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

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill

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.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten

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.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café now offers catering

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café is adding catering to its mix and will bring its decadently delightful take on crêpes and other savory menu offerings to your home, office, or event for 20 guests or more. (Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café, 2021)

Sweet Paris’ Build Your Own Crêpes catering menu is ideal for anyone planning a party for a group of 20 guests or more for breakfast meetings, lunch, or dinner. The company waives travel fees for events within 20 minutes of its location at The Shops at La Cantera. Catering professionals will customize a menu for your event and budget. For party planning call (714) 797-5496 or submit your request to Al Bueno. Orders can be prepared on site or served boxed as a complete meal.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café is a Parisian-inspired, fast casual restaurant located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. It offers a critically acclaimed selection of sweet and savory crêpes, from apple cinnamon Crème Brȗlée and s’mores made with Nutella®, torched marshmallows, graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate to the ribeye-and-provolone stuffed Philly cheesesteak, and the Nordic made with smoked salmon, dill sour cream, pickled red onions, and capers.

A sumptuous assortment of breakfast crêpes is on the evolving brunch menu, which includes paninis, salads, soups and options for gluten-free crêpes.

Founded in Houston, Texas in 2012, Sweet Paris has locations in Rice Village, CityCentre, Katy, Highland Village, College Station, The Woodlands, and Nuevo Vallarta — with new locations coming to Baybrook, San Antonio and more.

“As we gather together again, take your guests on a culinary trip to Paris without stamping a passport. We will come to you and prepare our flavorful sweet and savory creations on site. Office parties, home parties, bridal parties, baby showers, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, wedding receptions, dinner clubs and more, gives us an opportunity to invite a new segment of the population to experience our food and further touch the lives of our restaurant guests.” – Al Bueno, lead crêpe crafter and catering coordinator for Sweet Paris.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Pluckers Wing Bar

Pluckers Wing Bar is offering a free meal for dads on Father’s Day for Pluckers Club and Pluckers Club Lite members. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

This Father’s Day, treat dad to the best wings in town and all-day sports watching at Pluckers Wing Bar. In celebration of the special day, on Sunday, June 20, Pluckers Wing Bar will offer a free meal (up to a $16 value) to dads who are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members themselves or come with a guest who has a membership. This special will be available for dine-in only. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Known for their perfect combination of homemade food and a fantastic atmosphere for watching sports, the iconic Pluckers menu includes fan favorites, such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.

The Jerk Shack announces third San Antonio location

The popular Caribbean-style restaurant will open its third location downtown at Hemisfair. Photo: Jason Risner, used with permission.

Popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, is excited to announce its third brick-and-mortar location coming to Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio. The new Jerk Shack restaurant will be located in the Schultze House, one of the historically recreated homes in the Hemisfair district. The 1,740 square foot restaurant is set to open in the summer of 2022. (The Jerk Shack, 2021)

Jerk Shack’s third location will feature the menu and flavors of the original Jerk Shack that San Antonians have come to love, but will also have an elevated menu featuring steakhouse-like items and more for an added traditional dining experience. The Hemisfair location will also feature a full bar and cocktail program, which is not currently available at the other Jerk Shack locations.

The Jerk Shack’s cuisine is inspired by the flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean. 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 create a unique blend of cultures. Of course, more traditional Caribbean dishes like braised oxtail, jerk chicken and more are also available at the restaurant. Chef Blaque will also have her Executive Chef from Mi Roti, Chef Lionel “Butch” Blache, run the kitchen with her at Jerk Shack’s Hemisfair location.

The third Jerk Shack location marks the fourth restaurant opening for Chef Blaque in San Antonio. In addition to her flagship location, she recently opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean-style concept in Pearl’s Bottling Department, in July 2020. The Jerk Shack’s second location at 10234 State Hwy 151, San Antonio, TX 78251 is set to open for service this summer.

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 response to The Jerk Shack has been amazing, which has allowed us to expand across the city. Our fans and customers have been extremely supportive of our growth so we’re looking forward to bringing The Jerk Shack to Hemisfair.” – The Jerk Shack Chef and Owner Nicola Blaque

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