Celebrate Lent with Taco Cabana’s Shrimp Tampico tacos and quesadillas

The Shrimp Tampico offerings and new Taco Cabana burritos are available now. The new Tres Leches Cake will be available starting March 9, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Arriving just in time for the Lenten season, Taco Cabana is offering a Shrimp Tampico taco and Shrimp Tampico quesadillas for a limited time. Launched on Wednesday March 2, 2022, guests can now enjoy the Shrimp Tampico taco for $3.79, a small Shrimp Tampico quesadilla for $6.49 or a large quesadilla for $9.49. The delectable shrimp dishes are marinated in ancho spice, sauteed with garlic, lime and cilantro, and served with a side of pineapple chipotle salsa. TC’s Shrimp Tampico options are available at all Texas TC locations. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

In addition to Shrimp Tampico, guests can now also enjoy all of their favorite flavors in new TC burritos – available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting at $3.19. Guests can choose from a wide variety of flavors such as Bean & Cheese, Bacon and Egg, Chorizo and Egg, Chicken or Steak Fajita, Ground Beef, and many more.

TC guests can also indulge in Taco Cabana’s new Tres Leches cake. Launching Wednesday, March 9, 2022, guests can enjoy TC’s take on the traditional sweet sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk for just $2.99.

Taco Cabana’s Shrimp Tampico taco and quesadillas, burritos, and Tres Leches cake 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 Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

The Culinary Institute of America brings back student run cafe

Guests can visit the student run cafe pop up at Savor from now until April 12, 2022. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) San Antonio campus is excited to bring back its popular Bakery Café. Savor, CIA’s Modern American restaurant at Pearl, is hosting the pop-up bakery from now until April 12. Under the direction of Certified Master Baker Alain Dubernard, Chef Brian Krellenstein, and Hospitality and Service Management Instructor Angel Gonzalez, students in the college’s capstone course of Baking and Pastry Arts major will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world retail bakery and restaurant setting by operating both the front and back-of-house. Savor will transform into a pop-up café for breakfast and lunch, serving a range of fresh dishes Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 1:30p.m. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2022)

Breakfast offerings include items like brioche French toast, house made croissant egg sandwiches, a roasted beef culotte potato hash with an over easy egg and a creamy pecorino polenta with sautéed mushrooms and soft poached eggs. Lunch will include items like homemade salads and sandwiches such as the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Blend Patty Melt, Grilled Vegetable Panini and Café BLT with grilled challah. Delectable pastries and cookies like the Walnut Orange Cranberry Scone, Manchego Guava Empanada, Alfajor Dulce de Leche and more will also be available for purchase.

Savor
200 East Grayson Street, Suite #117
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—and numerous plazas. 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; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

Savor

Hotel Contessa announces programming to celebrate the Margarita

Ambler at Hotel Contessa announces food and beverage programming to celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to announce a host of programming to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22. To celebrate the holiday accordingly, the hotel will extend the celebration throughout the week with various specials and events throughout that week at the hotel’s restaurant Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

The programming is as follows:

National Margarita Day Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 22, 2022 starting at 4p.m.
On National Margarita Day, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will offer four unique twists on the traditional margarita for $8 during happy hour in the restaurant’s bar lounge between 4p.m. and 7p.m.

The cocktails include:
• Fire in the Sky – Casamigos Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, smoked paprika, and bell peppers
• Knocking on Desert’s Door – Desert Door Sotol, Chareau, prickly pear and citrus, garnished with lime and mint
• Misty Step – Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Santa Teresa 1976 rum, Benedictine, pineapple, and bitters
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Corralejo Reposado tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, and Ambler bitters

***The bar’s regular hours are 12p.m. (noon) to 12a.m.

Margarita Making Class – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6p.m.

Continuing the celebration of National Margarita Day throughout the week, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will be offering a margarita making class with its new beverage director, Brandon Vela. The class kicks off at 6p.m. at Hotel Contessa’s third floor terrace overlooking the San Antonio River. Participants will learn the proper techniques and make their own margarita while enjoying light bites from Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. Guests will also receive a 20% discount toward a meal at the restaurant. The cost of the class is $45 per person and tickets for the class are available here.

Casamigos Tequila Dinner – February 24, 2022 at 6p.m.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special five course dinner featuring Casamigos tequila and mezcal. The ticketed dinner is limited to 50 guests and tickets are $125 a person, which includes the cost of dinner, gratuity, tax, and valet parking at Hotel Contessa. Tickets for the dinner are available here.

See below for the dinner menu featuring unique cocktails made with, and inspired by, Casamigos tequila.

Welcome Cocktail – Aloe, It’s Ambler – Casamigos mezcal, Chareau and lemon
First Course
- Scallop Ceviche – grapefruit, lime, blood orange juice and habanero syrup
- Featured Cocktail – Pineapple Express
  - Casamigo Blanco, Casamigo Anejo, Ancho Reyes, citrus, serrano and bitters
Second Course
- Grilled octopus – grilled octopus, frisee lettuce, roasted pears, toasted almonds, watermelon radish and roasted pear vinaigrette
- Featured Cocktail – Another Sour
  - Casamigo Reposado, citrus, egg white and Texas bitters
Third Course
- Al Pastor Taco – deconstructed with blue cornmeal cake, avocado crema and pickled red onions
- Featured Cocktail – Call Me Kiwi
  - Casamigos Blanco, kiwi, pineapple, citrus
Fourth Course
- 6oz Filet – pozole bath filet, fried red peppers, pozole broth and crispy plantains
- Featured Cocktail – George Clooney lost in the Rio Grande
  - Casamigos Reposado, grapefruit cordial and bitters
Fifth Course:
- Salted chocolate flan with a tequila caramel
- Featured Cocktail – Mama’s Mexican Hot Coco
  - Casamigos Anejo, caffee del fuego and orange

Sound Cream Airstream returns to Pearl for special Galentine’s themed night

Sound Cream Airstream will transform Pearl’s Park Bar for a night of song dedications. Photo: Sound Cream Airstream, used with permission.

Pearl and Park Bar at the Food Hall at Bottling Department are excited to welcome Sound Cream Airstream back to the park for their first ever “Galentine’s Day” set with Southtown Vinyl. Sound Cream Airstream is an “all-in-one mobile discotheque” that puts on a dance party and DJ showcase. Guests can visit the DJ booth and dedicate songs of love to all their gal pals or that special someone. Pearl’s “Amor” wall is also set up for a fun photo opportunity to memorialize the night. The event is free to attend. (Pearl, 2022)

Enjoy treats from San Antonio’s first food hall, The Bottling Department, which includes the restaurants Fletcher’s Hamburgers, Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and Kineapple. The Food Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tableside delivery and option to use QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables.

Sunday, February 13, 2022
4p.m. – 7:30p.m.

Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pearl

First impression: Doña Carmen’s Restaurant

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island. Photo: Sandra Cruz

It has been a busy couple of months so I have not had a chance to explore much, but last month while at South Padre Island for an art walk, we decided to have lunch nearby. Determined to have Mexican food, we drove around until we came upon a colorful sign advertising Doña Carmen’s Restaurant. It was odd because it was the first time we noticed this restaurant but decided to take a chance. Since then, Doña Carmen’s Restaurant opened a location in Los Fresnos and we recently had breakfast there. During our visit, they were only open until 4p.m. but we suggested they stay open later because like us, some people like to go out for dinner. I am so happy that now the Los Fresnos location is open until 9p.m. so we can go there for dinner one of these days after work.

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island
This location has a Doña Carmen life-sized cartoon cardboard cutout by the front door to greet guests. As soon as you enter, the welcoming sights and smells of a Mexican restaurant beckon you to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes. I thought I was only going to have one or two options, being that I do not eat meat in all its forms and it is rare to have more than one option at restaurants. Much to my surprise, the menu is extensive and I had trouble deciding what to order. I opted for the Entomatadas. The plate consists of four, yes, four entomatadas, rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. The serving size is generous and the tomato sauce is made from scratch. The food tastes homemade, just as I had hoped. I ordered a jamaica flavored “agua fresca” and it comes served in a personal sized pitcher so it was much more than I could finish there. It is so delicious and thankfully I was able to take the rest of it to go. The hubbs went with the Bistek Ranchero, which also comes with rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. I cannot stress enough how impressed we are with the quality of the food. Everything is fresh and made to order. Our only complaint is that they charge extra ($1.99 each) for additional flour tortillas. Other than that, it was a lovely visit. The wait staff is efficient and friendly.

#4 – 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 484-2314
Business hours:
Open every day 7a.m. to 4p.m.

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #5 – Los Fresnos
Saturday mornings call for breakfast on the go. We got there bright and early since they open at 7a.m. After we ordered our coffee, the server brought over a small bowl filled with animal crackers to complement the coffee. What an original idea! We finished those before our breakfast dishes arrived. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos with eggs topped with cheese and it comes with refried beans and lettuce and tomatoes, which is weird because it is breakfast. Again, the serving size is more than enough and the flavors are undeniably homemade. The hubbs had the Huevos Divorciados, over easy, and they come with a side of bacon, refried beans and fried tortilla bits topped with salsa and shredded cheese.

#5 – 407 W Ocean Blvd, Suite A
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 254-2402
Business hours:
Saturday 7a.m. to 3p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 9p.m.

Suffice it to say, we will definitely eat at Doña Carmen’s Restaurant again, whether at the South Padre location or the Los Fresnos one. The ambiance is friendly, the customer service is excellent and the food is authentic and tastes homemade, “just like grandma used to make.” The quality of the food is certainly not “fast food” grade and anyone looking for a hearty Mexican meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, will be in for a delightful treat. So stop by next time and treat your taste buds to a “fiesta,” or better yet, treat the family out for a fabulous meal. They will thank you for it.

Price range: $ – $$

Taco Cabana introduces new Cabana Salad

The new Cabana Salad is now available at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana invites guests to start the year off right with their new Cabana Salad. The Cabana Salad features romaine lettuce, black beans, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips for $3.79. Back by popular guest demand, a side of Salsa Ranch dressing accompanies the new Cabana Salad; guests may add grilled chicken fajita for an additional $2. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

For guests looking for a more classic TC option, look no further than Taco Cabana’s signature Cabana Bowls™. Available starting at $5.59, these delicious crispy tortilla shell bowls are filled with the guest’s choice of protein, rice, refried beans, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, and will satisfy any Taco Cabana craving. Guests can choose from a variety of offerings including Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita, Shredded Chicken, and Ground Beef. Taco Cabana also offers a Beyond Meat bowl for those who prefer a vegetarian-friendly option. There’s no better complement to Taco Cabana’s bowls than one of their signature $2 margaritas served all day, every day.

In addition to the return of Salsa Ranch, 2022 at TC kicks off with new Jalapeño Salsa and the return of Salsa Fuego, each perfect for dipping and topping any TC favorite. The three salsas join current favorite Salsa Roja and are available upon request

Taco Cabana’s Cabana Bowls™ and Cabana Salads are available in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or Taco Cabana online.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of January 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Acclaimed polka musician Alex Meixner partners with Krause’s Café

A live music event to welcome Alex Meixner is scheduled for January 27. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce that nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator, and a leading advocate of polka music, Alex Meixner, is partnering with the restaurant and venue to expand its entertainment programming and community events. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Alex on an ongoing basis and leverage his talents and presence in the community into improved entertainment options and educational opportunities. Alex’s experience as a touring entertainer, educator and talent agent can do a lot to enhance the entertainment at Krause’s for both guests and the musicians.” – Krause’s Café & Biergarten’s owner Chris Snider

Alex Meixner is a Grammy-nominated musician with performances on more than 50 albums, including 17 where he was the bandleader or soloist. His band performs approximately 180 shows per year across the nation. Alex also devotes his time to guest speaking in lectures and hosting master classes.

Alex Meixner, under the umbrella of his talent agency, AM Management, will be working to build the repertoire of entertainment at Krause’s, as well as creating engaging and fun community programming. His band will also be performing at Krause’s throughout the year, including sets at Maifest and Oktoberfest later this year. Alex will also have a role in coordinating a New Braunfels Citizenship Program with Krause’s, a monthly event where participants can learn about the town’s history, traditions, institutions, events, and culture.

“I am super excited to collaborate with the team at Krause’s – they’ve established a national reputation for representing the history of New Braunfels’ German culture through food, music and gemütlichkeit.” My ideals as a musical entertainer are encapsulated in this synergy and will allow us to bring more creative offerings to downtown’s scene throughout the year.” – Alex Meixner

On Thursday, January 27 from 6p.m. – 9p.m., there will be an event at Krause’s Café to officially welcome Alex to New Braunfels with music by Terry Cavanagh & The Alpine Express featuring performances by Alex. The event is open to the public and tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. A limited amount of VIP tables seating eight are available for $120 a table.

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 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap.

Dynamic accordionist Alex Meixner mixes an array of musical styles into traditional, exuberant Central European party music, letting die-hard polka fans to enjoy the evolution and letting hipsters discover all there is to love in the innately fun genre. Solo and with his band, he has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, as well as at uncountable accordion-centric events. His virtuosic yet quirky style has made him a sought-after collaborator. He worked alongside Jack Black in the Sundance-screened, Netflix film, The Polka King and with Postmodern Jukebox on one of their viral musical mashups.

Krause’s Cafe & Biergarten

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa announces new kitchen trio

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, the award-winning destination set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, has welcomed a new trio to the kitchen of its Signature Restaurant. Lead by San Antonio local John Carpenter as executive chef, the team also includes Executive Sous Chef Jaime Torres and Pastry Chef Stéphane Leopoldo. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2022)

Since joining Signature in September of last year, Chef Carpenter has united with Chef Andrew Weissman. The result is a new menu with some of Weissman’s greatest hits, plus new creations by Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres like the Hamachi Crudo and Spanish Octopus.

While their paths crossed most recently at Signature, Carpenter was inspired by the four-time James Beard-nominated Weissman long before. “Ten years ago, I visited Andrew Weissman’s Osteria Il Sogno and had an eye-opening experience. That meal taught me a lot about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. I still consider it one of the best meals of my life.” Now, Carpenter is bringing that guiding principle to the seasonally driven fare at Signature.

Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres have worked together since 2015 when Carpenter was the Chef at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America restaurant, then-known as NAO. The two say that guests can look forward to the Signature experience they already know and love: beautiful scenery, high end service and delicious, traditionally inspired food made with fresh ingredients. They also say guests can expect a few surprises with Asian and Latin American influences gleaned from their own culinary adventures making its way to their plates.

“Joining the team at Signature is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed the creative process behind our new menu and am energized by the different style of service we offer here. Signature’s unique, French-brigade style in the kitchen is exciting and collaborative for us and for the guests looking into our open kitchen. I’m looking forward to exploring what we can do in the future while staying true to the spirit of Signature.” – Executive Chef John Carpenter.

La Cantera Resort & Spa

The Jerk Shack opens for business this Friday

The Jerk Shack’s new location will offer dine-in, online ordering, a drive-thru, and takeout service. Photo: Jason Risner, used with permission.

Popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, is excited to announce the opening date for its new brick and mortar location on the far west side of San Antonio at 10234 State Hwy 151 Ste. 103, San Antonio, TX 78251 as part of the new 151 Plaza development. The new location will open for service on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 1p.m. To celebrate the opening, the first twenty guests will receive $10 toward their order. (The Jerk Shack, 2022)

The location features the same menu and flavors of the original Jerk Shack that San Antonians came to love, but will also offer beer, wine and some new items like fried chicken, pepper shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and more. The new 2,200 square foot location will offer dine-in service and will feature a drive-thru lane for convenient pickup for online orders. Indoor dining will feature kiosk-style ordering for easy and convenient service. Chef Nicola Blaque and Chef Lionel “Butch” Blache will lead the kitchen.

“We are so excited to open this new and improved Jerk Shack that will allow us the room to serve and host more people. We have the capability in this space to create the dishes that we’re known for as well as the ability to expand on some new items that we believe will become new signature favorites.” – Jerk Shack Owner and Executive Chef Nicola Blaque.

The flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean inspire the Jerk Shack’s cuisine. Chef Blaque and her team have incorporated the flavors and techniques of Caribbean cooking into American favorites like mac and cheese, tacos, and more that creates a unique blend of cultures, though traditional Caribbean dishes like braised oxtail, jerk chicken, and more are also available at the restaurant.

The new Jerk Shack location takes the place of the original restaurant, which closed in September while the team focused their efforts on building the new restaurant. Jerk Shack’s hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 11a.m. to 8pm., Fridays and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 9p.m. and Sundays from 11a.m. to 4p.m. In the summer of 2020 Chef Nicola also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean-style concept in Pearl’s Bottling Department.

The Jerk Shack is a concept by Chef Nicola Blaque and her husband Cornelius Massey. After serving ten years in the Army, Blaque began working as a private chef to explore her passion for cooking. She relocated to San Antonio from Hawaii to pursue a degree at the Culinary Institute of America where she graduated in 2016. Blaque returned to her Jamaican roots and began focusing on Caribbean cuisine, working to bring the unique flavors to South Texas. In 2018, the team launched The Jerk Shack, a restaurant inspired by the flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean. The Jerk Shack has received national praise including being featured by Eater as one of the 2019 Top 16 New Restaurants in America as well as being included in GQ’s 2020 Best New Restaurants in America.

The Jerk Shack

Whataburger introduces spicy ketchup and brings back fan favorites

Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup Limited Batch #2. Photo: google

Whataburger is introducing a brand-new product that is sure to spice things up: Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Limited Batch #2. This limited batch ketchup gets its distinctive flavor from a combination of Whataburger’s signature Fancy Ketchup recipe, a hot sauce made from arbol and piquin peppers and a blend of signature spices, offering a fresh take on the Whataburger Spicy Ketchup fans already know and love. (Whataburger, 2022)

The Buffalo Ranch line-up, featuring the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Salad, is also back for a limited time alongside the fan-favorite Dr Pepper Shake. For night owls and early birds who cannot get enough of the Breakfast Burger, Whataburger will continue to offer this menu item during breakfast hours for those craving a hearty meal. All items are available now while supplies last, 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.

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Category: Dining Out