Had an amazing dinner at Emilia’s in the Crescent Hotel (Fort Worth) and tried several things off their summer menu!! Everything was so well thought out and delicious. After chatting with the staff, you can really tell how intentional and passionate they are about the dishes and the ingredients that go into them.
Our server, Kevin, was kind and knowledgeable. We even got the chance to chat with Chef Preston, which made the experience even more special. He shared that the meatballs are made with a special blend of six different proteins (wowww!!) and finished with this creamy house-made parmesan cheese foam. The grilled bread that comes with it is perfect for layering with the meatballs, sauce, and cheese for a complete bite!
Arancini has always been a favorite of mine, so we naturally had to order it. I really enjoyed the hint of creamy eggplant inside that perfectly compliments the cheesy risotto ball. The broccolini was simple but so flavorful, and the pistachio pesto paired with was a standout— I need a jar of it asap!!
The potato gnocchi was rich, with a bold romesco sauce balanced by creaminess. The whole bronzino was light, flaky, and not fishy at all. The skin was perfectly crispy and paired well with the mild, buttery fish inside. I’m not even usually into cooked fish, but I’d 100% order this again. The creamy leeks underneath made a really nice savory sauce to scoop up with the fish and veggies (plus shishitos yummm!!)
The braised beef rib was super tender, and the buckwheat polenta cake was a unique and nice pairing for the dish. It reminded me of a savory cornbread with a crispy exterior and soft center.
For dessert, we had the tiramisu and white chocolate cheesecake. Both were great, but I had to try the tiramisu since it’s one of my all-time favorites! Made the traditional way, with thick layers of mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a lush layer of cocoa powder on top — it was a fantastic closer to the evening.
Wine-wise, I absolutely loved the Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc — juicy, crisp, and without being too sweet. A great summer wine, I loved it so much I even asked our server, Kevin if I could take a pic of the bottle haha!
Every dish felt thoughtfully crafted and full of heart. Highly recommend Emilia’s for a special night out or if you’re looking for a meal that’s both elevated and approachable in an elegant yet cozy setting!
