Taco Cabana’s Latest Innovations: A Sneak Peek at New Menu Offerings

Taco Cabana unveils exciting new street food fest menu offerings and giveaway opportunities. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Attention Taco Cabana fans: there’s some new menu additions on the way.

Tex-Mex innovator Taco Cabana (TC) is thrilled to announce the debut of its enticing new Street Food Fest offerings, available beginning on Wednesday, July 3 in all Texas locations. The fusion of flavors available this Summer at Taco Cabana is sure to erupt the taste buds of each guest. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Included in the new lineup are Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® Taco, Al Pastor Tortas and Street Tacos, Brisket Loaded Fries and Nachos, Caramel Iced Coffee, and MTN DEW MAJOR MELON Rum Punch. 

“The possibilities for delicious and fun innovation are truly endless at Taco Cabana. We’re devoted to giving our guests delicious offerings that they love and trying out new things to let them discover more! This will be a memorable Taco Cabana Summer that guests can enjoy with loved ones or solo.” – Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana

In an iconic collaboration with Cheetos® and Mountain Dew, Taco Cabana is pleased to introduce the all new Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® Taco and MTN DEW MAJOR MELON Rum Punch. The Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® Taco is made with a fresh flour tortilla, and filled with ground beef, Cheetos Flamin’ Hot snacks, shredded lettuce, and Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® infused sauce. The frozen MTN DEW MAJOR MELON Rum Punch is made with Bacardi Rum and Mountain Dew Major Melon. This daring new duo creates a flavor harmony that will light up the market with excitement.

Additionally, Al Pastor Street Tacos and Al Pastor Tortas will be added to Taco Cabana’s menu. Taco Cabana’s al pastor recipe includes diced pork marinated in a combination of dried chilies and spices. Each serving features three street tacos with corn tortillas and pork al pastor, topped with cilantro and onions. They will be available as plates and combos. Plates include rice, choice of beans, shredded lettuce, guacamole and two tortillas. Combos include a 20 oz. drink plus small chips and queso. The torta is made with a toasted bolillo bun, layered with pork al pastor, fresh refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and a side of salsa ranch. 

Due to popular customer demand for all the recent brisket additions on the menu, Taco Cabana is also adding Brisket Loaded Fries to its menu, in addition to Nachos. The loaded fries are seasoned and topped with queso, smoked brisket, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The nachos are served with refried beans, queso, sour cream, guacamole, and topped with delicious smoked brisket. 

Just in time to beat the Texas summer heat, Taco Cabana is excited to introduce a refreshing new beverage: Caramel Iced Coffee. Perfect for starting your day or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, this delicious drink is crafted to keep you cool and energized all summer long. 

The fun doesn’t stop with the new Street Food Fest menu items because Taco Cabana is also introducing Taco Tuesdays for MY TC! Reward Members. Members will get double points every Tuesday when purchasing a taco plus a Pepsi drink. After purchase, members are automatically entered for a chance to win a Grand Prize weekend adventure at Kalahari Resorts, plus other weekly prizes like FREE taco combos for a year and a Summer Beach Bundle. The bundle will include Sunglasses, a Waterproof Phone Case, an Insulated Bottle, Duffle Bag, Bluetooth Speaker, Beach Towel, Backpack Cooler and Racket Ball Set for a Beach Game. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas, and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Celebrating Dad: Creative and Personalized Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Corinne San Antonio offers its delectable brunch with honest food for dad to enjoy. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the recently opened Autograph Collection hotel in downtown, is pleased to share its Father’s Day (June 16) offerings to pamper dads this season. Bridging Downtown and Southtown neighborhoods, the Plaza San Antonio’s lush garden oasis and reimagined environment is a sanctuary of connectivity with extraordinary cuisine, culture, creativity, and community. Dad can enjoy an onsite garden oasis bar, pool, spa, and a lively restaurant with honest food and drinks ranging from hearty to healthy. Below is a breakdown of the specials available for Father’s Day. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

Nestled within the historic grounds of San Antonio’s only Autograph Collection Hotel, The Spa Plaza San Antonio offers a restorative approach to health and wellness. To help pamper dads, local or visiting, the hotel will offer a Gentleman’s Refresher Pedicure at its luxurious spa to be booked for only $50. This refreshing pedicure is targeted to the guy on the go with tired toes. Service begins with a warm salt soak, followed by a refreshing lower leg and foot scrub. Hydrating massage cream is worked into the lower legs and feet after cuticle work, nail work, and dead skin is polished off. Please note that this service is not only for men, but it does not include any kind of nail polish.

Guests can upgrade the pedicure service with a Specialized Treatment Mask add-on for only $40. The specialized sheet masks are excellent for infusing skin with deep hydration, as well as potent ingredients like neroli, maple water, comfrey, and slow-aging ingredients, to leave skin feeling clean and immediately glowing. The treatment can be booked online or by calling directly at 210-353-8016.

In addition to the unique offerings at the hotel’s Spa, guests can celebrate dad and elevate the day with a Corinne San Antonio feast. With a modern, comfortable design and refreshing menu that offers a new take on San Antonio dining, Corinne provides a perfect place to gather for Father’s Day brunch or dinner. A delicious Steak Skillet is highlighted on the brunch menu and served with chimichurri, sweet pepper, grilled onion, grilled mushroom and a sunny egg. Dinner highlights a 16oz Linz Heritage Angus Bone-In Ribeye served with red chile truffle butter and crispy potatoes.

To cap off the delightful meal, guests can then head over to Anaqua Garden Bar for a celebratory drink with dad. Anaqua Garden Bar is a hidden gem located in the heart of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa’s garden oasis. Inspired and named after the property’s champion Anaqua tree, this garden bar features a menu highlighting the fusion of Japanese flavors with Latin tradition, botanical cocktails and lush seating to celebrate dad.

Limited Time Specialty Spa Treatment:
*Available starting now during Spa operating hours

Corinne San Antonio Sunday Brunch Hours: 7a.m. – 2p.m.

Anaqua Garden Bar Sunday Hours: 11a.m. – 10p.m.

The Spa Plaza San Antonio & Corinne San Antonio
555 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Valet parking is available at the hotel at $15 for three hours.

Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

For the WhataDad in your life, consider these gifts from Whataburger. Golf polos, YETI tumblers and pickleball sets are just a few of the quintessential, dad-approved presents to make the Gift Guide this year. There’s something for every dad too — the golfer, the fisherman, the outdoorsman, and even the dad who says he “doesn’t need anything.” (Whataburger, 2024)

All Father’s Day items are available online at the WhataStore, and orders must be placed no later than June 12 for deliveries to arrive before Father’s Day.

Here are some gift ideas:  

  • Proud WhataDads can sport a head-to-toe Whataburger ‘fit with the extra soft, black WhataDad Tee from Tumbleweed TexStyles, 100% Beef Staunch Hat, the Texas Burger Shorts, and Flying W athletic socks. The moisture-wicking Texas Standard Polo will have Dad feeling dapper and looking cool at fancier events. 
  • If your dad’s favorite time is tee time, the Day Dot Golf Polo, Otterbox ® Golf Kit, Flying W-marked Titleist Velocity Golf Balls and 24/7 Staunch Collection Hats will impress his buddies at the golf course. Plus, the new Fairway Wood Golf Cover will look great on the back of a cart. 
  • For dads who love to cast a line, the Igloo Kooltunes Stereo Cooler holds all the essentials for a day on the boat, and the WhataDad 30 oz. Orange YETI Rambler ® Tumbler will keep his drink hot or cold from sunrise to sunset. The Green Fishing Shirt will catch compliments with its classic design, yellow rose embroidery, performance fabric and pearl snap closure. 
  • If your dad loves the great outdoors, the Whataburger Flag Straw Hat will keep him shaded while mowing the lawn, hiking or grilling for his favorite campers. The navy, cotton-poly blend WhataDad tee from Tumbleweed TexStyles will keep him comfortable while camping, practicing his serve with the Day Dot Pickleball Set or playing with the pet he swore he “didn’t want.”

Pride month events in San Antonio

Stable Hall is hosting “Drag Me To The Hall” for Pride month. Photo: Oscar Moreno, used with permission.

Pride month, celebrated annually in June, honors the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, struggles, and achievements. It commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, sparking the modern gay rights movement. Throughout the month, diverse events, parades, and activities promote visibility, acceptance, and equality. It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide and the importance of fostering a society where everyone can live openly and authentically. The following are some of the events taking place in town to support and celebrate San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community. (Stable Hall, Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

Stable Hall

Drag Me To The Hall
Saturday, June 1
Time: 9p.m. (doors open at 8p.m.)

“Drag Me To The Hall” at Stable Hall is a festive community celebration concluding the Museum Reach portion of the San Antonio Riverwalk Pride River Parade on June 1st, 2024. “Drag Me To The Hall” welcomes guests to an evening filled with performances and music by national drag performing artist, Trinity K. Bonet who gained recognition for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6.

“Drag Me To The Hall” celebrates San Antonio’s PRIDE month highlighting an array of exceptional talent, honoring the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community through music, entertainment, and mindfully inclusive celebration. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased online through the Tixr website.

Bakery Lorraine

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30

In celebration of Pride month, Bakery Lorraine is offering a rainbow-colored cookie with proceeds benefiting San Antonio-based LGBTQIA+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting on June 1 and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.95. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio.

Pride Cookie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa offers a special cocktail called Y’all Means All for Pride month this June. The cocktail will be available at Anaqua Garden Bar the entire month of June and proceeds from all sales will benefit Pride Center San Antonio. The cocktail is made with Tito’s Coconut Cordial, Guava, Lime, Topo Chico, and Sour Patch Kids.

Y’all Mean All drink at Anaqua. Photo: Anaqua Garden Bar, used with permission

Gift guide: make Mother’s Day extra special this year

Treat mom to some special treats from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 12 and if you’re still looking for ideas to celebrate mom on her special day, several businesses in the San Antonio area have special offerings available. Whether mom likes a spa day, brunch, sweets, or a day at the theater, here’s a selection of what’s hot this year. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)

** Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk **

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk has special offerings where moms can enjoy a much-needed spa getaway and delicious brunch.

The Mother’s Day Brunch will be from 11a.m. – 3p.m. on Sunday, May 12 at Landrace. Menu highlights will include classic brunch delights like French toast topped with seasonal compote, buttermilk biscuits with maple gravy, and fresh breakfast pastries, alongside a champagne wall and mimosa cart to clink cheers. 

The Thompson Spa will be offering special Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May, so that children can treat their mothers to the ultimate day of relaxation. Treatments for mom include a “Spring Goddess Glow Package” with a green tea firming body treatment and 50-minute massage, a “Royal Rose Package” with a deeply nourishing facial and body treatment, and a “Love Yourself Peppermint Mani-Pedi.” The full spa menu is available here. 

** Bakery Lorraine **

Bakery Lorraine has special treats that will be sure to make any mother feel appreciated on this special day. 

For lovers of flowers and sweet treats, Bakery Lorraine is excited to offer a petite bouquet with a box of 6 Parisian macarons, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. The Macarons — whose flavors include Triple Vanilla, Pistachio, and Raspberry — will be elegantly stored in a unique and limited time floral box. This special offer can be purchased for $50 online through the Bakery Lorraine website or in store (all stores except the Doseum location in San Antonio). 

The last day to order one of these bouquets and macarons will be on Thursday, May 9. Each order is available for pickup at the Bakery Lorraine location of choice between 10a.m. and 6p.m. on Saturday, May 11, or Sunday, May 12, 2024.

In addition to pre-orders, Bakery Lorraine is hosting a small make your own Mother’s Day Card at all locations (except Doseum in San Antonio) from 2p.m. to close on Thursday, May 9. This is a free event that will be available while supplies last. Additionally, guests in San Antonio can visit Bakery Lorraine at Pearl on Saturday, May 11 for a flower shop pop-up to purchase locally made bouquets.

** Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa **

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the recently opened Autograph Collection hotel in downtown, is pleased to announce its Mother’s Day (May 12) offerings to pamper moms this season. Bridging Downtown and Southtown neighborhoods, the Plaza San Antonio’s lush garden oasis and reimagined environment is a sanctuary of connectivity with extraordinary cuisine, culture, creativity, and community. Mom can enjoy an onsite garden oasis bar, pool, spa, and a lively restaurant with honest food and drinks ranging from hearty to healthy. Below is a breakdown of the specials available for Mother’s Day. 

Nestled within the historic grounds of San Antonio’s only Autograph Collection Hotel, The Spa Plaza San Antonio offers a restorative approach to health and wellness. To help pamper moms, local or visiting, the hotel will offer several limited-time treatment packages at its luxurious spa. All the treatments can be booked through the Spa’s website and are included below:  

  • Side-by-Side Mani Pedi – $200
  • Side-by-Side Massage – $350
  • Treat Yourself – $150

In addition to the unique offerings at the hotel’s Spa, guests can also celebrate mom and elevate the day with a brunch feast at Corinne San Antonio. With a modern, comfortable design and refreshing menu that offers a new take on San Antonio dining, Corinne provides a perfect place to gather for Mother’s Day. The Brunch menu includes Chorizo Devilled Eggs, Mezcal Shrimp Cocktail, Sweet Corn Cake Eggs Benedict, Lump Crab Frittata, and more. 

To cap off the delightful brunch, guests can then head over to Anaqua Garden Bar for a celebratory drink with mom. Anaqua Garden Bar is a hidden gem located in the heart of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa’s garden oasis. Inspired and named after the property’s champion Anaqua tree, this garden bar features a menu highlighting the fusion of Japanese flavors with Latin tradition, botanical cocktails, lush seating and a curated soundtrack to create a chill Zen oasis to celebrate mom. 

Limited Time Specialty Spa Treatments:
Valid Wednesday, May 1, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024* during Spa operating hours
*Excluding Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27)

Corinne San Antonio Sunday Brunch Hours:
7a.m. – 2p.m.

Anaqua Garden Bar Sunday Hours:
11a.m. – 10p.m.

The Spa Plaza San Antonio & Corinne San Antonio
555 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Valet parking is available at the hotel at $15 for three hours.

** Children’s Ballet of San Antonio **

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) invites you to a magical ball you don’t want to miss. The company will bring to life the classic Cinderella, the timeless love story, complete with a wicked stepmother, clumsy stepsisters, a fairy-godmother, and of course a handsome prince. Experience an enchanting performance for the whole family with opulent costumes, dreamlike digital and physical scenery and award-winning performers and choreographers, all set to the soaring score by Sergei Prokofiev. Taking place at the stunning Majestic Theatre on May 10 and 11, Cinderella is a dream come true that is sure to awaken child-like wonder in all ages.

A talented cast of roughly 200 young CBSA artists, ages 3-19, present this romantic fairy tale as only the Children’s Ballet can. The audience will be swept away by original Disney ballads such as “So This is Love” performed through stunning ballet artistry and incredible vocal talent transforming Cinderella into an avant-garde fairy tale classic. Classical ballet combined with an eclectic mix of awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics, hip-hop, and gymnastics create an exciting 90-minute production that will transfix even the youngest audience members.

Guests are encouraged to don their finest frocks, present their prettiest princess dresses, or come as a quinceañera queen to make it a truly magical affair to remember. Upon arrival, guests can take photos with the cast and even purchase tiaras, tutus, and fairy wands on-site! All audience members are sure to be wowed by the venue: downtown’s stunning Majestic Theatre. It’s the perfect place for a Cinderella story fit for a princess.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Friday May 10, 6p.m. doors, 7p.m. show
Saturday May 11, 1p.m. doors, 2p.m. show
Saturday May 11, 6p.m. doors, 7p.m. show
Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website.

 

 

 

Taco Cabana unveils new menu offerings and partnership with Jarritos

New menu offerings are available starting May 1 while supplies last. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Tex-Mex innovator Taco Cabana (TC) is thrilled to announce the debut of its enticing new limited-time menu offerings, just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Items are available starting on Wednesday, May 1 in all Texas locations while supplies last. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Included in the new lineup are breakfast, lunch and dinner Tortas, mouthwatering Loaded Fries, all new Happy Hour offerings, and a partnership with Jarritos for an irresistible new margarita.

Taco Cabana elevates the Tex-Mex experience to new heights with bold flavors and vibrant dining. TC is bringing back the Breakfast Tortas, and they are better than ever. The tortas for breakfast include Bacon & Egg, Chorizo & Egg or Country Sausage & Egg, all piled high on a bed of refried beans, then topped with pico de gallo and shredded cheese. The new lunch and dinner torta options are stacked with refried beans, your pick of Carne Asada, Steak Fajita, or Chicken Fajita, plus a mix of fresh shredded lettuce and pico de gallo. The whole lineup of Tortas are available all day and served with a side of house made Salsa Ranch.

The new Loaded Fries are an irresistible fusion of flavors and include a Carne Asada option topped with queso, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo and a Chili Cheese option served with queso and chili con carne. Plain fries will also be available as a great add-on to any meal.

The new Happy Hour offerings will be available from 3p.m. to 6p.m. every Sunday through Thursday, and will feature $2 Margaritas and domestic beers, half-priced Bean & Cheese Nachos, 3-pack Flautas and small Cheese Quesadillas. These delicious items are sure to add a festive flair to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

The Jarritos partnership introduces a new Mandarin Margarita that brings the perfect refreshing beverage to Taco Cabana, just in time for warmer weather. Jarritos Mandarin Sodas will also be available at Taco Cabana Texas locations for a non-alcoholic Jarritos experience.

“This new exciting chapter allows us to showcase our culinary innovations and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re blending tradition with contemporary flair. We’re devoted to captivating fresh audiences through this approach, offering additional incentives to come together and celebrate with our all new Happy Hour lineup and our thrilling collaboration with Jarritos!” – Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana

The excitement doesn’t stop there at Taco Cabana. Locations in San Antonio will be testing new Jr. Bowls and Burritos beginning May 1, bringing the same great flavors and quality ingredients in a convenient value-sized package. Whether it’s a quick bite on the go or a satisfying meal to fuel the day, Taco Cabana’s got something for everyone at an unbeatable price. Download the MYTC! App and join MYTC! Loyalty Rewards for special offers and exclusive TC news.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

Pullman Market opens at Pearl in San Antonio

The highly anticipated destination centered around Texas food and local agriculture features a specialty grocer, tortilleria, bakery, quick-service eatery, restaurants, and more. Photo: Robert Lerma, used with permission.

There is always something new and exciting going on at Pearl. From the farmers market to restaurants and special events, guests have a variety of of shopping and dining options. Some of my most memorable moments in San Antonio took place there. Today, I’m happy to share that today, Pullman Market is making its grand debut.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group’s Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, opens at Pearl on Tuesday, April 23. Visitors will be able to enjoy the market’s specialty grocer, featuring Texas-based produce and goods from over 150 suppliers throughout the state. Two of the market’s four restaurants, Fife & Farro and Mezquite, are also set to open on April 23. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2024)

“Pullman Market is the first project of its kind in San Antonio and the region. We’re most excited about providing a space for guests to get a taste of the ideals that make this city great: community, hospitality and high-quality food. There’s something for everyone at Pullman Market. You can grab a quick bite, stay awhile at one of our restaurants, discover fresh local ingredients or grab something premade to make mealtime easy – knowing it’s all been sourced with a commitment to quality and sustainability in an effort to offer the best we can for our community.” – Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group Partner

The 40,000-square-foot market is located in the former Samuels Glass Company headquarters at Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge and interior design firm Joel Mozersky Design.

Pullman Market celebrates everything food related and is about creating easier relationships between local producers and the community. The specialty market features over 150 Texas vendors supplying fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, beer, and more. The market also features a retail section with a selection of locally sourced home and beauty goods, chef supplies, toys and more, as well as a high-quality grab-and-go meal case. Visitors will also be able to pick up provisions from the on-site tortilleria and sourdough bakery.

In addition to the specialty market, Pullman Market features five casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, tacos, ceviche, sandwiches, coffee and ice cream, the latter of which includes flavors created by award-winning pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Pullman Market also includes four restaurant concepts, two of which will open on April 23: Fife & Farro and Mezquite.

Fife & Farro is a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in wood-fired sourdough pizza and handmade heritage grain pasta. Fife & Farro is open for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Monday and Tuesday and for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Mezquite focuses on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico, with a dedicated mezcal bar named Mezcaleria. Mezquite and Mezcaleria are open for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Thursday-Tuesday and for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesday.

The remaining Pullman Market full-service restaurants, Isidore and Nicosi, are scheduled to open later this spring. Isidore will feature an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly, highlighting the best ingredients of the season. Nicosi, created by Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 20 seats and a no-phone policy. Stay tuned for an opening announcement in the coming weeks.

Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215. The market’s operating hours are 8a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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 the 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.

Easter dining specials and cocktail recipes

Easter is coming up on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Photo: Google/Czech Universities

Easter is coming up already on Sunday, so if you are looking for ideas on dining out, consider Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Planning on celebrating at home with family? How about some cocktail recipes? Here are some festive cocktail recipes from Gray Whale Gin, Cantera Negra Tequila and Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon, which, coincidentally, can also get you ready for National Brunch Month coming up in April.

At Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, nestled along a picturesque residential stretch of the iconic Riverwalk, Landrace’s expert chefs are preparing a delightful Easter menu with a Southern twist. On March 31 at 11a.m. guests and locals alike can indulge in a variety of savory and sweet Easter specials. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2024)

Here’s a glimpse of what Landrace has to offer:

Specialty Stations:

  • Pasta Station – featuring red sauce, truffle alfredo, chicken, shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes
  • Omelet Station – offerings honey ham, bacon, spinach, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and jalapeños

Platters & Chaffers featuring the following choices:

  • Breakfast pastries
  • Assorted fresh fruits and artisanal cheeses
  • Crispy pork belly
  • Homemade chorizo sausage
  • Tri-colored potato hash
  • Thick-sliced brioche French toast
  • Brisket benny topped with BBQ béarnaise sauce
  • Velvety & creamy mashed potatoes with cheese
  • Freshly baked rolls
  • Prosciutto quiche with truffle and lemon
  • Chopped romaine & radicchio salad with apples and Parmesan

Specials

  • Honey-glazed ham
  • Fire-roasted lamb
  • crème brûlée cascaron
  • Hummingbird cake with cream cheese icing
  • Chocolate orange torte

***************

Cocktail recipes: (courtesy photos, used with permission)

Cantera Negra Blood Orange Mimosa

  • Ingredients:
    • 1oz Cantera Negra Reposado Tequila
    • 1oz Aperol
    • 2oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
    • Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Instructions:
    • Shake all ingredients (minus champagne) and strain into highball glass over ice.
    • Slowly add champagne to fill.
    • Garnish with a blood orange wheel. 

Blackberry Negroni

A springtime twist on the classic negroni featuring in-season blackberries along with Campari and Cocchi Dopo Teatro. If Cocchi Dopo Teatro isn’t available, another sweet vermouth will do.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Gray Whale Gin
    • 1 part Campari
    • 0.75 part Cocchi Dopo Teatro
    • 6 Fresh Blackberries
  • Instructions:
    • In a cocktail glass, muddle four blackberries. In a mixing glass, combine Gray Whale Gin, Campari and Cocchi Dopo Teatro. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass with the muddled blackberries. Garnish with the remaining two blackberries.

Whiskey Crusta

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5oz Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon.5oz 1883 Maison Routin Apple Syrup.25oz Luxardo Maraschino.25 lemon
    • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Bitters
  • Instructions:
    • Shake ingredients with ice & strain into glass with sugar crusted rim.
    • Garnish with long lemon peel.

Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces 2024 chef lineup

Tickets are now on sale for Fiesta’s culinary kickoff event on April 18, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Mark your calendars, folks! This year’s Fiesta San Antonio is scheduled for April 18-28 and it’s time to start making plans. What started out as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers parade has grown into a city wide celebration and ‘party with a purpose.’ The Taste of the Republic is the opening event and will take place at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

 

Taste of the Republic, the official culinary opening event of Fiesta® San Antonio, is excited to announce its all star chef lineup for the event on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The following San Antonio chefs will create and serve their vision of Texas cuisine from the six culinary regions of the state defined by the event’s co- founder, Chef Brian West. Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. (Taste of the Republic, 2024)

This year’s participating chef lineup, curated by Chef Brian West, includes:

• Chef Jessie Kuykendall of Mipa
• Chef Ceasar Zepeda of Saucy Bird
• Chef Jose Ochoa of Palenque Grill La Cantera
• Chef Juan Carlos Bazan of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana & Toro Kitchen + Bar
• Chef Braunda Smith of Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
• Chef Benjamin De Los Santos of Benjie’s Munch
• Chef Ernie Bradley of The Cherrity Bar
• Chef Lisa Astorga- Watel and Chef Damien Watel of Bistro09
• Chef Joe Melig and Chef Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse
• Chef Kristina Zhao of Dashi & Sichuan House
• Chef Andrew Gutierrez of SA Pops

“We are so excited to bring together an excellent group of San Antonio chefs once again to celebrate Texas’ unique culinary traditions. We can’t wait to celebrate the best of San Antonio and to kick off Fiesta with all of our guests.” – Chef Brian West.

Ticket holders will be able to sample dishes from all the aforementioned chefs. Each dish is paired with a specific wine to compliment it, and beer and cocktails will also be served. Tickets for the event are $125 per person and a portion of the ticket sales goes toward supporting the San Antonio Fiesta Commission.

Taste of the Republic will be held at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion in downtown San Antonio (210 W. Market Street, SA 78205). The event starts at 5p.m. Taste of the Republic’s Main Sponsors include High West Distillery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Proximo, Brugal 1888 rum, Perry Homes Foundation, HeartBrand Beef and Dos Equis.

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Fiesta 2024

Taco Cabana launches Big Red Margarita, Fish Tacos and Chilaquiles Bowls

If you are a fan of Big Red, Taco Cabana is launching its Big Red Margarita. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce several new limited-time-only menu items hitting restaurants this month that fans will love. In February, Taco Cabana will introduce all new Fish Tacos, new Chilaquiles Bowls and a Margarita made with Big Red to all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Launching in time for the Lenten season, Taco Cabana will roll out its New Fish Tacos, made with wild caught, beer-battered Icelandic cod topped with a creamy pepper-limón sauce, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo. The fish tacos are available individually, as a taco plate and as a taco combo. The tacos will be available starting Wednesday, February 14 and will be on the menu through Easter.

Taco Cabana is also thrilled to introduce its all new Chilaquiles Bowls featuring crispy tortilla strips topped with scrambled eggs and the guest’s choice of ranchero or green sauces. The Chilaquiles Bowls are then topped off with sour cream and sprinkled with cotija cheese. Taco Cabana’s classic salsa verde recipe is also making its return to stores this month and will be available to-go and at the in-store salsa bars. The Chilaquiles Bowls will be available all day at Taco Cabana starting Wednesday, February 14 for a limited time only.

To round out February’s exciting new launches, Taco Cabana will introduce its newest Margarita featuring Big Red in time for National Margarita Day on February 22. Taco Cabana worked closely with the team at Keurig Dr Pepper to come up with an innovative way to mix Taco Cabana’s margaritas with Big Red in a way that blends and showcases the flavors that consumers love. Guests can purchase the Margarita featuring Big Red as a single serving, a margarita yard, or in gallon size. Guests can also get a limited time combo with two Barbacoa Tacos and the new margarita. All will be available starting Thursday, February 22 for a limited time only.

“We have a lot of great things happening at Taco Cabana this month. We’re so excited to bring even more awesome menu items to our customers! Our team has worked hard to create new and innovative items like the Margarita featuring Big Red, the Chilaquiles Bowls and of course the new Fish Tacos. We look forward to having our guests try them in our restaurants or wherever they choose to get them delivered.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

Taco Cabana’s menu items 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. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana Chilaquiles Bowls. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Freight Fried Chicken opens at Pearl this Saturday

Freight Fried Chicken will be located in the food hall at the Bottling Department. Photo: A.J. Creative, used with permission.

Award-winning chef Nicola Blaque will open her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken, at the Food Hall at Bottling Department at Pearl on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Chef Blaque, whose fried chicken recipe has caught the attention of Eater, San Antonio Express-News and others on numerous occasions, created Freight Fried Chicken as a homage to the rich culinary history and traditions shared amongst Black Americans. Freight Fried Chicken draws its inspiration from black women in post Civil War America that sold fried chicken to rail passengers traveling through Gordonsville, VA. The women became known as Waiter Carriers and their chicken recipes would attract travelers who would go out of their way just to try the famous chicken. The sale of fried chicken allowed formerly enslaved women to support their households and create racial progress in a time fraught with dissension. (Freight Fried Chicken, 2024)

Freight Fried Chicken will use a dry batter for its chicken, which is similar in style to what was served by the Waiter Carriers. The chicken will also be served with biscuits, just like it was served on those trains so many years ago. Guests can also expect to see fried chicken tenders, a fried chicken sandwich, biscuits, mac ‘n’ cheese, seasoned fries, a vegetarian sandwich option, and more on the menu. Freight Fried Chicken’s bone-in chicken is halal and all of its batter is gluten free.

Opening date: Saturday, January 13, 2024
Hours will be 10a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday

The Food Hall at Bottling Department
312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6
San Antonio, TX 78215

Lattoia Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a restaurateur and chef based in San Antonio, Texas. Chef Blaque is the executive chef and owner of the Jerk Shack, a Jamaican-inspired restaurant in San Antonio. The restaurant offers fare like jerk chicken, braised oxtail and quickly became a staple after opening in 2018. She also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean concept at the popular Pearl district in San Antonio, in the summer of 2020, which is now being redeveloped into her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken.

In addition to running successful concepts that have been recognized by GQ, Eater and more, Chef Blaque is an Army Veteran, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, a private chef for members in the NBA, a wife and a mom. Having been born and raised in Jamaica until she was five years old, Chef Blaque is passionate about introducing people to the flavors of the Caribbean. Though she’ll be the first to tell you that the dishes she’s serving up aren’t always traditional Jamaican dishes, she’s passionate about infusing those flavors into cuisine her patrons know and love.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl 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 the community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Freight Fried Chicken opening date