two.

Your friends will be thrilled to experience our casual dining experience, bringing the simple pleasures of life to every meal. Tricky Fish has Southern fare: delicious shrimp etouffee, Tillamook mac and cheese topped with shrimp, kitchen sink gumbo, and more. And don’t forget about our craft cocktails, handcrafted with simple ingredients every time.

We’re excited to see that guests are already having great experiences at our Richardson restaurant and bar and sharing those experiences on Yelp:

“Loved the food and the service was great! We will definitely be returning. Had a great time.” – Dylan in Addison, TX

“So so so impressed with Tricky Fish!!! I’m so excited to see all of the new restaurants opening at City Line and this one is fantastic! We traveled to NOLA earlier this year and the food here was straight out of Louisiana. The craft cocktails were delicious, complex, and didn’t have any rediciulously unnecessary ingredients like a lot of places add to their craft cocktail menus. The happy hour deals are good too!” – QH in Forney, TX

“We will be back… Frequently. Great place for families, dates, and business. At almost every table there are outlets to charge your phone or laptop and a bar to sit and work after hours. The mac and cheese is incredible!” - Rikki in Rowlett, TX

So if you are looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything, give them a night out at our Richardson restaurant and bar! Tricky Fish gift cards are always the right size!

Sippin' Whiskies to Try Now at Tricky Fish!

As the days get cooler, it feels good to warm up with a glass of bourbon or two. (or three.)

At Tricky Fish, we love bourbon. We’ve gone to great lengths to choose a menu of “sippin’ whiskies” that will impress the palette and challenge you to try something new. Here are a few of our favorite bourbons, on the menu now at Tricky Fish, located in CityLine in Richardson, Texas:

1.  Firestone & Robertson TX Blended Whiskey

Tricky Fish loves supporting local, Texas craft breweries and distilleries. TX is one of our favorites, and not just because it’s produced in Texas, but because it’s just delicious bourbon – pure and simple. It goes down smooth, with sweet hints of honey butter, vanilla bean, oak, pear, and even caramel. But don’t take our word for it! TX was recently awarded the “Best American Craft Whiskey” in the World Spirits Competition.

2.  Booker’s Barrel Strength Whiskey

Hang on to your hats, because Booker’s is a bourbon that packs a punch! Booker’s is raw, uncut and unfiltered bourbon, which means each batch is aged to perfection and then immediately bottled. Nothing is added. You get what you get. Simplicity at it’s finest, and it’s pretty darn good stuff.

3.  Balconies Baby Blue Roasted Corn Whiskey

Want to try something new and different? Give Balconies Baby Blue a try. A departure from the typically craft bourbon, Baby Blue is crafted using roasted blue corn, creating a bourbon with a distinctive nuttiness and complex nose. Who knew blue corn could create such an amazing, award-winning sippin’ whiskey?!

4.  Stranahan’s Rocky Mountain Single Malt Whiskey

Distilled in Colorado, Stranahan’s whiskey contains only 4 ingredients: 100% malted barley, Rocky Mountain water, yeast, and time in the barrel. Somehow these simple ingredients are perfectly blended to create smooth whiskey - and call us crazy - but we swear we taste the mountains in every sip!

Ready to relax and sip some bourbon? Join us at Tricky Fish for lunch, dinner, or happy hour in Richardson, Texas.  

We can't wait to meet you!