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.
Pluckers will begin taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31, 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
Pluckers Wing Bar is gearing up for the 2021 Super Bowl weekend by taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31. Let them do the cooking so you do not miss a second of the game…or the commercials. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)
Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant will also be hosting a giveaway for the chance to win FREE Pluckers for an entire year (dine-in only). The lucky person who correctly predicts the score of the 2021 game will win the giveaway prize. Fans can enter via Pluckers’ Facebook page. Pluckers Club members will be able to input a second entry through the Pluckers app.
Fans can place pre-orders from the entire Pluckers menu for Game Day at ALL Texas locations. Online orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Pluckers will begin accepting restaurant reservations on January 31 for guests who want to watch the game in-store at any Texas location. Reservations will be available for $10 per seat, and guests must reserve the entire table by calling their desired location.
Pluckers has all the great wing flavors, in addition to a few unique ones such as: • Dr. Pepper • Manganero: Mango + Habanero • Ginger Peach Sriracha • Spicy Mandarin • Gochujang: a savory and sweet Korean BBQ sauce
The Nicolett, a new fine dining destination for West Texas, is now open in Lubbock. Photo: The Nicolett, used with permission.
The Nicolett, a new restaurant from Chef Finn Walter, is now open at 511 Broadway St. in downtown Lubbock. With a focus on High Plains cuisine, the elegant menu is rooted in showcasing ingredients that are natural to the region with techniques that reflect Walter’s experience in Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe. The restaurant is inspired by West Texas culture and the revitalization of the area. (The Nicolett, 2020)
The highly anticipated restaurant was on track to open this spring but due to the ongoing pandemic, The Nicolett’s team thoughtfully adapted the opening schedule. After nearly eight months of delays, The Nicolett is now open and accepting reservations for outdoor dining. Socially distant, indoor reservations are being considered upon request. The dreamy open-air courtyard consists of 26 seats, where heaters will keep diners warm as cooler weather begins to roll in. The property’s stunning greenhouse will serve as The Nicolett’s private dining room and will be available for booking this holiday season.
Chef Finn Walter was born and raised in Lubbock where he first got a taste of the “West Texas sentiments” at the heart of The Nicolett. His career has taken him throughout France, Northern California, and the Southwest, in both savory and pastry capacities. He was assistant pastry chef and chef de partie at The Restaurant at Meadowood when it became the second West Coast restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. With The Nicolett, Walter has set out to create a restaurant that defines a region, in a similar vein to those in which he trained.
The Nicolett aims to be approachable and fun — grab pozole and house wine — while presenting a new fine dining experience for the area. Menu highlights include twice-baked sunchokes with béarnaise and hoja santa; a delicate quail baked in brioche, presented tableside and served with barley risotto, juniper, and rich game jus; and a beef cheek “brisket,” served with black truffle, nuka pickles, and aligot potatoes.
Like the food, The Nicolett’s wine, beer, and cocktail list will celebrate esteemed Texas producers while also tracing Walter’s path through France and Northern California. Walter has collaborated with pioneering Lubbock winemaker, and James Beard semifinalist, Kim McPherson (McPherson Cellars) to produce proprietary house wines for The Nicolett under custom labels.
The backbone of the ambitious menu and thoughtful beverage program is an intriguing location. The Nicolett has transformed a former residence, one that has for years caught the eye of locals, into a dining destination. A limestone fireplace divides the space into two indoor dining areas, which preserve original brick interiors and tall ceilings lined with cedar planks. Outside, a handcrafted glass greenhouse stocked with flowering aloes, hanging succulents, and trailing jasmine vines will function as the private dining room. An adjacent building dotted with colorful stained glass will serve as a future event space. At the center of the property is the open-air courtyard, where The Nicolett will begin service, offering a safe and welcoming space for diners during this time.
“A big part of creating this restaurant was identifying elements that have always been important to West Texas. This region has a long and rich history of artists and songwriters who approach their work as craftsmen. We want to honor that tradition in our approach to food, drink, and service.” – Walter, chef/owner of The Nicolett
The Nicolett is now open at 511 Broadway St., Lubbock, Texas, 79401. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday, 5p.m. – 9p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5p.m. – 10p.m.
Culinaria’s Restaurant Weeks has been expanded to a month-long campaign. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
This week, Culinaria announced the expansion of Restaurant Weeks to Restaurant Month, August 1-31. More than any other industry, restaurants have suffered the most significant sales and job losses since the COVID-19 outbreak. Initially the HospitALLity House focused on short-term needs by ensuring furloughed workers received a hot meal. Now, the HospitALLity Fund is a crucial part of Culinaria’s Emergency Relief efforts helping restaurants on the financial brink by assisting them in covering operating costs. (Culinaria, 2020)
Participating restaurants have $20 lunch, $45 dinner, three-course prix-fixe menus for dine-in or to go, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. All businesses have implemented and are enforcing COVID compliant procedures and protocols for sanitizing and service. Reservations are required. A complete list of participating restaurants and information on how to donate to the HospitALLity Fund is available online. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.
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 with a volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries.
“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria
Pearl Farmers Market has gone online for now. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl Farmers Market has transitioned to online ordering and curbside pickup to better serve the community given the current state of affairs and concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Pearl is dedicated to fostering community and supporting our farmers and small businesses during this difficult time while prioritizing the health and safety of visitors and vendors. (Pearl, 2020)
For this reason, the Farmers Market will be going online to ensure that customers can continue to receive the produce, meat, dairy, eggs, pantry items and specialty foods they need. Customers may go to online to select specific items and create custom orders for pickup. A $25 seasonal bag that offers a variety of produce options will also be available. All orders must be submitted by Wednesday at midnight for pickup on Friday. Curbside pickup is available from 3p.m. to 7p.m. on Fridays at Pearl Stable; 307 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215. Upon arrival, follow the signs to the curbside location and Pearl representatives will be on hand to deliver your bag to your vehicle.
“This is a trying time for people around the globe and we are doing everything we can to help people get through this. We understand that many people rely on the weekly Farmers Market and we hope this online experience will give everyone the resources they need, all while supporting our farmers.” – Nancy Fitch, Sr. Markets Manager at Pearl
COVER 3 will have a New Year’s Day brunch from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.
COVER 3 will be ringing in 2020 with a New Year’s Day brunch- featuring food and beverage options sure to kick off the new year on a delicious, and lucky, note. (COVER 3, 2019) From 11a.m. to 3p.m. on New Year’s Day, all COVER 3 locations will offer revelers:
COVER 3’s signature U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar
Select menu featuring COVER 3’s most popular brunch items like Migas, Chilaquiles, Green Chile Breakfast Tacos, Tinga Chicken Breakfast Enchiladas and Chili & Eggs
Special “Southern Charm” lucky plate featuring old-fashioned Southern good luck charms like picked-and-pressed pork “short rib” for prosperity, black eyed peas with andouille sausage for luck and braised kale greens for wealth for $15.95
New Year Brunch: Migas – classic style migas with queso blanco, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, served with refried black beans Chilaquiles – fried corn tortillas served with roasted tomato salsa, topped with queso blanco, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, two eggs, sliced avocado and pico, served with refried black beans Green chile beef breakfast enchiladas – corn tortillas stacked with green chile beef, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, Poblano carne sauce, topped with fried eggs Tinga chicken breakfast enchiladas – corn tortillas stacked with Tinga chicken, Jack and Cheddar cheeses and garlic chipotle sauce, topped with fried eggs, Poblanos and onions Chili and Eggs – Matt’s chili topped with two eggs, avocado, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, Cotija, pico, cilantro and tortilla strips
COVER 3 is the leading high-end sports bar and has previously been named to CNN’s list of “101 of the best sports bars in the U.S” as well as the “Best Sports Bar in the Central Region” by Sports Illustrated. Each location has enough TVs to give guests multiple options regarding which TV near their table is the most comfortable for their viewing pleasure. Serving upscale food, craft cocktails and high-end wines, COVER 3 remains elegant and stylish while giving guests the feeling they are enjoying the Super Bowl in their own private box.
COVER 3 San Antonio
1806 N 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700
SA Examiner 