Chicken Scratch Bistro newest on Weatherford’s Square

Food

January 9, 2008

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Wed Jan 09, 2008, 08:22 AM CST

By Janis Saunders

Democrat Food Critic

There is another eating establishment open on the Square. What with the courthouse and other eating places, parking will soon be at a premium. We had to circle around twice before we found a parking space, but when we did find it, the space was right in front of the Chicken Scratch.

I’m glad to see the Square bustling again. Brings back memories, doesn’t it?

The dictionary defines a “bistro” as a small or unpretentious restaurant or tavern. I would describe the Chicken Scratch as homey and comfortable. After all, the building used to house a movie theatre. It has been remodeled and is now a tastefully decorated eating place. It still has the high ceiling, but there is now a lovely little fireplace in the middle of one wall with comfy leather chairs around it and then tables around them. The colors and decor are so soothing you want to sit down, have a bite to eat and carry on a conversation with an interesting tablemate. I had Jim.

As soon as we sat down we were asked what we would like to drink. We replied, “tea.” The next question was “sweet or unsweetened?” We gave our answer and then started looking over the menu.

Chicken Scratch has fresh salads, soups, hot and cold sandwiches. quiche and desserts. As usual it took me a while to make up my mind. I couldn’t decide whether to order a salad or sandwich. I finally chose the “Parker County” salad. It consists of grilled sirloin steak, spring greens, artichoke hearts, toasted walnuts and feta cheese with a citrus vinaigrette. It made my mouth water just reading about it. Jim chose the “House” salad. It had baby spinach, greens, romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion slices, shredded five-cheese blend and house dressing.

While waiting for our food, we talked with Kenneth Harrison, a son-in-law of Carolyn Stewart, who along with her husband, Bill, is the matriarch of the family. In fact, the restaurant is owned by members of the Stewart family. Kenneth’s wife, Carrie, is a daughter as is Katy Early and husband, Clint. Jennifer Harvey and husband, Randy, then son, Brian, and Jill McGrath.

A lot of the menu items are named after grandkids, so no family member is left out in the cold. When I say this is a family business, it is really a family business.

While we were there I noticed Kenneth and Carrie’s daughter cleaning off one of the tables. She looked like she was about 11 or 12, so she is getting an early start in the family business.

Our food arrived and the presentation was really attractive. When it looks good, the chances of it tasting good are in your favor. My salad was good with plenty of sirloin strips resting on top along with the artichokes and the dressing was on the side which I like. I got to taste of it first to be sure the citrus vinaigrette was good. It was!

Jim’s salad filled the plate and was enough to satisfy a hungry man easily.

The hot and cold sandwiches come with one side, which can be a fruit, potato or pasta salad or Kettle chips.

The two young ladies in the photo were at the Chicken Scratch to eat and talk. The atmosphere of the restaurant lends itself to that easily. By the smiles on their faces, you could tell they were enjoying themselves. They topped off their lunch with slices of pie that looked “good enough to eat!” We’ll try some pie next time we’re there.

You can get espresso, hot or cold, plus frappe (blended coffee) or hot chocolate and other fountain type drinks.

All in all, I think the Chicken Scratch is a good addition to our Square. Their hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is (817) 594-6226 or fax (817) 594-6776

Drop in and say hi. (It’ll probably be a family member either greeting you or doing kitchen duty.) Enjoy your dining experience.

u

Janis Saunders may be reached at jks4417@aol.com. Columns submitted to The Weatherford Democrat by guest writers reflect the opinions of the writer and in no way reflect the beliefs or opinions of The Weatherford Democrat.

Text Only

Food

Harvest food is just around the corner
The calendar says it’s almost autumn, and that means time for harvest festivals and good food.
The word is out — pumpkins may be scarce this year, so if you need pumpkin for that pie, buy now so you won’t be without when Halloween and Thanksgiving roll around.

September 20, 2011 1 Photo
School ‘daze’
I can’t believe summer is over for thousands of kids. Now begins nights of homework, tests and maybe sports of some kind.
My grandson, Jeffrey, started school in Plano Monday and came home with homework in four subjects. I can’t ever remember having homework assigned on the very first day of school. Things have really changed.

August 23, 2011
Pretty peachy in Parker County
As a cook, I look forward to certain times of the year. One is pecan time in Texas, and the other is Parker County peach season.
There is nothing any better on a summer day than a juicy, fresh peach. Peaches are versatile as well, and there are peach recipes that have been around for years.

July 12, 2011 1 Photo
El Rey Taqueria — the small restaurant with big taste
At 1213 Fort Worth Highway, there is a little jewel of a restaurant. El Rey Taqueria has been open four months serving good homestyle Mexican food.

July 5, 2011 1 Photo
Sis-boom-bah
I cannot believe June is almost gone and July is waiting in the wings. We are in he middle of a heat wave as far as I’m concerned. I love summer, but I don’t want the temperature to go above 90 degrees. Of course, Mother Nature doesn’t listen to me, and she gives us what she wants us to have.

June 28, 2011 1 Photo
Summer’s bounty is here!
I love the months of June, July and August. School is out and I will get to see my grandkids who live in Plano more often. It’s also swim time at our place, cookouts, family get togethers and shopping for those lovely, luscious vegetables and fruits that are in the markets and stores.

June 14, 2011 1 Photo
Brother Ed and Brother John
I’ve written many times about the fun I had whenever I got to be around my cousins in Comanche County. I always hoped we would go on a Friday evening. That way June, John, Claudia, Gary and I would have a chance to play all day Saturday. On Sunday more cousins would show up.

June 8, 2011
Have we gone too far?
Late night TV is a vast wonderland for those of us who have trouble sleeping at night or choose to stay up late.
Last night I saw the ultimate, most useless item being hawked on one of the shopping networks. It was for an automobile automatic lap top computer.

May 24, 2011
The best friend I ever had — May 11, 2011
As a child, I never knew the joy of having a dog. My mother didn’t think a dog should live in the city. I accepted her feelings, but when I had a family and my girls wanted a dog, they got a dog. Whiskey, a stray, was named by the family who first found her because of her color. When their son went away to college, they didn’t want to keep her, so we got her. She fit in just fine, and for 11 years she was a part of our family.

May 10, 2011 1 Photo
Wow, what a week it was!
This past week, in my estimation, was momentous. First, the royal wedding of Kate and Wills (as he is known in England). It was a beautiful wedding with all the pomp and circumstance of royalty.
Wills and his brother Harry gave it a little comic relief. Harry was very cheeky as the English called him. Wills had a grin on his face as if he was enjoying himself.

May 3, 2011
More Food Headlines

Food

Search Results

Chicken Scratch Bistro newest on Weatherford’s Square

Ten states (and more are expected) were granted leeway on No Child Left Behind standards for math and language testing scores. Is that OK?

Site Map

Contact Weatherford Democrat