Category: Restaurant News

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is back

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Culinaria Restaurant Weeks will take place from January 20 through February 1. Photo: Culinaria used with permission.

Entering its 11th year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, from January 20 through February 1, 2020, is back with eateries in San Antonio and neighboring counties. Participating restaurants will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $15 lunch, and $35/$45 dinner.  Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant that has been top of mind or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers. (Culinaria, 2019)

The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Weeks menus, are available online. Reservations are not required but are encouraged as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed.

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.

Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Weeks, a 5k Wine Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events and several community partner events throughout the year. Culinaria is continually expanding and additional participating restaurants are added weekly, as well as new events throughout the year.

Accolades:
Most Popular Food and Wine Festival – Vanity Fair, 2011
Top 10 American Food Festivals – The Telegraph 2016
Best Food & Wine Event in Texas – Essence 2017
Best Food and Wine Festival to Visit – Readers Digest, 2018

“San Antonio is a hub for great dining hotspots and Restaurant Weeks presents the ultimate opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover new culinary delights. It also generates enthusiasm within our diverse culinary community and extends another opportunity for Chefs to showcase the variety of food and flavors that define San Antonio and neighboring cities.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria

Pluckers Wing Bar to host ‘Anti-Resolution’ special

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Pluckers Wing Bar’s Anti-Resolution special will run from January 1 through January 6. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar, Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant, is bringing back their Anti-Resolution special from Wednesday January 1 through Monday January 6, 2020 at ALL Pluckers locations. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

The Anti-Resolution special includes 50% off desserts and a $1 addition for salads. The extra dollar will be donated to Breakthrough Central Texas, an education nonprofit that creates a path to and through college for students from low-income communities. From sixth grade through to college, the organization offers out-of-school learning experiences, leadership skills and comprehensive advising to students. The organization makes a 12-year commitment to students and their families to guide them through the process of preparing for, enrolling in and completing college. The long-term model ensures the success of students and families from middle school to high school graduation to college diploma and beyond.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer 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” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

New Year’s Day brunch at COVER 3

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COVER 3 will have a New Year’s Day brunch from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.

COVER 3 will be ringing in 2020 with a New Year’s Day brunch- featuring food and beverage options sure to kick off the new year on a delicious, and lucky, note. (COVER 3, 2019) From 11a.m. to 3p.m. on New Year’s Day, all COVER 3 locations will offer revelers:

  • COVER 3’s signature U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar
  •  Select menu featuring COVER 3’s most popular brunch items like Migas, Chilaquiles, Green Chile Breakfast Tacos, Tinga Chicken Breakfast Enchiladas and Chili & Eggs
  • Special “Southern Charm” lucky plate featuring old-fashioned Southern good luck charms like picked-and-pressed pork “short rib” for prosperity, black eyed peas with andouille sausage for luck and braised kale greens for wealth for $15.95

New Year Brunch:
Migas – classic style migas with queso blanco, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, served with refried black beans
Chilaquiles – fried corn tortillas served with roasted tomato salsa, topped with queso blanco, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, two eggs, sliced avocado and pico, served with refried black beans
Green chile beef breakfast enchiladas – corn tortillas stacked with green chile beef, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, Poblano carne sauce, topped with fried eggs
Tinga chicken breakfast enchiladas – corn tortillas stacked with Tinga chicken, Jack and Cheddar cheeses and garlic chipotle sauce, topped with fried eggs, Poblanos and onions
Chili and Eggs – Matt’s chili topped with two eggs, avocado, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, Cotija, pico, cilantro and tortilla strips

COVER 3 is the leading high-end sports bar and has previously been named to CNN’s list of “101 of the best sports bars in the U.S” as well as the “Best Sports Bar in the Central Region” by Sports Illustrated. Each location has enough TVs to give guests multiple options regarding which TV near their table is the most comfortable for their viewing pleasure. Serving upscale food, craft cocktails and high-end wines, COVER 3 remains elegant and stylish while giving guests the feeling they are enjoying the Super Bowl in their own private box.

COVER 3 San Antonio
1806 N 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700

Pluckers Wing Bar to host Christmas Eve lunch for Boysville

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Pluckers Wing Bar will host a Christmas Eve lunch for Boysville next week. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is excited to announce that they will spread holiday cheer by providing lunch for four families from Boysville at the Pluckers Selma location this Christmas Eve, Tuesday December 24 from 10a.m. to noon. This year, employees from the Selma, Landmark and San Marcos locations will donate holiday gifts for children. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

Boysville is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide a safe family environment for children in need by providing food, shelter, clothing, medical services and education services. Boysville is able to provide the basic necessities needed to make the child feel safe and comfortable and teach them to become an active member of society.

Pluckers San Antonio
14881 Interstate 35 N
Selma, TX 78154

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer 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” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Bakery Lorraine introduces winter menu

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Bakery Lorraine’s new winter menu includes the cheese plate. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

This holiday season, Bakery Lorraine introduces winter menu items perfect for the colder weather. These items include a new grilled cheese sandwich, a charcuterie plate, a croque madame sandwich and more. Bakery Lorraine is also inspiring holiday cheer with festive treats. The bakery is offering chocolate-covered gingerbread men and macaroons in multiple flavors including; Red Hot, Egg Nog, White Chocolate Peppermint, Angel Food, Hot Cocoa, Pistachio, Raspberry and Earl Grey. Customers can order in stores or online until December 19. (Macaroons: 6 for $13, 12 for $24, Special 20pk for $40) (Bakery Lorraine, 2019)

With locations at the Pearl and the Medical Center, Bakery Lorraine has rapidly become a San Antonio favorite and a 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 Eatocracy blog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine offers handmade French pastries and macarons as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner items including its Greek Yogurt Parfait, the Quiche Lorraine, Turkey Pesto sandwich and an assortment of salads, soups and artisan sandwiches.

Bakery Lorraine
7338 Louis Pasteur Dr. Suite 201
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 303-0330

306 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 110
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 862-5582

17503 Cantera Pkwy #108
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 415-4066

2800 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 212-4453

11600 Rock Rose Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 300-0300

Hopdoddy raises $100K for charities nationwide

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

As part of the Hopdoddy Burger Bar mission, aiming to do what is right includes giving back to the community. With each Goodnight / Good Cause burger sold, Hopdoddy donates a portion of the proceeds to local charitable organizations. This year, Hopdoddy is proud to announce that the restaurant raised more than $100K for charities in Texas, Arizona, California, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Colorado. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

Hopdoddy partnered on the Goodnight / Good Cause burger with the following charity organizations this year:

  • HAAM (Austin, TX)
  • Lone Star Paralysis (Austin, TX)
  • Millican Alliance (College Station, TX)
  • Make a Wish North Central Texas (Dallas, TX)
  • Periwinkle Foundation (Houston, TX)
  • Silver & Black Give Back (San Antonio, TX)
  • Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Surfrider Foundation (San Clemente, California)
  • Stax Music Academy (Memphis, TN)
  • W.O. Smith Music School (Nashville, TN)
  • Granville Community School, (Oklahoma City, OK)
  • Camp Courage (Denver, Colorado)

The Goodnight / Good Cause burger is available at all Hopdoddy locations and is made with Angus beef, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeños, caffeinated barbecue, Sassy Sauce, lettuce and tomato served on a fresh baked bun.

“As a team of some 1500+ team members, we at Hopdoddy are proud of the positive impact we make in our communities through our Goodnight / Good Cause partnerships. Since its inception in 2010 and with the continual support of our guests and team members, we have been able to contribute over $1,000,000 to local programs that do right. Hopdoddy remains steadfast in our commitment to ‘do right’ by continually evaluating the programs and people we support to ensure that we are truly living our mantra of ‘Best Today, Better Tomorrow’ and genuinely ‘doing right’ by those we are so fortunate to serve.” – Jeff Chandler, Hopdoddy CEO

Founded in Austin in 2010 by Guy Villavaso, Larry Foles and Chuck Smith, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. Hopdoddy stands out for its “from scratch” ethos and a menu that includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. They also offer vegetarian menu items, including the newly launched Impossible Cheesesteak. Alongside its burgers Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

 

Holiday shopping deals around town

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Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

This week, Black Friday ushers in the holiday shopping season and area businesses are offering special deals to their customers to help them get the most for their dollars. (Shake Shack, Pluckers Wing Bar, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

In celebration of Black Friday, Shake Shack will be running a Black FryDay promotion from November 27 through December 1. Each guest (for all order modes – in-Shack, App pick-up, or delivery order) will receive a scratch-off ticket in their bag for the chance to win a prize. The scratch off area is the first gondola and all cards will be a winner. Prizes include:  Free burger with any $20+ order or free fries with any $15+ order on the Shack App, Free Delivery with any $15+ order through Grubhub or Free Shack for a year (aka a $2,500 gift card). This offer would be a great time to try one of Shake Shack’s holiday shakes: Christmas Cookie Shake, Chocolate Peppermint Shake and Coconut Snowball Shake – which are offered now through January 5.

    • Christmas Cookie Shake: Sugar cookie frozen custard, topped with whipped cream, crumbled shortbread and holiday sprinkles.
    • Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Chocolate custard, peppermint fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream and chocolate peppermint bark.
    • Coconut Snowball Shake: Vanilla custard, coconut, marshmallow, topped with whipped cream, coconut and sprinkles.

Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering $10 Pluckers Club Memberships on Black Friday and 20%-off everything via the Pluckers Shop (excluding gift cards) on Cyber Monday. Pluckers Club members enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials and more. Pluckers club membership is now available through the app on iTunes and Google Play – a treat for current and aspiring members.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is running a special on their Bright and Early gift cards perfect for holiday gifting, stocking stuffers and to kick off the new year. Guests who purchase an online gift card valued at $125.00 get it for only $99.00. The limited time offer is valid through Friday, November 29. Hiatus Spa + Retreat is ringing in the holidays with the December monthly specials and holiday packages such as:

        • The Merry & Bright: Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Body Glow or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
        • The Peace, Love, & Joy: their three most in-demand services —The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial and The One & Only Mani-Pedi — are bundled up and tied with a bow, for your sugar plum 3.5 hours, $269 ($320 value)

December Monthly Retreat: December in Manhattan
“Embrace the holiday frenzy with our take on December in Manhattan – inspired by the timeless cocktail. A gentle full-body exfoliation prepares you to be smothered in a warm masque of antioxidant-rich Black Cherries, spicy Nutmeg and luscious Bourbon Vanilla. Unwind with a deeply penetrating massage, letting the fragrant masque nurture your skin and inspire your senses. A final rinse under the Vichy shower leaves you soft, sultry and satisfied, ready to sip a heart-melting Manhattan made with housemade bourbon and Madagascar vanilla-infused cherries.” (80-minute service for $195)

Southerleigh launches new sour beer

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Southerleigh’s Piccadilleigh beer features pickles, Hawaiian Punch and other childhood flavors. Photo: Southerleigh, used with permission.

Southerleigh introduces a fun new beer that features nostalgic flavors sure to make locals feel like a kid again in the form of an adult beverage. Head Brewer, Les Locke, has created Piccadilleigh to bring out locals’ inner child with sour and funky flavors many San Antonians grew up to love. The playful, new beer’s ingredients take the juices that many enjoyed as kids and incorporates Cherry Kool Aid and Hawaiian Punch into the batch. The inventive brew also uses 55 gallons of pickle juice and Meyer Lemon purée, an end result that delivers a  powerful punch to patrons. The glass is finished off with a Chamoy rim and Tajin – two San Antonio favorites.  Piccadilleigh is available now for $6 per 12 oz. pour. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2019)

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, helmed by San Antonio Chef Jeff Balfour, brings a modern take on Texas’ cross-cultural cuisine to Pearl. Influenced by the coastal classics of Chef Balfour’s upbringing in Galveston married with the comfort of southern cuisine, Southerleigh boasts a curated, seasonally shifting menu that reflects Chef Balfour’s innovative craftsmanship. Southerleigh houses a custom manufactured brewery designed by Portland Kettle Works, bringing brewing back to Pearl with up to twenty different beers on tap.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson St., Ste 120
San Antonio, TX 78215

Veterans eat free at Pluckers Wing Bar this Veterans Day

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Veterans and active-duty military eat free at Pluckers Wing Bar this Veterans Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal. With a valid military ID, guests can enjoy a complimentary entree, side, and a non-alcoholic beverage from Pluckers’ extensive menu (up to $15) when dining at the restaurant. This offer is valid all day on November 11 at all Pluckers locations. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

The Pluckers menu includes their trademark wings paired with signature sauces such as Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with unique flavors, like Fire in the Hole, Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin; appetizers like Fried Pickles and Holy Macaroni; great sandwiches and burgers, like the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and jalapeños; signature salads; and epic sides like waffle fries, macaroni and cheese, and homemade potato chips.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer 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” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Pluckers Wing Bar to host Halloween themed events

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Pluckers’ Psych Frog. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Halloween festivities are in full swing at Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant and Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating by hosting Halloween-themed events: Wednesday night Live Team Trivia on 10/30 and Thursday night Pluck Hunt on 10/31 at all locations. Guests get bonus points if they come dressed in Halloween costumes. (Pluckers, 2019)

Every Wednesday, Pluckers hosts Live Team Trivia starting at 7:30p.m. and the winning team will receive a Pluckers gift card. Round up your team for an evening featuring 10 questions in each round: sports, nerd, movie lines, movie quotes, name that tune, random and more. During Wednesday’s Live Team Trivia, guests will also be able to enjoy specials such as $6.75 34 oz. Mother Pluckers Mugs of Miller Lite and other specials.

Every Thursday, Pluckers hosts Pluck Hunt starting at 9p.m., where guests can participate in a scavenger-hunt style game in their seat. The host will ask teams to complete fun challenges and search for objects on their phones. The top two scoring teams and one randomly chosen team get to roll the giant dice for gift card prizes.

Highest Roll = $100 gift card
2nd Highest Roll = $50 gift card
Random Participating Team = $25 gift card

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154