Category: Food and Drink events

Austin Food + Wine Festival returns in November

The tenth annual festival returns November 5-7, 2021. Photo: google

Tickets are on sale now for the tenth annual Austin Food + Wine Festival taking place November 5-7, 2021. Presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine and C3 Presents, Austin Food + Wine Festival is proud to be the benefactor of the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Central Texas food and wine community through grants, educational programming and events. To date, Austin Food + Wine Festival has contributed over $1.1 million to the Alliance. (Austin Food + Wine Festival, 2021)

The tenth annual festival will feature chefs, restaurants and wine and spirits experts over three days at Auditorium Shores and the newly refurbished Republic Square Park. Festival highlights include the return of Friday night’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ hands-on, interactive dinner party hosted by chef Tim Love; fan favorite Rock Your Taco competition on Saturday night featuring several first-time competitors and James Beard Foundation Award nominees and winners; engaging cooking demonstrations + conversations; pit masters and chefs cooking over interactive Fire Pits; samples of signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; dynamic wine, beer & cocktail tastings; live music; book signings; and much more. Showcasing a dynamic roster of chefs and restaurants throughout the weekend, attendees can sample signature dishes from some of Austin’s most beloved spots. Additional programming announcements will be made over the course of the fall. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Grillin’ and Chillin’, Tim Love’s ultimate hands-on grilling dinner party hosted at Auditorium Shores, kicks off the Festival on Friday, November 5. This interactive party offers All-In ticket holders the opportunity to sharpen their skills as they join chef Love for a fun and informative evening of hands-on grilling, drinks and dinner, all underneath the Austin skyline. Grillin’ and Chillin’ attendees will share a charcoal grill with a partner and prepare their own dinner as chef Love guides them through the menu while offering tips for how to become a grilling expert. Grillin’ and Chillin’ is exclusively included with the All-In ticket and will be the only time that the hands-on grilling demonstration will be offered throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7, the festival grounds will come alive with cooking demonstrations, book signings and an interactive area where chefs and pit masters will cook over live fire pits and offer tastes to attendees throughout the weekend. The fire pits will showcase live fire cooking expertise from John Bates (InterStellar BBQ); Sonya Coté (Hillside Farmacy, Store House Market + Eatery); Lance Kirkpatrick (Stiles Switch BBQ); Tom Micklethwait & Ren Garcia (Micklethwait Craft Meats); Marco Oglesby (The Switch); and more pit masters and chefs to be announced.

Festival attendees keen on learning from the pros can listen in as a host of chefs and authors, including Dawn Burrell (Late August, Houston); Helene Henderson (Malibu Farm); Fermín Núñez (Suerte); Yoshi Okai (Otoko); and Jam Sanitchat share their tricks, tips and favorite recipes during Cooking Demos and conversations. A roster of sommeliers, wine, beer and spirits experts to be announced will help round out the Austin Food + Wine Festival line-up.

Rock Your Taco, Saturday evening’s signature tasting event, returns to a newly renovated Republic Square Park. Chefs will square off against one another to create the ultimate taco, as deemed by a People’s Choice award. Rock Your Taco competitors include: Tatsu Aikawa (Ramen Tatsu-Ya); Nicola Blaque (Mi Roti, The Jerk Shack, San Antonio); Dawn Burrell; Tyson Cole (Uchi); Diego Galicia & Rico Torres (Mixtli, San Antonio); Sarah Heard & Nathan Lemley (Foreign & Domestic); Helene Henderson; LeAnn Mueller (la Barbecue); Ryan Pera (Eight Row Flint, Houston); Jam Sanitchat; Charles Schlienger (Sway); and more chefs and restaurants to be announced.

Detailed health and entry policies will be released closer to the event. Please visit Vaccines for questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or resources to find a vaccination location.

Tickets:
All-In ($625/per person)
The All-In ticket includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access; interactive cooking demos & book signings; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; wood-fired culinary creations from the Fire Pits; tastes from Austin’s best chefs & restaurants; Friday night’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ with Tim Love; Saturday night’s signature Rock Your Taco competition; and more.

Weekender ($250/per person)
The Weekender ticket includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access; interactive cooking demos & book signings; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; wood-fired culinary creations from the Fire Pits; tastes from Austin’s best chefs & restaurants; and more.

The Austin Food + Wine Festival is generously sponsored by Toyota, HEB, Republic National Distributing Company, Angry Orchard Hard Cider and FOOD & WINE.

For more than 40 years, from classic to cutting-edge, FOOD & WINE has defined the American epicurean experience. With the confidence of undisputed global authority among consumers and the culinary trade, we inspire and empower our wine and food obsessed community to discover, create, and devour the best in food, drink, travel, and home.

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Austin Food + Wine Festival

San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s inaugural Wine and Dine dinner

Acclaimed Chef Steve McHugh welcomes special guest Chef Todd Pulsinelli to support South Texas’ culinary community. Photo: google

Texas food lovers will have the opportunity to be entertained by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs as the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) launches its celebrated Wine & Dine dinner series. James Beard Award nominee Steve McHugh will host special guest Chef Todd Pulsinelli for an Oktoberfest feast paying homage to San Antonio’s German heritage. Money raised will benefit the Alliance’s Culinary Grant Program in South Texas.  (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

“We are extremely excited and honored by the support of such an incredible Texas chef. With a lauded Louisiana chef added to the lineup, we are sure to have a memorable Wine & Dine dinner.” – Gina Burchenal, interim executive director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance.

In the unique dinner format, attendees get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to understand each chef’s inspiration and culinary philosophy through specially designed menus expertly paired with top-tier wines and spirits. Previous Wine & Dine dinners held in Austin have featured culinary legends Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, and nationally acclaimed chefs Hugh Acheson, Aaron Franklin, Matthew Jennings, Alon Shaya, and more.

The exclusive dinner will take place on Sunday, September 19 at Cured, McHugh’s acclaimed restaurant located at the historic Pearl. Five-time James Beard-nominated Chef McHugh will collaborate with Chef Pulsinelli on five delectable courses.

Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Chefs America, Pulsinelli is a fixture of New Orleans’ hospitality community, with stints at Warbucks, The American Sector at the National World War II Museum, and August. His fresh take on classic Creole cooking is currently wowing guests at buzzy boutique hotel The Chloe.

Tickets are available now at San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA)  for $225 and include wine and beer pairings by acclaimed sommelier and TFWA board member Paula Rester-Salinas. The experience will kick off with a cocktail hour at 5:30p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30p.m.

Guests can also support the Alliance from September 18-October 3, two weeks of activations celebrating German culture at the historic Pearl. Lick Honest Ice Creams, Park Bar, and Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery will offer special treats or flights with a portion of the proceeds benefiting SAFWA.

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.

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.

Hopscotch June events include live music and new installation

New cocktails at the Hopscotch Lounge: the Fiesta Frozen and the Pride Paloma. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.

Hopscotch, the new immersive art gallery in downtown San Antonio, is excited to announce a variety of programming, specials, and more for the month of June including new drinks and events for a cause. The gallery will also be opening its interactive LED ball pit for guests to enjoy later this month. See below for more information on what to expect from Hopscotch in June. (Hopscotch, 2021)

Hopscotch’s June 2021 offerings include:

New Cocktails at the Hopscotch Lounge
In celebration of Fiesta’s return to San Antonio and Pride Month, Hopscotch is introducing two new cocktails to its bar menu during the month of June. The Fiesta Frozen, Hopscotch’s take on the beloved Mangonada, will be available for guests to enjoy while they partake in the festivities, while the Pride Paloma, with a rainbow gummy bear garnish, celebrates Pride Month. Portions of the proceeds for both specialty cocktails will be donated to Pride Center San Antonio. Both cocktails retail for $12.

Hopscotch Live Sundays – Live Music on the Patio every Sunday
Guests can visit Hopscotch to hear various live music acts each weekend such as the musical stylings of Jose Amador, Denise Ramirez, Brass Tacs, and more. Visitors to Hopscotch can listen to Latin Jazz and other local favorites on the Hopscotch patio while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying food from the Backwoods BBQ & Tacos food truck and fan favorite ChipKabobs. There is no cover charge to attend. Jose will be performing at Hopscotch on the following dates:
• Sunday, June 13, 2021- Jose Amador & TERRA NOVA
• Sunday, June 20, 2021 – Brass Tacs Father’s Day Set
• Sunday, June 27th, 2021 – Denise Ramirez Pride Set

Movies by Moonlight in Travis Park – Tuesday, June 15 Pre-Movie Happy Hour at Hopscotch from 5p.m. to 9p.m. After a COVID hiatus last year, Movies by Moonlight return to Travis Park. These free family-friendly films screen every Tuesday in June and July. Downtown Tuesday parking is free in COSA facilities (parking map) and food trucks will be onsite. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.

Hopscotch is teaming up with Tito’s Handmade Vodka to provide a lively happy hour atmosphere in the Hopscotch Lounge for guests before they watch their favorite movies. Guests can be on the lookout for fun spiked and nonalcoholic drink specials, sno-cones, popcorn, live music, and more.

June:
15 – The Sandlot
22 – Onward
29 – SING (Sing Along)

July:
6 – Aquaman
13 – The Goonies
20 – Raya and the Last Dragon
27 – Moana (Sing Along)

The Future is Freedom – Thursday, June 17 at 6:30p.m.
Black Freedom Factory is hosting a Juneteenth celebration at Hopscotch that recognizes the organizations that help build avenues toward freedom. The event will feature food and drinks from Tony G’s Soul Food Restaurant and Chef Robbie Rodgers, as well as live music and more. All proceeds from the event will help fund The Texas Heat Wave Project & Corazon San Antonio.

Ball Pit Opening – Friday, June 18
Hopscotch will officially open its crowd-favorite LED ball pit starting Friday, June 18. Guests to the gallery can embrace their inner child by wading through the giant ball pit while enjoying the constantly changing colors. The ball pit is one of a few installations that were a part of the original Hopscotch popup in Austin in 2019.

Parents Rock! – Sundays in June 2021
In celebration of Father’s Day (June 20), Hopscotch is recognizing parents for all their hard work. Dads and moms can use the code PARENTSROCK at checkout to receive 20% off their ticket order for the gallery every Sunday in June. Parents can also enjoy live music from Brass Tacs, complimentary Pop Rocks candy and drink specials on June 20. The 20% off tickets offer is valid on Sundays in June of 2021 only.

Saint City Supper Club – Awkward Prom 2 – Thursday, June 24 at 7p.m.
Hopscotch is partnering with Saint City Supper Club to host Awkward Prom 2 at the gallery, which will feature dancing, drinks, and food from Chef Mark Garcia. The event is an opportunity to relive prom as an adult while benefiting the Saint City Culinary Foundation, an organization that provides support to people working in the culinary industry. Tickets to the event are $50 per person and can be purchased here.

Third Eye Awakening – Every 4th Saturday in May – August at 8:30a.m.
Guests are invited to make their way down the Hopscotch rabbit hole and unroll their mat in a consciously curated yoga and art experience designed to awaken the mind and body while inspiring the soul with the immersive masterpieces at the gallery. Inspired by the mural Conscious by local artist Los Otros, the yoga class led by Mobile Om will interweave breath, mindful movement, and meditation into a holistic experience aimed to unlock guests’ connections to their third eye consciousness, the home of their intuition and imagination. After a blissful savasana, guests can awaken their taste buds with a refreshing Rabbit Hole Rita to sip while they enjoy exclusive access to browse the Hopscotch gallery. Mobile Om Yoga will set up at Hopscotch every fourth Saturday over the summer. The yoga sessions begin at 8:30a.m. and space is limited. Guests are required to bring their own mats. Dates for Third Eye Awakening include:
• Saturday, June 26, 2021 – Pride Edition
• Saturday, July 24, 2021
• Saturday, August 28, 2021

Tickets for Third Eye Awakening are $45 and are available online. 

Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national, and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and a synergy with artists and their communities.

Peeler Farms presents ‘Music Fare’

Peeler Farms presents ‘Music Fare’ featuring Robert Ellis and Gordy Quist. Photo: google

On Saturday, June 5, Peeler Farms will present “Music Fare,” an outdoor, limited capacity live performance by singer-songwriter Robert Ellis and Band of Heathens’ Gordy Quist at Peeler Farms in Floresville, TX. Tickets are now on sale online for $100 each, which includes the live performance and a meal prepared by Peeler Farms. This performance marks the first of a three-performance series of live shows that will be presented by and at Peeler Farms this summer. (Peeler Farms, 2021)

The performance will take place at Peeler Farms, located at 3007 FM539, Floresville, TX 78114 on Saturday, June 5. Gates will open at 6p.m. and performances will begin around 7p.m. A catered meal by Peeler Farms is included in the cost of the ticket and will feature Peeler Farms Wagyu Brisket Flautas, Peeler Farms Wagyu Steak Tacos with homemade corn tortillas, chimichurri with queso fresco, Mexican potato salad, and Orobianco Water Buffalo Gelato for dessert. Alcohol will not be available for purchase onsite, but guests 21 years of age or older are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages and coolers, if desired.

Peeler Farms
3007 FM 539
Floresville, TX 78114

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio 2021 will be bigger and better with support from Tim Duncan and Spurs Give. Courtesy photo, used with permission

Now in its 3rd year, Black Restaurant Week San Antonio is set for February 21-28 with more than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and food related businesses participating. This year the proceeds will support the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

This is an early notice that Black History Month will have another anchor event in the city with Black Restaurant Week San Antonio (BRWSA) 2021. More than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and businesses will be a part of BRWSA and each will have a special that is a give-back as a part of the week. With funds from the Tim Duncan Foundation, Spurs Give, and BRWSA participants, each special will give back 21 meals to kids and seniors facing hunger. Details about this special community event will be forthcoming.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio was started in 2019 to focus support on and highlight Black owned businesses and Black professionals in the culinary field in San Antonio.  The goal is to not only bring awareness but to celebrate “Cuisine, Culture and Community” through an assortment of events and charitable giving.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Spurs Give: We are a family – a team – passionate about sports. We are passionate about what sports can do for our community – especially our youth. At the heart of it, we believe sports can provide a family with a common goal, and a hope for a better future. We are Spurs Give – the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Since our founding in 1988, we have invested $30+ million in our community. Through our players’ passions, our grants, and our impact programs, we are changing lives and leaving a lasting impact. You give. We give. Spurs Give.

Valentine’s Day offers from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine’s Flower Box for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, whether enjoying a romantic night in, a Galentine’s Day get-together, or more of a ‘treat yourself’ day, local businesses are offering ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor, socially distanced picnic, The Jerk Shack is offering heart-shaped boxes of tacos, and Twang is offering up unique cocktail recipes to make at home and more. (San Antonio Museum of Art, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, La Panaderia, The Jerk Shack, Twang, 2021)

San Antonio Museum of Art
A Heartfelt SAMA Valentine’s Day – The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering couples and Galentine’s Day pals a private escape. The exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience includes a private dining experience catered by Tre Trattoria with optional alcoholic beverages. Guests will have VIP access to an after-hours, self-guided tour through the galleries and be able to create a small artful token with their loved ones. Tickets are $155 for a 2-person party are $235 for a 4-person party, with discounts for members.

Bakery Lorraine
Dessert Boxes and Bouquet Packages – This year Bakery Lorraine is partnering with The Vintage Bouquet to create an enchanting Flower Box and a romantic Bouquet. The Flower Box includes an assortment of Parisian macarons (9 pack) that include chocolate, grapefruit, and Almond Joy flavors ($38) and is delicately decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of dreamy flowers and includes twelve macarons, including chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and grapefruit flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages. The Dessert Box comes tied with bakers twine and a heart-shaped tag. This package includes a 3 pack of lavender shortbread heart-shaped cookies, a heart-shaped Moonpie, a raspberry chocolate tart, and a raspberry rose Japonaise ($26). Customers will be able to add a 375ml bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut champagne for $24. Champagne additions are available at all locations except the Bakery Lorraine at the Medical Center.

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Preorders started on Tuesday, January 26 and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, February 10 by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14.

EVO Entertainment
“Beer My Valentine” – This year, EVO Entertainment Springtown is hosting a socially distanced, seven course Valentine’s dinner with beer pairings for each course from local San Marcos brewery, Middleton. The event will be 21+ with a maximum of 40 guests to maintain social distancing guidelines. Each ticket will be $50, and groups will be capped at 4.

Valentine’s Day Date Night Package – EVO will once again be offering the ultimate date night packages in store at Kyle, Schertz, Springtown and Belterra locations on Sunday, February 14. For $60, couples can enjoy a bottle of champagne or house wine, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. After dinner, couples can stay to catch a movie, show off their bowling skills, or explore the state-of-the-art gaming centers.

La Panaderia
Mimosa Kit for Take-Away – La Panaderia’s mimosa kits are perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. They are also perfect for Galentine’s brunches and singles. The kit comes with a bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice, and it pairs perfectly with a box of La Panaderia’s signature pan dulce.

Strawberry Heart Mousse – In addition to the traditional pan dulce classics, La Panaderia is bringing back the delectable Strawberry Heart Mousse this Valentine’s Day. The treat is made of a rich, vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux and coated with a red chocolate mirror glaze. Spread a little love and sweetness by giving a loved one La Panaderia’s Strawberry Heart Mousse.

The Jerk Shack
Heart-Shaped Box Filled with Jerk Chicken Tacos – The popular Caribbean restaurant is offering the key to anyone’s heart this Valentine’s Day – a heart-shaped box full of jerk chicken (or pork) and tortillas. The special boxes will be available for preorder prior to Valentine’s Day in person at the restaurant or online. Please note, the Jerk Shack will be closed on Sunday, February 14. The boxes include six tortillas, 16 oz. of jerk chicken or jerk pork, pineapple habanero slaw, pico and an avocado cremé sauce. The boxes feed two people and will be sold for $20.

Twang
At Home Cocktail Recipes
See below for two curated cocktails courtesy of Twang that are perfect Valentine’s libations to make at home. Recipes courtesy of Aaron Peña, owner/bartender of the Squeezebox in San Antonio.

Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
• 1 oz. green apple liqueur
• 1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Vodka
• 4 oz. cranberry juice
• Orange wedge, for garnish

Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
2. Pour the liqueur and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice
3. Top with cranberry juice and stir
4. Garnish with orange wedge

Galentine’s Day with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Directions:
1. Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
3. Garnish with lemon wedge

 

Super Bowl local take-out options and recipe

Mac & Cheese recipe from Twang – spices up the Southern comfort classic mac with hints of New Mexican peppers. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Update: 2/03/2021:

For the Big Game Weekend, Taco Cabana will also offer the new TC Big Game Box for $19.99, which makes it the perfect addition to any Big Game watch party. The TC Big Game Box includes: 2 large cheese quesadillas, 12 chicken flautas and (3) 3.5 oz. containers of queso (no substitutions).

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This year, Super Bowl parties may be smaller, but that does not mean the food has to be any less remarkable, which some would argue is the best part of the game. See below for some ideas on where to grab some grub worthy of the big game or DIY snacks courtesy of Twang that would make you the MVP of any Super Bowl watch party. (The Jerk Shack, Taco Cabana, Twang, 2021)

Game-winning meals to go:

The Jerk Shack – The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Super Bowl gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos, and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Price: Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

Taco Cabana
In conjunction with the Big Game, Taco Cabana is offering customers a variety of options to celebrate the weekend. Available February 5-7, 2021, offers include:
• 10% off Big Game Party Bundles when using code CODE426
o Bundles include the TC Taco Bar for 10, TC Nacho Bar for 10 or the TC Breakfast Taco Box for 10
• $5 Chicken Nachos
• $29.99 Gallon Margaritas
• Assorted margaritas starting at just $2

Snacks worthy of a touchdown courtesy of Twang:

ZAS Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese – In this dish creamy cheese and roasted hatch complement each other to turn a classic dish into a new favorite.

Serving Size: 14

Ingredients:
•1 lb. uncooked elbow pasta
•4 tbs. butter melted
•2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
•8 oz. can hatch chilis
•3 tbs. flour
•3 tbs. butter
•3 cup whole milk
•2 cup Sharp cheddar Cheese grated
•2 cup Mild Cheddar cheese grated
•2 cup Colby jack cheese grated
•4 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning

Instructions:
1. Set oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to box until al dente
2. In a small bowl toss together melted butter, breadcrumbs, and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning and set aside
3. In a medium saucepan melt 3 tbs. butter. Add flour and whisk until roux paste forms. Slowly add milk and whisk until slight boil begins
4. Remove milk mixture from heat and add in all three cheeses and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning. Stir until melted.
5. In large bowl pour cheese mixture over cooked drained pasta and stir until combined.
6. Spray a 9X13 cooking pan and fill with macaroni. Sprinkle panko bread crumb mixture on top.
7. Bake for 15 minutes then broil for 2-3. Serve immediately.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in January to support local eateries

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks will be a month long promotion to support local eateries. Photo: Culinaria San Antonio, used with permission.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks’ bi-annual event to promote local eateries begins January 2 and runs through January 31, 2021 and is offering three course lunch and dinner menus for both dine-in and to-go.  Due to the current situation limiting capacity to 50% for dine-in, Culinaria encourages to-go and curbside pick-up. Three course lunch menus are $20 and dinner menus are $35 and $45, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. (Culinaria, 2020) 

Guest safety and satisfaction is a priority. All participating restaurants are enforcing safety procedures and protocols when it comes to sanitizing and service. 

Reservations are required for those preferring to dine-in. For a complete list of participating restaurants and to view menu options visit Culinaria online. While there, visit the Hospitality Fund tab for information on how you can help furloughed workers and businesses on the financial brink. 

“Restaurants are continuously adapting, so keep in mind that hours are subject to change along with availability of some menu items. Restaurant teams are working hard to provide the best experience and service while working under unusual circumstances,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria. 

“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge.

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou opening December 7 at the Pearl

Raclette & Baguette at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, coming to the Pearl this month. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, a new restaurant launching at the property. The new restaurant will feature quintessential French comfort food that showcases simple, earthy, flavorful dishes from regions throughout France. Brasseries are more informal than upscale French restaurants, serving full dinner options, but also allowing for a more casual atmosphere of just wine, oysters, cheese plates, and more. “Mon Chou Chou” is a French term of endearment that roughly translates to “sweetie” or “darling.” Brasserie will exemplify a laid back and comfortable atmosphere that serves as a welcome environment for guests at Pearl. (Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, 2020)

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will be led by French born Executive Chef Laurent Réa, who formerly served as the Executive Chef at Andrew Weismann’s Signature. The new restaurant is a concept by Chef Réa and Southerleigh Hospitality Group partners Jerome Serot, Philippe Placé, and Chef Jeff Balfour. Réa, Placé and Serot all hail from France, but did not meet until they all ended up in San Antonio in 2001. Nineteen years of friendship later, they have joined forces to bring the comforts and flavors of their native France to Pearl. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will initially open for dine-in service only, with curbside/takeout and delivery coming later.  

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will open to the public on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 3p.m. Walk ups will be accepted as capacity allows so reservations are highly encouraged. Business hours: Monday – Saturday: 3p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: Closed. Mon Chou Chou is located near the entrance to Hotel Emma at 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, Suite 2104, San Antonio, TX 78215.

During the era of COVID-19, Mon Chou Chou will be taking all the necessary precautions to make sure the experience is safe for both staff and guests—including additional sanitizing, frequent hand washing, mandatory masks for guests, associates, and operators, socially-distant tables, temperature checks of employees, regular COVID-19 testing of employees, upgraded HVAC filtration system, and hand sanitizer stations throughout. 

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Southerleigh Hospitality Group is an independent fully integrated restaurant and hospitality company, owning and managing various restaurants and food concepts such as Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Southerleigh Brewery, Southerleigh Haute South and Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Southerleigh Hospitality Group is a strong group of foodies who are obsessed with connecting people with savory, comfort, flavorful food experiences. With an unwavering passion for palette tantalizing menus, the restaurants serve up decadent cuisine along with distinguished hand-crafted beers for food lovers abound. The friendly neighborhood gathering places make every visit an unforgettably fun social dining experience.

Celebrate National Taco Day at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is offering $1 tacos in celebration of National Taco Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

This weekend, in celebration of National Taco Day, Taco Cabana is offering a selection of its popular tacos for only $1. This offer is valid on Sunday, October 4, 2020 only. Guests can enjoy their choice of the classic bean and cheese, shredded chicken or ground beef tacos this weekend. $1 tacos are available in restaurant, drive-thru, via mobile order through the MyTC! App and for curbside pick-up. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining and drive-thru windows. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 146 company-owned restaurants in Texas.