Pumpkin Spice Roundup – chefs create locally made pumpkin treats

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea from Bao’d Up. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Local chefs celebrate Autumn by taking pumpkin spice season to a whole new level. Get cozy and check out some of these locally-made pumpkin spice creations. (Bao’d Up, EVO Entertainment Group, Bakery Lorraine, 2020)

The Pumpkin Pie Bao is made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pecans all inside a Chinese pumpkin steamed bun. Bao buns are known for being light, fluffy and soft. The filling inside this bao is reminiscent of a freshly-baked pumpkin pie. Ting Lin, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Bao’d Up, is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who is passionate about adapting traditional Chinese dishes like bao to the American palate in interesting and fun ways. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea is a new favorite fall drink. The creamy iced treat is perfect for a crisp fall day. Shaken with pumpkin syrup and spices, this boba tea is the perfect marriage of Chinese and American favorites, which just happens to be Bao’d Up’s specialty. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Bao’d Up is a minority-owned Chinese chain with four locations in and around the Austin area. The concept specializes in Bao or Baozi, which is a famous food category in many Asian countries. Bao’d Up uses a variety of different fillings and experiment with new ways of cooking the bao. Co-founded by tech entrepreneur Alex Wu and Chef Ting Lin, the first location opened in Central Austin’s Mueller Aldrich district on July 25, 2017. The restaurant quickly became popular for its fast-casual business model and technology-driven service platforms, including contact-free food lockers.

EVO Entertainment’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake has returned to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake was the result of a collaborative effort from EVO’s culinary team that returns each fall to the delight of customers. The boozy shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake is available for $8.50. 

EVO Entertainment Group® is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator comprised of a number of innovative brands including EVO® Entertainment, EVO® Cinemas, and EVO® Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO® has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest-growing independent cinema circuits in the country. EVO® Entertainment Group currently employs over 1,000 team members and entertains nearly 3 million guests annually.

San Antonio’s nationally-recognized Bakery Lorraine just released their pumpkin spice macaron for Fall 2020. The shell of the macarons are seasoned with a house-made pumpkin spice blend and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds. Between the shells is an irresistible cream cheese buttercream that makes the macarons reminiscent of a pumpkin roulade. The fall-time treat will be available at all four locations of Bakery Lorraine, which stretch across both Austin and San Antonio.  

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

Taco Cabana introduces Mexican-style tortas to menu

This addition to the menu is at participating Taco Cabana locations only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce three new menu items coming to its locations throughout Texas. Beginning today, Wednesday September 2, 2020, the popular restaurant chain is now offering a Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork Torta for the first time in the company’s 42-year history. In addition, guests can enjoy the Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork in a taco or cabana bowl.  (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana is launching the popular Mexican sandwich platform with the Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork Torta. The torta’s traditional build includes refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and Taco Cabana’s chipotle crema. The taco is filled with Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and chipotle crema. The cabana bowl includes Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork, refried beans, rice, lettuce, shredded cheese, chipotle crema and pico de gallo.  New menu items will be available in participating Texas locations in Austin, San Antonio, DFW, Houston and El Paso.

The Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork Torta is available for $5.29 a la carte or $7.29 for a plate with rice and beans; the taco is available for $2.29 a la carte or $6.99 for a plate; the cabana bowl is $5.99. Guests can place orders for all their Taco Cabana favorites via the convenient drive-thru, or for curbside pickup or delivery. Orders of $10 or more placed online or the MYTC! App are eligible for free delivery.

“Tortas are a big part of Mexican food culture and we’re looking forward to putting our own TC spin on them with Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork. The new Torta, Taco and Cabana Bowl are going to be great additions to our menu and we’re looking forward to our guests getting a chance to try them. They each make a great complement to any of our 12 margarita flavors – each only $2 all day, every day.” – Rich Stockinger, Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO.

La Panaderia’s newly expanded outdoor patio now open

La Panaderia’s Broadway location has a newly expanded outdoor patio. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

La Panaderia’s newly expanded outdoor patio is now open for dining at the restaurant’s Broadway location. In a continued effort to provide a safe and socially-distanced environment, customers can now enjoy the perks of al fresco dining, and the restaurant’s signature menu items, in the renovated green space. Customers now have the option of ordering La Panadería’s full menu from the comfort of their table through a new QR code system.  Online ordering for contactless curbside pickup and delivery remain available from La Panadería’s Broadway and Downtown locations. (La Panaderia, 2020)

Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the United States, 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, also draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to bread making includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.

Taco Cabana launches QuesoMania and new MargaritaPalooza flavors

Taco Cabana is retired some flavors and adding new ones to their popular MargaritaPalooza margaritas. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce several new food and beverage items coming to its locations throughout Texas beginning Wednesday August 26, 2020. The popular restaurant chain is launching ‘QuesoMania’ and expanding its MargaritaPalooza flavor offerings. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

With the launch of QuesoMania, guests can enjoy three new and delicious loaded queso options. Quesos are available for purchase in size small or large for $2.99 or $4.29 respectively in the following flavor combinations: 

  • Queso with corn, cotija cheese and Taco Cabana Hot Sauce
  • Queso with chorizo, beans and jalapenos
  • Queso with ground beef and pico de gallo

Due to overwhelming demand, Taco Cabana is also extending its MargaritaPalooza offerings, replacing six current flavors with six new flavors. As of this week, the Frose, MojitoRita, Prickly Pear, Passion Fruit and Star-Spangled Banner Margarita flavors will be retired. Starting August 26, 2020, Taco Cabana will launch six new margarita flavors, including:

  • Green Apple
  • Pineapple Chamoy
  • Tamarindo
  • Spicy Guava
  • Sangria
  • Strawberry Mango

The Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Blue Curacao, Mangonada and Watermelon margaritas will remain available for purchase as part of MargaritaPalooza and the popular Dr Pepper margarita will also be available upon request. $2 margaritas are available for purchase all day, every day at locations in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio.  

Guests can add chamoy to any TC margarita for no charge as well make any margarita a Jose Cuervo for an additional $2.  Margaritas are available via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, as well as via the drive-thru with food purchase. Margaritas are also available for delivery via online ordering in San Antonio only.

MYTC! loyalty guests who complete the TC MargaritaPalooza Tour – purchasing all 12 flavors by September 30, 2020 –  will see their name on the TC MargaritaPalooza Virtual Wall. Download the MYTC! app to join and start earning points on all alcohol and food purchases.

To continue the celebration around MargaritaPalooza, Taco Cabana will also launch its Drive-Thru Weekend Fiestas starting Saturday, August 29, 2020. The fiestas will take place every Saturday and Sunday and will feature a special weekend-only menu, Taco Cabana MargaritaPalooza collectible cups available for $1, music and more. See below for the MargaritaPalooza Drive-Thru Weekend Fiesta offers, available Saturdays and Sundays only.

  • Any margarita + 3-pack of Flautas – $5.99
  • Any margarita + any Soft Taco – $4.00
  • Any two margaritas + 6-pack of Flautas – $9.99
  • Any four margaritas + Kickin’ Nachos – $13.99

Taco Cabana is also asking guests how they MargaritaPalooza at home by conducting a MargaritaPalooza At Home promotion launching tomorrow, August 26, 2020.  Guests who post a photo or video to Facebook or Instagram showing how they MargaritaPalooza at home while enjoying Taco Cabana menu items, tag @tacocabana, and include the hashtag #TCMARGARITAPALOOZA in their post will have a chance to be featured in an upcoming Taco Cabana TV spot or social media post.

“The response to MargaritaPalooza has been unbelievable and we’re very excited to expand our margarita flavor offerings for our guests.  To complement our $2 margaritas, we’re looking forward to the launch of QuesoMania as well. We invite everyone to Taco Cabana to try all the new items and to be a part of MargaritaPalooza Drive-Thru Weekend Fiestas.” – Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO, Rich Stockinger

Celebrate National Dog Day with Whataburger and San Antonio Humane Society

Celebrate National Dog Day this Wednesday August 26 with Whataburger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

This National Dog Day, Whataburger and the San Antonio Humane Society are partnering to host ‘The Ulti-Mutt Pooch Party’ for dog lovers everywhere. (Whataburger, 2020)

Set for Wednesday August 26,from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Whataburger’s YouTube channel, the live-stream celebration will feature adoptable pets, pool playtime with pups of all shapes and sizes, plenty of dog-friendly cake eating, an orange-and-white striped doghouse and maybe even a shout out to cats. Whataburger will also be launching their new pet collection that day, details coming soon.

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.”  Now with more than 800 locations across the country, Whataburger 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.

Celebrate National Dollar Day at Taco Cabana

beanandcheesetaco
The iconic Taco Cabana bean and cheese taco will be $1 this National Dollar Day at participating locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission. 

This weekend, in celebration of National Dollar Day, Taco Cabana will offer its popular bean and cheese tacos for only $1. This offer is valid on Saturday, August 8, 2020 only. Guests can enjoy Taco Cabana’s iconic bean and cheese taco, without any limit on the number purchased, by using code Codedollarbc. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

In conjunction with Tax Free Weekend this Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9,

Taco Cabana is also offering $5 off any purchase of $10 or more by using code Codetxfreewk.  Offer excludes purchase of alcohol or gift cards.

Guests age 21 years or older are encouraged to pair their $1 bean and cheese taco or Tax Free Weekend purchases with one of Taco Cabana’s 12 signature $2 margarita flavor options. Join the fun of MargaritaPalooza with flavors such as Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Blue Curacao, Mangonada, Watermelon, and others. Guests have the option to add chamoy to their margaritas at no additional cost and Jose Cuervo tequila is available for a $2 additional cost.

Taco Cabana continues to sell Lime, Strawberry and Mango margaritas on-the-rocks by the gallon to-go for $34.99 and Blue Curacao for $36.99. Starting Saturday, August 8, guests can make their margarita gallon purchase a Jose Cuervo gallon for an additional $14.

These offers are valid at all Texas locations in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio and are available via online ordering, drive-thru, curbside pick-up and delivery.  Alcohol delivery is only available in San Antonio. Dine-in service is not available at this time. Offers cannot be combined.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, 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 and drive-thru windows. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 146 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

Watermelon-inspired cocktails to celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3

evomargaritas
EVO Entertainment’s Patron margarita. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This Monday August 3 is National Watermelon Day and EVO Entertainment and Taco Cabana have watermelon-inspired cocktails to help customers celebrate accordingly. (EVO Entertainment, Taco Cabana, 2020)

EVO Entertainment – Watermelon Margarita

  • EVO Entertainment is making it easy to celebrate safely. Their Watermelon Margarita, made with EVO’s signature EVO Patron Barrel Select Tequila, Triple Sec, agave, fresh watermelon and fresh lime is the perfect treat to enjoy as you take in a socially distant movie in one of their theaters or enjoy one of their drive-in movies. This refreshing margarita is a great addition to any film.

Taco Cabana – $2 Watermelon Margarita

  • As part of Taco Cabana’s MargaritaPalooza, the popular San Antonio-based chain is offering 12 flavors of $2 margaritas, including one of their most popular – Watermelon. The beverage, perfect for celebrating National Watermelon Day, is available for drive-thru and curbside pickup throughout participating locations in Texas. The margaritas are also available for delivery in San Antonio.

Grilled Watermelon Margarita featuring Twang

If you are keeping your distance at home, or just feel like doing something a little extra when it comes to your next Margarita, check out this Grilled Watermelon Margarita by Aaron Pena, owner/bartender at The Squeezebox in San Antonio, TX. (Twang, 2020)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh grilled fruit – we used grilled Watermelon
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed Lime Juice
  • ¾ ounce Agave syrup – adjust to your taste
  • 2 ounces Blanco Tequila
  • 1 cup of Ice

Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients to blender on high speed
  • Rim glass with Twang-A-Rita Sunrise spice or your favorite Twang salt.
  • Pour into your rimmed glassware and enjoy!

See step-by-step tutorial.

New Whataburger gear to beat the heat this summer

whataburgeraccessories
Whataburger’s summer accessories. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

This summer, whether poolside or grilling outdoors, Whataburger has you covered with crave-worthy orange-and-white accessories and clothing. Plus, you can get them delivered right to your doorstep without any hassle. You can find new gear perfect for summer and more online. While prices vary by product, free shipping is included on orders of $50 or more. (Whataburger, 2020)

The new collection includes all the essentials needed to have fun in the sun, like a Whataburger beach towel, umbrella and pool float. Other popular items include swim trunks, UV shirts, straw hats and button-down shirts.

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 700 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.

Taco Cabana offering delivery and curbside pickup for alcoholic beverages

tacocabanamargaritas
Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Update:

For the first time ever, Taco Cabana is offering curbside pickup for alcoholic beverages at all Houston and San Antonio locations, and delivery of alcoholic beverages from all San Antonio locations. Information about specific delivery locations and ordering options is available online.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce the launch of MargaritaPalooza. Beginning Friday, July 3, the popular restaurant chain will feature 12 margarita flavors that will be available for purchase all day and every day at participating Texas locations in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso. Margaritas will be available for dine-in, pick-up and drive-thru with food purchase. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

The 12 flavors include:

  • Lime
  • Strawberry
  • Mango
  • Blue Curacao
  • Passion Fruit
  • MojitoRita
  • Frosé
  • Prickly Pear
  • Dr Pepper
  • Mangonada
  • Watermelon
  • Star-Spangled Banner (a patriotic-themed blend of lime, strawberry and blue curacao)

Guests will have the option to add chamoy to their margaritas at no additional cost.

Taco Cabana continues to sell Lime, Strawberry and Mango margaritas on-the-rocks by the gallon to-go for $34.99 and Blue Curacao for $36.99. This weekend only, guests can purchase any two gallons of Lime, Strawberry, Mango or Blue Curacao flavors for $60.

Starting July 1, members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program can also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase, including any of the new margaritas. Additional details regarding delivery in select markets, curbside pick-up and upcoming new menu items will follow in the coming weeks.

“Taco Cabana has always been the go-to place in Texas for great margaritas. We’re excited about these new flavors and all for just $2 each. Order online for convenient pick-up or in-person at our front counter to-go or via the drive-thru. We welcome everyone to join us for MargaritaPalooza at TC…come be a part of the fiesta.” – Rich Stockinger, Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO

 

Culinaria expands to month long campaign to support local eateries

culinaria20
Culinaria’s Restaurant Weeks has been expanded to a month-long campaign. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission. 

This week, Culinaria announced the expansion of Restaurant Weeks to Restaurant Month, August 1-31. More than any other industry, restaurants have suffered the most significant sales and job losses since the COVID-19 outbreak.  Initially the HospitALLity House focused on short-term needs by ensuring furloughed workers received a hot meal. Now, the HospitALLity Fund is a crucial part of Culinaria’s Emergency Relief efforts helping restaurants on the financial brink by assisting them in covering operating costs.  (Culinaria, 2020)

Participating restaurants have $20 lunch, $45 dinner, three-course prix-fixe menus for dine-in or to go, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. All businesses have implemented and are enforcing COVID compliant procedures and protocols for sanitizing and service. Reservations are required. A complete list of participating restaurants and information on how to donate to the HospitALLity Fund is available online. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

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 with a volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries.

“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, president and CEO, Culinaria