Fort Worth's culinary scene is as diverse as it is dynamic, with many passionate chefs sharing their knowledge and expertise inside cookbooks after years of traveling the nation, honing their skills, and gleaning new techniques to bring back home. West Fort Worth compiled a list of four such culinary masters, local legends Scotty Scott, Grady Spears, John Bonnell, and Tim Love, who penned cookbooks that reflect their unique takes on Texas cuisine to share with our readers. On the page of each book, the chefs weave recipes with storytelling to give a taste of their take on Fort Worth dining. Whether you're craving Southern comfort food, hearty cowboy fare, sophisticated Texas dishes, or inventive twists on classic flavors, these cookbooks offer something for every palate.
Scotty Scott - Fix Me a Plate
Scotty Scott's debut cookbook, Fix Me a Plate, offers a vibrant collection of comfort foods infused with his signature style, already known by his many social media followers. As a child, Scott often found himself in the kitchen alongside his mother and father, who deeply inspired his future endeavors. At home, his parents cooked for large family gatherings and were barbecue enthusiasts. Scott's background manifested a desire to entertain and educate, leading him to create a foodie blog, "Cook Drank Eat," where he posts engaging cooking videos. Scott uses the channel to translate his playful style into accessible recipes that honor well-known soul foods and his family's culinary traditions, occasionally introducing viewers to regional dishes like Gullah red rice. The book blends family favorites and Scott's innovative take on soul food, making it a must-have for anyone exploring soulful Southern cooking with a modern twist.
Grady Spears - The Texas Cowboy Kitchen
Grady Spears, a celebrated Texas chef, brings the rugged spirit of the cowboy, who roams the plains with cattle, setting up camp at night and cooking food over a flame, to his book The Texas Cowboy Kitchen. Born in Fort Worth, Spears initially had no formal culinary training. After starting his career in the hospitality industry, he eventually began cooking at the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas, where he quickly made a name for himself. In Cowboy Kitchen, Spears defines the hearty, rustic meals that characterize cowboy cuisine, featuring recipes as bold as the Lone Star State itself. From chicken-fried steak to jalapeño cheese grits, Spears successfully captures the essence of Texas cooking, making this book a staple for fans of Southwestern flavors and traditional cowhand fare.
John Bonnell - Fine Texas Cuisine
In Fine Texas Cuisine, Chef John Bonnell takes Texas cooking to new heights by merging local ingredients with gourmet techniques. A highly regarded chef, Bonnell is known for showcasing the Fort Worth flavors with a refined and sophisticated touch, appearing on various cooking shows as a hometown ambassador, and contributing to culinary education through teaching and public speaking. In his first cookbook of four, Bonnell showcases a range of dishes, focusing on seasonal ingredients from wild game to fresh Gulf seafood. Bonnell's approach is rooted in a respect for tradition that still pushes the boundaries of what Texas cuisine can be, offering refined recipes that are approachable for home cooks.
Tim Love - On the Lonesome Dove Trail
Tim Love's On the Lonesome Dove Trail takes readers on a culinary journey through the flavors of the American West. Inspired by his famed restaurant, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, established in 2000, Love's cookbook is filled with innovative recipes that marry Western heritage with contemporary techniques. The book features everything from game meats to inventive takes on classic dishes, making it a unique addition to any cook's library.