Lili's Bistro on Magnolia

...and I dont mean sailors, either. I know, it was a quick shot at the US Navy, but as an old Jarhead I couldnt resist. The squid I am referring to is the refreshing Calamari Saute which I happened upon at Lilis Bistro.
As for you skeptics (I once was too), please indulge me; you can find something other than the oily, rubbery, fish-smelling onion rings that weve gotten so used to in this side of the world. With tangy and bold ingredients, this dish creates a synergy of flavors that make you temporarily forget that you are in land-locked Fort Worth.
The Calamari at Lilis has an uncanny freshness which delighted the palate and invoked in me fond and distant memories of Mediterranean seaports and the open-air seafood markets that lined the streets next to the bays. The olives in it really brought all of the elements of the dish together, but not in a presumptuous manner. And the zesty feta crumbles made me sigh with every bite.
To complete my maudlin escapade down memory lane, the service at this establishment was top-notch, reminiscent of European dining as far as attention to detail and tableside etiquette. My smiling server was always there when I needed anything; however, her presence wasnt at all obtrusive. The place was packed, but she made me feel as if I were the only patron there.
In closing, I would like to say Bravo! to Lilis, and a simple thanks, for taking a Marine back to his globe-trotting days around the Mediterranean. And also, to any and all sailors who may have been offended by my previous indiscretion- come by some time, Ill buy the 1st beer and we can bust each others chops for a while.

Calamari Saute $10
Calamari rings sauted with garlic and red pepper flakes, Kalamata olives, tomatoes and green onions. Topped with feta crumbles.

Posted 06/19/08 | Report Abuse

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Johnson J. interesting how you took "Brulee" and "Dessert T's" comments at face value and as the absolute truth but discounted my response. How do you come to those conclusions? You are certainly entitled to your and predetermined and misinformed opinion. Every disagreement between a black and white person is not racist. Hey maybe their attitude towards me and my place was because I was white. Sounds kind of silly when you put it like that doesn't it. Or maybe they were just bad guests. You've been very quick to judge, I would prefer you not become a guest of Lili's.

Posted 06/19/08 | Report Abuse

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These accounts are very disturbing. First I am confused as to why an honest businessman would not remove a five dollar item from a bill if a customer is dissatisfied. What ever happened to customer service? I'ts obvious that the owner thought that the customer's attitude was inappropriate and I'm fine with that; However, I am not fine with the fact that he related her, possibly, negative attitude with her skin color , that is pure racism!!!!

It is NEVER OK to call a customer a "Dumb B" If this guy has been in business any time at all, he knows that not every customer will be satisfied with every dish, but you cannot verbally attack an unhappy customer. I appreciate the owner's attempt to justify his behavior, however there is no justifying this type of racist, sexist attitude. When in Fort Worth I will definitely find somewhere else to dine.

Posted 06/18/08 | Report Abuse

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You have to love these sites that don't require fact checking. I hardly know where to begin to address the inaccuracies of the two posted comments. However, I'll begin with the parts that are true; These two guests did order an item that I refused to remove from the ticket and I did ask (told) them to please not return. This was based on their poor and rude attitude towards the server throughout their visit and immediate aggressive, superior and supercilious behavior, towards me. Some people are just of the nature that they seek out controversy. I have little patience for that. Anything racist, sexist, or misogynist is subject to interpretation and I respect their prerogative to interpretation. She was quick to point out that she was an attorney and would be calling the police to prefer charges based on God only knows what.To which she did. Naturally no charges were filed, however, the process was delayed due to the fact she insisted on having a black officer present. But I'm the racist? Also what was not mention was I had to physically back up her companion after he charged me. All this over a $5.00 item I wouldn't remove. In retrospect, it certainly would have been more prudent on my part to remove the item rather that standing on principal. In closing, this was a ridiculous and near silly situation that took on a life of it's own and should have never occurred, For that I own the responsibility. When the guests were finally leaving, after having wasted the time of 5 officers and Sargent, they were offered an apology for the general and overall senseless of the occurrence. They refused and when approached by officers to clarify that an apology was forthcoming, they refused again. As I said, there are those that need to create constant chaos and controversy. I'm not one of them Life's too short. Lili's has and will continue to pride ourselves on our quality of food and service.

Posted 06/07/08 | Report Abuse

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