Hot Date: American F+B to open in Fort Worth’s West 7th on January 10

The decor is smart and sexy at at american f+b

Jeff Harris has his way with lamb, in this lamb tartare at american f+b

great burger too

Jeff Harris also has his way with scotch eggs, rolled in chorizo then crusted with panko

American F+B will open in Fort Worth’s West 7th development on January 10. The restaurant features chef Jeff Harris’ skillful touch and inventive cuisine, which I previewed a couple of weeks ago as the menu was nearing completion.

I think Harris, formerly the chef at Bolsa and Craft, both in Dallas, is one of the region’s most talented chefs. AF+B (what’s a few letters among friends?) is the sister restaurant of Dallas’ CBD Provisions, which I previewed then raved about here.

Just wait till you try Harris’ house made ricotta, which is so creamy, so deliciously dairy, that you will wonder WTF they put in that store-bought stuff. Harris’ lamb tartare us utterly transporting. Bring your vegan friends so there’ll be more for you.

The 180-seat restaurant was designed by New York-based designer Claudia Woods, who also created the look of CBD Provisions. The dining room isn’t much of a looker, but the horseshoe-shaped, walnut bar up front, draped in cast zinc and framed with reclaimed wood, really shines against the interior’s historic brick walls. While I’m not ready to proclaim AF+B Fort Worth’s best new restaurant of the year based on a very early preview, I’m pretty sure Harris has the moxie to pull it off by opening day.

AF+B will be open daily, 11am to 10pm Monday—Thursday and 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday evenings.