September is Hunger Action Month. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
This week, Whataburger announced their partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank for the tenth consecutive year. The goals is to fight hunger and raise awareness for SA Goes Orange, a month-long campaign during Hunger Action Month in September. (Whataburger, 2019)
From September 1 through 30, Whataburger will host a month-long fundraiser to raise money for the Food Bank. Customers who visit any Bexar County and New Braunfels Whataburger restaurant during that timeframe and donate at least $1 will receive a thank-you coupon good for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink on their next visit. Upcoming SA Goes Orange events include the September 14 and September 28 Volunteer Days at the Food Bank.
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security.
Culinaria Restaurant Weeks celebrates ten years of culinary events. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
Culinaria celebrates the best of food through events featuring gourmet creations paired with elegant wines for extravagant tastings prepared by San Antonio’s best chefs, guest chefs and global and local wineries. Culinaria was created to highlight San Antonio’s passion for food and to spotlight the city as a premiere food and wine destination. In the beginning, it was just a weekend of food and wine on the Riverwalk. Now it has expanded to include events as diverse a food competition and a barbeque extravaganza. (Culinaria, 2018)
Entering its 10th year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, January 21 through February 2, is back with more eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well San Antonio hot spots. Participating restaurants in the Tri-County area will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $15 lunch and $35/$45 dinner. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant that has been top of mind or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers.
The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Weeks menus can be found online. While reservations are not required, they are encouraged, as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed. Culinaria is continually expanding. Additional participating restaurants are added weekly, as well as new events throughout the year.
As a non-profit organization, Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.
Accolades:
Most Popular Food and Wine Festival – Vanity Fair, 2011
Top 10 American Food Festivals – The Telegraph 2016
Best Food & Wine Event in Texas – Essence 2017
Best Food and Wine Festival to Visit – Readers Digest, 2018
“San Antonio is a mecca for great dining and Restaurant Weeks presents a fabulous opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover new dining hot spots. It also generates excitement for the diverse culinary scene and the variety of food options that define San Antonio and neighboring cities” Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria.
Bakery Lorraine has gingerbread macarons available. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Area restaurants and bars are having Christmas specials to make the season merrier. More details are available online. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar, Bakery Lorraine, Krause’s Café, Supper at Hotel Emma, Esquire Tavern, 2018)
MEADOW NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY + BAR
This Sunday December 23 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. is the final Santa Brunch. It will feature holiday cocktails including hot toddies, bourbon eggnog, peppermint Irish coffee and cranberry mimosas that pair perfectly with brunch staples at Meadow. Parents can enjoy brunch while the kids enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus for pictures. There will also be sugar cookies for the kids to decorate while they wait. All images will be sent by email and can be used for holiday cards, printing and more. Images with Santa are free with a brunch reservation.
Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar will host a pre-fixe Christmas Eve Dinner on Monday, December 24 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Reservations will be required for Christmas Eve Dinner with pricing at $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will have several options that include Fried Chicken with braised greens, chow chow and hot sauce honey, Striped Bass with hoppin’ John, grilled bok choy and radish, Eight Layer Chocolate Cake with candied orange and Montenegro and more. There will also be a children’s menu available.
Meadow will have a full Christmas meal available for order. The meal feeds 10 people for $135 and includes a honey baked ham dinner, roasted Brussel sprouts with dried cherries and pecans, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, Texas mushroom gratin and Bread Box dinner rolls. Orders can be placed now until Thursday, December 20. Pick up will be Monday, December 24. Meadow will be closed on Christmas Day.
BAKERY LORRAINE
Will have pies, Buche de Noels and limited-edition holiday-themed macaron boxes available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Inside the Buche de Noels are a vanilla mousse, cherry compote and a chocolate sponge soaked with kirsch syrup. This is by special order only for $45 and are now available for pickup. The pies will be $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Thursday, December 20. Pick up day will be Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Bakery Lorraine will also have newly released, house-made jams that make excellent stocking stuffers. They are priced at $6 each and flavors include Raspberry Hibiscus and Spiced Mango and Guava.
KRAUSE’S CAFE
Jolly ‘Krause Klaus’ will visit Krause’s Café throughout the month of December and prices for getting a picture taken with Santa are $10 and $5 for reprints. Bring the family and enjoy a German platter while getting Christmas photos done. Families can enjoy a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist, groups can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85). Krause’s Café also recently launched hot winter drinks for adults including a Hot Toddy, German Glühwein (mulled wine), Salted Caramel and Cream, Spiked Hot Chocolate and more. Homemade hot chocolate for the children is now available too.
SUPPER AT HOTEL EMMA
Will host a Christmas Eve dinner featuring a whole bronzino special, available from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Chef John Brand has curated an exclusive menu that highlights the silver-skinned, European fish. Holiday inspired sides will accompany the Bronzino, creating a unique Christmas Eve dish.
ESQUIRE TAVERN/DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio based upon a recipe which dates to the 1700s. It was common to prepare Egg Nog well in advance of consumption of holiday libations and this year’s Egg Nog was made in November. Esquire’s Egg Nog will have rested for a little over a month developing complexity before guests can get their hands on it, beginning on December 18 while supplies last and available at both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar and eggs and it is spiced with cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.
Esquire Tavern’s cocktail menu features other festive cocktail choices like a traditional Hot Toddy. A staple for cold weather and the holidays, Esquire’s Hot Toddy is $9; cozy up with the spirit of choice: apple brandy, bourbon whiskey, or esquire rum blend no. 9 with honey, lemon, allspice; served warm.
SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa is having its Christmas Day Feast on December 25. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.
Christmas Day is fast approaching and for those who prefer to eat out on the big day, SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa will be having a Christmas Day Feast on December 25 from 11a.m. to 8p.m. Price is $65 for adults, $26 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Reservations available through open table or by calling (210) 558-2479. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2018)
Christmas Day Feast Menu: Raw Bar
Crab claws
Gulf oysters on the half shell
Old Bay Poached Gulf Shrimp
Chipotle cocktail sauce, mignonette & lemon aioli
Cheese & Charcuterie
Selection of regional cheeses
House made & locally sourced cured meats
Pickled vegetables, Dark ale grain mustard, seasonal preserves
Candied pecans & Texas wildflower honey
Assorted breads & crackers
Salad Table
Spinach & frisee, pomegranate, butternut squash, feta cheese, molasses dressing
Local greens & charred endive, walnuts, green apples, parmesan, cider vinaigrette
Broccoli, country ham, cherry tomatoes, grilled onion, house ranch
Carving Station
Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast & turkey roulade, cranberry sauce & giblet gravy
Salt & Herb Crusted Prime Rib, creamed horseradish & au jus
Porchetta, fall fruit chutney
September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign designed to get the public mobilized to combat hunger. The month is dedicated to spreading the word and working together to find solutions. The ninth annual “Go Orange to Fight Hunger” campaign kicks off with San Antonio Food Bank and Whataburger joining forces in the fight against hunger. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2018)
This year, Whataburger’s commitment includes a customer fundraising event from now until September 30. Customers who visit any San Antonio or New Braunfels Whataburger restaurant and donate at least $1 will receive a thank you coupon for a free Whataburger with a purchase of medium fry and 32 oz. drink. Whataburger will also be donating $1 for every t-shirt sale from the hunger collection in the Whatastore. In 2017, Whataburger’s efforts helped the Food Bank provide more than 420,000 meals to area children, seniors, individuals and families in need.
The Food Bank’s “Go Orange for Hunger” campaign offers companies and individuals opportunities to make a difference by raising funds and awareness for hunger relief. Local buildings, including the Tower of the Americas, will turn orange for the month of September. The Food Bank has a “30 Ways for 30 Days” calendar to encourage community participation. On social media, the public can show their support by turning their Facebook or Twitter pages Orange and by showing how they go orange and tagging their photos with #HungerActionMonth.
“We are grateful for Whataburger’s longstanding partnership in the fight against hunger. We share a love for feeding people and giving back to the communities we serve,” Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.
Chef Bo Bech from Copenhagen will be the guest chef for the final dinner in the Guest Chef Dinner Series this Thursday September 6. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
The finale of The Granary’s 2018 Guest Chef Dinner Series is this Thursday, September 6. The Granary ‘Cue & Brew is hosting world renowned Chef Bo Bech from Copenhagen for an exclusive one-night only event. The dinner will be guided by a “Fire and Ice” theme, and Chef Bo Bech will collaborate with Chef Tim Rattray on a 6-course menu for this special evening. All-inclusive tickets are available online for $225 and includes meal, wine pairing, tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and extremely limited. (The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, 2018)
Bo Bech, of Geist restaurant in Copenhagen, is an award-winning chef. Well-known in his home country as the fiery TV host of Denmark’s answer to Kitchen Nightmares, Chef Bech is a trailblazer of the Copenhagen food scene, offering his own take on new Nordic cuisine. After working in the kitchens of Alain Passard (restaurant l’Arpege), Michel Roux (Le Gavaroche) and Marco Pierre White, he first made his name in Copenhagen at Restaurant Paustian, where he was awarded a coveted Michelin star. Bech then opened the acclaimed restaurant, Geist, in 2011. Chef Bech also released his first book in 2017, ‘What Does Memory Taste Like?’, a tribute that chronicles the evolution of his personal cuisine.
Fire & Ice Dinner Menu:
Eggs & Oysters
– black pepper
Buddy V’s Italian Birthday Cake. Photo: Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.
The month of September is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate that special day than with cake. As San Antonians get ready to celebrate, TLC’s ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro, from Buddy V’s Ristorante, located at The Shops at La Cantera is graciously sharing the secret recipe for the much loved Italian Birthday Cake. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)
Method:
1.Brush sponge with simple syrup. Then spread cannoli cream.
2.Place second layer of sponge and brush with simple syrup. Then spread chocolate pastry cream.
3.Place third layer of sponge and brush with simple syrup. Using a spatula, smooth chocolate pastry cream on the sides of the cake. Then smooth whipped cream on top of the cake.
4.Coat the sides of the cake with toasted almonds.
5.With the star tip in a piping bag, pipe a border around the top and bottom of the cake.
Sponge Cake Method:
1.Whip water, oil, vanilla extract, yolks and dry ingredients until double in size.
2.Whip egg whites and sugar until stiff peak and fold into mixture.
3.Spray pan and put parchment.
4.Bake at 325 degrees F until it springs back.
Rum Simple Syrup Ingredients:
•985 grams sugar
•985 grams water
•1 cup rum
Rum Simple Syrup Method:
1.Boil sugar and water until sugar has dissolved.
2.Add rum.
3.Cool in ice bath.
Cannoli Cream Ingredients:
•2 lbs. Impastata
•1 lb. Ricotta, tub
•2 drops cinnamon oil
•8 oz. sugar
•4 oz. cocoa drops
Cannoli Cream Method:
1.In electric mixer with paddle attachment, beat both cheeses and sugar.
2.Add oil.
3.Lastly, add cocoa drops and taste the cream.
Chocolate Pastry Cream Method:
1.Combine Half & Half, sugar, vanilla and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil.
2.In a bowl, combine yolks, cocoa powder and cornstarch.
3.Temper the milk mixture into yolk mixture.
4.Put back onto heat and with a hand blender, mix until thick.
5.Add butter.
6.Strain and cool in ice bath.
The next dinner in The Granary’s Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series is this Sunday July 22. Photo: Robert J Lerma, used with permission.
The Granary’s Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series continues this Sunday July 22 at 6:30p.m. with the second dinner in the series. The three-part dinner series will focus on collaborative menus with nationally and internationally ranked chefs from various culinary backgrounds. This Sunday, The Granary ‘Cue & Brew’s Chef and owner Tim Rattray partners with Charleston Chef BJ Dennis for a Southern smoke potluck style dinner. Chef Dennis is known for hosting several pop-up dinners, especially in Charleston, where he incorporates Gullah Geechee cooking, a style of cuisine from the culture of the descendants of West African slaves who settled on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. (The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, 2018)
Sunday’s dinner menu features below and more:
Smoked goat with suya spice
BBQ ribs with pineapple bbq sauce
Okra and smoked sausage purloo (rice)
Gullah red rice
Crab seasoning boil corn with crab roe butter
Stewed summer greens with smoked ham hocks
Hog head hash and rice
Cucumber salad
Cost is $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are limited and can be bought online. The Granary has previously partnered with John Tesar of Knife Dallas in June and the final dinner is scheduled for August with acclaimed Chef Bo Bech of Geist in Copenhagen.
The Granary ‘Cue & Brew
602 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 228-0124
Enjoy a classic Italian meal this Father’s Day at Buddy V’s Ristorante. Photo: Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.
Meal planning for the perfect Father’s Day celebration can be tricky. This Sunday, skip the cliché steakhouse dinner and savor home-cooked recipes from the “Cake Boss” instead – available exclusively at the newly opened Buddy V’s Ristorante at The Shops at La Cantera. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)
Boasting the same succulent flavor without the hefty price tag, Buddy’s Surf & Turf is a steakhouse staple featuring shrimp scampi, bistro tender medallions, broccolini and chianti sauce. Now available for $30.95.
Oven-baked with provolone and mozzarella, the Bone-In Parmesan Veal Chop weighs an impressive 16 ounces and includes a generous side of spaghetti marinara. Enjoy this colossal dish for $24.95.
Every dad knows a good pizza when he sees one. Smothered in Italian sausage, grandma’s meatballs, Molinari pepperoni, cherry peppers, ricotta, mozzarella and provolone. Buddy’s Favorite Pizza is perfect for dads and kids. Get it now for just $14.95.
Spaghetti is in full supply as Buddy’s world-class chefs cook up this beloved dish. Dads can customize their meal by ordering different sauces, including pomodoro ($13.95), meatballs ($15.95) and Bolognese ($15.50).
Vegetarian Options:
Buddy’s Caprese with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, tomato confit, balsamic reduction and grilled Filone bread
Tomato & Basil Soup with grana padano and croutons
Margherita Pizza with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil
My Wife’s Eggplant Parm with crispy eggplant, tomato, mozzarella and parmesan
Cheese Ravioli with ricotta, parmesan cheese and roasted tomato sauce
Buddy V’s Ristorante
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 462-1167
COVER 3 and COVER 2 have special Father’s Day promotions to celebrate dad this Sunday June 17. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.
Father’s Day is this Sunday and for those who would prefer to treat dad to a sports-centric day, COVER 3 has special promotions for this special occasion. (COVER 3, 2018)
On Sunday, June 17 at all COVER 3 locations, plus COVER 2, all dads will receive a complimentary draft beer or a Bloody Mary wrapped in a COVER 3 koozie. The Bloody Marys are only available with brunch until 3p.m., but fathers can also select their choice of any available draft beer anytime that day compliments of the house. Limited to one free drink per dad per location. At the San Antonio, Downtown Austin and Round Rock locations, fathers can choose from any available beers from (512) Brewing.
All COVER 3 and COVER 2 locations will open one hour early, at 10a.m. on Sunday for World Cup watching when Mexico takes on Germany. If needed, all locations will also be showing Game 7 of the NBA Finals at 7p.m. that same night with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Golden State Warriors. Those interested in reserving a table or booth for the games are encouraged to do so in advance by calling their preferred COVER 3 location.
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 2 is an independently owned and operated sports bar and restaurant created in 2008 by native Austinites, Doug Young and Matt Dodson. It is the premier sports bar in Central Texas offering an exceptional guest experience within a casual and comfortable atmosphere that sports fans of all types can call home. COVER 2 boasts both elevated cuisine offerings and classic bar food staples, in addition to over 20 beers on draft, a full bar with premium spirits, two chilled liquor taps and a curated selection of additional beers and wines. Sports fans will appreciate the more than 25 big-screen HDTVs and a larger-than-life sound system.
1806 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700
2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 374-1121
1717 West Sixth Street, #21 OR
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 982-1550
2800 N-IH 35, Suite 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 693-2393
COVER 2:
13701 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 506-9935
September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign designed to get the public mobilized to combat hunger. The month is dedicated to spreading the word and working together to find solutions. The ninth annual “Go Orange to Fight Hunger” campaign kicks off with 
SA Examiner 