COVER 3 participating in Culinaria Restaurant Week

cover3food — 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

culinaria18 — 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.

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.

National Coffee Day 2018

twangcafezuca — Celebrate National Coffee Day with new Café Zuca products from Twang. Photo: Sarah Cooper, used with permission.

National Coffee Day is a special day that is used to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of coffee growers. It is observed every year on September 29 and this year it falls on a Saturday. Coffee lovers who would rather make their own cup of joe at home, there is a new product by the makers of Twang that will also allow them shop local. The San Antonio-based company introduces Café Zuca flavored sugar toppings, premium blends designed to help create that personal experience by customizing and adding a special touch to favorite food, drinks and tasty treats at home. It is the coffee shop experience without the high prices and hassle of waiting in long lines. (Twang, 2018)

Locals can purchase Cafe Zuca at H-E-B retailers and become their own barista; flavors range from basics like caramel and chocolate to fall craze Pumpkin Spice and Latin inspired Tres Leches. Each adds a special touch to coffee whether the preference is hot or iced. Cafe Zuca can also be used to top off popularly paired java treats like cinnamon buns.

Celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day at Russo’s New York Pizzeria

russospizza — Celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day with $10 pepperoni pizzas from Russo’s New York Pizzeria. Photo: Russo’s New York Pizzeria, used with permission.

Pepperoni pizza lovers unite. On Thursday September 20, Russo’s New York Pizzeria celebrates National Pepperoni Pizza Day with a special pizza offer. The only authentic New York-style Italian restaurant and pizzeria franchise concept is offering $10 large pepperoni pizzas to celebrate the popular food holiday. Limit one per customer, dine-in and take out only, additional toppings extra. (Russo’s New York Pizzeria, 2018)

Following the family mantra “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it” Russo’s only uses the finest and freshest ingredients and authentic Italian imports like Pecorino Romano cheeses from Emilia Romagna, Italy; aged-balsamic vinegar from a centuries-old vineyard in Italy; and extra virgin olive oil from Partanna, Italy. Russo’s pizzas are baked to perfection in impressive brick ovens that deliver a perfect and flavorful crust every time.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria at The Rim
17631 La Cantera Pkwy, #102
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 561-7616

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. debuts first location in San Antonio

Last week, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. opened its first location in San Antonio along the historic River Walk. Inspired by the Paramount Pictures’ hit film “Forrest Gump,” Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. presents a down-home, family-friendly dining experience that perfectly captures the charm and American spirit that made the film a smash hit. Each location offers a taste of southern hospitality and friendly service that involves the guest with such activity as its famous “Run Forrest Run” and “Stop Forrest Stop” license plate signs. It also offers interactive movie trivia, a retail market with regionalized merchandise and the iconic ‘Box of Chocolates’ for purchase, as well as photo opportunities with the world-famous Shrimp Louie mascot. (Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., 2018)

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. remains the first and only theme restaurant chain based on a motion picture, serving patrons around the world including Bali, Cancun, Hong Kong, London and Tokyo among many others, as well as major destinations across the United States like Hollywood, California; Santa Monica Pier in California; Times Square in New York City; the Las Vegas Strip; Navy Pier in Chicago; Mall of America; Miami, Florida; and San Francisco’s Pier 39.

Known for its quality seafood, Bubba Gump offers 19 different preparations of shrimp, as well as an exciting variety of fish, steak and chicken dishes, crisp salads, fun kid’s meals, creative desserts and award-winning ribs. The menu also offers signature items that include Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Seafood Trio, Jenny’s Catch with Lobster Butter Sauce, as well as appetizer favorites like Bubba’s Far Out Dip, Shrimper’s Net Catch and Run Across America Sampler. Guests can also enjoy new menu items like the BBQ Brisket Burger or the Backyard BBQ Combo with Tender Brisket, Barbecue Ribs, Grilled Chicken and Corn on the Cob.

Located at Navarro and W Crockett Street in the heart of the River Walk, it is within walking distance to nearby hotels, shops and attractions. In addition to its southern aesthetic, the restaurant will also offer riverfront dining on its outdoor covered patio. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11a.m. to 10p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to 11p.m.

“San Antonio is a vibrant city recognized for its historic roots and eclectic culture. We are thrilled to join this thriving community and bring our entertaining atmosphere, memorable food and beverage, array of merchandise and souvenirs along with our engaging and interactive service to the River Walk.” – Jim Dufault, VP and COO of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
406 Navarro St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 224-4867

Independence Brewing Co. celebrates International Beer Day

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

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

Participating chefs and mixologists include:

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

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

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

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

Marfa: Alexandra Gates (Chef/Owner, Cochineal)

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

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

San Antonio Food Trails coming soon

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

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

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

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

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

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

To apply, visit Culinaria online and download an application.

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

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.

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

Celebrate National Lasagna Day with Buddy V

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

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

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

Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno – Courtesy of Bryan Forgione

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

Method

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

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

Method

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

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

Celebrate National Doughnut Day with Maybelle’s Donuts

Maybelle’s Donuts is one of the vendors at the Bottling Dept. Food Hall at the Pearl Brewery. This Friday June 1 is National Doughnut Day and to celebrate, Maybelle’s will feature a special Rum and Pecan doughnut, a rare flavor to honor the special occasion. Business hours for Friday are 8a.m. to 10p.m. (Maybelle’s Donuts, 2018)

Jeremy Mandrell, Anne Ng and Charlie Biedenharn, co-founders of Bakery Lorraine, have teamed up again to bring artisan donuts to Pearl. After launching the bakery in 2012, the trio wanted to create an assortment of fried dough confections, from donuts to fried pies. Anne and Jeremy, who are pastry chefs by trade, were eager to make their mark on the donut world. The name Maybelle is a memorial to Charlie’s late dog of 14 years. Maybelle was adopted on the Yavapai reservation in 2001 as a stray puppy and lived a life filled with adventure and decadent treats. When working on a name for the new donut endeavor, the trio felt it was all too fitting that this donut shop bear the namesake of a great dog and a wonderful friend.

Maybelle’s Donuts
Bottling Dept. Food Hall
312 Pearl Parkway, Building Six
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 564-9140

Zas! recipes for grilling season

mangoceviche — Mango Chili Shrimp Ceviche perfect for grilling season. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

The weather is getting warmer, which means Memorial Day and summer are right around the corner and with it, grilling season. With Latin roots and the Mexican tradition of adding citrus + salt to foods as the inspiration for many of their products, ZAS! has recipes to bring out the flavor in summer grilling. Each ZAS! blend has been designed to pair as a marinade with certain meats and veggies. The line of premium blends brings flavors from around the world to a backyard grill, with tastes reminiscent of a street vendor in Mexico City or a mango grove in India. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in San Antonio, Texas. ZAS! products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores and online. (Twang, 2018)

Mango Chili Shrimp Ceviche
All ceviche is tasty, but this version kicks it up a notch with the added tropical and spicy flavor of Mango Chili.
Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:

12 medium raw shrimp, cleaned and chopped
¼ cup of fresh lime juice
1 small mango, peeled and chopped
1 small avocado, cut into chunks
1 red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
ZAS! Mango Chili Super-Seasoning

Instructions:

Toss the shrimp in the lime juice enough to cover all the shrimp. Let sit for 12-20 minutes.
Once the shrimp is opaque, add the mango, avocado, tomato, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro. Toss to combine all ingredients. Add more lime juice and let it sit in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.
Remove and sprinkle on the ZAS! Mango Chili Super-Seasoning before eating.

Tamarind Ham Pineapple Kabobs
Serving size: 12 Kabobs
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients: 1 can of pineapple chunks (drained), 36 ham cubes, 12 skewers, ZAS! Tamarind Super – Seasoning

Directions:

Alternate Ham Cubes and Pineapple chunks on skewers
Grill 2 – 3 minutes on each side of skewer until heated through and charred.
Sprinkle on several dashes of ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning to taste.

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