Category: Culinary News

Taco Cabana embraces cooler weather with all new menu items

Taco Cabana’s all new menu includes Pollo Asado Street Tacos, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Pozole. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana welcomes fall and winter with all-new menu items, food pairing specials, and returning family favorites. Starting Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at all Texas Taco Cabana locations, guests can embrace cooler weather with the additions of Pozole, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and tasty Pollo Asado Street Tacos, along with the return of TC’s signature Fajita Meals in El Paso. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

“After a year of showcasing many successful culinary innovations, we’re closing out 2023 strong with a broad array of new product introductions and returning TC favorites. Culinary excellence and innovation remain a vital part of our TC Brand DNA, and with the arrival of cooler temperatures and the holidays, we are excited to launch so many new and varied items.” – Ulyses Camacho, President and Chief Operating Officer, Taco Cabana

The all-new Pollo Asado Street Tacos (three-pack) are made with juicy delicious grilled chicken marinated in lime and orange juices, Mexican seasonings, topped with cilantro and onion, and served on corn tortillas. Each three-pack is available for $5.99. Guests will also be able to add new Pollo Asado to any of their TC favorites like quesadillas, nachos, Cabana Bowls®, burritos or flour tortilla tacos.

Embrace any Texas weather – hot or cold – with TC’s all-new Pozole, a hearty rich soup full of tender diced pork and hominy, topped with a blend of cilantro and onions and served with two lime wedges. Or try the returning fan-favorite Chicken Tortilla Soup, featuring a savory broth made with shredded chicken and topped with crispy corn tortilla strips, a blend of jack and cheddar cheeses, and served with lime wedges and a side of rice. Both soups are available in 8 oz. and 12 oz. servings and are the perfect seasonal snack. 

The only thing better than a warm soup is a warm soup paired with other TC favorites. TC guests can enjoy a variety of Soup Pairings starting at $7.29, featuring a small Pozole or Chicken Tortilla soup and choice of a ground beef taco, a three-pack of chicken flautas, or a small Chips and Queso. 

The TC Under $5 Value Menu will also see changes this season with the addition of two Taco Deals, including two black bean tacos and two chicken ranchero and cheese tacos. Breakfast for Under $4 is perfect for TC lovers looking for a warm breakfast with pairs of country sausage and egg tacos; egg ranchero and cheese tacos; potato, egg and ranchero tacos; or egg and cheese tacos. Bean and cheese nachos, three-pack chicken flautas, and ground beef and shredded chicken Double Crunch Pizzas will also be available on the Under $5 Menu.

El Paso guests can also indulge with TC Fajita Meals. Each filling and flavorful order comes complete with a half or full order of chicken, steak or mix fajita, two 8 oz. servings of refried beans, two 8 oz. servings of rice and 12 tortillas, with prices starting at $17.99. TC Fajita Meals are perfect meal options for families, friends, groups and more.

Taco Cabana’s menu options can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in 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 November 1, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Shake Shack teams up with Trolls on holiday shakes menu

Shake Shack teams up with DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together to launch Trolls-themed trio of holiday shakes. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

To celebrate the release of DreamWorks Animation’s new feature film Trolls Band Together on November 17, Shake Shack is teaming up with this new chapter in the blockbuster musical Trolls franchise to offer a limited-time shakes menu for fans across the U.S. The trio of shakes is inspired by the leading characters in the film – Poppy, Branch and new character Viva – as well as traditional holiday flavors that we know and love. The new menu items are accompanied by Trolls-themed holiday packaging including a takeout bag, cup and tray liner, and are now available at Shake Shack locations nationwide (stadiums and airports not included). (Shake Shack, 2023)

The trio of Trolls-themed shakes include:

  • Poppy’s Sugar Cookie Shake: Hand-spun sugar cookie frozen custard, mixed with cookie dough pop candy, topped with whipped cream and cotton candy. Starts at $7.49
  • Branch’s Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Hand-spun vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, mixed with mint fudge, topped with whipped cream and mint candy crunch. Starts at $7.29
  • Viva’s Cinnamon Roll Shake: Hand-spun cinnamon roll frozen custard, swirled with gold frosting, topped with whipped cream and gold confetti. Starts at $7.29

“We’re excited to partner with Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation to bring the world of Trolls from the big screen to life in our Shacks,” said Jay Livingston, Chief Marketing Officer at Shake Shack. “It was so much fun taking inspiration from these colorful, beloved characters to create a trio of shakes and can’t wait for our guests to get a taste of Trolls magic this holiday season, sparkles included.”

Shack fans in Los Angeles will also be able to enjoy a Trolls-themed experience at the West Hollywood Shack at 8520 Santa Monica Blvd., complete with larger-than-life Trolls characters on the Shack’s roof, giveaways and an interactive musical experience with music from the new feature film.

This partnership is building on the success of Shake Shack’s collaboration with Nintendo and Illumination for The Super Mario Bros. Movie which was released in 2023. Brand partnerships is an area where Shake Shack is increasing its marketing focus in the years to come, especially as it expands its footprint across the U.S. and around the world.

Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It is known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development, to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 470 locations system-wide, including over 305 in 32 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 165 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

Carriqui celebrates Día de los Muertos with reception

Reception will include Soledad tequila tastings, special curated menu, live music, and more. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.

Carriqui continues the annual tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed on Día de los Muertos with a reception on Wednesday, November 1 from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. in the Rockhouse. The one-night-only event includes Soledad tequila tastings, a signature cocktail, wine, live music, and unique bites. Carriqui’s team will also be collaborating on an ofrenda, which will be available for guests to view and contribute their own offerings. (Carriqui, 2023)

The featured unique bites include totopos with smoky chicken tinga, Texas redfish ceviche with charred salsa verde, barbacoa quesadillas, smoked crispy quail with salsa macha, and more. The evening will be complemented by a performance from Latin guitarist Adam Zuniga.

Tickets are available for purchase for $65 per person through OpenTable. Ticket price includes a raffle entry for a limited edition bottle of Soledad Día de los Muertos Janitzio.

Carriqui
239 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Photo: Carriqui

Bakery Lorraine celebrates Halloween with deliciously spooky treats

Bakery Lorraine will offer Halloween themed tarts, cookies, moonpies, and macarons from October 28 through October 31, 2023. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine is excited to announce that its Halloween treats are back this year for some spooky fun everyone can enjoy. From Saturday, October 28 until Tuesday, October 31, these fun Halloween treats will be available at all Bakery Lorraine locations. The delectable pastries are sure to satisfy any Halloween sweet tooth craving, whether at a Halloween themed party, welcoming trick-or-treaters or just enjoying a solo spooky treat. (Bakery Lorraine, 2023)

Its Halloween offerings include the below pastries:

  • Black Cat Tart – Milk chocolate mousse with a white chocolate mousse filling, chocolate shortbread base, chocolate eyes and ears
  • White Chocolate Mummy Tart – Buttery lemon curd in a crisp tart shell topped with torched meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
  • Spooky Chocolate Caramel Tart – Salted caramel with a white chocolate glaze and spooky chocolate bats
  • Gingerbread Voodoo Doll – Gingerbread cookie dipped in milk chocolate and royal icing decor 
  • Ghost Moonpie – Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched in between house made graham crackers and dipped in a white chocolate

Additionally, the first 30 children to enter Bakery Lorraine on Tuesday, October 31 only, will receive a FREE macaron. This will take place at every location.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE and a Boerne location.

 

 

Taco Cabana announces return of popular holiday gift card offer

Taco Cabana’s holiday gift offer begins on October 18 and runs through the end of the year. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

The season of giving is upon us, and if you are looking for gift ideas for the foodie in your life, consider this gift idea from Taco Cabana.

Give the gift of Taco Cabana this holiday season! Taco Cabana gift cards are a quick and easy present that everyone can enjoy throughout the holidays and beyond. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Beginning Wednesday, October 18, 2023, for every $25 spent toward Taco Cabana gift cards, guests will receive a complimentary $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card for a limited time. The Holiday Guest Appreciation Cards can be redeemed at any Texas Taco Cabana location beginning two hours after purchase/activation and will remain active until Sunday, March 31, 2024. Taco Cabana gift cards can be ordered online or at any participating Taco Cabana location; e-gift cards are also available online. 

The Taco Cabana holiday gift card offer is available beginning Wednesday, October 18, 2023 through Sunday, December 31, 2023 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations.

Taco Cabana offerings  are available via curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and mobile order through the My TC! App.

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 October 12, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Pappasito’s Cantina celebrates 40th anniversary

The legendary Tex-Mex restaurant will be celebrating all month long in October with food and drink specials and commemorative mugs at 20 locations throughout Texas and Georgia. Photo: Pappasito’s, used with permission.

Pappasito’s Cantina is excited to announce that its 40th anniversary celebration is taking place throughout October. The month-long celebration will feature food and drink specials, including $40 for 40 Fajitas on Wednesdays starting at 4p.m., a commemorative 40th anniversary mug with Fiesta Fizz or Pappasito’s Signature Reserva Margarita, and a special Fiesta Fudge Brownie. Guests will also have the opportunity to win one of ten $400 gift cards by entering online. E-Club members will receive additional perks throughout the month. (Pappasito’s Cantina, 2023)

Pappasito’s is driven by the same principles that family patriarch H.D. Pappas brought with him to the New World in 1897: a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to detail, and a determination to treat every person who walks through the door as a welcomed guest. 

Decades after opening, Pappasito’s continues to provide superior flavor, freshness and presentation that guests will not find anywhere else. Using only the highest quality produce, meat and fish, each location ensures only the best dishes arrive at the table. This includes roasting their salsa in their kitchens daily, using fresh-squeezed lime juice for their famous margaritas and hand-making tortillas in-house.

Just as important as the quality of the food and drinks is the service they provide guests. Team members are carefully selected, receive world-class training and are encouraged to grow within the company, which is one of the many reasons their team is consistently known as the best in the business. Many Pappasito’s team members have been with the organization for decades, passing along their passion and institutional knowledge to the next generation of servers, cooks, bartenders, managers, and more. 

“The Pappas family feels so honored that diners continue to return to Pappasito’s, and we are proud to carry on the tradition of serving outstanding food and providing exceptional service in an atmosphere where people go to be treated like family, to be entertained, and to enjoy great food, knowing that they can expect that Pappas trademark of quality. We look forward to celebrating 40 years with our valued guests all month long and beyond!” – Chris Pappas, CEO of Pappas Restaurants, Inc.

Pappasito’s Cantina is the second largest concept in one of the largest family-owned and operated restaurant companies in the United States. The Pappas family of restaurants offers many different cuisines and traditions, but common to all is an obsession with quality food and superior service that is reflected in every aspect of the Guest experience. Pappas is a respected leader in the competitive restaurant industry. The Pappas philosophy has not changed much over the years. The drive still comes from a passion for excellence, a focus on innovation and attention to detail and quality in everything they do.

Shake Shack announces limited time Uber Eats BOGO offer

As part of the limited time Hot Menu offer happening now through January 8, Shake Shack is having an exclusive BOGO deal on select Hot Menu items on Uber Eats. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

Shake Shack recently announced that for a limited time, they are bringing back some fan favorites from its Hot Menu, including some new fiery additions at all locations. To bring the heat and the flavor, each menu item is dusted with a signature hot pepper spice blend of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, vinegar powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika. (Shake Shack, 2023)

As part of the limited-time Hot Menu offer happening now through January 8, 2024, Shake Shack is having an exclusive BOGO deal on Uber Eats that is available today October 3 through October 15.

Fans can grab a Spicy ShackMeister Burger or Hot Chicken Sandwich and get another one absolutely FREE. This deal is available only on the Uber Eats app and across all participating Shacks on the platform.

The Hot Menu items include:

● Hot Chicken – Crispy, white-meat chicken breast spiced with hot pepper blend, topped with pickles and Shack-made cherry pepper slaw
● Spicy Shackmeister Burger – 100% Angus beef cheeseburger spiced with hot pepper blend, topped with crispy onions, chopped cherry peppers and ShackSauce
● Spicy Fries with Ranch Sauce – Crispy crinkle cut fries spiced with hot pepper blend and served with Shack ranch sauce
● Spicy Cheese Fries with Ranch Sauce – Crispy crinkle cut fries topped with cheese sauce, spiced with hot pepper blend and served with Shack ranch sauce

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It’s known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development, to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 470 locations system-wide, including over 305 in 32 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 165 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul,
and more.

Taco Cabana pairs barbacoa and Big Red for special bundle deal

For a limited time, enjoy the iconic pairing of barbacoa tacos and Big Red for just $6.99 at participating Taco Cabana locations in San Antonio and Austin only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Are you a fan of Barbacoa and Big Red? Then this special deal from Taco Cabana is just for you:

Launching Friday, September 29, 2023, Taco Cabana will extend a special value offer to Barbacoa and Big Red fans. For a limited time, when guests purchase two (2) Barbacoa tacos for $6.99 they will receive a complimentary 12 oz. can of Big Red. This offer is valid while supplies last at participating Taco Cabana locations in San Antonio and Austin only. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

The limited-time Barbacoa and Big Red special is available through curbside, pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App. Not available through third party delivery providers.

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 September 27, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana’s Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets

Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets to benefit Texas Children’s Hospitals. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

This October, Taco Cabana will celebrate the Fall season with the return of its beloved, limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets, featuring five FREE signature bean & cheese tacos. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Beginning Friday, September 29, 2023, the Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets will be available for purchase at all Texas Taco Cabana locations for just $2 while supplies last. This year, all proceeds from the booklet sales will be donated to Dell Children’s Medical Center at Ascension Seton in Austin, TX; Children’s Health in Dallas, TX; El Paso Children’s Hospital in El Paso, TX; Christus Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, TX; and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. The booklets will be available for purchase in-restaurant only through Tuesday, October 31, 2023, and coupons must be redeemed by Wednesday, November 30, 2023.

“Giving back to the local communities we serve has always been a big part of Brand Taco Cabana since we opened our first TC in San Antonio forty-five years ago. The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Booklets have become a philanthropic tradition at Taco Cabana and something that so many of our loyal guests look forward to each year. We’re so happy to bring them back for the 2023 Halloween season, and we are even more honored to donate the proceeds to Texas children’s hospitals so that they may continue their life-saving efforts.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and Chief Operating Officer

The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets must be purchased in-store, and they may be redeemed only in-restaurant or via the drive-thru.

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 September 25, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana announces all new Fritos Quesadilla to celebrate National Quesadilla Day

Celebrate National Quesadilla Day with Taco Cabana’s Fritos® Pie Quesadilla. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

In celebration of National Quesadilla Day on September 25, 2023, and to showcase a newly established strategic partnership with PepsiCo®/Frito-Lay®, Taco Cabana will launch its all-new Fritos® Pie Quesadilla for just $6.69 (small) and a Fritos® Pie Taco for just $3.99 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Guests will be able to enjoy a quesadilla made with two flour tortillas filled with melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, chile con carne, Fritos® corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños, and served with a side of queso, as well as a taco with melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, chile con carne, Fritos® corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños served on a freshly made in house flour tortilla.

These delicious additions to the TC menu will be the first culinary items developed as part of an ongoing partnership with PepsiCo® including Frito-Lay® that will allow for many innovative and exciting TC food & beverage creations in the future. The Fritos® Pie Quesadilla and Taco will be released as part of TC’s 45-year anniversary celebrations.

“TC’s commitment to our guests in relation to ongoing culinary innovation is unwavering and with the launch of both a Fritos® Pie Quesadilla and a Fritos® Pie Taco, that guest promise continues our tradition.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

Guests 21 years of age or older may also enjoy the limited-time TC45 Vodkarita, made with Tito’s® Handmade Vodka and sold in a commemorative 24-ounce yard cup as well as any one of TC’s six refreshing tequila margarita flavors.

The Fritos® Pie Quesadilla and Taco are available through curbside pick up, drive thru, in restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.

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 September 18, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company owned restaurants in Texas.