Festive holiday offerings from all around San Antonio

La Panaderia’s personal size Christmas pies. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

This holiday season, most people will be staying home and getting creative with holiday shopping. Whether celebrating with family or alone, local businesses are making it easy for San Antonio residents to celebrate the festive season. EVO Entertainment’s Movie Night Holiday Box will provide the ultimate home theater experience and La Panaderia and Bakery Lorraine are offering a variety of delectable treats sure to boost anyone’s holiday cheer. See below for a full list of Christmas offerings in the Alamo City this year. (Pearl, 2020)

Pearl and its Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with holiday gifts from regional producers and family farms that are perfect for gifting. Holiday shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting NOW through December 15 for pick up, or through December 18 for shipping (select boxes are available for shipping). Orders can be placed at Pearl Farmers Market and a full menu is available online.

Bakery Lorraine will offer a selection of festive desserts perfect for sharing. Offerings include their Apple Cranberry Pie made with a unique fusion of fresh ingredients and perfectly dusted with Christmas spice. A twist on the classic apple pie, the Dutch Apple Pie is made with four types of fresh apples and topped with a delicately crafted apple assortment and their legendary Whiskey Pecan Pie is made with a kick of Jack Daniels No. 7 Whiskey. All holiday pies are available for $26. The yearly treat, Buche De Noel ($48), is handcrafted with edible whimsical art that changes yearly and features a fluffy vanilla mousse, cherries, and a dreamy chocolate sponge cake saturated in a special kirsch syrup.

All items can be pre ordered in-store or online. The last day to place a pre-order will be Friday, December 18 for Christmas Eve pickup. The Buche De Noel is available for pickup from December 12 through 31. Items will be available for pre-order at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin.

EVO Entertainment is offering a Movie Night Holiday Gift Box this holiday season for those missing the movie-going experience. The box will provide movie lovers with everything needed to create the perfect movie viewing experience at home: two limited-edition EVO tumblers, two boxes of classic candies and a large bag of movie theater popcorn. The Movie Night box is $24.99 and is available online or in store.

La Panaderia will once again be offering their traditional holiday pies this season and will include family size or personal size of the Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Mixed Berry pies. The Apple Croissant, the pan dulce holiday favorite, is available now for purchase for $5 online and in-store and the Christmas pies will be available for pre-order beginning December 15 through December 23 at select prices. Pies may be picked up prior to Christmas Day.

For the first time, La Panaderia will be serving gooey and delicious s’mores cookies. The scratch-made chocolate cookies are packed with chocolate chunks and toasted marshmallows. The unique Christmas cookies come in a package of 6 for $18 and can be pre-ordered starting December 15.

La Panaderia is also offering Mimosa Kits to take home this year. The kit comes with a 750 ml bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice for $36. Mimosa Kits are available for curbside pickup or dine-in.

Later this month, guests can pre-order the traditional pan dulce, Rosca de Reyes, starting on Tuesday December 29 in preparation for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021. 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.

The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Christmas gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Orders can be placed prior to Christmas Eve as the Jerk Shack will be closed for the holidays. Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

“After a rollercoaster year, it is important now more than ever to support local businesses, and in turn for businesses like us to continue to do our part to bring joy to the San Antonio community. La Panadería was built on tradition, so it is always an honor for us when guests choose to share our seasonal items with their families and make us part of their own family traditions.” – David Caceres, La Panaderia co-founder

Taco Cabana caters for the Holidays

Taco Cabana’s catering options include enchilada casseroles and individually packaged Taco Boxes. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

This holiday season let Taco Cabana ease the stress of meal preparation with a wide variety of catering options featuring all of Taco Cabana’s favorites. Guests can now order Taco Cabana’s new 24-pack Enchilada Casserole, individually packaged Taco Boxes, and other delicious TC menu options as part of TC Holiday catering. Catering packages are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

As a special incentive, any Taco Cabana guest placing catering orders for pick-up or delivery through December 31, 2020 by calling 1-855-4-MYTACO, or online using code M05328, will receive a 15% discount off their order if placed by Friday, December 18, 2020.

The 24-pack Enchilada Casserole is the latest addition to Taco Cabana Catering and is the perfect easy-to-serve addition to any holiday season. Guests can enjoy the Enchilada Casserole for $89.99. The casserole is topped with the guest’s choice of two sauces, including Queso, Ranchero, Green, Suiza, Sour Cream or Tex-Mex. Each casserole is served with Taco Cabana’s signature refried beans, rice, pico de gallo and salsa roja. The TC catering menu is available online. Catering is available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas.

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 November 1, 2020, 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.

La Panaderia founders announce El Morita Kitchen

David and Jose Caceres’s new restaurant is coming to Quarry Village in 2021. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

David and Jose Cáceres, founders of popular San Antonio restaurant staple La Panadería, are excited to announce their latest culinary venture coming to the Quarry Village in summer 2021. Titled El Morita Kitchen, the concept will provide a fresh take on Mexico City-inspired cuisine, while focusing on the use of flour and corn and featuring a dessert menu influenced by the Cáceres brothers’ 30-year culinary journey. The menu will be crafted by the Cáceres brothers in conjunction with input from Mexico City-based celebrity chefs. (El Morita Kitchen, 2020)

El Morita Kitchen will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will feature a full bar that will bring to life a new brunch experience featuring chile morita, jamaica, tamarindo, and horchata-based cocktails among others, and patio dining for a casual, yet sophisticated experience. El Morita Kitchen honors the memories of a typical Sunday brunch with the Cáceres brothers’ mother, Doña Josefina, accompanied by her signature dish “Huevos Morita.”

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 have 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 the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on, with two locations in operation on Broadway and Houston St.

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, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 72-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.

“The Mexico City food scene is truly rich, presenting a kaleidoscope of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying street food or fine dining you will always be surprised, and we want to continue to share our culture and that element of surprise with San Antonio.” – David Cáceres, co-founder and head baker of La Panadería.

Celebrate the holiday season with Taco Cabana’s new menu items

Taco Cabana’s new breakfast tortas are available all day every day at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is celebrating the holiday season with the addition of several all-new holiday menu items. Starting tomorrow, December 2, 2020, guests can enjoy Taco Cabana’s new TC Torpedoes, breakfast tortas, churros and hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday beverages including Rum Tea Punch and Cafe de Olla, as well as two new Taco Cabana margarita flavors, Candy Cane and Apple Spice. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

For the very first time, Taco Cabana introduces TC Torpedoes – fried corn masa filled with the guest’s choice of chicken tinga or cheese and poblano. TC Torpedoes come as a two-pack for $4.99; as a plate with rice, beans, guacamole and two tortillas for $6.99; or as a combo with chips, queso and a 20 oz. drink for $7.99.

Taco Cabana continues to enhance its beverage options with a variety of new hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For guests looking to warm things up, Taco Cabana is offering its new Rum Tea Punch made with Bacardi Rum or non-alcoholic Cafe de Olla, a sweetened coffee with hints of cinnamon. As the margarita capital of Texas, Taco Cabana delivers again with its latest margarita offerings – Candy Cane and Apple Spice. Each beverage is available for $3 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations.

Looking to sweeten your TC meal? Guests can now enjoy a two-pack of Taco Cabana’s new churros for just $2.99. This holiday season, guests can also give the gift that keeps on giving. For every $25 in Taco Cabana Gift Cards purchased, guests will receive a free $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card to use on future Taco Cabana visits.

Also releasing system-wide tomorrow at all Texas locations, Taco Cabana introduces its new breakfast tortas, available all day every day. Breakfast lovers can enjoy a Chorizo & Egg or Cheese & Egg torta for $2.99, or a Bacon, Egg & Cheese torta for $3.99.

The seasonal menu items are available for 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 now open as well.

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, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana’s special offers for veterans and active duty military

Taco Cabana celebrates veterans and active military with special offers. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

To honor and show its gratitude for members of the armed services, Taco Cabana is inviting veterans and active military members to enjoy half-priced enchiladas this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at all locations in Texas. Veterans and active military members can order a two-enchilada or three-enchilada plate for 50% off the regular price. The popular Tex-Mex chain is offering its cheese enchiladas with a choice of six sauces and guests can choose to add shredded chicken, ground beef, chicken fajita or steak fajita as well. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Offer is valid Wednesday, November 11, 2020 only when ordered at the TC front counter or via the convenient TC drive-thru. Not available through online ordering or the MYTC! App.

In addition to the Veterans Day offer, Taco Cabana celebrates members of the US Military every day with a 20% discount (excluding alcohol and gift cards). Taco Cabana also celebrates Military Appreciation Day on the second Tuesday of every month where military personnel can enjoy a free shredded chicken taco or ground beef taco all day.

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 Nov. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Half price nachos at Taco Cabana for National Nacho Day

Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana this Friday, November 6, 2020. Taco Cabana guests can enjoy their favorite nachos at half price all day at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana nachos include Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajita and Kickin’ Grande Nachos. All nachos feature a variety of toppings to choose from, including queso, shredded cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole.

Orders can be placed online 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 now open as well.

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, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana introduces Green Chile Brisket to menu

Taco Cabana introduces Green Chile Brisket available in various menu items. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is bringing brisket back with the introduction of Green Chile Brisket. Launching Monday, November 2, 2020, Taco Cabana offers brisket in a new, delicious way. Taco Cabana took Texas’ favorite cut of beef and added its own twist – tender cuts of smoked brisket cooked in a green chile sauce, made with roasted jalapenos and tomatillo sauce. Fans of the iconic brand can enjoy Green Chile Brisket in a variety of platforms, including breakfast tacos ($2.29), tortas ($5.99), tacos ($3.49) and Cabana Bowls ($7.69) for a limited time. Green Chile Brisket will be available at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana’s Green Chile Brisket is the latest addition to the restaurant chain’s fall menu, following the recent launch of Enchilada Fest and the addition of Taco Cabana’s seasonal margaritas and Caramel Apple Empanadas. Customers can order online 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 now open as well.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. 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, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser

This month, as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, Whataburger is partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to help fight hunger and provide meals for San Antonio’s most vulnerable, as there are 50,000 more children in need since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

From Monday, October 5 at 3p.m. through Friday, October 30 at 12a.m., customers who donate $1 or more to the San Antonio Food Bank at any Whataburger location across San Antonio or Schertz will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. The $1 donation provides seven meals from the San Antonio Food Bank and helps reach their goal of providing 350,000 meals to local children.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 46,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

“A few weeks ago we pulled the trigger on preparing thousands of meals a day for kids who were struggling with food. We needed a miracle to cover our unexpected expenses. Whataburger provides the opportunity for the magic, but the customer will be the real miracle maker. I have full hope that our great community will come through and make it happen.”- Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

“Too many families in our community struggle to put food on the table for their children, and since the pandemic began, we know more children than ever are facing food insecurity. We started the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program to remove obstacles for our students, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the San Antonio Food Bank to support families at a critical time, and get kids the nutrition they need to be healthy and successful.” – Rob Rodriguez, SVP and Chief Restaurant Operating Officer of Whataburger

Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger at Whataburger

The Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger is available for a limited time at Whataburger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whether you like some spice or a roasted smoky heat, Whataburger has you covered with two new menu items. For a limited time only, fans can treat their taste buds to the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger. (Whataburger, 2020)

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich brings the perfect combination of flavor and heat to spice up your next meal. The sandwich starts with a meticulously marinated, crispy chicken filet, topped with fresh, cool leaf lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo, finished with a toasted four-inch bun.

The Hatch Green Chile Burger has everything Whataburger fans love-double meat, double cheese and crispy bacon, plus the smooth, roasted heat of Hatch green chiles. It features two fresh all-beef patties topped with Hatch green chiles, crispy bacon, one slice of American cheese, one slice of Monterey Jack cheese and creamy mayo, all atop a signature five-inch toasted 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.

San Antonio’s Full Belly Cafe and Bar reopens next week

Full Belly Cafe and Bar will reopen on Monday October 5. Photo: Full Belly Cafe and Bar, used with permission.

Full Belly Cafe and Bar had been open for only 32 days when restaurants across the state were closed in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the mandated closure and subsequent citywide reopening phases, Chef Owners Blade Haddock and James Moore closely monitored cases in the area and weighed the risks of reopening with the possibility of having to close once again. Ultimately, the hospitality veterans determined that reopening would not be an option until they could do so with confidence that the science and data determined a safe environment. (Full Belly Cafe and Bar, 2020)

Throughout the closure, Haddock and Moore have been dedicated to evolving the contemporary American restaurant for reopening, including updated hours and new takeout options. When patrons return on Monday October 5, they will have the option to dine inside the restaurant or be seated on the newly completed covered outdoor patio, which features a fresh 16-foot mural. Reservations will be accepted and walk-ins are always welcome.

Takeout will be available with a curbside pickup option plus cocktails, beer and wine to-go. Signature Drinks, including Full Belly’s Margarita and Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned, will come with all ingredients premixed and ready to be blended or poured over ice to enjoy in the included glassware. Takeaway wine is offered by the bottle, six-pack or case from Full Belly’s eclectic wine list, which is designed to match the menu. Takeout orders can be placed by calling the restaurant at (210) 236-5374.

In addition to seasonal American cuisine with a global spin, freshly baked pastries and a specialty coffee menu are also available for dine-in or to-go. Favorites include Pastry Chef Deanna Lansing’s signature “Belly Puffs,” a cross between a croissant and a cream puff filled with mascarpone Chantilly cream.

Diners can look forward to a menu of chef-forward, sweet and savory items from the daytime menu seven days a week and dinner menu service Wednesday through Saturday. There will be all-day happy hour specials every day as well. Business hours as noted: Sunday Through Tuesday 9a.m. to 3p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9a.m. to 9p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9a.m. to 10p.m.

Full Belly adheres to the Texas Restaurant Association’s Texas Restaurant Promise and follows the CDC guidelines for safety and sanitation. Per San Antonio mandate, face coverings are required when not seated and the restaurant will operate with required social distancing at a maximum of 75 percent capacity.

Founded in San Antonio by veteran restaurateurs Blade Haddock and James Moore, Full Belly Cafe and Bar is a contemporary American restaurant with a global spin. 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 dining experience.

Full Belly Cafe and Bar

427 North Loop 1604 West #202

San Antonio, TX 78232

(210) 236-5374

“We’ve been so moved by the support we’ve received from the community, industry leaders and family and friends, checking in and eagerly awaiting our return. We always said that when it was safe to return, we’d pick the ball back up and run with it, and that’s just what we intend to do.” – James Moore, Full Belly’s Executive Chef Partner

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