Bakery Lorraine launches specialty cookie in observance of Pride Month with a portion of all proceeds contributing to LGBTQ organization Thrive Youth Center. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine, a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop, will offer a rainbow-colored cookie in celebration of Pride Month. They will be joining forces with San Antonio-based LGBTQ+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting on June 1 and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.50. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin for dine-in or to go. This June Thrive Youth Center aims to raise over $20,000 for its organization. Meeting this goal will allow the organization to accommodate the growing numbers of youth entering their shelter, assist with housing programs, provide funding for increased staffing needs and supply necessary items for LGBTQ+ youth.
Bakery Lorraine is a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracy blog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Thrive Youth Center’s mission is to provide a safe, effective, and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth in San Antonio and Austin, so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. Thrive has 10 beds at our emergency shelter located on Haven for Hope’s campus, and we are now in our third year of housing young adults in their own apartments for up to a year through a federal government grant. Thrive Youth Center has served over 200 young adults in 2019 alone.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar is having a Memorial Day special. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
This Memorial Day weekend, Hopdoddy Burger Bar has a special deal for customers. From Thursday, May 26 through Monday, May 30, you can get half-off on the Roadie when you order Hopdoddy’s DIY Burger Kitand use the code WEEKEND at checkout. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2022)
All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any one of the burger joint’s Texas restaurant locations or online for curbside or pickup.
In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high quality ingredients and even higher standards.
San Antonio’s top indie chefs celebrate global cuisine with launch of Sunset Series this Sunday May 22,sd 2022. Photo: San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance.
Some of San Antonio’s most talented chefs will heat up Cherrity Bar for the launch of the Sunset Series on Sunday, May 22, 4p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are up for grabs for $45. All funds raised will support San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) unique grant program for culinary innovation and community giveback. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2022)
Inspired by the night markets popular throughout Asia, the Sunset Series is a regular program of evening bazaars showcasing the inclusivity of San Antonio’s food scene. The intimate backyard setting of Cherrity Bar (302 Montana St.) will allow guests to mingle with some of Alamo City’s hottest chefs and hear the personal stories behind the fare.
Each edition will have a new global theme highlighting emerging and independent chefs. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Sunset Series will kick off with a tribute to the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine.
More than just an occasion to share some of the region’s most exhilarating food, the new Sunset Series aligns with the Alliance’s mission of fostering awareness and innovation in Texas culinary communities. Granting the next generation of culinary talent a platform is near and dear to Ernie Bradley, chef and partner of Cherrity Bar.
“Our mission is to support our community in every way possible. Giving up-and-coming and independent chefs a chance to challenge themselves and showcase their skills is a natural extension of what Cherrity Bar already does for charity organizations, artists, and musicians. Without these people, our community does not grow.” – Ernie Bradley
Bradley’s team will throw down with John Constantino and Chris Christal of Howdy, Kuya!, James Canter of Guerilla Gourmet, Nari Hodges of Ooyoo Pan, culinary expert Hugh Daschbach, sought-after personal chef Katrina Cailao, and Heather Larican-Rejino of Your Sassy Chef. Larican-Rejino received an honorablementionat the 2021 San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s grant awards.
The chefs will spotlight Asia’s staggering contribution to global cuisine with traditional and unconventional takes on the theme.
The menu includes:
Chefs John Constantino & Chris Christal of Howdy, Kuya! Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Filipino Fried Rice
Chef James Canter of Guerilla Gourmet Jap Chae: Potato Starch Noodles with Mesquite-Smoked Tofu, Korean Cowboy Q Sauce, Vegetables, & Sesame
Chef Heather Larican-Rejino of Your Sassy Chef Pancit Noodles with Chicken Adobo & Pinay Pico
Chef Katrina Cailao Sans Rival: Traditional Filipino Cake with Cashew Meringue & French Buttercream
Chef Nari Hodges Assorted Japanese Macarons
“We are delighted to salute the diverse cuisines of Asia at our inaugural Sunset Series,” says Erika White, executive director of the Alliance. “The chefs have truly wowed us with their creative dishes and support of the local food community.”
Sunset Series attendees will be greeted by a welcome cocktail to keep the event spirited. Guests will also be able to sample fine spirits and beer. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
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 and community giveback. The organization debuted its grant program in 2021 by funding $17,000 in local culinary projects.
Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, 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.
Taco Cabana’s $4 Tajín Margaritas will be available starting May 5, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
On Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5, 2022, Taco Cabana will launch a new partnership with Tajín, introducing a $4 Tajín Margarita available at all Texas locations while supplies last. Taco Cabana will also offer Tajín Mild Hot Sauce at TC’s Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
“We couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Tajín. What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with a new Taco Cabana signature Tajín margarita – the first of several Taco Cabana and Tajín items, both food and beverage, that we hope to introduce in the coming months.”- Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho
TC guests who order the Tajín margarita will also receive an additional .35 ounce bottle of Tajín seasoning while supplies last. Guests can add more Tajín to their margarita or use the Tajín on any of their other TC favorites.
New breakfast taco and burrito options like Potato & Bacon, Potato & Bean, Potato & Chorizo and Chorizo & Bean starting at $1.59 also join the TC Breakfast menu just in time for Cinco de Mayo and summer at TC. Queso Blanco enchiladas starting at just $6.39 continue as well, and guests can now enjoy Queso Blanco paired with 3-pack chicken flautas or TC’s house-made tortilla chips.
Tajín margaritas will be available starting Thursday, May 5, 2022 through the month of May while supplies last. New breakfast tacos and burritos and Queso Blanco with 3-pack flautas or tortilla chips available starting Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
Tajín Margaritas, Queso Blanco enchiladas, 3-pack flautas, chips and queso and breakfast tacos are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, 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 April 20, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Taco Cabana celebrates Fiesta 2022 with a signature Fiesta medal and new menu items, such as the Breakfast Bowls, which will be available starting March 30, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabanais celebrating the 2022 Fiesta season in San Antonio with a signature Fiesta medal and new menu items, including Breakfast Bowls, Queso Blanco Enchiladas, and the return of its popular menu combos. Launching March 30, 2022, guests can enjoy new Taco Cabana Breakfast Bowls filled with seasoned potatoes, refried beans, eggs, queso, pico de gallo and choice of meat, including chorizo for $3.79, bacon for $3.99, or TC’s all-new country sausage for $3.29. TC’s Breakfast Bowls are available for purchase at all Texas locations and are available only during breakfast hours. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
In addition to new items at breakfast, guests can also enjoy their favorite TC Enchiladas with new Queso Blanco, starting at just $6.39 and available now at all Texas locations. Guests can top their choice of perfectly-seasoned shredded chicken, ground beef, or cheese enchiladas with Queso Blanco, a harmonious blend of Monterey Jack, and white American cheese.
The convenience of TC’s signature combos returns to all Texas locations and are now available starting at just $5.89. Guests can choose one of eight different taco or burrito options, and each combo order comes complete with chips, queso, and a refreshing 20 oz. beverage. San Antonio and Austin guests can also enjoy a ninth option – a Carne Guisada taco combo.
TC lovers can also grab their 2022 Taco Cabana Fiesta medal for $5 at all participating locations in San Antonio. Guests can show their Alamo City pride and support for their favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in preparation for the long-awaited return of Fiesta.
Taco Cabana’s combos, Breakfast Bowls and Queso Blanco Enchiladas are available in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or Taco Cabana online.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, 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, delivery and catering. As of March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas
Taco Cabana’s Fiesta 2022 medal. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
New and returning Fiesta items, like the Fiesta Croissant, will be available March 28 through April 13 at all La Panadería locations. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
In celebration of Fiesta taking place from March 31, 2022 through April 10, 2022, La Panadería will bring back last year’s best-seller, the Fiesta Croissant, in addition to two new colorful menu items. From March 28, 2022 through April 13, 2022, guests will be able to enjoy the delicious Fiesta Croissant, filled with fresh strawberries and whipped mascarpone cream and topped with bright, Fiesta-themed icing. Always innovating, the bakery-cafe will also unveil Fiesta-themed Orejas and the brand-new 24-Carat Champagne Cheesecake topped with real 24-carat gold leaves. The rich, creamy cheesecake is infused with champagne and topped with edible gold leaf. (La Panadería, 2022)
To purchase these limited-time Fiesta items, visit any of La Panadería’s three locations or order online from March 28, 2022 through April 13, 2022.
Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian, and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has three locations in San Antonio, Texas.
“The San Antonio community supports La Panadería every day, so we want to do our part in celebrating them with these specialty items. Fiesta is all about the bright colors and celebration of culture, and our pan dulce perfectly reflects that.” – La Panadería co-founder and head panadero, David Caceres.
David Caceres, Head Baker at La La Panadería, has been named a semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker.” Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
La Panadería and the Pearl are excited to announce that the following restaurants and chefs have been named semifinalists by the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. (Pearl, 2022)
Semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker” – David Caceres, Head Baker, La Panadería Description: A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts who displays exceptional skill. Must consistently sell goods directly to the public, but does not need a brick-and-mortar presence and must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past three years.
Semifinalist for “Outstanding Wine Program” – High Street Wine. Co, Pearl Description: A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine. Makes efforts to create and foster a diverse portfolio of wines and wine team members.
Semifinalist for “Best Chef: Texas” – Chef Steve McHugh, Cured, Pearl Description: Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions. May be from any kind of dining establishment but must have been working as a chef in the region for at least three years.
Guests can visit the student run cafe pop up at Savor from now until April 12, 2022. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) San Antonio campus is excited to bring back its popular Bakery Café. Savor, CIA’s Modern American restaurant at Pearl, is hosting the pop-up bakery from now until April 12. Under the direction of Certified Master Baker Alain Dubernard, Chef Brian Krellenstein, and Hospitality and Service Management Instructor Angel Gonzalez, students in the college’s capstone course of Baking and Pastry Arts major will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world retail bakery and restaurant setting by operating both the front and back-of-house. Savor will transform into a pop-up café for breakfast and lunch, serving a range of fresh dishes Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 1:30p.m. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2022)
Breakfast offerings include items like brioche French toast, house made croissant egg sandwiches, a roasted beef culotte potato hash with an over easy egg and a creamy pecorino polenta with sautéed mushrooms and soft poached eggs. Lunch will include items like homemade salads and sandwiches such as the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Blend Patty Melt, Grilled Vegetable Panini and Café BLT with grilled challah. Delectable pastries and cookies like the Walnut Orange Cranberry Scone, Manchego Guava Empanada, Alfajor Dulce de Leche and more will also be available for purchase.
Savor 200 East Grayson Street, Suite #117 San Antonio, TX 78215
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Taco Cabana’s Nacho Bar feeds up to ten people. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabanais celebrating Big Game Weekend with the ultimate game day spread – customizable Nacho Bar catering. Available for pre-order now, each Nacho Bar can feed up to 10 persons and include fresh corn tortilla chips, refried beans, queso, guacamole, salsa roja, pico de gallo, jalapeño slices, sour cream and a choice of protein. Guests can select from classic bean & cheese for $79.99, ground beef or chicken fajita for $99.99, steak fajita, mixed fajita or even Beyond Meat for $109.99. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
Catering orders available now for Big Game Weekend, February 11-13, 2022. Orders can be placed online or calling 1-855-4MY-TACO.For more information on Taco Cabana’s catering options, visit them online or call 1-855-4MY-Taco.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, 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 February 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
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
SA Examiner 