Category: Culinary News

First impression: Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard

Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard in Los Fresnos. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Having spent the last few years in the big city, I had become accustomed to visiting wineries to enjoy a wine tasting or two. Since we relocated to the area, those visits have become rare since wineries and vineyards are not too common here in the Rio Grande Valley, especially in the small town of Los Fresnos. When I heard about Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard, I jumped at the chance to check it out for myself and the weekend is the perfect time so I headed out there on Saturday.

Finding the place is not that hard if you are familiar with the area. It is located northeast of Los Fresnos, a mile 1/2 north of Highway 100 on FM 3069. Take Highway 100 going towards Port Isabel, turn left on Bobz World, and about a mile or less, Bonita Flats is on the right hand. Given the harsh hot South Texas summer weather, they are open in the later afternoon and evening, starting at 3p.m. Me and three other wine afficionados were excited to finally get a chance to try this place out and managed to get there at the perfect time right before sunset.

The outside sitting areas have plenty of shade and we managed to get a table for four. Melissa Delgado, one of the owners, promptly came over and introduced herself, told us all about the place and the type of wines they have, and got us started with a bottle of Chenin Blanc. We ordered the Charcuterie platter and a Margherita pizza for everyone. Within minutes we got the Charcuterie platter but had to wait a little longer for the pizza but once it was ready, it was easy to see why it took so long: it is made fresh with their own herbs and tomatoes. Definitely worth the wait. To wrap up the evening, we ordered a bottle of Dolcetto Rosé.

Live music for the night was courtesy of Cactus Willie who performed with his acoustic guitar. His voice is similar to Willie Nelson and even though he performs Willie Nelson songs, he also sings a variety of songs, from John Denver to the Beatles. He also performs at Pirates Landing at South Padre Island.

According to Art Delgado, future plans for Bonita Flats include a café to serve breakfast and brunch and bringing back the ‘vegetables by the bag’ in the fall season.

Overall, the combination of an evening outdoor setting, wine tasting, and tasty bites accompanied by live music made for a pleasant experience. The food was excellent and so was the wine. They have only been opened for three months and have so many plans for the place and by the looks of it, they are headed in the right direction. I cannot wait to see how they grow and will definitely return. I recommend Bonita Flats to anyone looking for a quiet place to unwind with friends and family and of course, a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. Next time you need to relax after a long week, head on over, maybe we will run into each other. Thank you to owners Art and Melissa Delgado for answering all our questions.

Current menu:
Wine menu: Whites: Trebbiano, Chenin Blanc ($8 glass, $25 bottle), Rosé: Dolcetto Rosé, Immaculate Rosé, and Reds: Anglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon ($10 glass, $32 bottle)
Pizza made with farm fresh herbs and tomatoes ($12) pepperoni, Margherita
Charcuterie ($15) includes Manchego, aged Cheddar, and Gouda cheeses, fresh fruit (grapes and watermelon slices), crackers, salami, and green olives.

Art and Melissa Delgado established Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard in 2016. They have dedicated 4 greenhouses and 1 acre of row crops to growing a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. All produce is grown using organic practices, without any harmful pesticides. They also use all organic and non-GMO seeds for planting. (Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard, 2022)

Business hours:
Friday 3p.m. to 11p.m.
Saturday 3p.m. to 11p.m.
Sunday 3p.m. to 8p.m.

Chenin Blanc
Service counter
Cactus Willie
Charcuterie platter
Margherita pizza

Bakery Lorraine’s Fourth of July pies available for pre-order

Bakery Lorraine’s Buttermilk pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

To celebrate the Fourth of July next week, Bakery Lorraine has pies for pre-order for any Independence Day get-togethers. The bakery is offering an Apple pie, made with five different kinds of apples, and a Buttermilk pie topped with berries. The 9” pies are $28 each and serve eight. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)

Orders can be made online for pickup at the following San Antonio locations: The Rim, Pearl and Medical Center. The pies are also available for pre-order at Bakery Lorraine’s Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE. The last day for pre-orders is this Wednesday, June 29 at noon. Pick up for pre-ordered pies is Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3. Additionally, a limited number of pies will be available in-store at the Pearl location only on Monday, July 4 on a first come, first served basis.

Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Taco Cabana celebrates Fourth of July with limited time margaritas

The new limited time $4 Fireball Margarita will be available July 1-4, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

On Friday, July 1, 2022, Taco Cabana invites guests 21 years of age or older to try the all-new refreshing Watermelon Margarita, available at all Texas locations for just $4. At select participating locations throughout Texas, guests can spice up their Independence Day Weekend with a limited-time Fireball Margarita from Friday, July 1, 2022 through Monday, July 4, 2022 for just $4 as well. Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of Taco Cabana’s $3 classic frozen margarita flavors statewide including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Mangonada and Strawberry/Mango. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Pair these tantalizing summer margaritas with Taco Cabana favorites like the Dozen Taco or Flauta Boxes or TC’s Kickin’ Grande Nachos – all are a perfect addition to any 4th of July gathering. Beer lovers can also cool off with a bottled beer including Miller Lite ($3.25), Bud Lite ($3.25), Shiner Bock ($3.75) or Dos Equis XX ($3.75) and a three-pack of the newly-launched Carne Asada Street Tacos for $5.29 or one of the 16 new combinations of Smothered Burritos.

Watermelon margaritas available beginning Friday, July 1, 2022. *Fireball Margarita and dozen flauta boxes available Friday, July 1, 2022 – Monday, July 4, 2022. All other TC food offerings are available now.

*Fireball Margarita available only at select Texas locations.

TC food offerings and To-Go Margaritas are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the MyTC! 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, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 21, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

WonderSlice at Pearl to open next week

WonderSlice will serve pizza by the slice, full pies, subs, salads, and soft serve ice cream. Photo: WonderSlice, used with permission.

Potluck Hospitality and Chef Ben Schwartz are excited to announce that WonderSlice, the first pizza concept at Pearl, is opening at the Food Hall on Monday, June 27. WonderSlice pays tribute to the heyday of neighborhood pizza joints. The name conveys a sense of nostalgia, with a promise of “wonder by the slice.” The new restaurant is accessible and playful; its offerings include fresh pizza by the slice made onsite, full pies, homemade subs, salads, and soft serve ice cream. (WonderSlice, 2022)

Select menu items include the Ball Park pizza which includes Italian sausage, red onion, broccoli rabe, and chili flakes; the Green Monster pizza with parmesan cream, shredded zucchini, and pesto; and the Meatball or Chicken Parmesan sub with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and basil.

The Grand Opening will be on Monday, June 27, 2022.
Business hours:
8a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday – Thursday
8a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday

Food Hall at Bottling Department
Pearl
312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6
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.

The Jerk Shack announces new menu

Popular Jamaican-style eatery, The Jerk Shack, is now offering brunch on Sundays. Pictured: Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese French Toast and Catfish and Grits. Photo: The Jerk Shack, used with permission.

Starting June 5, Popular Jamaican-inspired restaurant The Jerk Shack started offering brunch service on Sundays. (The Jerk Shack, 2022)

The new menu items will be available from opening (11a.m.) until 5p.m. and will feature items like:

• Catfish and Grits – herb butter broth, collard greens, red pepper coulis, jerk remoulade
• Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese French Toast – sweet potato, cream cheese, Frosted Flake-crusted powdered sugar, dulce de leche
• Texas Toast Benedict – choice of bacon or jerk pork or jerk chicken, sunny-side-up eggs, habanero hollandaise, parmesan cheese

The Jerk Shack’s regular menu will still be available throughout the day in addition to the new brunch menu.

The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151
San Antonio, TX 78251

The Jerk Shack is a concept by Chef Nicola Blaque and her husband Cornelius Massey. After serving ten years in the Army, Blaque began working as a private chef to explore her passion for cooking. She relocated to San Antonio from Hawaii to pursue a degree at the Culinary Institute of America where she graduated in 2016. Blaque returned to her Jamaican roots and began focusing on Caribbean cuisine, working to bring the unique flavors to South Texas. In 2018, the team launched The Jerk Shack, a restaurant inspired by the flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean. The Jerk Shack has received national praise including being featured by Eater as one of the 2019 Top 16 New Restaurants in America as well as being included in GQ’s 2020 Best New Restaurants in America.

The Peach Truck returns to EVO Entertainment this summer

The Peach Truck will be making stops at EVO’s Schertz and Kyle locations. Photo: Peach Truck, used with permission.

Summer has finally arrived, which means the beloved Peach Truck is making its way back to EVO Entertainment with stops at EVO’s Schertz and Kyle locations. Pickups of delicious, hand-picked peaches and Georgia pecans will be available at both locations by pre-order only, and orders must be placed five days prior to the tour stops. Pickups will take place at EVO Kyle from 9a.m. to 10a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 and at EVO Schertz from 2:30p.m. to 4p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 and from 8a.m. to 9a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022. (EVO Entertainment, 2022)

After grabbing a box or two of the best peaches around, movie lovers can kick back in one of EVO’s luxury recliners and enjoy the latest summer blockbusters. To sweeten the deal, anyone who purchases a box of peaches or products from The Peach Truck will also receive a complimentary 30-minute game card to redeem at EVO Schertz or EVO Kyle.

EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.

Taco Cabana launches all new carne asada street tacos and cherry margarita

Taco Cabana’s all new street tacos, along with the cherry margarita and smothered burritos will be available at all Taco Cabana locations starting Wednesday June 8, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Quality, unique flavors and culinary innovation are center stage at Taco Cabana this summer. TC is introducing their all-new Carne Asada Street Tacos, new options for Smothered Burritos, a new dessert and a new, limited-time seasonal margarita. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Launching June 8, 2022, TC lovers can visit any Texas location and try the new Carne Asada Street Tacos in a three-pack for $4.29, as a plate with rice and beans for $7.59 or as a combo, with chips & queso and a drink for $8.99. The all-new TC Carne Asada is USDA Choice beef, seasoned with salt and pepper, then seared on a flat top to deliver a delicious traditional charred flavor. The charred carne asada is then placed on corn tortillas, topped with chopped onions and cilantro and served with a wedge of lime on the side.

Taco Cabana is also expanding its burrito offerings with 16 new smothered burrito combinations this summer. Guests first choose their protein including Chicken Fajita for $8.29, Steak Fajita for $9.89, Ground Beef for $8.09 or Shredded Chicken for $7.49, then select one of four homemade sauces to smother their burrito with – choosing from Queso, Queso Blanco, Tex-Mex, or Green Sauce. 

The new and never-before-served-at-TC Cherry Margarita is a refreshing taste of summer pairing perfectly with any TC meal for those 21 years of age or older and is available for just $4. Guests of legal drinking age can also indulge in TC’s variety of classic frozen margarita offerings all day, every day to help quench the Texas summer heat

“TC guests have been asking for a cherry margarita since we expanded our margarita line three years ago,” said Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho. “We’re excited to bring cherry margaritas to TC.”

To complement any TC meal, guests can indulge in an expanded dessert line including signature TC sopapillas, churros, Tres Leches cake or TC’s new chocolate chip cookie, available starting June 18, 2022.

“We are very proud of our industry-leading stature when it comes to great Tex-Mex flavor, the use of quality ingredients and ongoing culinary innovation,” continued Camacho. “As a brand, first and foremost, we are committed to always listening to what our guests want from us, innovating, then delivering great menu variety against those asks.”

All new menu items can be ordered 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 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, 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 June 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas

Bakery Lorraine celebrates Pride Month with cookies for a cause

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’s Memorial Day special

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 Kit and 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.

Charity Night Market kicks off with tribute to the flavors of Asia

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 honorable mention at 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 Hugh Daschbach
Shrimp with Okra, Crispy Spam, Miso Shrimp Stock, Jasmine Rice, Scallion, & Burnt Coconut & Macadamia Salsa Matcha

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.