Celebrate National Taco Day at Taco Cabana with $1 tacos. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
On Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to celebrate National Taco Day with special offers available all day long at all Texas locations. Guests can enjoy their choice of Taco Cabana’s classic bean and cheese, shredded chicken, or ground beef tacos for only $1 with no limit. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Guests 21 years of age or older can choose from a selection of $2 frozen margaritas to add to the offer. $1 tacos 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 August 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Grant funding is open for culinary innovation and community giveback projects. Photo: google
The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) recently announced that $17,000 in grants will be awarded this year to support culinary innovation and community giveback projects in South Texas. In its ninth year, the unique grant program has provided $441,500 in funding to Texas chefs, artisan producers, culinary nonprofits, and businesses with innovative projects that support the community. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
Grant applications will be accepted beginning Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 24, 2021 via online submission. Grant winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony at Fairmont Austin on December 13 and honored at a local celebration in January.
With the success of the nonprofit’s start in Austin, the organization expanded statewide last year to form the Texas Food & Wine Alliance and for the first time, will award an additional $57,000 in grants total in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Eligible applicants for the Alliance’s one-of-a-kind grant program include farmers, artisan producers, chefs, wine/beer/spirits makers, culinary nonprofits, businesses, and professionals whose projects and initiatives show innovation and impact to the community.
To assist prospective applicants in the grant process, there will be a virtual statewide information session via Zoom at 1p.m., Tuesday, October 12. For registration and information, email Texas Food and Wine Alliance.
San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, one of South Texas’ most impactful culinary nonprofits, is dedicated to fostering education, awareness, and innovation in the South Texas food and wine community. The Alliance’s grant program is the first in the nation to provide funding to support culinary innovation that also gives back to the local community.
Despite the challenges Covid-19 brought to nonprofits, Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) announced a statewide expansion in 2020, allowing it to replicate its innovative grant funding program in Texas’ major cities with a goal to help the stricken culinary communities across the state due to the pandemic. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
“We’re so thrilled to be able to continue with our grant program despite the setbacks inflicted by the pandemic. It’s only through amazing partnerships such as with the great support of HEB, and the generous and supportive culture in San Antonio and South Texas that we’ve been able to raise the funds to award grants this year. These funds will continue to go back into the community through unique and innovative projects.” – Cathy Cochran-Lewis, Grant Chair and Alliance President
Since 2012, Alliance grants have funded innovative local projects such as the state’s first organic apple orchard (Argus Cidery), the first USDA-inspected salumi producer in Texas (Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria), the state’s first locally grown and malted barley to support craft beer production (Blacklands Malt), a unique volunteer program teaching farming skills to diverse populations and culinary students (New Farm Institute at Green Gate Farms), Austin’s first and only community-supported bakeshop (Miche Bread) and a Texas farm producing stress-free, free-range meat while helping wounded veterans (Snodgrass Farms).
“Being able to support and enable the dreams of so many in our community is truly a heartfelt mission for our organization. We are privileged to do this work and are inspired by the many chefs, artisan producers, bartenders, wine- and spirit-makers who have contributed to this remarkable culinary landscape for South Texas. It’s been a challenging year for our nonprofit and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors and partners that have supported us in our mission.” – Gina Burchenal, TFWA Interim Executive Director
Each year, the TFWA board of directors determines the amount of grant funding based on the organization’s fundraising efforts from key signature events, community partnerships, and beneficiary events. The TFWA Grant Judging Committee in each city, composed of a private panel of prominent culinary professionals and community members, will award the 2021 grants based on the grant criteria, application information, and goals of each applicant. Deadline for applications is Sunday, October 24 and all applicants will be notified by Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
This year’s San Antonio grant total is boosted by three specifically funded grants: · H-E-B Grant for $5,000, open to San Antonio area chefs, farmers, artisan producers, food-focused nonprofits, and educational groups that prioritize education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. · Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant for $5,000 awarded to an entrepreneur who has pursued his/her business dream despite setbacks, showing that success often comes from failures, as exemplified by founder Tito Beveridge in the pursuit of his Texas-made vodka · The Truffle Masters Grant for Community Heroes for $2,000 awarded to a chef who has overcome diversity and challenges to bring support to others during a time of crisis to help their community
Additional grant funding of $5,000 will be awarded to more generalized grant projects with special consideration given to initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion within the San Antonio community.
The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support from presenting sponsor H-E-B and key supporters ABC Bank, American Lamb Board, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Austin Monthly, Buffalo Trace, Canopy by Hilton, Con ‘Olio Oils & Vinegars, Fairmont Austin, Fever Tree, Giant Noise, Lifeworks, Pabst Brewing, Patrón Tequila, Premiere Events, Republic National Distributing Company, Siete Family Foods, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Sysco, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and William Grant & Sons.
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 is committed to promoting Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.
Whataburger’s Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger is bringing back its fan-favorite Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger along with the all-new Whataburger Hatch Green Chile Bacon Chicken Sandwiches. The Whataburger Breakfast Burger has returned for its third time to offer fans a unique and hearty menu offering for those late-night and early morning cravings. (Whataburger, 2021)
The new Whataburger Chocolate Mint Shakeis the perfect cup to toast the change in weather and ring in the holidays. It is the perfect combination of the classic chocolate flavor that customers have grown to love from the brand, with the addition of mint. All items are available now for a limited time and prices vary by market.
Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
Kineapple, a new smoothie concept, will open at Pearl’s Bottling Department in September. Photo: Kineapple, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce the latest restaurant at the Bottling Department – Kineapple – a concept by Robby and Neesha Grubbs, the duo behind Local Coffee Founders, also originating at Pearl. The new concept will open to the public in late September, with an exact opening date to be announced soon. Kineapple will offer a variety of fresh smoothies, healthy snacks, salads, coffee, and more. (Kineapple, 2021)
The team behind Kineapple wanted to create an ingredient-driven menu that is easy for customers to navigate. The menu is designed to make healthy eating accessible and delicious. Kineapple is committed to sourcing the best ingredients for its patrons, who can expect to see smoothies that can be made with different modifiers like plant based protein, whey isolate, creatine, turmeric, collagen, blue majik, cold brew shot, and more. Guests can also pick up a Crunchy Kale Salad, Free Range Chicken Salad Sandwich, Kineapple Farm Bowl, Golden Overnight Oats, In-house Protein Bar, and more. In addition to smoothies and snacks, Kineapple will also offer coffee from a rotating list of curated specialty coffee roasters.
Kineapple, whose tagline is “Leave Feeling Better,” is a concept that is near and dear to its founders’ hearts in more ways than one. The name pays homage to Robby and Neesha’s youngest son, who struggled to say “pineapple” as a child and instead pronounced the name of the fruit with a K instead of a P. The founders wanted the concept to incorporate a pineapple, but wanted it to feel personal and organic, so Kineapple felt like the perfect name for this venture.
“Kineapple is something that we’re looking forward to bringing to Pearl. We wanted to be able to bring high quality, healthy ingredients to the table without sacrificing taste and that’s what we’ve done here.” – Co-Founder Robby Grubbs
“Neesha and Robby are wonderful operators – innovative, engaged, and talented. We are thrilled their newest concept is coming to the Food Hall.” – Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.
Kineapple’s hours will be 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday and 9a.m. to 8p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The new concept will be in the space formerly occupied by Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, located at 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6, 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. 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. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
This Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner will raise funds for San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. Photo: google
On Sunday, September 19, Cured will be hosting an Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner to celebrate San Antonio’s unique German heritage. Multi-James Beard Award-nominee Chef Steve McHugh has created an extraordinary five-course dinner in collaboration with Chef Todd Pulsinelli, the acclaimed chef of chic New Orleans hotel The Chloe. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
The intimate dinner is on track to sell out as a key fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Alliance’s (SAFWA) Culinary Grant Program in South Texas. Tickets include a five-course dinner paired with Lone Star Beer and German and Austrian wines selected by acclaimed sommelier and board member Paula Rester-Salinas. Additionally, Rester-Salinas has crafted a refreshing welcome cocktail with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Nikolaihof Elderflower Syrup, muddled blackberries, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and Mountain Valley Sparkling Water.
The culinary powerhouse team of McHugh and Pulsinelli will present a fresh take on German classics while sharing their inspiration and culinary philosophy with guests.
The menu includes: ● First Course of Presskopf of Local Pork with Gribiche Vinaigrette and Arugula Paired with Lone Star Das Bier Y’all ● Second Course of Blackened and Pickled Beet Salad with Smoked Trout Croutons and Horseradish Cream Paired with Selbach Incline Dry Riesling (Germany) ● Third Course of Quail Schnitzel with Fennel Choucroute, Sweet Potato Mustard, and Blackberry Jam Paired with Berger Grüner Veltliner (Austria) ● Fourth Course of Slow-Cooked Wild Boar Sauerbraten with Schupfnudeln ● Red Cabbage and Jus Natural Paired with Schloss Gobelsburg Zweigelt (Austria) ● Dessert Course of German Bee Sting Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling and Honey Almond Topping Provided with Coffee Service
The Oktoberfest dinner at Cured launches the Wine & Dine series in San Antonio. In the unique dinner format, attendees get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to understand each chef’s inspiration and culinary philosophy with specially designed menus expertly paired with top-tier wines and spirits. Previous Wine & Dine dinners have featured culinary legends Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, and more.
The exclusive dinner kicks off with a cocktail hour at 5:30p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30p.m. A limited number of tickets are available now via the SAFWA website for $225.
In addition to hosting the Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner, the Alliance will greet guests at the Pearl Farmers Market from 9a.m. – 1p.m. on Saturday, September 18. Guests who stop by the booth can register to win an artisan gift basket overflowing with local goodies from Alamo Gristmill & Spice, Byccombe Natural Solutions, Gourmet Texas Pasta, Pearl Goods, Swift River Pecans, Tio Pelon’s Salsita, Wildflower Caramels, and more.
All funds raised will benefit the host city’s culinary communities through SAFWA’s programming, including the Culinary Arts Career Conference for high school students and a unique grant program supporting culinary innovation and community giveback. As a continuation of its dynamic decade of success in supporting and cultivating Austin’s culinary businesses and nonprofits, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) expanded statewide in September 2020 to replicate its mission in Texas’ major cities, a move that will support pandemic recovery over the next several years. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance is the umbrella organization overseeing the AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
SAFWA enjoys tremendous community support with H-E-B as a presenting sponsor and key supporters of Barton Springs Mill, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Pabst Brewing, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Sysco, Tender Belly, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Vital Farms.
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.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is having special deals for National Bratwurst Day this Monday August 16, 2021. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
National Bratwurst Day is coming up on Monday, August 16, and New Braunfels based café, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, will be celebrating with three delectable bratwurst specials for the holiday. Krause’s invites customers to commemorate the day with their unique Pretzel Shaped Grilled Bratwurst for only $20, their Biergarten Bratwurst for $11, and their German Bratwurst for $10. This is a chance to try the aesthetically pleasing pretzel shaped bratwurst, which is normally only available as a $50 platter. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)
• German Bratwurst – $10 sauerkraut, onions, peppers, beer mustard, pretzel hoagie bun
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over one hundred beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap.
Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
For the first annual Taco Rumble, 19 celebrated San Antonio and Austin restaurants will bring their boldest flavors to the competition. Photo: google
An acclaimed crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants will battle for the championship belt during the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) first annual Taco Rumble on Thursday, July 15, from 7:30-10 pm, presented by H-E-B. Limited tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are available online for $65. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
The electric competition, the first in-person event for the recently formed nonprofit, will be held at The Espee, located east of Downtown San Antonio. Formerly known as Sunset Station, this historic spot offers a convenient rideshare location.
The menu for Taco Rumble promises to be a true taco lovers delight. Guests can indulge in a dizzying array of styles and flavors, ranging from traditional to new school. Competing to be the taco supreme will be:
Asador, Austin (Chef Joe Becerra) — Grilled Mushroom Taco with Mole Amarillo
¡Bucho! Tejano Street Fare, San Antonio (Chefs Gino Vidal & Jerry Moreno) — Chino Latino Poke Taco with a Tejano Furikake-Dusted Crispy Wonton Shell, Avocado, House Tuna Tartare, Habanero-Mezcal Aioli, & Micro Cilantro
Carnitas El Guero, Austin (Chef Gustavo Reyes) — Traditional Carnitas Taco
Carnitas Lonja, San Antonio (Chef Alex Paredes) — Michoacán- Style Carnitas Taco with Fresh Corn Tortillas
Eldorado Café, Austin (Chef Joel Fried) — Thunderosa Taco with Sirloin, Bacon, Roasted Jalapenos, Sautéed Green Chile and Onion Rajas, & Melted Jack Cheese.
La Fonda de Jaime 2.0, San Antonio (Chefs Jaime Hernandez & Pedro Rebollo) — Birria 2.0 Taco
La Generala, San Antonio (Chef Blanca Márquez ) — Costilla Taco with Pork Ribs Cooked in Signature Blend of Spices & Chiles
Jason Dady Catering, San Antonio (Chef Esteban Valdez) — Smoked Beef Short Rib Taco with Sikil Pak (Mayan Pepita Dip), Avocado, Oaxaca Cheese, & Salsa Macha
Lala’s Gorditas, San Antonio(Chef Steven Anthony Pizzini) — Puffy Tacos Norteño with Shredded Chicken, House Adobo Sauce Curtido, Crema, & Salsa Verde
Milpa (Chef Jesse Kirk), San Antonio — Taco Arabe with Shawarma-Style Pork, Crema Mexicana, Cucumbers, Cilantro, & Chile Arbol Salsa; Flor de Jamaica Taco with Hibiscus Flower con Sazon, Avocado Spread, Cilantro, Queso Fresco, & Salsa Habanero
Naco Mexican Eatery, San Antonio (Chefs Francisco Estrada & Liz Estrada) — “Mexican Grandmother” Dry Fideo Taco with Cream, Avocado, & Chicatanas (Mexican Flying Ants) Roasted Salsa on Heirloom Blue Corn Tortillas.
Paprika, Austin (Chef Margarito Pérez) — Taco de Suadero with Brisket Confit, Cilantro, Onion, and Salsa de Arbol
R19 Taqueria, Austin (Chef Christopher Haydostian) — Báhn Mì Tacos with Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Pickled Jicama Tortilla, Traditional Vegetables, Herbs, & Hanoi Vinaigrette
Trill Foods, Austin (Chef Nick Belloni) — Charred Broccoli Taco with Lime, Queso Oaxaca, Smoked Scallop XO Sauce, & Lobster Tortilla
Austin Taco Mafia (Chef Luis “Beto” Robledo of Cuantos Tacos, Chef Anthony Pratto of Discada, Chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria, & Chef Gerardo Guerrero of La Tunita 512) — Campechana Taco with Arrachera (Skirt Steak) & Longaniza Confit, Salsa Verde, Habanero Pickled Onions, Cilantro, and Epazote Marbled Tortilla
Tempering the spice will be a delectable variety of sweet treats from San Antonio favorites, including:
Bakery Lorraine (Chefs Anne Ng & Jeremy Mandrell) — Assortment of Mexican Chocolate, Churro, & Piña Colada Macarons
Paletería San Antonio (Chef José Rodriguez) — Assorted Artisan Paletas
In addition to showcasing the best intaco craftsmanship, Taco Rumble will feature an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits tastings including Chawar Andean Agave, Bribón Tequila, Dandy Rosé, Dahlia Tequila, Doña Vega Mezcal, Lone Star Rio Jade, Lone Star Seltzer, Mijenta Tequila, Milagro Tequila, Pearl, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.
The unique VIP experience 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 a tour of Mexican street fare from celebrated San Antonio restaurant Cuishe Cocina Mexicana and tastings of fine spirits from Chacolo, Gusto Histórico, Patrón, Real Minero, Rey Campero, Sotoleros, and Uruapan. The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and only 100 passes are available.
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.
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 support the community.
SAFWA hosts engaging culinary events throughout the year to raise funds for grants that will be awarded specifically to the San Antonio culinary community. The unique grant program that started with the Austin organization has now extended to Texas’ top cities and is the nation’s first based on culinary innovation and community giveback. Since 2012, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance has awarded $367,500 in grants to fund local culinary projects.
The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support with H-E-B as presenting sponsor and other key supporters, including American Lamb Board, Bribón Tequila, Chawar, Canopy by Hilton, Doña Vega Mezcal, El Silencio Mezcal, The Espee, Fever-Tree, FreshPoint, Giant Noise, Heavy Métl Premium Imports, Mijenta Tequila, Milagro Tequila, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Pabst, Patrón Tequila, Sage & Honey, Siete Foods, Sysco, Tender Belly, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and US Foods.
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.
La Panadería’s red, white, and blue pan dulce, the Tres Leches Croissant. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
Returning just in time for Independence Day Weekend, San Antonio staple La Panadería will bring back its patriotic-themed croissant, available at its Broadway, Houston St. and La Cantera Heights locations for a limited time July 2 through July 4. A delectable addition to this year’s July 4 festivities, La Panadería will offer its popular Tres Leches Croissant filled with strawberries and cream, and topped with red, white & blue frosting. The Independence Day treat will be available to order online and in-store. (Giant Noise for La Panadería, 2021)
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 have 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 the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on. 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.
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.
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.
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