Celebrate National Taco Day at Taco Cabana with $1 tacos. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
On Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to celebrate National Taco Day with special offers available all day long at all Texas locations. Guests can enjoy their choice of Taco Cabana’s classic bean and cheese, shredded chicken, or ground beef tacos for only $1 with no limit. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Guests 21 years of age or older can choose from a selection of $2 frozen margaritas to add to the offer. $1 tacos are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in restaurant, and via mobile order through the MyTC! 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, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, and delivery. As of August 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Grant funding is open for culinary innovation and community giveback projects. Photo: google
The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) recently announced that $17,000 in grants will be awarded this year to support culinary innovation and community giveback projects in South Texas. In its ninth year, the unique grant program has provided $441,500 in funding to Texas chefs, artisan producers, culinary nonprofits, and businesses with innovative projects that support the community. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
Grant applications will be accepted beginning Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 24, 2021 via online submission. Grant winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony at Fairmont Austin on December 13 and honored at a local celebration in January.
With the success of the nonprofit’s start in Austin, the organization expanded statewide last year to form the Texas Food & Wine Alliance and for the first time, will award an additional $57,000 in grants total in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Eligible applicants for the Alliance’s one-of-a-kind grant program include farmers, artisan producers, chefs, wine/beer/spirits makers, culinary nonprofits, businesses, and professionals whose projects and initiatives show innovation and impact to the community.
To assist prospective applicants in the grant process, there will be a virtual statewide information session via Zoom at 1p.m., Tuesday, October 12. For registration and information, email Texas Food and Wine Alliance.
San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, one of South Texas’ most impactful culinary nonprofits, is dedicated to fostering education, awareness, and innovation in the South Texas food and wine community. The Alliance’s grant program is the first in the nation to provide funding to support culinary innovation that also gives back to the local community.
Despite the challenges Covid-19 brought to nonprofits, Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) announced a statewide expansion in 2020, allowing it to replicate its innovative grant funding program in Texas’ major cities with a goal to help the stricken culinary communities across the state due to the pandemic. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
“We’re so thrilled to be able to continue with our grant program despite the setbacks inflicted by the pandemic. It’s only through amazing partnerships such as with the great support of HEB, and the generous and supportive culture in San Antonio and South Texas that we’ve been able to raise the funds to award grants this year. These funds will continue to go back into the community through unique and innovative projects.” – Cathy Cochran-Lewis, Grant Chair and Alliance President
Since 2012, Alliance grants have funded innovative local projects such as the state’s first organic apple orchard (Argus Cidery), the first USDA-inspected salumi producer in Texas (Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria), the state’s first locally grown and malted barley to support craft beer production (Blacklands Malt), a unique volunteer program teaching farming skills to diverse populations and culinary students (New Farm Institute at Green Gate Farms), Austin’s first and only community-supported bakeshop (Miche Bread) and a Texas farm producing stress-free, free-range meat while helping wounded veterans (Snodgrass Farms).
“Being able to support and enable the dreams of so many in our community is truly a heartfelt mission for our organization. We are privileged to do this work and are inspired by the many chefs, artisan producers, bartenders, wine- and spirit-makers who have contributed to this remarkable culinary landscape for South Texas. It’s been a challenging year for our nonprofit and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors and partners that have supported us in our mission.” – Gina Burchenal, TFWA Interim Executive Director
Each year, the TFWA board of directors determines the amount of grant funding based on the organization’s fundraising efforts from key signature events, community partnerships, and beneficiary events. The TFWA Grant Judging Committee in each city, composed of a private panel of prominent culinary professionals and community members, will award the 2021 grants based on the grant criteria, application information, and goals of each applicant. Deadline for applications is Sunday, October 24 and all applicants will be notified by Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
This year’s San Antonio grant total is boosted by three specifically funded grants: · H-E-B Grant for $5,000, open to San Antonio area chefs, farmers, artisan producers, food-focused nonprofits, and educational groups that prioritize education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. · Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant for $5,000 awarded to an entrepreneur who has pursued his/her business dream despite setbacks, showing that success often comes from failures, as exemplified by founder Tito Beveridge in the pursuit of his Texas-made vodka · The Truffle Masters Grant for Community Heroes for $2,000 awarded to a chef who has overcome diversity and challenges to bring support to others during a time of crisis to help their community
Additional grant funding of $5,000 will be awarded to more generalized grant projects with special consideration given to initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion within the San Antonio community.
The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support from presenting sponsor H-E-B and key supporters ABC Bank, American Lamb Board, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Austin Monthly, Buffalo Trace, Canopy by Hilton, Con ‘Olio Oils & Vinegars, Fairmont Austin, Fever Tree, Giant Noise, Lifeworks, Pabst Brewing, Patrón Tequila, Premiere Events, Republic National Distributing Company, Siete Family Foods, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Sysco, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and William Grant & Sons.
Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance is committed to promoting Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.
Southerleigh Haute South is celebrating its first anniversary with birthday special. Photo: google
Southerleigh Haute South is celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday September 30 and are inviting guests to join in the celebration and enjoy a complimentary birthday cake float. This anniversary freebie will be open to guests all day, during dining hours, tomorrow at The Rim location until supplies last. (Southerleigh Haute South, 2021)
Throughout the month, guests can also enjoy Haute South’s Happy Hour specials, Monday through Friday, from 3p.m. to 6p.m.
Awarded the 2021 Best New Restaurant at the Culturemap Tastemaker Awards, Southerleigh Haute South offers an approachable atmosphere and memorable experience. In September 2020, Southerleigh Haute South became a part of Southerleigh Hospitality Group and opened its doors to the public. Inspired by Balfour’s Galveston upbringing, Southerleigh Haute South is a fast casual dining experience, with a twist on Gulf Coast-inspired southern comfort food.
Southerleigh Haute South 5822 Worth Parkway Suite 112 San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 236-8556
Taste of the Dominion 2021 will take place October 7, 2021. Photo: google
After a one year hiatus, Taste of the Dominion, San Antonio’s favorite restaurant tasting, returns on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Sponsored and held annually at the exclusive Dominion Country Club, the event features more than 20 restaurants, alcohol tastings, and a silent auction – all benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)
The event is a largely-outdoor event and is one of the few times non-members can visit the Club. Tickets for the event are going fast and available for $50 each.
Silent auction highlights include: · 5 days in a luxury 3-bedroom condominium in Beaver Creek, CO starting at $2,400 · Private wine class for 20 at Total Wines starting at $500 · Whataburger mixed basket with custom sneakers starting at $750 · Private dinner for 10 at Carrabba’s starting at $500 · A Night on the Town in Gruene (4) Gift Certificate Bundle: (Appetizers for 4 at Cantina Del Rio, Appetizers for 4 at Mozie’s, Dinner for 4 at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Admission for 4 to Gruene Hall, a $25 Gift Certificate from The Grapevine, and a $60 Gift Certificate from Cotton Eyed Joe’s.) starting at $295
Parking for guests is conveniently located next to the Dominion Country Club at Raymond Russell Park (free shuttle). Tickets will sell out so get yours soon.
Dominion Country Club 1 Dominion Drive San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 698-3364
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
Releasing this October 12, ‘A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn’ features irresistible family Italian dishes, all delivered with a brazen Brooklyn accent. Photo: amazon
David Ruggerio is a well-known celebrity chef and restaurant owner in New York City. He was honored in 1995 by noted vintner Robert Mondavi as one of the thirteen best young chefs in America. He went on to star in his own popular PBS cooking series, Little Italy with David Ruggerio, and later starred in his own iconic series on Food Network, Ruggerio to Go. David has written two acclaimed cookbooks, both published by Artisan Books, “Little Italy with David Ruggerio” and “David Ruggerio’s Italian Kitchen.” He returns with a new cookbook, “A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn,” to release be October 12. The book is a mouth-watering invitation to all gourmet food-lovers to enter his Brooklyn kitchen and explore the Italian-American cuisine he knows, grew up with, and adores. (David Ruggerio, 2021)
“A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn” includes 135 delicious recipes, illustrated with of luscious pictures that will inspire and help the readers to awaken the Super Chef within. With a bite of Involtini of Eggplant, a taste of Octopus in Warm Vinaigrette, a forkful of Carbonara of Artichoke, a morsel of Gnocchi all’Amatriciana, or a mouthful of Panna Cotta of Orange, Caramel and Figs, they will discover what makes the Italian-American fare of Brooklyn unique and delicious. This humble cuisine reflects a beautiful story of triumph and hardship, one forever rich in humanity and heritage.
Ruggerio’s new cookbook has already received praise from food critics. The New York Times’ Bryan Miller says, “David Ruggiero has crafted an outstanding book: an evocatively written memoir of a special time and place that nurtured his rise to culinary fame, and a compilation of irresistible family Italian dishes, many with a brazen Brooklyn accent.”
After 35 years of cooking, David Ruggerio’s passion for creating dishes and improving his culinary craft has only grown. “A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn” is available in hardcover, and is a must-have on the shelves of those who love cooking.
“A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn” is available for pre-order on amazon.
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1949534207 Hardcover Price: $18.95 Length: 252 pages Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Kineapple, a new smoothie concept, is now open at Pearl’s Bottling Department. Photo: Kineapple, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce the latest restaurant at the Bottling Department – Kineapple – a concept by Robby and Neesha Grubbs, the duo behind Local Coffee Founders, also originating at Pearl. The new concept is now open to the public. Kineapple offers a variety of fresh smoothies, healthy snacks, salads, coffee, and more. (Kineapple, 2021)
The team behind Kineapple wanted to create an ingredient-driven menu that is easy for customers to navigate. The menu is designed to make healthy eating accessible and delicious. Kineapple is committed to sourcing the best ingredients for its patrons, who can expect to see smoothies made with different modifiers like plant based protein, whey isolate, creatine, turmeric, collagen, blue majik, cold brew shot, and more. Guests can also pick up a Crunchy Kale Salad, Free Range Chicken Salad Sandwich, Kineapple Farm Bowl, Golden Overnight Oats, In-house Protein Bar, and more. In addition to smoothies and snacks, Kineapple also offers coffee from a rotating list of curated specialty coffee roasters.
Kineapple, whose tagline is “Leave Feeling Better,” is a concept that is near and dear to its founders’ hearts in more ways than one. The name pays homage to Robby and Neesha’s youngest son, who struggled to say “pineapple” as a child and instead pronounced the name of the fruit with a K instead of a P. The founders wanted the concept to incorporate a pineapple, but wanted it to feel personal and organic, so Kineapple felt like the perfect name for this venture.
“Kineapple is something that we’re looking forward to bringing to Pearl. We wanted to be able to bring high quality, healthy ingredients to the table without sacrificing taste and that’s what we’ve done here.” – Co-Founder Robby Grubbs
“Neesha and Robby are wonderful operators – innovative, engaged, and talented. We are thrilled their newest concept is coming to the Food Hall.” – Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.
Kineapple’s hours of operation are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday and 9a.m. to 8p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The new concept is in the space formerly occupied by Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, located at 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
‘Recovery from Lyme Disease’ by Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, MD. Photo: amazon
Daniel Kinderlehrer, M.D. is a nationally recognized physician with expertise in the fields of nutrition, allergy, environmental medicine, Lyme disease, and the healing of mind-body-spirit as a unified whole. He co-founded The New England Center for Holistic Medicine in Newbury, Massachusetts, and has taught extensively, including practitioner training courses at the Omega Institute, The National Institute of Behavioral Medicine, and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. He created and organized the Lyme Fundamentals course which is presented annually at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases conferences. He is the author of several review articles in medical journals and the Lyme Times. His integrated medical practice in Denver, Colorado, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne disease. His new book “Recovery from Lyme Disease: The Integrative Medicine Guide to Diagnosing and Treating Tick-Borne Illness” is an in-depth guide through the many details of tick-borne illnesses.
“Recovery from Lyme Disease” begins with a Foreword by Joseph J. Burrascano Jr., MD that summarizes what this book is all about: “It covers just about everything-the infections, diagnostic tests, treatments, and yes, the all-important terrain.” In the Preface, Dr. Kinderlehrer explains his background and how he came to specialize in infectious diseases. His career began when he opened a practiced called “Nutrition and Preventative Medicine” and thought he would mainly see patients who were struggling to control their blood pressure and other similar sicknesses, but instead, he saw people who “had fallen through the cracks” and were seeking relief from chronic illnesses like migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. He was able to help some of them by dealing with food insensitivities, digestive issues, and nutritional supplementation but there were still some patients who were not improving. As he started to expand his knowledge of infectious diseases, he was able to help more of his patients but admits there will always be unanswered questions and problems that will continue to evade him.
In the Introduction he writes about his defining moment when he contracted Lyme disease. Not only did he learn more about the disease, which helped him recover, but he also gained the empathy needed to help and understand patients who are in similar situations. His practice is now solely limited to treating people with tick-borne infections and by writing this book, he hopes it will help both physicians and patients address the issue of Lyme disease. The book is divided into five sections: Section One: Anatomy Lessons, Section Two: Meet the Bugs, Section Three: It’s All connected, Section Four: What Else?, Section Five: Last Thoughts. The appendixes include A. Lyme Disease Complex: Anatomy of an Illness, B. Symptom Check-off List, C. Initial Laboratory Testing on Most New Patients, D. Guidelines for Patients Taking Disulfiram, and E. Resources.
No doubt there are many books out there with information about combating Lyme Disease but what makes “Recovery from Lyme Disease” unique is that the author has first hand experience with the disease. The fact that Daniel A Kinderlehrer knows what it is like to feel sick and not being able to find relief makes him come across as both compassionate and knowledgeable as a physician. The amount of information it contains is admirable as it explains everything from the pathogens that make people sick to the known treatments that can help. Considering the topic, the language is easy to understand and follow and the chapters are short and to the point. There is a “Take-Home Points” section at the end of some chapters that summarizes the points he just covered. Highlights include Chapter 23: Alternative Treatments that lists lesser known treatments like oxidative therapies and hydrogen peroxide and Chapter 24: Frequently Asked Questions that serves as a quick tutorial. “Recovery from Lyme Disease” is an excellent and thorough reference guide about Lyme Disease. It is recommended for readers looking for more information on what may be making them sick as well as those who appreciate learning about medicine and illnesses.
“The intention of this book is to give a working knowledge of how to diagnose and treat Lyme and its co-conspirators that have made a home in blacklegged ticks (a.k.a deer ticks) across the United States.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
WB Liquors & Wine is having special deals for National Vodka Day. Photo: WB Liquors & Wine, used with permission.
WB Liquors & Wine is offering their top-selling vodkas at a great value in celebration of National Vodka Day on Monday, October 4. Customers can enjoy the following specials from Thursday, September 30 through Vodka Day on Monday, October 4 at all WB Liquors & Wine locations. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)
To help celebrate and kick-off the Halloween season, WB’s vodka specialists have put together a spooky vodka recipe that will work with any of their featured vodkas:
Halloween Eyeball Martini Ingredients: • 2 canned lychees + 1/2 ounce lychee juice from the can • 2 cherries (Grand Island Orchard) • 2 1/2 ounces vodka • 1/2 ounce St. Germain • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
Instructions: 1. Stuff one cherry in each of the two lychees. Skewer the two lychees with an extra-long toothpick. 2. Put lychee juice, vodka, St. Germain and lemon juice in a shaker. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake briefly until outside of the shaker condensates. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with lychee eyeballs.
WB Liquors and Wine has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business, we began with a simple desire: to help customers make the good times even better with convenient locations and an extensive variety of liquor, beer, and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service you would expect from a neighborhood store. Today, that simple vision still defines our business and it is what keeps our customers coming back.
Pinks on the Patio benefits Wings and moves to Friday nights in October. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa is moving to Friday this year with themed events to Play up your Pink from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Sire Bar on Plaza Saba. Pink is the symbolic color of breast cancer awareness as it symbolizes good health and playfulness. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
Every Friday Evening, October 1-29, during the month of October, the La Cantera Family will be raising its glasses – and donations – to the efforts and actions of WINGS. Since its inception in 2017, Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort has donated more than $21,000 to WINGS from the overall resort wide donation initiatives.
Pinks on the Patio themed Fridays will feature either live music or DJ Celina from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and cocktail and wine specials along with tasty snacks. Two dollars from each drink special will go back to WINGS. Resort beverage partners include Belvedere, Whispering Angel Rose, Rock Angel Rose, Moët Chandon, and Western Son Vodka.
Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, Signature Restaurant and SweetFire Kitchen will all have Pink menu options to benefit the charity. Landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as Pink LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Every Friday during the Month of October from 6p.m. to 9p.m.
October 1 All Things Pink, Anything Goes October 8 Pink Lipstick – matted, frosted or glossy October 15 Pink Hats ─ fascinators, chapeaus, any head embellishment with a Pink hue October 22 Fifty Shades of Pink! ─ scarves and feather boas October 29 Pink Masquerade ─ feathered, rhinestone or lace
Free ticketed event up to four (4) tickets per transaction at SquadUp, search Pinks on the Patio. Landscaping will cast a pink glow nightly through October.
La Cantera Resort & Spa – Plaza San Saba patio at Sire Bar 16641 La Cantera Parkway San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 558-6500
WINGS mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to women in Central and South Texas who are uninsured – because everyone deserves a lifetime.
Key Strengths • WINGS is the only program of its kind in the country providing this kind of support for women with breast cancer. • Provided support to over 900 South Texas women with breast cancer. • Provided over $12 Million in healthcare services to women with breast cancer. • Over 95 percent of the women treated through WINGS are still living, because of the program. • Since its inception in 1999, WINGS has seen five-year survival rates for the women it serves increase from zero (untreated breast cancer) to 100 percent for Stage I disease. • Received the Guidestar Gold Seal demonstrating a commitment to transparency. • Maintains an efficiency rating of 94 percent, which is above that of the average nonprofit organization.
Landscaping at La Cantera Resort & Spa will cast a pink glow nightly through October. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Photo: Dark Star Pictures/Voltage Pictures, used with permission.
Companion piece and ‘Monster’ prequel, Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman focuses on serial killer Aileen Wuornos. It is directed by Daniel Farrands and stars Peyton List in the title role, Lydia Hearst, Nick Vallelonga, Swen Temmel, Meadow Williams, and Andrew Biernat. Based on Aileen Wuornos’ early life in 1976, the film follows America’s most notorious female serial killer in Florida when she marries an older wealthy Yacht Club president only to inflict mayhem within her new family and Florida’s high society. (Dark Star Pictures, 2021)
Aileen Wournos: American Boogeywoman will have its US Video on Demand release on October 8 and will also be released on DVD on October 15, 2021. Video on Demand platforms include iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Xbox/Microsoft, Comcast/Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Verizon Fios, Dish Network, Direct TV and through local cable providers.
Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. We are committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Our goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. Recent releases include Tribeca Midnight Selection Honeydew, Sundance favorite Koko-di Koko-Da, Cannes Official Selection Enfant Terrible and the newly announced SXSW psychological drama Freeland.
New clip from Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman
SA Examiner 