Thumbs Up for CrushCraft Thai, & More Reviews

Scott Reitz checked out CrushCraft Thai: This Quadrangle spot has "ushered a new style of Thai food into its Uptown neighborhood," a departure from the "sweet and heavy" fare at Americanized Thai spots. Reitz's go-to dish is the laap isaan (aka larb gai), ground beef accented with lime, chiles and toasted rice; other good choices are the moo ping, "grilled pork and a papaya salad with sticky rice," a spicy catfish and eggplant curry called pla phat pik and an even spicier kra pow. Chile heads can add more spice at the condiment bar, and don't miss the addictive sweet-and-sour sauce made with fish sauce, lime and chiles. [Observer]

Leslie Brenner reviewed Resto Gastro Bistro: The critic is decidedly not a fan of the decor here, but says that despite some missteps, "much of what [Chef DJ] Quintanilla sends out of the kitchen is pretty good." Best best include lobster mousse corn dogs, "nicely tempuraed rock shrimp [wraps]," a chopped Chinese chicken salad and a reimagined chicken piccata. Less successful are the meat dishes like pork shank, short ribs and veal cheeks, which are overwhelmed by heavy sauces. Despite its flaws, though, "it's worth considering a stop here, should you be looking to dine at Trinity Groves." Two stars. [DMN]

Teresa Gubbins went to Barter: The Uptown space that formerly housed Private Social (and then PS) "finally seems to be clicking as Barter" thanks to a menu designed by Tim Love and a kitchen run by Woodshed Smokehouse alum Andrew Dilda. "Trademarks include steak sold by the ounce and sausage made in-house," plus Tuaca-roasted acorn squash, truffle mac and "ably executed" poutine that "might have benefited from less gravy." A couple dishes, like striped bass tostadas and soft-shell crab fajitas, lean toward "Asian-Mexican fusion." Tiki brunch seems "tailor-made for the young neighborhood" with dishes like spicy chicken wings and pancakes and loco moco; the Bloody Marys and mimosas could use some work, though. [DFW.com]

ELSEWHERE: Fort Worth Weekly went to Velvet Taco and La Marea; Daniel Vaughn reviewed Matus Pit Bar-B-Q in Caldwell; DFW.com tried Jibaritos' in Bedford; The Barbecue Fiend checked out Woodshed Smokehouse; Eat This Fort Worth offered their best brunch picks.

[Photo: Garrett Hall/EDFW]