Photo by Anna Jackson
Neighborhoods all over the city celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday to raise awareness about crime prevention. Briarwood, situated near the Inwood/Lovers area, did something a little different.
Now in its second year, the Briarwood Crime Watch Association hosted “A Taste of Lovers” in which local restaurants along Lovers Lane donated food and set up tasting stations. The setting? The backyard vineyard of neighbor Brad Griffith. Hundreds of residents turned out for the event.
The restaurants included Celebration, Eatzi’s, Empire Baking Co., Campisi’s, Rex’s Seafood, Mesero’s, Trader Joe’s and Sonny Bryan’s, as well as sweet shops, Gigi’s Cupcakes and Tart Bakery (which are in the running for Advocate’s best dessert in Preston Hollow).
A few tastings stood out, including the offering from Trader Joe’s, one of the newer additions to Lovers Lane. It didn’t look like much in the serving bowl, but the mixture of ready-to-eat steamed lentils, crumbled feta and bruschetta sauce made for a surprisingly great combination — easily a new Trader Joe’s obsession. Empire Baking Co. served mini sandwiches. Curry lovers must try the curry chicken salad sandwich. Available in the retail store, it’s made with toasted almonds, mayonnaise, raisins, lemon juice and chopped celery on raisin Pumpernickle bread.
See more photos from Briarwood volunteer, Anna Jackson:
