Category: Food News

Celebrate National Watermelon Day 2021

Grilled Watermelon Margarita featuring Twang. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

The middle of summer is the perfect time for National Watermelon Day this Tuesday August 3. Since watermelon is 92% water, it makes for a refreshing summertime treat that can be enjoyed at picnics and family get-togethers. Here are some ways to celebrate summer’s tasty fruit, whether locally or from afar. (Twang, Lone Star, EVO Entertainment, Taco Cabana, 2021)

Grilled Watermelon Margarita featuring Twang
If you are keeping your distance at home, or just feel like doing something a little extra when it comes to your next Margarita, check out this Grilled Watermelon Margarita by Aaron Pena, owner/bartender at The Squeezebox in San Antonio, TX featuring Twang.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup fresh grilled Watermelon
• 1 ounce fresh squeezed Lime Juice
• ¾ ounce Agave syrup – adjust to your taste
• 2 ounces Blanco Tequila
• 1 cup of Ice
Instructions:
• Add all ingredients to blender on high speed
• Rim glass with Twang-A-Rita Sunrise spice or your favorite Twang salt.
• Pour into your rimmed glassware and enjoy.

Lone Star Watermelon Agave Seltzer
As August rolls around and temperatures rise, lounging by the pool, lake, river or beach becomes a necessity. Lone Star’s recently launched Agave Hard Seltzers are the perfect treat to take on the go. The 5% ABV seltzer is made with a high quality sucrose base and enhanced with blue agave nectar, which only adds to the subtle sweetness of the watermelon flavor throughout. The Agave Watermelon Seltzer can be found at select locations including Walmart, Albertsons, Quick Trip, Circle K and HEB in 12 oz. slim cans. Seltzer enthusiasts can also find a retailer nearest to them using Lone Star’s seltzer finder tool.

EVO Entertainment
Kick back in one of EVO’s luxury recliners with a refreshing Watermelon Margarita from the bar. Made with Patrón Barrel Select, Triple Sec, agave, fresh watermelon and lime juice, this margarita is the fruity and refreshing beverage perfect for escaping the Texas summer heat. Pair it with one of the delicious dishes from EVO’s scratch kitchen and a blockbuster movie or round of bowling.

Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana is home to the $2 margarita, and for a limited time guests can relax and refresh with a Watermelon margarita for just $2. Guests have the option to add chamoy for no additional cost, and what is a margarita without chips and queso or some chicken flautas? With online ordering, drive-throughs and on site dining available, Taco Cabana is the ultimate stop for a Watermelon Margarita.

 

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National Watermelon Day

Whataburger’s latest limited-time summer menu

Whataburger’s Pico De Gallo Burger is back. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Back by popular demand, the Whataburger Pico De Gallo Burger is back, and the brand is serving up more Southwest flavor than ever before with all-new Whataburger Pico de Gallo Chicken Sandwiches. Plus, shaking things up, literally, with the new Whataburger Peaches & Cream Shake. (Whataburger, 2021)

Celebrating the rich culture of pico de gallo, the Whataburger Pico de Gallo Burger and Pico de Gallo Chicken Sandwiches feature ingredients like pepper jack cheese, crisp pico de gallo, and a Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce, which create a unique pop of bright flavors with the perfect kick. Nothing says sweet summertime like the new limited-time Whataburger Peaches & Cream Shake, which boasts a perfectly blended flavor of peach and vanilla with just the right level of sweetness. All items are available now for a limited time, and prices vary by market.

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.” Whataburger now has over 800 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.

Celebrate summer at Taco Cabana with NachoMania

Taco Cabana launces NachoMania for summer 2021. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching Wednesday, June 2, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to kick off their summer with NachoMania. Featuring four new varieties of TC nachos, $4.59 each for a limited time at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

NachoMania offerings include:

• Tex Mex Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, queso, and jalapeno slices
• Supreme Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, queso, tomatoes, and sour cream
• Mexican Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, chorizo, refried beans, queso, jalapeno slices, sour cream, and pico de gallo
• Beyond Meat Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, Beyond Meat, black beans, queso, sour cream, and pico de gallo

Summer would not be summer without an array of Taco Cabana’s signature $2 margaritas. Eight flavors just $2 all day, every day including: Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon and Dragonfruit; the Pickle margarita will also remain available for a limited time. Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.

All menu items, including $2 margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, 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, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Twang celebrates 35 years in business

Twang celebrates 35 years in business with the addition of two new Michelada flavors: Spicy and Pickle. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd. is excited to announce the launch of two new flavors of its Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix. The new flavors include spicy and pickle flavored mixes. The two additions come on the tails of the brand’s success with the launch of its original Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail mix in 2019. The two new flavors, as well as the original mix, are now available for purchase on Twang’s website or at SPECS locations across Texas. 

The michelada mix formula is 85% juice-based and uses all natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice, and no preservatives or corn syrup. The Spicy Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix includes notes of serrano peppers and extra hot sauce to give it an additional kick, while the Pickle Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix is made with real dill and cucumber to give it an authentic pickle flavor. Both new flavors are available in 16oz. bottles and retail for $5.00 plus tax and the price of shipping on Twang’s website. 

“We are really proud of the response we received from our original michelada mix, and we’re looking forward to getting the new flavors out there for everyone to enjoy. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 35 years in business other than to keep expanding and sharing the recipes our family loves.” – Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer for Twang.

Twang’s line of michelada mixes are high-quality, tomato-based blends used to quickly and conveniently create the perfect michelada, the popular beer cocktail that is native to Mexico, popular in Texas, and quickly gaining notoriety throughout the United States. The prepared mix works best with Mexican beers and domestic lagers and is commonly referred to as a milder version of its American cousin, the Bloody Mary.

Twang is a family owned and operated business based in San Antonio, Texas. In 1986, Twang Founder and CEO Roger Treviño, Sr., left his career in law enforcement to embark into the food industry, starting the business out of his garage with his children. This April, the business celebrated 35 years of sharing the family’s culture through food and beverage spices, salts and mixes. The launch of the original michelada mix in 2019 was the company’s first venture into liquid products and the company plans to continue expanding its product offerings. Today, daughter Elysia serves as the CEO, son Patrick is acting Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, and youngest son Jacob is a Key Account Executive.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mixes and Cafe Zuca. Find Twang products in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Mother’s Day deals at Pluckers Wing Bar

Pluckers Club and Pluckers Club Lite Members are eligible for a free meal for mom on Mother’s Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Pluckers Wing Bar invites all moms to join them for a special dine-in treat on Sunday, May 9. Pluckers will be offering a free meal (up to a $19 value) to moms that are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members themselves or come with a guest that has a membership. This special will be available for dine-in only. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Known for their perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for watching sports, the iconic Pluckers menu includes fan favorites, such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Additionally, Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.

 

New ‘Hot Chick’ sandwich at The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine Dive

The “Hot Chick” sandwich is available now at The Tasting Room and all Max’s Wine Dive locations. Photo: Lasco Enterprises, used with permission.

The “Hot Chick” sandwich is bringing the heat to The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine Dive. This new rendition of Nashville’s hot chicken was created by Corporate Executive Chef of Lasco Enterprises, Beto Gutierrez. The “Hot Chick” sandwich is made with a spicy and crispy fried chicken breast, handcrafted kale slaw, house pickles, and topped off with a brioche bun smeared with lemon aioli and a side of fries. Chef’s newest creation is now available at all Max’s Wine Dive locations and The Tasting Room in City Centre for only $13. Make it your own by adding bacon for $3 more and cheese for $2 more. (Max’s Wine Dive, 2021)

The Hot Chick sandwich was first formally introduced to the public on Houston Community College TV’s “Up to The Minute” segment on their Facebook live stream. During the interview, Chef Beto Gutierrez chatted about his experience being corporate executive chef of Lasco Enterprises and the ideation and crafting of this newest addition to the menu. Gutierrez also mentioned how the sandwich is made with bread from a local bakery because Lasco loves to “support local vendors as much as possible.”

Available now at The Tasting Room and all Max’s Wine Dive locations:

The Tasting Room | 818 Town and Country Blvd Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024
Max’s Wine Dive—Montrose | 214 Fairview St. Ste. 2, Houston, TX 77006
Max’s Wine Dive—Washington | 4720 Washington Ave Ste b, Houston, TX 77007
Max’s Wine Dive— San Antonio | 340 E Basse Rd. Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78209

Lasco Enterprises, LLC was established by Jerry and Laura Lasco in Houston in 2003. Since its beginning, Lasco has expanded to several major cities across Texas. Lasco Enterprises is home to The Tasting Room, MAX’s Wine Dive, Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden, Black Door Wine Club, Fly By Taco Co, TTR Supper Club, and Lasco Services.

MargaritaPalooza returns to Taco Cabana

MargaritaPalooza returns to Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

The wait is over for Texas margarita lovers as MargaritaPalooza returns to Taco Cabana. A dozen margaritas will be available at TC, including nine all-new flavors and three TC classics. All margaritas are available for just $2 all day, every day, at participating restaurants in Texas. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Nine new limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:

  • Pineapple Jalapeno 
  • Dragonfruit 
  • Pickle
  • Violet
  • Orange
  • Pistachio 
  • Orange Cream
  • Chili Lime Cucumber
  • Pineapple Banana

Three TC MargaritaPalooza classics include:*

  • Lime
  • Strawberry 
  • Mango

*Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. 

Taco Cabana continues to sell Lime, Strawberry and Mango margaritas by the gallon to-go for $34.99. The new frozen Bacardi Orange Cream launches this week as well, featuring a refreshing blend of Bacardi Rum, orange, hints of vanilla, and whipping cream for $3. 

TC fans can also enjoy three new street tacos: Carne Asada topped with chopped cilantro and diced onion; Pork Adobado topped with chopped cilantro and pickled red onions; Pollo Adobado topped with cilantro lime ranch and cotija cheese. New street tacos are available in a three-pack for $4.99.  

A new chicken milanesa torta and a TC favorite dessert, peach empanadas, also join the TC menu. The chicken milanesa torta features a breaded chicken breast on telera bread with refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro lime ranch. The peach empanadas return to the menu with a two-pack for just $2.99.

All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase. 

“Taco Cabana remains the go-to destination in Texas for great-tasting, uniquely-flavored margaritas at a fantastic value. We invite everyone to TC to find their favorite!” – Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO, Rich Stockinger.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, 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, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

La Panadería Debuts Third Location at La Cantera Heights on Friday April 2

José and David Cáceres of La Panadería will be opening a third location at the new La Cantera Heights. Photo: Giant Noise for La Panadería, used with permission.

La Panadería is thrilled to announce the official opening date for their highly-anticipated third location at the new La Cantera Heights retail development. Located at 17030 La Cantera Parkway (Building 300), La Panadería’s latest location will open Friday, April 2 from 7a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing their artisanal baked goods to San Antonio’s Northwest side for the first time. (La Panadería, 2021)

The 4,200 square foot indoor/outdoor restaurant will feature signature favorites like the Chicken Milanesa Torta and La Panadería’s beloved pan dulce, including Chef David Cáceres’ new Croissant Trilogy, featuring the Tequila Almond Croissant, Tres Leches Croissant, and their new “Elvis” Croissant — made with peanut butter whipped cream, banana, and bacon. These three products have been meticulously curated and created by Chef David, La Panadería’s head baker, to reflect the best of French, Mexican and American baking traditions.

La Panadería’s La Cantera Heights location will offer breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner options and will also include an extended bar program. Highlights of the extended beverage menu include “Besos” (house blend margaritas, frozen margarita, and Frosé), boozy coffee specialties such as the Carajillo (Espresso + Liquor 43), the Frida Kahlo (Espresso + Kahlua), the Paolo Rossi (Espresso + Grand Marnier), select wines from Texas, California and France, and brunch cocktail and mimosa kits.

Starting Friday, April 2, La Panadería will operate from 7a.m. to 3p.m. throughout the weekend and will transition to full operational hours (7a.m. to 8p.m.) daily starting Monday, April 5. La Panadería will continue to practice COVID-safe protocols, requiring all guests and staff to wear masks when not actively eating or drinking at their tables and implementing extensive cleaning procedures.

Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that has since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times of the global coronavirus pandemic. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making 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. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.

“2020 was one of the most challenging years for everyone, especially for the restaurant industry, and we are still in uncharted territory in 2021. However, we believe in our beloved San Antonio, its resilient economy and the support of our local community. Our La Panadería family looks forward to welcoming new and returning guests to our La Cantera Heights location!” – co-founder of La Panadería Jose Cáceres

Whataburger’s Buffalo Ranch Chicken lineup

Whataburger’s Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger is bringing back the fan-favorite Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and upping its salad game with a new Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad and a fresh take on the classic Cobb Salad. (Whataburger, 2021)

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich delivers a perfectly spicy taste you cannot get anywhere else. It is layered with three crispy, all-white meat Whatachick’n Strips, two slices of Monterey Jack, zesty Buttermilk Ranch, and Whataburger’s one-of-a-kind Buffalo Sauce on a five-inch bun. 

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad offers the balanced spice of the sandwich in a fresh salad topped with blue cheese. It is built on a bed of Red Roma lettuce blend and includes shredded carrots, three crispy bacon strips cut into pieces, grape tomatoes, Whataburger’s one-of-a-kind Buffalo Sauce drizzle, and blue cheese crumbles, with a side of Buttermilk Ranch Dressing. It comes with your choice of a diced Grilled Chicken, Whatachick’n or Spicy Chicken filet.

Whataburger’s new Cobb Salad comes with your choice of a warm, diced Grilled Chicken, Whatachick’n or Spicy Chicken filet, on a bed of Red Roma lettuce blend topped with shredded carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, three crispy bacon strips cut into pieces, grape tomatoes, and a sliced hard-boiled egg.

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad are available now for a limited time. The Cobb Salad is new to the menu. Customers can still order any salad made to order, just like they like it. Prices vary by market.

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.” Whataburger now has over 800 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day 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.

Celebrate National Sourdough Bread Day and National Empanada Day in April with La Panadería

La Panadería’s delicious empanadas are available for statewide shipping. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

The month of April is filled with several delicious national food days that you can spend celebrating at La Panadería. Founded by brothers David and Jose Cáceres in 2014 and known for their wonderful pan dulce, fresh breads and other delectable menu items, their bakeries have become a staple for San Antonians and visitors to the Alamo City. (La Panadería, 2021)

Kick off April with National Sourdough Bread Day on April 1 with La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking. The technique includes a 48-hour fermentation process and a double baking technique that results in artisan baked goods unlike any other. Loaves of La Panaderia’s delicious sourdough can be purchased in store, and Chef David even shared a tutorial for bread lovers to bake at home.

Shortly after comes National Empanada Day on April 8. La Panadería’s signature empanadas have layers of flaky pastry on the outside, fruit-filled insides, and an exterior dusted with sugar that is guaranteed to sweeten anyone’s day. The delicious empanadas are available in-store or can be shared with friends or family that live across Texas through La Panadería’s statewide shipping option. 

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-cafe La Panadería in 2014 to share their Mexican heritage and love for baking with the people of their adopted hometown of San Antonio, Texas. The Cáceres’ passion for baking began when they were young boys selling loaves of their mother, Doña Josefina’s fresh baked bread on the streets of Mexico City. Eventually José and David took over their mother’s homegrown business and started baking on a large scale, supplying bread and pan dulce for businesses throughout Mexico. After finding financial success in Mexico, the brothers realized they wanted to get back to the basics, and they decided to bring their passion for bread cultura to Texas.