Hopdoddy’s Goodnight/Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.
For Father’s Day, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is giving guests options for dining in or celebrating at home. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)
Celebrating at Hopdoddy-
On Father’s Day, June 20, Hopdoddy is offering a second beef patty on the house with the purchase of a burger or burger bowl. Just mention the promotion in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or select the double beef option when ordering online for curbside or pickup.
Celebrating at Home –
Just in time for Father’s Day, Hopdoddy is relaunching its DIY Doddy Burger Kit to make celebrating at a home easy. Available starting Wednesday, June 16, the kit includes everything you need to make Hopdoddy cheeseburgers and truffle fries for a family of 5 at home, all for only $29.95
Certified Piedmontese is offering a select steaks box designed in collaboration with Hopdoddy’s Chef, Matt Schweitzer, for Father’s Day. Hopdoddy fans can use promo code HDFD to get 20% off and free shipping only on the Certified Piedmontese website.
In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight/Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s favorite community charitable organizations.
The Cherry Bomb tea from The Boost Lf. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Since Monday was a federal holiday, I had some extra time on my hands and decided to do some local exploring. There is a fairly new small business in town that I have been meaning to try but somehow I always get distracted so this was a perfect time. The Boost Lf here in Los Fresnos is a self-described health and wellness business and I tend to favor the small, locally owned ones. Some of the items on the menu include energy teas, protein shakes, iced coffees, and even waffles and donuts.
I went early enough in the day, so I guess I lucked out because there was no waiting. The interior is brightly lit with booming music and the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. Currently there are only a couple of small tables for dine-in , but hopefully with easing COVID restrictions, this will change later. According to Chelly, the owner, business is booming and the ongoing dreadful construction has not affected her business. I decided to try out the Cherry Bomb tea, one of her best-sellers.
I was pleasantly surprised at the size of this drink; it is a generous sized portion. The cold, icy drink has a sweet and tart flavor combination and was a treat on what was beginning to be another hot and humid day in South Texas. This particular flavor promises an energy boost and includes real cherries. I counted six of them. They also have small Herbalife protein based snack bars for energy and nutrition, so I opted for two of those, one being the citrus lemon. These are rather tasty as well. Everything is moderately priced, I paid $13 for a tea and two protein bars
So next time you are craving a snack, do yourself a favor, put down the potato chip bag and head on over to The Boost here in town for a healthy treat. I think I will try the iced coffees next, because, after all, summer has unofficially started. I just wish it was open in the evenings for us night owls. Thanks to Chelly for taking the time to answer all my questions. Support local, small businesses; they will love you for it.
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Business hours: Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 2p.m. and 4:30p.m. to 6p.m. Saturday 8:30a.m. to 2p.m. Closed Sunday
The Boost Lf 218 N Arroyo Blvd, Suite A Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 233-2215
Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café now offers catering. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café is adding catering to its mix and will bring its decadently delightful take on crêpes and other savory menu offerings to your home, office, or event for 20 guests or more. (Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café, 2021)
Sweet Paris’ Build Your Own Crêpes catering menu is ideal for anyone planning a party for a group of 20 guests or more for breakfast meetings, lunch, or dinner. The company waives travel fees for events within 20 minutes of its location at The Shops at La Cantera. Catering professionals will customize a menu for your event and budget. For party planning call (714) 797-5496 or submit your request to Al Bueno. Orders can be prepared on site or served boxed as a complete meal.
Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café is a Parisian-inspired, fast casual restaurant located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. It offers a critically acclaimed selection of sweet and savory crêpes, from apple cinnamon Crème Brȗlée and s’mores made with Nutella®, torched marshmallows, graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate to the ribeye-and-provolone stuffed Philly cheesesteak, and the Nordic made with smoked salmon, dill sour cream, pickled red onions, and capers.
A sumptuous assortment of breakfast crêpes is on the evolving brunch menu, which includes paninis, salads, soups and options for gluten-free crêpes.
Founded in Houston, Texas in 2012, Sweet Paris has locations in Rice Village, CityCentre, Katy, Highland Village, College Station, The Woodlands, and Nuevo Vallarta — with new locations coming to Baybrook, San Antonio and more.
“As we gather together again, take your guests on a culinary trip to Paris without stamping a passport. We will come to you and prepare our flavorful sweet and savory creations on site. Office parties, home parties, bridal parties, baby showers, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, wedding receptions, dinner clubs and more, gives us an opportunity to invite a new segment of the population to experience our food and further touch the lives of our restaurant guests.” – Al Bueno, lead crêpe crafter and catering coordinator for Sweet Paris.
Three Star Bar, a new bar and restaurant by Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon, and Rob Gourlay, will open in San Antonio in July 2021. Photo: Three Star Bar, used with permission.
Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon, and notable San Antonio bartender Rob Gourlay are excited to announce a new restaurant and bar, Three Star Bar, set to open in San Antonio this July. The new 7,000 square foot eatery will feature deli-inspired cuisine and comfort food in addition to boasting a full bar with a focus on high quality whiskey and local brews. Three Star Bar will seat approximately 140 people and will be located at 521 E Grayson St. in San Antonio, across from Hello Paradise and in the Government Hill district. (Three Star Bar, 2021)
Three Star Bar will have a welcoming atmosphere with nods to vintage food and drink memorabilia. The menu will offer appetizers like whiskey and maple glazed meatballs, deviled eggs, and borracho bean hummus, while the main entrées include a variety of fresh sandwiches filled with pork, meatballs, cured beef, and more. The cocktail menu will offer a variety of spirits but focus on high quality whiskeys, local brews, a selection of wines, and more. A full menu and opening date for Three Star Bar will be announced at a later date.
Three Star Bar is the latest restaurant and bar concept by Jeret Peña, who owns the Boulevardier Group, Hello Paradise, and is involved in the cocktail programs at Esquire Tavern, House of Má, Hugman’s Oasis and more. Peña is the co-owner and beverage director at Three Star Bar, while co-owner Rob Gourlay serves as general manager and Josh Calderon takes the helm of the kitchen as the chef/culinary director and co-owner.
Chef Calderon previously ran the kitchen at Cookhouse as Executive Chef and managed Bud’s Southern Rotisserie in San Antonio after moving back to the city from California, where he served as the Executive Chef for the Belcampo Group. Calderon received his certification at The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio campus and later earned his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from The Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park campus in New York.
“We’re really excited to open Three Star Bar. It’s a really casual concept that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The food and beverage menus are relaxed, but still use high-end ingredients.” – Co-Owner Jeret Peña
Three Star Bar is a deli-inspired restaurant and bar in San Antonio, TX, by cocktail enthusiast and Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon and General Manager Rob Gourlay. The restaurant and bar is located just north of downtown San Antonio and offers casual dining with deli-inspired cuisine and comfort food in addition to boasting a full bar with a focus on high quality whiskey and local brews.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.
This Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31, Hopdoddy will donate a percentage of proceeds from all menu items purchased to the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a charity that provides support to families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy Seals. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)
Established in 2011, the SEAL Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Austin, TX. The Foundation was founded by SEALS is run by SEALS, and supports the brave men of the U.S. Navy SEALS Teams by providing educational assistance for SEALS and their families and other charitable causes benefitting the SEAL community.
All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or online for curbside or pickup.
In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy Burger Bar pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s favorite community charitable organizations.
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.
Spoil mom this Mother’s Day with a Texas Hill Country Brunch at The JL Bar, Ranch, Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 9, and what better way to celebrate mom than with a Texas Hill Country brunch at the stunning, 13,000-acre JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora Texas. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Families can treat mom to a blissful brunch on The Ranch on Sunday, May 9, with two exclusive seatings between 10a.m. to 2p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too!). For $39.95 and $12.95 for children, guests and locals will be treated to a special menu of signatures dishes from their expert culinary team. There will be two reservations from 10a.m. to 11:30a.m. and 12:30p.m. to 2p.m. with limited seating for both.
For those staying for the weekend, there’s an activity for every type of mom. From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, spa treatments, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, families can make new memories at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa
The horse psychology experience is led by the working ranch and resort’s equine experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Béïque. Guests can learn about horse psychology, the basics of horse behavior, and how to be comfortable around horses; for example, guests will learn that a round pen makes it easier to train horses as well as techniques for optimal upkeep and engagement. This experience provides a deeper appreciation for the majestic animals as well as a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in Texas Hill Country ranch culture. Guests and locals can partake in this special one-hour course for as low as $50 and gain a deeper understanding and comfort level when interacting with horses.
The horse psychology experience is one of the many services guests can enjoy at The JL Bar, Ranch, Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The giveaway’s Grand Prize Winner will receive a private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Launching this week, Taco Cabana invites its fans to share why their #MamaNeedsMargaritas on their social media platforms to enter for a chance to win one of 12 great prizes. The #MamaNeedsMargaritas social media giveaway will run through May 10, 2021, and up to 12 winners will be selected and notified on May 12, 2021. To enter, participants must post a photo or video to Facebook or Instagram showing why “mama needs margaritas,” and tagging @TacoCabana and #MamaNeedsMargaritas and #Sweepstakes in their post. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Entrants into the #MamaNeedsMargaritas giveaway must follow the official Taco Cabana Facebook page and Instagram account. Submissions must be posted using one or both methods of entry between April 19, 2021 and May 10, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. CST. Multiple entries are permitted per person, but do not increase the participant’s chances of winning the giveaway prizes.
Prizes for #MamaNeedsMargaritas include:
(1) Grand Prize Winner
The grand prize winner will receive (1) private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit, featuring an all-inclusive home catering/fiesta for up to 50 guests. *Offer is valid in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas only; residents from El Paso will receive (1) private TC experience for 50 at a designated El Paso Taco Cabana location.
(1) Second Place Winner
The second place winner will receive (1) private ZOOM kitchen tutorial led by Taco Cabana’s Corporate Chefs showcasing the creation of a fantastic Tex-Mex meal at home using many Taco Cabana items as the foundation. All ingredients for the meal will be supplied by Taco Cabana and delivered to the winner prior to the ZOOM tutorial date.
(10) Third Place Winners
Up to (10) winners will receive Taco Cabana $50 gift cards.
In addition to the giveaway, guests can enjoy a special Mother’s Day food bundle featuring a half-order of TC Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99. Taco Cabana will also continue MargaritaPalooza with 12 margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including the featured Violet margarita that any “mama” is sure to love. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:
Pineapple Jalapeno
Dragonfruit
Pickle
Violet
Orange
Pistachio
Orange Cream
Chili Lime Cucumber
Pineapple Banana
Taco Cabana also offers its three classic margarita flavors for $2, including Lime, Strawberry and Mango. *Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.
All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), 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 Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
Living so close to South Padre Island, we have visited often in the past few months. Last Friday we wanted to have lunch at my favorite vegan restaurant at the island, Veggie Del Sol, but were sadly disappointed. The night before they sustained damage to their restaurant and were not open yet because they were still cleaning up. We were not about to stick around “just in case,”….we were hungry! So instead we headed back to Port Isabel; there was bound to be somewhere interesting to eat.
We ended up at the Causeway Bar & Grill. Before committing to it, I had to peruse the menu just to make sure they had at least one meatless option for me. Turns out they do. So I ordered the Vegetarian Nachos as an appetizer and the Quesadilla (meatless) as an entrée. They have a black-bean patty burger, but I was not feeling it. My husband ordered the Hey Chancho burger. The food was satisfactory, but the wine was way overpriced at $9 a glass. It was a decent enough visit so we will probably be back.
Rarely do we have dessert, but I noticed an ice-cream parlor afterwards, so we chanced it – Davey Jones Ice Cream Locker. It is a small place, but there are plenty of options. I wanted something sweet, but not too sweet, so I got a cup of cherry ice cream. On the way out, I also got the butter pecan fudge. It comes in these cute little boxes to take home. Again, overpriced, but decent. I guess that is to be expected when you go to a tourist town.
It was time to walk off all the calories we just ate, so we walked over to the nearby shops. There are more than plenty of shopping opportunities but we ended up at The Cat’s Meow Vintage Emporium & Gourmet Shop. They have raw honey, hand-made soaps, unique vintage items, and over 80 vendors. It was so much fun browsing through all the cool home décor items, but I ended up not buying anything. Not this time around, anyway.
We went during the week, so there were not too many people around, the ones we saw in Port Isabel were socially distanced and wearing masks. This was not the case at the island. Most of the tourist spots were packed in, like the boat tours, and not too many people were wearing masks. Looks like we will have to wait a while longer before we go sight seeing there.
The “Hot Chick” sandwich is available now at The Tasting Room and all Max’s Wine Dive locations. Photo: Lasco Enterprises, used with permission.
The “Hot Chick” sandwich is bringing the heat to The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine Dive. This new rendition of Nashville’s hot chicken was created by Corporate Executive Chef of Lasco Enterprises, Beto Gutierrez. The “Hot Chick” sandwich is made with a spicy and crispy fried chicken breast, handcrafted kale slaw, house pickles, and topped off with a brioche bun smeared with lemon aioli and a side of fries. Chef’s newest creation is now available at all Max’s Wine Dive locations and The Tasting Room in City Centre for only $13. Make it your own by adding bacon for $3 more and cheese for $2 more. (Max’s Wine Dive, 2021)
The Hot Chick sandwich was first formally introduced to the public on Houston Community College TV’s “Up to The Minute” segment on their Facebook live stream. During the interview, Chef Beto Gutierrez chatted about his experience being corporate executive chef of Lasco Enterprises and the ideation and crafting of this newest addition to the menu. Gutierrez also mentioned how the sandwich is made with bread from a local bakery because Lasco loves to “support local vendors as much as possible.”
Available now at The Tasting Room and all Max’s Wine Dive locations:
The Tasting Room | 818 Town and Country Blvd Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024 Max’s Wine Dive—Montrose | 214 Fairview St. Ste. 2, Houston, TX 77006 Max’s Wine Dive—Washington | 4720 Washington Ave Ste b, Houston, TX 77007 Max’s Wine Dive— San Antonio | 340 E Basse Rd. Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78209
Lasco Enterprises, LLC was established by Jerry and Laura Lasco in Houston in 2003. Since its beginning, Lasco has expanded to several major cities across Texas. Lasco Enterprises is home to The Tasting Room, MAX’s Wine Dive, Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden, Black Door Wine Club, Fly By Taco Co, TTR Supper Club, and Lasco Services.
SA Examiner 