Taco Cabana’s Latest Innovations: A Sneak Peek at New Menu Offerings

Taco Cabana unveils exciting new street food fest menu offerings and giveaway opportunities. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Attention Taco Cabana fans: there’s some new menu additions on the way.

Tex-Mex innovator Taco Cabana (TC) is thrilled to announce the debut of its enticing new Street Food Fest offerings, available beginning on Wednesday, July 3 in all Texas locations. The fusion of flavors available this Summer at Taco Cabana is sure to erupt the taste buds of each guest. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Included in the new lineup are Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® Taco, Al Pastor Tortas and Street Tacos, Brisket Loaded Fries and Nachos, Caramel Iced Coffee, and MTN DEW MAJOR MELON Rum Punch.

“The possibilities for delicious and fun innovation are truly endless at Taco Cabana. We’re devoted to giving our guests delicious offerings that they love and trying out new things to let them discover more! This will be a memorable Taco Cabana Summer that guests can enjoy with loved ones or solo.” – Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana

In an iconic collaboration with Cheetos® and Mountain Dew, Taco Cabana is pleased to introduce the all new Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® Taco and MTN DEW MAJOR MELON Rum Punch. The Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® Taco is made with a fresh flour tortilla, and filled with ground beef, Cheetos Flamin’ Hot snacks, shredded lettuce, and Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® infused sauce. The frozen MTN DEW MAJOR MELON Rum Punch is made with Bacardi Rum and Mountain Dew Major Melon. This daring new duo creates a flavor harmony that will light up the market with excitement.

Additionally, Al Pastor Street Tacos and Al Pastor Tortas will be added to Taco Cabana’s menu. Taco Cabana’s al pastor recipe includes diced pork marinated in a combination of dried chilies and spices. Each serving features three street tacos with corn tortillas and pork al pastor, topped with cilantro and onions. They will be available as plates and combos. Plates include rice, choice of beans, shredded lettuce, guacamole and two tortillas. Combos include a 20 oz. drink plus small chips and queso. The torta is made with a toasted bolillo bun, layered with pork al pastor, fresh refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and a side of salsa ranch.

Due to popular customer demand for all the recent brisket additions on the menu, Taco Cabana is also adding Brisket Loaded Fries to its menu, in addition to Nachos. The loaded fries are seasoned and topped with queso, smoked brisket, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The nachos are served with refried beans, queso, sour cream, guacamole, and topped with delicious smoked brisket.

Just in time to beat the Texas summer heat, Taco Cabana is excited to introduce a refreshing new beverage: Caramel Iced Coffee. Perfect for starting your day or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, this delicious drink is crafted to keep you cool and energized all summer long.

The fun doesn’t stop with the new Street Food Fest menu items because Taco Cabana is also introducing Taco Tuesdays for MY TC! Reward Members. Members will get double points every Tuesday when purchasing a taco plus a Pepsi drink. After purchase, members are automatically entered for a chance to win a Grand Prize weekend adventure at Kalahari Resorts, plus other weekly prizes like FREE taco combos for a year and a Summer Beach Bundle. The bundle will include Sunglasses, a Waterproof Phone Case, an Insulated Bottle, Duffle Bag, Bluetooth Speaker, Beach Towel, Backpack Cooler and Racket Ball Set for a Beach Game.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, 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 January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fourth of July: Celebrate with Bakery Lorraine’s Star-Spangled Pies

Bakery Lorraine’s tangy berry-topped Buttermilk Pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

The Fourth of July is the number one holiday to celebrate freedom with good friends, joyful festivities, and delicious food. Bakery Lorraine, the best place to get mouth-watering pastries and baked goods across San Antonio, Austin, and Boerne, has announced that they are now accepting pre-orders for their iconic four-variety Dutch Apple Pie and tangy berry-topped Buttermilk Pie for only $34. These tasty pies can be easily ordered online for maximum convenience. Whether for a cookout on the lake, a neighborhood block party, or a comfy day at home with loved ones, these pies can be the hallmark of true Fourth of July festivities for any family. (Bakery Lorraine, 2024)

Pre-orders close this Sunday, June 30 at 12p.m., and these tasty creations will be available for in-store pickup on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Bakery Lorraine’s Dutch Apple Pie and Buttermilk Pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Whataburger Giving Away Free Iced Coffee During the Summer Solstice

Every Whataburger guest can enjoy this special treat on June 20, 2024. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

On Thursday, June 20, Whataburger is helping fans make the most of the Summer Solstice with a free Iced Coffee. The 16-ounce iced coffee will be available from 6a.m. to 6p.m. in local time zones and can be customized “just like you like it” with one of their three new flavors — Vanilla, Caramel or Mocha. (Whataburger, 2024)

Whataburger fans can caffeinate their way through the day with the most sunlight. Anyone needing a pick-me-up on June 20 can claim their complimentary Iced Coffee in-store, at the drive-thru, online at Whataburger.com, or on the popular Whataburger App for Curbside pickup or delivery on orders placed through the app. (The offer is not available on third-party delivery apps.)

Whataburger’s new Iced Coffee is made with a premium blend of 100% Arabica beans from Colombia, Honduras and Nicaragua, giving it the bold aroma of dark-roasted coffee. It has a vibrant finish with nutty, smoky, toasted flavor notes.

Across 15 states, guests can visit their local Whataburger for a complimentary Iced Coffee. Customers who download the Whataburger app and create an account will immediately receive an offer for a free Whataburger and start earning rewards and exclusive offers. Prices and availability vary by market.

Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Celebrating Dad: Creative and Personalized Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Corinne San Antonio offers its delectable brunch with honest food for dad to enjoy. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the recently opened Autograph Collection hotel in downtown, is pleased to share its Father’s Day (June 16) offerings to pamper dads this season. Bridging Downtown and Southtown neighborhoods, the Plaza San Antonio’s lush garden oasis and reimagined environment is a sanctuary of connectivity with extraordinary cuisine, culture, creativity, and community. Dad can enjoy an onsite garden oasis bar, pool, spa, and a lively restaurant with honest food and drinks ranging from hearty to healthy. Below is a breakdown of the specials available for Father’s Day. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

Nestled within the historic grounds of San Antonio’s only Autograph Collection Hotel, The Spa Plaza San Antonio offers a restorative approach to health and wellness. To help pamper dads, local or visiting, the hotel will offer a Gentleman’s Refresher Pedicure at its luxurious spa to be booked for only $50. This refreshing pedicure is targeted to the guy on the go with tired toes. Service begins with a warm salt soak, followed by a refreshing lower leg and foot scrub. Hydrating massage cream is worked into the lower legs and feet after cuticle work, nail work, and dead skin is polished off. Please note that this service is not only for men, but it does not include any kind of nail polish.

Guests can upgrade the pedicure service with a Specialized Treatment Mask add-on for only $40. The specialized sheet masks are excellent for infusing skin with deep hydration, as well as potent ingredients like neroli, maple water, comfrey, and slow-aging ingredients, to leave skin feeling clean and immediately glowing. The treatment can be booked online or by calling directly at 210-353-8016.

In addition to the unique offerings at the hotel’s Spa, guests can celebrate dad and elevate the day with a Corinne San Antonio feast. With a modern, comfortable design and refreshing menu that offers a new take on San Antonio dining, Corinne provides a perfect place to gather for Father’s Day brunch or dinner. A delicious Steak Skillet is highlighted on the brunch menu and served with chimichurri, sweet pepper, grilled onion, grilled mushroom and a sunny egg. Dinner highlights a 16oz Linz Heritage Angus Bone-In Ribeye served with red chile truffle butter and crispy potatoes.

To cap off the delightful meal, guests can then head over to Anaqua Garden Bar for a celebratory drink with dad. Anaqua Garden Bar is a hidden gem located in the heart of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa’s garden oasis. Inspired and named after the property’s champion Anaqua tree, this garden bar features a menu highlighting the fusion of Japanese flavors with Latin tradition, botanical cocktails and lush seating to celebrate dad.

Limited Time Specialty Spa Treatment:
*Available starting now during Spa operating hours

Corinne San Antonio Sunday Brunch Hours: 7a.m. – 2p.m.

Anaqua Garden Bar Sunday Hours: 11a.m. – 10p.m.

The Spa Plaza San Antonio & Corinne San Antonio
555 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Valet parking is available at the hotel at $15 for three hours.

For the WhataDad in your life, consider these gifts from Whataburger. Golf polos, YETI tumblers and pickleball sets are just a few of the quintessential, dad-approved presents to make the Gift Guide this year. There’s something for every dad too — the golfer, the fisherman, the outdoorsman, and even the dad who says he “doesn’t need anything.” (Whataburger, 2024)

All Father’s Day items are available online at the WhataStore, and orders must be placed no later than June 12 for deliveries to arrive before Father’s Day.

Here are some gift ideas:

Proud WhataDads can sport a head-to-toe Whataburger ‘fit with the extra soft, black WhataDad Tee from Tumbleweed TexStyles, 100% Beef Staunch Hat, the Texas Burger Shorts, and Flying W athletic socks. The moisture-wicking Texas Standard Polo will have Dad feeling dapper and looking cool at fancier events.

If your dad’s favorite time is tee time, the Day Dot Golf Polo, Otterbox ® Golf Kit, Flying W-marked Titleist Velocity Golf Balls and 24/7 Staunch Collection Hats will impress his buddies at the golf course. Plus, the new Fairway Wood Golf Cover will look great on the back of a cart.

For dads who love to cast a line, the Igloo Kooltunes Stereo Cooler holds all the essentials for a day on the boat, and the WhataDad 30 oz. Orange YETI Rambler ® Tumbler will keep his drink hot or cold from sunrise to sunset. The Green Fishing Shirt will catch compliments with its classic design, yellow rose embroidery, performance fabric and pearl snap closure.

If your dad loves the great outdoors, the Whataburger Flag Straw Hat will keep him shaded while mowing the lawn, hiking or grilling for his favorite campers. The navy, cotton-poly blend WhataDad tee from Tumbleweed TexStyles will keep him comfortable while camping, practicing his serve with the Day Dot Pickleball Set or playing with the pet he swore he “didn’t want.”

Pride month events in San Antonio

Pride month, celebrated annually in June, honors the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, struggles, and achievements. It commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, sparking the modern gay rights movement. Throughout the month, diverse events, parades, and activities promote visibility, acceptance, and equality. It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide and the importance of fostering a society where everyone can live openly and authentically. The following are some of the events taking place in town to support and celebrate San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community. (Stable Hall, Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

Stable Hall

Drag Me To The Hall
Saturday, June 1
Time: 9p.m. (doors open at 8p.m.)

“Drag Me To The Hall” at Stable Hall is a festive community celebration concluding the Museum Reach portion of the San Antonio Riverwalk Pride River Parade on June 1st, 2024. “Drag Me To The Hall” welcomes guests to an evening filled with performances and music by national drag performing artist, Trinity K. Bonet who gained recognition for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6.

“Drag Me To The Hall” celebrates San Antonio’s PRIDE month highlighting an array of exceptional talent, honoring the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community through music, entertainment, and mindfully inclusive celebration. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased online through the Tixr website.

Bakery Lorraine

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30

In celebration of Pride month, Bakery Lorraine is offering a rainbow-colored cookie with proceeds benefiting San Antonio-based LGBTQIA+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. 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 $6.95. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio.

Pride Cookie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa offers a special cocktail called Y’all Means All for Pride month this June. The cocktail will be available at Anaqua Garden Bar the entire month of June and proceeds from all sales will benefit Pride Center San Antonio. The cocktail is made with Tito’s Coconut Cordial, Guava, Lime, Topo Chico, and Sour Patch Kids.

Y’all Mean All drink at Anaqua. Photo: Anaqua Garden Bar, used with permission

Whataburger debuts new hot and iced coffees

The fresh brews are available 24/7 with New Vanilla, Caramel, and Mocha flavors to sweeten the deal. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Attention Whataburger fans: Your favorite burger spot now doubles as your go-to coffee shop. Introducing Whataburger’s new Iced Coffee, now available at all locations systemwide. This refreshing pick-me-up will be served all day, every day, along with an all-new hot coffee blend for a caffeine fix whenever you need it. This is excellent news if you live in a small town like I do. (Whataburger, 2024)

Iced Coffee takes Whataburger’s “Goodness 24/7” promise to a new level. Order it black — if you’re all business — or opt for the delicious flavors of Vanilla, Caramel or Mocha added to the new brew. Cold and crisp from the first sip, Whataburger’s iced coffee is a great companion wherever the day — or night — takes you.

“Our customers wanted iced coffee, so we took the opportunity to elevate our entire coffee lineup. We sourced beans from the coffee belts of Central and South America, and our menu team spent significant time researching and testing new recipes. The result is a premium, proprietary blend with the quality our Guests expect to fuel them 24/7. And with the addition of Vanilla, Mocha and Caramel flavors, you can customize your coffee to have it ‘just like you like it.’” – Scott Hudler, Whataburger Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Whataburger’s new coffee is a premium blend of 100% Arabica beans. The balanced but flavorful mix was created for Whataburger using beans from Colombia, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Whataburger Iced Coffee blend has the bold aroma of dark-roasted coffee, rounded out by a blend of nutty, smoky and toasted flavor notes and a vibrant finish.

If you prefer a traditional, steaming cup of Joe, the new Whataburger Hot Coffee (both regular and decaf) has the classic aroma of a medium roast hot-brewed coffee, medium body, smooth finish and flavor notes of citrus and brown sugar. Even better, it’s available all day, every day — eliminating the coffee desert that exists after midnight in most cities.

Piping hot or ice-cold, both coffees are the perfect companion to Whataburger’s sweet and savory menu items. Get your morning motivation with a Classic Hot Coffee and a Cinnamon Roll, or energize your afternoon with an Iced Vanilla Coffee and Fries.

About Whataburger: Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7. Our original recipes are made to order, just like you like it, and we pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That’s what’s led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, we’ve stayed close to our roots while building sales of more than $3 billion annually across our 15-state footprint and over 1,000 restaurants. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That’s why we’re among QSR Magazine’s Best Brands to Work For in 2023 and consistently win culture excellence awards, including Top Workplaces 2023.

Gift guide: make Mother’s Day extra special this year

Treat mom to some special treats from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 12 and if you’re still looking for ideas to celebrate mom on her special day, several businesses in the San Antonio area have special offerings available. Whether mom likes a spa day, brunch, sweets, or a day at the theater, here’s a selection of what’s hot this year. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)

** Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk **

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk has special offerings where moms can enjoy a much-needed spa getaway and delicious brunch.

The Mother’s Day Brunch will be from 11a.m. – 3p.m. on Sunday, May 12 at Landrace. Menu highlights will include classic brunch delights like French toast topped with seasonal compote, buttermilk biscuits with maple gravy, and fresh breakfast pastries, alongside a champagne wall and mimosa cart to clink cheers.

The Thompson Spa will be offering special Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May, so that children can treat their mothers to the ultimate day of relaxation. Treatments for mom include a “Spring Goddess Glow Package” with a green tea firming body treatment and 50-minute massage, a “Royal Rose Package” with a deeply nourishing facial and body treatment, and a “Love Yourself Peppermint Mani-Pedi.” The full spa menu is available here.

** Bakery Lorraine **

Bakery Lorraine has special treats that will be sure to make any mother feel appreciated on this special day.

For lovers of flowers and sweet treats, Bakery Lorraine is excited to offer a petite bouquet with a box of 6 Parisian macarons, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. The Macarons — whose flavors include Triple Vanilla, Pistachio, and Raspberry — will be elegantly stored in a unique and limited time floral box. This special offer can be purchased for $50 online through the Bakery Lorraine website or in store (all stores except the Doseum location in San Antonio).

The last day to order one of these bouquets and macarons will be on Thursday, May 9. Each order is available for pickup at the Bakery Lorraine location of choice between 10a.m. and 6p.m. on Saturday, May 11, or Sunday, May 12, 2024.

In addition to pre-orders, Bakery Lorraine is hosting a small make your own Mother’s Day Card at all locations (except Doseum in San Antonio) from 2p.m. to close on Thursday, May 9. This is a free event that will be available while supplies last. Additionally, guests in San Antonio can visit Bakery Lorraine at Pearl on Saturday, May 11 for a flower shop pop-up to purchase locally made bouquets.

** Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa **

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the recently opened Autograph Collection hotel in downtown, is pleased to announce its Mother’s Day (May 12) offerings to pamper moms this season. Bridging Downtown and Southtown neighborhoods, the Plaza San Antonio’s lush garden oasis and reimagined environment is a sanctuary of connectivity with extraordinary cuisine, culture, creativity, and community. Mom can enjoy an onsite garden oasis bar, pool, spa, and a lively restaurant with honest food and drinks ranging from hearty to healthy. Below is a breakdown of the specials available for Mother’s Day.

Nestled within the historic grounds of San Antonio’s only Autograph Collection Hotel, The Spa Plaza San Antonio offers a restorative approach to health and wellness. To help pamper moms, local or visiting, the hotel will offer several limited-time treatment packages at its luxurious spa. All the treatments can be booked through the Spa’s website and are included below:

Side-by-Side Mani Pedi – $200
Side-by-Side Massage – $350
Treat Yourself – $150

In addition to the unique offerings at the hotel’s Spa, guests can also celebrate mom and elevate the day with a brunch feast at Corinne San Antonio. With a modern, comfortable design and refreshing menu that offers a new take on San Antonio dining, Corinne provides a perfect place to gather for Mother’s Day. The Brunch menu includes Chorizo Devilled Eggs, Mezcal Shrimp Cocktail, Sweet Corn Cake Eggs Benedict, Lump Crab Frittata, and more.

To cap off the delightful brunch, guests can then head over to Anaqua Garden Bar for a celebratory drink with mom. Anaqua Garden Bar is a hidden gem located in the heart of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa’s garden oasis. Inspired and named after the property’s champion Anaqua tree, this garden bar features a menu highlighting the fusion of Japanese flavors with Latin tradition, botanical cocktails, lush seating and a curated soundtrack to create a chill Zen oasis to celebrate mom.

Limited Time Specialty Spa Treatments:
Valid Wednesday, May 1, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024* during Spa operating hours
*Excluding Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27)

Corinne San Antonio Sunday Brunch Hours:
7a.m. – 2p.m.

Anaqua Garden Bar Sunday Hours:
11a.m. – 10p.m.

The Spa Plaza San Antonio & Corinne San Antonio
555 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Valet parking is available at the hotel at $15 for three hours.

** Children’s Ballet of San Antonio **

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) invites you to a magical ball you don’t want to miss. The company will bring to life the classic Cinderella, the timeless love story, complete with a wicked stepmother, clumsy stepsisters, a fairy-godmother, and of course a handsome prince. Experience an enchanting performance for the whole family with opulent costumes, dreamlike digital and physical scenery and award-winning performers and choreographers, all set to the soaring score by Sergei Prokofiev. Taking place at the stunning Majestic Theatre on May 10 and 11, Cinderella is a dream come true that is sure to awaken child-like wonder in all ages.

A talented cast of roughly 200 young CBSA artists, ages 3-19, present this romantic fairy tale as only the Children’s Ballet can. The audience will be swept away by original Disney ballads such as “So This is Love” performed through stunning ballet artistry and incredible vocal talent transforming Cinderella into an avant-garde fairy tale classic. Classical ballet combined with an eclectic mix of awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics, hip-hop, and gymnastics create an exciting 90-minute production that will transfix even the youngest audience members.

Guests are encouraged to don their finest frocks, present their prettiest princess dresses, or come as a quinceañera queen to make it a truly magical affair to remember. Upon arrival, guests can take photos with the cast and even purchase tiaras, tutus, and fairy wands on-site! All audience members are sure to be wowed by the venue: downtown’s stunning Majestic Theatre. It’s the perfect place for a Cinderella story fit for a princess.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Friday May 10, 6p.m. doors, 7p.m. show
Saturday May 11, 1p.m. doors, 2p.m. show
Saturday May 11, 6p.m. doors, 7p.m. show
Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website.

Taco Cabana unveils new menu offerings and partnership with Jarritos

New menu offerings are available starting May 1 while supplies last. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Tex-Mex innovator Taco Cabana (TC) is thrilled to announce the debut of its enticing new limited-time menu offerings, just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Items are available starting on Wednesday, May 1 in all Texas locations while supplies last. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Included in the new lineup are breakfast, lunch and dinner Tortas, mouthwatering Loaded Fries, all new Happy Hour offerings, and a partnership with Jarritos for an irresistible new margarita.

Taco Cabana elevates the Tex-Mex experience to new heights with bold flavors and vibrant dining. TC is bringing back the Breakfast Tortas, and they are better than ever. The tortas for breakfast include Bacon & Egg, Chorizo & Egg or Country Sausage & Egg, all piled high on a bed of refried beans, then topped with pico de gallo and shredded cheese. The new lunch and dinner torta options are stacked with refried beans, your pick of Carne Asada, Steak Fajita, or Chicken Fajita, plus a mix of fresh shredded lettuce and pico de gallo. The whole lineup of Tortas are available all day and served with a side of house made Salsa Ranch.

The new Loaded Fries are an irresistible fusion of flavors and include a Carne Asada option topped with queso, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo and a Chili Cheese option served with queso and chili con carne. Plain fries will also be available as a great add-on to any meal.

The new Happy Hour offerings will be available from 3p.m. to 6p.m. every Sunday through Thursday, and will feature $2 Margaritas and domestic beers, half-priced Bean & Cheese Nachos, 3-pack Flautas and small Cheese Quesadillas. These delicious items are sure to add a festive flair to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

The Jarritos partnership introduces a new Mandarin Margarita that brings the perfect refreshing beverage to Taco Cabana, just in time for warmer weather. Jarritos Mandarin Sodas will also be available at Taco Cabana Texas locations for a non-alcoholic Jarritos experience.

“This new exciting chapter allows us to showcase our culinary innovations and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re blending tradition with contemporary flair. We’re devoted to captivating fresh audiences through this approach, offering additional incentives to come together and celebrate with our all new Happy Hour lineup and our thrilling collaboration with Jarritos!” – Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana

The excitement doesn’t stop there at Taco Cabana. Locations in San Antonio will be testing new Jr. Bowls and Burritos beginning May 1, bringing the same great flavors and quality ingredients in a convenient value-sized package. Whether it’s a quick bite on the go or a satisfying meal to fuel the day, Taco Cabana’s got something for everyone at an unbeatable price. Download the MYTC! App and join MYTC! Loyalty Rewards for special offers and exclusive TC news.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, 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 January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Celebrate Easter with themed treats from Bakery Lorraine

Bakery Lorraine’s Easter themed Moon Pies. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

With Easter right around the corner on Sunday, March 31, I wanted to share some Easter themed pastries and baked goods available for purchase from Bakery Lorraine at all their locations. There is still time to order: from now until 5p.m. on Thursday, March 28, guests can pre-order a delectable 7’’ Carrot Cake for $80 through Bakery Lorraine’s website. Their carrot cake is full of pineapple, coconut, walnuts, generously layered with cream cheese frosting, and topped with a variety of macarons. Pickup will be on choice of either Saturday, March 30 or Sunday, March 31. (Bakery Lorraine, 2024)

Additionally, Bakery Lorraine will have Easter themed in-store pastries available over the weekend from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, March 31.

These pastries include:

Bunny Tart – White chocolate mascarpone mousse and strawberry centers on dark chocolate shortbread
Egg Shaped Moonpie – Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched between house made graham crackers
Chocolate Nest Tart – Salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache in a vanilla pastry shell topped with chocolate eggs nested in chocolate phyllo

Carrot cake slices will also be available for in-store purchase throughout Easter weekend and the following week while supplies last.

Bakery Lorraine’s carrot cake. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Texas Food & Wine Alliance announces Live Fire! and Rick Bayless meet and greet

Tickets are now on sale for can’t miss Texas Food & Wine Alliance fundraisers. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) has released a schedule of fundraising events featuring beloved TV personalities, Top Chef all-stars, and James Beard Award honorees. (Texas Food and Wine Alliance, 2024)

Ahead of his appearance at the Potluck feast at Willie Nelson’s ranch, iconic restaurateur, television host, and cookbook author Rick Bayless will be in Austin for a book signing and meet-and-greet at Nixta Taqueria. On Tuesday, March 12 from 4p.m. – 5:30p.m., foodies will have a chance to chat with the Michelin-starred master chef as he signs copies of his classic cookbook, “More Mexican Everyday: Simple, Seasonal, Celebratory.” The $50 ticket price, available online, includes a copy of the book, wine and beer, and light bites from Nixta’s kitchen.

Then, Live Fire!, Austin’s favorite cookout, returns to Camp Mabry on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30p.m. – 9p.m. with a dynamic lineup of award-winning chefs. General admission tickets for the sell-out event are now on sale for $125 HERE. All proceeds will benefit the Alliance’s culinary grant program.

This year, Live Fire! is celebrating global culinary traditions with a blazing party showcasing open-flame cooking, premium wine and beer, and cocktail craftsmanship. Top-notch chefs from across the state will showcase the versatility of Texas beef in innovative bites cooked on-site.

Keeping with tradition, a lineup of nationally recognized chefs and statewide favorites will turn up the heat. Some of the nation’s most recognized chefs will be participating, including beloved Top Chef finalists, James Beard Award nominees, and emerging pitmasters.

Minding the grills will be:

Chef Laila Bazahm — El Raval (Austin)
Chef Mattison Bills — Three Six General (San Marcos), Howdy Child (San Antonio)
Chef Aaron Bludorn — Bludorn Restaurant, Navy Blue (Houston)
Chefs Chuck Charnichart, Alexis Tovías Morales, and Haley Conlin — Barbs B Q (Lockhart)
Chefs Krystal Craig and Ian Thurwachter — Poeta (Austin)
Chef Jakub Czyszczon — Garrison (Austin)
Chefs Mike Diaz and Laura Sawicki— Oseyo (Austin)
Chef Todd Duplechan — Lenoir (Austin)
Chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu — Top Chef, Jūn (Houston)
Chef Levi Goode — Credence, Sidebar, Goode Company Restaurant Group (Houston)
Chef Robert Hale with special guest Chef Rick Neal — Beef Loving Texans
Chef Rebecca Masson — Top Chef: Just Desserts, Fluff Bake Bar (Houston)
Chef Jess Pryles — Hardcore Carnivore
Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman — José (Dallas)
Chef Nic Yanes — Murray’s Tavern (Austin)

Chef Jason Dady of San Antonio’s Tre Trattoria will also fire up the ovens for the Live Fire Pizzeria activation. More culinary talent will be announced in the upcoming days.

In addition to the fiery grand tasting, the 2024 edition of Live Fire! will also feature an exclusive VIP experience. The Live Fire! Steakhouse will transport guests to a midcentury supper club, complete with cocktail carts and flaming desserts. Featured chefs include Andy Knudson of All Pro Smokeshow, John Bates of Interstellar BBQ, and special guests to be announced. VIP tickets are $175 and include early admission at 6p.m.

“We are thrilled to work with some of Austin’s most talented chefs and excited to bring in so much culinary talent from out of town. We’re fired up to show Austin everything they have to offer.” – TFWA Executive Director Erika White

Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help TFWA 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. Since 2012, AFWA has awarded $528,500 in grants to fund local culinary projects.

As the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival, held every year in November, the Texas Food & Wine Alliance also features educational programming and culinary events showcasing Texas chef talent, artisan and local producers, world-class wine and spirit makers, and craft brewers.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in 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 commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.

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Category: Culinary News