The world’s largest Spanish freestyle rap competition takes over Paper Tiger with Red Bull Batalla Exhibición on April 20. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Red Bull Batalla – the world’s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition series – announces details for a special music concert and pop-up experience scheduled to take place during the opening night ceremonies of Fiesta San Antonio 2023 on Thursday, April 20. (Painting Pictures, 2023)
Leading up to the 2023 Batalla Regional Qualifier in Houston this summer, as well as the U.S. National Finals scheduled to take place later this year in November, this Red Bull Batalla Exhibición event will kick off from 10p.m. to 2a.m. at Paper Tiger (2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212) on the St. Mary’s Strip. Doors open at 9p.m.
The Thursday event is free to attend for music fans of all ages, although limited space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to RSVP to reserve their spot in advance.
Thursday night’s showcase will feature eight of the most dynamic Spanish-language lyricists that the USA has to offer, each of whom has held a championship title and was personally invited to participate in this special bracket-style tournament.
Participants representing Texas and beyond will travel to San Antonio to flex their lyrical skills and compete for the crown as they battle bar-for-bar. The initial list of participating MCs for the San Antonio Exhibición is listed below (in A-Z order):
Cuban (Texas) Jordi (Texas) Oner (Florida) Reverse (Florida) Yartzi (Puerto Rico) Plus additional surprise guest MCs from Mexico and one to-be-announced competitor based on results from the TX Cup Championship in early April.
Omar Cadena, better known as Fluffy The Host will be hosting this San Antonio competition. DJ Lobo of the Texas-based Spanish-speaking rap battle league, Urban Rapstars, will serve as the official DJ for this event, with DJ Vinny set to perform as an opener.
Once the freestyle rap battling concludes, Texas’ very own Latin DJ collective and perpetual party-starters Peligrosa will close out the event with a special collaborative performance.
Throughout the evening event, patrons will be treated to several tasty cocktail concoctions curated by Red Bull, as well as free haircuts and beard trims courtesy of some of San Antonio’s premier barbers and hair stylists. Local barbers offering complimentary, cost-free cuts onsite as part of this barber shop pop-up experience include Sergio Barron, Adrian Barron, Faded Culture, Kurly Kutz, Koo Kutz Barber Shop, and more. This experience will be available first come, first serve starting at 9p.m. and running through the duration of the show while supplies last.
Following this event, there will be two more opportunities for aspiring MCs to compete in a series of regional cups and qualifier events across the country leading up to the USA National Final this fall and ultimately the 2023 World Final. Throughout these exciting proceedings, aspiring MCs will compete in one-on-one knockout battles to show off their best rhymes, wordplay, stage presence, and more as they battle amongst the best and most prestigious Spanish-speaking freestylers across the globe.
Since 2005, Red Bull Batalla has provided a platform for the best hip-hop improvisers in the Spanish-speaking world to connect, develop, and compete. Last December the historic Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City hosted the 2022 International Final where Mexico’s national champion Aczino took the title, making history as the competition’s first-ever triple World Champion.
This year’s Slamdance Film Festival will take place from January 20 through January 26, 2023. Photo: Google
The Slamdance Film Festival is an annual film festival focused on emerging artists. It was founded in 1995 by Dan Mirvish, Jon Fitzgerald, Shane Kuhn, and Peter Baxter, along with Paul Rachman after they were unable to submit films to the Sundance Film Festival. The annual week-long festival will take place in Park City, Utah from January 20 through January 26 and is the main event organized by the year-round Slamdance organization, which also hosts a screenplay competition, workshops, screenings throughout the year and events with an emphasis on independent films with budgets under $1million. (Wikipedia, Slamdance Film Festival, 2023)
The distinctly different and impactful films making their world premieres this January in Park City, UT offer an insider’s humanistic view into the lives around us. Where a news headline could merely skim the surface, these films engage, inspire, prompt conversations, and offer hope and empathy. Each of these four films has a running time of under 90 minutes.
“Silent Love” Slamdance Competition Documentary Film “Silent Love” is an incredibly intimate observational documentary that subtly and tenderly portrays the lives of two women raising a pubescent teenager in the conservative setting of a small Polish village.
Each of the characters is completely different, both visually and in terms of character. Each faces different problems. Each has different obstacles to overcome. Together they form a new family, but most of all, it is a universal story about the hardships of raising a teenager in the face of a parent’s death and about taking on new roles.
After their mother’s death, 35-year-old Aga has to take care of her teenage brother, Milosz. There is one thing she is not telling him about: her ongoing relationship with Maja. An unconventional family is being born in a small, conservative Polish village.
Filmmaking Team: Director, Writer and Cinematographer Marek Kozakiewicz, Editors Anna Garncarczyk, Monument and Agata Cierniak, Music by Bartosz Bludau, Producer Agnieszka Skalska, and Agnieszka Dziedzic, Co-produced by Alex Tondowski, and Ira Tondowski. Running Time: 72 Minutes
Slamdance Screening Times: Location: Slamdance Film Festival Headquarters Treasure Mountain Inn 255 Main St. Park City, UT Premiere: Saturday, January 21 at 3p.m. Second Screening: Wednesday, January 25 at 11:15a.m.
“Starring Jerry As Hinself” Slamdance Competition Documentary Feature Film “Starring Jerry As Hinself” is a docu-fiction hybrid that blurs the lines of reality while staying true to the subject and his story. It employs a variety of creative filmmaking techniques to capture the world from Jerry’s perspective. The film is a genre bending meta experience, with our subject Jerry starring in his own recreation of his unique journey. The filmmakers wanted to create something unique that stood out from the traditional documentary, while also reflecting Jerry’s state of mind, so they nested a film within a film.
A family documents how their immigrant father Jerry, a recently divorced and retired Florida man, was recruited by the Chinese police to be an undercover agent, only to discover a darker truth.
Filmmaking Team: Director and Editor Lawrence Chen, Co-Writers Jerry C. Hsu (the star of the film) and Lawrence Chen, producers: Jonathan Hsu, and Lawrence Chen, composer Eric Hölljes with Cinematography by Tinx Chen, and Lawrence Chen. Running Time: 75 Minutes
“Starring Jerry As Hinself” Slamdance Screening Times: Location: Slamdance Film Festival Headquarters Treasure Mountain Inn 255 Main St. Park City, UT Premiere: Saturday, January 21 at 7:30p.m. Second Screening: Monday, January 23 at 2:45p.m.
“The Underbug” Slamdance Breakout Selection Feature Film While the nations came to a standstill owing to the pandemic, another more familiar kind of virus – that of communal violence raged more aggressively than earlier. India witnessed a uniquely cross-sectional humanitarian crisis: the burgeoning of xenophobia fueled by Covid, commingled with the toxic wave of sectarian violence. What India experienced, as did the rest of the world – we live immersed as a world in the great fracture of our times. “The Underbug” is a psychological horror that explores the psyche of people who live on the fringe of society. These are subaltern populations, easily weaponized for the narrow benefit of the political system. Thus began the story of two such men, in a deserted house, playing out what hopefully feels like the abstract psychopathology of our troubled times. The filmmakers hope that ‘The Underbug’ sparks conversation, offering an insight on hate politics and contributes in some small way towards empathy, courage and love.
As India is ravaged by sectarian violence on the eve of its Independence Day, two rioters take refuge in an abandoned house. An eerie presence in the house, however, haunts the men to the edge of sanity.
Filmmaking Team and Stars: Starring Ali Fazal and Hussain Dalal, Directed by Shujaat Saudagar, Written by Shujaat Saudagar, Abbas Dalal, and Hussain Dalal, Produced by Vikesh Bhutani, Shujaat Saudagar, and Aman Mann, Executive Producers Shaunak Sen, Richa Chadha, Ali Faz al, Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal. Running Time: 68 Minutes *In Hindi with subtitles*
Slamdance Screening Times: Location: Slamdance Film Festival Headquarters Treasure Mountain Inn 255 Main St. Park City, UT Premiere: Saturday, January 21 at 10p.m.
“With Peter Bradley” Slamdance Competition Documentary Feature Film “With Peter Bradley” embodies the cinematic storytelling that made “The Kid Stays In The Picture” an iconic documentary. “With Peter Bradley” is a celebration of artmaking, resilience, and the creative contributions of Black artists to American life. It focuses a long-overdue lens on Peter Bradley and shines a light on his rightful place in the ongoing movement toward racial equity in the arts and our society. Despite the systemic racism of society in general and the art world in particular, Peter Bradley built an incredible resumé before the age of 35: the first Black art dealer on Madison Avenue (at the prestigious Perls Galleries); likely the first Black abstract artist represented by a major New York gallery (André Emmerich); and curator of what is considered the first integrated modern art show in America (The DeLuxe Show). Peter Bradley explores innovative methods of applying paint to canvas, inspired by nature and the colorful flowers he tends daily in his garden and greenhouse.
79 years old and overlooked since the 1970s, abstract artist Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his artistic process on the cusp of his rediscovery.
Filmmaking Team: Director, Cinematographer, Editor and Producer Alex Rappoport, Composer Javon Jackson, Executive Producers Adger Cowans, and Robina Riccitiello, Consulting Producers Diane Kolyer, and Beth Levison, and Music Supervisor Ed Gerard. Running Time: 86 Minutes
Slamdance Screening Times: Location: Slamdance Film Festival Headquarters Treasure Mountain Inn 255 Main St. Park City, UT Premiere: Sunday, January 22 at 12:45p.m. Second Screening: Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30p.m.
The Inaugural ‘Fajita Lounge Showdown’ will feature five local chefs competing for the ‘Best Fajita Taco’ title. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.
The Squeezeboxis excited to announce its inaugural “Fajita Lounge Showdown” featuring five local chefs competing head-to-head for the title of “Best Fajita Tacos” in San Antonio. All summer long The Squeezebox has been throwing Sunday carne asadas that have become the popular Fajita Lounge adored by all its fans with free fajita tacos for all customers, hosted by Chefs Aaron Peña, Matt Garcia and Jake Gonzales. This event will take place on Sunday, September 4, 2022 and door open at 8p.m. (The Squeezebox, 2022)
To commemorate the Labor Day holiday weekend, a competition will take place with five local chefs featuring their best take on the fajita taco. With a $10 cover at the door, tacos will be free for all on a first come, first served basis and will feature the following chefs:
Kenny Loo of Golden Kirin Restaurant
Sergio Flores of La Tortuga Cocina Latina
Eddie Barrera of Sijang Korean Corn Dogs
Rory Torres of Crispy Bao Gang
Steve Lopez
In addition to traditional fajita tacos, a “wildcard protein delicacy” will also be provided to test out the chefs’ creativity. The chefs will compete for a grand prize of $500, with Peña, Garcia and Gonzales as the judges. Live music by local favorite The Texases will keep the party going as well as music by DJ Plata. The Texases will play at 9:30p.m. This event will have a $10 cover per person at the door, must be 21 or older.
The Squeezebox 2806 N St Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78212
Taco Rumble returns to San Antonio with Texas Throwdown this September. Photo: Texas Wood & Fine Alliance, used with permission.
An all-star crew of Texas’ best taqueros and chefs will clash Thursday, September 15, 7:30p.m. -10p.m. as Taco Rumble returns to the Alamo City. Tickets for the sell-out fundraiser are on sale now for $75. Proceeds benefit the South Texas culinary community through the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) vibrant grant program. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2022)
This year, the sizzling competition will take over the picturesque grounds of the San Antonio Museum of Art.Conveniently located downtown, the museum graces the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk.
Expanding on last year’s San Antonio vs. Austin battle, taco talent from across Texas will be turning up the heat in celebration of one of Texas’ most beloved dishes.
Firing up the comal will be:
Chef Thomas Bille — Belly of the Beast (Houston)
Chef Victoria Elizondo — Cochinita & Co. (Houston)
Chef Rick Lopez — La Condesa (Austin)
Chef Julio Paz — Fairmont Austin
Chefs Jacob Gonzales & Matt Garcia — The Fajita Lounge
Chef James Moore — Full Belly Café + Bar
Chef Nicola Blaque — The Jerk Shack
Chef Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall — Milpa
Chef Tony Ibarra — La Mina (Dallas)
Chef James Ballentine — Ninja Pig (Austin, 2021 Texas Food & Wine Alliance grant recipient)
Chef Carlos Gonzalez — Panfila Cantina
Chef Ceasar Zepeda — Sangria on the Burg
Chef Paul Morales — Tacos Cucuy
Taquero Daniel Cobos — Vaquero Taquero (Austin)
“We are delighted to showcase some of San Antonio’s finest chefs and welcome stellar culinary talent from across the state. Guests can expect traditional and unconventional takes on the dish that Texas does best.” – Texas Food & Wine Alliance Communications Director Brandon Watson.
In addition to showcasing the best in taco craftsmanship, Taco Rumble will feature sweet treats, an impressive selection of wines, craft beer, and premium spirits tastings. The Alliance will announce more chefs in the upcoming weeks.
The Taco Rumble VIP experience includes access to the Casa Noble lounge at Tre Trattoria and early entry at 7p.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and exclusive bites from celebrity chef Jason Dady paired with Casa Noble’s award-winning tequila portfolio — including the new ultra-premium offering Marqués de Casa Noble. A skillful blend of 21 añejos and extra añejos, Marqués de Casa Noble is meticulously crafted from start to finish for an unrivaled taste.
The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and limited passes are available. Tickets are expected to sell quickly and are available for online purchase now.
Taco Rumble is a signature fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for entrepreneurs and nonprofits focused on culinary innovation and community giveback.
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’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.
The Bastille Day French Festival, sponsored by Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, will take place on Saturday July 16 with live French Gypsy Jazz music by Nashville artist Irenka. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Join us on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera for a Bastille Day French Festival, sponsored by Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, 10a.m. to 8p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022. More than 16 teams from San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston will compete in the Petanque “Bocci” Tournament. Enjoy $5 beer and wine and $5 small bites presented by San Antonio vendors including Sweet Paris; Sur La Table; Mon Chou Chou; Luciano Ristorante & Pizzeria, Tardif’s, and more. (Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, 2022)
French classic cars will be displayed with live French Gypsy Jazz music by Nashville artist, Irenka, from noon to 5p.m.
TEAM SIGN-UP – Petanque Tournament
Team of two is $40; each member will receive FREE French Festival T-Shirt, two bottles of water, two beverage tickets, and two crepes from Sweet Paris.
The top three teams will be awarded prizes. Payments can be made in advance and on site with cash or credit card. Register in advance by calling (832) 967.8396 or via email.
Register on site at 9:30a.m., booth on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. Tournament starts at 10a.m.
The Shops at La Cantera – Main Street 15900 La Cantera Parkway San Antonio, TX 78256
Khadega in Nausheen Dadabhoy’s An Act of Worship. Photo: Capital K Pictures, used with permission.
In other film festival news, ‘An Act of Worship’ will have its WORLD PREMIERE in Documentary Competition at the forthcoming Tribeca Film Festival 2022. The festival will take place in New York City from June 8 through June 19, 2022. (An Act of Worship, 2022)
‘An Act of Worship’ is a polyphonic portrait of the last 30 years of Muslim life in America. Told through the lens of Muslims living in the United States, the film offers a counter-narrative of pivotal moments in U.S. history and explores the impact of anti-Muslim rhetoric and policy on young Muslims who came of age after 9/11. Due to their first-hand knowledge and intimate access to the Muslim community, the filmmaking team is able to take charge of the account, which has previously been shaped by outsiders. ABER’s father was deported when she was 16. Now, she is a community organizer leading a sanctuary city initiative in New York. KHADEGA is an 18-year-old Sudanese immigrant living in Michigan. While she feels compelled to advocate for her community, she struggles to overcome society’s expectations of her and find her own way. AMEENA is a civil rights lawyer in California, but as a mother, she is conflicted between caring for her three young children or sacrificing her time with them to fight for change. Weaving together observational footage of these three women with community home videos, and evocative recollections from individuals impacted by incidents of Islamophobia,’ An Act of Worship’ opens a window into the world of Muslim Americans through collective memory.
NAUSHEEN DADABHOY is a director and cinematographer whose work spans fiction and documentary. She lensed an Oscar nominated film, an Emmy winning documentary, and films that have played at Sundance, TIFF, Locarno and on Al Jazeera, HBO and PBS. Her directorial debut THE GROUND BENEATH THEIR FEET premiered at IDFA.
Running Time: 83 Minutes Language: English, Arabic Country: USA
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2022 An Act of Worship (Section: Documentary Competition) WORLD PREMIERE Directors: Nausheen Dadabhoy Producer: Sofian Khan, Kristi Jacobson, Heba Elorbany
Public screening schedule: Thursday, June 9 at 5p.m. at Village East – WORLD PREMIERE Friday, June 10 at 6p.m. at Cinepolis – 2nd Public Screening Sunday, June 12 at 8:15p.m. at Tribeca Film Center – 3rd Public Screening
David Caceres, Head Baker at La La Panadería, has been named a semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker.” Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
La Panadería and the Pearl are excited to announce that the following restaurants and chefs have been named semifinalists by the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. (Pearl, 2022)
Semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker” – David Caceres, Head Baker, La Panadería Description: A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts who displays exceptional skill. Must consistently sell goods directly to the public, but does not need a brick-and-mortar presence and must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past three years.
Semifinalist for “Outstanding Wine Program” – High Street Wine. Co, Pearl Description: A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine. Makes efforts to create and foster a diverse portfolio of wines and wine team members.
Semifinalist for “Best Chef: Texas” – Chef Steve McHugh, Cured, Pearl Description: Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions. May be from any kind of dining establishment but must have been working as a chef in the region for at least three years.
Oxtail Mash Up will benefit the community while enriching cultural identity. Photo: Oxtail Mash Up, used with permission.
Oxtail Mash Up, Houston’s coveted culinary mash is back and this year there will be a boozy twist and big national names. On Sunday, November 14 Houston chefs and prized bartenders will come together for a ‘mash up’ of food, drink, art, and music in celebration of the culinary diversity of oxtail and the playfulness of punch. This spirited competition of both food and drink will take place in the lush garden of Project Row Houses, where resident artists will exhibit in the venerable open studios aimed at “encouraging artists to extend their practice outside of the studio into the social context.” Not only are event attendees invited to drink, dine, and dance, but also to step into each exhibit being fully encapsulated by the power of both culinary and resident art. (Oxtail Mashup, 2021)
A percentage of proceeds raised throughout the evening will benefit Project Row Houses and Texas’ Children’s Sickle Cell Anemia programs throughout Houston. Under the glow of Project Row Houses, chefs and bartenders will go head-to-head in two inventive competitions where both judges and attendees crown the evening’s winners.
The Oxtail Mash Up is a culinary competition that brings together some of the industries’ favorite chefs, bartenders, and DJs for an evening of food and drink all for charity. Founded in 2017, this spirited competition is the brainchild of Shakti Baum and partner Warren Luckett, and held in the lush garden of Project Row Houses. The event brings awareness to Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Anemia program and its effects on the African American Community.
Oxtail Mashup welcomes the local-supporting community to gather at Project Row Houses from 6p.m. – 10p.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2021 for an evening tasting event filled with luscious chef-prepared oxtail, custom-crafted punches, black-owned/black-crafted wines, Houston craft beer, and more. Project Row Houses installations will be open and DJ Melodic will be spinning for the season’ premiere evening experience.
EAT: Fourteen chefs will pull from their diverse roots as well as gastronomic inspirations in a challenge to create stellar oxtail creations. Each chef will battle it out for smack-talking rights (people’s choice wins $500) as well as a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico (judges choice).
DRINK: Five bartenders will set the mode onto ‘Island Time’ as they work with previously selected spirits and locally sourced ingredients to craft Tiki-inspired punches. Attendees will crown the best barkeep of the night while our panel of experts selects their own winner for a grand prize of $500 cash. To bring the heat, Oxtail Mashup cofounders – chef, instructor, and event creator Shakti Baum and Black Restaurant Week Founder Warren Luckett – have invited Houston food and drink stars to battle against nationally recognized names. With each chef and bar star a master of their craft and leaders within the industry.
2021 OXTAIL MASHUP CHEFS ● Andre Burns – Burns BBQ (Houston, TX) ● Andremica Braggs – One Feisty Chef (Houston, TX) ● Curtis Evans – EMI Dinner Series / Everybody Eats Philly (Philadelphia, PA) ● Don Bowie – Taste Bar / Rare HTX (Houston, TX) ● Javani King – JKO Kitchen (Houston, TX and Oxtail Mashup 2018 winner) ● Jonny Rhodes – Broham Soul Food and Grocery / Restaurant Indigo (Houston, TX) ● Mark Clayton – Squable (Houston, TX) ● Nicola Blaque – The Jerk Shack / Mi Roti (San Antonio, TX) ● Ossume Collins – KISS (Houston, TX) ● Rishi Singh – Hotel Derek (Houston, TX) ● Robert Butts – Twisted Soul Cookhouse + Pours (Atlanta, GA) (additional chefs to be announced in the coming weeks)
2021 OXTAIL MASH UP BARTENDERS ● Ryan Perry – Rabbit Got the Gun (Houston, TX) ● Jamal Rashad – Slush (Atlanta, GA) (additional bartenders to be announced in the coming weeks)
VIP Event tickets cost $135 and include admission and early entry into the Third Annual Oxtail Mashup event, unlimited sampling of all chef-prepared bites, complimentary cocktails + Hot Toddy Bar (must be 21 or over to consume alcoholic beverages), entry into all Project Row Houses installations, and one parking pass.
General Admission event tickets cost $75 and include admission into the Third Annual Oxtail Mashup event, one sample of each chef-prepared bite, five cocktail tickets + Hot Toddy Bar (must be 21 or over to consume alcoholic beverages, and entry into all Project Row Houses installations).
Project Row Houses is a community platform that enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape. We engage neighbors, artists, and enterprises in collective creative action to help materialize sustainable opportunities in marginalized communities.
Bier stein-holding competitions are still going on at Krause’s Café before the finals on August 21, 2021. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is hosting a variety of live music and events throughout July including the musical stylings of the Rick Cavender Band, Masskrugstemmen competitions, UEFA EURO Championship watch parties, and more. This is a sampling of upcoming events; a full list is available online. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)
UEFA EURO Championship Watch Party, July 11: Finals Guests are encouraged to stop by Krause’s Bierhalle to catch the final “football” championship and grab a pint. Krause’s will be hosting a watch party for the UEFA EURO 2020 Championship on Sunday, July 11 at 2p.m.
Masskrugstemmen Competitions – Saturdays, July 17 and 24 There are only five more bier stein-holding competitions before the finals. On select Saturdays, guests are invited to try their hand at the traditional Bavarian contest in which contestants hold a full bier stein at arm’s length for as long as they can. Winners of the men’s and women’s competitions receive a $50 gift card and are invited back to compete in the finals on August 21. Champions will receive airfare plus a two night hotel stay in New York City. There is also a kid’s version with Root Beer for some family fun.
Rick Cavender Band – Friday, July 9 Rick Cavender is known to many as the voice and face of his family’s auto dealerships, but when the lights are off in his showroom, Rick leads one of South Texas’ favorite party bands. He has shared a stage with well-known artists Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Glen Campbell, and George Strait. Guests can expect a fantastic ride through songs from all decades and genres from the Eagles to Creedence, from George Strait to Robert Earl Keen, from Lady A to Fleetwood Mac to Marty Robbins and Roy Orbison. The Rick Cavender band will start their set at Krause’s at 6:30p.m. on July 9.
Terry Cavanagh Duo & The Alpine Express – Sunday, July 11 Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express is one of America’s best German bands. The group energizes the stage with traditional German music stylings. The upbeat and interactive band will play at Krause’s Cafe on July 11 as a duo at 10a.m. and the entire band will perform at 2p.m.
Rochelle & The Sidewinders – Friday, July 16 Austin-based blues rock band Rochelle & The Sidewinders will take the stage at Krause’s Friday, July 16 at 7p.m. Guests can expect a quality show provided by Austin’s Number One Blues Band, according to the Austin Blues Society.
Mark Halata & Texavia – Saturday, July 17 Mark Halata began playing the accordion at an early age and has used it as a means to connect with his Czech-Moravian heritage. The band plays traditional polka music, notable for its upbeat tempo and rhythmic sounds. Mark Halata & Texavia will be playing at Krause’s Cafe Saturday, July 17 at 5:30p.m.
Das Ist Lustig – Sunday, July 25 Das Ist Lustig translates to “That’s Fun” and this German Band based in Houston, TX promises to deliver. The traditional German band performs nationally and throughout Texas year round, sharing their energetic style with all who come to listen. Das Ist Lustig will be performing at Krause’s Cafe Sunday, July 25 at 2p.m.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
For the first annual Taco Rumble, 19 celebrated San Antonio and Austin restaurants will bring their boldest flavors to the competition. Photo: google
An acclaimed crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants will battle for the championship belt during the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) first annual Taco Rumble on Thursday, July 15, from 7:30-10 pm, presented by H-E-B. Limited tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are available online for $65. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
The electric competition, the first in-person event for the recently formed nonprofit, will be held at The Espee, located east of Downtown San Antonio. Formerly known as Sunset Station, this historic spot offers a convenient rideshare location.
The menu for Taco Rumble promises to be a true taco lovers delight. Guests can indulge in a dizzying array of styles and flavors, ranging from traditional to new school. Competing to be the taco supreme will be:
Asador, Austin (Chef Joe Becerra) — Grilled Mushroom Taco with Mole Amarillo
¡Bucho! Tejano Street Fare, San Antonio (Chefs Gino Vidal & Jerry Moreno) — Chino Latino Poke Taco with a Tejano Furikake-Dusted Crispy Wonton Shell, Avocado, House Tuna Tartare, Habanero-Mezcal Aioli, & Micro Cilantro
Carnitas El Guero, Austin (Chef Gustavo Reyes) — Traditional Carnitas Taco
Carnitas Lonja, San Antonio (Chef Alex Paredes) — Michoacán- Style Carnitas Taco with Fresh Corn Tortillas
Eldorado Café, Austin (Chef Joel Fried) — Thunderosa Taco with Sirloin, Bacon, Roasted Jalapenos, Sautéed Green Chile and Onion Rajas, & Melted Jack Cheese.
La Fonda de Jaime 2.0, San Antonio (Chefs Jaime Hernandez & Pedro Rebollo) — Birria 2.0 Taco
La Generala, San Antonio (Chef Blanca Márquez ) — Costilla Taco with Pork Ribs Cooked in Signature Blend of Spices & Chiles
Jason Dady Catering, San Antonio (Chef Esteban Valdez) — Smoked Beef Short Rib Taco with Sikil Pak (Mayan Pepita Dip), Avocado, Oaxaca Cheese, & Salsa Macha
Lala’s Gorditas, San Antonio(Chef Steven Anthony Pizzini) — Puffy Tacos Norteño with Shredded Chicken, House Adobo Sauce Curtido, Crema, & Salsa Verde
Milpa (Chef Jesse Kirk), San Antonio — Taco Arabe with Shawarma-Style Pork, Crema Mexicana, Cucumbers, Cilantro, & Chile Arbol Salsa; Flor de Jamaica Taco with Hibiscus Flower con Sazon, Avocado Spread, Cilantro, Queso Fresco, & Salsa Habanero
Naco Mexican Eatery, San Antonio (Chefs Francisco Estrada & Liz Estrada) — “Mexican Grandmother” Dry Fideo Taco with Cream, Avocado, & Chicatanas (Mexican Flying Ants) Roasted Salsa on Heirloom Blue Corn Tortillas.
Paprika, Austin (Chef Margarito Pérez) — Taco de Suadero with Brisket Confit, Cilantro, Onion, and Salsa de Arbol
R19 Taqueria, Austin (Chef Christopher Haydostian) — Báhn Mì Tacos with Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Pickled Jicama Tortilla, Traditional Vegetables, Herbs, & Hanoi Vinaigrette
Trill Foods, Austin (Chef Nick Belloni) — Charred Broccoli Taco with Lime, Queso Oaxaca, Smoked Scallop XO Sauce, & Lobster Tortilla
Austin Taco Mafia (Chef Luis “Beto” Robledo of Cuantos Tacos, Chef Anthony Pratto of Discada, Chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria, & Chef Gerardo Guerrero of La Tunita 512) — Campechana Taco with Arrachera (Skirt Steak) & Longaniza Confit, Salsa Verde, Habanero Pickled Onions, Cilantro, and Epazote Marbled Tortilla
Tempering the spice will be a delectable variety of sweet treats from San Antonio favorites, including:
Bakery Lorraine (Chefs Anne Ng & Jeremy Mandrell) — Assortment of Mexican Chocolate, Churro, & Piña Colada Macarons
Paletería San Antonio (Chef José Rodriguez) — Assorted Artisan Paletas
In addition to showcasing the best intaco craftsmanship, Taco Rumble will feature an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits tastings including Chawar Andean Agave, Bribón Tequila, Dandy Rosé, Dahlia Tequila, Doña Vega Mezcal, Lone Star Rio Jade, Lone Star Seltzer, Mijenta Tequila, Milagro Tequila, Pearl, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.
The unique VIP experience includes early entry from 6:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a stainless-steel YETI wine tumbler, and access to an exclusive agave spirits lounge with a tour of Mexican street fare from celebrated San Antonio restaurant Cuishe Cocina Mexicana and tastings of fine spirits from Chacolo, Gusto Histórico, Patrón, Real Minero, Rey Campero, Sotoleros, and Uruapan. The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and only 100 passes are available.
An esteemed crew of celebrity judges including Texas Monthly Food Editor Pat Sharpe, San Antonio Express-News Food Critic Mike Sutter, Latin Grammy Award-nominated musician Gina Chavez, San Antonio-based blogger and influencer Stephanie Guerra, and Texas Eats host David Elder of San Antonio’s KSAT. Event attendees also will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite taco as part of the final score.
Taco Rumble is a fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. SAFWA is the culmination of 34 years of pride, innovation, and talent that reflects the unique culinary landscape of the great state of Texas. Beginning with the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival — one of the nation’s longest-running food fests with 26 years —the organization transitioned to the Austin Food & Wine Alliance in 2011 to be the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival. In 2020, the nonprofit formed a statewide organization and expanded throughout Texas’ major cities including San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for chefs, farmers, artisan producers, and nonprofits by funding projects focused on culinary innovation that support the community.
SAFWA hosts engaging culinary events throughout the year to raise funds for grants that will be awarded specifically to the San Antonio culinary community. The unique grant program that started with the Austin organization has now extended to Texas’ top cities and is the nation’s first based on culinary innovation and community giveback. Since 2012, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance has awarded $367,500 in grants to fund local culinary projects.
The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support with H-E-B as presenting sponsor and other key supporters, including American Lamb Board, Bribón Tequila, Chawar, Canopy by Hilton, Doña Vega Mezcal, El Silencio Mezcal, The Espee, Fever-Tree, FreshPoint, Giant Noise, Heavy Métl Premium Imports, Mijenta Tequila, Milagro Tequila, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Pabst, Patrón Tequila, Sage & Honey, Siete Foods, Sysco, Tender Belly, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and US Foods.
The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Central 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’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.
SA Examiner 