Taco Fest at La Villita

tacofest18 — Taco Fest will take place on Saturday April 14 at La Villita. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Coming up on Saturday April 14 from 12p.m. to 11p.m., foodie and music fans will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds at Taco Fest. Taco Fest will celebrate San Antonio’s unofficial dish with tacos from over 30 restaurants, taquerias and food trucks. Every vendor will have at least one $2 taco option to give attendees a chance to sample the different taco varieties. Vendors will compete in a variety of categories from Breakfast to Puffy and there will be three music stages with national, regional and local acts. This event is for the entire family and children under 10 get in for free. VIP tickets are sold out but there are still advance General Admission tickets still available online for $20 plus fees. Advance General Admission tickets sale ends Friday April 13 after which the price will increase to $25 on the day of the event. Taco Fest will take place rain or shine. All ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued.

Tacos From:
Chisme, Pete’s Tako House, Mi Taquito Arandas Jalisco, Tapatio Vegan Tacos, Davila’s BBQ, Market on Houston, Little Woodrow’s, Taco Haven, The Culinary Institute of America, Soluna, Torchy’s Tacos, El Milagrito, Viva Villa, Sancho’s, Tomatillo’s, Tommy’s Restaurant, Don Pablo’s, Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant and Fruteria, La Casa de Barbacoa, Mr. Meximum, Chela’s Tacos and more.

Music By:
La Santa Cecilia, Brown Sabbath, Santiago Jimenez, Jr., Girl in a Coma, Money Chicha, Piñata Protest, Femina-X, Eddie & the Valiants, Los #3 Dinners and El Conjunto Nueva Ola.

El Conjunto Nueva Ola is a lucha libre masked cumbia group that has blown away audiences at rock festivals and music stages across the United States. With their unique brand of Cumbia Rock, they have performed at sold out crowds at The Honda Center in Anaheim and Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie in Dallas opening for Mexican Cumbia icons Los Angeles Azules. The group continues to build a cult following with supportive fans across the country and are set to release a new music video in May 2018 and a new studio album in the Fall. (ECNO, 2018)

ecno — El Conjunto Nueva Ola will be performing at Taco Fest on Saturday April 14. Photo: ECNO, used with permission.

La Villita Historic Arts Village
S. Presa St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Valentine’s Day recipe from Chef Steve McHugh

Chef Steve McHugh of Cured. Photo: Cured, used with permission.

Most people prefer to eat out for Valentine’s Day, but for those brave enough to cook a homemade meal for their sweetheart, recipes can be a hassle to find. Whether for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, Beef Loving Texans asked Chef Steve McHugh of Cured to share his favorite romantic meal to make at home, Hanger Steak with Chili Pequin au Poivre. (Cured, 2018)

Chili Pequin Au Poivre Sauce
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots
2 oz. bourbon
4 Tbsp. pickled chili pequin
2 cups veal stock or broth
1 Tbsp. stoneground mustard
1 Tsp ground black pepper
3 cups heavy cream
½ Tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar

Carrot & Arugula Salad
1 lb. baby carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
½ lb. arugula
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 individual grapefruits
Salt and pepper to taste

Hanger Steak
3 lbs. Hanger Steak, salt and pepper to taste

Add the olive oil to a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat and let heat for 1 minute. Add the shallots and sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the bourbon; add the chili pequins and sauté for 1 minute (be careful not to breath in the fumes from the peppers). Add the veal stock and reduce until one-third remains. Add the mustard, black pepper and heavy cream and reduce by another third. Finish with the salt and sugar.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Blanch the carrots until tender, about 1.5 minutes. Strain carrots and allow them to cool. Segment the grapefruit over a bowl to catch the juices. Keep the segments and juice separate (You should have about 4 Tbsp. of juice when complete). Mix the olive oil with the grapefruit juice to create your vinaigrette. Mix the arugula, carrots and grapefruit segments and dress with vinaigrette.

Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak to the desired temperature (I prefer medium-rare). Allow the steak to rest for 4 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak against the grain and enjoy with the salad and sauce.

Zas! Super Seasoning recipe for Super Bowl Sunday

zascucumberlarge — Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll recipe by Twang. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

With the Super Bowl coming up next weekend, there is always room for one more recipe to kick it up at the watch party. This recipe for Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll is from the fine folks at Twang. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in Texas. One of those products is ZAS!, a super seasoning line of flavor blends that enhance natural and delicious spices to everyday food. It is sure to impress party guests and football fans alike and is available for purchase online and La Fiesta Supermarkets. (Twang, 2018)

Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll
Simple ingredients, fun presentation. This appetizer is a fun and creative finger food with a punch of flavor that party guests will remember.

Serves:20 rolls
Ingredients:

1 Avocado
¼ of a cream cheese block (4 oz.)
1 clove garlic
2 tsp of Lime Juice
3 Tbsp of Pine nuts
1 Tbsp of ZAS Chili Lime (and a dash for garnish)
1 cucumber
Mandolin or Potato Peeler

Instructions:

Toss all ingredients (except cucumber) in a blender or food processor. Or if you want to be traditional do it by hand, finely mince garlic and mash ingredients together with a fork until smooth and creamy. Let mixture sit in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Use a mandolin or potato peeler to cut long thin strips from the cucumber. Be sure to leave the skin for pretty color.
Take a cucumber strip and spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture along the length of the strip. A little goes a long way so be mindful. Make sure the spread goes all the way to the end so that it sticks once rolled.
Roll it up! No toothpicks needed. Sprinkle on a dash of ZAS Chili Lime Seasoning to give it more presentation.

Japanese inspired bar Hanzo opens this week

hanzobarpic — Hanzo, a new Japanese inspired bar opens its doors in San Antonio this week. Photo: Jacqueline Fierro/Giant Noise, used with permission.

There is a new Japanese-inspired bar in the neighborhood. Opening in San Antonio on May 18 is Hanzo, a new bar concept developed by Steve Mahoney. It is inspired by the idea of an izakaya, a type of informal Japanese gastro pub, and it is set to be a casual neighborhood spot for after work happy hours, weekend and late night drinks and light bites. Business hours will be Monday through Sunday from 3p.m. to 2a.m. (Hanzo, 2017)

Hanzo’s lead bartender Nick Kenna, previously from Dorćol Distillery and Blue Box, has developed a cocktail menu that features a wide variety of Japanese ingredients such as matcha, miso and a selection of Japanese beers and sake. Cocktails include The Yuzual Suspect – yuzu sake, yuzu-ginger syrup, lime, Topo Chico, the Miso Hungry – sake/soju, miso simple syrup, lime, ponzu/angostura reduction misting, and the Matcha Matcha Man – Kinsman Rakia, gin, matcha, honey and more.

The food menu was developed by local Chef Justin Richardson of Francis Bogside and focuses on Japanese cuisine. It includes items such as lotus root chips with wasabi, edamame and avocado puree; Hamachi sashimi with ginger soy dressing and scallions; house made pork dumplings and gyoza sauce and more.

Hanzo
7701 Broadway St., Suite 124
San Antonio, TX 78209

A Night In Old Jazz Texas

flyerniojt — On April 19 and 26 Jazz, TX is hosting A Night In Old Jazz Texas. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

Fiesta time in San Antonio means days of parties and events to celebrate the city’s diverse cultures and this year Jazz, TX is getting in on the action. The Pearl’s upscale music venue announces its Fiesta celebration of A Night in Old Jazz Texas on Wednesday April 19 and Wednesday April 26 from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. This event will feature a special menu by Executive Chef Lorenzo Morales and a special performance by Mariachi Las Coronelas. This high energy all female group has performed for shows such as The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Will Ferrel’s Funny or Die Music and Comedy Show and more. Guests will be able to enjoy a Fiesta inspired menu with items such as Corn in a Cup, Chicken Tinga Quesadillas, Beef Gorditas, Duck on a Stick and Carnival Funnel Cake. Tickets are available online for $20 each. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts ranging from jazz to blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wider variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Hot Luck Festival in Austin

20161029_055829 — Hot Luck Festival, a live music and food festival, will take place in Austin from May 18 through May 21, 2017. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Hot Luck Festival is a live music and food festival that will take place in Austin from Thursday May 18 through Sunday May 21, 2017. It is a celebration of fire, food, music and camaraderie inspired by tailgates, family reunions, get togethers and potlucks and will be held at various locations in Austin. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit The SAFE Alliance, a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, agencies that serve the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation and domestic violence. Tickets are available for purchase online and range from single tickets to music and food events for $12 to $550 for “The Whole Enchilada” package. More information on specific festival events and ticket information is available online. (Hot Luck Festival, 2017)

The festivities will begin on Thursday May 18 with the Black Lips performing. Other musical acts include Black Joe Lewis, Robert Ellis, Rayland Baxter and Shonen Knife at venues such as Barracuda, Mohawk, White Horse and more. One of a kind events include on Friday May 19 when Chef Yoshi Okai of Otoko who was recently named Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chef” of 2017 will serve Japanese fare while fans enjoy the music of Japanese pop-punk band Shonen Knife. Other participating chefs include Elias Cairo, from Olympia Provisions in Portland, Jennifer Tucker from Jeffrey’s, Justin Brunson from Old Major in Denver, Ben Runkle from Salt and Time, Kristine Kittrell from Weather Up and Laura Loomis from Two Bros BBQ Market in San Antonio.

Mole & Mezcal Chef Series at Jazz, TX

jazzsign — Jazz, TX to host a Mole & Mezcal themed Chef Series with Executive Chef Lorenzo Morales on Tuesday April 18, 2017. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

On Tuesday April 18, Jazz, TX will kick off its Chef Series with Executive Chef Lorenzo Morales. Chef Morales will feature a special Mole & Mezcal inspired menu at Jazz, TX from 6p.m to 8p.m. It consists of a specialty pre-fixe menu for two including gratuity, tax, cocktail and a cover fee if guests are interested in staying for the 8:30 p.m. show of The Doc Watkins Trio. The five courses start with Duck Chilorio with tortilla and continue with Ensalada con Hierbas with Mole Amarillo Vin, Flor de Calabaza Quesadilla, Mole Rojo con Pollo and Tamale de Maize Dulce. Chef Morales will also serve bread and fried corn tortillas with salsa picante and mantequilla de champolines. The food will be paired with mezcal cocktails from the bar. This event is limited to 15 couples, or 30 guests. Tickets are available online and are $125 per person. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Dance lessons and drinks specials at Jazz, TX

jazzdance — Jazz, TX and Semeneya have partnered to offer dance lessons and drinks specials every Saturday. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Jazz, TX announces a partnership with Semeneya, San Antonio’s number one studio for Latin and Salsa dancing, to host salsa lessons and provide guests a special drink menu for them to enjoy after the lessons. These lessons are every Saturday from 1p.m. to 4p.m. and will feature a different style of salsa dancing taught by Semeneya. Following the lessons there will be a social free-style salsa dance with live music on the dance floor. Jazz, TX will have drinks specials including a Jazz, TX infused Bloody Mary, a Jazz, TX style Michelada, Fresh Fruit Mimosa, The Cha Cha made with blanco tequila, fresh lime, Mexican cola and crushed ice, an Aperol Refresher and La Isla Hernandez made with black strap rum, blanco rum, gin, Cointreau, fresh lemon, simple syrup and Mexican cola. Each session is $12 and drink specials are available for $8 to $12. Students of all levels are welcome to join the fun and learn new dancing skills. Tickets can be purchased at the door. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

The schedule for the dance sessions is:
1p.m. – Salsa 1 lesson
2p.m. – Salsa 2 lesson
3p.m. – 4 p.m. -Salsa Social with live music

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guest can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz,TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Additional Whataburger sauces at H-E-B

whataburgerketchup — H-E-B stores will now carry Whataburger’s Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounze Spicy Ketchup. Photo courtesy of Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger fans will be pleased to hear that Whataburger and H-E-B are releasing Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup at H-E-B stores. Customers will now have a new flavor and two long-time fan favorites in a new size. The new Signature Sauces include: Buffalo Sauce – The flavor of the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich lives on this sauce. It is tasty and buttery and has just the right touch of heat for home-cooked meals. 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup – Originally launched at H-E-B in 2013 in 20-ounce bottles, Whataburger’s Fancy Ketchup now comes in a larger 40-ounce size. On the Facebook fan page, fans have described the condiment as “life-changing,” “best on the planet” and “ketchup of the gods.” 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup – First introduced as a limited-time offer in 2011, Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup was added to H-E-B shelves in 20-ounce bottles and made permanently available in all restaurants in 2013. This jalapeño-infused condiment with a taste bigger than Texas is a fan favorite that combines sweet and spicy flavors. (Whataburger, 2017)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

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