Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean appointed to Signature Restaurant

signatureinterior — Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean are new to Signature restaurant. Photo: Signature, used with experience.

La Cantera Resort & Spa recently announced the appointment of new Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean to Signature restaurant. A world class concept, Signature is inspired by Chef Andrew Weismann and Chef Rea and Patrick Bean hope to expand on his unique vision for the resort’s freestanding restaurant and bar. Part of the vision includes creating a gracious, timeless and relaxed Hill Country experience for guests looking for non-traditional alternatives to upscale dining. Weismann began his career in Europe and now back in San Antonio, he has opened seven popular and critically acclaimed restaurants including La Rêve, which was recognized by The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine magazine and other renowned publications. Signature is open from 6p.m. to 10p.m. for dinner and reservations are recommended but not required. (Signature, 2017)

Executive Chef Laurent Rea was featured in Best Chefs in American in 2013 and has previously worked in Venice, Italy; Strasbourg, France; Great Britain, New Mexico and Texas. General Manager Patrick Bean is a Texas native who uses classic techniques and Texas touches. The menu includes some of the world’s best ingredients, such as lavender, rosemary and prickly pears picked from Signature’s own backyard. A staff beekeeper cultivates La Canter’s own signature Texas honey and even though the local and organic ingredients may change with the season, quality, flavor and artistry are always a priority in the kitchen.

Signature
16401 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 247-0176

Japanese inspired bar Hanzo opens this week

hanzobarpic — Hanzo, a new Japanese inspired bar opens its doors in San Antonio this week. Photo: Jacqueline Fierro/Giant Noise, used with permission.

There is a new Japanese-inspired bar in the neighborhood. Opening in San Antonio on May 18 is Hanzo, a new bar concept developed by Steve Mahoney. It is inspired by the idea of an izakaya, a type of informal Japanese gastro pub, and it is set to be a casual neighborhood spot for after work happy hours, weekend and late night drinks and light bites. Business hours will be Monday through Sunday from 3p.m. to 2a.m. (Hanzo, 2017)

Hanzo’s lead bartender Nick Kenna, previously from Dorćol Distillery and Blue Box, has developed a cocktail menu that features a wide variety of Japanese ingredients such as matcha, miso and a selection of Japanese beers and sake. Cocktails include The Yuzual Suspect – yuzu sake, yuzu-ginger syrup, lime, Topo Chico, the Miso Hungry – sake/soju, miso simple syrup, lime, ponzu/angostura reduction misting, and the Matcha Matcha Man – Kinsman Rakia, gin, matcha, honey and more.

The food menu was developed by local Chef Justin Richardson of Francis Bogside and focuses on Japanese cuisine. It includes items such as lotus root chips with wasabi, edamame and avocado puree; Hamachi sashimi with ginger soy dressing and scallions; house made pork dumplings and gyoza sauce and more.

Hanzo
7701 Broadway St., Suite 124
San Antonio, TX 78209

Krause’s Café’s new breakfast menu and first annual Maifest

krausecafepic — Krause’s Café is now open with a full menu that includes breakfast. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Krause’s Café recently announced its grand reopening that includes a full menu, a new biergarten and a live music schedule. The menu reflects New Braunfel’s German heritage with items like a Reuben sandwich and sausage sampler plate with four traditional mustard options and South Texas favorites like house made biscuits and pork chops. Also new is the breakfast menu ranging from omelets and French toast to German-style dishes like pork schnitzel with eggs. Breakfast hours are from 7a.m. to 11a.m. (Krause’s Café, 2017)

The event season will kick off this month with its annual Maifest celebration, the German tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring. On May 25, 26 and 27, nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader and all around active ambassador of polka music Alex Meixner will perform at Krause’s Café. A limited number of $15 general admission tickets are available by calling the restaurant at (830) 625-2807 to reserve a spot.

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 Café
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 652-2807

Whataburger fundraisers this week

Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. Coming up this week Whataburger is having two “Oh Whata Night” fundraisers in San Antonio. The first is on Wednesday May 17 5p.m. to 8p.m. to benefit Fearless Fastpitch Girls Softball and the other is on Thursday May 18 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. to benefit Mays Family at Potranco. (Whataburger, 2017)

The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales during the posted hours to the organization. The first 100 customers will also receive a free Whataburger gift. Wednesday’s event will include the popular Whataburger for a Year drawing where one customer’s name will be drawn to win the ultimate prize-a free Whataburger every week for a year. On Thursday’s event, there will be a photo booth and a special appearance by Whataguy, the Whataburger mascot.

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.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday 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.

Whataburger – Wednesday May 17
4646 W Commerce St (near General McMullen Dr)
San Antonio, TX 78237
(210) 435-3084

Whataburger – Thursday May 18
8319 State Hwy 151 (near I-410)
San Antonio, TX 78148
(210) 521-1511

Southerleigh launches Beer Club

southerleighbeerclub — Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery launched a Beer Club with membership perks to include a beer locker. Photo: Jacqueline Fierro/Giant Noise, used with permission.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery recently announced the launch of its Beer Club now available for purchase. Cost is $250 for a one year membership and is limited to 45 memberships. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2017)

Membership in the Beer Club includes perks like:

Member beer locker at Southerleigh with individual or family names up to two people who must have direct family relation to share locker
Monogrammed leather pint sleeves, custom made in Texas at Arrow & Board
All beer pints at Southerleigh will be $5 all the time, no matter what style of beer
20 percent off all merchandise
20 percent off beer growler fills
Exclusive access to new beers one week before release to the public

Southerleigh is the first brewery at Pearl since 2001 and has a 15-barrel brew house, six serving tank and a firkin/wood barrel-aging program. It is a 7,900-square foot dining facility with multiple seating options including bar seating, patio seating and a private dining room that can seat up to twenty people. The private dining in the north dining room seats up to seventy-five people with the capacity to host parties of up to two hundred people.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 East Grayson, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 455-5701

Chef Series event at Jazz, TX with Chef Danny Orta

jazzsign — The next Chef Series will take place on Tuesday May 16 with Guest Chef Danny Orta. Photo: Jazz, TX, used with permission.

On Tuesday May 16 Jazz, TX will continue its Chef Series event with Guest Chef Danny Orta and a Japanese inspired menu. This event is limited to 30 guests and tickets are available online for $125 per person. Ticket includes a pre-fixe menu for two including gratuity, tax, cocktails and a cover fee if guests wish to stay and enjoy the 8:30p.m. show of The Doc Watkins Quartet featuring Jonathan Card. Dinner will be from 6p.m. to 8p.m. and the show will be from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. The menu will consist of five specialty courses including oysters, potato salad, lump crab meat, dry braised beef rib, seared scallop and milk honey with dry ice and caramel honeycomb for dessert. Paired with the food will be Japanese spirits including Shōchū, Sake and Japanese Whiskey from the bar. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts ranging from jazz to blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Whataburger sauces coming to H-E-B

whataburgersalsas — Whataburger’s Picante Sauce and Salsa Verde will soon be available at most H-E-B stores. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger celebrated Cinco de Mayo with the news that they will soon bring fan favorites Picante Sauce and Salsa Verde to shelves at most H-E-B stores this month. These sauces will be available in the hot sauce aisle. The Picante Sauce is perfect for pairing with eggs and bacon in the morning or tacos at lunch. It can also be used for dipping, dabbing or topping just about anything that needs a little spice with this one-of-a-kind sauce. The Salsa Verde provides a mild flavor when it comes to spice. This light green salsa is made from a blend of onions, jalapeños and tomatillos that will make breakfast, lunch or dinner more flavorful. (Whataburger, 2017)

“We’re grateful for our partnership with H-E-B that allows us to bring these sauces into our customers’ kitchens to enjoy on their favorite recipes.” – Mike Sobel, Vice President of Retail Mike Sobel

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.” Since then Whataburger has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday 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.

Mother’s Day brunch at SweetFire Kitchen

Next up on the calendar is Mother’s Day and SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa is having a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday May 14 for $65 for adults and $26 for children. Reservations are available through open table or by calling (210) 558-6500. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2017)

Some of the brunch offerings include:

The breakfast station: smoked bacon, chicken apple sausage, SweetFire Benedict- smoked ham organic eggs and blood orange hollandaise, Breakfast Quiche – house made ricotta, preserved lemon and charred leeks, roasted red bliss potatoes, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, Waffles, butter, pecans, berries, whipped cream and maple syrup and a made to order Chef’s omelet and egg station.
The Raw Bar: oysters on the half shell, crab salad and gazpacho shooters, Old Bay and Shiner Bock poached shrimp, horseradish cocktail, house made hot sauce and champagne mignonette.
Cheese and Charcuterie: house cured meats and Texas cheeses, spiced lavosh, seasonal jams and local honey.
Salad table: baby romaine, brown butter croutons, shaved parmesan and roasted garlic dressing, bluebonnet green, summer berries, feta cheese and candied pecans, charred broccoli, bacon, almonds, grapes and dill mustard vinaigrette, red quinoa salad, Persian cucumbers, fennel, olives and preserved lemon, seasonal melons and fruit.
The bakeshop: pecan shortbread cookies, opera cake and white chocolate coffee ganache, chocolate hazelnut tortes, lemon meringue tarts, eclairs, spring berries and vanilla cream, black financier and pistachio streusel, plum tarts and almond cream, flourless oatmeal banana cakes, vanilla cheesecake and peach cream, chocolate pot de crème, croissant bread pudding and caramel cream.

SweetFire Kitchen is located on the lobby level of La Cantera Resort & Spa and features an open-air style kitchen. Guests can enjoy home style cuisine and signature dishes as well as a full-service bar with unique craft cocktails, an extensive wine list and draught beers.

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

Mole & Mezcal Chef Series at Jazz, TX

On Tuesday April 18, Jazz, TX will kick off its Chef Series with Executive Chef Lorenzo Morales. Chef Morales will feature a special Mole & Mezcal inspired menu at Jazz, TX from 6p.m to 8p.m. It consists of a specialty pre-fixe menu for two including gratuity, tax, cocktail and a cover fee if guests are interested in staying for the 8:30 p.m. show of The Doc Watkins Trio. The five courses start with Duck Chilorio with tortilla and continue with Ensalada con Hierbas with Mole Amarillo Vin, Flor de Calabaza Quesadilla, Mole Rojo con Pollo and Tamale de Maize Dulce. Chef Morales will also serve bread and fried corn tortillas with salsa picante and mantequilla de champolines. The food will be paired with mezcal cocktails from the bar. This event is limited to 15 couples, or 30 guests. Tickets are available online and are $125 per person. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Easter Sunday specials in San Antonio

bakerylorrainebunnies — Bakery Lorraine will have dessert options like Neapolitan Bunnies for the Easter holiday. Photo courtesy of Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Easter this year is on April 16 and several restaurants are offering Easter Sunday specials for their guests who would rather eat out with their families. Boiler House, Bakery Lorraine, Hotel Contessa, Southerleigh and Hotel Emma will have special holiday themed menus and desserts. (Giant Noise, 2017)

Boiler House – Boiler House will have specialty menu items and regular brunch items served on Easter Sunday. Brunch Entrees include Bunny & Brie Pierogies, Maple Cured Bone-In Pork Belly and Lobster Pot Pie. Dessert includes Poteet Strawberry Parfait. Special Libation includes Southtown, basil-serrano infused lime juice, local honey and Monopolowa Gin. Dinner hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bakery Lorraine – Bakery Lorraine will have special pastries available on Easter Sunday and throughout the beginning month of April including: Egg-Shaped Moonpies: Colorful Easter pastry eggs that’s made with homemade graham cracker cookies filled with marshmallow in the center ($4 each). Neapolitan Bunnies: Cute bunnies made with vanilla cream, strawberry and chocolate ($6 each). Lemon Berry Chicks: Designed baby chicks in a basket of lemon berry filling ($6 each). Carrot Cake: Bakery Lorraine’s specialty carrot cake ($6 each). Hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hotel Contessa – Hotel Contessa’s restaurant, Las Ramblas, is offering a special Easter brunch on Sunday, April 16 between 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., reservations required. Prices is $55 per person, $20 for children ages 6-13, free for children under 5. Brunch hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Southerleigh – Southerleigh will be offering Easter brunch specials as well as its full brunch selection. Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hotel Emma – Supper will be offering an Easter special that includes Hudspeth Farms lamb patty melt on pumpernickel with gouda and pickled Vegetables. Lunch hours are 11a.m. – 2 p.m. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Larder will be offering an off the menu Easter Special of an Egg Salad Tartine with avocado, radish and carrot top salsa verde. Larder hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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