Specials and new menus appear in my inbox every day, and I’m always grateful for that, as it means I get to see when fresh restaurants are coming to town. This week, we’re checking out some spots that have either just opened their doors or are completing finishing touches.
Our first eatery is an establishment coming soon to dish out global and South African dishes in Keller. Next up on my list is a Fort Worth joint with a rather unique theme — Italy meets Western cinema — and an American restaurant now open for business in Arlington.
Wine and South African cuisine at Umzi Vine & Vibe
It’s not unusual for restaurants to keep their opening date under wraps for a bit, but Umzi Vine & Vibe in Keller turned the mystery into a promotion opportunity. Staff posted on the eatery’s Facebook page July 22 that “the wait is almost over,” and noted that the person who comes closest to guessing the grand opening date will win a wine and cheese tasting experience worth $1,000. The official opening date is still not public, but staff told me the most likely timeline will be late September to early October.
The menu shows a few regional cuisines, but South African food is arguably the spot’s biggest draw. Flavorful dishes such as cherry bacon oepsies, chicken and peri peri pepper sosaties — a kebab — and bobotie, a casserole dish, join boerewors sausage bites with smoor gravy, and steak pie appear along with braai flat-grilled chicken…