The COVID-19 crisis continues to strain the donated food supply generally available to the San Antonio Food Bank. Limited donated food availability is demanding the Food Bank adapt its distribution methods to ensure equitable food access across the Food Bank’s 16-county service territory. The Food Bank is now consolidating the weekly mobile distributions it fulfills and supports during normal business operations to only a handful of “mega distribution sites” for the remainder of the COVID-19 response effort. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
These mega distribution sites are intended to get emergency food to households in immediate need. The Food Bank hopes that its network of 500+ food pantries across the region, along with the many programs and services offered by the Food Bank will continue to meet ongoing needs.
Individuals seeking immediate help can sign up online for an upcoming mega distribution at or by calling the Food Bank’s helpline during normal business hours: 210-431-8326. Pre-registration is required.
This new distribution effort also means a new opportunity for volunteers to engage in acts of service during the COVID-19 crisis. Volunteers will be asked to follow the strict safety protocols put in place by the Food Bank as a response to this crisis. Those interested in volunteering at a public distribution can sign up online and click on “volunteer sign up.”
La Gloria Grocery Market has special hours designated for medical professionals and first responders. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Starting on Thursday, March 26, La Gloria at Pearl has started offering a special time for the medical community to shop at the La Gloria Grocery Market. Due to the current limited offerings and hours at grocery stores in the later part of the day, the La Gloria Market will be extending its hours from 6p.m. to 9p.m. for medical professionals and first responders only. Customers must show a valid medical ID to enter the La Gloria Market during these hours. (Pearl, 2020)
There will also be an online ordering system and curbside pick-up starting on Monday, March 30. This service will be exclusively provided for medical and first responders. La Gloria will be requesting a valid medical ID at time of pickup.
The La Gloria Market carries essential items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, dairy products, fresh produce, bottled water and pantry items. La Gloria is also offering to-go meals, family style meals and more.
“I feel like La Gloria has long been a community dinner table of folks from all parts of San Antonio and I’m very happy that during this difficult time we can continue to serve our city through our new Grocery Market. Most importantly, we all know that medical workers and first responders are on the front line of this effort to beat COVID-19 and we want to make it convenient and easy for them to do their shopping.” – La Gloria Chef and Owner Johnny Hernandez.
Pearl Farmers Market has gone online for now. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl Farmers Market has transitioned to online ordering and curbside pickup to better serve the community given the current state of affairs and concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Pearl is dedicated to fostering community and supporting our farmers and small businesses during this difficult time while prioritizing the health and safety of visitors and vendors. (Pearl, 2020)
For this reason, the Farmers Market will be going online to ensure that customers can continue to receive the produce, meat, dairy, eggs, pantry items and specialty foods they need. Customers may go to online to select specific items and create custom orders for pickup. A $25 seasonal bag that offers a variety of produce options will also be available. All orders must be submitted by Wednesday at midnight for pickup on Friday. Curbside pickup is available from 3p.m. to 7p.m. on Fridays at Pearl Stable; 307 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215. Upon arrival, follow the signs to the curbside location and Pearl representatives will be on hand to deliver your bag to your vehicle.
“This is a trying time for people around the globe and we are doing everything we can to help people get through this. We understand that many people rely on the weekly Farmers Market and we hope this online experience will give everyone the resources they need, all while supporting our farmers.” – Nancy Fitch, Sr. Markets Manager at Pearl
Culinaria has launched ‘Restaurant Weeks To Go’ to meet the needs of the community. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
This week, Culinaria launched ‘Restaurant Weeks To Go’ in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) measures restricting gatherings. Restaurants are adapting and evolving to best fit the needs of the dining community. During this time, it is important to stimulate the economy and a community which has put San Antonio on the national map as a culinary destination, named UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, an honor shared by only two cities in the U.S. ‘Restaurant Weeks To Go’ will run indefinitely until they are assured that the COVID-19 crisis is behind us. (Culinaria, 2020)
Culinaria is also organizing a donation-based EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND to help restaurants on the financial brink, cover operating costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A complete list of participating restaurants, menus and information on the Emergency Relief Fund is available online.
“Participating restaurants have $15 lunch, $30 dinner three-course prix-fixe menus, and some are also offering family meals. 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, president and CEO, Culinaria
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.
Pecan Pie French Toast. Photo: Full Belly Cafe and Bar, used with permission.
Full Belly Cafe and Bar, a fresh new dining concept by local hospitality veterans Blade Haddock and James Moore, is now open to the public, serving a menu of hearty, seasonal American cuisine with a global spin for breakfast with lunch, weekend brunch and dinner service rolling out shortly. Following the announcement of the project last month, San Antonio’s culinary community has eagerly awaited the addition of a new, chef-forward dining destination. (Full Belly Cafe and Bar, 2020)
The restaurant has undergone extensive remodeling to achieve an eclectic, highly artistic look and feel that harkens back to the late 60s and early 70s design eras. Upon entering the space, guests will notice floor-to-ceiling custom wooden shelving along the front wall, accenting the entrance with modern, 3D geometric patterns. Hand-blown glass fixtures by Jenny Garcia of Garcia Glass, a local three generation female owned glassblowing studio, are featured throughout the space.
With a seating capacity for 80 people inside and plans to revamp a covered patio that will seat an additional 50 people outdoors, Full Belly Cafe and Bar is welcoming diners to enjoy a chef-crafted opening menu that features dishes including Pecan Pie French Toast and Eggs Benny with Espresso Rubbed Pork Belly, Red Eye Gravy and Hollandaise on House Crumpet. When lunch begins, there will be a Bulgogi style Beef Cheek Sandwich with Vinegar Slaw, Herb Salad and Golden Beet Aioli as well as a Fried Paté Sandwich and Confit Duck and Spinach Salad.
In addition to the evolving menu of seasonal American cuisine, freshly baked pastries and a specialty coffee menu are designed to make Full Belly a go-to for morning fuel. Whether dining in or grabbing to-go, on any given day patrons will find delicious goodies made by Pastry Chef Deanna Lansing including her signature “Belly Puffs”, which are a cross between a croissant and a cream puff filled with mascarpone Chantilly cream, along with other gourmet donuts, breakfast hand pies and breads from scratch.
Full Belly Cafe and Bar is now open for the following services:
Tuesday, February 11 through Saturday, February 15 – Open for breakfast from 7a.m. to 10:30a.m.
Sunday, February 16 – Closed
Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21 – Open for breakfast and lunch from 7a.m. to 3p.m.
Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 – Closed
Starting February 24, full hours will be 7a.m. to 3p.m. Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch, 5p.m. to 10p.m. Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and 8a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Late night hours and happy hour will roll out the first week of March.
Founded by veteran restaurateurs Blade Haddock and James Moore, Full Belly Cafe and Bar is a contemporary American restaurant with a global spin located in San Antonio. Embracing its motto to “Feed your Soul. Fill your Belly.” Full Belly offers a variety of hearty, seasonal dishes alongside an extensive chef influenced bar program and specialty coffee menu for a complete all-day dining experience.
Full Belly Cafe and Bar
427 N. Loop 1604 West #202
San Antonio, TX 78232
Shake Shack’s Shake Trio. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.
In honor of the New Year, Shake Shack is launching its limited edition Classic Comfort Menu which will include a trio of shakes – Cookie Butter, Malted Milk Chocolate and Frozen Hot Chocolate – as well as an old favorite with an updated, Texas spin, The ShackMeister Burger. Exclusively available at the Texas Shacks, Shiner Bock-marinated crispy shallots will top the 100% Angus beef Burger. (Shake Shack, 2020)
The trio of shakes will be available from January 7 through March 16 and the ShackMeister Burger will be available from January 7 through March 31 at all Texas Shacks.
The award winning ShackMeister Burger, which was originally created in 2014 for South Beach Food and Wine Festival, was a spin-off of Shake Shack’s take on onion rings. A classic Shackburger topped with shallots marinated in Shiner Bock (exclusive to the Texas Shacks) and fried until crispy. The ShackMeister is the perfect combo of bitter and sweet. This is the first time the original ShackMeister Burger is making its return to U.S. menus. Pro tip: Looking for more shallots? You can add them to either your fries or dog at any Shack.
Classic Comfort Menu
Cookie Butter: vanilla frozen custard and cookie butter mixed and topped with whipped cream and cookie crumbles
Malted Milk Chocolate: chocolate frozen custard and Ghirardelli sweet cocoa powder mixed and topped with whipped cream, cocoa powder and miniature marshmallows
Frozen Hot Chocolate: vanilla and chocolate frozen custard malted and topped with whipped cream and crushed milk chocolate
ShackMeister Burger: Exclusive to Texas Shacks, Shiner Bock-marinated crispy shallots and ShackSauce will be placed on a 100% Angus beef cheeseburger – no added hormones or antibiotics, ever
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. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 220 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.
Shake Shack
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 469-3732
Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770
La Panaderia’s Tequila Apple Pie Croissants. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Bakery Lorraine and La Panadería are making it easier than ever to make dessert the star of the big day with delicious pies and croissants for sale. (Bakery Lorraine, La Panadería, 2019)
Bakery Lorraine will have Thanksgiving pies available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Pies can be purchased for $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Sunday, November 24. Pick up day will be Wednesday, November 27, the day before Thanksgiving and pick up time will vary based on location. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Orders can be placed on the Bakery Lorraine website under the “store” tab. From there, customers can set their preferred pick up time and location.
Pie flavors include:
Roasted In-House Pumpkin Pie
Dutch Apple Pie
Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie
Apple Cranberry with Christmas Spice
La Panaderia is serving up their scrumptious Tequila Apple Pie Croissant this Thanksgiving. The unique pastry is made with a double baking technique and filled with caramelized apples and topped with a sweet crumble. The Tequila Apple Pie Croissant is a spin on the classic American dessert and a delicious blend of cultures.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar has a special offer for veterans this Monday November 11. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.
On Monday November 11, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is honoring all veterans with a special offer. At all Hopdoddy locations, Veterans and Active Military service will receive a free Classic Burger with Cheese with a valid Military ID or Proof of Service. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)
Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337
Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Vineyard
1301 North Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 728-3800
La Panaderia’s Pan de Muerto. Photo: Karissa Rangel, used with permission.
With an official citywide Dia de los Muertos celebration, San Antonio sees one of the biggest celebrations in the country, hosting parades and colorful events with altars, calaveras on stilts and live mariachi throughout Friday November 1 and Saturday November 2. For anyone looking for traditional treats to serve for the celebration, La Panadería is making it easy for locals to pick up their Pan de Muerto for Dia de los Muertos parties. (La Panadería, 2019)
During the holiday, La Panadería will offer party size Pan de Muerto in a special box decorated with calaveras, available for pick up before the holiday. Offering traditional Pan de Muerto is important to the business owners since it is part of the duo’s Mexican culture and reminds them of their time spent in Mexico City. What makes La Panadería’s treat stand out is their baking technique that uses plenty of high-quality European butter in comparison to other recipes that do not use butter at all. The butter aids the bread due to its long rest period of 72 hours. Earlier this year, La Panadería provided city officials with party favor sized Pan de Muerto during its official Dia de los Muertos press conference and will provide Pan de Muerto at the large festival held by Pearl.
Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, also draws influence from French, Italian and American breadmaking techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.
8305 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 375-6746
301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 592-6264
Shake Shack is celebrating National Frozen Custard Day this Thursday August 8. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.
In celebration of National Frozen Custard Day this Thursday, August 8, Shake Shack guests can use code “CUSTARDDAY” on the Shack App or online to score a free single scoop of Shake Shack’s signature vanilla or chocolate frozen custard at any U.S. Shack, excluding ballparks, stadiums + airports, with a minimum order of $5. Sign into your account, add the scoop to your cart and apply the code at checkout. (Shake Shack, 2019)
Custard, which is made from milk, cream, and egg yolks has been on the Shake Shack menu since their first location. Their founder Danny Meyer grew up in St. Louis, frequenting iconic frozen custard spots, since they were a staple in the Midwest, and knew that it needed a prime place on Shake Shack’s menu. Today Shacks serve rich and creamy custard by the scoop, in shakes and in concretes worldwide.
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. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 220 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.
Shake Shack
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 469-3732
Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770
SA Examiner 