Category: Restaurant News

Easter offerings from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine will be offering several Easter treats. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Easter is right around the corner, and whether you are planning a socially distant picnic or a small gathering with family, these San Antonio favorites can help make your celebration memorable. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, Twang, 2021)

Bakery Lorraine – This year Bakery Lorraine will offer a festive Easter themed dessert box. This box is available for $28 and includes the following treats:

  • 2 Egg shaped Moonpies
  • 1 Chocolate Nest Tart
  • 1 Bunny Tart
  • 1 Lemon Blueberry Tart

Bakery Lorraine will also offer a delightfully decorated spring themed Carrot Cake for $65. Both items are only available by pre-ordering through Bakery Lorraine’s website under the “Custom Orders” tab. The last day to place an order is Wednesday, 3/31 by noon. Items are available for pickup on Saturday 4/3 and Sunday 4/4 starting at 9a.m. at all Bakery Lorraine locations. Bakery Lorraine will continue to offer its signature Easter treats for in-store or online pickup on Friday 4/2 through Sunday 4/4 at all locations until items sell out. Items include:

  • Egg shaped Moonpies $4
  • Chocolate Nest Tart $6
  • Bunny Tart $6
  • Lemon Blueberry Tart $6

EVO Entertainment – EVO will be hosting Easter-themed pajama pancake parties at the Schertz, Springtown, Belterra and Kyle locations on Saturday, April 3 at 9:30a.m. Kids can enjoy screenings of the festive movie, “Hop” while chowing down on a stack of pancakes from EVO’s specialty menu, which includes Classic, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake pancakes. Tickets will be available online.

Recipes from Twang Partners

Wow your friends and family with these light and fresh appetizers/sides from Twang.

Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll

Ingredients:

  • 1 avocado
  • ¼ of cream cheese block (4 oz.)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tsp of lime juice
  • 3 tbsp. of pine nuts
  • 1 tbsp. of ZAS Chili Lime (and a dash for garnish)
  • 1 cucumber
  • Mandolin or potato peeler

Preparation:

  • Toss all ingredients (except cucumber) in a blender or food processor. Or if you want to be traditional do it by hand, finely mince garlic and mash ingredients together with a fork until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit in a refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  • Use a mandolin or potato peeler to cut long thin strips from the cucumber. Be sure to leave the skin for pretty color.
  • Take a cucumber strip and spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture along the length of the strip. A little goes a long way so be mindful. Make sure the spread goes all the way to the end so that it sticks once rolled.
  • Roll it up! No toothpicks needed. Sprinkle on a dash of ZAS Chili Lime Seasoning to give it more presentation.

Tamarind Tomatillo Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of watermelon, chopped bite sized
  • 8 strawberries, chopped bite sized
  • 1 cup of tomatillos, chopped bite sized
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp. of fresh lime juice
  • ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning

Preparation:

  • Put watermelon, strawberries, tomatillo, and onions in a bowl and gently toss.
  • Drizzle olive oil and lime juice and gently toss once more.
  • Sprinkle on ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning and serve immediately

San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance mobilizes restaurants to feed South Texans

La Panaderia was one of 17 local restaurants that helped feed South Texans after devastating winter storms. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

After an unprecedented winter storm devastated San Antonio in mid-February, the South Texas food and beverage community quickly organized to provide relief. To help, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) collaborated with World Central Kitchen, Good Match, and Hopscotch to provide more than 8,600 free meals to neighbors in need. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

The relief efforts were focused on vulnerable residents living in San Antonio’s District 5, many of whom experienced power outages for 1-4 days. Working with Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, the Alliance arranged meal delivery to 21 community sites.

“The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance stepped up when District 5 needed help the most,” said Gonzales. “When so many of our neighbors were stranded with no food, water, or electricity, we relied on the Alliance to feed our most vulnerable. Their network of selfless community members became a lifeline. Their energy was our fuel, and their quick response was our inspiration.”

Although the Alliance’s work typically focuses on its culinary grant and educational programs, it realized the city would need all hands on deck. The nonprofit utilized its network in San Antonio’s culinary community to ensure hundreds of free meals could be prepared per day. The hospitality industry is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, but San Antonio’s food and beverage professionals were eager to join the efforts.

Meal deliveries were made possible by dozens of community volunteers, including representatives from the San Antonio Housing Authority and the San Antonio Fire Department. The initiative even drew the support of some high-profile helpers like U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and actor and activist Eva Longoria.

In total, 17 local restaurants, food trucks, and caterers distributed free meals February 20-23. Participants included:

• Botika
• Chelsea Catering/ Tony G’s Soul Food
• Full Belly Café + Bar
• The Good Kind
• Grupo La Gloria
• Guerrilla Gourmet
• Hello Paradise
• J’Dubs Burgers & Grub
• La Panadería
• Little Em’s Oyster Bar
• Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
• Naco Mexican
• Pedrotti’s Ranch
• Pharm Table
• Southerleigh Hospitality Group
• Teka Molino
• Toro Kitchen + Bar

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance was established in 2020, following a near-decade of success with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Even though the organization expanded in San Antonio just last year and will focus on culinary grants, educational programs, and events, the nonprofit jumped in quickly to support the city during its time of need.

“When a crisis hits, folks who want to help go with what they know. Our expertise is in bringing people together. We have an enormous amount of gratitude for the folks who were able to help. Despite the many challenges they were facing with their own businesses and in their own lives, so many people in the hospitality industry enthusiastically lent a helping hand. It has been an incredibly inspiring thing to see.” – Mariam Parker, SAFWA executive director

Pluckers Wing Bar to host ‘March Badness’ for the 2021 NCAA Basketball Men’s Tournament

Pluckers Wing Bar is bringing back their famous ‘March Badness’ competition for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In celebration of March Madness, Pluckers Wing Bar will bring back their famous “March Badness” competition and offer Lucky Longshot specials during the Final Four for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

*** Update: brackets will be available to download online; however, fans will need to print out their bracket form and drop off the filled form at their closest Pluckers location to be eligible to enter the “March Badness” competition.

Pluckers is flipping the typical March Madness festivities upside down for a unique “March Badness” competition. The contest will only run online for the second round of the tournament, Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19, and participants will be asked to choose the losers of the games rather than the winners. One winner who correctly chooses each of the losers will win a $1,000 Pluckers gift card.

Brackets will be available to fill out online and will be posted the Sunday night after the tournament bracket is announced. Pluckers Club members will have the opportunity to fill out a second entry via the app.

Once the Sweet 16 has been set, Pluckers will assign a special to the four lowest seeded teams. If any of the four teams reach the Final Four, Pluckers will feature that special during the Final Four on Saturday, April 3.

Throughout the tournament, from the first round on Monday, March 15 to the finals on Monday, April 5, Pluckers will offer $1 off 34-oz Michelob Ultras and Bud Lights for dine-in guests.

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.

Max’s Wine Dive celebrating International Waffle Day all month of March

International Waffle Day is March 25 but Max’s Wine Dive has specials all month long. Blueberry Gingersnap Waffle. Photo: Max’s Wine Dive, used with permission.

Max’s Wine Dive is going all out for International Waffle Day the entire month of March. Guests can indulge in waffles this March at Max’s Wine Dive. Corporate Executive Chef Beto Gutierrez has created two new unique waffles to be featured at all Max’s Wine Dive locations in celebration of International Waffle Day, Thursday, March 25, 2021. (Max’s Wine Dive, 2021)

The Blueberry Gingersnap Waffle is topped with bourbon caramel and vanilla ice cream and priced at $14 and is sure to satisfy that sweet tooth. For those who prefer a more savory meal, check out the Smoked Salmon Waffle. This waffle is topped with spinach, capers, pickled onions, hard-boiled egg, and creamy dill sauce elegantly priced at $16 per entrée. These specialty waffles will be available at all Max’s Wine Dive from Wednesday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 31. Hurry in and try-out of these tasty treats.

Max’s Wine Dive—Washington | 713.880.8737
4720 Washington Ave., Ste. B, Houston, TX 77007

Max’s Wine Dive—Montrose | 713.528.9200
214 Fairview St. Ste. 2, Houston, TX 77006

MAX’s Wine Dive – Quarry | 210.444.9547
340 E Basse Rd Ste 101 Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78209

Taco Cabana introduces limited-time shrimp options

Taco Cabana introduces new Shrimp Yucatan quesadilla and taco. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana is introducing Shrimp Yucatan for the Lenten season at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Enjoy Taco Cabana’s new Shrimp Yucatan in a quesadilla or a taco. The quesadilla is filled with delicious shrimp marinated in achiote sauce then grilled with pico de gallo, smothered in melted jack and cheddar cheeses and served with a side of sour cream, shredded lettuce and returning favorite, pineapple salsa. The new Shrimp Yucatan taco, made with the same delicious shrimp, is topped with pickled onions, and shredded lettuce and served with a side of pineapple salsa as well. Both savory shrimp items provide a flavorful, tempting choice for all Taco Cabana guests.

Craving an original TC classic? Taco Cabana delivers with a flaky and shareable favorite – TC Flautas! Guests can order the crispy chicken-filled flautas in a three- or six-pack with a choice of queso, guacamole or sour cream for dipping. Taco Cabana’s flautas are perfect to share or enjoy individually and can also be purchased as a combo or plate.

Taco Cabana is sweetening any meal with the introduction of its new Pecan Sandies. The crispy, sugar-coated treat is available in a pack of five.

All menu items can be ordered via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for onsite dining.

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 January 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 144 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.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio 2021

Black Restaurant Week is taking place from February 21 to 28 to benefit the community and black owned restaurants. Photo: San Antonio Food Bank, used with permission.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio (BRWSA), Tim Duncan Foundation and Spurs Give are joining efforts to support the San Antonio Food Bank through donations and a matching effort. BRWSA is February 21-28 with more than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and businesses participating this year. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

Each restaurant will have a featured special on the menu that will serve as a give-back for the week and for each one purchased, BRWSA participants will give back 21 meals to kids and seniors facing hunger. In addition, the Tim Duncan Foundation and Spurs Give have each pledged $100,000 to the Food Bank, funding 1.4 million meals to help feed those in need.

Visit the full list of participating restaurants on the Black Restaurant Week San Antonio website. Curbside and delivery options will also be available to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its second year, families continue to face hunger, many for the first time. This partnership strives to help feed those with the greatest need, while also raising awareness for locally Black-owned restaurants to help them thrive during this time. The campaign to raise $2.5 million is still going strong until February 28 and anyone wishing to donate may do so online.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio was founded in 2019 to focus support on and highlight Black owned businesses and Black professionals in the culinary field in San Antonio. The goal is to not only bring awareness but to celebrate “Cuisine, Culture and Community” through an assortment of events and charitable giving.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

About Spurs Give: We are a family – a team – passionate about sports. We are passionate about what sports can do for our community – especially our youth. At the heart of it, we believe sports can provide a family with a common goal, and a hope for a better future. We are Spurs Give – the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Since our founding in 1988, we have invested $30 million in our community. Through our players’ passions, our grants, and our impact programs, we are changing lives and leaving a lasting impact. You give. We give. Spurs Give.

“This is our biggest Black Restaurant Week San Antonio to date. With over 30 participants, there’s something for everyone. I am also excited about supporting these Black-owned businesses and the diversity and cultures that they represent. And, I am grateful to be able to help out community members in need by helping to raise funds for the San Antonio Food Bank.” – Ryane Smith, organizer for Black Restaurant Week San Antonio.

Celebrate February holidays at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana’s specials this month make celebrating Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and National Margarita Day so much sweeter. Photo: Giant Noise for Taco Cabana, used with permission.

In celebration of Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and National Margarita Day, Taco Cabana is expanding its margarita offerings with new limited-time flavors. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Starting on Friday February 12, 2021, enjoy Taco Cabana’s “Love Potion” margarita, made with pomegranate and lavender; available through Monday, February 15, 2021 for $2. Sweeten the deal with the purchase of the “Be Mine” bundle for $19.99, featuring two “Love Potion” margaritas (or any flavor), 12 chicken flautas, an order of small chips, three quesos, and 5 pecan sandies cookies. 

Getting into the Mardi Gras spirit? From February 14-18, 2021, stop by Taco Cabana to try the MardiGraRita for $3. The MardiGraRita is a colorful and flavorful blend of strawberry, blue curacao, mango, and lime. This is a great way to toast and celebrate Mardi Gras.

Celebrate National Margarita Day all weekend February 19-22, 2021 with limited-time Mango Jalapeño and Strawberry Mint margaritas for just $2. TC guests can also enjoy lime, strawberry, mango, strawberry mango and mangonada margaritas for $2, or go all-in with the purchase of a lime, strawberry or mango margarita gallon for $29.99. Guests can add chamoy to any margarita for no extra charge.

Hungry too? Enjoy a soft taco (choose from Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken, Chicken Fajita or Bean & Cheese) + any choice of margarita flavor for $3.

New menu items will be available for in-store, drive-thru and online ordering in participating Texas locations in Austin, San Antonio, DFW, Houston and El Paso.

• Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day Specials: February 12-15, 2021

• Mardi Gras Specials: February 14-18, 2021

• National Margarita Day Weekend Specials: February 19-22, 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, 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 Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 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.

Celebrate National Almond Day with La Panaderia’s Tequila Almond Croissant

La Panaderia’s Tequila Almond Croissant. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

National Almond Day is coming up on Tuesday February 16, and there is no better way to celebrate than with one of La Panadería’s signature Tequila Almond Croissants. La Panadería’s staple Tequila Almond Croissant has a golden, flaky exterior and is dusted with powdered sugar and topped with slices of roasted almonds with a creamy tequila almond filling guaranteed to make National Almond Day sweet. (La Panadería, 2021)

The pastry was created when Chef David Cáceres was experimenting with the traditional almond croissant recipe and did not have rum handy. He instead reached for a bottle of 1800 Reposado Tequila, and the rest is delicious history. The Tequila Almond Croissant is now one of the San Antonio bakery’s best sellers and customers can place orders online for pickup, enjoy in-store or via statewide shipping in Texas.

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-café La Panadería in 2014 to share their Mexican heritage and love for baking with the people of their adopted hometown of San Antonio, Texas. The Cáceres’ passion for baking began when they were young boys selling loaves of their mother, Doña Josefina’s fresh baked bread on the streets of Mexico City. Eventually José and David took over their mother’s homegrown business and started baking on a large scale, supplying bread and pan dulce for businesses throughout Mexico. After finding financial success in Mexico, the brothers realized they wanted to get back to the basics, and they decided to bring their passion for bread cultura to Texas.

Update on Hopdoddy’s National Margarita Day deals

Hopdoddy Burger Bar has special deals for National Margarita Day. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

** Update: 2/19/2021: Due to winter storm conditions in Texas, Hopdoddy will instead be starting their margarita deals tomorrow, Saturday, February 20 to make sure restaurants are ready for the occasion. It will still run until Monday, February 22, 2021.

This month, Hopdoddy Burger Bar has special offers for Fat Tuesday, Tuesday February 16 and National Margarita Day from Friday February 19 to Monday February 22, 2021. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

Fat Tuesday – Tuesday, February 16, 2021
• On Tuesday, February 16, Hopdoddy Burger Bar Vineyard and The Rim are offering bottomless fries all day to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Choose any flavor, like the Parmesan Truffle, Green Chile Queso, BBQ Ranch, and more— and get as many fries as you want for the price of one order. This offer is available for in-store dining or to-go orders.

National Margarita Day – Friday, February 19, 2021 – Monday, February 22, 2021
• Go Big – Order either of Hopdoddy’s batched, to-go margaritas for just $20 each (normally $29.95). The Rocks is a 32-ounce bottle of the brand’s signature Doble Fina Margarita and The Roadie is a half-gallon bag of the House Frozen Margarita.
• Go Small – Order any one of Hopdoddy’s single-serving margarita variations for just $5 and enjoy in-person or at home.

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 preferred community charitable organizations.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Whataburger way

Whataburger has Valentine’s Day gifts for the ultimate Whataburger fan. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

No matter if your loved one is fancy or spicy, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Whataburger has gifts bae will love. (Whataburger, 2021)

Whataburger’s new t-shirt, just in time for Valentine’s Day, reads, “Love me like you love Whataburger.” Plus, today, Whataburger is also launching brand-new socks to share with your favorite Whataburger fan. The t-shirt is available online for $19.99 and the socks are $12.99/pair while supplies last. Ground shipping is free for orders over $50. Order before Tuesday, February 9 to receive your items before February 14.

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 every day 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.