Category: Restaurant News

July events at Krause’s Café & Biergarten

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.

 

Project Pollo’s Fourth of July event

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 latest limited-time summer menu

Whataburger’s Pico De Gallo Burger is back. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Back by popular demand, the Whataburger Pico 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.

Celebrate Independence Day with La Panadería

La Panadería’s red, white, and blue pan dulce, the Tres Leches Croissant. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Returning just in time for Independence Day Weekend, San Antonio staple La Panadería will bring back its patriotic-themed croissant, available at its Broadway, Houston St. and La Cantera Heights locations for a limited time July 2 through July 4. A delectable addition to this year’s July 4 festivities, La Panadería will offer its popular Tres Leches Croissant filled with strawberries and cream, and topped with red, white & blue frosting. The Independence Day treat will be available to order online and in-store. (Giant Noise for La Panadería, 2021)

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.

Celebrate Fourth of July at Taco Cabana with Sonoran Hot Dogs

Taco Cabana celebrates Independence Day with all new Sonoran Hot Dogs and special beer bundles. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Starting Friday July 2, 2021, celebrate Independence Day all weekend long at Taco Cabana with two all-new Sonoran Hot Dogs while supplies last. TC fans can choose from Ground Beef or Bacon Sonoran Hot Dogs available a la carte for $2.99 at all participating Texas locations. Guests ages 21+ can purchase a hot dog and beer bundle, including a Sonoran hot dog + choice of domestic beer for $4.99 or a Sonoran hot dog + choice of premium beer for $5.49. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

This summer, TC continues to be the home of the $2 margarita. TC fans can enjoy their choice of eight margarita flavors, including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon, and Dragonfruit all day every day for just $2. The Pickle margarita is available at select Taco Cabanas for $2. Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry, and Mango for $34.99 or Blue Curacao for $36.99.

All menu items, including $2 margaritas and beer bundles, can be ordered online at TacoCabana.com or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in fresh Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, house-made flour tortillas and tortilla chips as well a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-throughs, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of June 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 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.

Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

First impression: Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex grill. Photo: google

Saturday we ventured out to Brownsville and decided to try to have lunch at Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill. I love Mediterranean food because it is vegan/vegetarian friendly and having spent the last few years in San Antonio, I got used to eating it frequently. Much to my dismay, there are no Mediterranean restaurant in the area, unless you travel to McAllen. My sister recommended this place so I figured we would give it a try.

Finding the restaurant was not a problem but parking is limited. They open at 11a.m so of course we were there early to avoid the crowds because I have heard that it can get busy. There are more than enough tables for dining in and the Middle Eastern decorations set the mood for what you are about to eat. The two televisions were on but luckily the volume was not too high or it would have been distracting.

Devanny the waitress promptly stopped by and took our drink order and left the menus for us to look over. I ordered the falafel plate and my husband got the Habibi Mix Grill combination plate. As an appetizer, you get falafels with hummus and even though it came when we were halfway through our drinks, the falafels are obviously freshly made and the hummus is delicious. True to the posted sign at the counter: “We are not a fast food restaurant! Your food is made fresh every order. Please be patient,” it took almost thirty minutes to get our order but it was worth the wait. This is the type of Mediterranean food we are used to eating. Everything is flavorful and the portions are so generous that we ended up taking the leftovers home. I strongly recommend getting there early and make sure you are not too hungry, because there is a wait time.

They have Halal, vegetarian, vegan and keto options. The menu includes chicken, lamb, beef kebab grill, falafels, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, shawarma, gyros, Greek salad, grape leaves, maklube, mansaf, kabsah, and much more. Confusing? The menu has pictures and the waitstaff is helpful and will answer any questions you might have. I was disappointed that the Baklava is only for dinner, I was looking forward to dessert. The prices are not too bad, the total for lunch was $26.25 excluding the tip.

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex grill started out as a food truck at The Broken Sprocket and has been at the current location for about two years with future plans to expand. A big thank you to Devanny and Alex, the owner, for taking the time to talk to us and answer our questions. We definitely enjoyed our visit and will be back again, not to mention recommend it to friends and family, especially those who have never had Mediterranean food. They do not know what they are missing. So once again, shop small, shop local, and support your neighborhood restaurants and be daring and try something new. Your taste buds, your community, and Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill will thank you. Maybe we will see you there next time!

$$

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex grill
123 Old Port Isabel Rd, Ste A3
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 509-4384

Business hours:
Monday through Saturday 11a.m. to 9p.m.
Closed Sundays

Rating: 4 out of 5.
  • Falafel plate
  • Habibi Mix Grill combination plate
  • Falafel appetizer plate
  • Front counter

Krause’s Café & Biergarten welcomes summer with free live music

The New Braunfels-based restaurant will host an array of live bands in June. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is hosting a variety of live music throughout June including The Dirty River Jazz Band (June 11), crowd favorite the Lederhosen Junkies (June 19), Reggae Festival featuring Mighty Mystic and Jah Sun & The Rising Tide (June 24), Julian Escobedo (June 26), and more. Below is a condensed list of exciting June happenings at Krause’s Café & Biergarten. A full list of upcoming events is available online. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)

The Dirty River Jazz Band – Friday, June 11
The Dirty River Jazz Band brings their swinging sounds of New Orleans Jazz back to Krause’s Café. The show starts at 7p.m. Guests can enjoy German-inspired fare from Krause’s full food and drink menu while listening to this eclectic band’s toe tapping sound. This event is free and open to the public.

Rochelle & The Sidewinders – Friday, June 18
Rochelle & The Sidewinders is an award-winning, high-energy blues band based out of Austin Texas, and will rock the Krause’s Biergarten at 7p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Lederhosen Junkies – Saturday, June 19
Enjoy live music all day with New Braunfels favorite the Lederhosen Junkies, this dynamic accordionist will take the stage at 2p.m. Stay for the day and enjoy an evening performance by the Off The Grid Band at 6p.m. This high-energy band plays a variety of music styles including country, classic rock, Cajun, and zydeco. This event is free and open to the public.

Reggae Festival – Thursday, June 24
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is proud to host Reggae Festival featuring Mighty Mystic and Jah Sun & The Rising Tide. Mighty Mystic will groove audiences with their universal sounds and bring good vibes to the stage from 4:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. Enjoy the celebrated sound of California Reggae artist Jah Sun & The Rising Tide from 7p.m. to 10p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Soul Sessions – Friday, June 25
Guests are invited to experience the funky fresh sounds of Soul Sessions, a unique group of Central Texas’ top R&B, Soul, and Funk musicians taking the Krause’s stage at 7p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Julian Escobedo – Saturday, June 26
Julian Escobedo will headline the Krause’s stage at 7p.m. He is best known for his 11 year run playing bass, singing background, writing and arranging for Grammy Award winning Tejano/Country star, Emilio Navaira. This event is free and open to the public.

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 70 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.

Jah Sun & The Rising Tide. Courtesy photo

Hopdoddy’s Father’s Day deals

Hopdoddy’s Goodnight/Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

For Father’s Day, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is giving guests options for dining in or celebrating at home. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

Celebrating at Hopdoddy- 

  • On Father’s Day, June 20, Hopdoddy is offering a second beef patty on the house with the purchase of a burger or burger bowl. Just mention the promotion in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or select the double beef option when ordering online for curbside or pickup.

Celebrating at Home – 

  • Just in time for Father’s Day, Hopdoddy is relaunching its DIY Doddy Burger Kit to make celebrating at a home easy. Available starting Wednesday, June 16, the kit includes everything you need to make Hopdoddy cheeseburgers and truffle fries for a family of 5 at home, all for only $29.95
  • Certified Piedmontese is offering a select steaks box designed in collaboration with Hopdoddy’s Chef, Matt Schweitzer, for Father’s Day. Hopdoddy fans can use promo code HDFD to get 20% off and free shipping only on the Certified Piedmontese website.

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.

Bakery Lorraine celebrates Pride Month with cookies for a cause

Bakery Lorraine launches specialty cookie in observance of Pride Month with a portion of all proceeds contributed to local LGBTQ+ organization. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine, a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop, will offer a rainbow-colored cookie in celebration of Pride Month. They will be joining forces with San Antonio-based LGBTQ+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Thrive Youth Center, an organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting Friday, June 4, and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.50. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin for dine-in or to go. This June Thrive Youth Center aims to raise over $20,000 for its organization. Meeting this goal will allow the organization to accommodate the growing numbers of youth entering their shelter, assist with housing programs, provide funding for increased staffing needs and supply necessary items for LGBTQ+ youth.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

Thrive Youth Center’s mission is to provide a safe, effective, and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth in San Antonio and Austin, so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. Thrive has 10 beds at their emergency shelter located on Haven for Hope’s campus, and are now in the third year of housing young adults in their own apartments for up to a year through a federal government grant. Thrive Youth Center has served over 200 young adults in 2019 alone.

Celebrate summer at Taco Cabana with NachoMania

Taco Cabana launces NachoMania for summer 2021. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching Wednesday, June 2, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to kick off their summer with NachoMania. Featuring four new varieties of TC nachos, $4.59 each for a limited time at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

NachoMania offerings include:

• Tex Mex Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, queso, and jalapeno slices
• Supreme Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, queso, tomatoes, and sour cream
• Mexican Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, chorizo, refried beans, queso, jalapeno slices, sour cream, and pico de gallo
• Beyond Meat Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, Beyond Meat, black beans, queso, sour cream, and pico de gallo

Summer would not be summer without an array of Taco Cabana’s signature $2 margaritas. Eight flavors just $2 all day, every day including: Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon and Dragonfruit; the Pickle margarita will also remain available for a limited time. Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.

All menu items, including $2 margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.

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.

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.