Category: Restaurant News

Festive holiday offerings from all around San Antonio

La Panaderia’s personal size Christmas pies. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

This holiday season, most people will be staying home and getting creative with holiday shopping. Whether celebrating with family or alone, local businesses are making it easy for San Antonio residents to celebrate the festive season. EVO Entertainment’s Movie Night Holiday Box will provide the ultimate home theater experience and La Panaderia and Bakery Lorraine are offering a variety of delectable treats sure to boost anyone’s holiday cheer. See below for a full list of Christmas offerings in the Alamo City this year. (Pearl, 2020)

Pearl and its Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with holiday gifts from regional producers and family farms that are perfect for gifting. Holiday shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting NOW through December 15 for pick up, or through December 18 for shipping (select boxes are available for shipping). Orders can be placed at Pearl Farmers Market and a full menu is available online.

Bakery Lorraine will offer a selection of festive desserts perfect for sharing. Offerings include their Apple Cranberry Pie made with a unique fusion of fresh ingredients and perfectly dusted with Christmas spice. A twist on the classic apple pie, the Dutch Apple Pie is made with four types of fresh apples and topped with a delicately crafted apple assortment and their legendary Whiskey Pecan Pie is made with a kick of Jack Daniels No. 7 Whiskey. All holiday pies are available for $26. The yearly treat, Buche De Noel ($48), is handcrafted with edible whimsical art that changes yearly and features a fluffy vanilla mousse, cherries, and a dreamy chocolate sponge cake saturated in a special kirsch syrup. 

All items can be pre ordered in-store or online. The last day to place a pre-order will be Friday, December 18 for Christmas Eve pickup. The Buche De Noel is available for pickup from December 12 through 31. Items will be available for pre-order at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin.

EVO Entertainment is offering a Movie Night Holiday Gift Box this holiday season for those missing the movie-going experience. The box will provide movie lovers with everything needed to create the perfect movie viewing experience at home: two limited-edition EVO tumblers, two boxes of classic candies and a large bag of movie theater popcorn. The Movie Night box is $24.99 and is available online or in store.

La Panaderia will once again be offering their traditional holiday pies this season and will include family size or personal size of the Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Mixed Berry pies.  The Apple Croissant, the pan dulce holiday favorite, is available now for purchase for $5 online and in-store and the Christmas pies will be available for pre-order beginning December 15 through December 23 at select prices.  Pies may be picked up prior to Christmas Day.

For the first time, La Panaderia will be serving gooey and delicious s’mores cookies. The scratch-made chocolate cookies are packed with chocolate chunks and toasted marshmallows. The unique Christmas cookies come in a package of 6 for $18 and can be pre-ordered starting December 15.

La Panaderia is also offering Mimosa Kits to take home this year. The kit comes with a 750 ml bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice for $36.  Mimosa Kits are available for curbside pickup or dine-in.

Later this month, guests can pre-order the traditional pan dulce, Rosca de Reyes, starting on Tuesday December 29 in preparation for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021.  Guests will have the option to purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.50, a six-pack of small Rosca de Reyes for $24, or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24.

The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Christmas 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. Orders can be placed prior to Christmas Eve as the Jerk Shack will be closed for the holidays. Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

“After a rollercoaster year, it is important now more than ever to support local businesses, and in turn for businesses like us to continue to do our part to bring joy to the San Antonio community. La Panadería was built on tradition, so it is always an honor for us when guests choose to share our seasonal items with their families and make us part of their own family traditions.” – David Caceres, La Panaderia co-founder

 

Taco Cabana caters for the Holidays

Taco Cabana’s catering options include enchilada casseroles and individually packaged Taco Boxes. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

This holiday season let Taco Cabana ease the stress of meal preparation with a wide variety of catering options featuring all of Taco Cabana’s favorites.  Guests can now order Taco Cabana’s new 24-pack Enchilada Casserole, individually packaged Taco Boxes, and other delicious TC menu options as part of TC Holiday catering. Catering packages are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

As a special incentive, any Taco Cabana guest placing catering orders for pick-up or delivery through December 31, 2020 by calling 1-855-4-MYTACO, or online using code M05328, will receive a 15% discount off their order if placed by Friday, December 18, 2020.  

The 24-pack Enchilada Casserole is the latest addition to Taco Cabana Catering and is the perfect easy-to-serve addition to any holiday season. Guests can enjoy the Enchilada Casserole for $89.99. The casserole is topped with the guest’s choice of two sauces, including Queso, Ranchero, Green, Suiza, Sour Cream or Tex-Mex. Each casserole is served with Taco Cabana’s signature refried beans, rice, pico de gallo and salsa roja. The TC catering menu is available online. Catering is available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas.  

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 November 1, 2020, 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.

La Panaderia founders announce El Morita Kitchen

David and Jose Caceres’s new restaurant is coming to Quarry Village in 2021. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

David and Jose Cáceres, founders of popular San Antonio restaurant staple La Panadería, are excited to announce their latest culinary venture coming to the Quarry Village in summer 2021. Titled El Morita Kitchen, the concept will provide a fresh take on Mexico City-inspired cuisine, while focusing on the use of flour and corn and featuring a dessert menu influenced by the Cáceres brothers’ 30-year culinary journey. The menu will be crafted by the Cáceres brothers in conjunction with input from Mexico City-based celebrity chefs. (El Morita Kitchen, 2020)

El Morita Kitchen will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will feature a full bar that will bring to life a new brunch experience featuring chile morita, jamaica, tamarindo, and horchata-based cocktails among others, and patio dining for a casual, yet sophisticated experience. El Morita Kitchen honors the memories of a typical Sunday brunch with the Cáceres brothers’ mother, Doña Josefina, accompanied by her signature dish “Huevos Morita.”

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, with two locations in operation on Broadway and Houston St. 

Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. 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 72-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.

“The Mexico City food scene is truly rich, presenting a kaleidoscope of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying street food or fine dining you will always be surprised, and we want to continue to share our culture and that element of surprise with San Antonio.” – David Cáceres, co-founder and head baker of La Panadería.

 

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou opening December 7 at the Pearl

Raclette & Baguette at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, coming to the Pearl this month. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, a new restaurant launching at the property. The new restaurant will feature quintessential French comfort food that showcases simple, earthy, flavorful dishes from regions throughout France. Brasseries are more informal than upscale French restaurants, serving full dinner options, but also allowing for a more casual atmosphere of just wine, oysters, cheese plates, and more. “Mon Chou Chou” is a French term of endearment that roughly translates to “sweetie” or “darling.” Brasserie will exemplify a laid back and comfortable atmosphere that serves as a welcome environment for guests at Pearl. (Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, 2020)

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will be led by French born Executive Chef Laurent Réa, who formerly served as the Executive Chef at Andrew Weismann’s Signature. The new restaurant is a concept by Chef Réa and Southerleigh Hospitality Group partners Jerome Serot, Philippe Placé, and Chef Jeff Balfour. Réa, Placé and Serot all hail from France, but did not meet until they all ended up in San Antonio in 2001. Nineteen years of friendship later, they have joined forces to bring the comforts and flavors of their native France to Pearl. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will initially open for dine-in service only, with curbside/takeout and delivery coming later.  

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will open to the public on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 3p.m. Walk ups will be accepted as capacity allows so reservations are highly encouraged. Business hours: Monday – Saturday: 3p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: Closed. Mon Chou Chou is located near the entrance to Hotel Emma at 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, Suite 2104, San Antonio, TX 78215.

During the era of COVID-19, Mon Chou Chou 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, temperature checks of employees, regular COVID-19 testing of employees, upgraded HVAC filtration system, and hand sanitizer stations throughout. 

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.

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. 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.

Celebrate the holiday season with Taco Cabana’s new menu items

Taco Cabana’s new breakfast tortas are available all day every day at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is celebrating the holiday season with the addition of several all-new holiday menu items. Starting tomorrow, December 2, 2020, guests can enjoy Taco Cabana’s new TC Torpedoes, breakfast tortas, churros and hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday beverages including Rum Tea Punch and Cafe de Olla, as well as two new Taco Cabana margarita flavors, Candy Cane and Apple Spice. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

For the very first time, Taco Cabana introduces TC Torpedoes – fried corn masa filled with the guest’s choice of chicken tinga or cheese and poblano. TC Torpedoes come as a two-pack for $4.99; as a plate with rice, beans, guacamole and two tortillas for $6.99; or as a combo with chips, queso and a 20 oz. drink for $7.99.

Taco Cabana continues to enhance its beverage options with a variety of new hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For guests looking to warm things up, Taco Cabana is offering its new Rum Tea Punch made with Bacardi Rum or non-alcoholic Cafe de Olla, a sweetened coffee with hints of cinnamon. As the margarita capital of Texas, Taco Cabana delivers again with its latest margarita offerings – Candy Cane and Apple Spice. Each beverage is available for $3 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations. 

Looking to sweeten your TC meal? Guests can now enjoy a two-pack of Taco Cabana’s new churros for just $2.99. This holiday season, guests can also give the gift that keeps on giving. For every $25 in Taco Cabana Gift Cards purchased, guests will receive a free $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card to use on future Taco Cabana visits.

Also releasing system-wide tomorrow at all Texas locations, Taco Cabana introduces its new breakfast tortas, available all day every day. Breakfast lovers can enjoy a Chorizo & Egg or Cheese & Egg torta for $2.99, or a Bacon, Egg & Cheese torta for $3.99.  

The seasonal menu items are available for 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 now open as well.

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, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 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.

Pearl announces holiday programming and curated gift boxes

Pearl’s December programming includes virtual Chanukah and Posada celebrations. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

This season, Pearl is thrilled to continue offering festive programming with a socially distant twist. The windows along Pearl Parkway will feature vibrant color-blocked holiday scenes and shoppers can stroll through the stores with extended hours or order uniquely curated holiday gift boxes to be picked up from Pearl Farmers Market Curbside. Traditional celebrations like Posada and Chanukah will feature virtual components to ensure a safe and memorable holiday season, and the Holiday Gift Market will allow shoppers to avoid crowded stores. (Pearl, 2020)

Holiday Gifting 4 Good – November 13 – December 10 – Pearl partners with United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County on their Holiday Gifting 4 Good fundraising program. Holiday shoppers can purchase specially curated gift packages from Pearl and other community partners online, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale supporting the nonprofit. Pearl’s package includes tasty treats and fun, food-themed products from Pearl’s restaurants and retailers, including Cured, Feliz Modern POP, Local Coffee Founders, Niche, The Tiny Finch, and Wildflower Caramel Co., all inside a custom Pearl tote. Proceeds from each purchase benefit these local businesses and United Way’s community programs.

Pearl Farmers Market Holiday Gift Boxes – Order November 27 – December 15 for pick up or December 18 for shipping. Pearl Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with holiday gifts from regional producers and family farms that are perfect for gifting. Holiday shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting on November 27. Orders can be placed online.

Holiday Window Program – November 25 – January 8 – Pearl’s inaugural holiday window program will debut on Wednesday, November 25 to transform Pearl Parkway into a festive holiday destination. Conceived by Ginger Diaz of Feliz Modern POP, the initiative is a collaboration with Pearl’s creative retailers to celebrate the holidays. As part of the window program, Pearl is partnering with Wide Awake Creative for a virtual Holiday Donation Station at the corner of Pearl Parkway and Avenue A benefiting SAY Si, the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund, and the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good Campaign.

Farmers Market: Holiday Edition – Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 – December 20 – Starting Saturday, November 28, Pearl Farmers Market will welcome local artists and makers to participate in the weekend farmers market for the holiday season. Holiday shoppers can avoid overcrowded stores and support local artists each Saturday from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and each Sunday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. With over 16 local additional artisan vendors, shoppers are sure to find a unique gift for everyone on their list. 

Holiday Stroll – Thursday, December 10 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. – Pearl is hosting a festive holiday shopping event on December 10 with extended retail hours, live music and restaurant specials. Shoppers can enjoy the holiday window displays on Pearl Parkway while listening to music from Los Callejeros de San Anto until 8p.m. 

Chanukah – Menorah installed with lighting beginning on Thursday, December 10 – Pearl honors its sixth annual Chanukah Menorah lighting on Thursday, December 10 in partnership with Young & Jewish San Antonio. A special digital message from Rabbi Eli Block will be released on all Pearl social platforms to safely commemorate the start of Chanukah. While there will not be an on-site celebration, the Menorah will be lit and available to visit on the property. 

Posada – Wednesday, December 16 – Traditionally, Posada has been a significant community gathering celebration where participants travel across Pearl property with a final celebration in Pearl Park. This year, Pearl will honor Posada with a special message from Father David Garcia filmed at the doors of Mission Concepcion. The video will be shared across Pearl social media platforms on December16. 

“Pearl during the holidays is always a special time. In addition to honoring some of our most cherished annual traditions like Chanukah and Posada, we are thrilled to debut our inaugural holiday window program along Pearl Parkway and the launch of our curated holiday boxes through Farmers Market Curbside.” –  Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.

Whataburger holiday inflatables and gifts

Whataburger holiday yard ornaments. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, and for anyone already shopping for good deals, Whataburger has new holiday items and the ‘Whataweek of Deals’. (Whataburger, 2020)

Whataburger is bringing some big holiday cheer this year, with the Table Tent Inflatable and yard ornaments created by Houston-based company, Holiball, who will be featured on Shark Tank on December 4. These festive decorations are perfect for letting neighbors know the answer to the age-old question: “What’s your favorite burger place?” 

Some of the new holiday gifts include a new holiday sweater, nutcracker and Snowbaby, just to name a few.

Whataburger’s Whataweek of Deals includes:
• Monday, November 23 – 20% off Snowbaby and free shipping sitewide with code “20SNOWBABY”​
• Wednesday, November 25 – 20% off all apparel and free shipping sitewide with code “20APPAREL”​
• Friday, November 27 – Holiball yard ornaments available and buy more, save more with code “HOLIBALL”  (buy 2, get $10 off; buy 3, get $15 off; buy 4, get $20 off)
• Monday, November 30 – Table Tent Inflatables available with $10 off and free shipping sitewide​

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.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café launches Holiday for Hunger

The Grinch crêpe at Sweet Paris. Photo: Sweet Paris, Used with permission.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café, located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera – 15900 La Cantera Parkway, across from Grimaldi’s and two doors down from Sur la Table, is launching Holiday for Hunger.  A portion of proceeds from two holiday crêpes, the Turkey Cran Brie and The Grinch, will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. (Sweet Paris, 2020)

The Turkey Cran crêpe features roasted turkey, brie cheese, bacon, spinach and fresh cranberry sauce, garnished with walnuts and dried cranberries for $10.95; and The Grinch crêpe is a savory combination of sweet cream cheese, strawberries, red and green M&M’s, and dulce de leche in a grinchy green batter for $9.95. A portion of proceeds from these crepes sold from November 27 through December 23 will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. To participate, guests must say “Holiday for Hunger” when ordering.  Sweet Paris business hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6p.m., Sunday.

The San Antonio Food Bank fights hunger and feeds hope in 16-counties and serves 58,000 individuals a week in one of the largest service areas in Texas. Sweet Paris shares the belief that no child should go to bed hungry and regularly aids the San Antonio Food Bank’s Kid’s Café and Backpack programs and believes that without awareness of a problem, people cannot take action to remedy it.

Culinaria promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination. The organization supports local dining establishments through its Emergency Relief Fund and scholarships through its Endowment fund with the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Taco Cabana’s Thanksgiving and Black Friday deals

Taco Cabana’s “Drinksgiving” deal for Thanksgiving. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Taco Cabana will offer three limited-time specials starting Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Taco Cabana lovers can enjoy their favorite menu items at special prices, including signature Taco Cabana tacos, margaritas, Cabana Bowls and more. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Kicking off the trio of specials, “Drinksgiving” will offer guests their choice of any one Taco Cabana soft taco, excluding brisket and steak tacos, and margarita combination of their choice for only $3. This combo is available on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 only. 

On Black Friday, November 27, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy a buy one, get one (BOGO) offer on their signature shredded chicken or ground beef TC Cabana Bowls, available with or without a crispy tortilla shell. This BOGO offer is valid on Black Friday November 27, 2020 only. 

Both the “Drinksgiving” and Black Friday offer can be ordered online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MYTC! App. When redeeming the BOGO offer online, guests must use “Code424.”  Neither offer is available through third party delivery service providers.

Lastly, starting Black Friday, November 27, 2020 and running through Cyber Monday, November 30, 2020, Taco Cabana will offer a $0 delivery fee on all online orders with a minimum of $10 purchase. The offer is available when purchasing online, through the MYTC! App, DoorDash, Uber Eats or GrubHub.

Offers are valid at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open for dine-in. More information on Taco Cabana’s offerings is available online.

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.

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.

The Nicolett now open in downtown Lubbock

The Nicolett, a new fine dining destination for West Texas, is now open in Lubbock. Photo: The Nicolett, used with permission.

The Nicolett, a new restaurant from Chef Finn Walter, is now open at 511 Broadway St. in downtown Lubbock. With a focus on High Plains cuisine, the elegant menu is rooted in showcasing ingredients that are natural to the region with techniques that reflect Walter’s experience in Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe. The restaurant is inspired by West Texas culture and the revitalization of the area. (The Nicolett, 2020)

The highly anticipated restaurant was on track to open this spring but due to the ongoing pandemic, The Nicolett’s team thoughtfully adapted the opening schedule. After nearly eight months of delays, The Nicolett is now open and accepting reservations for outdoor dining. Socially distant, indoor reservations are being considered upon request. The dreamy open-air courtyard consists of 26 seats, where heaters will keep diners warm as cooler weather begins to roll in. The property’s stunning greenhouse will serve as The Nicolett’s private dining room and will be available for booking this holiday season.

Chef Finn Walter was born and raised in Lubbock where he first got a taste of the “West Texas sentiments” at the heart of The Nicolett. His career has taken him throughout France, Northern California, and the Southwest, in both savory and pastry capacities. He was assistant pastry chef and chef de partie at The Restaurant at Meadowood when it became the second West Coast restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. With The Nicolett, Walter has set out to create a restaurant that defines a region, in a similar vein to those in which he trained.

The Nicolett aims to be approachable and fun — grab pozole and house wine — while presenting a new fine dining experience for the area. Menu highlights include twice-baked sunchokes with béarnaise and hoja santa; a delicate quail baked in brioche, presented tableside and served with barley risotto, juniper, and rich game jus; and a beef cheek “brisket,” served with black truffle, nuka pickles, and aligot potatoes.

Like the food, The Nicolett’s wine, beer, and cocktail list will celebrate esteemed Texas producers while also tracing Walter’s path through France and Northern California. Walter has collaborated with pioneering Lubbock winemaker, and James Beard semifinalist, Kim McPherson (McPherson Cellars) to produce proprietary house wines for The Nicolett under custom labels.

The backbone of the ambitious menu and thoughtful beverage program is an intriguing location. The Nicolett has transformed a former residence, one that has for years caught the eye of locals, into a dining destination. A limestone fireplace divides the space into two indoor dining areas, which preserve original brick interiors and tall ceilings lined with cedar planks. Outside, a handcrafted glass greenhouse stocked with flowering aloes, hanging succulents, and trailing jasmine vines will function as the private dining room. An adjacent building dotted with colorful stained glass will serve as a future event space. At the center of the property is the open-air courtyard, where The Nicolett will begin service, offering a safe and welcoming space for diners during this time.

“A big part of creating this restaurant was identifying elements that have always been important to West Texas. This region has a long and rich history of artists and songwriters who approach their work as craftsmen. We want to honor that tradition in our approach to food, drink, and service.” – Walter, chef/owner of The Nicolett

The Nicolett is now open at 511 Broadway St., Lubbock, Texas, 79401. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday, 5p.m. –  9p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5p.m. – 10p.m.