by Andrew Chalk
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Last Thursday, it was Max’s Wine Dive located in Fort Worth’s buzzing West 7th Street area. The restaurant hosted one of the most macabre dining events I have been to anywhere in the area: a 12-course Alice In Wonderland themed dinner with matching wines. The event, apparently a creative joint venture between GM Chad Wherry, execuchef Stefon Rishel and, from corporate, Alex Bell the Max’s chain “Creative Content Manager” (as well as being involved with wine buying).
Staff dressed up as characters from the book with Alex Bell as the Mad Hatter who proceeded to punctuate gaps between courses with a rhyming dialog that he had memorized (!) based loosely around the food and the book.
Guests got into the occasion too with many dressed up as characters or just with bizarre outfits. Small wonder that the restaurant was closed off for the event which sold out. Max’s is considering more similarly whacko events and advise Crave to expect one in Dallas. To hear about it, sign up to Max’s mailing list on the web site.
The Wonderland Menu
“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, very gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Chapter 1: Down the Rabbit Hole – Rabbit Roulade, Rabbit Mousse, Parsley Gelee, Carrot “Dirt”
Chapter 2: Pool of Tears – Melon Encompassed, Tomato Consommé
Chapter 3: The Caucus Race – Duo of Oxtail and Pigtail, Pearl Onions, Combined Reduction
Curiouser and curiouser!” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Chapter 4: The Rabbit Sends a Little Bill – Savory Petit Four, Crispy Painted Shell
Chapter 5: Advice from the Caterpillar – Smoked Mushroom, Herb Salad
Chapter 6: Pig and Pepper – Peppered Pork Tenderloin, Cherry Gastrique
Chapter 7: Mad Tea Party – Tea-Smoked Duck Tea Sandwich
Chapter 8: Queens Croquet Grounds – Salmon Croquettes, Dill Aioli
Chapter 9: The Mock Turtle – Confit Chicken Thigh, “Turtle” Stew
Chapter 10: The Lobster Quadrille – Lobster Bisque, Sherry Syrup
Chapter 11: Who Stole the Tarts? – Mini Fried Pies
Chapter 12: Alice’s Evidence – Animal Crackers with Confectioner’s Icing
