By Hannah Barricks
MERCADO JUAREZ
celebrates Mexican Tradition in September
Fort Worth institution Mercado Juarez is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with the return of Chiles en Nogada, a traditional Mexican dish known for its distinctive combination of flavors and colors.
Available Sept. 11-20, the seasonal specialty is part of a month of celebrations at the longtime Tex-Mex restaurant, which has served North Texas diners since 1982.
On Sept. 16, Mercado Juarez will also celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live mariachi music during dinner service and $3 house margaritas. Guests can pair the festivities with the restaurant’s mesquite-fired Tex-Mex favorites.
1651 E. Northside Drive, Fort Worth
EMILIA’S
welcomes new executive chef
Sean Malek has stepped into the executive chef role at The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth, overseeing culinary operations across the property, including Emilia’s, banquets, catering and in-room dining. Malek, who has nearly 20 years of culinary experience, was promoted after serving as the hotel’s executive sous chef since February 2024.
In his new role, Malek will lead menu development and culinary strategy while working alongside acclaimed chef and restaurateur Toni Robertson, who joined the property earlier this year as culinary consultant. His approach emphasizes ingredient-driven cooking, mentorship and a collaborative kitchen culture.
The appointment puts Malek at the helm of Emilia’s regional Italian menu, which highlights seasonal ingredients, house-made pastas, wood-fired cooking and Texas-sourced ingredients. Inspired by Fort Worth’s Italian sister city, Reggio Emilia, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch inside The Crescent Hotel.
3300 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth