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.

La Cantera Resort & Spa

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.

The Jerk Shack

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

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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

Naco 210

Taco Cabana launches new menu items in time for the holidays

Taco Cabana’s birria quesadillas and tortilla soup will be available through January 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Starting December 15 and arriving just in time for the winter season, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy the new birria quesadilla served with warm birria broth and a returning favorite, tortilla soup, at all Taco Cabana Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Taco Cabana’s birria quesadilla features seasoned shredded beef, melted Monterey Jack cheese and Pico de Gallo between two warm flour tortillas, perfect for dipping in the accompanying traditional warm birria broth. Another classic favorite is back at Taco Cabana – TC’s tortilla soup, featuring a savory broth made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, onion and garlic, and topped with crispy corn tortilla strips, a blend of Jack and Cheddar cheeses, cilantro, and served with lime wedges.

Perfect for keeping cozy in-restaurant or at home, Taco Cabana’s birria quesadilla and tortilla soup can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online through January 2022.

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, delivery and catering. As of December 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Celebrate the holidays MAX’s Wine Dive style

MAX’s Wine Dive has their famous Southern Fried Chicken dinner to go. Photo: Beccca Wright, used with permission.

MAX’s Wine Dive is celebrating the holidays with their famous southern fried chicken family dinner. Spoil your family with a southern fried chicken family dinner at MAX’s Wine Dive which includes famous fried chicken, classic sides, homemade desserts, southern-style biscuits, and of course, champagne for $115 an order. Today until January 1, celebrate the holidays’ MAX’s Wine Dive style with champagne and fried chicken because “why the hell not?” (MAX’s Wine Dive, 2021)

MAX’s Wine Dive Holiday Famous Fried Chicken Family Dinner includes:

Twelve-piece Max’s Famous Southern Fried Chicken
6 Southern Style Biscuits with Chipotle Honey

Choice of 2 Family Sides
Sweet Potato Mashers, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Braised Collard Greens, Jalapeno Cheddar Grits, Truffle Max n’ Cheese (+6)

Choice of 2 Desserts
Pumpkin Spiced Bread Pudding or Big Ass Chocolate Brownie Served a la mode
1 Bottle of Prodige Blanc de Blancs
Add additional Chicken Pieces for $5 each

Jerry Lasco, founder of MAX’s Wine Dive restaurant moved to Houston from New York City with his wife, Laura, in 2001. After 9/11 Jerry transitioned from airline pilot to full-time restauranteur and opened the first MAX’S location in 2006—naming it after Max, his then three-year-old son. Taking inspiration from Jerry’s favorite NYC hangouts serving gourmet food and wine in unpretentious and comfortable environments, MAX’s was the first restaurant in Houston to serve award-winning comfort food with a curated wine list. Hence the MAX’s mantra was created “FRIED CHICKEN AND CHAMPAGNE?…WHY THE HELL NOT?!”

Whataburger accepting applications for new scholarship program

Whataburger’s new scholarship programs is part of their commitment to serving the community. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger has served big, fresh hamburgers for more than 70 years as well as served the communities where we do business for just as long. As part of that community support, Whataburger is announcing the launch of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program, a $500,000 commitment to help students planning to attend a college, university and not-for-profit vocational school achieve their dreams. (Whataburger, 2021)

It is all part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, our signature community program at the intersection of food insecurity and education. One hundred students across Whataburger’s footprint will be awarded the scholarship. Recipients will receive a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing for the 2022-2023 academic school year.

Black and other racial minority students will be awarded the first year’s scholarships as part of a $1M commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. With the scholarship funding, Whataburger has exceeded that commitment. Students can apply between December 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. See Whataburger Community Support for eligibility and application information.

The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger 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 sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

Naco Mexican Eatery announces opening date for brick and mortar location

Naco Mexican Eatery will open its first brick and mortar location on December 9, 2021. Photo: Naco Mexican Eatery, used with permission.

Naco Mexican Eatery is excited to announce the opening date for its first ever brick and mortar location, named Naco 210. Naco 210 will open to the public on Thursday, December 9, 2021, in San Antonio in the Los Patios development along the Salado Creek. Naco – a concept by husband-and-wife team Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez – is a restaurant and food truck that serves authentic Mexican plates, traditional tacos, tortas, and chilaquiles for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner service. (Naco Mexican Eatery, 2021)

Naco Mexican Eatery opened its food truck for business in San Antonio over three years ago. Its menu focuses on the street foods of Mexico with freshly made items such as chilaquiles using Naco’s own homemade salsas, tacos, and tortas, as well as healthy, keto-friendly, and veggie-forward dishes. The menu at Naco 210 will still include all the food truck fan-favorites but also add on all-day chilaquiles with new sauce options such as almond mole, 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.

Naco 210 will have a relaxed, family-friendly space, with indoor dining of roughly 2,900 square feet, a space for private events, as well as a large 3,000 square foot patio surrounded by natural landscape and a creek-side view. The restaurant will have options for breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and brunch service on the weekends. The restaurant will be located in Los Patios at 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78217. Naco 210’s operating hours will be Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Naco will also continue its food truck operations.

“We are blessed to be in a wonderful city, surrounded by the most amazing people who have fallen in love with our Mexican food that includes our own family flavors. We can’t wait to be able to showcase even more with our full-service restaurant space.” – Owner Francisco Estrada.

2021-12-09T11:56:00