Category: Food and Drink events

Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival tickets now on sale

The much anticipated multi-day culinary festival will take place October 27-30, 2022. Photo: Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, used with permission.

Tickets are now on sale for the Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival hosted by Culinaria and Visit San Antonio, in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. On October 27-30, San Antonio will host top culinary leaders from across the U.S. and Mexico showcasing their talents in events ranging from walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, outdoor lunches, hands-on workshops, educational panels, and more. Visit Culinaria SA  to buy tickets, learn more about Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, access the full schedule, chef and beverage lineup, hotel partners, travel hosts, and more. (Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, 2022)

Festival attendees will be able to customize their gastronomic experience by choosing between all-inclusive festival packages or a-la-carte event options starting at $100. Each will grant guests access to James Beard Award Winners, nominees, and other titans of the food and beverage industry including:

TASTING TEXAS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Collective: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon to 6p.m., Travis Park
    • The festival’s flagship event located at Travis Park featuring over 100 chefs and restaurants, and hundreds of beverage brands, Texas Wine Garden, live fire activations, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, and mercantile market.
  • Southern Hospitality: Friday, 7p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl Brewery
    • Mashup of food and beverage celebrating the “Y’all Means All” culture of Texas. From biscuits and gravy to hearty enchiladas and, of course, top-shelf cocktails, in a walk-around tasting event granting guest all-access to a front row seat of hospitality the Texas way.
  • Celebrate Agave: Saturday, 7p.m. to 9p.m., Travis Park
    • Aged, sipped, neat, or mixed, this walk-around tasting event celebrates all things agave and the cuisines that embrace it.
  • Lunches and Dinners: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
    • Festivalgoers will have exclusive access to unique chef collaborations at dinner and lunch events held at varying locations across the city.
  • Seminars and Workshops: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, times and locations vary
  • With a theme to satisfy every interest, attendees will be able to sign up for seminars and workshops across a range of topics, including hands-on, small-group activities—from crafting cocktails and smoking meat—to panel discussions on women in the beverage industry, and concise eating and drinking.

TICKET PACKAGES

  • Super VIP – $1,025
  • Choice of one dinner on Thursday night plus Southern Hospitality, VIP Access to all three days of The Collective, Celebrate Agave, VIP Parties and VIP Only Seminars.
  • The Weekender – $600
  • General Admission to The Collective (all three days), Celebrate Agave and Southern Hospitality/
  • Just the Collective – $300
  • All three days of The Collective. Enjoy this all-inclusive and immersive experience. All food and beverage are included. You only need one ticket to enjoy it all. 

“Culinaria is a lover of all things wine and food. We curate experiences for those who love to enjoy amazing pairings, in all forms. We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to the great city of San Antonio to experience the confluence of culture found across the culinary landscape.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO, Culinaria

“The unique culinary magic that will be available at Tasting Texas is going to charm festivalgoers and chefs alike. San Antonio’s real stories and true experiences will carry through The Collective at historic Travis Park as well as the intimate experiences throughout the weekend. Foodies will not want to miss this festival.” – Marc Anderson, President and CEO, Visit San Antonio

“The schedule of Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival is full of fantastic opportunities for culinary fans to explore the growing Texas food scene. We appreciate all of the work Culinaria, Visit San Antonio, and the participating chefs are doing for Tasting Texas, which benefits the Foundation’s scholarship programs and aligns with our mission of Good Food for Good.” – Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation

Photo: Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, used with permission.
1666875000

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival

First annual Paella on the River Walk event by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is inside Hotel Contessa on the River Walk. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is bringing a taste of Spain to San Antonio with its first ever Paella on the River Walk Patio event on Thursday, June 30 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to authentic paella and sangria, Ambler will host guests for a performance from world-renowned flamenco guitarist Randy Cordero. There will be three different types of paella available including game paella (quail, pork belly, rabbit, Spanish chorizo), seafood paella (shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops), and vegetarian paella (bell peppers, artichokes, asparagus, peas, okra, sweet potato, vegetarian stock). Live paella cooking presentations will start at 6:30p.m. Tickets are now available for purchase in two different options, VIP and General Admission, but both feature all-you-can-eat paella. (Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, 2022)

VIP tickets are $100 per person and include:
• All-you-can-eat paella
• Complimentary valet parking
• All you can (responsibly) drink Sangria during the event
• Reserved table
• Access to entertainment
• Gift Bag
• Ticket for Raffle for a 2 night stay and experience at Hotel Contessa
• Designated VIP Badge

General Admission tickets are $50 per person and include:
• All-you-can-eat paella
• Complimentary valet parking
• Welcome drink – sangria
• Access to entertainment

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails
(Inside Hotel Contessa)
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
River Walk level

Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk hosts sensorial dinner series

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is hosting the first of a one-of-a-kind quarterly dinner series with partner Soular Therapy on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The special, six-course Sensory Dinner will be led by the hotel’s fantastic executive chef, Robert Cantu, and each course will be paired with a scent from Soular Therapy, a San Antonio based luxury fragrance company. Engaging all five senses, this immersive dinner will be creative, abstract, and executed beautifully. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

The cocktail hour will begin at 7:30p.m. and then guests will be seated in a square format on the terrace of The Moon’s Daughters and will be welcomed by avant-garde music of instrumental drums and chimes at 8p.m. Between each of the six courses, guests will be given a specialty washcloth saturated in a different scent to set the stage for the next dish. This multisensory experience of smell, sight, hearing, touch and taste will occur outside during sunset, and guests will be guided through the dinner by a spiritual escort, promising an unforgettable night.

Tickets are $380 and can be purchased here. Menu highlights include Scallop Crudo, Garlic Gnudi with Lobster, Black Squid Ink Poached Octopus, Crispy Braised Venison Shank, and more.

Charity Night Market kicks off with tribute to the flavors of Asia

San Antonio’s top indie chefs celebrate global cuisine with launch of Sunset Series this Sunday May 22,sd 2022. Photo: San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance.

Some of San Antonio’s most talented chefs will heat up Cherrity Bar for the launch of the Sunset Series on Sunday, May 22, 4p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are up for grabs for $45. All funds raised will support San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) unique grant program for culinary innovation and community giveback. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2022)

Inspired by the night markets popular throughout Asia, the Sunset Series is a regular program of evening bazaars showcasing the inclusivity of San Antonio’s food scene. The intimate backyard setting of Cherrity Bar (302 Montana St.) will allow guests to mingle with some of Alamo City’s hottest chefs and hear the personal stories behind the fare. 

Each edition will have a new global theme highlighting emerging and independent chefs. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Sunset Series will kick off with a tribute to the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine.

More than just an occasion to share some of the region’s most exhilarating food, the new Sunset Series aligns with the Alliance’s mission of fostering awareness and innovation in Texas culinary communities. Granting the next generation of culinary talent a platform is near and dear to Ernie Bradley, chef and partner of Cherrity Bar.

“Our mission is to support our community in every way possible. Giving up-and-coming and independent chefs a chance to challenge themselves and showcase their skills is a natural extension of what Cherrity Bar already does for charity organizations, artists, and musicians. Without these people, our community does not grow.” – Ernie Bradley

Bradley’s team will throw down with John Constantino and Chris Christal of Howdy, Kuya!, James Canter of Guerilla Gourmet, Nari Hodges of Ooyoo Pan, culinary expert Hugh Daschbach, sought-after personal chef Katrina Cailao, and Heather Larican-Rejino of Your Sassy Chef. Larican-Rejino received an honorable mention at the 2021 San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s grant awards.

The chefs will spotlight Asia’s staggering contribution to global cuisine with traditional and unconventional takes on the theme.

The menu includes:

Chefs John Constantino & Chris Christal of Howdy, Kuya!
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Filipino Fried Rice

Chef James Canter of Guerilla Gourmet
Jap Chae: Potato Starch Noodles with Mesquite-Smoked Tofu, Korean Cowboy Q Sauce, Vegetables, & Sesame

Chef Heather Larican-Rejino of Your Sassy Chef
Pancit Noodles with Chicken Adobo & Pinay Pico

Chef Hugh Daschbach
Shrimp with Okra, Crispy Spam, Miso Shrimp Stock, Jasmine Rice, Scallion, & Burnt Coconut & Macadamia Salsa Matcha

Chef Katrina Cailao
Sans Rival: Traditional Filipino Cake with Cashew Meringue & French Buttercream

Chef Nari Hodges
Assorted Japanese Macarons

“We are delighted to salute the diverse cuisines of Asia at our inaugural Sunset Series,” says Erika White, executive director of the Alliance. “The chefs have truly wowed us with their creative dishes and support of the local food community.”

Sunset Series attendees will be greeted by a welcome cocktail to keep the event spirited. Guests will also be able to sample fine spirits and beer. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for chefs, farmers, artisan producers, and nonprofits by funding projects focused on culinary innovation and community giveback. The organization debuted its grant program in 2021 by funding $17,000 in local culinary projects.

Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.

 

First taste of Ladino: an exclusive meal by Chef Berty Richter

Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)

Tickets are $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):

WELCOME DRINKS
Raki Cocktail

DIPS
(served with warm pita)
Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant
Spiced green tahini
Muhamarra
Spicy whipped feta
Hummus
Schug, Amba

COLD MEZE
Fennel/Pomelo salad
Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil

HOT MEZE
Saganaki- greek style fried cheese
Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato

MAIN
Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”)
Fish Kebabs
Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs

Condiments
Onion Parsley sumac salad
Rocket
Beef fat “kaymak”

DESSERT
Knafe- with salted cream and smoke

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

The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.

Easter Brunch at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serves up Easter brunch at Hotel Contessa with specially curated apps, entrees, bubbles, and more. Photo: Jessica Giesey & Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, located inside Hotel Contessa, is excited to announce that they will be hosting Easter brunch next Sunday, April 17 from 7a.m. to 3p.m. Ambler has curated delectable apps, entrées, bubbles, and more for the arrival of Spring this Easter. The brunch will be available for all guests to reserve a table online here or by contacting the restaurant at (210) 229-9222. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Full brunch menu below.

Appetizers include the following:

  • Greek Yogurt Parfait – topped with mixed berries and grist mill pecan granola
  • Deviled Eggs – contains bacon, cheddar, and green onions
  • Crab and Guacamole – incorporates charred onions and peppers
  • Avocado Toast – comes with a pickled egg and Fresno chilis 
  • Sliced Pineapples and Berries

Brunch entrées consist of the following:

  • Farm Fresh Eggs – served with your choice of house potatoes or fresh cut fruit and berries
  • Eggs Contessa – poached eggs with Canadian bacon, an English muffin, and green chili mornay sauce
  • The Alamo Omelet – chicken apple sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and queso fresco 
  • The Texan Omelet – smoked bacon, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, and fire-roasted tomato salsa 
  • Egg White Frittata – spinach, asparagus, and pico de gallo
  • Steak and Eggs – 6oz. filet mignon and over easy eggs
  • Lobster Benedict – poached eggs, Canadian bacon, butter-braised lobster, and lemon hollandaise

Griddle options are between the following:

  • Cinnamon French Toast & Pork Belly – includes pickled Fresnos and maple butter
  • Buttermilk Pancakes – topped with fresh berries and maple syrup
  • Belgian Waffle – topped with berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup
  • Breakfast Burger – includes a sunny side up egg, bacon, brioche bun, and a side of fries
  • Beef Short Rib Hash – made with a sunny side up egg, avocado, and fingerling potatoes
  • Chicken & Waffle – made with buttermilk chicken and cinnamon butter maple syrup

Ambler will also be highlighting their tableside mimosa kit for only $42. The mimosa will consist of La Marca prosecco and choice of two juices from options of orange, grapefruit, pineapple, blood orange, and watermelon. Additional bubbles and drinks include the following items: 

  • French 77 – La Marca prosecco, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and cold-pressed lemon juice
  • Strawberry Beret – strawberry-infused aperol, La Marca prosecco, and Icelandic sparkling water
  • Espresso Martini – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, caffe del fuego, and espresso syrup
  • What’s Up Doc – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, carrot juice, pineapple-ginger syrup, and lemon

Ambler Texas Kitchen & Cocktails
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 229-9222

 

Hotel Contessa announces programming to celebrate the Margarita

Ambler at Hotel Contessa announces food and beverage programming to celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to announce a host of programming to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22. To celebrate the holiday accordingly, the hotel will extend the celebration throughout the week with various specials and events throughout that week at the hotel’s restaurant Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

The programming is as follows:

National Margarita Day Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 22, 2022 starting at 4p.m.
On National Margarita Day, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will offer four unique twists on the traditional margarita for $8 during happy hour in the restaurant’s bar lounge between 4p.m. and 7p.m.

The cocktails include:
• Fire in the Sky – Casamigos Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, smoked paprika, and bell peppers
• Knocking on Desert’s Door – Desert Door Sotol, Chareau, prickly pear and citrus, garnished with lime and mint
• Misty Step – Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Santa Teresa 1976 rum, Benedictine, pineapple, and bitters
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Corralejo Reposado tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, and Ambler bitters

***The bar’s regular hours are 12p.m. (noon) to 12a.m. 

Margarita Making Class – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6p.m. 

Continuing the celebration of National Margarita Day throughout the week, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will be offering a margarita making class with its new beverage director, Brandon Vela. The class kicks off at 6p.m. at Hotel Contessa’s third floor terrace overlooking the San Antonio River. Participants will learn the proper techniques and make their own margarita while enjoying light bites from Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. Guests will also receive a 20% discount toward a meal at the restaurant. The cost of the class is $45 per person and tickets for the class are available here.

Casamigos Tequila Dinner – February 24, 2022 at 6p.m.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special five course dinner featuring Casamigos tequila and mezcal. The ticketed dinner is limited to 50 guests and tickets are $125 a person, which includes the cost of dinner, gratuity, tax, and valet parking at Hotel Contessa. Tickets for the dinner are available here.

See below for the dinner menu featuring unique cocktails made with, and inspired by, Casamigos tequila.

  •  Welcome Cocktail – Aloe, It’s Ambler – Casamigos mezcal, Chareau and lemon
  • First Course
    • Scallop Ceviche – grapefruit, lime, blood orange juice and habanero syrup 
    • Featured Cocktail – Pineapple Express
      • Casamigo Blanco, Casamigo Anejo, Ancho Reyes, citrus, serrano and bitters
  • Second Course
    • Grilled octopus – grilled octopus, frisee lettuce, roasted pears, toasted almonds, watermelon radish and roasted pear vinaigrette
    • Featured Cocktail – Another Sour
      • Casamigo Reposado, citrus, egg white and Texas bitters
  • Third Course
    • Al Pastor Taco – deconstructed with blue cornmeal cake, avocado crema and pickled red onions 
    • Featured Cocktail – Call Me Kiwi
      • Casamigos Blanco, kiwi, pineapple, citrus
  • Fourth Course
    • 6oz Filet – pozole bath filet, fried red peppers, pozole broth and crispy plantains
    • Featured Cocktail – George Clooney lost in the Rio Grande
      • Casamigos Reposado, grapefruit cordial and bitters
  • Fifth Course: 
    • Salted chocolate flan with a tequila caramel
    • Featured Cocktail – Mama’s Mexican Hot Coco
      • Casamigos Anejo, caffee del fuego and orange

Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at La Cantera Resort & Spa

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony will benefit Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and will feature live jazz by Nelson Rangell, Santa, Grinch, Grinchettes, and more. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, in partnership with Chandon, sets a fresh and jubilant tone for its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Plaza San Saba to be held on Thursday, December 2 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. The Plaza San Saba is located just off the Resort’s main lobby. Santa and Grinch will light the tree at 7:15p.m. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)

Contemporary jazz musician and composer Nelson Rangell takes center stage at the event. Rangell is hailed as one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.

The Grinch wants to steal hearts, so be on guard when he takes the stage with his dancing troupe – the Grinchettes, followed by Santa for the lighting of the tree.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. To purchase tickets and for Holiday event details, visit La Cantera Resort & Spa online. Guests of the event will enjoy free light bites, festive cocktails, themed Holiday children’s activities, and photos with Santa.

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Parkway
Plaza San Saba
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, Children’s Bereavement Center devotes services and resources to the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. The Center believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Our goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.

2021-12-02T10:26:00

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Holiday Tree Lighting at La Cantera Resort & Spa

Oxtail Mash Up returns to Project Row Houses

Oxtail Mash Up will benefit the community while enriching cultural identity. Photo: Oxtail Mash Up, used with permission.

Oxtail Mash Up, Houston’s coveted culinary mash is back and this year there will be a boozy twist and big national names. On Sunday, November 14 Houston chefs and prized bartenders will come together for a ‘mash up’ of food, drink, art, and music in celebration of the culinary diversity of oxtail and the playfulness of punch. This spirited competition of both food and drink will take place in the lush garden of Project Row Houses, where resident artists will exhibit in the venerable open studios aimed at “encouraging artists to extend their practice outside of the studio into the social context.” Not only are event attendees invited to drink, dine, and dance, but also to step into each exhibit being fully encapsulated by the power of both culinary and resident art. (Oxtail Mashup, 2021)

A percentage of proceeds raised throughout the evening will benefit Project Row Houses and Texas’ Children’s Sickle Cell Anemia programs throughout Houston. Under the glow of Project Row Houses, chefs and bartenders will go head-to-head in two inventive competitions where both judges and attendees crown the evening’s winners.

The Oxtail Mash Up is a culinary competition that brings together some of the industries’ favorite chefs, bartenders, and DJs for an evening of food and drink all for charity. Founded in 2017, this spirited competition is the brainchild of Shakti Baum and partner Warren Luckett, and held in the lush garden of Project Row Houses. The event brings awareness to Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Anemia program and its effects on the African American Community.

Oxtail Mashup welcomes the local-supporting community to gather at Project Row Houses from 6p.m. – 10p.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2021 for an evening tasting event filled with luscious chef-prepared oxtail, custom-crafted punches, black-owned/black-crafted wines, Houston craft beer, and more. Project Row Houses installations will be open and DJ Melodic will be spinning for the season’ premiere evening experience.

EAT: Fourteen chefs will pull from their diverse roots as well as gastronomic inspirations in a challenge to create stellar oxtail creations. Each chef will battle it out for smack-talking rights (people’s choice wins $500) as well as a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico (judges choice).

DRINK: Five bartenders will set the mode onto ‘Island Time’ as they work with previously selected spirits and locally sourced ingredients to craft Tiki-inspired punches. Attendees will crown the best barkeep of the night while our panel of experts selects their own winner for a grand prize of $500 cash. To bring the heat, Oxtail Mashup cofounders – chef, instructor, and event creator Shakti Baum and Black Restaurant Week Founder Warren Luckett – have invited Houston food and drink stars to battle against nationally recognized names. With each chef and bar star a master of their craft and leaders within the industry.

2021 OXTAIL MASHUP CHEFS
● Andre Burns – Burns BBQ (Houston, TX)
● Andremica Braggs – One Feisty Chef (Houston, TX)
● Curtis Evans – EMI Dinner Series / Everybody Eats Philly (Philadelphia, PA)
● Don Bowie – Taste Bar / Rare HTX (Houston, TX)
● Javani King – JKO Kitchen (Houston, TX and Oxtail Mashup 2018 winner)
● Jonny Rhodes – Broham Soul Food and Grocery / Restaurant Indigo (Houston, TX)
● Mark Clayton – Squable (Houston, TX)
● Nicola Blaque – The Jerk Shack / Mi Roti (San Antonio, TX)
● Ossume Collins – KISS (Houston, TX)
● Rishi Singh – Hotel Derek (Houston, TX)
● Robert Butts – Twisted Soul Cookhouse + Pours (Atlanta, GA) (additional chefs to be announced in the coming weeks)

2021 OXTAIL MASH UP BARTENDERS
● Ryan Perry – Rabbit Got the Gun (Houston, TX)
● Jamal Rashad – Slush (Atlanta, GA) (additional bartenders to be announced in the coming weeks)

VIP Event tickets cost $135 and include admission and early entry into the Third Annual Oxtail Mashup event, unlimited sampling of all chef-prepared bites, complimentary cocktails + Hot Toddy Bar (must be 21 or over to consume alcoholic beverages), entry into all Project Row Houses installations, and one parking pass.

General Admission event tickets cost $75 and include admission into the Third Annual Oxtail Mashup event, one sample of each chef-prepared bite, five cocktail tickets + Hot Toddy Bar (must be 21 or over to consume alcoholic beverages, and entry into all Project Row Houses installations).

Project Row Houses is a community platform that enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape. We engage neighbors, artists, and enterprises in collective creative action to help materialize sustainable opportunities in marginalized communities.

Chefs Steve McHugh and Todd Pulsinelli celebrate Oktoberfest at Cured

This Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner will raise funds for San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. Photo: google

On Sunday, September 19, Cured will be hosting an Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner to celebrate San Antonio’s unique German heritage. Multi-James Beard Award-nominee Chef Steve McHugh has created an extraordinary five-course dinner in collaboration with Chef Todd Pulsinelli, the acclaimed chef of chic New Orleans hotel The Chloe. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

The intimate dinner is on track to sell out as a key fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Alliance’s (SAFWA) Culinary Grant Program in South Texas. Tickets include a five-course dinner paired with Lone Star Beer and German and Austrian wines selected by acclaimed sommelier and board member Paula Rester-Salinas. Additionally, Rester-Salinas has crafted a refreshing welcome cocktail with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Nikolaihof Elderflower Syrup, muddled blackberries, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and Mountain Valley Sparkling Water.

The culinary powerhouse team of McHugh and Pulsinelli will present a fresh take on German classics while sharing their inspiration and culinary philosophy with guests.

The menu includes:
● First Course of Presskopf of Local Pork with Gribiche Vinaigrette and Arugula Paired with Lone Star Das Bier Y’all
● Second Course of Blackened and Pickled Beet Salad with Smoked Trout Croutons and Horseradish Cream Paired with Selbach Incline Dry Riesling (Germany)
● Third Course of Quail Schnitzel with Fennel Choucroute, Sweet Potato Mustard, and Blackberry Jam Paired with Berger Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
● Fourth Course of Slow-Cooked Wild Boar Sauerbraten with Schupfnudeln
● Red Cabbage and Jus Natural Paired with Schloss Gobelsburg Zweigelt (Austria)
● Dessert Course of German Bee Sting Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling and Honey Almond Topping Provided with Coffee Service

The Oktoberfest dinner at Cured launches the Wine & Dine series in San Antonio. In the unique dinner format, attendees get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to understand each chef’s inspiration and culinary philosophy with specially designed menus expertly paired with top-tier wines and spirits. Previous Wine & Dine dinners have featured culinary legends Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, and more.

The exclusive dinner kicks off with a cocktail hour at 5:30p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30p.m. A limited number of tickets are available now via the SAFWA website for $225.

In addition to hosting the Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner, the Alliance will greet guests at the Pearl Farmers Market from 9a.m. – 1p.m. on Saturday, September 18. Guests who stop by the booth can register to win an artisan gift basket overflowing with local goodies from Alamo Gristmill & Spice, Byccombe Natural Solutions, Gourmet Texas Pasta, Pearl Goods, Swift River Pecans, Tio Pelon’s Salsita, Wildflower Caramels, and more.

All funds raised will benefit the host city’s culinary communities through SAFWA’s programming, including the Culinary Arts Career Conference for high school students and a unique grant program supporting culinary innovation and community giveback. As a continuation of its dynamic decade of success in supporting and cultivating Austin’s culinary businesses and nonprofits, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) expanded statewide in September 2020 to replicate its mission in Texas’ major cities, a move that will support pandemic recovery over the next several years. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance is the umbrella organization overseeing the AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.

SAFWA enjoys tremendous community support with H-E-B as a presenting sponsor and key supporters of Barton Springs Mill, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Pabst Brewing, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Sysco, Tender Belly, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Vital Farms.

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.