Celebrate the holidays with Krause’s Café & Biergarten at their ugly sweater party and contest. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergartenis excited to announce its Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Contest happening on Thursday, December 15 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. sponsored by Lone Star Brewing. Guests are encouraged to come decked out in their ugliest Christmas sweater to compete for a chance to win a Lone Star Beer swag basket. The winner will be announced at 7:15p.m. Texas-based band Midnight River Choirwill perform throughout the evening. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)
Lone Star beer specials will also be available during the event and the festivities will continue with the annual New Braunfels Farmers Market Christmas Market taking place on the property. Attendance is FREE and open to the public.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten 148 S Castell Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.
Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be having their next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is having two big events in November. The next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters will take place on Tuesday November 8 and a special multi-course meal so guests can watch the Ford Holiday River Parade along the Riverwalk on Friday November 25, 2022. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)
Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters, which takes place whenever a full moon lands each month, will return on Tuesday, November 8 for November’s Beaver Moon. The second full moon of fall was named the Beaver Moon by Native American tribes because of how active beavers are in mid-fall as they prepare for winter. Hotel guests and the public can enjoy live music, insight from a tarot card reader, and a specialty cocktail paired with a cosmic coaster. The cosmic coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and conclude with a positive affirmation. The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s skyline.
The 41st annual Ford Holiday River Parade returns on Friday, November 25, kicking off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with performers, live music, and decorated parade floats that light up the city. The hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh will feature a special multi-course menu that evening and a reserved seat to the parade along the illuminated Riverwalk. The first course will feature Roasted Squash Soup and for the second course, choose from Slow Cooked Prime Rib or Pan Seared Trout. Lastly, top the meal off with a Warm Apple Crumble accompanied by Dulce De Leche Ice Cream. Tickets are available online.
Taco Cabana’s limited-time menu includes spicy pork flautas, Oreo churros, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and the Catering Holiday Party Pack. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Starting Wednesday November 9, 2022, Taco Cabana delivers for the holiday season with the launch of three new menu items, including the all-new Spicy Pork Flautas, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Oreo® churros. TC continues its tradition of culinary innovation, building on its popular flauta repertoire, with the launch of its tantalizing Spicy Pork Flautas made with Guajillo peppers in a three-pack with one dipping sauce or a six-pack with two dipping sauces. TC’s signature queso, sour cream and/or fresh guacamole are the perfect complement for these flautas with a little kick. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
A returning brand favorite, TC’s beloved Chicken Tortilla Soup will soon be available in a small serving for $4.49 or a large serving for $6.29. Featuring a savory broth made with shredded chicken and topped with crispy corn tortilla strips, a blend of jack and cheddar cheeses and served with lime wedges and a side of rice, this warm soup is the perfect seasonal snack no matter the temperature.
Another perfect addition for the holiday season, TC is proud to announce the co-branding launch of the all-new Oreo® churros, which can be coupled with any order in a pack of five for just $2.99. The churros pack all the craveability of an Oreo® cookie in five bite-size pieces. TC’s Spicy Pork Flautas, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Oreo® churros are available for a limited time while supplies last.
Taco Cabana invites guests to celebrate the upcoming holiday season with its Catering Holiday Party Pack and holiday gift cards. Ideal for any celebration, the Catering Holiday Party Pack feeds up to 10 and includes the choice of steak fajita, chicken fajita, or mixed fajita, and is served with Mexican rice, black or refried beans, shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa roja, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, and lettuce. Available for just $139.99, the Catering Holiday Party Pack also includes chips and queso, 10 churros, one gallon of tea and 20 tortillas, making it the ultimate package for any event.
TC gift cards make an easy holiday gift enjoyed by all ages. Now through Saturday, December 31, 2022, for every $25 spent toward Taco Cabana gift cards, guests will receive a complimentary $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card; e-gift cards are also available for purchase. TC gift cards in the amount of 10 or less can be ordered online and in-bulk for large quantities of more than 11 gift cards. The Holiday Guest Appreciation Cards can be redeemed at any Texas TC location beginning two hours after purchase/activation and will remain active until March 31, 2023.
For TC fans looking for a classic selection of menu items to enjoy with family and friends for the holiday season, Taco Cabana’s delicious Enchilada Plates are available with cheese, shredded chicken or ground beef and a choice of sauce including Tex-Mex, Green Sauce or Queso. TC’s first-ever Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork menu options also remain available, including a three-pack of Street Tacos served with Hatch Chile Ranch for $4.99, a breakfast bowl for $5.49 and a Crunchy Burrito served with tortilla strips and Hatch Chile Ranch for $8.59.
Guests 21 years of age or older can enjoy TC’s seasonal Hatch Chile Margarita for $4 alongside Taco Cabana’s 12 permanent Margarita Headquarters options available for $3 each all-day, every day.
All menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online. Guests can place an order for the Holiday Party Pack by calling 855-4MY-TACO or online.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of October 24, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
The new Whataburger ketchup charms are available now. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Attention Whataburger fans. Whether you are Team Fancy, Team Spicy, or both, Whataburger’s newest collaboration with James Avery Artisan Jewelry is a charming addition to any collection. (Whataburger, 2022)
Whataburger’s most popular condiments are now available as keepsake, hand-enameled designs in the “Whataburger® Fancy” Ketchup Charm and “Whataburger® Spicy” Ketchup Charm. The original designs in sterling silver feature Whataburger’s signature ketchup tubs with spectacular attention to detail.
Taco Cabana celebrates National Taco Day with unlimited $1 bean and cheese tacos and announces the return of bean and cheese Halloween Coupon Booklets. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
This October, Taco Cabana will celebrate the season with the return of its beloved limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets featuring five FREE bean and cheese tacos – available for purchase starting Saturday, October 1, 2022 – as well as special one-day-only offers for National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
Beginning Saturday, October 1, 2022, Taco Cabana will bring back its annual, limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets available for purchase at all Texas Taco Cabana locations for just $2. Each booklet includes five coupons for a FREE TC bean and cheese taco. This year, all proceeds from the booklet sales will be donated to Apraxia Kids, a national nonprofit partner of Taco Cabana whose mission aims to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with Apraxia of speech. The booklets will be available for purchase in-restaurant through Monday, October 31, 2022, while supplies last, and coupons must be redeemed by Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
“The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Booklets have become a tradition at Taco Cabana and something that so many of our loyal guests ask for and look forward to each year. We’re so happy to bring them back once again for 2022. This year, we’re even more pleased to announce that our partner, Apraxia Kids, will receive 100% of all proceeds.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer.
In celebration of National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy unlimited $1 classic bean and cheese tacos and unlimited $12 classic bean and cheese dozen taco boxes for one-day-only at all Texas Taco Cabana locations while supplies last.
“Like Cinco de Mayo, National Taco Day means so much to Brand Taco Cabana,” continued Camacho. “We wanted to celebrate not only the day, but celebrate our iconic bean and cheese taco as well. It’s the perfect taco at a fantastic price for the special day.”
For guests who are looking to indulge in Taco Cabana’s other delectable offerings, Taco Cabana’s all-new Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork menu options are also available at all Texas locations and are the perfect addition to any Taco Day celebration. Guests 21 years of age or older can complement their taco order with one of TC’s 12 refreshing margarita options available for $3 each all day, every day with flavors ranging from dragon fruit and mango to coconut and classic lime and strawberry.
$1 bean and cheese tacos and $12 bean and cheese dozen taco boxes can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or ordering online. Halloween Coupon Booklets must be purchased in-store.
Taco Cabana is also pleased to announce that it is a Straight Flush sponsor of the upcoming Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Casino Night on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in San Antonio. Eva’s Heroes is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual special needs by providing an inclusive setting built on four tenets: interact, grow, learn and love. Casino Night is one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
“Community involvement has always played an important role at Brand TC and we’ve been actively engaged as partners with San Antonio-based Eva’s Heroes for some time now,” shared Camacho. “They have always held a special place in our Taco Cabana hearts. We’re proud to be their partners.”
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of September 26, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Pharm Table in San Antonio will be hosting two Wine Wednesdays. Photo: Google
Pharm Table, San Antonio’s nationally recognized plant-forward restaurant in Southtown, has added a notable new member to its team as Resident Sommelier, Scott Ota. Scott is one of San Antonio’s most celebrated sommeliers and brings his expertise of almost two decades within the restaurant and wine industry to Pharm Table, where he has built the restaurant’s new wine program from the ground up. (Pharm Table, 2022)
Under Scott’s leadership, Pharm Table’s dinner menu now features a small, grower-focused wine list of over 25 selections, with numerous sustainable, biodynamic and organic options. To encourage food and wine pairings, wines by the glass are available in a 3 ounce and a 5 ounce pour. Each wine has been hand-picked by Scott, taking into account flavors that pair especially well with the restaurant’s fresh, plant-forward fare. When selecting wines, Scott focuses on producers that mirror Pharm Table’s ethos of strong sustainable and regenerative farming practices, placing a special emphasis on highlighting female winemakers and owners.
Scott is well-known throughout Texas as an Advanced sommelier, having reached level III certification by the Court of Masters Sommeliers. Some of his most notable accolades include being named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 2014 “Best New Sommeliers” and one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2018 “Tastemakers to Revolutionize the Business,” among others.
Pharm Table now hosts periodic “Wine Wednesdays” tasting events that are curated and led by Scott. The evening event features a selection of approachable wines and small bites, and each one centers around a different theme, such as female winemakers, a specific varietal, or a specific region of the world. The next two events will take place on September 28 and October 19. Tickets for the September 28 event are available now for purchase.
Pharm Table is an entirely unique concept and one of just a few true anti-inflammatory restaurants of its kind. Its philosophy is to help heal the body through food by blending the principles of Ayurvedic medicine with naturally healthful and gourmet global cuisines. Featuring local San Antonio heritage foods as well as a fusion of diets from the East, West, and Mesoamerica, the evolving menu is shaped by locally sourced produce and a global spice library and is free of dairy, refined sugar, wheat, and processed foods. While plant-centric, the menu also offers diners a selection of sustainably raised meats and fish. In addition to physical health, soil health and regeneration is a top priority at Pharm Table, and it is the first commercial restaurant composter in San Antonio. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, and Owner and Executive Chef Elizabeth Johnson partners with numerous local farmers along with supplying produce from her own backyard organic micro-farm.
Resident Sommelier Scott Ota. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Taco Cabana’s new location now open at Babcock/Wurzbach is a new, contemporary restaurant conversion design. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
In celebration of Taco Cabana’s 44th birthday on September 21, 2022, TC has announced the opening of its newest San Antonio, Texas location at 2403 Babcock Road (Babcock/Wurzbach). With the opening on Monday September 19, TC is proud to introduce an all-new prototype design for its latest restaurant conversion and opening in its hometown of San Antonio. The new restaurant features a modernized exterior design, updated color scheme, elevated décor elements including a dynamic lighting package, traditional TC designs, a prominent never-before-seen external Branding marquee, and more; all while remaining true to Taco Cabana’s Brand heritage. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
“It’s an exciting time for Taco Cabana,” said Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’ve been working on a new modern TC conversion prototype design for more than a year now. It was important for us to retain TC heritage and tradition with our signature pink color, the use of papel and our iconic TC logo oval. To launch the design in our hometown of San Antonio and celebrate our birthday at the same time is such a great moment for the Brand.”
In addition to its popular menu of extensive Tex-Mex offerings and 12-flavor Margarita Headquarters, TC’s latest location will feature the return of Taco Cabana’s beloved salsa bar and new external branding featuring a cleaner pink TC logo oval. TC’s conversion design was done in partnership with Hospitality Design Group led by Robert L. Herbage. Kamron Loyd led the construction for the conversion design.
“We’re so proud to be celebrating our 44th birthday and honoring our TC heritage with this restaurant conversion opening.” – Anil Yadav, Taco Cabana’s CEO.
The Babcock/Wurzbach location is now open for dine-in daily from 6a.m. to 10p.m.; for drive-thru Monday through Thursday from 6a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6a.m. to 2a.m.; with Happy Hour offerings from Sunday through Thursday from 4p.m. to 7p.m.
“This new conversion prototype design is just the beginning for Taco Cabana as we concentrate on our future,” added Yadav. “We look forward to bringing more TC innovation, creativity and surprises to our guests, including a new ground-up restaurant prototype design in 2023.”
TC’s menu offerings can be enjoyed in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via drive-thru or mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of September 19, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Angelita’s Casa de Cafe on Boca Chica Blvd. Photo: Sandra Cruz
It is no secret that I love to read and half the fun is discovering new authors. Book readings are rare around here, the closest ones are usually in McAllen so when I hear about one nearby you bet I will be there. Combine that with a coffee shop and the chances of me being in the area go up considerably. Last Friday there was a book reading/signing with local author William Steele at Angelita’s Casa de Cafe in Brownsville and I decided to check it out. Now I had never heard of this place or the author, all I knew was that his new novel “The Spark” is a science fiction novel and that is one my favorite genres.
Angelita’s Casa de Cafe, whose motto is “welcome home” is located on Boca Chica Blvd and it takes a little bit of work to get there but well worth it. As soon as you step inside, that motto starts to make sense. The décor gives the place warmth and it radiates a feeling of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance that few public places have. There is a small stage set up for live music complete with lights and a charming angel mural and several reading areas. The far back wall has a shelf full of books and yes, they do take donations. According to the manager Marty Leal, as long as the books are not educational or political, because people come there to relax and management wants to preserve a stress free environment. It being a coffee shop, I ordered an iced Mexican Mocha, made with Chocolate Abuelita and settled in for the reading.
William Steele is an artist and writer from the Rio Grand Valley. He is the creator of Beyond the Light Universe. His debut novel “The Spark” is book one of four in the Beyond the Light series. He seemed at home at a coffee shop and among fellow bibliophiles. The passion he has for the subject matter is evident while he read from Chapter 4, his favorite part of the book. After a quick Q & A he mingled with attendees and signed copies of his book. I have one more for my TBR (to be read) pile and my collection of autographed books.
“The Spark” synopsis: Somewhere out beyond the boundary of our known universe, there exists another apex species that has long since eclipsed us in experience. Their faith in magic has dwindled, and the Era of Egal has passed. By marching forward into the Era of Capitol, and abandoning the magical link to their planet, the Thearians have decided to meet the trials of evolution head on. They have sealed their embrace of the New Way within the immortal city of Key-Rown, and choose the shelter provided by the great depths of the crystal flower. All have sealed their fate. All but one. This is his message.
Overall the night’s event was fun and I will definitely be back to Angelita’s. It is a bit of a drive for me, but you can not beat the positive and relaxing vibe of the place. By the way, that Mexican Mocha was delicious; my compliments to the barista. I love their banner out front by the picnic tale that reads: ‘Support Your Local Caffeine Dealer.” I agree wholeheartedly: support your local small businesses.
Angelita’s Casa de Café 2200 Boca Chica Blvd, Suite 116 Brownsville, TX 78521 (210) 621-3366
Business hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11a.m. to 10p.m Wednesday 12:30p.m. to 10p.m. Sunday 2p.m. to 6p.m.
With an opening date set for Thursday, September 22, Full Goods Diner will be operating seven days a week and will offer breakfast and lunch service. Photo: Full Goods Diner, used with permission.
The owners behind successful Paperboy in Austin are excited to announce that Full Goods Diner will be opening to the public at Pearl on Thursday, September 22, 2022. The new diner is the product of San Antonio native and restaurateur Ryan Harms and chef Patrick Jackson of Paperboy in partnership with Potluck Hospitality. Beginning September 22, the restaurant will be open Monday through Sunday from 8a.m. to 3p.m. at 200 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Full Goods Diner, 2022)
Full Goods Diner will serve seasonally driven food made from scratch for breakfast and lunch with a menu consisting of comforting and familiar everyday food. Seasonal and local ingredients will be used to connect the restaurant to its central and south Texas roots with a blend of Mexican and American fare. Guests can expect to see menu items like handmade pastries, seasonal toasts, breakfast enchiladas, pancakes, sopes, carnitas tortas, hill country salads, and more.
Full Goods Diner 200 E. Grayson St. San Antonio, TX 78215
Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck Hospitality concepts include Best Quality Daughter, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Carriqui, Food Hall at Bottling Dept., Ladino, and Stable Hall (coming 2023). Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.
The new restaurant concept from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group will open Monday September 19 in San Antonio. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.
Ladino, a Mediterranean Grill House celebrating Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisine, will open Monday, September 19, 2022. Brought to you by Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group and led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill. The restaurant will be located in the Pearl at 200 E. Grayson St #100 and reservations are now open. (Ladino, 2022)
The name Ladino, was chosen because Berty wanted to showcase and share not only the cuisine he grew up in, but also the influences of the surrounding cultures and cuisines on his style of cooking and eating, sharing food, and the excitement of a bountiful and colorful table of delicious food.
“I grew up in Israel mainly with my mom’s side of the family that came from Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria. We spoke Ladino, a dialect of Spanish mixed with French, Italian, Greek and Turkish,” said Chef Berty Richter. “Large family gatherings and endless feasts were part of our daily lives and I’ve always dreamt of one day creating a concept that will pay homage to my family’s roots and culture. Naming this concept Ladino was the natural choice for me and is the realization of this dream.”
Using a wood burning oven, Ladino’s menu features freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of dishes that are playful and bold including Coal Charred Eggplant Dip, Jerusalem Mix, Meat Dumplings in yogurt, and a modern take on Agristada, a traditional Sephardic fish in a lemony egg sauce. The dessert menu is inspired by the sweet and savory staples of the region with a modern touch. The beverage program highlights regional wines and spirits.
The team worked with partner Rand Egbert on the design of the space. Egbert says, “Sephardic Jews have origins all over the Mediterranean with deep roots in North Africa, so much of the interior is influenced by Morocco and the Moorish culture of Spain during the time the Ladino language first came to be. The space is meant to be transportive and that is created through beautiful tile accents, handmade light fixtures, traditional patterns, and pops of color. ”
This marks the seventh concept from Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group and the first venture into San Antonio. Other restaurants from the renowned restaurant group include Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Canje, Kalimotxo, Henbit and TLV.
Ladino will be located at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5p.m. to 10p.m and Friday and Saturday from 5:30p.m. to 11p.m
SA Examiner 