Category: Culinary Events

Taco Cabana celebrates 45th anniversary with celebration events and menu innovations

Enjoy the all new Frito’s® Pie Quesadilla as part of Taco Cabana’s 45th anniversary celebration next month. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

To commemorate 45 years of flavor and culinary innovation, popular Tex-Mex chain Taco Cabana invites guests to “Paint September Pink” with a month-long celebration. Beginning in September, celebrations will include the launch of TC’s all-new Frito’s® Pie Quesadilla, limited-time Hatch Chile menu items, a limited-time Tito’s® Vodkarita, the return of the TC salsa bar, and more. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Beginning September 6, 2023, TC will introduce all-new and limited-time menu items, including:

  • New Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork Street Tacos 
  • New Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork Taco  
  • The limited-time TC 45 Vodkarita, made with Tito’s® Handmade Vodka and sold in a commemorative 24-ounce yard cup
  • The all-new BOOM! Triple Chocolate Cookie

The TC celebrations do not stop there. Beginning on National Quesadilla Day (September 25, 2023), guests can enjoy the all-new Fritos® Pie Quesadilla, featuring two flour tortillas filled with melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, chile con carne, Fritos® corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños served with a side of queso. This delicious addition to the TC menu is the first culinary item developed as part of an ongoing partnership with PepsiCo® including Frito-Lay® that will allow for many innovative and exciting TC food and beverage creations in the future.

Rounding out the month, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, Taco Cabana will celebrate its 45-Year Anniversary with TC’s Birthday Fiesta, which will be held at Taco Cabana’s location at 2347 E. Southcross in San Antonio. Open to the public, the TC on Wheels food truck will offer complimentary samples of Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork Street Tacos and TC’s BOOM! Triple Chocolate Cookie. TC fans can also partake in games and giveaways, enjoy live mariachi performances and more, with festivities lasting from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m.

TC’s 45-Year Anniversary offerings can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online while supplies last.

“The spirit of Mexican-inspired heritage, traditions, recipes and culinary flavors are all rooted in today’s modern TC DNA just as they were when we began 45 years ago. As we celebrate our 45-Year Anniversary and look forward to future growth via franchising, on behalf of everyone at Taco Cabana, I want to thank each loyal and new guest who has been a member of our TC family throughout the years. We would not be where we are today or be able to celebrate this anniversary without our guests. They are our everything.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas, and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, and delivery. As of August 21, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Texas Wine Auction announces auction items and new chefs

The annual events is aimed at raising awareness for Texas wines and funds for hospitality workers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Texas Wine Auction, an event aimed at bringing together Texas wineries and winemakers to raise money for wellness programs and research to enhance the Texas wine industry, is excited to announce their auction items and the addition of two new chefs to the event, taking place on Saturday, April 29 from 6p.m. to 11:30p.m. Chef Luis Villalva of El Come Taco in Dallas, TX and Chef Austin Simmons of TRIS in Houston, TX will join the ranks of the eight incredible chefs participating in this year’s auction. (Texas Wine Auction, 2023)

Both of the recently announced chefs will participate in a competition to present the best dish of the night, voted on by event goers. They will join the previously announced Chef Angie Ragan, Chef Mike Hall, Chef Krystyna Cibelli-Pettus, Chef Roshni Gurnani, and Chef Matt Church.

In addition to enjoying incredible food and wine, attendees will also be able to bid on incredible auction items throughout the night. This year’s featured auction items include:

• Tasting the Stars of Texas: Co-sponsored by FlavoryTX and Feast & Merriment, the auction item will be a memorable experience enjoying Texas wines paired with ranch-to-table dinner, followed by a guided star party with sparkling Texas wines.
• Texas staycation: A luxurious three day, two night stay in Fort Davis, Texas with a wine tasting by Chateau Wright.
• VIP Napa Trip: A VIP trip to Napa in California for four. The trip includes a three day, two night stay at Auberge Du Soleil with private transportation to six wineries.
• Hill Country Tour: An exclusive tour of Hill Country wineries via helicopter with Aero Vino.
• VIP Wine Weekend: Feature winery, William Chris Vineyards, will host a Barrel Tasting for eight, and private dinner at their vineyard. They will also host tastings at all three of their properties and a two night stay at Carter Creek Winery & Resort.
• Wine Cases: Feature winery Inwood Estates will offer two cases of their ultra premium wine and dinner at a location to be revealed at a later date.

Tickets are available online. For those interested in donating to the cause, please visit Texas Wine Revolution. 

Vista Oaks Event Center
8192 E. Highway 290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Texas Wine Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating consumer education and awareness of Texas-grown wines as well as giving back to the industry and communities we operate within. In 2022 Texas Wine Revolution announced its inaugural Texas Wine Auction, an event supporting community and industry through a showcase of Texas wine and world-class cuisine presented by top culinary talents from around the country.

Valentine’s Day menu at Ladino

Ladino will be offering a multi-coursed Mediterranean inspired tasting menu for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

Ladino will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special tasting menu available Tuesday, February 14. Treat your partner to a “Lovers Day” multi-coursed Mediterranean inspired tasting menu that will focus on seasonal Texas produce and traditional Mediterranean fare with a modern take perfectly paired with wines selected highlighting the region. (Ladino, 2023)

Tickets are $115 per person with optional wine pairing ($60 per person). Reservations can be made online.

Ladino
200 E Grayson St 100
San Antonio, TX 78215

1676385774

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Gift ideas for Valentine’s Day

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has Valentine’s Day Spa Packages available. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you need some ideas to celebrate, consider the following from Carriqui, Bakery Lorraine, San Antonio Museum of Art, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and Hiatus Spa + Retreat:

Carriqui will host its inaugural Valentine’s Day dinner Tuesday, February 14 from 4p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to the regular menu, a three-course tasting menu is also available for $85 per person. Romantic add-ons are available online or can be requested upon arrival at the restaurant. The add-ons include house-made chocolate truffles or long-stem chocolate covered strawberries from the Carriqui pastry team ($25), fresh cut flower bouquet from Statue of Design ($50), and a bottle of Delamotte Brut champagne ($100).

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Carriqui
239 E. Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78215
Tuesday, February 14 – 4p.m. to 9p.m.

The three-course tasting menu includes:

1st Course – Choice of avocado and tomato salad with arugula, goat cheese, Texas Black Garlic Vinaigrette or Gulf Shrimp bisque with grilled toast and chive cream. 2nd Course – Choice of Marinated Redfish with charred broccolini, avocado mousse and kale chips, Smoked grilled ribeye with crispy potatoes and horseradish cream, or Braised cauliflower with fennel-spiced corn crumble and chili butter. 3rd Course – Choice of chocolate cake with caramel mousse, and almond sesame brittle or lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust.

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Valentine’s Day Sweets & Flowers for pre-order at Bakery Lorraine
All San Antonio locations
Pastries available from Saturday February 11 to Tuesday February 14
Pre-order Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers from Wednesday January 25 to Friday February 10

For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at all of their San Antonio locations from Saturday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 14. The sweets include Chocolate Raspberry Tart, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Heart Moonpie, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Strawberry Pop Heart, and Fraisier. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers for guests to pre-order a set of 12pk of macarons with a bouquet for only $70 or a flower box including six macarons for only $40. Macaron flavors include raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry rose. Preorders are available from Wednesday, January 25 until Noon on Friday, February 10, and can be ordered on the Bakery Lorraine website. Pickup for pre-orders will be on Tuesday, February 14 at the chosen location.

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Valentine’s Day Silver Trunk Show at the San Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m.

Couples shopping for a unique gift and stunning for their Valentine can head to the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art on February, 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. where the latest in silver jewelry from Sarah Roberts, Micha Gonzalez, Moose Pablos, and Spratling are waiting to be discovered. The gorgeous works will be available for purchase and will make the perfect addition to any Valentine’s day surprise.

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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that will include four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it is for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.

The exclusive package will be available for purchase online from February 2 through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/2/23 – 2/19/23) for flights to be redeemable. Prices vary per iFLY location.

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The award-winning Texas day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat has Valentine’s Day packages available.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)
Send your sweetheart off on a “choose your own spa adventure” only to return more rejuvenated and relaxed than ever before. They’ll get to pick any 3 of our Essential Services — The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani/Pedi, The Body Wrap, The Body Glow,* or Acupuncture.*
$299 ($350 value) *available only at specific Hiatus spa locations

The Love Birds (EarlyBird CBD Partnership)
Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, heartwarming hot stone shoulder massage then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter. Then take flight with EarlyBird Full Spectrum CBD Gummies and float through the rest of your day feeling chill and relaxed.
($350 / $279 H-Circle Member)

Cupids Bow
1 Syringe of Restylane Kysse, Dysport Lip Flip (10 units), $686 / $617 H-Circle ($795 value)

In addition to Valentine’s day packages, Hiatus will also be offering a couple of gift card deals in the upcoming months.

Galentine’s Gift Card Sale
Available: February 13 & 14
Offer: Buy $75 for only $50

Valentine’s Gift Card Sale
Available: January 13 – February 15
Offer: Buy $250 for only $199

New Year’s Eve events in San Antonio and surrounding area

A New Year’s Eve concert at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora is just one option for ringing in the new year. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

It is time to start making plans for the biggest party of the year: New Year’s Eve. If you are in the San Antonio area, or plan to be, here are three ideas to get you ready to ring in the new year. JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Texas is hosting a concert, Carriqui at the Pearl will debut its New Year’s Eve House Party, and Thompson – San Antonio Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. So whether you want to celebrate with a concert, at a party, or with fireworks atop a rooftop restaurant, get ready to party in style. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Carriqui, The Moon’s Daughters; 2022)

On Saturday, December 31, guests of JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa will dust off their cowboy boots, raise a glass, and celebrate the coming of 2023 with a night to remember. The concert will begin with an opening set by local Texas band, Jukebox Preachers. Nashville powerhouse and country music star Aaron Tippin will then take the stage to wrap up 2022: 

  • Doors/Bar Open: 6:30p.m.
  • Performance Times:  
    • Jukebox Preachers, 7:30p.m.
    • Aaron Tippin, m.
  • Ticket Options:
    • General Admission Ticket: $75 per person
    • VIP Private Table (8 tickets included + 2 drink tickets per person): $1,500 

For those enjoying a concert together with an overnight stay, guests can embrace the true Texas lifestyle with horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, ATV adventures, trail and bike riding, archery, and more. Guests can book their weekend stay online.

To help grant more music lovers the opportunity to attend, JL Bar has also partnered with surrounding hotels offering availability and will be providing shuttles to/from Sonora: 

  • Quality Inn, Sonora Location – $100-110/night**
    • Shuttle Services to and from Sonora: $20 per person
    • Shuttles depart Quality Inn at 4:15pm and 6:00pm
  • Holiday Inn Express, Junction Location – $100/night**
    • Shuttle Services to and from Junction: $30 per person
    • Shuttles depart Holiday Inn Express at 4:00pm
  • **Mention the JL Bar Resort for quoted rate, limited rooms per location, first come basis.

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Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce that Carriqui (239 E. Grayson St) will debut its New Year’s Eve House Party on December 31, 2022. In addition to standard dinner service (last seating at 9p.m.), the house party will  kick off at 10p.m. and run until 2a.m. In anticipation of 2023, Carriqui is taking inspiration from the building’s past as Boehler’s Garden. Fifty years ago, the historic building that is now Carriqui was owned and operated by Aubrey Kline and his brothers. Kline was affectionately known as “Mr. Pearl,” entertaining and hobnobbing with movie stars, politicians, and dignitaries. Upon his retirement from Pearl in 1972, he turned his attention to making Boehler’s Garden the place for a good time. 

Carriqui’s NYE House Party turns up the volume on good times and pays homage to the 1970s (period attire encouraged, but not required). Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased through Tock. The experience includes live music from beloved local favorites Buttercup and DJ Steven Lee Moya, appetizer stations, a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast tacos as a parting gift.

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For the second year in a row, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. This year’s theme is “Celestial Ball,” paying tribute to the Goddess of the Moon, Celine. Perched on the 20th floor of the hotel floating high above the River Walk, The Moon’s Daughters dazzles with views of the twinkling city lights of the San Antonio skyline. Guests will dance the night away with celebrity performer DJ JAX, who has spun for the Latin Grammy’s WMC, UMF, and many other festivals and has recently opened for the Chainsmokers.

Several Table Packages, named after the hotel’s monthly cosmic night series, will range from $400 to $100,000; the ultimate experience includes flights and a three-night stay at any other Hyatt property in the world. From Cosmic to The Universe, select from the VIP packages to enjoy an open bar, champagne, spirits, and magnum bottles to toast the New Year.

From 10p.m. to 2a.m., the night promises to bring unforgettable firework views, a stellar atmosphere, and a celebrity DJ to match. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite.

 

William Chris Vineyards’ upcoming events

Events include story time with Mrs. Claus and annual NYE Black Eyed Pea Cook Off. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

William Chris Vineyards is a winery in Hye, Texas that features a visitors center, contemporary tasting rooms, and a patio café. The winery frequently hosts events and with the holiday season in full bloom, these are some of the events scheduled. (William Chris Vineyards, 2022)

FREE EVENT: Story Time with Mrs. Claus | December 18 at 4:30p.m.

The event will feature letters to Santa Claus, Cookie Decorating Station, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Christmas Carols, and a Christmas tree for pictures. Guests can sip on Grinch Punch, hot chocolate or indulge in their chocolate fountain, plus much more. Wine and bottle service will be available throughout the event as well. Reservation is requested and can be made online.

Annual New Year’s Day Black Eyed Pea Cook Off | January 1, 2023 at 1p.m. – 4p.m. 

The annual Black-Eyed Pea Cook-Off is a New Year’s tradition that draws WCV fans. Join us for a Southern-style celebration and help us crown our 2022 champion on Saturday, January 1st, 2023 at 1p.m. All tickets include; A New Year’s toast with our winemaking team, barrel tastings, a meal by the WCV in-house culinary team, wine tasting tickets, an exclusive WCV Black-Eyed Pea t-shirt, a sampling of all black-eyed pea dishes, one vote to cast for your favorite dish, and live music throughout the event.

Tickets can be purchased here for $50 (kid tickets: 21 and under for $12) If interested in entering your black eyed pea dish, contestant entry costs $75 and will include a greeter wine, plate of food & T-shirt. Contestants will be expected to arrive at 10a.m. to start cooking. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ordered plus cash/wine prizes including:

  • 1st – $500, Case of Wine
  • 2nd – $250, 6 Bottles
  • 3rd – 4 bottles of wine

Additionally, William Chris Vineyards began their new dinner experience, Supper Club, taking place weekly at the Hye Tasting Room

Join WCV in-house culinary team weekly for an expertly crafted dinner experience paired with Texas wine. Chef Daniel Todd is preparing a new menu each Wednesday and is inviting you to this Hye dining experience. Dinner includes glasses of William Chris wine that are hand selected to pair with the courses served. All wines featured will be available for purchase at the dinner. 

REASONS TO LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE: The moment you pull off Highway 290 onto the William Chris grounds, you cannot help but be in awe of the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. From the simple charm of our original farmhouse to the modern tasting room surrounded by an active vineyard – all elements of our property are beautifully suited to their terroir and expressive of our reverence for the past and vision for the future.

It began in the Hill Country as a collaboration between William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett; one that is based on a shared winemaking philosophy and a vision of the Texas wine industry’s capabilities. Bill and Chris agree that excellent wines are not made, but grown in the vineyard. They also believe that wine should be inspired by the pleasure that is shared with an extended community of friends and family over a bottle. Today, William Chris Vineyards continues to reach for a level of quality that represents the very best of Texas in each new vintage. It is with confidence in our process and pride in our team, community, and the special place we call home, that we inscribe each bottle of William Chris Vineyards wine with this greeting: We are pleased to share a piece of our world.

Family Meal Benefit dinner in El Paso to benefit El Pasoans Fighting Hunger

El Paso native chefs return home for an evening of cooking and camaraderie, all for a good cause. Photo: Google

On Sunday, November 13, ten chefs will return home to El Paso to host “Family Meal,” a special collaborative benefit dinner. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, a group actively procuring and distributing food to combat the hunger crisis in the region.

“El Pasoans Fighting Hunger (EPFH) is El Paso’s only food bank and a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network. The Food Bank is the distribution center for over 132 partner pantries across the borderland region and collaborative hub for hunger initiatives that assists in SNAP applications and nutrition education. EPFH also distributes healthy and nutritious food to 235 client choice mobile pantries, which provide food to underserved/unserved communities. We currently serve 200,000 food insecure people with 1 in every 3 children and 1 in every 4 adults unsure of where their next meal will come from.” -EPFH

The evening is designed to expose local and expat talent—chefs, artists, and musicians—while bringing El Paso natives together for an evening of cooking and camaraderie, all supporting a good cause. The event will be held at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing (1 Ardovinos Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063), and tickets are available at elpasofamilymeal.com. Tickets for Family Meal are $250 per person and will include six courses in a family-style setting along with passed appetizers, wine pairings, coffee, and a chef demo.

“Family Meal is an important part of the day for restaurants. It is a way to bond with your family away from home. This benefit dinner, in turn, is meant to transform that experience and help our extended (local and migrant) families as well as bring to light the vast amount of talent and generosity this city has to offer. El Paso is one part of a large international and bi-national metropolis encompassing Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. What affects one family affects us all.” – Mixtli Chef Rico Torres

Confirmed chefs include:
Rico Torres, Founder, Food and Wine Best New Chef 2018, James Beard Best Chef Semi-Finalist 2019, Best Restaurant 2022, Mixtli (San Antonio, TX)
Andre Natera, Author and Podcast Host, Chef’s PSA (Austin, TX)
Alan Delgado, Star Chefs Rising Star 2020, (New York, NY)
Gabe Erales, Top Chef-18 Winner, Bacalar, (Austin, TX)
Jaime Daniel Calleros, Executive Chef, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing (Sunland Park, NM)
Jake Rojas, Tallulah’s Taqueria (Providence, RI)
Omar Flores, James Beard Semi-Finalist Best New Restaurant 2013, Best Chef Southwest 2015, 2016, Whistle Britches and Muchacho (Dallas, TX)
Melissa Valenzuela, Mixtli, (San Antonio, TX)
Andres Padilla, Chicago Tribune’s Dining Out Award 2015, Opening Executive Chef at Plaza Hotel/Ambar 2020, Culinary Director of Cruz Blanca (Chicago, IL)
Emiliano Marentes, James Beard Outstanding Chef Semi-Finalist 2022, El Emi, (El Paso, TX)

The Native El Paso chefs will return for a weekend of camaraderie and cooking under the scenic landscapes at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, which features views of all three cities. The evening will include live-fire cooking, wine, specialty cocktails, live music, plus a special Chef Demo from Top Chef-18 Winner, Gabe Erales. The event will also feature a live auction, farewell coffee service, and a photo opportunity with the talent.

November events at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be having their next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is having two big events in November. The next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters will take place on Tuesday November 8 and a special multi-course meal so guests can watch the Ford Holiday River Parade along the Riverwalk on Friday November 25, 2022. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters, which takes place whenever a full moon lands each month, will return on Tuesday, November 8 for November’s Beaver Moon. The second full moon of fall was named the Beaver Moon by Native American tribes because of how active beavers are in mid-fall as they prepare for winter. Hotel guests and the public can enjoy live music, insight from a tarot card reader, and a specialty cocktail paired with a cosmic coaster. The cosmic coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and conclude with a positive affirmation. The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s skyline.

The 41st annual Ford Holiday River Parade returns on Friday, November 25, kicking off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with performers, live music, and decorated parade floats that light up the city. The hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh will feature a special multi-course menu that evening and a reserved seat to the parade along the illuminated Riverwalk. The first course will feature Roasted Squash Soup and for the second course, choose from Slow Cooked Prime Rib or Pan Seared Trout. Lastly, top the meal off with a Warm Apple Crumble accompanied by Dulce De Leche Ice Cream. Tickets are available online. 

Austin Food & Wine Festival

The Austin Food & Wine Festival will take place November 4 – 6. Photo: Austin Food & Wine Festival, used with permission.

Tickets are still available for the eleventh annual Austin Food & Wine Festival which will take place November 4-6, 2022 at Auditorium Shores. Presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine and C3 Presents, the Austin Food & Wine Festival is one of Texas’ most beloved food festivals. The three-day celebration of food, wine and spirits will welcome top tier talent from all over the country. (Austin Food & Wine Festival, 2022)

The festival will feature chefs, restaurants and wine and spirits experts over three days at Auditorium Shores. Festival highlights include the new Wurst Weekend Kickoff event; the fan-favorite Rock Your Taco competition; the Fire Pit featuring bites hot off the flames; engaging cooking demonstrations + conversations; samples of signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; dynamic wine, beer & cocktail tastings; live music, and more.

Showcasing a dynamic roster of local, regional and national chefs throughout the weekend, attendees can sample signature dishes from top chefs around the country. 

WURST WEEKEND KICK-OFF

Join Chef Tim Love and Jesse Herman to kick-off the weekend at Auditorium Shores on Friday evening. Enjoy a Bavarian-themed menu of sausage, brats, pork, and more cooked over a live fire. Featuring regional wines and beers, the best (wurst) way to kick off the weekend. 

ROCK YOUR TACO

Rock Your Taco, Saturday evening’s signature tasting event, will take place this year at Auditorium Shores. Chefs will square off against one another to create the ultimate taco, as deemed by a People’s Choice award. Rock Your Taco competitors include Shion Aikawa; Nicola Blaque; Jo Chan; Tiffany Derry; Ford Fry; Sarah Grueneberg; Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley; CJ Jacobson; Steve McHugh; Shota Nakajima; Laura Sawicki, and Brooke Williamson.

CHEF DEMOS

Festival attendees keen on learning from the pros can listen in as a host of chefs, including Jo Chan; Tiffany Derry; Kevin Fink; Ford Fry; Diego Galicia and Rico Torres; Sarah Grueneberg; and Fermín Núñez.

FIRE PIT

The Fire Pit portion of the festival features bites hot off the flames and the chance to interact with pit masters and chefs cooking over live fire. Enjoy exceptional BBQ and other dishes cooked over open flame and get first-hand advice from the pros. Featured chefs this year include Sonya Coté; Jason Dady; Jorge Luis Hernandez; Andy Knudson; Jesse Kuykendall; Shota Nakajima, and Kristina Zhoa.

Tickets are available online.  All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

The Austin Food & Wine Festival is the benefactor of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Central Texas food and wine community through grants, educational programming and events. To date, Austin Food & Wine Festival has contributed over $1.3 million to the Alliance.

The Austin Food + Wine Festival marks a compelling collaboration between C3 Presents and some of Texas’ most exciting chefs and restaurateurs, including Tim Love and Restaurateur Jesse Herman. C3 Presents is the Austin-based event company that produces Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park, and Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin’s Zilker Park. The Austin Food + Wine Festival will take place this fall,, bringing an array of taste, talent and culinary entertainment to the Capital City.

Carriqui celebrates Día de los Muertos with curated dinner and performance

Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez will curate a special four-course meal for the holiday and San Antonio musician Azul Barrientos will perform during the ticketed dinner. Photo: Carriqui Botana Platter, by Jody Horton, used with permission.

Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce that Carriqui will be honoring those who have passed with a specially curated ticketed dinner on Wednesday, November 2 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. for Día de los Muertos. The event will include a four-course meal curated by Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez and a guided musical performance from beloved local talent, Azul Barrientos. (Carriqui, 2022)

The experience includes welcome cocktails and appetizers beginning at 6p.m. and dinner beginning at 7p.m. The four-course meal includes squash blossom and kale salad with watermelon, confit fish tamal wrapped in banana leaf, beef short rib barbacoa with calabaza, and a tequila lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust and marigolds.

Availability for the dinner is limited. Tickets are available for $150 each through Tock. Complimentary valet, 20% gratuity, and the welcome cocktail are included in the price per ticket. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Wednesday, November 2
Welcome cocktails and appetizers: 6p.m.
Four-Course Dinner: 7p.m. – 9p.m.

Carriqui
239 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck Hospitality concepts include Best Quality Daughter, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Carriqui, Food Hall at Bottling Dept., Ladino, and Stable Hall (coming 2023). Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.