Category: Food and Drink events

Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Texas Independence

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Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Texas Independence with style. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, recently announced its plans to celebrate Texas Independence Day in three big ways: The Bourbon Takeover of Texas – a five-day culinary event leading up to March 2, Texas Independence Day; The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl – a statewide bartender contest; and Liberations & Libations – an authentically Texan day party at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2019)

The Bourbon Takeover of Texas consists of five days of more than 50 distinguished bars and restaurants across the state featuring culinary and mixological specials that include Garrison Brothers’ Small Batch Bourbon. These limited-time offerings will be available at select establishments in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio from Sunday, February 24 through Saturday, March 2. The Garrison Brothers team will visit every participating location to taste, critique, examine and enjoy each cocktail, considering its potential for advancement to the second round of The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl, a statewide, high-stakes bartender competition with a $10,000 cash prize. The $10,000 cash prize will be paid out by Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501(c)3 public charity founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018.

Liberations & Libations will be a more localized celebration of Texas Independence. Taking place in the heart of downtown Austin at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, the day party is scheduled to take place from 7:30a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Texas-born businesses will showcase their hand-crafted products while Texas chefs and beverage-makers serve bourbon-infused brunch bites in the spacious ballroom. Tasting wristbands will be available for $25 and will include eight food and drink tickets. The party will take a brief recess from noon until 3p.m. and will kick off again with a happy hour from 3p.m. to 6p.m. Afternoon attractions include passed bourbon-infused bites by Chef Bryan Gibson, a roaming “redneck mariachi” duo and a silent auction benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. A live auction will also be held at 5p.m. for an entire barrel of the award-winning Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon.

“Texas Independence Day…. also commemorates the day we released our very first batch of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon back in 2010. In keeping with tradition, we’ve released the current year’s vintage on this holiday every year since. This year we’re going all out, and we hope you celebrate with us at one of our three major events throughout Texas. Salud.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery

San Antonio Burger Week starts tomorrow

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San Antonio Burger Week starts Friday February 22. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio Burger Week starts tomorrow Friday February 22 and runs until Sunday March 2 and will feature $5 burgers from San Antonio’s most delicious restaurants. From gourmet blends to off-menu specialties, this event pays tribute to the great American burger. Benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank, the idea is to get people to embrace the food and culture of San Antonio while getting them out to eat, drink and try new places. There will also be a Burger Passport that participants can get stamped at participating restaurants. Those who collect at least four stamps can be eligible for a special grand prize drawing. (San Antonio Burger Week)

Two of San Antonio favorites are participating:

COVER 3 in San Antonio has a brand new, specially designed burger, the French Onion Truffle Burger. It is made with a 1/2 lb Angus beef patty and topped with caramelized onions, roasted garlic and herb truffle aioli, gruyere cheese and crispy onions on a brioche bun. The burger costs just $5 and customers can also purchase a discounted Budweiser for $3 along with the purchase of COVER 3’s French Onion Truffle Burger. A portion of proceeds from each French Onion Truffle Burger sold at COVER 3 will go on to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. This burger is only available during San Antonio Burger week, so interested patrons are encouraged to act fast and try this delicious burger before it is gone. (COVER 3, 2019)

COVER 3
1806 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700

Shake Shack will be featuring their signature ShackMeister Burger for $5. The ShackMeister Burger includes a cheeseburger with fried ShackMeister shallots and topped with ShackSauce on a toasted Martin’s Potato Bun. (Shake Shack, 2019)

Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770

COVER 3 participating in Culinaria Restaurant Week

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COVER 3 will be participating in this year’s Restaurant Weeks. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission. 

COVER 3 in San Antonio will be participating in Culinaria’s annual San Antonio Restaurant Week, which begins on Monday January 21 and will run through Saturday February 2, with a specially designed menu for the week. (COVER 3, 2019)

COVER 3 invites patrons to celebrate San Antonio Restaurant Week with their specially curated lunch and dinner menus. Guests can enjoy select lunch offerings like the Culinaria Salad featuring mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes, feta and oregano vinaigrette; the French Onion Truffle Burger, made with a half-pound Angus beef patty, with caramelized onions, roasted garlic and herb truffle aioli, gruyere cheese and crispy onions served on a brioche bun; and COVER 3’s Hot Chicken Sandwich, a hot honey glazed crispy chicken breast and signature slaw on a ciabatta bun. Dinner offerings include a delicious Braised Beef Short Rib made with a red wine demi-glace and served with a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes and carrots; Texas Carbonara made of fettuccini noodles, pancetta and shallots in a spinach and parmesan cream sauce and topped with a soft-boiled egg; and the Mediterranean Grilled Salmon, served with vegetable couscous, roasted red peppers and olive vinaigrette.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is back with more eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well San Antonio hot spots. Participating restaurants in the Tri-County area will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $15 lunch and $35/$45 dinner. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers.

The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Weeks menus can be found online. While reservations are not required, they are encouraged, as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed. Culinaria is continually expanding. Additional participating restaurants are added weekly, as well as new events throughout the year.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks celebrates ten years

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Culinaria Restaurant Weeks celebrates ten years of culinary events. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission. 

Culinaria celebrates the best of food through events featuring gourmet creations paired with elegant wines for extravagant tastings prepared by San Antonio’s best chefs, guest chefs and global and local wineries. Culinaria was created to highlight San Antonio’s passion for food and to spotlight the city as a premiere food and wine destination. In the beginning, it was just a weekend of food and wine on the Riverwalk. Now it has expanded to include events as diverse a food competition and a barbeque extravaganza. (Culinaria, 2018)

Entering its 10th year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, January 21 through February 2, is back with more eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well San Antonio hot spots. Participating restaurants in the Tri-County area will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $15 lunch and $35/$45 dinner. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant that has been top of mind or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers.

The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Weeks menus can be found online. While reservations are not required, they are encouraged, as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed. Culinaria is continually expanding. Additional participating restaurants are added weekly, as well as new events throughout the year.

As a non-profit organization, Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.

Accolades:
Most Popular Food and Wine Festival – Vanity Fair, 2011
Top 10 American Food Festivals – The Telegraph 2016
Best Food & Wine Event in Texas – Essence 2017
Best Food and Wine Festival to Visit – Readers Digest, 2018

“San Antonio is a mecca for great dining and Restaurant Weeks presents a fabulous opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover new dining hot spots. It also generates excitement for the diverse culinary scene and the variety of food options that define San Antonio and neighboring cities” Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria.

Christmas specials in San Antonio

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Bakery Lorraine has gingerbread macarons available. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission. 

Area restaurants and bars are having Christmas specials to make the season merrier. More details are available online. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar, Bakery Lorraine, Krause’s Café, Supper at Hotel Emma, Esquire Tavern, 2018)

MEADOW NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY + BAR
This Sunday December 23 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. is the final Santa Brunch. It will feature holiday cocktails including hot toddies, bourbon eggnog, peppermint Irish coffee and cranberry mimosas that pair perfectly with brunch staples at Meadow. Parents can enjoy brunch while the kids enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus for pictures. There will also be sugar cookies for the kids to decorate while they wait. All images will be sent by email and can be used for holiday cards, printing and more. Images with Santa are free with a brunch reservation.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar will host a pre-fixe Christmas Eve Dinner on Monday, December 24 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Reservations will be required for Christmas Eve Dinner with pricing at $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will have several options that include Fried Chicken with braised greens, chow chow and hot sauce honey, Striped Bass with hoppin’ John, grilled bok choy and radish, Eight Layer Chocolate Cake with candied orange and Montenegro and more. There will also be a children’s menu available.

Meadow will have a full Christmas meal available for order. The meal feeds 10 people for $135 and includes a honey baked ham dinner, roasted Brussel sprouts with dried cherries and pecans, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, Texas mushroom gratin and Bread Box dinner rolls. Orders can be placed now until Thursday, December 20. Pick up will be Monday, December 24. Meadow will be closed on Christmas Day.

BAKERY LORRAINE
Will have pies, Buche de Noels and limited-edition holiday-themed macaron boxes available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Inside the Buche de Noels are a vanilla mousse, cherry compote and a chocolate sponge soaked with kirsch syrup. This is by special order only for $45 and are now available for pickup. The pies will be $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Thursday, December 20. Pick up day will be Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Bakery Lorraine will also have newly released, house-made jams that make excellent stocking stuffers. They are priced at $6 each and flavors include Raspberry Hibiscus and Spiced Mango and Guava.

KRAUSE’S CAFE
Jolly ‘Krause Klaus’ will visit Krause’s Café throughout the month of December and prices for getting a picture taken with Santa are $10 and $5 for reprints. Bring the family and enjoy a German platter while getting Christmas photos done. Families can enjoy a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist, groups can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85). Krause’s Café also recently launched hot winter drinks for adults including a Hot Toddy, German Glühwein (mulled wine), Salted Caramel and Cream, Spiked Hot Chocolate and more. Homemade hot chocolate for the children is now available too.

SUPPER AT HOTEL EMMA
Will host a Christmas Eve dinner featuring a whole bronzino special, available from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Chef John Brand has curated an exclusive menu that highlights the silver-skinned, European fish. Holiday inspired sides will accompany the Bronzino, creating a unique Christmas Eve dish.

ESQUIRE TAVERN/DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio based upon a recipe which dates to the 1700s. It was common to prepare Egg Nog well in advance of consumption of holiday libations and this year’s Egg Nog was made in November. Esquire’s Egg Nog will have rested for a little over a month developing complexity before guests can get their hands on it, beginning on December 18 while supplies last and available at both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar and eggs and it is spiced with cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.

Esquire Tavern’s cocktail menu features other festive cocktail choices like a traditional Hot Toddy. A staple for cold weather and the holidays, Esquire’s Hot Toddy is $9; cozy up with the spirit of choice: apple brandy, bourbon whiskey, or esquire rum blend no. 9 with honey, lemon, allspice; served warm.

Benefit for the Brave at Krause’s Café

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Krause’s Café will host a fundraiser on Sunday to benefit area veterans and their families. Photo:Krause’s Café, used with permission. 

This Sunday November 11, Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten will honor Ben H. Dorcy III and local veterans by hosting ‘Benefit for the Brave.’ The evening will be filled with live musical performances, including Cody Canada, Kevin Galloway and more and will run from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Family and friends can enjoy a Sunday evening filled with German food, music and family fun. Tickets start at $25 and are available online. All proceeds will benefit the New Braunfels Area Community Fund and Canada/Kelly Veteran’s Fund which supports and aids Comal County veterans and their family members in need. (Krause’s Café and Biergarten, 2018)

During the event, active military and vets with ID can take advantage of $15 tickets at the door and half off food.

Krause’s Café is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.

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

Election Day specials at Shake Shack

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On Tuesday November 6, Shake Shack locations will have specials for voters who present their “I Voted” sticker. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission. 

Tomorrow, November 6 is Election Day and all Shake Shack locations will be offering a special deal. Voters who show a Shake Shack Team Member their “I Voted” sticker will score free fries with any purchase. This freebie will also be redeemable via the Shake Shack App with the code “ivoted” and voters will need to show their sticker when they pick up their order. (Shake Shack, 2018)

Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. It is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs, 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal.

Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770

Happy Hour at Southerleigh Oyster Bar

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Southerleigh Oyster Bar will now have Happy Hour every afternoon with food and drink specials. Photo: Southerleigh, used with permission. 

Starting Thursday, October 25th, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery will host happy hour at the recently opened oyster bar. Happy hour will take place in the afternoon Monday through Sunday from 3p.m. to 5p.m. with specials on food and drink. Featured items on the menu include $1 pressure fried wings and 75 cent fried biscuits. Dipping sauces are only 25 cents each with flavor options like Crystal Mayo, Black Garlic Ranch, Sweet & Spicy Tiger Sauce, Creole Honey Mustard, Roasted Jalapeño, Texas Sweet Onion BBQ and Texas Honey. There will also be $2 off all beer, wine, punches and mixes. This happy hour is only valid at the oyster bar and is not applicable to the restaurant. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2018)

The inviting walk-up bar opened late September and features six Southerleigh beers on tap, plus several varieties of fresh seafood, including oysters, gulf shrimp, crab, caviar and more. The oyster bar is open daily during normal restaurant hours. More information is available online.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, helmed by San Antonio Chef Jeff Balfour, brings a modern take on Texas’ cross-cultural cuisine to Pearl. Influenced by the coastal classics of Chef Balfour’s upbringing in Galveston married with the comfort of southern cuisine, Southerleigh boasts a curated, seasonally shifting menu that reflects Chef Balfour’s innovative craftsmanship. Southerleigh houses a custom manufactured brewery designed by Portland Kettle Works, bringing brewing back to Pearl with up to twenty different beers on tap.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson St., Ste 120
San Antonio, TX 78215

Burgerim celebrates grand opening in San Antonio

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Burgerim will host a grand opening on Friday to celebrate its new location in Ingram Park Mall.  Photo: Burgerim, used with permission. 

Burgerim, the new eatery serving sensibly-sized gourmet burgers, is now open in Ingram Park Mall. With a build-your-own burger concept, this rapidly growing fast-casual franchise will celebrate the grand opening this Friday October 19 from 5p.m. to 9p.m. with free burgers, giveaways and more. (Burgerim, 2018)

New to town, Burgerim serves customizable sensibly-sized burgers in uno, duo and trio packages or party box of sixteen. Boasting millions of flavor profiles and eleven different patty options, including beef, dry aged beef, wagyu, merguez, salmon, veggie, lamb, turkey, chicken, falafel and more with gourmet toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, pineapple and sunny-side up eggs.

In honor of the new location, the burger joint will host a grand opening party where the first fifty guests in line will receive a free Classic Beef Burger and entry into a raffle featuring numerous gift cards from Ingram Park Mall retail stores. The next fifty guests in line will be able to purchase a Classic Beef Burger for only $1 and will also be granted entry into the raffle. The remaining guests will enjoy 20% off their purchases for the remainder of the event.

There will also be a pet food drive to benefit the San Antonio Humane Society. Any guest who brings in a bag of pet food will receive a Classic Beef Burger for $1.

Burgerim is an international franchise that operates in over 200 locations in 16 countries and is a fast-casual restaurant that provides gourmet food with unique menu options. Burgerim is known for their gourmet sensibly-sized burgers with eleven different meat options and nine customizable toppings. Each restaurant is independently owned and managed by franchisees who continue the Burgerim legacy of high-quality service and cuisine.

Burgerim
Ingram Park Mall
6301 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238