Culinaria Restaurant Weeks celebrates ten years

culinaria18 — Culinaria Restaurant Weeks celebrates ten years of culinary events. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

Culinaria celebrates the best of food through events featuring gourmet creations paired with elegant wines for extravagant tastings prepared by San Antonio’s best chefs, guest chefs and global and local wineries. Culinaria was created to highlight San Antonio’s passion for food and to spotlight the city as a premiere food and wine destination. In the beginning, it was just a weekend of food and wine on the Riverwalk. Now it has expanded to include events as diverse a food competition and a barbeque extravaganza. (Culinaria, 2018)

Entering its 10th year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, January 21 through February 2, is back with more eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well San Antonio hot spots. Participating restaurants in the Tri-County area will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $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.

The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Weeks menus can be found online. While reservations are not required, they are encouraged, as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed. Culinaria is continually expanding. Additional participating restaurants are added weekly, as well as new events throughout the year.

As a non-profit organization, 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 Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.

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 mecca for great dining and Restaurant Weeks presents a fabulous opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover new dining hot spots. It also generates excitement for the diverse culinary scene and the variety of food options that define San Antonio and neighboring cities” Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria.

Pluckers to host holiday lunch for Boysville

pluckerslogo — Pluckers is hosting a holiday lunch this Saturday for families of Boysville. Photo: Pluckers, used with permission.

In the spirit of the holiday season, local businesses often give back to the community by hosting events, volunteering and giving out gifts. Pluckers Wing Bar is excited to announce that they will spread holiday cheer by providing lunch for families from Boysville at the Pluckers Selma location on Saturday, December 22 at 12p.m. This year, employees from the Selma, San Marcos and Oak Hill locations will donate holiday gifts for children who attend the holiday lunch. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)

Boysville is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide a safe family environment for children in need by offering 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 part of society.

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. Pluckers is known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces. It has the perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for sports fans to keep up with their favorite sports teams and games. Offering 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” in 2017 and 2018 by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers San Antonio
14881 Interstate 35 N
Selma, TX 78154

Christmas specials in San Antonio

bakerylorrainemacarons18 — Bakery Lorraine has gingerbread macarons available. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Area restaurants and bars are having Christmas specials to make the season merrier. More details are available online. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar, Bakery Lorraine, Krause’s Café, Supper at Hotel Emma, Esquire Tavern, 2018)

MEADOW NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY + BAR
This Sunday December 23 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. is the final Santa Brunch. It will feature holiday cocktails including hot toddies, bourbon eggnog, peppermint Irish coffee and cranberry mimosas that pair perfectly with brunch staples at Meadow. Parents can enjoy brunch while the kids enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus for pictures. There will also be sugar cookies for the kids to decorate while they wait. All images will be sent by email and can be used for holiday cards, printing and more. Images with Santa are free with a brunch reservation.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar will host a pre-fixe Christmas Eve Dinner on Monday, December 24 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Reservations will be required for Christmas Eve Dinner with pricing at $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will have several options that include Fried Chicken with braised greens, chow chow and hot sauce honey, Striped Bass with hoppin’ John, grilled bok choy and radish, Eight Layer Chocolate Cake with candied orange and Montenegro and more. There will also be a children’s menu available.

Meadow will have a full Christmas meal available for order. The meal feeds 10 people for $135 and includes a honey baked ham dinner, roasted Brussel sprouts with dried cherries and pecans, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, Texas mushroom gratin and Bread Box dinner rolls. Orders can be placed now until Thursday, December 20. Pick up will be Monday, December 24. Meadow will be closed on Christmas Day.

BAKERY LORRAINE
Will have pies, Buche de Noels and limited-edition holiday-themed macaron boxes available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Inside the Buche de Noels are a vanilla mousse, cherry compote and a chocolate sponge soaked with kirsch syrup. This is by special order only for $45 and are now available for pickup. The pies will be $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Thursday, December 20. Pick up day will be Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Bakery Lorraine will also have newly released, house-made jams that make excellent stocking stuffers. They are priced at $6 each and flavors include Raspberry Hibiscus and Spiced Mango and Guava.

KRAUSE’S CAFE
Jolly ‘Krause Klaus’ will visit Krause’s Café throughout the month of December and prices for getting a picture taken with Santa are $10 and $5 for reprints. Bring the family and enjoy a German platter while getting Christmas photos done. Families can enjoy a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist, groups can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85). Krause’s Café also recently launched hot winter drinks for adults including a Hot Toddy, German Glühwein (mulled wine), Salted Caramel and Cream, Spiked Hot Chocolate and more. Homemade hot chocolate for the children is now available too.

SUPPER AT HOTEL EMMA
Will host a Christmas Eve dinner featuring a whole bronzino special, available from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Chef John Brand has curated an exclusive menu that highlights the silver-skinned, European fish. Holiday inspired sides will accompany the Bronzino, creating a unique Christmas Eve dish.

ESQUIRE TAVERN/DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio based upon a recipe which dates to the 1700s. It was common to prepare Egg Nog well in advance of consumption of holiday libations and this year’s Egg Nog was made in November. Esquire’s Egg Nog will have rested for a little over a month developing complexity before guests can get their hands on it, beginning on December 18 while supplies last and available at both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar and eggs and it is spiced with cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.

Esquire Tavern’s cocktail menu features other festive cocktail choices like a traditional Hot Toddy. A staple for cold weather and the holidays, Esquire’s Hot Toddy is $9; cozy up with the spirit of choice: apple brandy, bourbon whiskey, or esquire rum blend no. 9 with honey, lemon, allspice; served warm.

Christmas Day Feast at SweetFire Kitchen

sweetfiremenu — SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa is having its Christmas Day Feast on December 25. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.

Christmas Day is fast approaching and for those who prefer to eat out on the big day, SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa will be having a Christmas Day Feast on December 25 from 11a.m. to 8p.m. Price is $65 for adults, $26 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Reservations available through open table or by calling (210) 558-2479. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2018)

Christmas Day Feast Menu:
Raw Bar
Crab claws
Gulf oysters on the half shell
Old Bay Poached Gulf Shrimp
Chipotle cocktail sauce, mignonette & lemon aioli

Cheese & Charcuterie
Selection of regional cheeses
House made & locally sourced cured meats
Pickled vegetables, Dark ale grain mustard, seasonal preserves
Candied pecans & Texas wildflower honey
Assorted breads & crackers

Salad Table
Spinach & frisee, pomegranate, butternut squash, feta cheese, molasses dressing
Local greens & charred endive, walnuts, green apples, parmesan, cider vinaigrette
Broccoli, country ham, cherry tomatoes, grilled onion, house ranch

Jars
Red quinoa, fresh berries, basil, honey lemon vinaigrette
Roasted beets, goat cheese & hazelnuts
Hummus, preserved lemon pesto

Carving Station
Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast & turkey roulade, cranberry sauce & giblet gravy
Salt & Herb Crusted Prime Rib, creamed horseradish & au jus
Porchetta, fall fruit chutney

Sides
Butternut Squash Bisque – sage cream
Traditional bread stuffing
Whipped Potatoes – garlic butter
Wild Rice Pilaf – cranberries & almonds
Root vegetable medley – maple butter
Crispy Brussel Sprouts – bacon, citrus dressing
Roasted Cauliflower Gratin

Action Station
Made to order risotto
Pork belly, bay scallop, parmesan, basil

From the bakeshop
Action station
Almond cake, flambéed cranberries & eggnog ice cream

Apple Pear crumble
Chocolate yule log, vanilla cream white chocolate
German chocolate pecan roulade
Chocolate peppermint tarts
Brown butter financier, candied oranges
Cherry chocolate cake
Raspberry lemon verrines
Citrus cheese cake
Assorted Christmas cookies
Warm sticky toffee Pudding

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5

hotelemmadrink — Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5 at Sternewirth at Hotel Emma. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

National Repeal Day celebrates the Repeal of Prohibition, or the end of the great experiment, and the return of legal alcohol sales. This year, Repeal Day will be observed on Wednesday December 05, 2018. The Repeal of Prohibition in the United States was accomplished with the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 5, 1933. The Esquire Tavern and Hotel Emma will be holding events on Wednesday to commemorate the big day.

The Esquire Tavern is excited to invite all of San Antonio to party like it’s 1933 and celebrate the establishment’s 85th birthday at a timeless bash on Wednesday, December 5, the day recognized as ‘Repeal Day’ throughout history. To commemorate 85 years of providing downtown San Antonio with exquisite classic cocktails and delectable tavern food, the oldest bar on the Riverwalk will host an evening of revelry. Guests can expect entertainment including live music, a fortune teller, burlesque performances and plenty of the Esquire’s classic, prohibition-era cocktails like its famous Old-Fashioned. A variety of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be shared throughout the night. Reservations are encouraged and available for both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. (The Esquire Tavern, 2018)

Special guests include Stars and Garters Burlesque accompanied by live music from The Dirty River Dixie Band. Chef Brooke Smith’s full menu will be available until 11p.m., including Esquire favorites like the Chicken Chalupitas in addition to the recently updated seasonal menu featuring new items like her savory Artichoke Dip and Grits and Grillades. The mysterious Shaman-like, ‘Brujo Jerry’ will be inhabiting Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern for the evening to share his revelatory visions of the future. Patrons are encouraged to celebrate their right to drink alcohol and visit Downstairs for the best Grower Champagne list in town, paired with house-prepared charcuterie and oysters on the half-shell. Everyone is invited. The event is from 7p.m. to midnight and the entertainment begins at 8p.m.

The Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Emma is hosting a National Repeal Day event at Sternewirth from 6p.m. to 10p.m. The evening will feature drink specials and Jazz Age music by award-winning artist Henry Brun. The public is invited to toast the end of prohibition and celebrate the freedom to drink and be merry this holiday season. The staff will dress the part in era-appropriate attire for an authentic Roaring Twenties feel. New features include speedier drink service courtesy of a new service bar and a new mezzanine seating area, where there is space for every reveler. The event is free and open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

The exclusive drink specials include:
• Gin Martini – Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters $8
• House Bubbles – $8
• Aviation – Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon $9
• Sazerac – Rye, Peychauds Bitters, Absinthe $9

Sternewirth Tavern & Club Room,
136 E. Grayson St.
San Antonio TX 78215

Grinch brunch and reading at SweetFire Kitchen

Welcome to Whoville! Join Grinch for a Brunch Feast at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa, Saturday, December 1 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. Grinch will read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to the children by the Christmas Tree on Plaza San Saba, just off the patio at SweetFire Kitchen at 11a.m., 1p.m. and 3p.m. Brunch seating will be from 10a.m. to 3p.m. Feast menu includes Roast Beast; Who Hash; Grinch Greens; Cindy Lu Salad; Who Pudding; Grinch Bread, Whoville Feast treats, Grinch juice and so much more. The Grinch will make his rounds, stopping by the tables to pose for photos.(SweetFire Kitchen, 2018)

Tickets are $75 for adults and $30 for children. Five dollars from every ticket sold will benefit the San Antonio Library Foundation. To make a reservation please call 210-558-2479.

SweetFire Kitchen
La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Happy Hour at Southerleigh Oyster Bar

southerleighdrinks — Southerleigh Oyster Bar will now have Happy Hour every afternoon with food and drink specials. Photo: Southerleigh, used with permission.

Starting Thursday, October 25th, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery will host happy hour at the recently opened oyster bar. Happy hour will take place in the afternoon Monday through Sunday from 3p.m. to 5p.m. with specials on food and drink. Featured items on the menu include $1 pressure fried wings and 75 cent fried biscuits. Dipping sauces are only 25 cents each with flavor options like Crystal Mayo, Black Garlic Ranch, Sweet & Spicy Tiger Sauce, Creole Honey Mustard, Roasted Jalapeño, Texas Sweet Onion BBQ and Texas Honey. There will also be $2 off all beer, wine, punches and mixes. This happy hour is only valid at the oyster bar and is not applicable to the restaurant. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2018)

The inviting walk-up bar opened late September and features six Southerleigh beers on tap, plus several varieties of fresh seafood, including oysters, gulf shrimp, crab, caviar and more. The oyster bar is open daily during normal restaurant hours. More information is available online.

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

Bakery Lorraine opens first Austin location

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. As of Monday, October 22, the first Austin location on Rock Rose at Domain NORTHSIDE is officially open for business. Located in Austin’s premiere shopping district, Bakery Lorraine’s menu will offer pastries, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and select beer and wine. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 7a.m. to 8p.m., Friday through Saturday from 7a.m. to 9p.m., and Sunday from 8a.m. to 8p.m. (Bakery Lorraine, 2018)

In addition to the famous Parisian macarons and divine pastries, like the pain au chocolat, the Austin location will also feature breakfast items, including the breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, and breakfast sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine will offer a variety of savory lunch dishes, including an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. The restaurant will also feature a select beer and wine menu.

Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine has quickly become a sensation in San Antonio. It 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 and recently awarded the 2017 StarChefs Rising Stars Award for “Best Concept.”

With the opening of Domain NORTHSIDE in September 2016, the latest part of the neighborhood quickly became the premier shopping, dining and lifestyle destination in the city. Domain NORTHSIDE brings together many of Austin’s best homegrown names with a list of best-in-class brands and first-to-Austin experiences and is excited to welcome Bakery Lorraine to the Rock Rose community.

“We are thrilled to be opening our first ever Austin location at Rock Rose at Domain Northside; this location is a perfect fit for our brand. The area is rapidly expanding and we’re thrilled to be a part of the growing community. We can’t wait to show Austinites what we have in store.” – Bakery Lorraine Owner and Operator Charlie Biedenharn

Bakery Lorraine
11600 Rock Rose Ave, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78758

Burgerim celebrates grand opening in San Antonio

Burgerim, the new eatery serving sensibly-sized gourmet burgers, is now open in Ingram Park Mall. With a build-your-own burger concept, this rapidly growing fast-casual franchise will celebrate the grand opening this Friday October 19 from 5p.m. to 9p.m. with free burgers, giveaways and more. (Burgerim, 2018)

New to town, Burgerim serves customizable sensibly-sized burgers in uno, duo and trio packages or party box of sixteen. Boasting millions of flavor profiles and eleven different patty options, including beef, dry aged beef, wagyu, merguez, salmon, veggie, lamb, turkey, chicken, falafel and more with gourmet toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, pineapple and sunny-side up eggs.

In honor of the new location, the burger joint will host a grand opening party where the first fifty guests in line will receive a free Classic Beef Burger and entry into a raffle featuring numerous gift cards from Ingram Park Mall retail stores. The next fifty guests in line will be able to purchase a Classic Beef Burger for only $1 and will also be granted entry into the raffle. The remaining guests will enjoy 20% off their purchases for the remainder of the event.

There will also be a pet food drive to benefit the San Antonio Humane Society. Any guest who brings in a bag of pet food will receive a Classic Beef Burger for $1.

Burgerim is an international franchise that operates in over 200 locations in 16 countries and is a fast-casual restaurant that provides gourmet food with unique menu options. Burgerim is known for their gourmet sensibly-sized burgers with eleven different meat options and nine customizable toppings. Each restaurant is independently owned and managed by franchisees who continue the Burgerim legacy of high-quality service and cuisine.

Burgerim
Ingram Park Mall
6301 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238

Culinary community unites for fundraiser for Samantha Flores

signaturebrunch — The fundraising brunch will be held on Sunday October 14. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Chefs for Chefs is rallying the culinary community to unite to raise funds for Samantha Flores, manager at Ramen Bar, who is known for her ‘’great heart.” While riding her bicycle on her way home near Loop 410 and Nacogdoches Road in the early morning hours of Friday September 7, she was injured by a hit-and-run driver. She remains hospitalized and her road to recovery will be long. As her medical bills mount, Chef Michael Sohocki decided to reach out to other Chefs, Culinaria and La Cantera Resort & Spa to rally the community for a benefit to raise funds. (Culinaria, 2018)

This fundraising event will take place on Sunday October 14 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at Grille 254 at La Cantera Resort and will feature brunch bites from featured chefs along with brunch worthy beverages, a silent auction and complimentary live music by Finding Friday. Tickets are $50 and are available online or onsite the day of the event for $60. If unable to attend but interested in doing more, a donation option is available. For questions contact Culinaria at 210-822-9555.

Participating chefs:
Chef Micheal Sohocki, Restaurant Gwendolyn
Chef Bruce Auden, Biga on the Banks
Chef Jason Dady, Jason Dady Restaurant Group
Chef Johnny Hernandez, Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Catering
Chef Giovanni Sliva, Grille 254
Chef Andrew Weissman, Signature Restaurant

“One of our own needs our help and it’s time to bring together some of San Antonio’s best chefs to raise funds and the spirits of our friend and colleague.” – Chef Michael Sohocki.

Grille 254 at La Cantera Resort & Spa
16441 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256

Culinaria’s Chefs for Chefs provides assistance to chefs in their time of need. Every dollar raised is leveraged through health care and assistance for chefs during medical emergencies.

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