Category: Culinary Events

Best Quality Daughter to host fundraiser for reproductive rights

Best Quality Daughter is partnering with New Orleans’ Turkey and the Wolf to host Good Trouble in Little China on September 11, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Best Quality Daughter is excited to announce that they will be hosting a house party, Good Trouble in Little China, to raise funds for reproductive rights in Texas and Louisiana. Guest Chef Mason Hereford from Turkey and the Wolf in New Orleans joins Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobertin for a special menu at Best Quality Daughter for one night only on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. The party and fundraising event will benefit Planned Parenthood South Texas and Lift Louisiana with proceeds being split 50/50. This is not a seated dinner, so unfortunately dietary restrictions and food allergies are unable to be accommodated. (Best Quality Daughter, 2022)

Three dishes are being curated by both Chef Hereford, a recent Iron Chef alum, and Chef Dobertin, along with house made cocktails. Chef Hereford’s menu includes collard melts and deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin, while Chef Dobertin’s items include wagyu scallion pancake sandwiches and chorizo and egg dumplings. Drinks served will include house cocktails such as Aide and Abet and Purple Texas, along with a beer from Kunstler Brewing called The Morning After Pils.

Tickets are available for a donation of $150 through Eventbrite and include drinks and food. Guests must be 21+ to attend. 

Good Trouble in Little China is sponsored by Annie’s Petite Treats, Back Bar Project, El Dorado Rum, Farm to Table, Kunstler Brewing, Mezcal Amaras, Peeler Farms, Potluck Hospitality, Rambler Sparkling Water, Jamie Stolarski and Sarah Fox.

Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215

Best Quality Daughter is a restaurant by Chef Jennifer Dobbertin that opened at Pearl in November of 2020. Pioneering New Asian-American Cuisine, the restaurant experience is a reflection of Dobbertin’s travels and the comfort food of her youth as a second-generation Chinese American. A warm, fun, and gorgeous environment serves as a culinary beacon to locals and travelers alike.

The Squeezebox announces inaugural Fajita Lounge Showdown

The Inaugural ‘Fajita Lounge Showdown’ will feature five local chefs competing for the ‘Best Fajita Taco’ title. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.

The Squeezebox is 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

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Taco Rumble returns to San Antonio

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.

1663238880

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Taco Rumble

A Night at the Chef’s Table: four San Antonio Chefs come together for a good cause

Landrace’s A Night at the Chef’s Table will kick off Hunger Action Month. Photo: OpenTable

Enjoy an extraordinary evening with four acclaimed San Antonio chefs and James Beard Award nominees on Wednesday August 31 when they join forces to collaborate on one unforgettable dinner. Chef Steve McHugh welcomes friends and culinary talents to the kitchen at Landrace: John Russ of Clementine; David Caceres of La Panaderia; and Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse. (Landrace, 2022)

This diverse culinary lineup will prepare a special four-course dinner to kick off Hunger Action Month in September, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity in San Antonio. With a portion of event proceeds going to the San Antonio Food Bank, guests can help fight hunger and feed hope together.

The evening begins with a welcome cocktail at 6:30p.m. followed by dinner at 7p.m. Tickets are $400.00 per person with a wine pairing add-on available. Book on OpenTable.

 

Pharm Table introduces First Friday Noches Bohemias

Pharm Table’s Noches Bohemias will feature a mix of low-fi and eclectic sounds over cocktails and bites. Photo: Pharm Table

San Antonio’s nationally recognized, plant-forward restaurant Pharm Table launches Noches Bohemias, featuring global beats from two of the restaurant’s own team members and creatives. As the sun goes down, patio diners will enjoy a mix of low-fi and eclectic sounds over cocktails and bites featuring DJ Luke Martinez, a.k.a. Calm College and DJ Armando Estrada, a.k.a. Todo Chido. Noches Bohemias will take place on Friday, August 5th, at 8p.m. at Pharm Table’s outdoor patio, 611 South Presa Street in San Antonio’s Southtown. (Pharm Table, 2022)

Pharm Table now serves dinner until 10p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The bar will be open later as well, serving up apothecary cocktails as well as biodynamic wines curated by in-house sommelier Scott Ota, with an emphasis on female winemakers from around the world. 

Pharm Table is an entirely unique concept and one of just a few true anti-inflammatory restaurants of its kind. Its philosophy is to help heal the body through food by blending the principles of Ayurvedic medicine with naturally healthful and gourmet global cuisines. Featuring local San Antonio heritage foods as well as a fusion of diets from the East, West, and Mesoamerica, the evolving menu is shaped by locally sourced produce and a global spice library and is free of dairy, refined sugar, wheat, and processed foods. While plant-centric, the menu also offers diners a selection of sustainably raised meats and fish. In addition to physical health, soil health and regeneration is a top priority at Pharm Table, and it is the first commercial restaurant composter in San Antonio. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, and Owner and Executive Chef Elizabeth Johnson partners with numerous local farmers along with supplying produce from her own backyard organic micro-farm.

Photo: Pharm Table, used with permission.

Enjoy summer activities at Madeline Hotel & Residences

Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride, Colorado. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.

As the dog days of summer linger, the mountain town of Telluride, Colorado boasts a unique roster of special events with localized luxury experiences via the destination’s only Forbes Five Star hotel, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection. Explore the local culinary offerings during a one-of-a-kind guided foraging session, and indulge in an exclusive multi-course dinner during Blues & Brews Festival. (Madeline Hotel & Residences, 2022)

Foraging with Chef Bill Greenwood: During the month of August, explore the local culinary offerings during a one-of-a-kind guided foraging session. On sunrise foray with Madeline’s own Executive Chef Bill Greenwood you will explore the land and learn about the local delicacies found in and around Telluride. Inspired by the best of what is in season from local Western Slope farms, Executive Chef Greenwood serves fresh, spirited takes on the hearty, rustic food you crave after a long day in nature.

Taste of Blues & Brews x Madeline: The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Brewers Showcase will kick off in style on Thursday, September 15 at 6p.m. with an evening of brews, world-class fare and, of course, music. This culinary experience will pair six courses of curated, modern mountain cuisine from Executive Chef Bill Greenwood with unique craft beers and conversation with brewers.

Telluride Mushroom Festival: Guests staying at Madeline over August 17-21 can attend the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival: featuring a variety of talks from over 30 speakers. The Telluride Mushroom Festival is famous for its array of unique and lively events, including Wild Food Dinner Experience, Mushroom Chefs’ Dinner, Entheogenic Gourd Circles, Open Mic Night, MycoLicious MycoLuscious MycoLogical Poetry Show and our Free Identification Tent. Attend showings of new fungi movies, panel discussions over treatment using psychedelics and decriminalization of psilocybin containing mushrooms. Special guests are happy to take guests on a mycology adventure out into the forest in the beautiful alpine around Telluride.

Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival tickets now on sale

The much anticipated multi-day culinary festival will take place October 27-30, 2022. Photo: Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, used with permission.

Tickets are now on sale for the Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival hosted by Culinaria and Visit San Antonio, in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. On October 27-30, San Antonio will host top culinary leaders from across the U.S. and Mexico showcasing their talents in events ranging from walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, outdoor lunches, hands-on workshops, educational panels, and more. Visit Culinaria SA  to buy tickets, learn more about Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, access the full schedule, chef and beverage lineup, hotel partners, travel hosts, and more. (Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, 2022)

Festival attendees will be able to customize their gastronomic experience by choosing between all-inclusive festival packages or a-la-carte event options starting at $100. Each will grant guests access to James Beard Award Winners, nominees, and other titans of the food and beverage industry including:

TASTING TEXAS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Collective: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon to 6p.m., Travis Park
    • The festival’s flagship event located at Travis Park featuring over 100 chefs and restaurants, and hundreds of beverage brands, Texas Wine Garden, live fire activations, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, and mercantile market.
  • Southern Hospitality: Friday, 7p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl Brewery
    • Mashup of food and beverage celebrating the “Y’all Means All” culture of Texas. From biscuits and gravy to hearty enchiladas and, of course, top-shelf cocktails, in a walk-around tasting event granting guest all-access to a front row seat of hospitality the Texas way.
  • Celebrate Agave: Saturday, 7p.m. to 9p.m., Travis Park
    • Aged, sipped, neat, or mixed, this walk-around tasting event celebrates all things agave and the cuisines that embrace it.
  • Lunches and Dinners: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
    • Festivalgoers will have exclusive access to unique chef collaborations at dinner and lunch events held at varying locations across the city.
  • Seminars and Workshops: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, times and locations vary
  • With a theme to satisfy every interest, attendees will be able to sign up for seminars and workshops across a range of topics, including hands-on, small-group activities—from crafting cocktails and smoking meat—to panel discussions on women in the beverage industry, and concise eating and drinking.

TICKET PACKAGES

  • Super VIP – $1,025
  • Choice of one dinner on Thursday night plus Southern Hospitality, VIP Access to all three days of The Collective, Celebrate Agave, VIP Parties and VIP Only Seminars.
  • The Weekender – $600
  • General Admission to The Collective (all three days), Celebrate Agave and Southern Hospitality/
  • Just the Collective – $300
  • All three days of The Collective. Enjoy this all-inclusive and immersive experience. All food and beverage are included. You only need one ticket to enjoy it all. 

“Culinaria is a lover of all things wine and food. We curate experiences for those who love to enjoy amazing pairings, in all forms. We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to the great city of San Antonio to experience the confluence of culture found across the culinary landscape.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO, Culinaria

“The unique culinary magic that will be available at Tasting Texas is going to charm festivalgoers and chefs alike. San Antonio’s real stories and true experiences will carry through The Collective at historic Travis Park as well as the intimate experiences throughout the weekend. Foodies will not want to miss this festival.” – Marc Anderson, President and CEO, Visit San Antonio

“The schedule of Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival is full of fantastic opportunities for culinary fans to explore the growing Texas food scene. We appreciate all of the work Culinaria, Visit San Antonio, and the participating chefs are doing for Tasting Texas, which benefits the Foundation’s scholarship programs and aligns with our mission of Good Food for Good.” – Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation

Photo: Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, used with permission.
1666875000

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival

Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces venue change

Fiesta’s VIP culinary kickoff party is moving to the Alamo for 2023. Photo: Taste of the Republic

Texas is home to one of the most diverse food cultures in America. Since 2017, Taste of the Republic has celebrated that culture as the VIP culinary kickoff party of Fiesta Fiesta, the official opening event of Fiesta San Antonio. Raising the standard even higher for Fiesta 2023, they are proud to announce that Taste of the Republic has a new home: The Alamo. (Taste of the Republic, 2022)

Join them at the Gardens of the Alamo from 6p.m. to 10p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023. Guests will sample gourmet bites from 12 local chefs, with food representing each culinary region of Texas, accompanied by a wide selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktail pairings as they mingle with Fiesta Royalty. A portion of each ticket will help support the Fiesta Commission and the Remember the Alamo Foundation.

“I am beyond thrilled that we’re bringing the premier celebration of Texas food to the ultimate symbol of Texas: The Alamo” said Chef Brian West, whose Texas Culinary Manifesto laid the foundation for Taste of the Republic and its Six Food Republics of Texas.

“San Antonio is recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, and it represents the confluence of cultures that makes Texas so unique,” Chef West said. “By being at the Alamo, we feel we’ve raised this event to the level it’s always deserved.” 

Taste of the Republic is supported by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Patron Tequila, Dos XX Beer, Republic National Distributing Company, Sysco, Telemundo 60 and the Texas Culinary Alliance.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

William Chris Wine Company to host virtual wine tasting and cooking demonstration

William Chris Wine Company’s virtual wine and cooking event will take place on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Photo: William Chris Wine Company, used with permission.

Are you looking for new ways to expand your love of cooking and explore the world of wine-pairing? William Chris Wine Company (WCWC) is having a virtual wine tasting with WCWC owner Chris Brundrett and his wife Katharine taking place Thursday, July 28th at 7pm CT via Facebook and YouTube Live. (William Chris Wine Company (WCWC), 2022)

Get the full wine tasting experience (without the Texas heat) in the comfort of your own home. The tasting will invite viewers to cook an original recipe (sent via email once package is purchased) by WCWC’s Culinary Director Chef Skip, alongside Chris and Katharine Brundrett. In addition, viewers will also explore a variety of wines to pair one perfectly with the gourmet dish they have created. Sip, listen, and enjoy as they give an update on the current harvest, brag about their garden, and answer your questions about anything and everything Texas wine related. This virtual wine tasting is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about wine pairings with food — and maybe pick up some fun cooking tips along the way.

Guests can now purchase the curated Sip with Skip pack on their website to participate in the virtual wine tasting including the following: 

  • 2021 Blanc du Bois – Austin County
  • 2021 Rosato – Grower Project
  • 2019 Grenache – Friesen Vineyard
  • 2017 Merlot – Robert Clay Vineyards 

BONUS ALERT: The first 100 packs sold will receive a complimentary bottle of 1836 Texas Olive Oil. Tickets are available at the link provided here for $145. Add one bottle of wine and receive free shipping courtesy of WCWC. 

William Chris Wine Company was founded in October 2020 by William Chris Vineyards’ Chris Brundrett and Lost Draw Cellars’ Andrew Sides. Built from a shared vision and set of core values, WCWC is the parent company of the William Chris Vineyards (est. 2008), Lost Draw Cellars (est. 2012), Skeleton Key (est. 2015), and Grower Project (est. 2015) brands, and is the leading producer of 100 percent Texas-grown wines in the Lone Star State.

2021 Rosato – Grower Project. Photo: William Chris Wine Company, used with permission.

French Festival and Petanque ‘Bocci’ Tournament at The Shops at La Cantera

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

Courtesy photo, used with permission.