Category: Restaurant News

Super Bowl local take-out options and recipe

Mac & Cheese recipe from Twang – spices up the Southern comfort classic mac with hints of New Mexican peppers. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Update: 2/03/2021:

For the Big Game Weekend, Taco Cabana will also offer the new TC Big Game Box for $19.99, which makes it the perfect addition to any Big Game watch party. The TC Big Game Box includes: 2 large cheese quesadillas, 12 chicken flautas and (3) 3.5 oz. containers of queso (no substitutions).

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This year, Super Bowl parties may be smaller, but that does not mean the food has to be any less remarkable, which some would argue is the best part of the game. See below for some ideas on where to grab some grub worthy of the big game or DIY snacks courtesy of Twang that would make you the MVP of any Super Bowl watch party. (The Jerk Shack, Taco Cabana, Twang, 2021)

Game-winning meals to go:

The Jerk Shack – The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Super Bowl gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos, and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Price: Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

Taco Cabana
In conjunction with the Big Game, Taco Cabana is offering customers a variety of options to celebrate the weekend. Available February 5-7, 2021, offers include:
• 10% off Big Game Party Bundles when using code CODE426
o Bundles include the TC Taco Bar for 10, TC Nacho Bar for 10 or the TC Breakfast Taco Box for 10
• $5 Chicken Nachos
• $29.99 Gallon Margaritas
• Assorted margaritas starting at just $2

Snacks worthy of a touchdown courtesy of Twang:

ZAS Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese – In this dish creamy cheese and roasted hatch complement each other to turn a classic dish into a new favorite.

Serving Size: 14

Ingredients:
•1 lb. uncooked elbow pasta
•4 tbs. butter melted
•2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
•8 oz. can hatch chilis
•3 tbs. flour
•3 tbs. butter
•3 cup whole milk
•2 cup Sharp cheddar Cheese grated
•2 cup Mild Cheddar cheese grated
•2 cup Colby jack cheese grated
•4 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning

Instructions:
1. Set oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to box until al dente
2. In a small bowl toss together melted butter, breadcrumbs, and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning and set aside
3. In a medium saucepan melt 3 tbs. butter. Add flour and whisk until roux paste forms. Slowly add milk and whisk until slight boil begins
4. Remove milk mixture from heat and add in all three cheeses and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning. Stir until melted.
5. In large bowl pour cheese mixture over cooked drained pasta and stir until combined.
6. Spray a 9X13 cooking pan and fill with macaroni. Sprinkle panko bread crumb mixture on top.
7. Bake for 15 minutes then broil for 2-3. Serve immediately.

La Panadería introduces Power Bowls to menu

La Panadería’s new Power Bowls. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

With the New Year and renewed goals for health and wellness, San Antonio staple La Panadería has expanded their popular menu to add new Power Bowl options. Each power bowl is made with organic mixed greens, rice, and pickled onions, paired with the guest’s choice of protein and La Panadería’s fresh baked bread. Guests can choose from the Avocado Power Bowl, Grilled Chicken Power Bowl, Hawaiano Power Bowl (with grilled pineapple and pork chops) or Mexicano Cubano Bowl (with bacon, Kiolbasa sausage, and ham). (La Panadería, 2021)

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-cafe 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.

Bovino’s Churrascaría opens first U.S. location in San Antonio

Bovino’s Churrascaría’s first U.S. location will open at La Cantera on January 26. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The owners of Grupo Bovino’s are bringing its mouth-watering Brazilian steakhouse concept ─ Bovino’s Churrascaría ─ to the United States, opening its first location on Tuesday, January 26, in San Antonio, at The Shops at La Cantera. From its opening through February 28, a portion of proceeds will benefit Culinaria, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination and supporting the hospitality community during times of financial hardship. (Bovino’s Churrascaría, 2021)

Conceived in Cancun, the company opened its first eatery in the popular tourist destination in May 2009. Six years later, the company opened in Playa del Carmen. Menu highlights include the best all-you-can-eat prime meat cuts and gourmet specialties from ceviche, paella, cold-cuts, jumbo shrimp, lobster, oysters, octopus, salads, gourmet cheeses, pastas, breads, and savory desserts. Full-service bar boasts an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, and beer options to complement the palate.

Bovino’s Churrascaría will have elements familiar to its restaurants in Mexico: brick walls, dark hardwoods and a mix of contemporary and traditional décor combine to offer sophisticated ambience for dining indoors or out. Take-out and curbside dining is also available.

Due to COVID-19 requirements, the Bovino’s buffet will be available via menu and delivered to your table by your server. The health and safety of our diners and staff is our highest priority. We are following the lead of city, state, and federally elected officials, as well as implementing strategies recommended by public health authorities. We are distancing guest, require masks be worn, and are taking extra precautions to clean and sanitize the establishment frequently throughout the day, not only the dining area, but behind the scenes in the kitchen and prep spaces, including equipment.

“We are thrilled to have found the ideal environment for our concept at The Shops at La Cantera. Its open-air lifestyle with retail and lush surroundings is a destination that caters to locals and tourists.” – Dev Bassnet, general manager for Bovinos, San Antonio.

JL Bar Ranch is Texas Hill Country’s undiscovered luxury retreat

JL Bar Ranch is located deep in the Texas Hill Country. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, used with permission.

This year, as Americans continue to practice social distancing and seek destinations that are in remote, outdoor-driven locations, one of the U.S.’s hottest regions is the Texas Hill Country and its stunning, off-grid JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Set on 13,000 acres and a short drive from Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth areas, and accessible via private airplane thanks to its on-property hangar (FBO), The JL Bar Ranch offers an off-grid yet luxurious experience for those seeking to reconnect with themselves and the Great Outdoors. With the following new amenities, offers, and activities for 2021, The JL Bar Ranch is a prime destination for a naturally distanced getaway in the heart of Texas.

Luxury Meets Texas Ranch: The 32-room boutique property acts as guests’ home away from home to relax, unplug and enjoy the tranquility of West Texas. With scenic views in every direction, JL Bar’s grounds offer rolling acres of oak trees and wild grasses to spot local wildlife.  JL Bar’s cuisine is reflective of the current seasons with an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients.

A True Texas Adventure: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, The JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate safe cation getaway. Guests are invited to embrace the Texas Hill Country lifestyle, even if it is just for a weekend stay.

Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while taking in the magnificent sunset.

Wellness Weekend, Anyone? To balance its outdoorsy and adventure programming, JL Bar Ranch guests can unwind and practice self-care at the property’s full-service spa, which offers luxurious massages and spa treatments alongside a full nail/salon menu. Guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world with one-of-a-kind immersive programming, ranging from a horse psychology experience to spa treatments that incorporate ancient healing traditions.

Set amidst 13,000 breathtaking acres deep in the heart of the majestic Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is one of the country’s premier working ranch experiences and the state’s only luxury ranch resort. Fulfilling the dream of owners James and Lois Archer, the 32-room resort is a study in rustic elegance, providing an intimate, customized Texas experience while connecting guests to nature through a variety of guest offerings and amenities such as equine experiences, hiking, swimming, biking, yoga, and a sporting clay complex. The resort features a spa, outstanding culinary offerings at The Restaurant at JL as well as Lonesome Creek Lodge for dinner series and private events; a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) private airport with a 5,300-foot runway, a general store and more than 35,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, making it the perfect place to relax, unplug and experience the beauty and serenity of West Texas.

Bottling Department at Pearl launches tableside ordering and delivery

Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall now offers tableside delivery using QR codes at select outdoor tables. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl continues its dedication to small businesses by announcing new initiatives to better serve customers and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Wednesday, January 6, Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall will offer tableside delivery using QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables at Pearl Park. (Pearl, 2021)

With a quick scan of a QR code, visitors can access Bottling Department menus, order, and pay in one seamless transaction. Twenty-six tables in Pearl Park are equipped with this service; guests must scan the QR code located at the specific table at which they are sitting to use tableside delivery. This offering enables visitors in Pearl Park to avoid going indoors, skip lines, and order from multiple vendors in one transaction and to re-order additional food and drinks in a seamless transaction.

All Bottling Department vendors will be available for tableside delivery, including Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, Fletcher’s Hamburgers, Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil, and The Bar.  

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.

“Pearl Park is a great place to spend time with your friends and family and we want the Bottling Department Food Hall to be a dynamic amenity for our guests and customers. With this new service, you can order from any Food Hall operator and the bar and have everything delivered directly to you at your table. No lines, no going inside. It will feel like restaurant style service in the park – we’re really excited about using new technology to enhance our park experience and support our amazing operators in the Food Hall.”- Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer

Taco Cabana announces new menu items and returning flavors

The Beyond Meat bowls and tacos are back on the menu for a limited time. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana welcomes the New Year with the introduction of several all-new items and returning menu favorites at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

For the first time ever, Taco Cabana will introduce Pork Adobada, delicious pork marinated in dried guajillo peppers and adobo spices. Guests can enjoy the Pork Adobada in a Cabana Bowl or in a taco. Taco Cabana guests can also enjoy a four-pack of new cheesy Gordita Bites, filled with mozzarella cheese, and topped with Cilantro Lime Ranch and cotija cheese. 

Beyond Meat bowls and tacos are now back on the TC menu. For a limited time, guests can order a Beyond Meat bowl or a Beyond Meat taco served with salsa roja. 

All menu items can be ordered online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App or online. 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 Jan. 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.

“We’re excited to bring new innovative tastes to TC, and our pork adobada and gordita bites are a great start to our 2021 menu. For those guests looking for plant-based options, we’re happy to re-introduce Beyond Meat tacos and bowls as well.” – Richard Stockinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of Taco Cabana.

Southerleigh Haute South launches brunch menu

Southerleigh Haute South will kick off 2021 with the launch of a brunch menu. Photo: Southerleigh Hospitality Group, used with permission.

Southerleigh Haute South is set to begin offering brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 9, 2021 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. The restaurant recently opened at the RIM shopping center in September 2020 and offers a selection of coastal cuisine and southern comfort food. (Southerleigh Haute South, 2021)

Southerleigh Haute South’s brunch will include cocktails like the classic Mimosa, a Breakfast Old Fashioned, and a couple varieties of Bloody Marys, including one served with shrimp, a crab leg and fried chicken. The food selection will include Soft Shell Blue Crab Benedict, Southerleigh Chicken and Donuts, Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs in addition to other southern comfort offerings. The full brunch menu is available online.

Southerleigh Haute South – The RIM is located at 5822 Worth Parkway #112 San Antonio, TX 78257. 

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Southerleigh Hospitality Group is an independent fully integrated restaurant and hospitality company, owning and managing various restaurants and food concepts such as Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Southerleigh Brewery, Southerleigh Haute South and Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Southerleigh Hospitality Group is a strong group of foodies who are obsessed with connecting people with savory, comfort, flavorful food experiences and they make no excuses about it. With an unwavering passion for palette tantalizing menus, the restaurants serve up decadent cuisine along with distinguished hand-crafted beers for food lovers abound. The friendly neighborhood gathering places make every visit an unforgettably fun social dining experience.

Amor Eterno announces grand opening date

Amor Eterno, a new craft cocktail bar in Southtown, will open on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Photo: Amor Eterno, used with permission.

Amor Eterno, a new craft cocktail bar concept, is excited to announce its grand opening date in Southtown in downtown San Antonio on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 5p.m. to 12a.m. Amor Eterno will offer an elevated experience of craft cocktails and food in an intimate setting and atmosphere, paying homage to family history and the city’s culture. (Amor Eterno, 2021)

Developed by local bar owners Aaron Peña (owner of The Squeezebox) and Brian Correa (owner of Bar America), Amor Eterno is in the space formerly occupied by Don Martin’s Coffee Co. The entire food menu is being developed in partnership with ¡Bucho!, a popular pop-up concept that focuses on chef-inspired “Tejano street fare.” The food menu includes Ceviche Wonton Tacos, Pinche Hot Chicken Tacos, Tejano Cubano, Ol’ Fashion Donut, and more. The cocktail program, overseen by Peña, will offer handcrafted cocktails including the ‘Who’s That Lady’ featuring gin, PX sherry, lemon, orgeat, and Peychaud bitters; ‘Noches de Amor’ featuring tequila, lime, strawberry, angostura bitters and bubbles, and other house and classic cocktails. A curated selection of wine and beer will also be available. 

Amor Eterno is located at 540 S. Presa St. and the hours of operation will be Wednesday – Thursday: 5p.m. to 12a.m., Friday – Saturday: 5p.m. to 2a.m., and Sunday: 1p.m. to 10p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.

COVID-19 safety precautions:

During the era of COVID-19, Amor Eterno will be taking all the necessary precautions to make sure the experience is safe for both staff and guests—including additional sanitizing, frequent hand washing, mandatory masks for guests, associates, and operators, socially-distant tables, and offering hand sanitizer stations.

Pluckers Wing Bar announces North Star location

Pluckers Wing Bar set to open third San Antonio location in Fall 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

With the success of Pluckers Wing Bar’s Selma and Landmark locations and the support for expansion into other parts of town from San Antonio locals, Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant, Pluckers Wing Bar, is pleased to announce its third San Antonio-area location will be opening near North Star Mall in early fall 2021. The new Pluckers Wing Bar will be located at 92 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78216. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Known for their perfect combination of homemade food and a great 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. Family Meal Packs and Kids Birthday Party Packs are also available for purchase through online ordering. Pluckers’s famous wings are available 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.

The new Pluckers location will also offer their legendary “Fire in the Hole” contest, requiring each participant to finish 15 wings dressed in their hottest “Fire in the Hole” sauce. The winner will be added to the famous Pluckers Wall of Flame. Customers will be able to participate in Pluckers’s signature rewards program, Pluckers Club. Members can enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, food and drink specials, and more. Pluckers Club specials are redeemable for dine-in only.

The Selma and Landmark Pluckers San Antonio locations are currently open for dine-in service at 75% capacity and offering curbside pickup. Pluckers is continuing their fun restaurant traditions, such as live streaming their popular Trivia every Wednesday at 7:30p.m. on their Facebook, as well as their Family Trivia Game Night hosted every Sunday at 6p.m. 

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 29 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.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in January to support local eateries

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks will be a month long promotion to support local eateries. Photo: Culinaria San Antonio, used with permission.

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks’ bi-annual event to promote local eateries begins January 2 and runs through January 31, 2021 and is offering three course lunch and dinner menus for both dine-in and to-go.  Due to the current situation limiting capacity to 50% for dine-in, Culinaria encourages to-go and curbside pick-up. Three course lunch menus are $20 and dinner menus are $35 and $45, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. (Culinaria, 2020) 

Guest safety and satisfaction is a priority. All participating restaurants are enforcing safety procedures and protocols when it comes to sanitizing and service. 

Reservations are required for those preferring to dine-in. For a complete list of participating restaurants and to view menu options visit Culinaria online. While there, visit the Hospitality Fund tab for information on how you can help furloughed workers and businesses on the financial brink. 

“Restaurants are continuously adapting, so keep in mind that hours are subject to change along with availability of some menu items. Restaurant teams are working hard to provide the best experience and service while working under unusual circumstances,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria. 

“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge.