Prime rib at the H3 Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas
During my spring break last week, my good friend Brenda Vieux, our friend Robert, and I traveled to Fort Worth, Texas to visit Brenda’s daughter Josey Foscalina at Texas Christian University (TCU). Josey is a student in the Ranch Management Program at TCU. This intense program provides a select group of students the education needed to develop a personalized ranch plan, which is critical for a balanced environment for sustaining and improving the quality of our U.S. beef. When Josey graduates, she will return to Fremont, California to help manage the Vieux family’s cow-calf operation.
While in Fort Worth we visited TCU and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Stockyards is an area of entertainment and shopping venues that capitalize on the “Cowtown” image of Fort Worth. The city of Fort Worth is often referred to as “Where the West Begins.” Rory Churchfield, Josey’s boyfriend, works at the Stockyards as a cowboy. He helps care for the animals and provides entertainment and education during the cattle drive and Cow Camp. His time at the Stockyards provides him the opportunity to try the surrounding restaurants.
At Rory’s suggestion we dined at the H3 Ranch, adjoining the Stockyard Hotel. We sat in the main dining room with the open grill. H3 has an extensive beef menu, from which we ordered four different cuts: filet mignon, prime rib, smoked sirloin, and rib eye. We also ordered a halfrack of pork ribs. Prior to the entrée, a small round of warm sourdough with whipped butter was served. The entrees were served with salad and a baked potato or corn. All of the cuts of beef were cooked to perfection.
The H3 Ranch filet
The H3 Ranch rib eye steak
The H3 Ranch pork ribs
How much fun is this? We love eating corn cooked in the husk!
Brenda wanted wine to accompany the meal. We were happy to see ALL California wines on the menu. She was surprised there were no Texas wines, as she has a bottle at home unopened. Having not opened it yet, she became suspicious and now thinks that maybe it is best left unopened. Instead of wine, I chose a Texas beer – Buffalo Butt from Rahr & Sons Brewing. The Buffalo Butt is described as a rich, amber lager. Lagers are not my preference, but I wanted something local and it served that purpose.
Rahr & Sons Buffalo Butt Beer
Should you happen to be in Forth Worth, specifically at the Fort Worth Stockyards, take time to eat at the H3 Ranch.The meat is delicious and the atmosphere is western – heck, they had saddles at the bar, assorted mounts and a neon sign advertising their Rib Hand Washing Station on the back wall!
~Susie Calhoun