Category: Culinary Events

San Antonio Taco Rumble announces menus

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
  • Texsueño, Austin (Chef Brandon Martin) — Crispy Oxtail Taco
  • 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
  • Lick Honest Ice Creams (Chef Anthony Sobotik) — Horchata Ice Cream
  • Paletería San Antonio (Chef José Rodriguez) — Assorted Artisan Paletas

In addition to showcasing the best in taco 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.

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San Antonio Taco Rumble

Taco Rumble: Texas-sized throwdown for best tacos

Acclaimed San Antonio and Austin restaurants battle for tortilla title and ultimate bragging rights. Courtesy photo.

The sparks will fly as an all-star crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants clash during the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) first annual Taco Rumble on Thursday, July 15, 7:30p.m. to 10pm., presented by H-E-B. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are up for grabs at $65. (San Antonio Food and Wine Alliance, 2021)

The sizzling competition, the first in-person event for the recently formed nonprofit, will be held at The Espee, conveniently located east of downtown San Antonio. Formerly known as Sunset Station, this historic spot was a central connection on the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Sunset Limited train route and the filming location of Selena’s “No Me Queda Mas” music video.

Some of the state’s most acclaimed restaurants will turn up the heat in celebration of one of Texas’ most beloved dishes. Firing up the comal will be San Antonio favorites ¡Bucho! Tejano Street Fare, Carnitas Lonja, Chela’s Tacos, La Fonda de Jaime 2.0, La Generala, Jason Dady Catering, Lala’s Gorditas, Milpa, and Naco Mexican Eatery. Representing Austin will be Asador, Carnitas El Guero, Eldorado Taco y Torta Co., Paprika, R19 Taqueria, Texsueño, Trill Foods, and the Austin Taco Mafia — a collaboration between acclaimed Central Texas taquerías Cuantos Tacos, Discada, La Tunita 512, and Nixta Taqueria, an Austin Food & Wine Alliance grant winner.

Adding a little sweetness to the rivalry, three of San Antonio’s favorite dessert shops, Bakery Lorraine, Lick Honest Ice Cream, and Paletería San Antonio, will provide refreshing treats. The dazzling evening will also feature a raucous live set from popular San Antonio entertainer DJ Catwalk.

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.

In addition to showcasing the best in taco craftsmanship alongside an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits tastings, Taco Rumble will also feature a unique VIP experience that 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 bites from celebrated San Antonio restaurant Cuishe and tastings of fine tequilas and mezcals from Heavy Métl Premium Imports and Patrón Tequila. The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and only 100 passes are available. Tickets are expected to sell out and are available for purchase now.

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 supports the community.

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.

 

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Taco Rumble 2021

Open call for restaurants – Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)

For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.

“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio 2021 will be bigger and better with support from Tim Duncan and Spurs Give. Courtesy photo, used with permission

Now in its 3rd year, Black Restaurant Week San Antonio is set for February 21-28 with more than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and food related businesses participating. This year the proceeds will support the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

This is an early notice that Black History Month will have another anchor event in the city with Black Restaurant Week San Antonio (BRWSA) 2021. More than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and businesses will be a part of BRWSA and each will have a special that is a give-back as a part of the week. With funds from the Tim Duncan Foundation, Spurs Give, and BRWSA participants, each special will give back 21 meals to kids and seniors facing hunger. Details about this special community event will be forthcoming.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio was started in 2019 to focus support on and highlight Black owned businesses and Black professionals in the culinary field in San Antonio.  The goal is to not only bring awareness but to celebrate “Cuisine, Culture and Community” through an assortment of events and charitable giving.

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.

Spurs Give: We are a family – a team – passionate about sports. We are passionate about what sports can do for our community – especially our youth. At the heart of it, we believe sports can provide a family with a common goal, and a hope for a better future. We are Spurs Give – the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Since our founding in 1988, we have invested $30+ million in our community. Through our players’ passions, our grants, and our impact programs, we are changing lives and leaving a lasting impact. You give. We give. Spurs Give.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in January to support local eateries

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks will be a month long promotion to support local eateries. Photo: Culinaria San Antonio, used with permission.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks’ bi-annual event to promote local eateries begins January 2 and runs through January 31, 2021 and is offering three course lunch and dinner menus for both dine-in and to-go.  Due to the current situation limiting capacity to 50% for dine-in, Culinaria encourages to-go and curbside pick-up. Three course lunch menus are $20 and dinner menus are $35 and $45, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. (Culinaria, 2020) 

Guest safety and satisfaction is a priority. All participating restaurants are enforcing safety procedures and protocols when it comes to sanitizing and service. 

Reservations are required for those preferring to dine-in. For a complete list of participating restaurants and to view menu options visit Culinaria online. While there, visit the Hospitality Fund tab for information on how you can help furloughed workers and businesses on the financial brink. 

“Restaurants are continuously adapting, so keep in mind that hours are subject to change along with availability of some menu items. Restaurant teams are working hard to provide the best experience and service while working under unusual circumstances,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria. 

“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café launches Holiday for Hunger

The Grinch crêpe at Sweet Paris. Photo: Sweet Paris, Used with permission.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café, located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera – 15900 La Cantera Parkway, across from Grimaldi’s and two doors down from Sur la Table, is launching Holiday for Hunger.  A portion of proceeds from two holiday crêpes, the Turkey Cran Brie and The Grinch, will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. (Sweet Paris, 2020)

The Turkey Cran crêpe features roasted turkey, brie cheese, bacon, spinach and fresh cranberry sauce, garnished with walnuts and dried cranberries for $10.95; and The Grinch crêpe is a savory combination of sweet cream cheese, strawberries, red and green M&M’s, and dulce de leche in a grinchy green batter for $9.95. A portion of proceeds from these crepes sold from November 27 through December 23 will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. To participate, guests must say “Holiday for Hunger” when ordering.  Sweet Paris business hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6p.m., Sunday.

The San Antonio Food Bank fights hunger and feeds hope in 16-counties and serves 58,000 individuals a week in one of the largest service areas in Texas. Sweet Paris shares the belief that no child should go to bed hungry and regularly aids the San Antonio Food Bank’s Kid’s Café and Backpack programs and believes that without awareness of a problem, people cannot take action to remedy it.

Culinaria promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination. The organization supports local dining establishments through its Emergency Relief Fund and scholarships through its Endowment fund with the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Culinaria expands to month long campaign to support local eateries

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Culinaria’s Restaurant Weeks has been expanded to a month-long campaign. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission. 

This week, Culinaria announced the expansion of Restaurant Weeks to Restaurant Month, August 1-31. More than any other industry, restaurants have suffered the most significant sales and job losses since the COVID-19 outbreak.  Initially the HospitALLity House focused on short-term needs by ensuring furloughed workers received a hot meal. Now, the HospitALLity Fund is a crucial part of Culinaria’s Emergency Relief efforts helping restaurants on the financial brink by assisting them in covering operating costs.  (Culinaria, 2020)

Participating restaurants have $20 lunch, $45 dinner, three-course prix-fixe menus for dine-in or to go, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. All businesses have implemented and are enforcing COVID compliant procedures and protocols for sanitizing and service. Reservations are required. A complete list of participating restaurants and information on how to donate to the HospitALLity Fund is available online. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization with a volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries.

“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been  there for the community in times of  hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria

Culinaria helps hospitality industry

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Culinaria is helping out the hospitality industry with several programs. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The hospitality industry is one of the major industries in San Antonio and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an industry struggling more with each passing day. With many furloughed and inevitable restaurant closures, the situation will most likely get worse before it gets better. Culinaria, with its mission to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination for food and wine, is stepping in to help. The other component of its mission is to offer support to the industry it serves in times of financial hardship. In the past, fundraising was structured through events to benefit a specific individual or family, but now, at this time an event is not an option, and the need to assist others is of growing importance. (Culinaria, 2020)

Culinaria has initiated three tiers of assistance to address short and long-term needs for individuals and restaurants/bars in the San Antonio area.

HospitALLity House focuses on short-term needs by ensuring those in the hospitality industry receive a hot meal. Service is provided Monday through Saturday at Alamo BBQ from 4p.m. to 7p.m. and several other restaurants have stepped in to help with meals at their locations.  Food donations and monetary contributions from generous businesses and individuals have helped keep this program going. It has already fed more than 12,000 in its first two weeks of operation.

Culinaria Family Meal Kits are networked through chefs for distribution to furloughed workers. Hospitality businesses who have employees in need can email Culinaria to be included in the kit distribution.

For long-term needs, an Emergency Relief Fund has been established and will issue funds to hospitality workers in need of financial assistance. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate to the Emergency Relief Fund through PayPal or Venmo online. An application process is available online and the current need is greater than the resources available, so Culinaria will continue its outreach  to raise enough funds to assist more individuals and to later provide relief for restaurants and bars to reopen.

Culinaria’s social media channels will be posting the locations and times where hospitality industry workers can get the hot meals.

In addition, Culinaria is offering the Restaurant Weeks To-Go, to promote restaurants that have remained opened for to-go, curbside and delivery services. A complete listing of those restaurants,  menus (when available) as well as restaurant websites and phone numbers is available online.

 Some of the key support includes contributions from Chef Jason Dady, Silver Eagle, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Sysco, Alamo BBQ, Bakery Lorraine, Chef John Brand and Hotel Emma, Gaucho Gourmet, Cheesecake Factory, Panifico Bake Shop, Hush San Antonio, San Pellegrino and Texana Brands

“This is definitely an unprecedented time for us all and our hope is to support furloughed industry workers that have helped put this city on the map as a culinary destination.”- Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President/CEO of Culinaria.

Culinaria 5K Wine and Beer Run at The Shops at La Cantera

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This year’s Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run will be on Saturday March 16. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission. 

Coming up next month is the Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run, a 3.1-mile trek through The Shops at La Cantera with the scenic hill country as a backdrop, which makes for a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other run in Texas. All 5K Wine & Beer Run participants will be able to enjoy a post-run celebration that promotes healthy lifestyle including delicious eats, irresistible drinks, wine and beer tastings, activities, shopping and more. (Culinaria, 2019)

Scheduled for Saturday, March 16, the pre-race festivities will begin at 7a.m. with the race starting at 8a.m. The cost ranges from $40 to $55. This event is open to all types of runners, including teams with a minimum of 10 participants. For more information or to register visit Culinaria online.

Friends, family members and visitors can enjoy the race day reception by purchasing a Race Reception ticket. Tickets are $20 for ages seven and up to take part in the after party and enjoy the food and festivities after the conclusion of the race. Not into running? Sign up to be a volunteer and enjoy a different side of race day. Packet Pick-Up is a must for registered participants in the Culinaria 5k; as that is where they will receive the bib, timing chip and t-shirt. Anyone who is not registered, or running is welcome to register at Packet Pick-Up, space available. Check Culinaria for time and location. This is an event that runners and non-runners alike will enjoy – so toast to a race well ran and dig in with Culinaria.

As a non-profit organization, Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Pkwy.
San Antonio, TX 78256

Culinary Institute of America announces new restaurant in San Antonio

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SAVOR is coming to the Pearl this January. Photo: Clayton & Little, used with permission.

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in San Antonio is excited to announce SAVOR, a brand-new restaurant coming to Pearl this January. The seasonal Modern-American concept is based on the CIA’s curriculum which teaches cuisines and techniques from around the world. The college’s world-class chefs and hospitality instructors will lead the students, who will prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies. Upon graduation after this class, students may go on to pursue their bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary science or applied food studies at the college’s New York campus. SAVOR is the newest member of the CIA Restaurant Group. (The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio, 2018)

Before students join SAVOR, they have studied the cuisines and cultures of the Americas, Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe. Most menu items at SAVOR will be locally sourced and the CIA team relies on relationships with farmers and producers to create an array of fresh dishes. SAVOR’s menu style allows guests to build a customized three or four-course meal, including options such as honey-chili roasted chicken with fat rice and Asian lime; grilled Gulf shrimp with polenta, olives, and tomato; and Berkshire pork schnitzel with a sunny egg, chamomile apple and red sauerkraut. The purpose of this menu format is to educate both students and patrons on various cuisines. CIA faculty overseeing SAVOR are Chef Uyen Pham and service instructor Samantha Fletcher.

The bar and lounge area will feature a menu of smaller and shareable plates such as caviar, potato and soft egg with leeks and pumpkin seeds; roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts with toum garlic dip and chicken cracklings; and crisp-fried wings with miso-chili paste, pickled cucumber and toasted sesame. The beverage program will feature classic cocktails like a Negroni, a Manhattan and a dirty martini along with New World and Old-World wines and local favorite craft brews. The restaurant will be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

SAVOR’s 2,500 square feet and 62-seat layout ensures that the ingredients, learning and great food are the focal points of the restaurant. Clayton & Little are the lead architects on this project and designed the modern industrial interior to highlight the open kitchen.

“We are thrilled to have SAVOR join the Pearl community. As a graduate of the CIA, I understand the hard work these students put in to make this a special experience for the guests, and I am excited the restaurant will bring flavors from all across the globe to our city.” – Shelley Grieshaber, culinary director for Pearl and previously director of education for the CIA in San Antonio.

SAVOR
200 E Grayson St., Suite #117
San Antonio, TX 78215