Major cities across the country host their own restaurant week, showcasing the talents of chefs, bartenders, and every level of the dining scene. Last year, a couple of Denton favorites were included in the Dallas Restaurant Week, but this town has an evolving and exciting food scene that deserves its own week to revel in the spotlight.

Fork Week will take place April 10th through the 16th, and local restaurants will have the opportunity to showcase a premiere plate, cocktail and food pairing, or planned menu to show the hungry bellies of Denton what they are made of. Participants will only include local and small businesses — we’re not bringing On the Border into this, y’all — and is a great way to support local commerce and the thriving dining scene.

Of course, we have a philanthropic note: $5 from each purchase of the special Fork Week offering will be donated to the Denton Community Food Center, so you can stuff your face and give back at the same time.

We’re canvassing the town passing out letters and talking to managers or owners, and we're getting pretty damn excited about it. From the delicious small plates at Texas Tapas, to the amazing noodles at Komodo Loco, to a perfectly curated meat and cheese plate with paired wine at Wine^2, there will be a little something for everybody, and a whole week to enjoy it all.

Since stepping into the role of Food Editor for The Dentonite, I am constantly in awe of what this town is capable of when it comes to the kitchen. Denton is home to some amazingly talented cooks, bartenders, waiters, and chefs, and as someone who has spent going on 15 years in the service industry, I am so excited to see this city shine in all things food and drink.

Cheers!

Header image design by Brittany Keeton