Category: Restaurant News

Taco Cabana announces partnership with national nonprofit Apraxia Kids

Partnership will launch on May 14, 2022 on Apraxia Awareness Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana recently announced a partnership with national nonprofit Apraxia Kids that will kick off on Apraxia Awareness Day – Saturday, May 14, 2022. That Saturday, a portion of the proceeds from each chips and queso sold at Texas Taco Cabana locations will be donated to Apraxia Kids. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to communicate verbally. Children with the diagnosis generally have a good understanding of language and know what they want to say; however, they have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech. Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with Apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families, fostering community engagement and outreach and investing in the future through advocacy and research. 

“As someone with a personal connection to apraxia, I fully understand the challenges that are presented to the child and the family as they face this disorder every day,” said Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho. “‘Together We Are’ is part of the Apraxia Kids branding, and those powerful words have such meaning to all apraxia families. We’re each searching for support and education, sharing stories and challenges, seeking answers and solutions. I couldn’t be more proud to partner the Taco Cabana family with Apraxia Kids.”      

The Taco Cabana and Apraxia Kids partnership will remain an ongoing effort for Brand TC. Additional details about upcoming fundraisers and promotions will be available at later dates as they develop, and individual donations can be made to the organization.

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, burritos, tacos, freshly-made 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 and delivery. As of May 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families; facilitating community engagement and outreach; and investing in the future through advocacy and research. Since our inception in 2000, Apraxia Kids has provided support to thousands  of families  and  professionals. We envision  a world where every child with apraxia of speech reaches their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment. We believe that every child deserves a voice.

Photo: Apraxia Kids, used with permission.

Sip margaritas and support Mexican-owned tequila this Cinco de Mayo

The Banderita Flight cocktail at FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar is made with LALO blanco tequila, a Mexican-owned, Mexican-founded tequila brand. (Photo: LALO Spirits, used with permission.

In the United States, more people consume tequila on Cinco de Mayo than on any other day of the year. LALO (a Mexican-owned tequila brand founded by Don Julio’s grandson) is celebrating the day with specialty cocktails at several bars and restaurants throughout San Antonio on Thursday. (LALO Spirits, 2022)

On Thursday, May 5, FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar (18740 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258) will serve a Banderita Flight — three mini cocktails made with LALO blanco tequila and served in shades of green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag. Flavors include a melon-lime margarita with citrus salt, ranch water with sea salt, and a strawberry hibiscus margarita with a tajin rim.

Screaming Goat Yard & Tap (4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070) will be featuring LALO Ranch Waters, Palomas, and Perfect Margaritas. There will also be a LALO rep on site pouring taste of the popular blanco tequila from 6p.m. to 8p.m.

All three locations of La Fogata are featuring four special cocktails made with LALO throughout the month of May.

Fresca Margarita – LALO Blanco, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Sweet n’ sour, Fresh lime

Chispa Margarita – LALO Blanco, Triple sec, Fresh lime juice

Paloma – LALO Blanco, Fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, topped with sparkling mineral water

Ranch Water – LALO Blanco, fresh lime juice, top with sparkling mineral water over ice with salted rim

Ácenar on the Riverwalk (146 E. Houston St. San Antonio, Texas 78205) will serve a special cocktail called La Flaca, a skinny margarita made with LALO.

LALO is available for purchase at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout San Antonio. It is also available online with direct shipping.

LALO is named after co-founder and maestro tequilero Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the grandson of Don Julio González of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Lalo continues the legacy of his father and grandfather with a bold new approach to perfecting blanco tequila. After nearly a decade in the industry seeing tequila follow many different trends, he and founding partner David R. Carballido sought to return tequila to its honest roots with a truly pure blanco tequila, without barrels or additives.

Each batch of LALO is 100% pure. It is made with wisdom passed down through generations of tequileros using the finest agave, handpicked from the Jalisco Highlands, cooked using a traditional process, and distilled only twice to maintain the agave’s integrity. The sole ingredients are fully-matured agave, a proprietary Champagne yeast, and deep well water, honoring the complex essence of the agave. 

What began as a small, private batch for friends and family in Guadalajara turned into a tequila high in demand for its taste and purity. LALO is not intended as a special occasion tequila, it is intended to make any occasion special.

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tajín margaritas at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana’s $4 Tajín Margaritas will be available starting May 5, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

On Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5, 2022, Taco Cabana will launch a new partnership with Tajín, introducing a $4 Tajín Margarita available at all Texas locations while supplies last. Taco Cabana will also offer Tajín Mild Hot Sauce at TC’s Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

“We couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Tajín. What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with a new Taco Cabana signature Tajín margarita – the first of several Taco Cabana and Tajín items, both food and beverage, that we hope to introduce in the coming months.”- Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho

TC guests who order the Tajín margarita will also receive an additional .35 ounce bottle of Tajín seasoning while supplies last. Guests can add more Tajín to their margarita or use the Tajín on any of their other TC favorites.

New breakfast taco and burrito options like Potato & Bacon, Potato & Bean, Potato & Chorizo and Chorizo & Bean starting at $1.59 also join the TC Breakfast menu just in time for Cinco de Mayo and summer at TC. Queso Blanco enchiladas starting at just $6.39 continue as well, and guests can now enjoy Queso Blanco paired with 3-pack chicken flautas or TC’s house-made tortilla chips. 

Tajín margaritas will be available starting Thursday, May 5, 2022 through the month of May while supplies last. New breakfast tacos and burritos and Queso Blanco with 3-pack flautas or tortilla chips available starting Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

Tajín Margaritas, Queso Blanco enchiladas, 3-pack flautas, chips and queso and breakfast tacos are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.

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, burritos, tacos, freshly-made 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 and delivery. As of April 20, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar 4/20 holiday special

Hopdoddy margaritas. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar is ready for 4/20 this year. The nationally recognized burger bar wants to celebrate the holiday by offering some unique menu items for a limited time only. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2022)

Burger and pizza lovers can satisfy their cravings with the Hopdoddy Pizza Supreme Burger – a Certified Piedmontese beef patty under yet another patty made of house-made, fried mozzarella and red chili flakes, all topped with sauteed peppers, onions, pomodoro sauce, and a sausage mushroom oregano mayonnaise. Not enough? Enjoy it with the restaurant’s Garlic Bread Fries, which are hand-cut and tossed with fresh garlic and parmesan cheese, then down it all with Hopdoddy’s Creamsicle Shake made with Orange Crush and vanilla custard. 

The best part: Get free delivery with the purchase of all three items, which will only be available on 4/20 while supplies last. All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any Hopdoddy location or online for pickup.  

Hopdoddy’s Happy Hour just came back in time for spring and summer.

HOPDODDY HOPPY HOUR:

Monday – Friday from 3p.m. – 6p.m.

All Hopdoddy Locations: 

Menu Options: (Dine-in)

  • $5 Schooners
  • Any draft beer
  • House margaritas (frozen or on the rocks)
  • Draft cocktails (paloma, mule, and seasonal options)
  • $5 Happy Hour Food
    • House Fries (Hand-cut Chipperbeck Sharable)
    • New Pretzels and Beer Cheese

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s Landrace Dinner Series is back

The four course dinner, set for Thursday April 21, will be paired with spirits from Blackland Distillery. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk Dinner Series is officially back. This month, the hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace has partnered with Texas based distillery, Blackland Distillery. Blackland is a grain to glass distillery in Fort Worth, Texas that uses North Texas grains from TexMalt, a Fort Worth craft malt house that partners with local Texas farms to grow, produce, and source high quality grains from Texas farmers and supplies breweries and distilleries all over the state of Texas. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Similarly, Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Chef Steve McHugh, is Steve’s ode to Texas products, farmers and producers. “Landrace” refers to an heirloom strain of plant or breed of animal that has been nurtured and allowed to remain unchanged. Guiding Steve’s concept is his fascination with ingredients, his deep appreciation for Texas’ heritage farmers and growers, and his belief that something tastes better when it is prepared and served near where it was grown.

Change up your date nights or dinner gatherings and join Chef Steve Mc for a four-course dinner on Thursday, April 21 from 7p.m. to 10p.m. This dinner will be paired with spirits from Blackland along with menu items including Tuna Ceviche, White Asparagus Salad, Coal Fired Roulade of Organic Chicken, and Springtime Smores. You can find the full menu below. Tickets are $120 per person.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

First taste of Ladino: an exclusive meal by Chef Berty Richter

Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)

Tickets are $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):

WELCOME DRINKS
Raki Cocktail

DIPS
(served with warm pita)
Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant
Spiced green tahini
Muhamarra
Spicy whipped feta
Hummus
Schug, Amba

COLD MEZE
Fennel/Pomelo salad
Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil

HOT MEZE
Saganaki- greek style fried cheese
Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato

MAIN
Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”)
Fish Kebabs
Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs

Condiments
Onion Parsley sumac salad
Rocket
Beef fat “kaymak”

DESSERT
Knafe- with salted cream and smoke

Hotel Emma at Pearl
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.

Easter specials and items from San Antonio restaurants

Bakery Lorraine’s Chocolate Nest Tart. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

As Easter approaches, two of San Antonio’s beloved restaurants are offering holiday deals and special offers. (Bakery Lorraine, The Jerk Shack, 2022)

Bakery Lorraine – Multiple locations
Bakery Lorraine will begin offering special Easter themed pastries and baked goods at their locations. Guests can pre-order their items online now. The last day for pre-order is Wednesday, April 13 at noon. Orders can be picked up on Saturday, April 16 or Sunday, April 17 during business hours.

Their Easter menu includes:
General Pastries: Lemon Cake, Opera Cake, Cheesecake, Lemon Blueberry Frangipane Tart, Seasonal Fruit Tart

Bunny Tart, $6
White chocolate mascarpone mousse and strawberry centers on dark chocolate shortbread

Chick Tart, $6
Tangy lime mousse on vanilla cake (still pending the jam it will sit on, blueberry or strawberry)

Easter Moonpies, $4
Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched between house made graham crackers

Chocolate Nest Tart, $6
Salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache in a vanilla pastry shell topped with chocolate eggs nested in chocolate phyllo

7” Carrot Cake, $65
Made with pineapple, coconut, walnuts and generously layered with cream cheese frosting
*The Carrot Cakes are available for pre-order only.

The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151
San Antonio, TX 78251

The Jerk Shack is offering family packs to make Easter prep easy. The family packs include 14 pieces of Fried or Jerk Chicken, or Mixed Chicken for a $3 add on, choice of 3 shareable sides, and an order of plantains. Family packs are available for $65. The Jerk Shack’s hours on Sunday are 11a.m. to 4p.m. Orders can be placed online for drive-through pickup or can be ordered in store.

Easter Brunch at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serves up Easter brunch at Hotel Contessa with specially curated apps, entrees, bubbles, and more. Photo: Jessica Giesey & Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, located inside Hotel Contessa, is excited to announce that they will be hosting Easter brunch next Sunday, April 17 from 7a.m. to 3p.m. Ambler has curated delectable apps, entrées, bubbles, and more for the arrival of Spring this Easter. The brunch will be available for all guests to reserve a table online here or by contacting the restaurant at (210) 229-9222. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Full brunch menu below.

Appetizers include the following:

  • Greek Yogurt Parfait – topped with mixed berries and grist mill pecan granola
  • Deviled Eggs – contains bacon, cheddar, and green onions
  • Crab and Guacamole – incorporates charred onions and peppers
  • Avocado Toast – comes with a pickled egg and Fresno chilis 
  • Sliced Pineapples and Berries

Brunch entrées consist of the following:

  • Farm Fresh Eggs – served with your choice of house potatoes or fresh cut fruit and berries
  • Eggs Contessa – poached eggs with Canadian bacon, an English muffin, and green chili mornay sauce
  • The Alamo Omelet – chicken apple sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and queso fresco 
  • The Texan Omelet – smoked bacon, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, and fire-roasted tomato salsa 
  • Egg White Frittata – spinach, asparagus, and pico de gallo
  • Steak and Eggs – 6oz. filet mignon and over easy eggs
  • Lobster Benedict – poached eggs, Canadian bacon, butter-braised lobster, and lemon hollandaise

Griddle options are between the following:

  • Cinnamon French Toast & Pork Belly – includes pickled Fresnos and maple butter
  • Buttermilk Pancakes – topped with fresh berries and maple syrup
  • Belgian Waffle – topped with berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup
  • Breakfast Burger – includes a sunny side up egg, bacon, brioche bun, and a side of fries
  • Beef Short Rib Hash – made with a sunny side up egg, avocado, and fingerling potatoes
  • Chicken & Waffle – made with buttermilk chicken and cinnamon butter maple syrup

Ambler will also be highlighting their tableside mimosa kit for only $42. The mimosa will consist of La Marca prosecco and choice of two juices from options of orange, grapefruit, pineapple, blood orange, and watermelon. Additional bubbles and drinks include the following items: 

  • French 77 – La Marca prosecco, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and cold-pressed lemon juice
  • Strawberry Beret – strawberry-infused aperol, La Marca prosecco, and Icelandic sparkling water
  • Espresso Martini – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, caffe del fuego, and espresso syrup
  • What’s Up Doc – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, carrot juice, pineapple-ginger syrup, and lemon

Ambler Texas Kitchen & Cocktails
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 229-9222

 

Taco Cabana celebrates Fiesta 2022

Taco Cabana celebrates Fiesta 2022 with a signature Fiesta medal and new menu items, such as the Breakfast Bowls, which will be available starting March 30, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is celebrating the 2022 Fiesta season in San Antonio with a signature Fiesta medal and new menu items, including Breakfast Bowls, Queso Blanco Enchiladas, and the return of its popular menu combos. Launching March 30, 2022, guests can enjoy new Taco Cabana Breakfast Bowls filled with seasoned potatoes, refried beans, eggs, queso, pico de gallo and choice of meat, including chorizo for $3.79, bacon for $3.99, or TC’s all-new country sausage for $3.29. TC’s Breakfast Bowls are available for purchase at all Texas locations and are available only during breakfast hours. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

In addition to new items at breakfast, guests can also enjoy their favorite TC Enchiladas with new Queso Blanco, starting at just $6.39 and available now at all Texas locations. Guests can top their choice of perfectly-seasoned shredded chicken, ground beef, or cheese enchiladas with Queso Blanco, a harmonious blend of Monterey Jack, and white American cheese.

The convenience of TC’s signature combos returns to all Texas locations and are now available starting at just $5.89. Guests can choose one of eight different taco or burrito options, and each combo order comes complete with chips, queso, and a refreshing 20 oz. beverage. San Antonio and Austin guests can also enjoy a ninth option – a Carne Guisada taco combo.

TC lovers can also grab their 2022 Taco Cabana Fiesta medal for $5 at all participating locations in San Antonio. Guests can show their Alamo City pride and support for their favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in preparation for the long-awaited return of Fiesta.

Taco Cabana’s combos, Breakfast Bowls and Queso Blanco Enchiladas are available 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 Taco Cabana 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 March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas

Taco Cabana’s Fiesta 2022 medal. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

La Panadería celebrates Fiesta with colorful new menu items and a returning favorite

New and returning Fiesta items, like the Fiesta Croissant, will be available March 28 through April 13 at all La Panadería locations. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

In celebration of Fiesta taking place from March 31, 2022 through April 10, 2022, La Panadería will bring back last year’s best-seller, the Fiesta Croissant, in addition to two new colorful menu items. From March 28, 2022 through April 13, 2022, guests will be able to enjoy the delicious Fiesta Croissant, filled with fresh strawberries and whipped mascarpone cream and topped with bright, Fiesta-themed icing. Always innovating, the bakery-cafe will also unveil Fiesta-themed Orejas and the brand-new 24-Carat Champagne Cheesecake topped with real 24-carat gold leaves. The rich, creamy cheesecake is infused with champagne and topped with edible gold leaf. (La Panadería, 2022)

To purchase these limited-time Fiesta items, visit any of La Panadería’s three locations or order online from March 28, 2022 through April 13, 2022.

Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian, and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has three locations in San Antonio, Texas.

“The San Antonio community supports La Panadería every day, so we want to do our part in celebrating them with these specialty items. Fiesta is all about the bright colors and celebration of culture, and our pan dulce perfectly reflects that.” – La Panadería co-founder and head panadero, David Caceres.