Shake Shack opens new San Antonio location

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Friday’s ribbon cutting for the new Shake Shack. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Yesterday was the much-anticipated opening of the newest San Antonio location of Shake Shack, this one conveniently located at 3003 Broadway near Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum. The line of people waiting outside was decent-sized and once the doors opened, a steady stream of people continued coming in to enjoy the city’s newest burger restaurant. The actual ribbon cutting was in the front of the restaurant so unfortunately those waiting in line on the sidelines were not able to witness how excited and pumped up the employees were to get started.

Everyone from the manager to the employees were attentive and helpful and were more than happy to explain the menu and the company’s efforts to “Stand For Something Good®.” The food was high quality and delicious and as a vegetarian, it was nice to be able to actually have something to eat. Their ‘Shroom Burger, a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted Muenster and Cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce™ was delightful and filling. Those who came early enough snagged some Shake Shack swag that included a tote bag, a frisbee and a paper fan. I brought in a t-shirt and I was able to have it printed onsite by Burnt Nopal, formerly Snakehawk Press.

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The ‘Shroom Burger

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and griddled flat-top dogs, no hormones or antibiotics ever, fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

The 4,000 square-foot Shack will feature ample seating for guests, an outdoor patio and an interior feature wood wall. In keeping with Shake Shack’s commitment to green architecture and eco-friendly construction, the Brackenridge Shack’s tabletops will be made by CounterEvolution using reclaimed bowling alley lanes; chairs will be designed by Uhuru using sustainable materials; and booths will be crafted by Staach using lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

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.

Sweet Paris to bring taste of Paris to The Shops at La Cantera

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Sweet Paris will open its first San Antonio location in mid-June at The Shops at La Cantera. Photo: Sweet Paris, used with permission. 

Sweet Paris recently announced the opening in mid-June of their San Antonio location on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. The Parisian-inspired, fast casual restaurant offers a critically acclaimed selection of sweet and savory crêpes, from Apple Cinnamon Crème Brȗlée and S’mores made with Nutella®, torched marshmallows, graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate to the ribeye-and-provolone stuffed Philly cheesesteak and the Nordic made with smoked salmon, dill sour cream, pickled red onions and capers. Sweet Paris will donate part of its grand opening proceeds to the not-for-profit Culinaria, which promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination through year-round events including the Culinaria Wine + Food Festival. (Sweet Paris, 2019)

In keeping with Sweet Paris’ tradition of giving back to the community, the company has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank in what will be an ongoing campaign to donate a portion of restaurant sales to programs that will provide meals for children. Sweet Paris supported the World Food Program until 2018, when the team decided to give back to the local Houston Food Bank, feeding the hungry in Southeast Texas.

Founded in Houston in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Allison Young Chavez and Ivan Chavez, the expansion into San Antonio is an exciting addition to the Sweet Paris family. The Chavez’ love of crêpes goes back to college, when Ivan spent a couple of summers studying French in Paris. He brought Allison to the City of Lights to propose, and to try to track down the sidewalk crêpe stand where he first became obsessed with street-style crêpes. When they got back to Houston, the couple could not find a restaurant that satisfied their Parisian-style crêpe cravings. That inspired them to open the first Sweet Paris. Locations include six cafes in the Houston area, including College Station, Katy and The Woodlands and a location inside a resort hotel in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

A sumptuous assortment of breakfast crêpes is on the evolving brunch menu, which includes paninis, salads, soups and options for gluten-free crêpes. On those hot summer days, Sweet Paris invites guests to enjoy lavender mimosas, nitro brew coffee or milkshakes. The restaurant also will carry several offerings of beers and wines. The La Cantera café will have elements familiar to all Sweet Paris restaurants: Large industrial European chandeliers with crystal and large iron orbs all around, iron sconces and antique mirrors on blue, venetian plaster walls and marble top bistro tables. The café will have a larger outdoor patio space, giving café-goers the opportunity to enjoy the natural landscaping of The Shops at La Cantera. Chavez is looking forward to visitors taking time to enjoy the food and the ambience.

“Our target market is always lifestyle centers where people can eat, play and live. We like centers that attract people to spend the day, where they can pause and just enjoy the surroundings. We felt lucky we found such an awesome space at The Shops at La Cantera.” – Allison Young Chavez

Shake Shack’s new Brackenridge location opens this week

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Shake Shack’s new location opens this Friday. Photo: Kristyn Clark, used with permission.

This week, Shake Shack® announced the opening of its newest Texas location in San Antonio on Friday, June 7 at 11a.m. The Shack will be located at 3003 Broadway Street, just moments away from the expansive Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Zoo. To celebrate the good news, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday at 10:30a.m. where attendees will have a chance to score some swag. The first 100 people in line when doors open at 11 a.m. will receive a complimentary custom tote bag that will be screen printed on site by Brunt Nopal, formerly Snakehawk Press. After the first 100 guests, other customers can also bring in their own items (tote bags, t-shirts, etc.) to get it screen printed free of charge. (Shake Shack, 2019)

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and griddled flat-top dogs, no hormones or antibiotics ever, fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

In addition to the classics, the Brackenridge Shack will be spinning up a unique selection of frozen custard concretes with local purveyors:
• Pie Oh My: Vanilla custard blended with pieces of The Granary Buttermilk Chess Pie
• S’more: Chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, graham crackers and Mast Brothers dark chocolate chunks
• Macaron Swoon: Vanilla custard, strawberry purée, lemon curd and Bakery Lorraine macaron shell pieces

Guests can wash their burgers down with local brews from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, Pedernales Brewing Company and Lone Star Brewing Company plus Shake Shack’s exclusive Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale. Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of Shack RedTM and Shack WhiteTM wine from the Gotham Project.

As part of Shake Shack’s mission to Stand For Something Good®, the Brackenridge Shack will donate 5% of sales from the Pie Oh My concrete to San Antonio Food Bank, an organization that fights hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, education and advocacy.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets customers save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

The 4,000 square-foot Shack will feature ample seating for guests, an outdoor patio and an interior feature wood wall. In keeping with Shake Shack’s commitment to green architecture and eco-friendly construction, the Brackenridge Shack’s tabletops will be made by CounterEvolution using reclaimed bowling alley lanes; chairs will be designed by Uhuru using sustainable materials; and booths will be crafted by Staach using lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

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

Book signing with Paula Disbrowe at Hotel Emma

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Paula Disbrowe will be at Hotel Emma’s Larder this Saturday for a book signing. 

Hotel Emma is thrilled to welcome award-winning author, grilling expert, and Austinite Paula Disbrowe to help hotel guests and San Antonians get inspired to fire up something special on the grill. On Saturday, June 1 Paula will be at Larder signing copies of her newest book “Thank You for Smoking: Fun and Fearless Recipes Cooked with a Whiff of Wood Fire on Your Grill or Smoker.” The book signing will take place outside on Larder’s patio from 10a.m. to 1p.m. and is open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2019)

Featuring her own rendition of the sought-after Burnt Marshmallow & Toffee Rice Crispy Treats sold at Larder, guests are invited to get a signed copy of the book and sample the signature treats in the South Texas market.

In “Thank You for Smoking,” Paula Disbrowe shows home cooks how to elevate everyday meals with seductive, smoky flavors in this collection of 100 recipes for smoking meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, nuts, grains, pantry staples and even cocktails in as little as 30 minutes. After revealing just how easy it is to rig a gas or charcoal grill or use a backyard smoker to infuse everything with a smoky nuance, Disbrowe delivers a wide range of recipes easy enough for weeknight cooking. And because firing up dinner is best enjoyed with an adult beverage, this complete guide also helps readers set up their bar for modern smoke-kissed cocktails.

Larder at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Memorial Day lunch and brunch menus at COVER 3

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COVER 3 will have a special Memorial Day menu along with their weekly lunch menu. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission. 

This Monday, Memorial Day, guests will not only be able to enjoy COVER 3’s weekly lunch menu, but the restaurant is also offering a special brunch menu from 11a.m. to 3p.m. featuring popular brunch options like Chilaquiles, Migas, Green Chile Beef Breakfast Enchiladas, Chicken Tinga Breakfast Enchiladas and more. This special offering applies to all COVER 3 locations in Central Texas, including Austin, Round Rock and San Antonio. (COVER 3, 2019)

This special menu will also feature an extra offering of COVER 3’s U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar. The Bubbles Bar is a standalone station featuring four make-your-own mimosa options with cranberry, orange, grapefruit, peach nectar and pomegranate flavors as well as fresh fruit and juices, while the Bloody Mary Bar offers a selection of mixes and condiments ranging from Applewood Smoked Bacon, House-Pickled Veggies, Jalapeños, Stuffed Olives and so much more.

COVER 3 is a locally owned and operated restaurant group that provides guests with an elevated food experience featuring scratch-kitchen menu options, craft cocktails, local brews and high-end wine offerings in a sophisticated, yet approachable atmosphere. Founded in 2008, COVER 3 brings a unique and refined approach to sports bars in Austin. Nearly a decade later, the restaurant has expanded to four locations in Central Texas, including San Antonio and Round Rock, as well a second restaurant concept in COVER 2. Paying homage to football, COVER 3 works hard to cover its three “zones” – dining, spirits and sports – to provide a truly upscale dining experience.

COVER 3
1806 N 1604, West St.
San Antonio, TX 78248

2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 374-1121

1717 West Sixth Street, #21 OR
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 982-1550

2800 N-IH 35, Suite 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 693-2393

Lick Honest Ice Creams’ May campaign

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Lick Honest Ice Creams’ May campaign is ‘Fresh is Best.’ Photo: Lick Honest Ice Creams, used with permission. 

Lick Honest Ice Creams introduces the “Fresh is Best” campaign with Flavor of the Month feature and boozy, interactive ice cream events. A portion of the proceeds from the campaign will be donated to Sustainable Food Center, supporting the organization’s mission to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. (Lick Ice Cream, 2019)

All month long: One dollar of all Cilantro Lime sales. The flavor of the month is an original Lick flavor, Cilantro Lime, the perfect blend of subtle tartness from fresh G&S Groves lime zest and savory Johnson’s Backyard Garden cilantro. It is available at all Lick scoop shop locations in a cone, bowl or pint and $1 from all Cilantro Lime flavor sales will be donated to Sustainable Food Center

Important Dates:
Tuesday May 14 from 7p.m. to 10p.m.- Ice Cream Making Class at CRAFT.
Once a year, Lick fans get a chance to learn from the expert himself as Lick founder and owner Anthony Sobotik will host an ice cream making class at CRAFT, where guests will learn to churn the Cilantro Lime flavor with a group. At the event, guests will receive a recipe card and free pint card to be redeemed at Lick scoop shops. Tickets are $45 and are available online. All proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Food Center: 4620 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Tuesday May 21 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. – Beer & Ice Cream Pairing at Lazarus Brewing Co.
Lick Honest Ice Creams and Lazarus Brewing Co. are kicking off a series of public Beer and Ice Cream Pairing events with one that gives back to charity. Guests will receive five beer samples (5 oz.) with 5 ice cream pairings (1 oz.) of assorted Lick spring flavors. Lazarus and Lick will educate attendees on the pairings while they sip and Lick. Tickets are $40 and are available online. All proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Food Center: 1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

The Cilantro Lime flavor is available at all Lick Honest Ice Creams locations:

Austin
1100 S Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704

6555 Burnet Rd. #200
Austin, TX 78757

1905 Aldrich St. #150
Austin, TX 78723

San Antonio
312 Pearl Pkwy #2101
San Antonio, TX 78215

Mother’s Day at COVER 3

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Celebrate mom at COVER 3 this Sunday. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission. 

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and for those who would prefer to treat mom to brunch, COVER 3 has a special deal to make the day extra special. (COVER 3, 2019)

COVER 3 will be offering every mother a complimentary Blooms and Bubbles Bar at their brunch service that day, which runs from 10a.m. to 3p.m. The Bubbles Bar is a standalone station featuring 4 make-your-own mimosa options with cranberry, orange, grapefruit, peach nectar and pomegranate flavors as well as fresh fruit and juices.

Reservations are being accepted now, and guests are encouraged to call their preferred COVER 3 location in advance to set up a reservation.

COVER 3 is locally owned and operated restaurant group that provides guests with an elevated food experience featuring scratch-kitchen menu options, craft cocktails, local brews and high-end wine offerings in a sophisticated, yet approachable atmosphere. Founded in 2008, COVER 3 brings a unique and refined approach to sports bars in Austin. Nearly a decade later, the restaurant has expanded to four locations in Central Texas, including San Antonio and Round Rock, as well a second restaurant concept in COVER 2. Paying homage to football, COVER 3 works hard to cover its three “zones” – dining, spirits and sports – to provide a truly upscale dining experience.

COVER 3
1806 N 1604, West St.
San Antonio, TX 78248

2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 374-1121

1717 West Sixth Street, #21 OR
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 982-1550

2800 N-IH 35, Suite 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 693-2393

COVER 2:
13701 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 506-9935

Savor at Pearl opens with new class of students

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Savor opens Friday May 10 with a new class of students. Photo: Giant Noise, 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 a short hiatus in between semesters. Under the direction of CIA faculty and a new chef, students will continue to prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies. Sofia Sada Cervantes, a lecturing instructor at CIA who started her food career at La Embajada in Monterrey, Mexico, will now oversee and lead the menu. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2019)

Starting Friday May 10, a new wave of future food stars will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world sit-down restaurant that promises a seasonal, Modern American menu. The evening dinner menu has refreshed for spring with new items like Young Roasted Chicken with foie gras, truffle honey butter, mushrooms and white beans; Sea Scallop and Octopus, Saffron Risotto with parmesan and chives and Steak Tartare with Chipotle, quail egg and plantain chips. The menu format, which allows guests to build their own customized three or four-course meal, remains. The prices are $39 and $45 respectively. Guests also have the option to have shareable plates at the bar and lounge. A full classic cocktail menu is highlighted as well as a great wine list and local draft beers. Dinner is served from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

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

Moms eat free at Pluckers this Mother’s Day

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Pluckers Wing Bar has a special offer for mothers on their special day. Photo: Pluckers Wing Bar, used with permission. 

Pluckers Wing Bar is thrilled to announce that this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, moms eat free at all Texas locations. Moms can enjoy a complimentary entree, side, and non-alcoholic beverage (up to a $15 value) from Pluckers’ extensive menu when they show their Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite membership on the Pluckers mobile app upon arrival. The Pluckers app is now available on iTunes and Google Play and allows members to ditch the Pluckers Club card and explore more ways than ever to earn points and keep up with the latest specials, events and competitions. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

Pluckers menu includes fan favorites such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, The Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and jalapeños, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Additionally, Pluckers will offer their famous wings paired with signature sauces Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with unique flavors Fire in the Hole, Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 23 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 23 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

Teacher Appreciation Day offers

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Houndstooth Coffee will be offering free coffee to teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day. Courtesy photo, used with permission. 

Teacher Appreciation Day is this Tuesday May 7 and to show their appreciation, some restaurants and businesses are offering “freebies” and deals to educators. (Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Hopdoddy, Houndstooth Coffee, Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel
701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Offer: One FREE glass of house wine OR their signature cocktail, La Paloma, with proof of ID on May 7.
Originally built in 1924 as the city’s first high-rise hotel, the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Austin on the corner of Congress Ave. and 7th St. next to the The Paramount Theatre. The hotel’s restaurant, Stephen F.’s, offers happy hour and dinner daily and features terrace seating with breathtaking views of the State Capitol.

Hopdoddy
All Locations – Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Tennessee
Offer: One FREE small shake to any teachers who come in and show their ID. Valid from May 6-10.
Founded in 2010, Hopdoddy now has locations in Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Hopdoddy has been named one of the “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, garnered the #1 spot two years in a row on Business Insider’s list of “The 50 best burger joints in America” and named one of the “10 Brands to Watch” by CNBC and MSN.

Houndstooth Coffee
All seven locations, Austin and Dallas
Offer: One FREE hot or iced coffee for teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7, at all cafes.
Houndstooth Coffee is a locally owned and operated business. Since opening their first cafe in 2010, they have fueled the growth of community in Texas. Houndstooth baristas invite guests to help weave a vibrant social fabric—the Pattern of Coffee and People. That pattern is growing with seven current locations in Austin and Dallas, Texas, with the newest opening in winter 2018 at Rock Rose in North Austin. Houndstooth creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in each cafe by focusing on hospitality, the art of conversation, and education.

Pluckers Wing Bar
All locations
Offer/Deal: Teacher Freebie promo and half-price glasses of wine on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7. Teacher Freebie Promo includes one FREE appetizer at any Pluckers Wing Bar location by presenting their faculty school badge. One appetizer per two people.
Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year, opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 22 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 22 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, and San Marcos. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant.