Max’s Wine Dive celebrating International Waffle Day all month of March

International Waffle Day is March 25 but Max’s Wine Dive has specials all month long. Blueberry Gingersnap Waffle. Photo: Max’s Wine Dive, used with permission.

Max’s Wine Dive is going all out for International Waffle Day the entire month of March. Guests can indulge in waffles this March at Max’s Wine Dive. Corporate Executive Chef Beto Gutierrez has created two new unique waffles to be featured at all Max’s Wine Dive locations in celebration of International Waffle Day, Thursday, March 25, 2021. (Max’s Wine Dive, 2021)

The Blueberry Gingersnap Waffle is topped with bourbon caramel and vanilla ice cream and priced at $14 and is sure to satisfy that sweet tooth. For those who prefer a more savory meal, check out the Smoked Salmon Waffle. This waffle is topped with spinach, capers, pickled onions, hard-boiled egg, and creamy dill sauce elegantly priced at $16 per entrée. These specialty waffles will be available at all Max’s Wine Dive from Wednesday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 31. Hurry in and try-out of these tasty treats.

Max’s Wine Dive—Washington | 713.880.8737
4720 Washington Ave., Ste. B, Houston, TX 77007

Max’s Wine Dive—Montrose | 713.528.9200
214 Fairview St. Ste. 2, Houston, TX 77006

MAX’s Wine Dive – Quarry | 210.444.9547
340 E Basse Rd Ste 101 Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78209

Taco Cabana introduces limited-time shrimp options

Taco Cabana introduces new Shrimp Yucatan quesadilla and taco. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana is introducing Shrimp Yucatan for the Lenten season at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Enjoy Taco Cabana’s new Shrimp Yucatan in a quesadilla or a taco. The quesadilla is filled with delicious shrimp marinated in achiote sauce then grilled with pico de gallo, smothered in melted jack and cheddar cheeses and served with a side of sour cream, shredded lettuce and returning favorite, pineapple salsa. The new Shrimp Yucatan taco, made with the same delicious shrimp, is topped with pickled onions, and shredded lettuce and served with a side of pineapple salsa as well. Both savory shrimp items provide a flavorful, tempting choice for all Taco Cabana guests.

Craving an original TC classic? Taco Cabana delivers with a flaky and shareable favorite – TC Flautas! Guests can order the crispy chicken-filled flautas in a three- or six-pack with a choice of queso, guacamole or sour cream for dipping. Taco Cabana’s flautas are perfect to share or enjoy individually and can also be purchased as a combo or plate.

Taco Cabana is sweetening any meal with the introduction of its new Pecan Sandies. The crispy, sugar-coated treat is available in a pack of five.

All menu items can be ordered via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for onsite dining.

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 January 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 144 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.

Update on Hopdoddy’s National Margarita Day deals

Hopdoddy Burger Bar has special deals for National Margarita Day. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

** Update: 2/19/2021: Due to winter storm conditions in Texas, Hopdoddy will instead be starting their margarita deals tomorrow, Saturday, February 20 to make sure restaurants are ready for the occasion. It will still run until Monday, February 22, 2021.

This month, Hopdoddy Burger Bar has special offers for Fat Tuesday, Tuesday February 16 and National Margarita Day from Friday February 19 to Monday February 22, 2021. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

Fat Tuesday – Tuesday, February 16, 2021
• On Tuesday, February 16, Hopdoddy Burger Bar Vineyard and The Rim are offering bottomless fries all day to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Choose any flavor, like the Parmesan Truffle, Green Chile Queso, BBQ Ranch, and more— and get as many fries as you want for the price of one order. This offer is available for in-store dining or to-go orders.

National Margarita Day – Friday, February 19, 2021 – Monday, February 22, 2021
• Go Big – Order either of Hopdoddy’s batched, to-go margaritas for just $20 each (normally $29.95). The Rocks is a 32-ounce bottle of the brand’s signature Doble Fina Margarita and The Roadie is a half-gallon bag of the House Frozen Margarita.
• Go Small – Order any one of Hopdoddy’s single-serving margarita variations for just $5 and enjoy in-person or at home.

In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s preferred community charitable organizations.

Pluckers Wing Bar Super Bowl pre-orders and giveaway

Pluckers will begin taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31, 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is gearing up for the 2021 Super Bowl weekend by taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31. Let them do the cooking so you do not miss a second of the game…or the commercials. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant will also be hosting a giveaway for the chance to win FREE Pluckers for an entire year (dine-in only). The lucky person who correctly predicts the score of the 2021 game will win the giveaway prize. Fans can enter via Pluckers’ Facebook page. Pluckers Club members will be able to input a second entry through the Pluckers app.

Fans can place pre-orders from the entire Pluckers menu for Game Day at ALL Texas locations. Online orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Pluckers will begin accepting restaurant reservations on January 31 for guests who want to watch the game in-store at any Texas location. Reservations will be available for $10 per seat, and guests must reserve the entire table by calling their desired location.

Pluckers has all the great wing flavors, in addition to a few unique ones such as:
• Dr. Pepper
• Manganero: Mango + Habanero
• Ginger Peach Sriracha
• Spicy Mandarin
• Gochujang: a savory and sweet Korean BBQ sauce

Bottling Department at Pearl launches tableside ordering and delivery

Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall now offers tableside delivery using QR codes at select outdoor tables. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl continues its dedication to small businesses by announcing new initiatives to better serve customers and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Wednesday, January 6, Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall will offer tableside delivery using QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables at Pearl Park. (Pearl, 2021)

With a quick scan of a QR code, visitors can access Bottling Department menus, order, and pay in one seamless transaction. Twenty-six tables in Pearl Park are equipped with this service; guests must scan the QR code located at the specific table at which they are sitting to use tableside delivery. This offering enables visitors in Pearl Park to avoid going indoors, skip lines, and order from multiple vendors in one transaction and to re-order additional food and drinks in a seamless transaction.

All Bottling Department vendors will be available for tableside delivery, including Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, Fletcher’s Hamburgers, Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil, and The Bar.  

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.

“Pearl Park is a great place to spend time with your friends and family and we want the Bottling Department Food Hall to be a dynamic amenity for our guests and customers. With this new service, you can order from any Food Hall operator and the bar and have everything delivered directly to you at your table. No lines, no going inside. It will feel like restaurant style service in the park – we’re really excited about using new technology to enhance our park experience and support our amazing operators in the Food Hall.”- Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer

Taco Cabana announces new menu items and returning flavors

The Beyond Meat bowls and tacos are back on the menu for a limited time. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana welcomes the New Year with the introduction of several all-new items and returning menu favorites at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

For the first time ever, Taco Cabana will introduce Pork Adobada, delicious pork marinated in dried guajillo peppers and adobo spices. Guests can enjoy the Pork Adobada in a Cabana Bowl or in a taco. Taco Cabana guests can also enjoy a four-pack of new cheesy Gordita Bites, filled with mozzarella cheese, and topped with Cilantro Lime Ranch and cotija cheese. 

Beyond Meat bowls and tacos are now back on the TC menu. For a limited time, guests can order a Beyond Meat bowl or a Beyond Meat taco served with salsa roja. 

All menu items can be ordered online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App or online. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for onsite dining.

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 144 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.

“We’re excited to bring new innovative tastes to TC, and our pork adobada and gordita bites are a great start to our 2021 menu. For those guests looking for plant-based options, we’re happy to re-introduce Beyond Meat tacos and bowls as well.” – Richard Stockinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of Taco Cabana.

Whataburger Spicy Chicken Sandwich and BBQ Bacon Burger are back

Whataburger’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich is back for a limited time. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger’s long-requested Spicy Chicken Sandwich was such a big hit when it was introduced in September that they decided to keep it around a little longer – and it is now on a new brioche bun. Also back is the BBQ Bacon Burger, perfect for BBQ lovers everywhere. Both items are available now for a limited time and prices vary by market. (Whataburger, 2020)

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich starts with a perfectly marinated, crispy chicken filet, topped with a fresh, cool leaf lettuce, pickles, and mayo, on a new delicious brioche bun. The BBQ Bacon Burger has three slices of savory bacon, smoked cheddar, and Monterey Jack – paired with two of Whataburger’s 100% fresh, pure beef patties, and a smoky tangy BBQ sauce, all atop a five-inch bun.

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 the season with La Panaderia’s Rosca de Reyes

La Panaderia’s Rosca de Reyes. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

La Panadería continues to share their traditions and bread cultura with San Antonio residents. Starting on Tuesday, December 29, La Panadería will begin selling their traditional Rosca de Reyes for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021. (La Panadería, 2020)

The sweet bread features orange and guava flavors with chocolate and vanilla butter crust and cherries, and in Mexican culture, it is tradition to hide a plastic baby to symbolize baby Jesus. Whoever finds the baby traditionally must throw a party on February 2 for family and friends, though this year they might just oversee sending the Zoom link for a virtual party. As not everyone is familiar with the tradition, La Panadería includes the baby separately so people can hide them on their own.

Guests will have the option to purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.50, a six-pack of small Rosca de Reyes for $24, or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24. Rosca de Reyes can be preordered online starting December 29, 2020.

Pluckers Wing Bar ‘Anti-Resolution Special’ returns this January

Pluckers Wing Bar’s Fried Twinkie dessert. Photo: Pluckers Wing Bar, used with permission.

In honor of the new year, Pluckers Wing Bar will feature an anti-resolution special from January 1 to January 7, 2021. During the week, guests can expect half-priced desserts and a $1 upcharge on salads when dining-in at the restaurant. The extra dollar will be donated to Breakthrough Central Texas, an education nonprofit that creates a path to and through college for students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2020)

To ensure the well-being of guests and their employees, safety procedures and precautions currently implemented at all Pluckers locations include taking the temperature of all guests before they enter the restaurant. Any guest who registers a temperature above the current guidelines will be asked to place a takeout order; strongly encouraging guests to use the Yelp waitlist; kindly requesting that guests limit their dining times to 45 minutes after they receive their food; per Texas requirements, Pluckers will only seat parties of ten or fewer people at a table. Children of all ages are included in the party number; checking employees for fever upon arrival for their shift; installing sneeze guards at the host stands; requiring all back-of-house employees to wear gloves and requiring all employees to wear face masks. All Pluckers locations are currently open for dine-in service at 75% capacity.

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 29 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.

Emmer & Rye pasta boxes now available at Whole Foods Market

Emmer & Rye pasta boxes. Photo: Emmer & Rye, used with permission.

The team behind the highly acclaimed Emmer & Rye is excited to announce that beginning Tuesday, December 15, Emmer & Rye pasta will be sold by the package exclusively at Whole Foods Market in Austin, San Antonio, and select Dallas locations. This is the first time the beloved pasta will be available for purchase in a national grocery store. (Emmer & Rye, 2020)

Since its inception in 2015, Emmer & Rye has focused on highlighting the depth and complexity of flavor in freshly milled heritage grains. Each specialty pasta features heirloom grains which are grown and milled by Hayden Flour Mills in Arizona and Barton Spring Mill in Dripping Springs. The pasta will be sold in 12oz. packages (about 2 – 3 servings) and the options are Blue Beard Durum Spaghetti, Egyptian Emmer Rigatoni, and Rouge de Bordeaux Strozzapreti. Each individual package will be $7.99. The pasta will be available in all Austin and San Antonio Whole Foods Market locations and will be available in select Whole Foods Market Dallas locations, including Highland Park, Lakewood, and Plano.

Emmer & Rye has been recognized as one of the most prominent restaurants in Austin. In 2016, Executive Chef Fink was named Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef.” He was also named a 2018 James Beard semifinalist and 2019 finalist for “Best Chef Southwest.” Emmer & Rye was named one of America’s best new restaurants in Bon Appétit.

Directed by owner and Executive Chef Kevin Fink and partner Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Emmer & Rye brings cuisine that is rustic and seasonally inspired to Rainey Street. Emmer & Rye is a restaurant designed around the farmer’s haul, featuring a menu that changes daily with a focus on seasonal and local cuisine. Heirloom grains are milled fresh for house-made pasta, bread, and desserts, and an extensive in-house fermentation program captures flavors at their peak and preserves them for the offseason.

“Pasta is a staple in our house. It is such a simple product—flour and water. When you use heirloom grains for your flour it adds a richness to the pasta that you can’t help but fall in love with. These flavors are something we have played with at Emmer & Rye for five years now. I am really excited to get to bring something that we treasure in the restaurant to your home kitchen.” – Kevin Fink, Executive Chef