Erin Ratigan – Fort Worth Report
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation’s third annual open-air Night Market is Nov. 13, and we’re sharing a taste of what dishes and drinks will be served.
Sixteen beverage makers and 17 culinary concepts will roll into Panther Island Pavilion, bringing sips and bites until 9 p.m. alongside music from DJ Jason Esquire. Early access tickets are $89 with 5:30 p.m. admission. General admission tickets are $65 with 6:30 p.m. entry. Both options cover the cost of all food and drinks.
Proceeds from the event will go to FWFWF’s scholarship and grant programs, and attendees will also get first access to tickets for the 2026 Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, according to a PR email.
“Guests will experience flavors inspired by destinations from Mumbai to Mexico City,” the email mentioned, “alongside craft cocktails and live music, all while discovering emerging culinary talent from North Texas.”
A few restaurants are still working on their menus, but here’s a look at what we know will be on offer:
Knight Out – Ossy Avila<br />Trompo negro – marinated pork and pineapple on blue corn tortillas served with salsa, cilantro, onion and lime.
ZAAP Kitchen Lao & Thai Street Eats – Julee Ann Chanthapanya and Kevin Singharaj<br />Khao Poon – Lao coconut and red curry noodle soup
Los Guapos Mexican Street Food – Angel Fuentes and Amanda Yunger<br />Tacos de chicharron en salsa roja
The Dhaba – Rajib Kumar Das<br />Butter chicken with steamed rice
Luckey G’s Bistro – Zameika Williams<br />Spinach dip grilled cheese <br />Jalapeno poppers grilled cheese <br />Chicken pesto grilled cheese <br />Chicken bacon ranch grilled cheese
Leo’s Churro Bar – Jesus Varillas<br />Churros
Dusty Biscuit Beignets – Trey Smith<br />Bourbon Street pecan praline beignets
Pantry on Magnolia – Natasha Bruton<br />Japaleno popper dumpling
The Hamburger Man – Jeffrey Yarbrough<br />Late Night smash burgers
Jon’s Grille – Jon Bonnell<br />Mini corndogs with chili-cheese sauce
Postino – Sergio Reyes<br />Meatballs and goat cheese
Atlas – Jose Estrada<br />Vietnamese beef pho
Muchacho – Geovanny Arredondo<br />Pozole verde
Gold Revolver Food Truck – Joel Walsh<br />Chicken and waffle cones
Other restaurants participating are Duchess at The Nobleman, represented by executive chef Marcus Kopplin, and Belenty’s Love Mexican Vegan Restaurant represented by Marcus and Belen Hicks.
In a press release, FWFWF’s Executive Director Julie Eastman said the Night Market will also feature a cocktail competition where bartenders will compete for bragging rights by crafting a specialty drink, which a panel of judges will evaluate based on taste, creativity, execution and presentation.
Bartender Ethan Goettsch of Clay Pigeon Food & Drink said via social media he and his team are toying with different ideas for their cocktail, including “some tropical and some spirit forward.”
“We are not fully set on one idea as of now,” he said, “but I assure you it’s going to be wild, and technical.”
Other mixologists guests will be:
Drew Arroyo – Amber Room
Jimmie Quintana – Reata Restaurant
Braeden Knight and Jason Pollard – The Usual
James Saulnier – Crystal Springs Hideaway
Lisa Little-Adams – PROPER
Ivan Yi – Ellerbe Fine Foods
Ricky Cleva – Atlas Fort Worth
Travis Lutje – Stewart’s Croquet Club & Cocktails
Caroline Cocker – Sidesaddle Saloon
Conner Hargesheimer – Nickel City
Edwin Gomez – Dirty Laundry Lounge
Tatiana Downey – Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection
Zack Marshall – Westland Bar Co.