Category: Restaurant News

Three Star Bar to open in San Antonio this summer

Three Star Bar, a new bar and restaurant by Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon, and Rob Gourlay, will open in San Antonio in July 2021. Photo: Three Star Bar, used with permission.

Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon, and notable San Antonio bartender Rob Gourlay are excited to announce a new restaurant and bar, Three Star Bar, set to open in San Antonio this July. The new 7,000 square foot eatery will feature deli-inspired cuisine and comfort food in addition to boasting a full bar with a focus on high quality whiskey and local brews. Three Star Bar will seat approximately 140 people and will be located at 521 E Grayson St. in San Antonio, across from Hello Paradise and in the Government Hill district. (Three Star Bar, 2021)

Three Star Bar will have a welcoming atmosphere with nods to vintage food and drink memorabilia. The menu will offer appetizers like whiskey and maple glazed meatballs, deviled eggs, and borracho bean hummus, while the main entrées include a variety of fresh sandwiches filled with pork, meatballs, cured beef, and more. The cocktail menu will offer a variety of spirits but focus on high quality whiskeys, local brews, a selection of wines, and more. A full menu and opening date for Three Star Bar will be announced at a later date.

Three Star Bar is the latest restaurant and bar concept by Jeret Peña, who owns the Boulevardier Group, Hello Paradise, and is involved in the cocktail programs at Esquire Tavern, House of Má, Hugman’s Oasis and more. Peña is the co-owner and beverage director at Three Star Bar, while co-owner Rob Gourlay serves as general manager and Josh Calderon takes the helm of the kitchen as the chef/culinary director and co-owner.

Chef Calderon previously ran the kitchen at Cookhouse as Executive Chef and managed Bud’s Southern Rotisserie in San Antonio after moving back to the city from California, where he served as the Executive Chef for the Belcampo Group. Calderon received his certification at The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio campus and later earned his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from The Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park campus in New York.

“We’re really excited to open Three Star Bar. It’s a really casual concept that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The food and beverage menus are relaxed, but still use high-end ingredients.” – Co-Owner Jeret Peña

Three Star Bar is a deli-inspired restaurant and bar in San Antonio, TX, by cocktail enthusiast and Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon and General Manager Rob Gourlay. The restaurant and bar is located just north of downtown San Antonio and offers casual dining with deli-inspired cuisine and comfort food in addition to boasting a full bar with a focus on high quality whiskey and local brews.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Memorial Day deals that give back

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

This Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31, Hopdoddy will donate a percentage of proceeds from all menu items purchased to the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a charity that provides support to families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy Seals. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

Established in 2011, the SEAL Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Austin, TX. The Foundation was founded by SEALS is run by SEALS, and supports the brave men of the U.S. Navy SEALS Teams by providing educational assistance for SEALS and their families and other charitable causes benefitting the SEAL community.

All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or online for curbside or pickup.

In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy Burger Bar 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.

Open call for restaurants – Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)

For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.

“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten presents The Alex Meixner Band

The Alex Meixner Band will perform on May 27, 28 and 29. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Due to popular demand, Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to add an additional night of music by nationally acclaimed musician and polka music favorite, The Alex Meixner Band, on Saturday, May 29 (the May 27 and 28 shows are almost sold out). Doors open at 5p.m. with The Lederhosen Junkies as the opening act and Alex Meixner will take thehttp://www.krausecafe.comstage at 7p.m. Locals are encouraged to come and enjoy the squeezebox sounds of The Alex Meixner Band while enjoying classic German favorites with a New Braunfels twist, such as Krause’s Bavarian Pretzel and Texas Schnitzel. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or through Eventbrite. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)

Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, and a leading advocate of polka music. Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz, and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast, resulting in sold-out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S. Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 7813

Krause’s Café & Biergarten, a New Braunfels historic restaurant, opened in 1938 and 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.

La Panaderia brings boozy coffee to La Cantera Heights menu

La Panaderia now offering boozy coffee and caffeine free options at La Cantera Heights location. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

San Antonio favorite La Panaderia recently opened a third location in La Cantera Heights, bringing their signature pan dulce to Northwest San Antonio with a new, fun, caffeinated addition – boozy coffee. Their boozy coffee options are now available as part of the new location’s extended bar program, and is available exclusively at La Cantera Heights. Guests can delight in signature sips such as the Carajillo (Espresso + Licor 43), the Frida Kahlo (Espresso + Kahlua), and the Paolo Rossi (Espresso + Grand Marnier) in addition to classic brunch cocktails and mimosa kits. The new coffee cocktails are the perfect addition to the brunch menu and can be paired with classic dishes such as the Ranchero Eggs Benedictine, French Toast or the unique new “Elvis” Croissant, filled with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. (La Panadería, 2021)

For those looking for a caffeine-free beverage, the new bar program also includes “Besos” (La Panaderia’s house blend margarita, frozen margarita and Frosé) and select wines from Texas, California and France.

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.

 

First impression: Sweet Craft Vegan

Sweet Craft Vegan’s Mexican wedding cookies. Photo: Sandra Cruz

I confess, I do not have a sweet tooth, but every once in a while I like to indulge. This past weekend, I wanted to try the pastries from Sweet Craft Vegan because I believe in supporting small local businesses, especially if they are a vegan business. There are not that many here in the Rio Grande Valley, so of course I was diving in.

I was running out of time because it was almost closing time but I made it there with only a half hour to spare. That was after having to consult a map because I was not sure I was in the right place. With no visible business sign, I had to walk around to be able to find it because, after all, I was on a culinary mission. And there it was, right after an insurance company. My efforts were about to be rewarded with some sweet, sweet pastries; I was craving the gansitos.

Unfortunately, everything was sold-out except for some Mexican wedding cookies. Who can say no to those savory, but messy powdered sugar delights? They come in see-through eco-cups – eight of them for $6. I grabbed two of those cups and struck up a conversation with Amanda Nolan, the owner. Her online business has been around for a while, but the brick and mortar Sweet Craft Vegan has been at that location only for about a month and they are working on putting up a business sign. The fact that she sells out of inventory almost every day is a good sign. Brownsville can sure use more businesses like these that cater to a public demand for more vegan food. Trust me when I tell you that those Mexican wedding cookies are so good, I will be back for more, and I am hoping Amanda perfects that empanada recipe so we can try those soon. It was worth the drive. For now, it is recommended that you call ahead with your order. Try it, you will not be disappointed. 

Here is a sample of what Sweet Craft Vegan has to offer:
* Donuts: biscoff, Oreo, blackberry hibiscus, gansito filled
* Conchas: vanilla tie dye, cookies n cream, chocolate, mazapán, strawberry, choco strawberry swirl
* Slutty brownies
* Hot cocoa rolls
* Vegansitos
* Mexican wedding cookies

Sweet Craft Vegan
1280 W Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd, Suite C
Brownsville, TX 78520
956-443-0443

Rating: 4 out of 5.

House of Má and Hugman’s Oasis to begin opening this week

New downtown restaurant and bar, House of Má and Hugman’s Oasis will begin opening this week. Photo: House of Má/Hugman’s Oasis, used with permission.

The highly anticipated bar and restaurant concepts by restaurateur Chris Hill, Hugman’s Oasis and House of Má, will begin opening this week. House of Má will open first this Friday, April 30 and Hugman’s Oasis will open Friday, May 7, 2021.  (House of Má, Hugman’s Oasis, 2021)

Hugman’s Oasis is a tiki bar concept that will feature drinks like the Bermuda Triangle, a tropical rum-based drink, a Piñagroni, a pineapple take on a traditional negroni, and more under the supervision of Beverage Director and Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña.

House of Má is a concept by Louis Singh and Eric Treviño, the same team behind the popular Singh’s Vietnamese restaurant in San Antonio. Guests will be able to order items from the menu like Hủ Tiếu (Cambodian Noodle Soup), Phở Gà (Chicken Pho) and more from House of Má, while dishes like Candied-Jalapeño Rangoons, Seasonal Yakitori Skewers and more, will be featured on the bar menu at Hugman’s Oasis.

Jeret Peña will also lead the bar program at House of Má, where guests can order cocktails with names like Old Siam, Soi Cowboy and more. House of Má is located on the first floor of the building, with private dining available on the second floor. Hugman’s Oasis is located on the river level directly on the River Walk on 135 E Commerce St.

House of Má opening Friday, April 30
Tuesday – Thursday: 11a.m. – 9p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11a.m. – 11p.m.
Sunday: 11a.m. – 9p.m.
Monday: Closed

Hugman’s Oasis opening Friday, May 7
Tuesday – Thursday: 11a.m. – 10p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11a.m. – Midnight
Sunday: 11a.m. – 9p.m.
Monday: Closed

Hugman’s Oasis is a tiki bar concept in San Antonio from Restaurateur Chris Hill. The interior for Hugman’s Oasis was designed by Giles Design Bureau and world-renowned tiki expert, Bamboo Ben. The beverage program is led by Beverage Director and Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, who has led several successful bar programs in the city. The cocktail menu at Hugman’s Oasis features fun, but sophisticated cocktails that pay homage to the bar’s tiki atmosphere. Hugman’s Oasis’ bar menu follows an Izakaya tavern mindset: a menu of small dishes for snacking while drinking so you can linger with good friends, good food, and good drinks. The bar is located on East Commerce Street in downtown San Antonio along the San Antonio River Walk.

House of Má in San Antonio is aptly named for the origins of its recipes – beloved Vietnamese mothers and grandmothers, and the humble traditions of homestyle family cooking. House of Má features traditional, but accessible Vietnamese dishes like Hủ Tiếu (Cambodian Noodle Soup), Phở Gà (Chicken Pho) and more. The team behind House of Má follows the food philosophy of resourceful, restorative, and respectful cuisine.

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Taco Cabana introduces ‘La Bandera’ margarita

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the limited-time margarita, ‘La Bandera’ at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching May 5, 2021, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Cabana invites TC and MargaritaPalooza fans to celebrate the holiday with the limited-time “La Bandera” Margarita. The “La Bandera” Margarita is layered with Lime, Strawberry, Mango, and Blue Curacao flavors and will be available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas for $3. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Also launching on May 5, 2021, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy a limited-time food bundle featuring a half-order of Taco Cabana’s Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99.

Taco Cabana will continue its signature MargaritaPalooza with 12 other margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including its three classic margarita flavors Lime, Strawberry and Mango. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:

  • Pineapple Jalapeño 
  • Dragonfruit 
  • Pickle
  • Violet
  • Orange
  • Pistachio 
  • Orange Cream
  • Chili Lime Cucumber
  • Pineapple Banana

*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.

“Every year, Cinco de Mayo is always a big celebration for Taco Cabana, guests and team members included. This year we combined MargaritaPalooza and the launch of the new ‘La Bandera’ margarita with Cinco de Mayo to make it even more of a celebration. We invite everyone to include TC in their Cinco de Mayo plans whether it be dine-in, takeout or delivery.” – Rich Stockinger, President and CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is also creating a series of short videos entitled “In The Kitchen With Taco Cabana,” led by TC corporate chefs, Sergio Remolina and Chelsea Lietz. Each video speaks about a TC favorite, brought home and given a “unique twist” in the kitchen.  Something to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration, or any celebration, slightly more festive with Taco Cabana as your partner. These videos will be available online on Friday, April 30 and will also be featured across TC’s social media. 

All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza 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 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.

 

Donate a book on National Book Day at MAX’s Wine Dive

Donate a brand-new children’s book and receive a complimentary dessert. Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, used with permission.

Celebrate National Book Day with MAX’s Wine Dive, located in Quarry Village, all day on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11a.m. to 9p.m. MAX’s Wine Dive is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio by encouraging guests to bring in brand-new children’s books on National Book Day, which will be donated to the nonprofit dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment that promotes education, health and character development. (MAX’s Wine Dive, 2021)

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio keeps children safe after school and throughout the summer by providing a positive environment where they can learn, play, and grow. Club membership focuses on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership programs that target developmental needs, ensuring every child graduates high school on time with a plan for the future.  

“With a motto like “Together We Will Get Through This,” how could the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio not be a perfect match for MAX’s Wine Dive?” said General Manager Ande McBay. “Our team here believes the same thing – from the pandemic to shutdowns to natural disasters and shortages, together, we’ll get through whatever comes next. So, this National Book Day, we’re committed to instilling that sense of togetherness in the next generation by supporting with something that the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio need the most – new books, games, and puzzles,” added McBay.

With the purchase of an entrée, guests who donate a new children’s book, can indulge in popular MAX’s Wine Dive desserts like the white cherry chip cast iron cookie served with vanilla gelato, flourless chocolate torte, or MAX’s seasonal bread pudding with vanilla gelato, complimentary. Satisfy your sweet tooth while helping the local San Antonio community on National Book Day.    

MAX’s Wine Dive – Quarry Village

340 East Basse Road, Suite 101

San Antonio, Texas 78209  

Pluckers Wing Bar to host NFL Draft Party

Pluckers Wing Bar will be hosting an NFL Draft Party on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar will host an exciting NFL Draft Party on Thursday, April 29 at all Texas locations; draft begins at 7p.m. Each Pluckers location will select specific guests to act as a “general manager” for an NFL team in the first round. The “general manager” will be asked to guess who his or her team will draft, and if the guess is correct, everyone at that Pluckers location will be eligible for an incredible food or drink special, available only until the next team’s pick. Everyone in attendance at the end of the draft who arrived before the 10th pick is eligible to win a $25 gift card. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

In addition to each location having competitions amongst its guests, all Texas Pluckers locations will also be competing against each other in the NFL Draft Party. If your Pluckers location gets the most correct, five guests will each win a $25 gift card. Specials will include rotating food and drink specials and will go up in value as the draft picks become harder to predict.

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.