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
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island. Photo: Sandra Cruz
It has been a busy couple of months so I have not had a chance to explore much, but last month while at South Padre Island for an art walk, we decided to have lunch nearby. Determined to have Mexican food, we drove around until we came upon a colorful sign advertising Doña Carmen’s Restaurant. It was odd because it was the first time we noticed this restaurant but decided to take a chance. Since then, Doña Carmen’s Restaurant opened a location in Los Fresnos and we recently had breakfast there. During our visit, they were only open until 4p.m. but we suggested they stay open later because like us, some people like to go out for dinner. I am so happy that now the Los Fresnos location is open until 9p.m. so we can go there for dinner one of these days after work.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island This location has a Doña Carmen life-sized cartoon cardboard cutout by the front door to greet guests. As soon as you enter, the welcoming sights and smells of a Mexican restaurant beckon you to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes. I thought I was only going to have one or two options, being that I do not eat meat in all its forms and it is rare to have more than one option at restaurants. Much to my surprise, the menu is extensive and I had trouble deciding what to order. I opted for the Entomatadas. The plate consists of four, yes, four entomatadas, rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. The serving size is generous and the tomato sauce is made from scratch. The food tastes homemade, just as I had hoped. I ordered a jamaica flavored “agua fresca” and it comes served in a personal sized pitcher so it was much more than I could finish there. It is so delicious and thankfully I was able to take the rest of it to go. The hubbs went with the Bistek Ranchero, which also comes with rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. I cannot stress enough how impressed we are with the quality of the food. Everything is fresh and made to order. Our only complaint is that they charge extra ($1.99 each) for additional flour tortillas. Other than that, it was a lovely visit. The wait staff is efficient and friendly.
#4 – 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101 South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 484-2314 Business hours: Open every day 7a.m. to 4p.m.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #5 – Los Fresnos Saturday mornings call for breakfast on the go. We got there bright and early since they open at 7a.m. After we ordered our coffee, the server brought over a small bowl filled with animal crackers to complement the coffee. What an original idea! We finished those before our breakfast dishes arrived. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos with eggs topped with cheese and it comes with refried beans and lettuce and tomatoes, which is weird because it is breakfast. Again, the serving size is more than enough and the flavors are undeniably homemade. The hubbs had the Huevos Divorciados, over easy, and they come with a side of bacon, refried beans and fried tortilla bits topped with salsa and shredded cheese.
#5 – 407 W Ocean Blvd, Suite A Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 254-2402 Business hours: Saturday 7a.m. to 3p.m. Sunday Closed Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 9p.m.
Suffice it to say, we will definitely eat at Doña Carmen’s Restaurant again, whether at the South Padre location or the Los Fresnos one. The ambiance is friendly, the customer service is excellent and the food is authentic and tastes homemade, “just like grandma used to make.” The quality of the food is certainly not “fast food” grade and anyone looking for a hearty Mexican meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, will be in for a delightful treat. So stop by next time and treat your taste buds to a “fiesta,” or better yet, treat the family out for a fabulous meal. They will thank you for it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Price range: $ – $$
MenuHuevos DivorciadosChilaquiles RojosBistek RancheroCoffee with animal crackersLos Fresnos location South Padre Island location EntomatadasDoña Carmen’s Restaurants
The new Cabana Salad is now available at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabana invites guests to start the year off right with their new Cabana Salad. The Cabana Salad features romaine lettuce, black beans, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips for $3.79. Back by popular guest demand, a side of Salsa Ranch dressing accompanies the new Cabana Salad; guests may add grilled chicken fajita for an additional $2. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
For guests looking for a more classic TC option, look no further than Taco Cabana’s signature Cabana Bowls™. Available starting at $5.59, these delicious crispy tortilla shell bowls are filled with the guest’s choice of protein, rice, refried beans, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, and will satisfy any Taco Cabana craving. Guests can choose from a variety of offerings including Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita, Shredded Chicken, and Ground Beef. Taco Cabana also offers a Beyond Meat bowl for those who prefer a vegetarian-friendly option. There’s no better complement to Taco Cabana’s bowls than one of their signature $2 margaritas served all day, every day.
In addition to the return of Salsa Ranch, 2022 at TC kicks off with new Jalapeño Salsa and the return of Salsa Fuego, each perfect for dipping and topping any TC favorite. The three salsas join current favorite Salsa Roja and are available upon request
Taco Cabana’s Cabana Bowls™ and Cabana Salads 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 Cabanaonline.
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 $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of January 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
National Popcorn Day is Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Photo: google
EVO Entertainment is celebrating National Popcorn Day by giving away free popcorn on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at all EVO locations in Texas (with the exception of Fritztown). Guests can snag their complimentary popcorn during standard hours of operation before catching films like Spider-Man: No Way Home or while enjoying EVO’s state-of-the-art gaming centers. Quantities are limited to one regular-sized bag per customer with no bottomless refills and the purchase of a movie ticket is not required. (EVO Entertainment, 2022)
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.
Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
La Cantera Resort & Spa, the award-winning destination set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, has welcomed a new trio to the kitchen of its Signature Restaurant. Lead by San Antonio local John Carpenter as executive chef, the team also includes Executive Sous Chef Jaime Torres and Pastry Chef Stéphane Leopoldo. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2022)
Since joining Signature in September of last year, Chef Carpenter has united with Chef Andrew Weissman. The result is a new menu with some of Weissman’s greatest hits, plus new creations by Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres like the Hamachi Crudo and Spanish Octopus.
While their paths crossed most recently at Signature, Carpenter was inspired by the four-time James Beard-nominated Weissman long before. “Ten years ago, I visited Andrew Weissman’s Osteria Il Sogno and had an eye-opening experience. That meal taught me a lot about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. I still consider it one of the best meals of my life.” Now, Carpenter is bringing that guiding principle to the seasonally driven fare at Signature.
Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres have worked together since 2015 when Carpenter was the Chef at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America restaurant, then-known as NAO. The two say that guests can look forward to the Signature experience they already know and love: beautiful scenery, high end service and delicious, traditionally inspired food made with fresh ingredients. They also say guests can expect a few surprises with Asian and Latin American influences gleaned from their own culinary adventures making its way to their plates.
“Joining the team at Signature is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed the creative process behind our new menu and am energized by the different style of service we offer here. Signature’s unique, French-brigade style in the kitchen is exciting and collaborative for us and for the guests looking into our open kitchen. I’m looking forward to exploring what we can do in the future while staying true to the spirit of Signature.” – Executive Chef John Carpenter.
The Jerk Shack’s new location will offer dine-in, online ordering, a drive-thru, and takeout service. Photo: Jason Risner, used with permission.
Popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, is excited to announce the opening date for its new brick and mortar location on the far west side of San Antonio at 10234 State Hwy 151 Ste. 103, San Antonio, TX 78251 as part of the new 151 Plaza development. The new location will open for service on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 1p.m. To celebrate the opening, the first twenty guests will receive $10 toward their order. (The Jerk Shack, 2022)
The location features the same menu and flavors of the original Jerk Shack that San Antonians came to love, but will also offer beer, wine and some new items like fried chicken, pepper shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and more. The new 2,200 square foot location will offer dine-in service and will feature a drive-thru lane for convenient pickup for online orders. Indoor dining will feature kiosk-style ordering for easy and convenient service. Chef Nicola Blaque and Chef Lionel “Butch” Blache will lead the kitchen.
“We are so excited to open this new and improved Jerk Shack that will allow us the room to serve and host more people. We have the capability in this space to create the dishes that we’re known for as well as the ability to expand on some new items that we believe will become new signature favorites.” – Jerk Shack Owner and Executive Chef Nicola Blaque.
The flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean inspire the Jerk Shack’s cuisine. Chef Blaque and her team have incorporated the flavors and techniques of Caribbean cooking into American favorites like mac and cheese, tacos, and more that creates a unique blend of cultures, though traditional Caribbean dishes like braised oxtail, jerk chicken, and more are also available at the restaurant.
The new Jerk Shack location takes the place of the original restaurant, which closed in September while the team focused their efforts on building the new restaurant. Jerk Shack’s hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 11a.m. to 8pm., Fridays and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 9p.m. and Sundays from 11a.m. to 4p.m. In the summer of 2020 Chef Nicola also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean-style concept in Pearl’s Bottling Department.
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.
Taco Cabana’s birria quesadillas and tortilla soup will be available through January 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Starting December 15 and arriving just in time for the winter season, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy the new birria quesadilla served with warm birria broth and a returning favorite, tortilla soup, at all Taco Cabana Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Taco Cabana’s birria quesadilla features seasoned shredded beef, melted Monterey Jack cheese and Pico de Gallo between two warm flour tortillas, perfect for dipping in the accompanying traditional warm birria broth. Another classic favorite is back at Taco Cabana – TC’s tortilla soup, featuring a savory broth made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, onion and garlic, and topped with crispy corn tortilla strips, a blend of Jack and Cheddar cheeses, cilantro, and served with lime wedges.
Perfect for keeping cozy in-restaurant or at home, Taco Cabana’s birria quesadilla and tortilla soup can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online through January 2022.
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 $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, delivery and catering. As of December 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
MAX’s Wine Dive has their famous Southern Fried Chicken dinner to go. Photo: Beccca Wright, used with permission.
MAX’s Wine Dive is celebrating the holidays with their famous southern fried chicken family dinner. Spoil your family with a southern fried chicken family dinner at MAX’s Wine Dive which includes famous fried chicken, classic sides, homemade desserts, southern-style biscuits, and of course, champagne for $115 an order. Today until January 1, celebrate the holidays’ MAX’s Wine Dive style with champagne and fried chicken because “why the hell not?” (MAX’s Wine Dive, 2021)
MAX’s Wine Dive Holiday Famous Fried Chicken Family Dinner includes:
Twelve-piece Max’s Famous Southern Fried Chicken 6 Southern Style Biscuits with Chipotle Honey
Choice of 2 Family Sides Sweet Potato Mashers, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Braised Collard Greens, Jalapeno Cheddar Grits, Truffle Max n’ Cheese (+6)
Choice of 2 Desserts Pumpkin Spiced Bread Pudding or Big Ass Chocolate Brownie Served a la mode 1 Bottle of Prodige Blanc de Blancs Add additional Chicken Pieces for $5 each
Jerry Lasco, founder of MAX’s Wine Dive restaurant moved to Houston from New York City with his wife, Laura, in 2001. After 9/11 Jerry transitioned from airline pilot to full-time restauranteur and opened the first MAX’S location in 2006—naming it after Max, his then three-year-old son. Taking inspiration from Jerry’s favorite NYC hangouts serving gourmet food and wine in unpretentious and comfortable environments, MAX’s was the first restaurant in Houston to serve award-winning comfort food with a curated wine list. Hence the MAX’s mantra was created “FRIED CHICKEN AND CHAMPAGNE?…WHY THE HELL NOT?!”
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.
SA Examiner 