The four course dinner, set for Thursday April 21, will be paired with spirits from Blackland Distillery. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk Dinner Series is officially back. This month, the hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace has partnered with Texas based distillery, Blackland Distillery. Blackland is a grain to glass distillery in Fort Worth, Texas that uses North Texas grains from TexMalt, a Fort Worth craft malt house that partners with local Texas farms to grow, produce, and source high quality grains from Texas farmers and supplies breweries and distilleries all over the state of Texas. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)
Similarly, Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Chef Steve McHugh, is Steve’s ode to Texas products, farmers and producers. “Landrace” refers to an heirloom strain of plant or breed of animal that has been nurtured and allowed to remain unchanged. Guiding Steve’s concept is his fascination with ingredients, his deep appreciation for Texas’ heritage farmers and growers, and his belief that something tastes better when it is prepared and served near where it was grown.
Change up your date nights or dinner gatherings and join Chef Steve Mc for a four-course dinner on Thursday, April 21 from 7p.m. to 10p.m. This dinner will be paired with spirits from Blackland along with menu items including Tuna Ceviche, White Asparagus Salad, Coal Fired Roulade of Organic Chicken, and Springtime Smores. You can find the full menu below. Tickets are $120 per person.
Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.
For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)
Ticketsare $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):
WELCOME DRINKS Raki Cocktail
DIPS (served with warm pita) Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant Spiced green tahini Muhamarra Spicy whipped feta Hummus Schug, Amba
COLD MEZE Fennel/Pomelo salad Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil
HOT MEZE Saganaki- greek style fried cheese Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato
MAIN Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”) Fish Kebabs Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs
Hotel Emma at Pearl 136 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 448-8300
The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.
Ambler at Hotel Contessa announces food and beverage programming to celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
Hotel Contessa is excited to announce a host of programming to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22. To celebrate the holiday accordingly, the hotel will extend the celebration throughout the week with various specials and events throughout that week at the hotel’s restaurant Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)
The programming is as follows:
National Margarita Day Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 22, 2022 starting at 4p.m. On National Margarita Day, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will offer four unique twists on the traditional margarita for $8 during happy hour in the restaurant’s bar lounge between 4p.m. and 7p.m.
The cocktails include: • Fire in the Sky – Casamigos Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, smoked paprika, and bell peppers • Knocking on Desert’s Door – Desert Door Sotol, Chareau, prickly pear and citrus, garnished with lime and mint • Misty Step – Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Santa Teresa 1976 rum, Benedictine, pineapple, and bitters • Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Corralejo Reposado tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, and Ambler bitters
***The bar’s regular hours are 12p.m. (noon) to 12a.m.
Margarita Making Class – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6p.m.
Continuing the celebration of National Margarita Day throughout the week, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will be offering a margarita making class with its new beverage director, Brandon Vela. The class kicks off at 6p.m. at Hotel Contessa’s third floor terrace overlooking the San Antonio River. Participants will learn the proper techniques and make their own margarita while enjoying light bites from Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. Guests will also receive a 20% discount toward a meal at the restaurant. The cost of the class is $45 per person and tickets for the class are available here.
Casamigos Tequila Dinner – February 24, 2022 at 6p.m.
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special five course dinner featuring Casamigos tequila and mezcal. The ticketed dinner is limited to 50 guests and tickets are $125 a person, which includes the cost of dinner, gratuity, tax, and valet parking at Hotel Contessa. Tickets for the dinner are available here.
See below for the dinner menu featuring unique cocktails made with, and inspired by, Casamigos tequila.
La Panadería’s Red Velvet Cruffin. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, San Antonio area businesses are having specials and events for that special day. These events and specials include romantic dinners, themed brunches, irresistible desserts, and gift ideas to plan a memorable Valentine’s Day. Below is a list of exciting Valentine’s Day offerings in San Antonio. (Bakery Lorraine, Pearl, Naco 210, Hotel Contessa, La Panadería, EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)
Valentine’s Day Specials & Events:
Bakery Lorraine For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at their San Antonio and Austin Locations. The sweets include Red tart, Red Velvet Cake, Caramel Tart, Heart Moonpie, Pop heart, Japonaise, and Cherry Tart. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Mother Flower Design in San Antonio, who will have a popup set up at each San Antonio location on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. In addition to their popup, guests can purchase a 12pk of macarons with a petite bouquet from Mother Flower Design for only $60. Pre-orders are now available and can be ordered online through Tuesday, February 8.
306 Pearl Pkwy, #110 San Antonio, TX 78215
Pearl Dance the night away with loved ones as SoundCream Airstream returns to Pearl for a special Galentine’s Day edition. Enjoy a night of dedications with The Rolling Disco, including music by Southtown Vinyl. Dedicate a tune for a free and family-friendly activity where you can explore Pearl’s many shops to find unique artisan gifts for your loved ones. Pearl will also have an Amor wall for fun photo opportunities to memorialize the night, including the chance to purchase Amor merch by Feliz Modern Pop’s popup cart situated by the wall on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday February 13. Sunday, February 13 from 4p.m. – 7:30p.m.
312 Pearl Parkway San Antonio, TX 78215
Naco 210 At their new Los Patios location, Naco will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a full weekend of picture perfect brunch items perfect for a Galentine’s celebration. Their brunch specials include strawberries & chamoy Mexican shaved ice ($6), pitaya & orange mimosa mocktail ($5), fresas con crema & Mexican vanilla cake ($5), hart of pork opus quesadillas (chicharron prensado and octopus) ($6), pink shrimp Chilaquiles ($12), and strawberry fields salad ($7). Friday, February 11 – Sunday, February 13
2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop San Antonio, TX 78217
Hotel Contessa Situated by San Antonio’s Riverwalk, Hotel Contessa’s dining restaurant, Ambler, will be serving a three course pre-fixe dinner in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Romance is not lacking within this menu, it includes starter of lobster amuse, receive the first course option between roasted beet carpaccio and creamy corn & lemongrass soup, choose an entrées of grilled filet mignon, seared gulf snapper and scampi prawns, or vegetarian risotto, and finally finish off the night with red velvet mousse cake or a chocolate tiramisu tart. The pre-fixe menu is $75 per person, with the option of including romance flight pairings at $45 per person. The options are Cupid’s Delight (French 75, Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial, Moet & Chandon Imperial, Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial) and Lover’s Delight (Boulevardier, Woodinville Rye Whiskey, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Port Finished). Reserve your table online now. Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14 for dinner hours 306 W Market St San Antonio, TX 78205
La Panadería La Panadería is once again the best place in town for Valentine’s Day treats. The signature Strawberry Mousse Hearts will be available for pre-order and in-stores for a limited time. The heart-shaped treat is a rich vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux coated with a festive red chocolate mirror glaze. If that is not enough, guests can also indulge in the Red Velvet Cruffin and a 5-pack of the deliciously gooey S’Mores Cookies. Whether celebrating with a significant other, Galentine friends, or treating yourself to a self-care day, La Panadería has all the pan dulce and brunch offerings you could want. February 4 – February 15
8305 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
301 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205
17030 Fiesta Texas Dr. Suite 105 San Antonio, TX 78256
EVO Entertainment Group This Valentine’s Day, EVO Entertainment is the ultimate date night spot. On February 14 only, EVO Entertainment’s Schertz location will offer a free 30-minute game card with the purchase of a bowling lane reservation. Couples can enjoy the state-of-the-art bowling alley while indulging in cocktails and food from the scratch-made kitchen before exploring the wide range of arcade games available. Monday, February 14
Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels has exciting new collaborations, live music, themed dinners, farmers markets, and more coming up. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce some of the exciting events that they have coming up in 2022. In the new year, Krause’s will continue to host live performances by nationally, and internationally, renowned polka and folk acts in addition to amazing parties, themed dinners, Dachshund races, and more. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)
See below for a sampling of upcoming events:
Mollie B with Squeezebox and Ted Lange – February 4 – 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.
In 2022 Krause’s continues to provide its guests with world-class live musical performances. On February 4th, New Braunfels staple Terry Cavanagh will open for Polka Hall of Fame musicians Mollie B and Squeezebox with Ted Lange. Doors open at 4pm.
Daddy Daughter Dinner – February 9 – 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.
Krause’s Café welcomes all father-daughter pairs to their Daddy Daughter Dinner. A dinner for two is available for $50, which includes a 14oz. ribeye, chicken tenders with “stuffed” mashed potatoes, and tableside s’mores for dessert. This special night also includes a performance from All Mixed Up Variety Band. Tickets are available here, with the option to include additional children’s tickets for larger families at $15 per child.
Visit the New Braunfels Farmers Market during the month of February and find local vendors located in the Krause’s Biergarten for a convenient shopping opportunity for Valentine’s Day. Guests can purchase one of a kind baked goods, flowers, chocolates, and many more local gifts to celebrate the Holiday. The schedule is as follows:
Friday, February 9th 5p.m. to 9p.m.
Friday, February 11th 4p.m. to 9p.m.
Saturday, February 12th 1p.m. to 4p.m.
Halfway to Oktoberfest & Masskrugstemmen Season Kickoff – March 11 to 13
Join Krause’s in celebrating the beginning of the Masskrugstemmen season and begin the countdown to Oktoberfest. Pech & Schwefel will be joining Krause’s all the way from Austria to kick off the halfway point to Oktoberfest, in addition to returning in September for the official Oktoberfest celebrations.
Dachshund Race – March 20 – 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Krause’s is off to races with one of their most popular events. Guests can cheer on the racing pups at 2p.m. until approximately 5p.m. on March 20. Spectator tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite here for $5 (ages 12 and up), or you can choose to register your Dachshund and enter the race online. In addition to the race, Krause’s will be accepting food and supply donations for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed Dachshund as well as the race winner.
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 Bierhalle and ‘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 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
The bi-annual culinary extravaganza returns January 15-29, 2022. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, the bi-annual extravaganza, returns January 15 through 29 with participating eateries in San Antonio and neighboring counties. Participating restaurants will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $20 and $30 for lunch, and $35, $45 and $55 for dinner, with to go options at select restaurants. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. It is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant that has been top of mind or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family, or co-workers. (Culinaria, 2021)
“San Antonio is a hub for great dining hotspots and Restaurant Weeks presents the ultimate opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover new culinary delights. It also generates enthusiasm within our diverse culinary community and extends another opportunity for Chefs to showcase the variety of food and flavors that define San Antonio and neighboring cities.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria
The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Weeks menus can be found online. Reservations are not required but are encouraged as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed.
Culinaria is continually expanding. Additional participating restaurants are added weekly, as well as new events throughout the year. Please visit Culinaria for all the latest in Restaurant Week details as well as upcoming events.
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. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Weeks, a 5K Wine Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events and several community partners’ events throughout the year.
Accolades: Best Food and Wine Festival to Visit – Readers Digest, 2018 Best Food & Wine Event in Texas – Essence 2017 Top 10 American Food Festivals – The Telegraph 2016 Most Popular Food and Wine Festival – Vanity Fair, 2011
Naco Mexican Eatery will open its first brick and mortar location on December 9, 2021. Photo: Naco Mexican Eatery, used with permission.
Naco Mexican Eatery is excited to announce the opening date for its first ever brick and mortar location, named Naco 210. Naco 210 will open to the public on Thursday, December 9, 2021, in San Antonio in the Los Patios development along the Salado Creek. Naco – a concept by husband-and-wife team Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez – is a restaurant and food truck that serves authentic Mexican plates, traditional tacos, tortas, and chilaquiles for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner service. (Naco Mexican Eatery, 2021)
Naco Mexican Eatery opened its food truck for business in San Antonio over three years ago. Its menu focuses on the street foods of Mexico with freshly made items such as chilaquiles using Naco’s own homemade salsas, tacos, and tortas, as well as healthy, keto-friendly, and veggie-forward dishes. The menu at Naco 210 will still include all the food truck fan-favorites but also add on all-day chilaquiles with new sauce options such as almond mole, a selection of breakfast egg benedicts made with traditional Mexican toppings including huitlacoche and Naco’s Mexican brisket, Mexican-inspired croissants with options like guava and cheese, all-natural aguas frescas, and more.
Naco 210 will have a relaxed, family-friendly space, with indoor dining of roughly 2,900 square feet, a space for private events, as well as a large 3,000 square foot patio surrounded by natural landscape and a creek-side view. The restaurant will have options for breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and brunch service on the weekends. The restaurant will be located in Los Patios at 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78217. Naco 210’s operating hours will be Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Naco will also continue its food truck operations.
“We are blessed to be in a wonderful city, surrounded by the most amazing people who have fallen in love with our Mexican food that includes our own family flavors. We can’t wait to be able to showcase even more with our full-service restaurant space.” – Owner Francisco Estrada.
Texas Food & Wine Alliance rings in holidays with blowout Taste of Texas fundraiser. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance
Romantic Texas getaways, once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experiences, and gourmet gift baskets are up for grabs Monday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 14 when the Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) hosts the Taste of Texas Auction. The distinctive fundraiser, now in its second year, will support the organization’s statewide culinary grant and educational programs. (Texas Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
What better way to support local food systems than bidding on irresistible packages tailored for wine lovers, cocktail fans, and foodies? The curated lots cover a wide variety of options suitable for holiday gifting, sharing with friends, or surprising a significant other.
Bidding began at 12 noon, November 22 and ends at midnight, December 14. A “buy now” option is available to give supporters the immediate option to purchase. New items will be added throughout the auction as lots sell out.
Highlights of the Taste of Texas Auction include:
A swinging golf adventure at Horseshoe Bay Resort featuring a one-night stay, a round of golf for two, and a $100 resort credit.
A Franklin Barbecue party for ten featuring a branded Franklin Yeti cooler stuffed with a whole smoked brisket, five sausage links, and one bottle of Texas barbecue sauce.
A romantic Hill Country getaway at Fredericksburg’s Hoffman Haus luxury bed and breakfast with a $100 gift card to La Bergerie and a $150 gift card to Otto’s German Bistro.
A three-hour sunset cruise from Float On Boat Rentals stocked with two cases of Lone Star Rio Jade Mexican-style lager and a Yeti Roadie cooler.
A sweetheart Commodore Perry Estate experience featuring a one-night stay at the private retreat, complimentary Champagne, dinner for two at Lutie’s, and an intimate breakfast.
A VIP tasting for six at Southold Wine & Cellars with winemaker Reagan Meador.
A dinner for ten at San Antonio’s acclaimed Mixtli with wine pairings.
The Taste of Texas auction is boosted by the support of ABC Bank, whose contribution allowed the Alliance to aid Texas restaurants and bars. In addition, the auction was supported by BookPeople, Ken and Gina Burchenal, Casero, C.L Butaud Wines, Commodore Perry Estate, Drink. Well, Jessica Dupuy, Float On Boat Rentals, Fonda San Miguel, Franklin Barbecue, Kendra Scott, Lone Star Beer, Mixtli, Monger’s Market + Kitchen, Qi, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Spillers Honey Bees, Southold Cellars, Cathy Strange, Tom Sunstrom and Virginia Greenway, Texas Fine Wine, TLC, Two Hives Honey, Wicked Foods, William Chris Vineyards, and Your Hearts Desire.
The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the 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 promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact. The Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.
To celebrate the anniversary, select locations will be serving a limited time Birthday Shake. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
This Saturday, November 21, EVO Entertainment Group will celebrate the Seventh Anniversary of its flagship location at Kyle Crossing. To mark this special occasion, EVO’s Kyle, Schertz, Springtown, and Belterra locations will be serving a limited-time Birthday Shake from November 18 – November 21, 2021. The cake-flavored shake is topped with rainbow sprinkles, and a boozy version with vanilla rum is available for guests 21 years of age or older wanting an extra festive celebration. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2021)
Over the past seven years, EVO’s Kyle Crossing location has been home to celebrity-hosted moving viewings, Halloween Drunken Pumpkin parties, FamilyFLIX events, and much more. To join in the celebration visit EVO Cinema online.
EVO Entertainment Group’s Birthday Shake. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
Grinch Brunch is set for Saturday, December 4 at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Who can resist a hot Whoville feast, not the Grinch, nor Cindy Lou, what about you? Join the Grinch for green eggs and ham and maybe even roast beast at the Grinch’s Brunch Feast, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Saturday, December 4 at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Feast menu includes roast beast, Who Mashed potatoes, Horton’s cereal-crusted French toast, Truffla tree pancakes, Cindy Lu fruits and Vegetables, candy cane macaroons, beezlenut splash, and so much more. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
Grinch will be available for photos with children. Enjoy a private reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” narrated by the Grinch. Tickets are $48 for adults and $26 for children. Five dollars ($5) from every ticket sold benefits Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. To make a reservation please call 210-558-2479.
SweetFire Kitchen La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Parkway
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, Children’s Bereavement Center devotes services and resources to the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. The Center believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Our goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.
SA Examiner 