Celebrate National Taco Day at Taco Cabana with $1 tacos. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
On Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to celebrate National Taco Day with special offers available all day long at all Texas locations. Guests can enjoy their choice of Taco Cabana’s classic bean and cheese, shredded chicken, or ground beef tacos for only $1 with no limit. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Guests 21 years of age or older can choose from a selection of $2 frozen margaritas to add to the offer. $1 tacos are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in restaurant, and via mobile order through the MyTC! App.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, and delivery. As of August 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Grant funding is open for culinary innovation and community giveback projects. Photo: google
The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) recently announced that $17,000 in grants will be awarded this year to support culinary innovation and community giveback projects in South Texas. In its ninth year, the unique grant program has provided $441,500 in funding to Texas chefs, artisan producers, culinary nonprofits, and businesses with innovative projects that support the community. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
Grant applications will be accepted beginning Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 24, 2021 via online submission. Grant winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony at Fairmont Austin on December 13 and honored at a local celebration in January.
With the success of the nonprofit’s start in Austin, the organization expanded statewide last year to form the Texas Food & Wine Alliance and for the first time, will award an additional $57,000 in grants total in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Eligible applicants for the Alliance’s one-of-a-kind grant program include farmers, artisan producers, chefs, wine/beer/spirits makers, culinary nonprofits, businesses, and professionals whose projects and initiatives show innovation and impact to the community.
To assist prospective applicants in the grant process, there will be a virtual statewide information session via Zoom at 1p.m., Tuesday, October 12. For registration and information, email Texas Food and Wine Alliance.
San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, one of South Texas’ most impactful culinary nonprofits, is dedicated to fostering education, awareness, and innovation in the South Texas food and wine community. The Alliance’s grant program is the first in the nation to provide funding to support culinary innovation that also gives back to the local community.
Despite the challenges Covid-19 brought to nonprofits, Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) announced a statewide expansion in 2020, allowing it to replicate its innovative grant funding program in Texas’ major cities with a goal to help the stricken culinary communities across the state due to the pandemic. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
“We’re so thrilled to be able to continue with our grant program despite the setbacks inflicted by the pandemic. It’s only through amazing partnerships such as with the great support of HEB, and the generous and supportive culture in San Antonio and South Texas that we’ve been able to raise the funds to award grants this year. These funds will continue to go back into the community through unique and innovative projects.” – Cathy Cochran-Lewis, Grant Chair and Alliance President
Since 2012, Alliance grants have funded innovative local projects such as the state’s first organic apple orchard (Argus Cidery), the first USDA-inspected salumi producer in Texas (Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria), the state’s first locally grown and malted barley to support craft beer production (Blacklands Malt), a unique volunteer program teaching farming skills to diverse populations and culinary students (New Farm Institute at Green Gate Farms), Austin’s first and only community-supported bakeshop (Miche Bread) and a Texas farm producing stress-free, free-range meat while helping wounded veterans (Snodgrass Farms).
“Being able to support and enable the dreams of so many in our community is truly a heartfelt mission for our organization. We are privileged to do this work and are inspired by the many chefs, artisan producers, bartenders, wine- and spirit-makers who have contributed to this remarkable culinary landscape for South Texas. It’s been a challenging year for our nonprofit and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors and partners that have supported us in our mission.” – Gina Burchenal, TFWA Interim Executive Director
Each year, the TFWA board of directors determines the amount of grant funding based on the organization’s fundraising efforts from key signature events, community partnerships, and beneficiary events. The TFWA Grant Judging Committee in each city, composed of a private panel of prominent culinary professionals and community members, will award the 2021 grants based on the grant criteria, application information, and goals of each applicant. Deadline for applications is Sunday, October 24 and all applicants will be notified by Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
This year’s San Antonio grant total is boosted by three specifically funded grants: · H-E-B Grant for $5,000, open to San Antonio area chefs, farmers, artisan producers, food-focused nonprofits, and educational groups that prioritize education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. · Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant for $5,000 awarded to an entrepreneur who has pursued his/her business dream despite setbacks, showing that success often comes from failures, as exemplified by founder Tito Beveridge in the pursuit of his Texas-made vodka · The Truffle Masters Grant for Community Heroes for $2,000 awarded to a chef who has overcome diversity and challenges to bring support to others during a time of crisis to help their community
Additional grant funding of $5,000 will be awarded to more generalized grant projects with special consideration given to initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion within the San Antonio community.
The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support from presenting sponsor H-E-B and key supporters ABC Bank, American Lamb Board, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Austin Monthly, Buffalo Trace, Canopy by Hilton, Con ‘Olio Oils & Vinegars, Fairmont Austin, Fever Tree, Giant Noise, Lifeworks, Pabst Brewing, Patrón Tequila, Premiere Events, Republic National Distributing Company, Siete Family Foods, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Sysco, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and William Grant & Sons.
Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance is committed to promoting Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.
Southerleigh Haute South is celebrating its first anniversary with birthday special. Photo: google
Southerleigh Haute South is celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday September 30 and are inviting guests to join in the celebration and enjoy a complimentary birthday cake float. This anniversary freebie will be open to guests all day, during dining hours, tomorrow at The Rim location until supplies last. (Southerleigh Haute South, 2021)
Throughout the month, guests can also enjoy Haute South’s Happy Hour specials, Monday through Friday, from 3p.m. to 6p.m.
Awarded the 2021 Best New Restaurant at the Culturemap Tastemaker Awards, Southerleigh Haute South offers an approachable atmosphere and memorable experience. In September 2020, Southerleigh Haute South became a part of Southerleigh Hospitality Group and opened its doors to the public. Inspired by Balfour’s Galveston upbringing, Southerleigh Haute South is a fast casual dining experience, with a twist on Gulf Coast-inspired southern comfort food.
Southerleigh Haute South 5822 Worth Parkway Suite 112 San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 236-8556
Taste of the Dominion 2021 will take place October 7, 2021. Photo: google
After a one year hiatus, Taste of the Dominion, San Antonio’s favorite restaurant tasting, returns on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Sponsored and held annually at the exclusive Dominion Country Club, the event features more than 20 restaurants, alcohol tastings, and a silent auction – all benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)
The event is a largely-outdoor event and is one of the few times non-members can visit the Club. Tickets for the event are going fast and available for $50 each.
Silent auction highlights include: · 5 days in a luxury 3-bedroom condominium in Beaver Creek, CO starting at $2,400 · Private wine class for 20 at Total Wines starting at $500 · Whataburger mixed basket with custom sneakers starting at $750 · Private dinner for 10 at Carrabba’s starting at $500 · A Night on the Town in Gruene (4) Gift Certificate Bundle: (Appetizers for 4 at Cantina Del Rio, Appetizers for 4 at Mozie’s, Dinner for 4 at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Admission for 4 to Gruene Hall, a $25 Gift Certificate from The Grapevine, and a $60 Gift Certificate from Cotton Eyed Joe’s.) starting at $295
Parking for guests is conveniently located next to the Dominion Country Club at Raymond Russell Park (free shuttle). Tickets will sell out so get yours soon.
Dominion Country Club 1 Dominion Drive San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 698-3364
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
Kineapple, a new smoothie concept, is now open at Pearl’s Bottling Department. Photo: Kineapple, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce the latest restaurant at the Bottling Department – Kineapple – a concept by Robby and Neesha Grubbs, the duo behind Local Coffee Founders, also originating at Pearl. The new concept is now open to the public. Kineapple offers a variety of fresh smoothies, healthy snacks, salads, coffee, and more. (Kineapple, 2021)
The team behind Kineapple wanted to create an ingredient-driven menu that is easy for customers to navigate. The menu is designed to make healthy eating accessible and delicious. Kineapple is committed to sourcing the best ingredients for its patrons, who can expect to see smoothies made with different modifiers like plant based protein, whey isolate, creatine, turmeric, collagen, blue majik, cold brew shot, and more. Guests can also pick up a Crunchy Kale Salad, Free Range Chicken Salad Sandwich, Kineapple Farm Bowl, Golden Overnight Oats, In-house Protein Bar, and more. In addition to smoothies and snacks, Kineapple also offers coffee from a rotating list of curated specialty coffee roasters.
Kineapple, whose tagline is “Leave Feeling Better,” is a concept that is near and dear to its founders’ hearts in more ways than one. The name pays homage to Robby and Neesha’s youngest son, who struggled to say “pineapple” as a child and instead pronounced the name of the fruit with a K instead of a P. The founders wanted the concept to incorporate a pineapple, but wanted it to feel personal and organic, so Kineapple felt like the perfect name for this venture.
“Kineapple is something that we’re looking forward to bringing to Pearl. We wanted to be able to bring high quality, healthy ingredients to the table without sacrificing taste and that’s what we’ve done here.” – Co-Founder Robby Grubbs
“Neesha and Robby are wonderful operators – innovative, engaged, and talented. We are thrilled their newest concept is coming to the Food Hall.” – Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.
Kineapple’s hours of operation are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday and 9a.m. to 8p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The new concept is in the space formerly occupied by Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, located at 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Pinks on the Patio benefits Wings and moves to Friday nights in October. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa is moving to Friday this year with themed events to Play up your Pink from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Sire Bar on Plaza Saba. Pink is the symbolic color of breast cancer awareness as it symbolizes good health and playfulness. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
Every Friday Evening, October 1-29, during the month of October, the La Cantera Family will be raising its glasses – and donations – to the efforts and actions of WINGS. Since its inception in 2017, Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort has donated more than $21,000 to WINGS from the overall resort wide donation initiatives.
Pinks on the Patio themed Fridays will feature either live music or DJ Celina from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and cocktail and wine specials along with tasty snacks. Two dollars from each drink special will go back to WINGS. Resort beverage partners include Belvedere, Whispering Angel Rose, Rock Angel Rose, Moët Chandon, and Western Son Vodka.
Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, Signature Restaurant and SweetFire Kitchen will all have Pink menu options to benefit the charity. Landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as Pink LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Every Friday during the Month of October from 6p.m. to 9p.m.
October 1 All Things Pink, Anything Goes October 8 Pink Lipstick – matted, frosted or glossy October 15 Pink Hats ─ fascinators, chapeaus, any head embellishment with a Pink hue October 22 Fifty Shades of Pink! ─ scarves and feather boas October 29 Pink Masquerade ─ feathered, rhinestone or lace
Free ticketed event up to four (4) tickets per transaction at SquadUp, search Pinks on the Patio. Landscaping will cast a pink glow nightly through October.
La Cantera Resort & Spa – Plaza San Saba patio at Sire Bar 16641 La Cantera Parkway San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 558-6500
WINGS mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to women in Central and South Texas who are uninsured – because everyone deserves a lifetime.
Key Strengths • WINGS is the only program of its kind in the country providing this kind of support for women with breast cancer. • Provided support to over 900 South Texas women with breast cancer. • Provided over $12 Million in healthcare services to women with breast cancer. • Over 95 percent of the women treated through WINGS are still living, because of the program. • Since its inception in 1999, WINGS has seen five-year survival rates for the women it serves increase from zero (untreated breast cancer) to 100 percent for Stage I disease. • Received the Guidestar Gold Seal demonstrating a commitment to transparency. • Maintains an efficiency rating of 94 percent, which is above that of the average nonprofit organization.
Landscaping at La Cantera Resort & Spa will cast a pink glow nightly through October. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Whataburger’s Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger is bringing back its fan-favorite Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger along with the all-new Whataburger Hatch Green Chile Bacon Chicken Sandwiches. The Whataburger Breakfast Burger has returned for its third time to offer fans a unique and hearty menu offering for those late-night and early morning cravings. (Whataburger, 2021)
The new Whataburger Chocolate Mint Shakeis the perfect cup to toast the change in weather and ring in the holidays. It is the perfect combination of the classic chocolate flavor that customers have grown to love from the brand, with the addition of mint. All items are available now for a limited time and prices vary by market.
Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
Pearl’s Día de los Muertos community altar will be available to for the community to view and share memories of loved ones. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce various programs and events happening on campus this fall. This coming season, Pearl will host initiatives, an herb festival, and is also collaborating with local artists to create a community altar to celebrate Día de los Muertos. (Pearl, 2021)
“Pearl enjoys bringing the San Antonio community together and is excited to keep those experiences going this year after we were unable to do so in 2020. Our programming this fall will showcase food, culture, and arts from around the city.” – Pearl’s Chief Operating Officer Mesha Milsap
The 2021 fall programming is as follows:
Pearl Farmers Market and Pollinator Appreciation Month – October 1 – October 31 Pearl will continue to host the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and its Makers Market on Sundays from 10a.m. to 2p.m. throughout the fall season. Guests can shop local fresh produce and goods at the nationally recognized Farmers Market each weekend.
In recognition of Pollinator Appreciation Month in October, Pearl is partnering with the Texas Butterfly Ranch to highlight the role pollinators play in the local food ecosystem. Through showcasing products at Farmers Market, sharing digital content, and introducing special signage on property highlighting host plants, Pearl brings awareness to pollinators and their role in making so many things possible.
Herb Festival: Parsley – October 16 The market will also host the 30th Annual Herb Market on Saturday, October 16 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and will feature specialty herbs and other items. The featured herb of the year is Parsley (Petroselinum). A cooking demonstration is scheduled from 12p.m. to 1p.m. showcasing herbs and how to cook with the herb of the year. There will be activities for adults and children alike, experts to ask gardening questions, and fresh samples to take home.
Día de los Muertos – October 30 through November 7 Pearl continues its annual tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos (celebrated November 1-2), with a community altar created by local artists and sisters, Manola and Maria Ramirez. The sisters are part of the all-female collaborative space, Lavaca Studios. The altar is dedicated to the San Antonio community and their loved ones who have passed away. The artists will use ethereal elements in the space like cempasúchil (marigolds), papel picado, and strands of tinsel to give visitors the feeling that they are walking into a place of worship. The focal point will be a tinsel heart as the centerpiece of the altar. The altar will be available to the public to view and share remembrances of loved ones from October 30 through November 7. Visitors can participate by lighting a digital candle for their loved ones who have passed.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Starting this Sunday, Hopscotch guests can enjoy Salsa Sundays. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
San Antonio’s popular immersive art gallery and lounge, Hopscotch, is bringing back Salsa Sundays just in time for fall. Every Sunday starting September 26, guests can visit Hopscotch to hear various live music acts. Latin Jazz artist Jose Amador will play at Hopscotch every other Sunday with his band NATIAO starting this weekend from 2p.m. to 5p.m. On alternating Sundays, guests will be able to hear live music from other groups and DJs. To stay up-to-date on the performance schedule, visitors can visit Hopscotch’s Instagram or new events page on their website. No cover or tickets needed. (Hopscotch, 2021)
El Remedio food truck will set up shop at Hopscotch – Starting in October, the popular local food truck El Remedio will be parked at Hopscotch’s patio from Thursdays through Sundays during Hopscotch’s regular hours. Guests can stop by the lounge and patio to grab a cocktail from the bar and try out some of El Remedio’s Instagram-worthy grub, like their Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen, Ceviche, and more. The truck, which has more than 55,000 Instagram followers, has quickly become a staple in the San Antonio food truck scene.
Southtown Vinyl Saturdays – DJ Freeverse / Southtown Vinyl will have a residency at Hopscotch and will spin every Saturday night in the lounge from 7p.m. to 10p.m. DJ Freeverse will also host a pop up shop each week with a small selection of unique vinyl for sale during his sets. There is no cover to attend.
Travis Park Plaza 711 Navarro, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78205
Salsa Sundays start this Sunday, September 26 and continue every week indefinitely from 2p.m. to 5p.m. El Remedio to start service at Hopscotch sometime in October and be open until sell out during
Hopscotch’s operating hours, which are as follows: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: Noon – 10p.m. Saturday: 11a.m. – 11p.m.
Southtown Vinyl Saturdays start this Saturday, September 25 and continue indefinitely from 7p.m. to 10p.m.
PARKING: Three-hour validated parking is discounted to $4 for all Hopscotch guests who park in the Travis Park Plaza Garage, which is adjacent to Hopscotch.
Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and cooperation with artists and their local communities. #LetsHopscotch
Elijah Malcomb, Joseph Morales, Kyle Scatliffe, Fergie L. Philippe and Company. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
Producer Jeffrey Seller and North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio announced yesterday that single tickets for ‘Hamilton’ will go on sale to the public on Thursday, September 23rd at 10a.m. online through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway in San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office. Tickets will be available for performances January 5 – 16, 2022. The San Antonio engagement of ‘Hamilton’ is presented by arrangement with North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio and is a subscription offering of the 2021-2022 Series. (Majestic Theatre, 2021)
There is a maximum purchase limit of eight (8) tickets per account for the engagement. When tickets go on sale, prices will range from $49 to $179 with a select number of premium seats available from $249 for all performances. There will be a lottery for forty $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement. Jeffrey Seller notes, “It’s tempting to get tickets any way you can. There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases for the San Antonio engagement should be made through [the Majestic Theatre or Broadway in San Antonio.]”
‘Hamilton’ is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, ‘Hamilton’ has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, ‘Hamilton’ is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. The ‘Hamilton’ creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights. ‘Hamilton’ features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA, and General Management by Baseline Theatrical. The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.
The ‘Hamilton’ Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide. The ‘Hamilton’ recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
SA Examiner 