Category: Culinary News

Taco Rumble: Texas-sized throwdown for best tacos

Acclaimed San Antonio and Austin restaurants battle for tortilla title and ultimate bragging rights. Courtesy photo.

The sparks will fly as an all-star crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants clash during the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) first annual Taco Rumble on Thursday, July 15, 7:30p.m. to 10pm., presented by H-E-B. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are up for grabs at $65. (San Antonio Food and Wine Alliance, 2021)

The sizzling competition, the first in-person event for the recently formed nonprofit, will be held at The Espee, conveniently located east of downtown San Antonio. Formerly known as Sunset Station, this historic spot was a central connection on the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Sunset Limited train route and the filming location of Selena’s “No Me Queda Mas” music video.

Some of the state’s most acclaimed restaurants will turn up the heat in celebration of one of Texas’ most beloved dishes. Firing up the comal will be San Antonio favorites ¡Bucho! Tejano Street Fare, Carnitas Lonja, Chela’s Tacos, La Fonda de Jaime 2.0, La Generala, Jason Dady Catering, Lala’s Gorditas, Milpa, and Naco Mexican Eatery. Representing Austin will be Asador, Carnitas El Guero, Eldorado Taco y Torta Co., Paprika, R19 Taqueria, Texsueño, Trill Foods, and the Austin Taco Mafia — a collaboration between acclaimed Central Texas taquerías Cuantos Tacos, Discada, La Tunita 512, and Nixta Taqueria, an Austin Food & Wine Alliance grant winner.

Adding a little sweetness to the rivalry, three of San Antonio’s favorite dessert shops, Bakery Lorraine, Lick Honest Ice Cream, and Paletería San Antonio, will provide refreshing treats. The dazzling evening will also feature a raucous live set from popular San Antonio entertainer DJ Catwalk.

An esteemed crew of celebrity judges, including Texas Monthly Food Editor Pat Sharpe, San Antonio Express-News Food Critic Mike Sutter, Latin Grammy Award-nominated musician Gina Chavez, San Antonio-based blogger and influencer Stephanie Guerra, and Texas Eats host David Elder of San Antonio’s KSAT. Event attendees also will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite taco as part of the final score.

In addition to showcasing the best in taco craftsmanship alongside an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits tastings, Taco Rumble will also feature a unique VIP experience that includes early entry from 6:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a stainless-steel YETI wine tumbler, and access to an exclusive agave spirits lounge, with bites from celebrated San Antonio restaurant Cuishe and tastings of fine tequilas and mezcals from Heavy Métl Premium Imports and Patrón Tequila. The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and only 100 passes are available. Tickets are expected to sell out and are available for purchase now.

Taco Rumble is a fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. SAFWA is the culmination of 34 years of pride, innovation, and talent that reflects the unique culinary landscape of the great state of Texas. Beginning with the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival—one of the nation’s longest-running food fests with 26 years—the organization transitioned to the Austin Food & Wine Alliance in 2011 to be the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival. In 2020, the nonprofit formed a statewide organization and expanded throughout Texas’ major cities, including San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.

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 that supports the community.

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Central 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.

 

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Taco Rumble 2021

Open call for restaurants – Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)

For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.

“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge

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.

New ‘Hot Chick’ sandwich at The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine Dive

The “Hot Chick” sandwich is available now at The Tasting Room and all Max’s Wine Dive locations. Photo: Lasco Enterprises, used with permission.

The “Hot Chick” sandwich is bringing the heat to The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine Dive. This new rendition of Nashville’s hot chicken was created by Corporate Executive Chef of Lasco Enterprises, Beto Gutierrez. The “Hot Chick” sandwich is made with a spicy and crispy fried chicken breast, handcrafted kale slaw, house pickles, and topped off with a brioche bun smeared with lemon aioli and a side of fries. Chef’s newest creation is now available at all Max’s Wine Dive locations and The Tasting Room in City Centre for only $13. Make it your own by adding bacon for $3 more and cheese for $2 more. (Max’s Wine Dive, 2021)

The Hot Chick sandwich was first formally introduced to the public on Houston Community College TV’s “Up to The Minute” segment on their Facebook live stream. During the interview, Chef Beto Gutierrez chatted about his experience being corporate executive chef of Lasco Enterprises and the ideation and crafting of this newest addition to the menu. Gutierrez also mentioned how the sandwich is made with bread from a local bakery because Lasco loves to “support local vendors as much as possible.”

Available now at The Tasting Room and all Max’s Wine Dive locations:

The Tasting Room | 818 Town and Country Blvd Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024
Max’s Wine Dive—Montrose | 214 Fairview St. Ste. 2, Houston, TX 77006
Max’s Wine Dive—Washington | 4720 Washington Ave Ste b, Houston, TX 77007
Max’s Wine Dive— San Antonio | 340 E Basse Rd. Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78209

Lasco Enterprises, LLC was established by Jerry and Laura Lasco in Houston in 2003. Since its beginning, Lasco has expanded to several major cities across Texas. Lasco Enterprises is home to The Tasting Room, MAX’s Wine Dive, Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden, Black Door Wine Club, Fly By Taco Co, TTR Supper Club, and Lasco Services.

Hopscotch now accepting proposals for ‘Hop-Up’

Hopscotch announces a pop-up restaurant incubator series to benefit the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.

Hopscotch, a uniquely curated immersive art experience created by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, is excited to announce a new restaurant incubator series, Hop-Up. Hopscotch is currently soliciting proposals for unique pop-up food concepts to be included in its inaugural Hop-Up series benefiting the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA). (Hopscotch, 2021)

Hop-Up will be an excellent opportunity for local up-and-coming food concepts to test out a longer service format, as well as an opportunity for out of market concepts to gauge San Antonio for a potential long-term restaurant. Each selected concept will operate during a two-month residency at Hopscotch, providing food service during Hopscotch’s regular business hours and any special events, they will also be able to operate independent of Hopscotch on days the gallery is closed. The monthly rent will be a total of just $1,000, which includes water and electricity, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting SAFWA.  Concepts will rotate every two months, with new concepts being announced via social media, newsletter and more. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Hopscotch on the Hop-Up Series,” said Mariam Parker, Executive Director of the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. “We can’t wait to highlight the diversity, passion, and brilliance of San Antonio cuisine.”

All chosen concepts will operate on the open-air Hopscotch patio, located in downtown San Antonio across from Travis Park and the St. Anthony Hotel. Hopscotch is located at 711 Navarro St Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205. Concepts can operate out of a food truck, food trailer, or pop-up tent. Proposals are being accepted starting now until May 7 via San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s.

During the era of COVID-19, Hopscotch will be taking enhanced precautions to make sure the experience is safe for both staff and guests. 

“Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and synergy with the local creative community — we feel that food and beverage is an important part of a holistic immersive experience. We like to include a multitude of contrasting styles and mediums in our art gallery, and we would like the same for our Hop-Up Series, showcasing an array of different flavors and unique concepts.  We’re excited to support and partner with the San Antonio Food and Wine Alliance.” – Nicole Jensen, Co-Founder of Hopscotch.

Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and a synergy with artists and the local communities they are in.

Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in South Texas culinary communities 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 work ensures a strong local food system and promotes the next generation of culinary businesses and nonprofits throughout South Texas.

 

La Panadería Debuts Third Location at La Cantera Heights on Friday April 2

José and David Cáceres of La Panadería will be opening a third location at the new La Cantera Heights. Photo: Giant Noise for La Panadería, used with permission.

La Panadería is thrilled to announce the official opening date for their highly-anticipated third location at the new La Cantera Heights retail development. Located at 17030 La Cantera Parkway (Building 300), La Panadería’s latest location will open Friday, April 2 from 7a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing their artisanal baked goods to San Antonio’s Northwest side for the first time. (La Panadería, 2021)

The 4,200 square foot indoor/outdoor restaurant will feature signature favorites like the Chicken Milanesa Torta and La Panadería’s beloved pan dulce, including Chef David Cáceres’ new Croissant Trilogy, featuring the Tequila Almond Croissant, Tres Leches Croissant, and their new “Elvis” Croissant — made with peanut butter whipped cream, banana, and bacon. These three products have been meticulously curated and created by Chef David, La Panadería’s head baker, to reflect the best of French, Mexican and American baking traditions.

La Panadería’s La Cantera Heights location will offer breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner options and will also include an extended bar program. Highlights of the extended beverage menu include “Besos” (house blend margaritas, frozen margarita, and Frosé), boozy coffee specialties such as the Carajillo (Espresso + Liquor 43), the Frida Kahlo (Espresso + Kahlua), the Paolo Rossi (Espresso + Grand Marnier), select wines from Texas, California and France, and brunch cocktail and mimosa kits.

Starting Friday, April 2, La Panadería will operate from 7a.m. to 3p.m. throughout the weekend and will transition to full operational hours (7a.m. to 8p.m.) daily starting Monday, April 5. La Panadería will continue to practice COVID-safe protocols, requiring all guests and staff to wear masks when not actively eating or drinking at their tables and implementing extensive cleaning procedures.

Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that has since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times of the global coronavirus pandemic. 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. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.

“2020 was one of the most challenging years for everyone, especially for the restaurant industry, and we are still in uncharted territory in 2021. However, we believe in our beloved San Antonio, its resilient economy and the support of our local community. Our La Panadería family looks forward to welcoming new and returning guests to our La Cantera Heights location!” – co-founder of La Panadería Jose Cáceres

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio 2021 will be bigger and better with support from Tim Duncan and Spurs Give. Courtesy photo, used with permission

Now in its 3rd year, Black Restaurant Week San Antonio is set for February 21-28 with more than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and food related businesses participating. This year the proceeds will support the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

This is an early notice that Black History Month will have another anchor event in the city with Black Restaurant Week San Antonio (BRWSA) 2021. More than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and businesses will be a part of BRWSA and each will have a special that is a give-back as a part of the week. With funds from the Tim Duncan Foundation, Spurs Give, and BRWSA participants, each special will give back 21 meals to kids and seniors facing hunger. Details about this special community event will be forthcoming.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio was started in 2019 to focus support on and highlight Black owned businesses and Black professionals in the culinary field in San Antonio.  The goal is to not only bring awareness but to celebrate “Cuisine, Culture and Community” through an assortment of events and charitable giving.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Spurs Give: We are a family – a team – passionate about sports. We are passionate about what sports can do for our community – especially our youth. At the heart of it, we believe sports can provide a family with a common goal, and a hope for a better future. We are Spurs Give – the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Since our founding in 1988, we have invested $30+ million in our community. Through our players’ passions, our grants, and our impact programs, we are changing lives and leaving a lasting impact. You give. We give. Spurs Give.

Southerleigh Haute South launches brunch menu

Southerleigh Haute South will kick off 2021 with the launch of a brunch menu. Photo: Southerleigh Hospitality Group, used with permission.

Southerleigh Haute South is set to begin offering brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 9, 2021 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. The restaurant recently opened at the RIM shopping center in September 2020 and offers a selection of coastal cuisine and southern comfort food. (Southerleigh Haute South, 2021)

Southerleigh Haute South’s brunch will include cocktails like the classic Mimosa, a Breakfast Old Fashioned, and a couple varieties of Bloody Marys, including one served with shrimp, a crab leg and fried chicken. The food selection will include Soft Shell Blue Crab Benedict, Southerleigh Chicken and Donuts, Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs in addition to other southern comfort offerings. The full brunch menu is available online.

Southerleigh Haute South – The RIM is located at 5822 Worth Parkway #112 San Antonio, TX 78257. 

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Southerleigh Hospitality Group is an independent fully integrated restaurant and hospitality company, owning and managing various restaurants and food concepts such as Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Southerleigh Brewery, Southerleigh Haute South and Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Southerleigh Hospitality Group is a strong group of foodies who are obsessed with connecting people with savory, comfort, flavorful food experiences and they make no excuses about it. With an unwavering passion for palette tantalizing menus, the restaurants serve up decadent cuisine along with distinguished hand-crafted beers for food lovers abound. The friendly neighborhood gathering places make every visit an unforgettably fun social dining experience.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in January to support local eateries

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks will be a month long promotion to support local eateries. Photo: Culinaria San Antonio, used with permission.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks’ bi-annual event to promote local eateries begins January 2 and runs through January 31, 2021 and is offering three course lunch and dinner menus for both dine-in and to-go.  Due to the current situation limiting capacity to 50% for dine-in, Culinaria encourages to-go and curbside pick-up. Three course lunch menus are $20 and dinner menus are $35 and $45, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. (Culinaria, 2020) 

Guest safety and satisfaction is a priority. All participating restaurants are enforcing safety procedures and protocols when it comes to sanitizing and service. 

Reservations are required for those preferring to dine-in. For a complete list of participating restaurants and to view menu options visit Culinaria online. While there, visit the Hospitality Fund tab for information on how you can help furloughed workers and businesses on the financial brink. 

“Restaurants are continuously adapting, so keep in mind that hours are subject to change along with availability of some menu items. Restaurant teams are working hard to provide the best experience and service while working under unusual circumstances,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria. 

“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café launches Holiday for Hunger

The Grinch crêpe at Sweet Paris. Photo: Sweet Paris, Used with permission.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café, located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera – 15900 La Cantera Parkway, across from Grimaldi’s and two doors down from Sur la Table, is launching Holiday for Hunger.  A portion of proceeds from two holiday crêpes, the Turkey Cran Brie and The Grinch, will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. (Sweet Paris, 2020)

The Turkey Cran crêpe features roasted turkey, brie cheese, bacon, spinach and fresh cranberry sauce, garnished with walnuts and dried cranberries for $10.95; and The Grinch crêpe is a savory combination of sweet cream cheese, strawberries, red and green M&M’s, and dulce de leche in a grinchy green batter for $9.95. A portion of proceeds from these crepes sold from November 27 through December 23 will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. To participate, guests must say “Holiday for Hunger” when ordering.  Sweet Paris business hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6p.m., Sunday.

The San Antonio Food Bank fights hunger and feeds hope in 16-counties and serves 58,000 individuals a week in one of the largest service areas in Texas. Sweet Paris shares the belief that no child should go to bed hungry and regularly aids the San Antonio Food Bank’s Kid’s Café and Backpack programs and believes that without awareness of a problem, people cannot take action to remedy it.

Culinaria promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination. The organization supports local dining establishments through its Emergency Relief Fund and scholarships through its Endowment fund with the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

The Nicolett now open in downtown Lubbock

The Nicolett, a new fine dining destination for West Texas, is now open in Lubbock. Photo: The Nicolett, used with permission.

The Nicolett, a new restaurant from Chef Finn Walter, is now open at 511 Broadway St. in downtown Lubbock. With a focus on High Plains cuisine, the elegant menu is rooted in showcasing ingredients that are natural to the region with techniques that reflect Walter’s experience in Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe. The restaurant is inspired by West Texas culture and the revitalization of the area. (The Nicolett, 2020)

The highly anticipated restaurant was on track to open this spring but due to the ongoing pandemic, The Nicolett’s team thoughtfully adapted the opening schedule. After nearly eight months of delays, The Nicolett is now open and accepting reservations for outdoor dining. Socially distant, indoor reservations are being considered upon request. The dreamy open-air courtyard consists of 26 seats, where heaters will keep diners warm as cooler weather begins to roll in. The property’s stunning greenhouse will serve as The Nicolett’s private dining room and will be available for booking this holiday season.

Chef Finn Walter was born and raised in Lubbock where he first got a taste of the “West Texas sentiments” at the heart of The Nicolett. His career has taken him throughout France, Northern California, and the Southwest, in both savory and pastry capacities. He was assistant pastry chef and chef de partie at The Restaurant at Meadowood when it became the second West Coast restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. With The Nicolett, Walter has set out to create a restaurant that defines a region, in a similar vein to those in which he trained.

The Nicolett aims to be approachable and fun — grab pozole and house wine — while presenting a new fine dining experience for the area. Menu highlights include twice-baked sunchokes with béarnaise and hoja santa; a delicate quail baked in brioche, presented tableside and served with barley risotto, juniper, and rich game jus; and a beef cheek “brisket,” served with black truffle, nuka pickles, and aligot potatoes.

Like the food, The Nicolett’s wine, beer, and cocktail list will celebrate esteemed Texas producers while also tracing Walter’s path through France and Northern California. Walter has collaborated with pioneering Lubbock winemaker, and James Beard semifinalist, Kim McPherson (McPherson Cellars) to produce proprietary house wines for The Nicolett under custom labels.

The backbone of the ambitious menu and thoughtful beverage program is an intriguing location. The Nicolett has transformed a former residence, one that has for years caught the eye of locals, into a dining destination. A limestone fireplace divides the space into two indoor dining areas, which preserve original brick interiors and tall ceilings lined with cedar planks. Outside, a handcrafted glass greenhouse stocked with flowering aloes, hanging succulents, and trailing jasmine vines will function as the private dining room. An adjacent building dotted with colorful stained glass will serve as a future event space. At the center of the property is the open-air courtyard, where The Nicolett will begin service, offering a safe and welcoming space for diners during this time.

“A big part of creating this restaurant was identifying elements that have always been important to West Texas. This region has a long and rich history of artists and songwriters who approach their work as craftsmen. We want to honor that tradition in our approach to food, drink, and service.” – Walter, chef/owner of The Nicolett

The Nicolett is now open at 511 Broadway St., Lubbock, Texas, 79401. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday, 5p.m. –  9p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5p.m. – 10p.m.