Category: Bakery News

Celebrate National Tequila Day 2021

Taco Cabana will have $2 margaritas on National Tequila Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

National Tequila Day is around the corner on Saturday, July 24, and whether you like your tequila in a glass or a croissant, frozen or on the rocks, these local businesses have the perfect way to celebrate. For an at-home celebration, Twang is sharing a delicious Cerveza Rosa recipe, while San Antonio staple La Panadería is serving up house blend frozen margaritas in addition to their traditional Tequila Almond Croissants. EVO Entertainment is welcoming movie lovers back to the theaters with seven margarita offerings, and New Braunfels establishments 188 South and Krause’s Café are creating specialty margaritas available for a limited time. (La Panadería, EVO Entertainment, Taco Cabana, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 188 South, Twang, 2021)

** Update: July 21, 2021

Taco Cabana is now including a $3 bundle in addition to their $2 margaritas. This means that any margarita plus choice of shredded chicken or bean and cheese taco will be $3. Offer will be available this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

La Panadería
Since opening in 2014, La Panadería’s claim to fame has been their signature Tequila Almond Croissant boasting a golden, airy exterior and sweet tequila-infused almond paste filling — a creative twist on the classic French pastry. For the first time, guests can now pair this signature pastry with “Besos,” La Panadería’s offering of house blend and frozen margaritas and Frosé, available exclusively at La Cantera Heights. La Panaderia has three locations and online ordering to best serve the San Antonio area this National Tequila Day.

EVO Entertainment
Movies are making a comeback and EVO Entertainment has seven specialty margaritas to enjoy, all made with EVO’s very own select tequila. Choices include a zesty Jalapeño Margarita, a Watermelon Margarita, a Paloma, a Beer-Rita and their signature Midnight Rambler. This National Tequila Day, grab a drink and relax in one of EVO’s luxury loungers while enjoying one of the year’s blockbusters.

Taco Cabana
Celebrate National Tequila Day with $2 margaritas at Taco Cabana. With eight flavors including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon, and Dragonfruit, Taco Cabana is the ultimate margarita stop. The popular Pickle Margarita is also available at select locations for just $2, and guests have the option to add chamoy for no additional cost.

Krause’s Café + Biergarten
In celebration of National Tequila Day, Krause’s Café + Biergarten in New Braunfels is serving up a special cocktail appropriately called Beat the Heat for a holiday in late July. This take on a margarita includes tequila, lime juice, agave, ancho reyes with a chamoy and Tajin rim garnished with jalapeño and lime. Guests can take a break from floating the river to grab a refreshing treat at Krause’s Café for $6.00 on Saturday, July 24.

Krause’s Café + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX

188 South
To commemorate National Tequila Day, 188 South in New Braunfels will be offering a refreshing Strawberry Basil Margarita worthy of a celebration. The cocktail is made with strawberry, basil, Cointreau, Dulce Vida Tequila and agave, and garnished with a lime wheel. The cocktail can be enjoyed at 188 South on Saturday, July 24 for $11.

188 South
188 S Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX

Twang
For those planning to stay in, Twang and Aaron Pena, owner/bartender at The Squeezebox and Amor Eterno in San Antonio, TX, have just the cocktail to appropriately celebrate National Tequila Day.

See recipe below:
• Twang Paloma Love grapefruit rimming salt
• .5 oz. lemon juice
• .5 oz. simple syrup
• 1.5 oz. Tequila
• Top with champagne served in a flute rimmed with Twang Paloma Love

 

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National Tequila Day

Celebrate Independence Day with La Panadería

La Panadería’s red, white, and blue pan dulce, the Tres Leches Croissant. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Returning just in time for Independence Day Weekend, San Antonio staple La Panadería will bring back its patriotic-themed croissant, available at its Broadway, Houston St. and La Cantera Heights locations for a limited time July 2 through July 4. A delectable addition to this year’s July 4 festivities, La Panadería will offer its popular Tres Leches Croissant filled with strawberries and cream, and topped with red, white & blue frosting. The Independence Day treat will be available to order online and in-store. (Giant Noise for La Panadería, 2021)

Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that have since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce, and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.

La Panaderia brings boozy coffee to La Cantera Heights menu

La Panaderia now offering boozy coffee and caffeine free options at La Cantera Heights location. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

San Antonio favorite La Panaderia recently opened a third location in La Cantera Heights, bringing their signature pan dulce to Northwest San Antonio with a new, fun, caffeinated addition – boozy coffee. Their boozy coffee options are now available as part of the new location’s extended bar program, and is available exclusively at La Cantera Heights. Guests can delight in signature sips such as the Carajillo (Espresso + Licor 43), the Frida Kahlo (Espresso + Kahlua), and the Paolo Rossi (Espresso + Grand Marnier) in addition to classic brunch cocktails and mimosa kits. The new coffee cocktails are the perfect addition to the brunch menu and can be paired with classic dishes such as the Ranchero Eggs Benedictine, French Toast or the unique new “Elvis” Croissant, filled with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. (La Panadería, 2021)

For those looking for a caffeine-free beverage, the new bar program also includes “Besos” (La Panaderia’s house blend margarita, frozen margarita and Frosé) and select wines from Texas, California and France.

Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that have since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.

 

First impression: Sweet Craft Vegan

Sweet Craft Vegan’s Mexican wedding cookies. Photo: Sandra Cruz

I confess, I do not have a sweet tooth, but every once in a while I like to indulge. This past weekend, I wanted to try the pastries from Sweet Craft Vegan because I believe in supporting small local businesses, especially if they are a vegan business. There are not that many here in the Rio Grande Valley, so of course I was diving in.

I was running out of time because it was almost closing time but I made it there with only a half hour to spare. That was after having to consult a map because I was not sure I was in the right place. With no visible business sign, I had to walk around to be able to find it because, after all, I was on a culinary mission. And there it was, right after an insurance company. My efforts were about to be rewarded with some sweet, sweet pastries; I was craving the gansitos.

Unfortunately, everything was sold-out except for some Mexican wedding cookies. Who can say no to those savory, but messy powdered sugar delights? They come in see-through eco-cups – eight of them for $6. I grabbed two of those cups and struck up a conversation with Amanda Nolan, the owner. Her online business has been around for a while, but the brick and mortar Sweet Craft Vegan has been at that location only for about a month and they are working on putting up a business sign. The fact that she sells out of inventory almost every day is a good sign. Brownsville can sure use more businesses like these that cater to a public demand for more vegan food. Trust me when I tell you that those Mexican wedding cookies are so good, I will be back for more, and I am hoping Amanda perfects that empanada recipe so we can try those soon. It was worth the drive. For now, it is recommended that you call ahead with your order. Try it, you will not be disappointed. 

Here is a sample of what Sweet Craft Vegan has to offer:
* Donuts: biscoff, Oreo, blackberry hibiscus, gansito filled
* Conchas: vanilla tie dye, cookies n cream, chocolate, mazapán, strawberry, choco strawberry swirl
* Slutty brownies
* Hot cocoa rolls
* Vegansitos
* Mexican wedding cookies

Sweet Craft Vegan
1280 W Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd, Suite C
Brownsville, TX 78520
956-443-0443

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Celebrate National Sourdough Bread Day and National Empanada Day in April with La Panadería

La Panadería’s delicious empanadas are available for statewide shipping. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

The month of April is filled with several delicious national food days that you can spend celebrating at La Panadería. Founded by brothers David and Jose Cáceres in 2014 and known for their wonderful pan dulce, fresh breads and other delectable menu items, their bakeries have become a staple for San Antonians and visitors to the Alamo City. (La Panadería, 2021)

Kick off April with National Sourdough Bread Day on April 1 with La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking. The technique includes a 48-hour fermentation process and a double baking technique that results in artisan baked goods unlike any other. Loaves of La Panaderia’s delicious sourdough can be purchased in store, and Chef David even shared a tutorial for bread lovers to bake at home.

Shortly after comes National Empanada Day on April 8. La Panadería’s signature empanadas have layers of flaky pastry on the outside, fruit-filled insides, and an exterior dusted with sugar that is guaranteed to sweeten anyone’s day. The delicious empanadas are available in-store or can be shared with friends or family that live across Texas through La Panadería’s statewide shipping option. 

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-cafe La Panadería in 2014 to share their Mexican heritage and love for baking with the people of their adopted hometown of San Antonio, Texas. The Cáceres’ passion for baking began when they were young boys selling loaves of their mother, Doña Josefina’s fresh baked bread on the streets of Mexico City. Eventually José and David took over their mother’s homegrown business and started baking on a large scale, supplying bread and pan dulce for businesses throughout Mexico. After finding financial success in Mexico, the brothers realized they wanted to get back to the basics, and they decided to bring their passion for bread cultura to Texas.

Celebrate National Almond Day with La Panaderia’s Tequila Almond Croissant

La Panaderia’s Tequila Almond Croissant. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

National Almond Day is coming up on Tuesday February 16, and there is no better way to celebrate than with one of La Panadería’s signature Tequila Almond Croissants. La Panadería’s staple Tequila Almond Croissant has a golden, flaky exterior and is dusted with powdered sugar and topped with slices of roasted almonds with a creamy tequila almond filling guaranteed to make National Almond Day sweet. (La Panadería, 2021)

The pastry was created when Chef David Cáceres was experimenting with the traditional almond croissant recipe and did not have rum handy. He instead reached for a bottle of 1800 Reposado Tequila, and the rest is delicious history. The Tequila Almond Croissant is now one of the San Antonio bakery’s best sellers and customers can place orders online for pickup, enjoy in-store or via statewide shipping in Texas.

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-café La Panadería in 2014 to share their Mexican heritage and love for baking with the people of their adopted hometown of San Antonio, Texas. The Cáceres’ passion for baking began when they were young boys selling loaves of their mother, Doña Josefina’s fresh baked bread on the streets of Mexico City. Eventually José and David took over their mother’s homegrown business and started baking on a large scale, supplying bread and pan dulce for businesses throughout Mexico. After finding financial success in Mexico, the brothers realized they wanted to get back to the basics, and they decided to bring their passion for bread cultura to Texas.

Celebrate the season with La Panaderia’s Rosca de Reyes

La Panaderia’s Rosca de Reyes. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

La Panadería continues to share their traditions and bread cultura with San Antonio residents. Starting on Tuesday, December 29, La Panadería will begin selling their traditional Rosca de Reyes for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021. (La Panadería, 2020)

The sweet bread features orange and guava flavors with chocolate and vanilla butter crust and cherries, and in Mexican culture, it is tradition to hide a plastic baby to symbolize baby Jesus. Whoever finds the baby traditionally must throw a party on February 2 for family and friends, though this year they might just oversee sending the Zoom link for a virtual party. As not everyone is familiar with the tradition, La Panadería includes the baby separately so people can hide them on their own.

Guests will have the option to purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.50, a six-pack of small Rosca de Reyes for $24, or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24. Rosca de Reyes can be preordered online starting December 29, 2020.

Pumpkin Spice Roundup – chefs create locally made pumpkin treats

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea from Bao’d Up. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Local chefs celebrate Autumn by taking pumpkin spice season to a whole new level. Get cozy and check out some of these locally-made pumpkin spice creations. (Bao’d Up, EVO Entertainment Group, Bakery Lorraine, 2020)

The Pumpkin Pie Bao is made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pecans all inside a Chinese pumpkin steamed bun. Bao buns are known for being light, fluffy and soft. The filling inside this bao is reminiscent of a freshly-baked pumpkin pie. Ting Lin, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Bao’d Up, is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who is passionate about adapting traditional Chinese dishes like bao to the American palate in interesting and fun ways. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea is a new favorite fall drink. The creamy iced treat is perfect for a crisp fall day. Shaken with pumpkin syrup and spices, this boba tea is the perfect marriage of Chinese and American favorites, which just happens to be Bao’d Up’s specialty. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Bao’d Up is a minority-owned Chinese chain with four locations in and around the Austin area. The concept specializes in Bao or Baozi, which is a famous food category in many Asian countries. Bao’d Up uses a variety of different fillings and experiment with new ways of cooking the bao. Co-founded by tech entrepreneur Alex Wu and Chef Ting Lin, the first location opened in Central Austin’s Mueller Aldrich district on July 25, 2017. The restaurant quickly became popular for its fast-casual business model and technology-driven service platforms, including contact-free food lockers.

EVO Entertainment’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake has returned to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake was the result of a collaborative effort from EVO’s culinary team that returns each fall to the delight of customers. The boozy shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake is available for $8.50. 

EVO Entertainment Group® is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator comprised of a number of innovative brands including EVO® Entertainment, EVO® Cinemas, and EVO® Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO® has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest-growing independent cinema circuits in the country. EVO® Entertainment Group currently employs over 1,000 team members and entertains nearly 3 million guests annually.

San Antonio’s nationally-recognized Bakery Lorraine just released their pumpkin spice macaron for Fall 2020. The shell of the macarons are seasoned with a house-made pumpkin spice blend and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds. Between the shells is an irresistible cream cheese buttercream that makes the macarons reminiscent of a pumpkin roulade. The fall-time treat will be available at all four locations of Bakery Lorraine, which stretch across both Austin and San Antonio.  

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

La Panaderia’s newly expanded outdoor patio now open

La Panaderia’s Broadway location has a newly expanded outdoor patio. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

La Panaderia’s newly expanded outdoor patio is now open for dining at the restaurant’s Broadway location. In a continued effort to provide a safe and socially-distanced environment, customers can now enjoy the perks of al fresco dining, and the restaurant’s signature menu items, in the renovated green space. Customers now have the option of ordering La Panadería’s full menu from the comfort of their table through a new QR code system.  Online ordering for contactless curbside pickup and delivery remain available from La Panadería’s Broadway and Downtown locations. (La Panaderia, 2020)

Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the United States, José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, also draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to bread making includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.

Thanksgiving specials from Bakery Lorraine and La Panaderia

panaderiacroissants
La Panaderia’s Tequila Apple Pie Croissants. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Bakery Lorraine and La Panadería are making it easier than ever to make dessert the star of the big day with delicious pies and croissants for sale. (Bakery Lorraine, La Panadería, 2019)

Bakery Lorraine will have Thanksgiving pies available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Pies can be purchased for $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Sunday, November 24. Pick up day will be Wednesday, November 27, the day before Thanksgiving and pick up time will vary based on location. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Orders can be placed on the Bakery Lorraine website under the “store” tab. From there, customers can set their preferred pick up time and location.

  • Pie flavors include:
    • Roasted In-House Pumpkin Pie
    • Dutch Apple Pie
    • Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie
    • Apple Cranberry with Christmas Spice

La Panaderia is serving up their scrumptious Tequila Apple Pie Croissant this Thanksgiving. The unique pastry is made with a double baking technique and filled with caramelized apples and topped with a sweet crumble. The Tequila Apple Pie Croissant is a spin on the classic American dessert and a delicious blend of cultures.