Category: Restaurant News

Best Quality Daughter pop up dinner: Chinese Laundromat Dinner

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Best Quality Daughter is having a pop up dinner this Saturday October 26. Photo: Best Quality Daughter, used with permission.

Best Quality Daughter, the culinary dream on its way to becoming a reality from locals Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Quealy Watson and Jennifer Ling Datchuk, is returning with a pop-up dinner on San Antonio’s East Side. Now in its third year, the ticketed eight-course dinner event will feature an array of Asian-American cuisine curated by Chefs Jennifer Dobbertin and Quealy Watson of Tenko Ramen. This pop-up dinner is a taste of what is to come at the future brick and mortar location. Tickets for the dinner are available online. (Best Quality Daughter, 2019)

Tickets for the Chinese Laundromat Dinner are $108 which grant guests access to a cocktail hour and an eight course seated dinner featuring cocktails and wine from William Chris Vineyards. Eight is a common theme in the Asian-inspired, recurring pop-up series because it is the most auspicious number in Chinese culture. The menu includes Thai Fermented Sausages, Sizzling Rice and Aromatic Chorizo Prawn Dip, Smoked Brisket Fat Sticky Rice Shumai, Salt and Pepper King Crab with Thom Kha Gravy, Twice Baked Banana, Shaved Gailan with Fermented Tofu XO Caesar, Oolong Tea Smoked Prime Rib and Asian Pear and Cheese Foam Kakigori.

Best Quality Daughter is the collaborative effort of Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Chef Quealy Watson and ceramic artist, Jennifer Ling Datchuk. With the help of architect Vicki Yuan of Lake Flato Architects and designer, Jamie Stolarski, the home, formerly an industrial steam cleaner shop, will transform into the Best Quality Daughter Chinese Laundromat. The dinner will be spearheaded by Dobbertin and Watson and the art installations and decor, which will reflect the Asian immigrant labor experience, will be presented by Datchuk and Yuan. There will also be a sound installation by Shanghai sound artist, Terence Lloren, craft cocktails by Denise Deglopper, of the newly opened Pastiche and live music from DT Buffkin.

Chinese Laundromat Dinner – Saturday, October 26 beginning at 7p.m.

    • 7p.m. to 8p.m. – Cocktail hour in an intimate courtyard setting with live music and mingling
    • 8p.m. to 10p.m. – Seated, eight-course dinner at a converted industrial steam cleaners

The concept was originally dreamt up by Datchuk and Dobbertin, who connected over their shared cultural identity as Asian women in Texas. The name was inspired by a scene in the mother-daughter film Joy Luck Club and created in an effort to increase the availability of Asian-American food in San Antonio.  With future brick and mortar plans in the works, Chef Quealy Watson of Tenko Ramen (formerly of Hot Joy) will also step in as a partner. Watson will assist with developing the menu for the upcoming permanent location.

“We love watching our vision come to life and are always excited to provide San Antonians the opportunity to try our interpretations of authentic Asian cuisine. Best Quality Daughter is largely inspired by the shared family meals we grew up with.” – Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin

Hopdoddy Burger Bar celebrates anniversary with month long specials

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The Truffle Mac and Cheeseburger will be the first special this month to celebrate Hopdoddy’s ninth anniversary. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, the Austin-born burger joint, is celebrating its ninth birthday, aka Doddy-versary, this month with a month-long celebration of fan-favorite burgers. They will be throwing it back to celebrate with customer-favorite off-menu burgers that were previously run as specials. There will also be weekly giveaways on the Hopdoddy Instagram page. Doddy-versary will kick off on Thursday October 3 and run through the end of the month at all Hopdoddy locations. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

The specials for the month are as follows:

  • Week 1: October 3-9 – Truffle Mac and Cheeseburger
  • Week 2: October 10-16 – Big Parma Burger
  • Week 3: October 17-23 – Au Jus Burger
  • Week 4: October 24-30 – Boss Hog Burger

Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. 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.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210)434-2337

Go Orange to fight hunger at Whataburger this month

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September is Hunger Action Month. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission. 

This week, Whataburger announced their partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank for the tenth consecutive year. The goals is to fight hunger and raise awareness for SA Goes Orange, a month-long campaign during Hunger Action Month in September. (Whataburger, 2019)

From September 1 through 30, Whataburger will host a month-long fundraiser to raise money for the Food Bank. Customers who visit any Bexar County and New Braunfels Whataburger restaurant during that timeframe and donate at least $1 will receive a thank-you coupon good for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink on their next visit. Upcoming SA Goes Orange events include the September 14 and September 28 Volunteer Days at the Food Bank.

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.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security.

Hopdoddy opens second San Antonio location this Saturday

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Hopdoddy’s Llano Poblano burger. Photo: Matt Lankes, used with permission. 

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, the nationally renowned burger and beer joint, is thrilled to announce its newest location, its second, in San Antonio opening Saturday, August 31. The restaurant will be opening in The Vineyard shopping center and will feature its menu of iconic burgers, shakes and fries. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

To commemorate the grand opening and show appreciation to the community, Hopdoddy will feature festive offerings on Saturday, including raffle prizes throughout the day and the first 50 people in line will win Hopdoddy Burgers for a year. Hopdoddy The Vineyard will partner with a local organization, the Texas Disabled Veterans Association, to donate a portion of sales from every Good Night / Good Cause Burger purchase year-round.

“We are excited to debut our second San Antonio location this weekend at The Vineyard. This will be the 32nd Hopdoddy, and the level of anticipation for this location is beyond humbling. San Antonio has been a wonderful city to us and we look forward to expanding and creating a new spot for friends and family to kick back with fantastic burgers and beer in a great setting.” – Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar

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.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at The Vineyard
1301 North Loop 1604 W Suite 101
San Antonio, TX

Students return to Savor at the Culinary Institute of America

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The pomme frites will be part of Savor’s happy hour appetizers. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Savor, the latest restaurant by The Culinary Institute of America, is excited to re-open with a new rotation of culinary students after their summer hiatus. Under the direction of CIA faculty, students will continue to prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies. The students are returning for an official reopening on Thursday August 22 and will spend seven weeks gaining hands-on experience in the kitchen followed by another seven weeks serving in the dining room. The current class is returning to once again share their delicious food and refreshing cocktails with the people of San Antonio. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2019)

In addition to bringing back delicious classics like Irish Pointe Oysters and Steak Tartare, Savor will resume offering their popular happy hour on Tuesdays from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m. The happy hour includes $5 cocktails and $1 off delicious bites including the orange chili wings and pommes frites. Guests can also look forward to a few fall-themed menu additions this October.

Savor at Pearl
200 E Grayson St., Suite #117
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210)554-6484

Celebrate National Bratwurst Day at Krause’s Café

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Krause’s Café is celebrating National Bratwurst Day this Friday August 16 with dishes like the Solm’s Platter. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Friday August 16 is National Bratwurst Day and anyone looking for a taste of Germany can head to Krause’s Café. Krause’s is located in the quaint riverside town of New Braunfels, which happens to be the first Texas colony of German immigrants. Krause’s Café and Biergarten is the closest thing to Germany bratwurst lovers can get without leaving the state. The biergarten is celebrating the traditional German sausage with their classic dishes, platters and selection of over 70 beers on tap. Groups can take on the Solm’s Platter, which includes bratwurst, kartoffel poppers and more or enjoy traditional bratwurst and an ice-cold beer from the wide selection of local craft brews. The day will also feature live music from Jay Bleu and the All Mixed Up Variety Band. (Krause’s Café, 2019)

Krause’s Café is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions, it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.

Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2807

Celebrate National Frozen Custard Day at Shake Shack

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Shake Shack is celebrating National Frozen Custard Day this Thursday August 8. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

In celebration of National Frozen Custard Day this Thursday, August 8, Shake Shack guests can use code “CUSTARDDAY” on the Shack App or online to score a free single scoop of Shake Shack’s signature vanilla or chocolate frozen custard at any U.S. Shack, excluding ballparks, stadiums + airports, with a minimum order of $5. Sign into your account, add the scoop to your cart and apply the code at checkout. (Shake Shack, 2019)

Custard, which is made from milk, cream, and egg yolks has been on the Shake Shack menu since their first location. Their founder Danny Meyer grew up in St. Louis, frequenting iconic frozen custard spots, since they were a staple in the Midwest, and knew that it needed a prime place on Shake Shack’s menu. Today Shacks serve rich and creamy custard by the scoop, in shakes and in concretes worldwide.

Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 220 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.

Shake Shack
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 469-3732

Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770

National Watermelon Day in San Antonio

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EVO’s Watermelon Margarita. Photo: Felicia Curtis, used with permission.

This Saturday August 3 is National Watermelon Day and area restaurants are offering food and beverage offerings around San Antonio which showcase everyone’s favorite melon fruit. (EVO Entertainment, Twang, The Esquire Tavern, 2019)

EVO Entertainment Group
Watermelon Margarita
The watermelon rita is available behind the bar at EVO’s family-owned and operated Schertz, Kyle and San Marcos locations. The margarita is made with patrón barrel select, triple sec, agave, fresh watermelon and squeezed lime juice. ($9). Grab the rita before hitting EVO’s movie theatre or pair it with bowling and arcades.

Evo Entertainment
Schertz 18658 I-35
Schertz, TX 78154

Twang
Austin Eastciders Watermelon Cider with Twang-A-Rita Sangrita
Twang is a San Antonio-based family company with products available in 45 states nationwide and Amazon. One of Twang’s brands, Twang-A-Rita, is a line of tasty salts and seasonings designed to easily add flavor to drinks and upgrade beverages into cocktail bar status. Twang’s cocktail rimming blends are made with ingredients like kosher salt, real spices and cane sugar; try Twang-A-Rita Sangrita  to take any watermelon drink up a notch, like Austin Eastciders’ new Watermelon cider.

Recipe:
3.5 oz Watermelon Eastciders
.5 oz fresh squeezed lime
Rim with Twang-A-Rita Sangrita

Esquire Tavern
Heirloom Tomato Salad with watermelon
Located along the San Antonio River Walk, wanderers will find the historic Esquire Tavern, a place that touts the longest bar in Texas, and where patrons can fill up on an Heirloom Tomato Salad which is made with watermelon, feta cheese, dill, basil and cucumber vinaigrette. ($13)

The Esquire Tavern
155 East Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Hopdoddy Burger Bar introduces new menu items

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The Impossible Cheesesteak is one of the new burgers on the Hopdoddy Burger Bar menu. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

Award-winning burger joint, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, announced today the debut of its new menu, revamped just in time for the dog days of summer. Furthering its fanatical focus on sourcing and serving high-quality ingredients, the nationally renowned restaurant group has created a variety of new menu items that combine familiar ingredients in unfamiliar ways. The recently refreshed menu features new burgers, hearty salads, added vegetarian options and cold drinks at all 32 locations throughout seven states. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

This refreshed menu raises the burger bar with additional twists on the humble hamburger. The new menu will still offer tried-and-true favorites, like the Good Night/Good Cause Burger, El Diablo, the Thunderbird, the Magic Shroom burger and more. It now has added a few new items, like the Ahi Cali Club, featuring a sushi-grade tuna patty with steakhouse bacon, avocado, cilantro dijonnaise, and basil pesto; and the Impossible Cheesesteak, with an Impossible patty made entirely of plants topped with Provolone & Swiss, seared peppers and onions, field mushrooms, 78,000 Island and yellow mustard. New salads include Thai Beef Kale and Poblano Ranch Turkey Cobb.

Hopdoddy is also launching new drinks. Perfect to beat that midsummer heat, Hopdoddy now offers Strawberry Margaritas; Berry Gin Fizz—with Prairie Organic Gin, blackberry, cardamom, lime, and bubbles; Grapefruit Spritz with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Anew Rosé, and rhubarb; Rum Punch with Plantation Dark Rum, Cointreau, lime, Angostura; and more.

“We’re excited to showcase the new items to our fans across the country. We listen to what they want, and respond with creative options. Our guests have come to expect a level of greatness from our cuisine, and these latest additions are sure to exceed their expectations.”- Jeff Chandler, Hopdoddy CEO

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

National Tequila Day at La Panaderia

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Celebrate National Tequila Day at La Panaderia with a Tequila Almond Croissant. Photo: Karissa Rangel/Giant Noise, used with permission.

This Wednesday July 24 is National Tequila Day and for those looking to celebrate without the next-day hangover, San Antonio-based bakery La Panadería is offering a trio of delectable tequila croissants. Owners and brothers, David and Jose Cáceres, will be serving up a family of tequila pastries including their classic Tequila Almond Croissant, the Tequila Tres Leches Croissant and their latest creation, the Tequila Apple Croissant, which is La Panadería’s answer to the traditional apple pie. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a 48-hour fermentation process and a double baking technique that results in artisan baked goods unlike any other, making it the ultimate National Tequila Day stop. (La Panaderia, 2019)

    • Tequila Almond Croissant – Prior to the opening of their flagship bakery, Chef David Cáceres was experimenting with the traditional almond croissant recipe. Noticing that he did not have rum handy, David reached for a bottle of 1800 Reposado Tequila and the rest is history. The Tequila Almond Croissant is now one of the bakery’s staples.
    • Tequila Tres Leches Croissant – Inspired by the culture shared by San Antonio and their native Mexico, David Cáceres decided to combine the flavors of tres leches and their Tequila Almond Croissant to create the Tequila Tres Leches Croissant. The delectable treat is served with a filling of fresh mascarpone whipped cream and strawberries and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
    • Tequila Apple Croissant – The latest product to join the tequila croissant family is the Tequila Apple Croissant. The treat is La Panadería’s answer to the traditional apple pie. The croissant is served with a filling of caramelized apples and topped off with a crumble.

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, also draws influence from French, Italian and American breadmaking techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.

8305 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 375-6746

301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 592-6264