Celebrate Tax Free Weekend at Taco Cabana this Friday August 6 through Sunday August 8, 2021 with special meal deals. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
In celebration of Texas Tax Free Weekend, Friday August 6, 2021 through Sunday August 8, 2021, Taco Cabana is offering a limited-time meal bundle that the whole family will enjoy. Continue the savings all weekend long with two large cheese quesadillas, twelve chicken flautas, and three 3.25 oz. quesos for just $19.99. Offer valid at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
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.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.
With International Beer Day fast approaching on Friday August 6, New Braunfels based beer garden, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, will be having beer specials all day to celebrate. Krause’s will be offering half price pints on all Altstadt Brewery products with an all-day Altstadt tap takeover. Guests can find Altstadt lager, Kolsch, amber, hefeweizen, pilsner, IPA, and more at Krause’s. Kick off the weekend with Krause’s and get a taste of German tradition in the Texas Hill Country. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)
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 one hundred 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 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
Naco Mexican Eatery restaurant will open in Fall 2021. Photo: Naco Mexican Eatery, used with permission.
Naco Mexican Eatery is excited to announce its first ever brick and mortar location coming to San Antonio in the Los Patios development along the Salado Creek, opening in Fall 2021. Naco Mexican Eatery – a concept by husband-and-wife team Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez – is a food truck that serves authentic Mexican plates, traditional tacos, tortas, and chilaquiles for breakfast and lunch service. (Naco Mexican Eatery, 2021)
Naco Mexican Eatery opened 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 the new location 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 Mexican Eatery 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.
“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
Naco Mexican Eatery will open its brick and mortar location in Fall 2021 and will continue its food truck operations. An official opening date will be announced soon.
La Panadería’s S’more cookie. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
National S’mores Day on August 10 recognizes the most popular campfire treat. Millions of people of all ages love this gooey, toasted treat which consists of a roasted marshmallow with a layer of chocolate bar sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. The origin of the s’more is credited to entrepreneur Alec Barnum. (National Day Calendar, 2021)
National S’mores Day is coming up and while it may not be ideal to sit around a campfire with this Texas heat, you can still satisfy your S’more craving this summer with La Panadería’s delectable treat. La Panadería invites customers to indulge in their signature S’more cookie, their take on the gooey, toasted treat, made from scratch and packed with chocolate chunks and toasted marshmallows. La Panadería’s unique approach to baking results in artisanal pastries like no other, and their unique S’more cookie is no exception. (La Panadería, 2021)
You can purchase the S’more cookie for $3.60 at one of La Panadería’s three San Antonio locations, or order online for pickup.
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. 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.
The team behind San Antonio’s most lauded restaurant has officially announced opening. Photo: Mixtli, used with permission.
The team behind Mixtli, the nationally renowned progressive Mexican restaurant, has officially announced the opening of the new space located at 812 South Alamo Street in Southtown. Led by Executive Chefs Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, 2017 FOOD & WINE’s Best New Chefs and James Beard semi-finalist nominees for “Best Chefs Southwest” in 2018, Mixtli’s new space features a larger dining room, an open kitchen concept and a new bar. Tickets open one month in advance and are now available here for August. (Mixtli, 2021)
“We are very excited to call Southtown our home,” said Diego Galicia. “The area is a legendary hotspot for restaurants, and we are so lucky to be able to be right in the middle of it. The residents have been incredibly warm and welcoming. We cannot wait to welcome every one of our guests back.”
Like clouds, the menu travels from place to place offering a tour in Mexican gastronomy and will rotate quarterly. If the state has a border with the ocean, the Mixtli team starts the trek on the coast and works inland, bringing dishes specifically from that region or state. After each season, the cloud travels to other lands, and the team begins again with a new menu.
“Mixtli’s mission to rescue, revive, protect, and promote the history and origins of Mexico’s Gastronomy continues to grow as we expand into our new home,” says Rico Torres. “With the addition of the bar program, new team members, and additional space we can curate the guests’ experience in new and exciting ways.”
Now through September 18, Mixtli is currently featuring the Oaxaca menu. Oaxaca is known as Mexico’s most iconic microcosm of food. With endless coasts, mountains, and forests, it is a region that presents some of the most unique and ancient flavors in Mexico. Known as the land of the seven moles, Oaxaca is a powerhouse of regional food. Its folklore and flavors are unique, and it is a state where food and drink are celebrated like nowhere else in Mexico. Guests can expect menu items such as Tichinda cold water mussels and chintestle; Barbacoa de Mariscos seafood barbacoa, seaweed salsa and tortillas and Mole Amarillo grass fed-ribeye with roasted onion and Chilhuacle Amarillo.
The Bar at Mixtli offers a variety of beverage options including cocktails, agave spirits, and a progressive wine list. Paying homage to the traveling food and drink menus, the bar features an 8 ft. cloud that has a mind of its own. The ever evolving cocktail list was crafted by longtime San Antonio mixologist Derik Cortez. Derik has been in the cocktail industry for 22 years and has trained under notable craft cocktail figures like Jake Corney from Jazz TX and Christopher Ware, formerly from Paramour.
Mixtli is located in San Antonio at 812 South Alamo Street Suite #103 and is open Tuesday—Saturday with the first seating beginning at 5p.m. Parking is available at the restaurant.
Helmed by owners and Executive Chefs Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, Mixtli’s menu travels from place to place, offering a tour in Mexican gastronomy. Chef Rico Torres and Diego Galicia were named one of FOOD & WINE’s Best New Chefs of 2017 and James Beard semifinalists for “Best Chef Southwest” in 2018. The current Mixtli is located at 5251 McCullough Ave.
Taco Cabana will have $2 margaritas on National Tequila Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
National Tequila Day is around the corner on Saturday, July 24, and whether you like your tequila in a glass or a croissant, frozen or on the rocks, these local businesses have the perfect way to celebrate. For an at-home celebration, Twang is sharing a delicious Cerveza Rosa recipe, while San Antonio staple La Panadería is serving up house blend frozen margaritas in addition to their traditional Tequila Almond Croissants. EVO Entertainment is welcoming movie lovers back to the theaters with seven margarita offerings, and New Braunfels establishments 188 South and Krause’s Café are creating specialty margaritas available for a limited time. (La Panadería, EVO Entertainment, Taco Cabana, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 188 South, Twang, 2021)
** Update: July 21, 2021
Taco Cabana is now including a $3 bundle in addition to their $2 margaritas. This means that any margarita plus choice of shredded chicken or bean and cheese taco will be $3. Offer will be available this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
La Panadería Since opening in 2014, La Panadería’s claim to fame has been their signature Tequila Almond Croissant boasting a golden, airy exterior and sweet tequila-infused almond paste filling — a creative twist on the classic French pastry. For the first time, guests can now pair this signature pastry with “Besos,” La Panadería’s offering of house blend and frozen margaritas and Frosé, available exclusively at La Cantera Heights. La Panaderia has three locations and online ordering to best serve the San Antonio area this National Tequila Day.
EVO Entertainment Movies are making a comeback and EVO Entertainment has seven specialty margaritas to enjoy, all made with EVO’s very own select tequila. Choices include a zesty Jalapeño Margarita, a Watermelon Margarita, a Paloma, a Beer-Rita and their signature Midnight Rambler. This National Tequila Day, grab a drink and relax in one of EVO’s luxury loungers while enjoying one of the year’s blockbusters.
Taco Cabana Celebrate National Tequila Day with $2 margaritas at Taco Cabana. With eight flavors including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon, and Dragonfruit, Taco Cabana is the ultimate margarita stop. The popular Pickle Margarita is also available at select locations for just $2, and guests have the option to add chamoy for no additional cost.
Krause’s Café + Biergarten In celebration of National Tequila Day, Krause’s Café + Biergarten in New Braunfels is serving up a special cocktail appropriately called Beat the Heat for a holiday in late July. This take on a margarita includes tequila, lime juice, agave, ancho reyes with a chamoy and Tajin rim garnished with jalapeño and lime. Guests can take a break from floating the river to grab a refreshing treat at Krause’s Café for $6.00 on Saturday, July 24.
Krause’s Café + Biergarten 148 S Castell Ave. New Braunfels, TX
188 South To commemorate National Tequila Day, 188 South in New Braunfels will be offering a refreshing Strawberry Basil Margarita worthy of a celebration. The cocktail is made with strawberry, basil, Cointreau, Dulce Vida Tequila and agave, and garnished with a lime wheel. The cocktail can be enjoyed at 188 South on Saturday, July 24 for $11.
188 South 188 S Castell Ave. New Braunfels, TX
Twang For those planning to stay in, Twang and Aaron Pena, owner/bartender at The Squeezebox and Amor Eterno in San Antonio, TX, have just the cocktail to appropriately celebrate National Tequila Day.
See recipe below: • Twang Paloma Love grapefruit rimming salt • .5 oz. lemon juice • .5 oz. simple syrup • 1.5 oz. Tequila • Top with champagne served in a flute rimmed with Twang Paloma Love
Celebrate National Tequila Day with margaritas from Hopdoddy. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.
Saturday July 24 is National Tequila Day, so why not try Hopdoddy’s Roadie — a half-gallon bag of frozen house margarita — so you can easily share and celebrate with a crowd. This frozen, to-go margarita is made with fresh, hand-squeezed juice, and the 64 oz. is enough to bring the whole party with you. If you are looking for a tasty tequila drink for one, there are even more options to choose from at the to-go bar, like Hopdoddy’s classic Strawberry Margarita or Doble Fina Margarita. All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any Hopdoddy Burger Barlocation or online for pickup. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)
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 favorite community charitable organizations.
Bier stein-holding competitions are still going on at Krause’s Café before the finals on August 21, 2021. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is hosting a variety of live music and events throughout July including the musical stylings of the Rick Cavender Band, Masskrugstemmen competitions, UEFA EURO Championship watch parties, and more. This is a sampling of upcoming events; a full list is available online. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)
UEFA EURO Championship Watch Party, July 11: Finals Guests are encouraged to stop by Krause’s Bierhalle to catch the final “football” championship and grab a pint. Krause’s will be hosting a watch party for the UEFA EURO 2020 Championship on Sunday, July 11 at 2p.m.
Masskrugstemmen Competitions – Saturdays, July 17 and 24 There are only five more bier stein-holding competitions before the finals. On select Saturdays, guests are invited to try their hand at the traditional Bavarian contest in which contestants hold a full bier stein at arm’s length for as long as they can. Winners of the men’s and women’s competitions receive a $50 gift card and are invited back to compete in the finals on August 21. Champions will receive airfare plus a two night hotel stay in New York City. There is also a kid’s version with Root Beer for some family fun.
Rick Cavender Band – Friday, July 9 Rick Cavender is known to many as the voice and face of his family’s auto dealerships, but when the lights are off in his showroom, Rick leads one of South Texas’ favorite party bands. He has shared a stage with well-known artists Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Glen Campbell, and George Strait. Guests can expect a fantastic ride through songs from all decades and genres from the Eagles to Creedence, from George Strait to Robert Earl Keen, from Lady A to Fleetwood Mac to Marty Robbins and Roy Orbison. The Rick Cavender band will start their set at Krause’s at 6:30p.m. on July 9.
Terry Cavanagh Duo & The Alpine Express – Sunday, July 11 Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express is one of America’s best German bands. The group energizes the stage with traditional German music stylings. The upbeat and interactive band will play at Krause’s Cafe on July 11 as a duo at 10a.m. and the entire band will perform at 2p.m.
Rochelle & The Sidewinders – Friday, July 16 Austin-based blues rock band Rochelle & The Sidewinders will take the stage at Krause’s Friday, July 16 at 7p.m. Guests can expect a quality show provided by Austin’s Number One Blues Band, according to the Austin Blues Society.
Mark Halata & Texavia – Saturday, July 17 Mark Halata began playing the accordion at an early age and has used it as a means to connect with his Czech-Moravian heritage. The band plays traditional polka music, notable for its upbeat tempo and rhythmic sounds. Mark Halata & Texavia will be playing at Krause’s Cafe Saturday, July 17 at 5:30p.m.
Das Ist Lustig – Sunday, July 25 Das Ist Lustig translates to “That’s Fun” and this German Band based in Houston, TX promises to deliver. The traditional German band performs nationally and throughout Texas year round, sharing their energetic style with all who come to listen. Das Ist Lustig will be performing at Krause’s Cafe Sunday, July 25 at 2p.m.
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. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
This Fourth of July, Project Pollo is offering 1,000 free Smart Dogs, tasty menu samples, a chance to shop local vendors, and a hot dog eating contest to support local nonprofits. Photo: Project Pollo, used with permission.
This is a July Fourth celebration that is going to the dogs—hot dogs, that is. On Sunday, July 4, from noon to 4p.m., San Antonio’s only vegan chicken fast food restaurant chain invites the public to its 303 San Pedro location, where 1,000 Vegan Lightlife Smart Dogs will be given away. The free dogs are part of a day filled with food, philanthropy, and doggone fun designed for both the plant-based and plant-curious diners alike. (Project Pollo, 2021)
Project Pollo has been disrupting the fast-food industry with its vegan chicken concept since opening its doors in the fall of 2020 and it shows no signs of slowing down. With five new restaurants throughout San Antonio, nine more scheduled to open across Texas by the end of the year, and a long range plan of 100 locations in the U.S. by the year 2024, the locally based restaurant is committed to making plant-based options affordable, accessible, and most of all, delicious.
FOOD Smart Dogs are not the only thing on the holiday menu. Guests will be able to try FREE samples of some of Project Pollo’s newest items, including the decadent double chocolate cookie or creamy strawberry shortcake milkshakes made with Oatly Milk. In addition, the full menu, complete with the signature Original Project Chickn sandwich, the loaded Papas smothered in Credo Cashew Queso, and the vegan Mac n Cheese will be available for purchase. It is the perfect time to exercise your freedom to explore just how good plant-based eating can be.
PHILANTHROPY What is a Fourth of July party without an eating contest? Project Pollo is inviting representatives from local nonprofits to participate in a “dog-off.” For every Smart Dog consumed, $25 will be donated to the organization. The grand prize winner will walk away with a $500 donation. A supply drive will be held for supporters to drop off donations and show their support for the participating organizations. It is all part of Project Pollo’s “people over profits” philosophy that extends to the community year-round. Through the “People Project,” charitable initiative, Project Pollo donates two additional sandwiches for the sale of every $5.50 People Project Crispy Strip sandwich. This effort allows the company to give away a minimum of 1,000 sandwiches on a designated day each quarter to those in need. In addition, for those who cannot afford the $5.50 cost, a “pay what you can” option is available, making it easier for everyone to enjoy sustainable foods.
FUN Ate too many Smart Dogs? Walk it off as you browse local vendors who will be showcasing their wares during the Fourth of July event. Artists, plant sellers, and other merchants will be on hand with unique items to purchase. Shop, snack, and support local.
Established in 2020 by vegan entrepreneur Lucas Bradbury, Project Pollo gives a cluck about the planet and the people who inhabit it. The first of its kind plant-based fast-food chicken concept, Project Pollo is built on bold flavors and bolder principles, including fair wages, sustainability, and people over profit. The scratch-made menu offers delicious vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and strips, as well as plenty of mouthwatering sides, including crispy Papas, smothered in cashew queso, and Mac N Cheese. Project Pollo is committed to changing the face of the fast-food industry by offering affordable, delicious, convenient access to quality, plant-based options that everyone from the veteran vegan to the curious carnivore will enjoy. With locations across Texas (some drive-thru), Project Pollo hopes to spread its wings to 100 stores by 2024.
Whataburger’s Pico De Gallo Burger is back. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Back by popular demand, the WhataburgerPico 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.
SA Examiner 