Krause’s Café gets ready for Oktoberfest

krausebeerpic — Oktoberfest begins at Krause’s Café & Biergarten on Saturday September 22. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and fair held in Munich, Germany. German heritage runs rich in New Braunfels and Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce the return of its own Oktoberfest celebration and the restaurant is getting ready for two weeks of German celebrations. The official festivities begin on Saturday September 22 with a viewing of the traditional tapping of the keg in Germany. Throughout the month, there will be live music from German-inspired bands, lively events like doxen races, along with newly launched German cuisine items and international bier steins. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2018)

Groups of party-goers or families can get 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 on Oktoberfest, patrons can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85).

During Oktoberfest, New Braunfels becomes the Bavarian beer capital of South Texas. Year round, Krause’s Café and Biergarten is stocked with over 70 beers on tap, many being German steins. Guests can fill up on German bier from Hofbrau to Warsteine and more. Oktoberfest runs from September 22 through October 7 and Krause’s Café will host several Oktoberfest-related events.

Saturday, September 22
o A viewing of the Tapping of the Keg from Munich, Germany which will be projected on the big screen in the biergarten at 3p.m.
o Comal Community Band at 3p.m.
o The Oompahs at 7p.m.

Sunday, September 23
o Doxen Races – Watch as dachshunds race their way to the finish line on the turf patio, some come dressed in hats and some in scarves. All friendly dogs are welcome and races will begin at 4p.m. Guests who wish to participate can register their Dachshund online.

Thursday, September 27
o Rumor Town at 8p.m.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S. Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Collaboration dinner at Pearl with guest chef from Madrid

dinnerseriesaug18 — The Intercambio Dinner Series with Chef Jorge Fernandez of Madrid, Spain will be on Wednesday, August 29. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

As part of Olé, San Antonio programming this summer, the Pearl invites exemplars of the Spanish culinary scene—from Michelin-starred to up-and-coming Market chefs—to participate in intercambios, exchanges, with Pearl counterparts. Chef Jeff Balfour of Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery is hosting a Spanish dinner paired with Southerleigh brews and Spoetzl Brewery’s special limited edition Olé brews with Chef Jorge Fernandez Rodríguez of Madrid, Spain on Wednesday August 29 at 6:30p.m. The dinner includes a welcome reception curated by Southerleigh’s Chef Jeff Balfour and a 5-course seated dinner by guest Chef Jorge Rodríguez. Tickets are $80 per person plus tax and gratuity and includes beer pairings. Reservations are limited and can be made by calling Southerleigh at (210) 455-5701. (Pearl, 2018)

Chef Jorge Fernández Rodríguez of Gastrochigre in Madrid focuses on the gastronomy of the Asturias region and aims to make high-end cuisine more accessible and available to the general public.

The special menu available for one night only will include:

Welcome Reception: menu by Chef Jeff Balfour includes Machacado tortilla, Summer squash terrine on pan tomate, Puffed egg with jamón, Mexican chorizo and gulf crab croquette, Bacalao Magdalena and Mini picadillo rellenos.
Beer Pairings by Spoetzl Brewery, makers of Shiner includes Las Canarias Ale and Tenerife Ale.

Seated Dinner: menu by Chef Jorge Fernández Rodríguez includes Sweet and sour pig ears salad, “Callos” (tripas) with kale kimchi, mushrooms and vermicelli noodles, Deep fried hoisin duck with spicy carrot hummus, Rice and beans Asturias style with saffron scented beef cheek, and Rice pudding with chocolate and stout beer.
Beer Pairings by Southerleigh Brewing Co. includes Blood orange lime infused kettle sour, Sake style rice beer, Honey orange cream ale, Russian imperial stout and Microlot Katz Coffee (non-alcoholic coffee to be served with dessert).
*Beer pairings subject to change depending on availability

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 East Grayson, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78215

Next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday

olesagastro — The next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday will feature the flavors of Spanish jamon. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The ongoing summer celebration Olé, San Antonio at the Pearl is meant to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary and celebrate its Spanish heritage. Hotel Emma has been participating by hosting master classes featuring food and ingredients from Spain. This Wednesday August 22 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., attendees are invited to discover the exemplary Spanish flavor of jamón at Hotel Emma’s next master class. They will be able to enjoy a tasting and lesson taught by Manuel Antonio Recio, master carver and co-owner of Conserva from Portland, Oregon, as they discover the process and celebrate the noble Spanish pig.

Manuel Antonio Recio will be the expert of the day. He is a master carver and co-owner of Conserva, a specialty food purveyor located in Portland, Oregon. The evening will feature a lesson from Manuel and a tasting – all devoted to jamón. Tickets for the class are $25 and available for purchase online.

Larder and Sternewirth will be featuring tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight the deep flavor of Spanish jamón. Or, find a seat at Supper’s table to experience Chef John Brand’s inspired approach to this ingredient, available all week long during lunch and dinner.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

culinaria18 — Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is August 11 through 25 at participating locations. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

August is the time of the year to celebrate all things food related in San Antonio with Culinaria Restaurant Week. Culinaria Restaurant Week was created by the culinary community to promote the different menu options that San Antonio has to offer. It offers locals and visitors an opportunity to discover new cuisines that perhaps they never had a chance to experience at affordable prices at restaurants in areas ranging from downtown to Stone Oak. (Culinaria, 2018)

Now in its ninth year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, scheduled for Saturday August 11 through Saturday August 25, has expanded its footprint to include eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well Alamo City favorites. 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 or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers.

Participating locations include Acenar Mexican Restaurant, Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano, Biga on the Banks and many more. The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Week menus can be found online. Reservations are not required but are encouraged as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed.

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.

“Restaurant Week presents a tremendous opportunity for local residents and out-of-town visitors to discover the art of gourmet dining at affordable prices. Plus, it generates excitement and buzz about the wide range of choices and excellent food that define San Antonio and neighboring cities” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria

Independence Brewing Co. celebrates International Beer Day

independencenativetexan — ‘Taste of Texas’ features chefs across Texas and Native Texan inspired dishes. Photo: Independence Brewing Co, used with permission.

Friday August 3 is International Beer Day, and to celebrate, Independence Brewing Co., one of Austin’s largest and most beloved craft breweries, announces its ‘Taste of Texas’ campaigns. It features ten chefs in five cities that will create Texas-Inspired dishes featuring new seasonal brew “Native Texan.” The brewery has partnered with ten culinary experts statewide to celebrate the release of its new seasonal pilsner, Native Texan. Each of the hand-selected chefs and mixologists have been tasked with creating a Texas-inspired dish or cocktail incorporating the beer as its star ingredient. These limited-time, chef-prepared offerings will be served at choice restaurants across Texas exclusively on International Beer Day. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

Participating chefs and mixologists include:

Austin: Alma Alcocer (Executive Chef, El Alma); Anselmo Sanchez (Executive Chef, El Chile); Todd Duplechan (Chef/Owner, Lenoir); and Justin Gutierrez (Bar Manager, Yuyo)

San Antonio: John Brand (Chef/Culinary Director, Sternewirth at the Hotel Emma); and Jason Dady (Chef/Owner, Alamo BBQ Co.)

Houston: Hugo Ortega (Chef/Owner, Hugo’s); and Jacob Pate (Executive Chef, Night Heron)

El Paso: Aldo Mora (Executive Chef, Café Central)

Marfa: Alexandra Gates (Chef/Owner, Cochineal)

As the beer has made its way from stores among the ranks of Whole Foods Market and Buc-ee’s into the hands of thirsty Texans, it has resonated with many people, bringing back memories of days spent on the water for some and evenings spent on the porch swing watching the bluebonnets bloom and the sun set for others. For Independence Brewing Co.’s co-founder, Amy Cartwright, Native Texan has meant something uniquely special to her, reminding her why she fell in love with Texas in the first place. Native Texan is now available in Whole Foods Market, Buc-ee’s, HEB, Central Market, and select restaurants and bars throughout Texas.

“To me, Native Texan is about a sense of belonging, the quality of life here in Texas, the people, and the natural beauty. It’s a beer brewed by Texans for Texans,” said Cartwright. “I’m excited to see and taste what Native Texan means to the finest culinary talents in Texas through each of their creations.” – Amy Cartwright

San Antonio Food Trails coming soon

sweetfirekitchen — San Antonio Food Trails is a food destination guide for visitors and locals alike. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.

San Antonio is fast becoming a foodie destination for visitors as well as locals. Culinaria is teaming up with Visit San Antonio to create a flavorful and fun culinary adventure. ‘San Antonio Food Trails’ is a call for the city’s finest for Best Margaritas, Tacos and BBQ Joints. In September, Culinaria will unveil this new, delicious and exciting concept. The trails will be a categorized journey to restaurants that offer some of the region’s best local cuisine, as decided by a committee of leading local restaurateurs, foodies and culinary ambassadors. (Culinaria, 2018)

Chef Johnny Hernandez noted that most people use their smart phone to plan their visits to different cities. San Antonio Food Trails is designed to be a convenient way for the savvy travel planner to get the most out of their culinary adventure to the Alamo City, while also providing locals with a new way to explore the tastes of their community. “One of our target markets are visitors to San Antonio, so a central walkable tour in San Antonio would be ideal in the coming months after our initial trails are announced,” Chef Johnny Hernandez said.

The list of restaurants that make up the inaugural San Antonio Food Trails will be unveiled this fall. Trails will be divided into four categories: margaritas, BBQ, tacos and a non-judged “Where the Local Chefs Eat” section. Ten to 12 stops will be identified for each of the Food Trails.

To be considered for a designation on one of the recognized San Antonio Food Trails, the eatery must meet the following criteria:

Locally owned and located within Bexar County
Must make efforts to source locally, within 150 miles
Participate in city efforts to promote culinary events in San Antonio
Must be established as a business by designated city, county or state entities
Must have an active website and/or social media viewable to the public

To apply, visit Culinaria online and download an application.

Restaurants on the San Antonio Food Trails will be on a two-year rotation to give ample time for patrons to go on several “food crawls.” Explore, mix-and-match experiences and share your experiences. The San Antonio Food Trails are sure to be a conversation centerpiece for any lover of great local cuisine.

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.

“We feel San Antonio has a lot to offer. We wanted to make it easier for visitors and locals to get to these places they might have never visited otherwise.” – Celebrity Chef Johnny Hernandez, who is helping lead development of the San Antonio Food Trails.

Celebrate National Lasagna Day with Buddy V

buddyvlasagna — Buddy V’s Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno. Photo” Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.

National Lasagna Day is a holiday commemorated annually on July 29th to celebrate one of the most quintessential Italian dishes. A dish that is not only popular in the United States, it also has enormous popularity around the world even though there is debate among culinary historians over when this dish was created.

Straight from Buddy Valastro’s vault of family recipes, Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno is the holy grail of lasagnas and this is ultimate recipe needed to celebrate National Lasagna Day. Courtesy of Buddy V’s Ristorante at The Shops at La Cantera, this colossal dish features Italian sausage, bolognese, ricotta, provolone, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bring home one of the Cake Boss’ most beloved heirloom recipes. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)

Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno – Courtesy of Bryan Forgione

Béchamel Ingredients
8 oz. butter
10 oz. all purpose flour
10 oz. chicken stock
2 bunches Thyme
Salt

Method

Make roux with butter, chicken stock, and flour, cook out for a few minutes.
Add rest and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking to the bottom.
Strain through china cap.

Nona’s Lasagna Al Forno Ingredients
11 sheets Lasagna Pasta
1 lb. Shredded Mozzarella
4 oz. Grana Grated
½ Gallon Ricotta
1 Bunch Basil Leaves
12 oz. Marinara
1/2 lb. ground beef, Cooked
1 lb. ground Italian sausage, cooked
12 oz. Béchamel

Method

(1) Spray heavily with non-stick all sides and bottom of a pan roughly the same size as the pasta.
(2) Lay down parchment paper to cover bottom. Lay down pasta evenly covering ENTIRE bottom corner to corner, start layering –béchamel –marinara -meat –mozzarella –ricotta–grana -basil.
(3) Add a layer of pasta and push down using another pan.
(4) Repeat process until you end up with 11 sheets of pasta total.
(5) Cover with parchment and plastic wrap and put in cooler, place the pan on top and weigh it down evenly overnight.
(6) Next day, use a grill spatula to loosen up all the sides.
(7) Flip onto a parchment lined sheet pan.
(8) Cut into 4 rectangles and wrap individually.

Notes
For each layer: 1 qt. of meat, 1 qt. of béchamel, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1 cup of ricotta, 1 cup of grana, 6 oz. marinara.

Pluckers Wing Bar celebrates 23 years

pluckerslogo — Pluckers Wing Bar is having food and drink specials all week to celebrate their anniversary. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating its 23^rd anniversary this week from Monday July 23 through Sunday July 29 at all locations. Texas’ Favorite Wing Restaurant’s Celebration will feature Fan Favorites and food and drink specials, including 75-cent wings, $1 beers, $4 Holy Mac, and more. Pluckers will also offer their Pluckers Club members a new “Keep the Mason Jar” special. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)

From July 24 to July 28, the first 100 guests at each location who are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members can participate in the “Keep the Mason Jar” special where guests who purchase a 16-oz. Pluckers Cocktail can keep the commemorative cocktail’s 23rd anniversary mason jar. Fans can join the Pluckers Club by downloading the Pluckers mobile app and signing up to become a Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite member. Pluckers fans can also participate in 90s-themed Live Team Trivia on Wednesday, July 25.

Food and drink specials and events includes:

Wednesday, July 25: Keep the Mason Jar, $4 Fried Pickles, 90s Trivia
Thursday, July 26: Keep the Mason Jar, $5 Buffalo Bites
Friday, July 27: Keep the Mason Jar, $4 Holy Mac
Saturday, July 28: Keep the Mason Jar, $4 Tater Cakes
Sunday, July 29: $1 Miller Lites, 75-cent wings

In collaboration with Alamo Drafthouse, Pluckers will co-sponsor their Wing Eating Contest on National Chicken Wing Day, Sunday, July 29, at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar location. More information on the contest can be found online.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 23 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 23 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. It offers guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Master Class: Plancton Marino at Hotel Emma

As part of their culinary series during Olé, San Antonio, Hotel Emma will be presenting a unique experience on July 25 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. titled ‘Master Class: Plancton Marino.’ This innovative ingredient new to the culinary scene is described as tasting “authentically like the sea.” Tickets for the session are $25 and available for purchase online. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

Plancton Marino, as an ingredient, is new to the culinary scene. Spain is the only country with authorization to cultivate the tiny marine organisms. Embraced by leaders in the cutting-edge Spanish gastronomy scene, plancton marino exemplifies the latest installment in Spain’s long history of experimenting with innovative techniques and ingredients.

Scheduled to take place at Hotel Emma’s exhibition kitchen, guests will have the opportunity to experience and discover plancton marino, which is not available anywhere in the United States. The special event will welcome expert and leading Spanish marine plancton food consultant Alberto Palomar who will talk about the origins of plancton marino as an ingredient in Spanish cuisine, the process of cultivation and the nutritional benefits. Sea food and sea salt lovers are encouraged to attend and try out this unique ingredient. There will also be a short documentary and a tasting activity.

Supper will feature a la carte specials on the menu with dishes highlighting Chef John Brand’s creative uses of plancton marino. The specials will be available during lunch and dinner service. Reservations may be done online. Larder and Sternewirth will be carrying tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight this exclusive ingredient.

This event is part of the six unique culinary Master Classes Hotel Emma has prepared as part of Olé, San Antonio, a summer-long program celebrating San Antonio’s Spanish heritage in commemoration of the city’s 300th anniversary. Upcoming Master Classes include jamón (Spanish ham), conservas (tinned fish) and cheese.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

Bottling Department celebrates one year anniversary at Pearl

bottlingdept — Bottling Department at Pearl is celebrating its one year anniversary this month. Photo: Bottling Department, used with permission.

Bottling Department, San Antonio’s first ever food hall, will celebrate its one-year anniversary at Pearl on Tuesday July 24 with complimentary birthday cake, live music, food and drink specials from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Tapas specials will be available all day. (Bottling Department, 2018)

Guests will be able to enjoy:

$5 Frozé (frozen rosé) and Peach Mimosas at The Bar
Tapas Tuesdays specials, as part of Olé, San Antonio program, at all the vendors including Tenko Ramen, Maybelle’s Donuts, The Good Kind, Bud’s Southern Rotisserie and Fletcher’s Hamburgers
Complimentary birthday cake for all guests while supplies last
Complimentary Bottling Department tote bag with any purchase at the Food Hall. Must show proof of purchase with receipt, valid starting at 5p.m. while supplies last
Music by DJ Steven Lee Moya

Bottling Department houses five independently owned food vendors that span a wide range of cuisine, along with a bar serving wine and beer curated in partnership with High Street Wine. Adjacent to Pearl Park, Bottling Department offers guests a welcoming place to dine, drink and relax while enjoying interactive water features, the nearly two-acre lawn of Pearl Park, and the abundant shade of the Pearl Pavilion. The tenants include Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, specializing in Southern comfort food with a soul deep in the heart of Louisiana; Fletcher’s, an all-American hamburger concept, Maybelle’s, offering gourmet donuts and fried pies made daily; Tenko, a fast-casual ramen bar; and The Good Kind, a healthy modern market and café.

Bottling Department
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6
San Antonio, TX 78215

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