Category: Restaurant News

Krause’s Café & Biergarten’s upcoming events

Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels has exciting new collaborations, live music, themed dinners, farmers markets, and more coming up. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce some of the exciting events that they have coming up in 2022. In the new year, Krause’s will continue to host live performances by nationally, and internationally, renowned polka and folk acts in addition to amazing parties, themed dinners, Dachshund races, and more. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)

See below for a sampling of upcoming events:

Mollie B with Squeezebox and Ted Lange – February 4 – 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.

In 2022 Krause’s continues to provide its guests with world-class live musical performances. On February 4th, New Braunfels staple Terry Cavanagh will open for Polka Hall of Fame musicians Mollie B and Squeezebox with Ted Lange. Doors open at 4pm. 

Daddy Daughter Dinner – February 9 – 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.

Krause’s Café welcomes all father-daughter pairs to their Daddy Daughter Dinner. A dinner for two is available for $50, which includes a 14oz. ribeye, chicken tenders with “stuffed” mashed potatoes, and tableside s’mores for dessert. This special night also includes a performance from All Mixed Up Variety Band. Tickets are available here, with the option to include additional children’s tickets for larger families at $15 per child. 

The New Braunfels Farmers Market (Valentine’s Market) – February 9, 11, and 12

Visit the New Braunfels Farmers Market during the month of February and find local vendors located in the Krause’s Biergarten for a convenient shopping opportunity for Valentine’s Day. Guests can purchase one of a kind baked goods, flowers, chocolates, and many more local gifts to celebrate the Holiday. The schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, February 9th 5p.m. to 9p.m.
  • Friday, February 11th 4p.m. to 9p.m.
  • Saturday, February 12th 1p.m. to 4p.m.

Halfway to Oktoberfest & Masskrugstemmen Season Kickoff – March 11 to 13 

Join Krause’s in celebrating the beginning of the Masskrugstemmen season and begin the countdown to Oktoberfest. Pech & Schwefel will be joining Krause’s all the way from Austria to kick off the halfway point to Oktoberfest, in addition to returning in September for the official Oktoberfest celebrations.

Dachshund Race – March 20 – 2p.m. to 5p.m.

Krause’s is off to races with one of their most popular events. Guests can cheer on the racing pups at 2p.m. until approximately 5p.m. on March 20. Spectator tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite here for $5 (ages 12 and up), or you can choose to register your Dachshund and enter the race online. In addition to the race, Krause’s will be accepting food and supply donations for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed Dachshund as well as the race winner.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a Bierhalle and ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a luxury Texas retreat

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat in downtown San Antonio. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, couples are seeking romantic weekend getaways for a change of scenery that is still close to home. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner reservation or planning a sweet staycation, these three Lone Star State destinations are offering the perfect getaways for couples. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Thompson San Antonio, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | SONORA, TX
Located on 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking an off-grid getaway this Valentine’s Day. From relaxation at JL Bar’s spa to outdoor excursions on horseback or ATVs, couples can choose their own adventure while visiting the ranch. JL Bar also offers wine tastings with the property’s resident Sommelier, outdoor games, an infinity pool and hot tub with unrivaled sunset views, shooting instruction, romantic outdoor dining, and more. For added seclusion, each of JL Bar’s 32 luxury accommodations boasts a private patio. With Valentine’s Day on a Monday this year, guests can extend their romantic weekend and receive a fourth night free when booking a three-night stay.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk– capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city and this year, promises to be the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night at landmark restaurant Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, including a Valentine’s Day menu, rose table décor, and special entertainment. The enchanting rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, which floats high above the River Walk, is going all out with a “Love Stinks”-themed singles vibe Monday – Thursday leading up to Valentine’s Day. Events include pre-fixe menu, live entertainment and a Sexology Pop-Up on January 29, and February 5 and 12. On Superbowl Sunday, February 13, The Moon’s Daughters will be hosting a Thompson Tailgate, with grilled menu items and large format drinks. Guests can also book the Thompson San Antonio Spa Spatastic Room Package, which includes champagne, a $100 spa credit and a spa retail amenity item. Lastly, the hotel is offering a new Thompson Temptation Room Package, which includes a bottle of prosecco delivered to the room, a special amenity from San Antonio’s Sexology Institute, and a late 2p.m. check out on Sundays.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | AUSTIN, TX
With intimate spaces tucked throughout the historic property, Commodore Perry Estate offers the perfect retreat for a Valentine’s Day filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind charm and romantic moments. The resort has special offerings for the holiday, from private couples yoga classes and gourmet fireside s’mores on the Estate grounds, to a ‘crafting your own vintage Valentine’ experience, perfect for families, featuring snacks, beverages and a wide selection of art supplies. Couples can also arrange a romantic picnic on the lawn, featuring a cozy blanket made for lounging and a basket filled with chilled Champagne and a selection of gourmet bites. Feel the warm embrace of romance in the Mansion’s oval library. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, the luxury resort will have a lush Valentine’s floral installation in the sophisticated library that offers the ideal backdrop to snap some instant photos of your romantic moments together. Reserve your experience and savor floral-inspired cocktails paired with a selection of canapes and bite-sized sweet treats.

1644823440

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Valentine’s Day

Taco Cabana introduces new Cabana Salad

The new Cabana Salad is now available at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana invites guests to start the year off right with their new Cabana Salad. The Cabana Salad features romaine lettuce, black beans, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips for $3.79. Back by popular guest demand, a side of Salsa Ranch dressing accompanies the new Cabana Salad; guests may add grilled chicken fajita for an additional $2. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

For guests looking for a more classic TC option, look no further than Taco Cabana’s signature Cabana Bowls™. Available starting at $5.59, these delicious crispy tortilla shell bowls are filled with the guest’s choice of protein, rice, refried beans, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, and will satisfy any Taco Cabana craving. Guests can choose from a variety of offerings including Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita, Shredded Chicken, and Ground Beef. Taco Cabana also offers a Beyond Meat bowl for those who prefer a vegetarian-friendly option. There’s no better complement to Taco Cabana’s bowls than one of their signature $2 margaritas served all day, every day. 

In addition to the return of Salsa Ranch, 2022 at TC kicks off with new Jalapeño Salsa and the return of Salsa Fuego, each perfect for dipping and topping any TC favorite. The three salsas join current favorite Salsa Roja and are available upon request 

Taco Cabana’s Cabana Bowls™ and Cabana Salads are available in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or Taco Cabana online.  

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of January 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Acclaimed polka musician Alex Meixner partners with Krause’s Café

A live music event to welcome Alex Meixner is scheduled for January 27. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce that nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator, and a leading advocate of polka music, Alex Meixner, is partnering with the restaurant and venue to expand its entertainment programming and community events. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Alex on an ongoing basis and leverage his talents and presence in the community into improved entertainment options and educational opportunities. Alex’s experience as a touring entertainer, educator and talent agent can do a lot to enhance the entertainment at Krause’s for both guests and the musicians.” – Krause’s Café & Biergarten’s owner Chris Snider

Alex Meixner is a Grammy-nominated musician with performances on more than 50 albums, including 17 where he was the bandleader or soloist. His band performs approximately 180 shows per year across the nation. Alex also devotes his time to guest speaking in lectures and hosting master classes. 

Alex Meixner, under the umbrella of his talent agency, AM Management, will be working to build the repertoire of entertainment at Krause’s, as well as creating engaging and fun community programming. His band will also be performing at Krause’s throughout the year, including sets at Maifest and Oktoberfest later this year. Alex will also have a role in coordinating a New Braunfels Citizenship Program with Krause’s, a monthly event where participants can learn about the town’s history, traditions, institutions, events, and culture. 

“I am super excited to collaborate with the team at Krause’s – they’ve established a national reputation for representing the history of New Braunfels’ German culture through food, music and gemütlichkeit.” My ideals as a musical entertainer are encapsulated in this synergy and will allow us to bring more creative offerings to downtown’s scene throughout the year.” – Alex Meixner

On Thursday, January 27 from 6p.m. – 9p.m., there will be an event at Krause’s Café to officially welcome Alex to New Braunfels with music by Terry Cavanagh & The Alpine Express featuring  performances by Alex. The event is open to the public and tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. A limited amount of VIP tables seating eight are available for $120 a table.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap.

Dynamic accordionist Alex Meixner mixes an array of musical styles into traditional, exuberant Central European party music, letting die-hard polka fans to enjoy the evolution and letting hipsters discover all there is to love in the innately fun genre. Solo and with his band, he has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, as well as at uncountable accordion-centric events. His virtuosic yet quirky style has made him a sought-after collaborator. He worked alongside Jack Black in the Sundance-screened, Netflix film, The Polka King and with Postmodern Jukebox on one of their viral musical mashups.

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa announces new kitchen trio

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, the award-winning destination set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, has welcomed a new trio to the kitchen of its Signature Restaurant. Lead by San Antonio local John Carpenter as executive chef, the team also includes Executive Sous Chef Jaime Torres and Pastry Chef Stéphane Leopoldo. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2022)

Since joining Signature in September of last year, Chef Carpenter has united with Chef Andrew Weissman. The result is a new menu with some of Weissman’s greatest hits, plus new creations by Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres like the Hamachi Crudo and Spanish Octopus.

While their paths crossed most recently at Signature, Carpenter was inspired by the four-time James Beard-nominated Weissman long before. “Ten years ago, I visited Andrew Weissman’s Osteria Il Sogno and had an eye-opening experience. That meal taught me a lot about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. I still consider it one of the best meals of my life.” Now, Carpenter is bringing that guiding principle to the seasonally driven fare at Signature.

Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres have worked together since 2015 when Carpenter was the Chef at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America restaurant, then-known as NAO. The two say that guests can look forward to the Signature experience they already know and love: beautiful scenery, high end service and delicious, traditionally inspired food made with fresh ingredients. They also say guests can expect a few surprises with Asian and Latin American influences gleaned from their own culinary adventures making its way to their plates.

“Joining the team at Signature is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed the creative process behind our new menu and am energized by the different style of service we offer here. Signature’s unique, French-brigade style in the kitchen is exciting and collaborative for us and for the guests looking into our open kitchen. I’m looking forward to exploring what we can do in the future while staying true to the spirit of Signature.” – Executive Chef John Carpenter.

The Jerk Shack opens for business this Friday

The Jerk Shack’s new location will offer dine-in, online ordering, a drive-thru, and takeout service. Photo: Jason Risner, used with permission.

Popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, is excited to announce the opening date for its new brick and mortar location on the far west side of San Antonio at 10234 State Hwy 151 Ste. 103, San Antonio, TX 78251 as part of the new 151 Plaza development. The new location will open for service on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 1p.m. To celebrate the opening, the first twenty guests will receive $10 toward their order. (The Jerk Shack, 2022)

The location features the same menu and flavors of the original Jerk Shack that San Antonians came to love, but will also offer beer, wine and some new items like fried chicken, pepper shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and more. The new 2,200 square foot location will offer dine-in service and will feature a drive-thru lane for convenient pickup for online orders. Indoor dining will feature kiosk-style ordering for easy and convenient service. Chef Nicola Blaque and Chef Lionel “Butch” Blache will lead the kitchen.

“We are so excited to open this new and improved Jerk Shack that will allow us the room to serve and host more people. We have the capability in this space to create the dishes that we’re known for as well as the ability to expand on some new items that we believe will become new signature favorites.” – Jerk Shack Owner and Executive Chef Nicola Blaque.

The flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean inspire the Jerk Shack’s cuisine. Chef Blaque and her team have incorporated the flavors and techniques of Caribbean cooking into American favorites like mac and cheese, tacos, and more that creates a unique blend of cultures, though traditional Caribbean dishes like braised oxtail, jerk chicken, and more are also available at the restaurant.

The new Jerk Shack location takes the place of the original restaurant, which closed in September while the team focused their efforts on building the new restaurant. Jerk Shack’s hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 11a.m. to 8pm., Fridays and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 9p.m. and Sundays from 11a.m. to 4p.m. In the summer of 2020 Chef Nicola also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean-style concept in Pearl’s Bottling Department.

The Jerk Shack is a concept by Chef Nicola Blaque and her husband Cornelius Massey. After serving ten years in the Army, Blaque began working as a private chef to explore her passion for cooking. She relocated to San Antonio from Hawaii to pursue a degree at the Culinary Institute of America where she graduated in 2016. Blaque returned to her Jamaican roots and began focusing on Caribbean cuisine, working to bring the unique flavors to South Texas. In 2018, the team launched The Jerk Shack, a restaurant inspired by the flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean. The Jerk Shack has received national praise including being featured by Eater as one of the 2019 Top 16 New Restaurants in America as well as being included in GQ’s 2020 Best New Restaurants in America.

Whataburger introduces spicy ketchup and brings back fan favorites

Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup Limited Batch #2. Photo: google

Whataburger is introducing a brand-new product that is sure to spice things up: Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Limited Batch #2. This limited batch ketchup gets its distinctive flavor from a combination of Whataburger’s signature Fancy Ketchup recipe, a hot sauce made from arbol and piquin peppers and a blend of signature spices, offering a fresh take on the Whataburger Spicy Ketchup fans already know and love. (Whataburger, 2022)

The Buffalo Ranch line-up, featuring the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Salad, is also back for a limited time alongside the fan-favorite Dr Pepper Shake. For night owls and early birds who cannot get enough of the Breakfast Burger, Whataburger will continue to offer this menu item during breakfast hours for those craving a hearty meal. All items are available now while supplies last, and prices vary by market.

Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks returns in January

The bi-annual culinary extravaganza returns January 15-29, 2022. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, the bi-annual extravaganza, returns January 15 through 29 with participating eateries in San Antonio and neighboring counties. Participating restaurants will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $20 and $30 for lunch, and $35, $45 and $55 for dinner, with to go options at select restaurants. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. It 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. (Culinaria, 2021)

“San Antonio is a hub for great dining hotspots and Restaurant Weeks presents the ultimate opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover new culinary delights. It also generates enthusiasm within our diverse culinary community and extends another opportunity for Chefs to showcase the variety of food and flavors that define San Antonio and neighboring cities.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria

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. Reservations are not required but 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. Please visit Culinaria for all the latest in Restaurant Week details as well as upcoming events.

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. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Weeks, a 5K Wine Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events and several community partners’ events throughout the year.

Accolades:
Best Food and Wine Festival to Visit – Readers Digest, 2018
Best Food & Wine Event in Texas – Essence 2017
Top 10 American Food Festivals – The Telegraph 2016
Most Popular Food and Wine Festival – Vanity Fair, 2011

1642281480

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

Celebrate the holiday season with La Panadería’s traditional Rosca de Reyes

La Panadería’s Rosca de Reyes will be available through January 7, 2022. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

As we look ahead to the New Year, one thing that remains constant is La Panadería’s pride and dedication to sharing “Bread Cultura” with residents and tourists to San Antonio, Texas. Beginning December 27, 2021, La Panadería will offer their traditional Rosca de Reyes in celebration of the holiday season and Epiphany Day on January 6, 2022. (La Panadería, 2021)

The Rosca de Reyes pan dulce features flavors including orange and guava with chocolate and vanilla butter crust and topped with cherries. In Hispanic culture, it is tradition to hide a plastic baby figurine inside of the Rosca de Reyes to symbolize baby Jesus. Every year on Epiphany Day, families and friends then gather together to celebrate Día de los Reyes Day (or Epiphany Day) by cutting a slice of the Rosca. La Panadería offers the plastic baby separately so families can enjoy the fun of hiding it within their pan dulce at home. 

Guests can purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.00 or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24.00. Rosca de Reyes can be pre-ordered online starting December 27, 2021 and bought in store from January 3, 2022 through January 7, 2022.

In philanthropic news:

Thanks to the community’s support during the month of October and their Pink Concha initiative, La Panaderia was able to donate nearly $3,000 to the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation. 

It is a cause near and dear to founder David and Jose Caceres after losing their mother to breast cancer. After the success of the Pink Concha initiative, the brothers are looking forward to a continued partnership and collaboration with the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness for breast cancer research in San Antonio throughout the year. 

Holiday Hangover Brunch at Naco 210

Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch on Sunday December 26, 2021. Photo: Naco 210, used with permission.

To help guests get over the strain of the holidays, Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch all day on Sunday, December 26 from 8a.m. until closing at 6p.m. The Naco team will be serving up pozole, tamales Oaxaqueños, special chilaquiles, and more, in addition to Mexican fruit punch and cafe canela, a cinnamon infused coffee. Pricing is based on a la carte items. (Naco 210, 2021)

The restaurant, an extension of the popular Naco Mexican Eatery food truck, just opened its first brick and mortar location earlier this month at Los Patios. The menu at Naco 210 includes all the food truck fan-favorites, but also includes all-day chilaquiles, a selection of breakfast egg benedicts made with traditional Mexican toppings including huitlacoche and Naco’s Mexican brisket, Mexican-inspired croissants with options like guava and cheese, all-natural aguas frescas, and more.

Holiday Hangover Brunch at Naco 210
2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop
San Antonio, TX 78217