Pearl to host UNESCO Chefs for Pueblos del Maíz. Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
San Antonio has blossomed into a vibrant culinary hub, blending rich cultural influences and innovative gastronomy. Its diverse food scene, rooted in Tex-Mex and traditional Southern flavors, showcases local ingredients and culinary traditions. The city has attracted renowned chefs and restaurants, earning accolades in national food rankings. Events like the San Antonio Restaurant Week and the annual Fiesta highlight local talent and foster a strong sense of community. The city’s burgeoning food markets, food trucks, and artisan producers further enrich its culinary landscape, making San Antonio a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking unique and flavorful experiences.
The culinary scene is active throughout the year, with various locations hosting events to highlight the chefs and cuisine that makes San Antonio shine. One of these is the Pearl downtown and this week they are hosting Pueblos del Maíz events.
Pearl is proud to host Pueblos del Maíz events this week on October 10-11, 2024. This celebration highlights San Antonio’s role as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and showcases the importance of maíz (corn) in global culinary traditions. San Antonio UNESCO Chef Ambassadors, including Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui, will showcase the diverse flavors of maíz by preparing small bites inspired by UTSA’s Special Collections cookbooks. (Pearl, 2024)
Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Ticketed event at Carriqui
The event kicks off on October 10 with an exclusive ticketed dinner at Carriqui from 6p.m. to 8p.m. This reception style experience will also feature maíz inspired signature cocktails and tastings of maíz derived spirits prepared by UNESCO Chef Ambassadors. Tickets are $70 per person and available online.
Friday, October 11, 2024 – Free Event at Pearl Park
On October 11, the celebration expands to a free community event at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations by UNESCO Chef Ambassadors from Bergamo, Italy; Tucson, Arizona; Merida, Mexico; and San Antonio, Texas. The event will also feature live music, art installations, and a variety of food and beverage vendors showcasing maíz-inspired creations.
Reception will include Soledad tequila tastings, special curated menu, live music, and more. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.
Carriqui continues the annual tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed on Día de los Muertos with a reception on Wednesday, November 1 from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. in the Rockhouse. The one-night-only event includes Soledad tequila tastings, a signature cocktail, wine, live music, and unique bites. Carriqui’s team will also be collaborating on an ofrenda, which will be available for guests to view and contribute their own offerings. (Carriqui, 2023)
The featured unique bites include totopos with smoky chicken tinga, Texas redfish ceviche with charred salsa verde, barbacoa quesadillas, smoked crispy quail with salsa macha, and more. The evening will be complemented by a performance from Latin guitarist Adam Zuniga.
Tickets are available for purchase for $65 per person through OpenTable. Ticket price includes a raffle entry for a limited edition bottle of Soledad Día de los Muertos Janitzio.
Carriqui will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, special menu, and more. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.
Carriqui will celebrate Dieciséis de Septiembre, or Mexican Independence Day, next Saturday with live mariachi music, special menu items, and more. Beloved mariachi group Las Coronelas will perform a special set from 4:30p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A representative from the San Antonio Charro Association will also be performing around the restaurant at the same time. (Potluck Hospitality, 2023)
Carriqui will also feature a special menu item to celebrate the holiday: Chiles en Nogada, a beef stuffed poblano chile with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate. The restaurant will also offer a special cocktail available only on September 16. In addition to the limited-time-only drink and Carriqui’s regular beverage menu, LALO tequila will also be onsite hosting tequila tastings for interested guests.
Saturday, September 16, 2023 *Las Coronelas to perform from 4:30p.m. – 6:30 p.m. *San Antonio Charro Association representative to perform from 4:30p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Special food & beverage menu available all day while supplies last
Carriqui 239 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., Full Goods Diner, Ladino, Pearl Markets, 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.
Carriqui in San Antonio just launched a new lunch menu. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.
Potluck Hospitality and Carriqui are announcing some exciting new updates at the restaurant where South Texas flavor meets fire. Beloved mariachi group, Mariachi Las Coronelas, will have a residency at the restaurant every Sunday throughout August. In addition to the music residency, Carriqui will launch a lunch menu starting Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The midday menu will feature some familiar favorites like the smoked pecan mole enchiladas, in addition to all the new dishes guests have been requesting, like the new La Fortaleza Burger. (Potluck Hospitality/Carriqui, 2023)
“We are so excited about these new additions at Carriqui. Las Coronelas is a wonderfully talented group of performers and we love the energy they bring to the space when they play at the restaurant.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso.
Mariachi Las Coronelas will perform August 13, August 20, and August 27 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. during ‘Smokehouse Sundays’ at Carriqui. Mariachi Las Coronelas is composed of all female performers and directed by founder Vanessa Del Fierro. Some performances of note for the mariachi include From Dusk Till Dawn the Series, Machete, Netflix’s Seis Manos, The Jimmy Kimmel Show with Bill Murray, Will Ferrel’s Funny or Die Music/Comedy Showcase, and SXSW to name a few.
Las Coronelas will only perform at Carriqui on Sundays, but Carriqui’s lunch menu will be available every day. In keeping with Carriqui’s affinity for Texas-style meats drawing flavor from fire in its smokehouse, the restaurant’s lunch menu will feature items like the new Texas Brisket Pastrami on Rye, served with grain mustard and homemade seasoned chips, and the Pecan Mole Enchiladas, served with Carriqui’s signature smoked achiote chicken, toasted sesame seeds, onion, queso fresco, and rice and beans. Carriqui will also introduce the much anticipated La Fortaleza Burger, as a permanent feature on the lunch menu, made with beef from La Fortaleza and served with cheddar cheese, house pickles, new homemade seasoned chips, and salad. Other favorites that are now available on the lunch menu include the Blackened Fish Tacos, Brisket Tacos, and more.
“The team’s fired up about introducing a dedicated lunch menu at Carriqui. We’ve been listening to our guests’ feedback, and testing recipes as lunch specials and on Smokehouse Sundays – adding the lunch menu is part of our continuous evolution of the restaurant.” – Chef Jaime Gonzalez, General Manager at Carriqui.
During lunch, guests can also enjoy all of Carriqui’s popular margaritas, which are always a featured special and available for half-off all day during Tequila Tuesdays at the restaurant. New cocktails are also arriving, just in time for this Texas heat – try the new Smoked Pineapple Mojito, Sandía Daiquiri, and Santa Fresca perfect for cooling off on Carriqui’s patio while listening to Mariachi Las Coronelas who will be performing every Sunday during Carriqui’s Smokehouse Sundays.
Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. 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.
Las Coronelas will have an August residency at Carriqui. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has Valentine’s Day Spa Packages available. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you need some ideas to celebrate, consider the following from Carriqui, Bakery Lorraine, San Antonio Museum of Art, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and Hiatus Spa + Retreat:
Carriquiwill host its inaugural Valentine’s Day dinner Tuesday, February 14 from 4p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to the regular menu, a three-course tasting menu is also available for $85 per person. Romantic add-ons are available online or can be requested upon arrival at the restaurant. The add-ons include house-made chocolate truffles or long-stem chocolate covered strawberries from the Carriqui pastry team ($25), fresh cut flower bouquet from Statue of Design ($50), and a bottle of Delamotte Brut champagne ($100).
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Carriqui 239 E. Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78215 Tuesday, February 14 – 4p.m. to 9p.m.
The three-course tasting menu includes:
1st Course – Choice of avocado and tomato salad with arugula, goat cheese, Texas Black Garlic Vinaigrette or Gulf Shrimp bisque with grilled toast and chive cream. 2nd Course – Choice of Marinated Redfish with charred broccolini, avocado mousse and kale chips, Smoked grilled ribeye with crispy potatoes and horseradish cream, or Braised cauliflower with fennel-spiced corn crumble and chili butter. 3rd Course – Choice of chocolate cake with caramel mousse, and almond sesame brittle or lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust.
************************************************** Valentine’s Day Sweets & Flowers for pre-order at Bakery Lorraine All San Antonio locations Pastries available from Saturday February 11 to Tuesday February 14 Pre-order Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers from Wednesday January 25to Friday February 10
For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at all of their San Antonio locations from Saturday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 14. The sweets include Chocolate Raspberry Tart, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Heart Moonpie, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Strawberry Pop Heart, and Fraisier. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers for guests to pre-order a set of 12pk of macarons with a bouquet for only $70 or a flower box including six macarons for only $40. Macaron flavors include raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry rose. Preorders are available from Wednesday, January 25 until Noon on Friday, February 10, and can be ordered on the Bakery Lorraine website. Pickup for pre-orders will be on Tuesday, February 14 at the chosen location.
************************************************** Valentine’s Day Silver Trunk Showat the San Antonio Museum of Art 200 West Jones Avenue San Antonio, TX 78215 Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Couples shopping for a unique gift and stunning for their Valentine can head to the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art on February, 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. where the latest in silver jewelry from Sarah Roberts, Micha Gonzalez, Moose Pablos, and Spratling are waiting to be discovered. The gorgeous works will be available for purchase and will make the perfect addition to any Valentine’s day surprise.
************************************************** In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that will include four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it is for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.
The exclusive package will be available for purchase online from February 2 through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/2/23 – 2/19/23) for flights to be redeemable. Prices vary per iFLY location.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) Send your sweetheart off on a “choose your own spa adventure” only to return more rejuvenated and relaxed than ever before. They’ll get to pick any 3 of our Essential Services — The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani/Pedi, The Body Wrap, The Body Glow,* or Acupuncture.* $299 ($350 value) *available only at specific Hiatus spa locations
The Love Birds (EarlyBird CBD Partnership) Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, heartwarming hot stone shoulder massage then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter. Then take flight with EarlyBird Full Spectrum CBD Gummies and float through the rest of your day feeling chill and relaxed. ($350 / $279 H-Circle Member)
A New Year’s Eve concert at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora is just one option for ringing in the new year. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
It is time to start making plans for the biggest party of the year: New Year’s Eve. If you are in the San Antonio area, or plan to be, here are three ideas to get you ready to ring in the new year. JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Texas is hosting a concert, Carriqui at the Pearl will debut its New Year’s Eve House Party, and Thompson – San Antonio Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. So whether you want to celebrate with a concert, at a party, or with fireworks atop a rooftop restaurant, get ready to party in style. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Carriqui, The Moon’s Daughters; 2022)
On Saturday, December 31, guests of JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa will dust off their cowboy boots, raise a glass, and celebrate the coming of 2023 with a night to remember. The concert will begin with an opening set by local Texas band, Jukebox Preachers. Nashville powerhouse and country music star Aaron Tippin will then take the stage to wrap up 2022:
Doors/Bar Open: 6:30p.m.
Performance Times:
Jukebox Preachers, 7:30p.m.
Aaron Tippin, m.
Ticket Options:
General Admission Ticket: $75 per person
VIP Private Table (8 tickets included + 2 drink tickets per person): $1,500
For those enjoying a concert together with an overnight stay, guests can embrace the true Texas lifestyle with horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, ATV adventures, trail and bike riding, archery, and more. Guests can book their weekend stay online.
To help grant more music lovers the opportunity to attend, JL Bar has also partnered with surrounding hotels offering availability and will be providing shuttles to/from Sonora:
Quality Inn, Sonora Location – $100-110/night**
Shuttle Services to and from Sonora: $20 per person
Shuttles depart Quality Inn at 4:15pm and 6:00pm
Holiday Inn Express, Junction Location – $100/night**
Shuttle Services to and from Junction: $30 per person
Shuttles depart Holiday Inn Express at 4:00pm
**Mention the JL Bar Resort for quoted rate, limited rooms per location, first come basis.
Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce that Carriqui (239 E. Grayson St) will debut its New Year’s Eve House Party on December 31, 2022. In addition to standard dinner service (last seating at 9p.m.), the house party will kick off at 10p.m. and run until 2a.m. In anticipation of 2023, Carriqui is taking inspiration from the building’s past as Boehler’s Garden. Fifty years ago, the historic building that is now Carriqui was owned and operated by Aubrey Kline and his brothers. Kline was affectionately known as “Mr. Pearl,” entertaining and hobnobbing with movie stars, politicians, and dignitaries. Upon his retirement from Pearl in 1972, he turned his attention to making Boehler’s Garden the place for a good time.
Carriqui’s NYE House Party turns up the volume on good times and pays homage to the 1970s (period attire encouraged, but not required). Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased through Tock. The experience includes live music from beloved local favorites Buttercup and DJ Steven Lee Moya, appetizer stations, a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast tacos as a parting gift.
For the second year in a row, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. This year’s theme is “Celestial Ball,” paying tribute to the Goddess of the Moon, Celine. Perched on the 20th floor of the hotel floating high above the River Walk, The Moon’s Daughters dazzles with views of the twinkling city lights of the San Antonio skyline. Guests will dance the night away with celebrity performer DJ JAX, who has spun for the Latin Grammy’s WMC, UMF, and many other festivals and has recently opened for the Chainsmokers.
Several Table Packages, named after the hotel’s monthly cosmic night series, will range from $400 to $100,000; the ultimate experience includes flights and a three-night stay at any other Hyatt property in the world. From Cosmic to The Universe, select from the VIP packages to enjoy an open bar, champagne, spirits, and magnum bottles to toast the New Year.
From 10p.m. to 2a.m., the night promises to bring unforgettable firework views, a stellar atmosphere, and a celebrity DJ to match. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez will curate a special four-course meal for the holiday and San Antonio musician Azul Barrientos will perform during the ticketed dinner. Photo: Carriqui Botana Platter, by Jody Horton, used with permission.
Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce that Carriqui will be honoring those who have passed with a specially curated ticketed dinner on Wednesday, November 2 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. for Día de los Muertos. The event will include a four-course meal curated by Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez and a guided musical performance from beloved local talent, Azul Barrientos. (Carriqui, 2022)
The experience includes welcome cocktails and appetizers beginning at 6p.m. and dinner beginning at 7p.m. The four-course meal includes squash blossom and kale salad with watermelon, confit fish tamal wrapped in banana leaf, beef short rib barbacoa with calabaza, and a tequila lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust and marigolds.
Availability for the dinner is limited. Tickets are available for $150 each through Tock. Complimentary valet, 20% gratuity, and the welcome cocktail are included in the price per ticket. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Wednesday, November 2 Welcome cocktails and appetizers: 6p.m. Four-Course Dinner: 7p.m. – 9p.m.
Carriqui 239 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.
Carriqui will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. Image courtesy of Don B. McDonald Architect, used with permission.
Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce a new restaurant coming to a historic and landmark San Antonio space. Carriqui (pronounced KHER-ih-key) will open at Pearl in what was formerly the building that housed Boehler’s Liberty Saloon and Liberty Bar. The new 380-seat, 11,000 square foot restaurant will open to the public in September 2022. Carriqui is located at 239 E Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Potluck Hospitality, 2022)
Carriqui is named after the green jay of South Texas, the only place in the US where you can find this colorful and gregarious bird. The flightpath of the carriqui is the inspiration for the menu, which will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. The menu will feature fresh seafood from the Gulf, Rio Grande-inspired botana platters, pit-cooked barbacoa and brisket, a masa program, and a robust cocktail and beverage program.
“We are thrilled to announce Carriqui, which has been in the making for years. As stewards of the storied structure, we are excited for the building’s next chapter. We have assembled a great team to showcase the foodways of South Texas and welcome all of San Antonio to gather, relax and celebrate here.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso
A team of food and beverage industry veterans make up the leadership at Carriqui. Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and former Executive Chef at Supper at Hotel Emma in San Antonio will lead the kitchen. Nash Zink will serve as Chef de Cuisine and Cassie McCloud will head up the bar program at Carriqui. Michael McClellan will serve as General Manager and Dominique Campa will serve as Assistant General Manager.
“It is an honor to work on this project. I am deeply passionate about the culinary program at Carriqui, which pays tribute to the flavors and foods that are central to our region. The food and experience will be warm and familiar–like you are spending time in the home of a close friend who also happens to be a great cook.” – Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez.
Don B. McDonald Architects and Troy Jessee Construction, both of San Antonio, conceptualized and executed the interior design. Architect Don McDonald and Designer Kristen Weber led the charge on creating new spaces that would compliment the historic structure and pay homage to the building’s past lives. The restoration of the historic building (it was moved twice) lasted years and involved the expertise of dozens of artisans, building specialists, and tradespeople.
In the early days of Pearl, Boehler’s Liberty Saloon served as the watering hole and social center for the brewery’s workers. In 1933 when prohibition ended, Pearl Brewery’s first truck delivered to this special location. Then from 1985 until 2008, the building was home to San Antonio’s heralded Liberty Bar, which moved to the King William neighborhood in 2016.
Carriqui aims to honor its past and usher in the next chapter with the very best offerings of food and atmosphere with every intention of creating a space for joyful gathering. Carriqui was created by and for San Antonians, and the experience of being at Carriqui will resonate deeply for locals with its sense of history and home, and for visitors, it will offer a glimpse into what makes San Antonio special.
Carriqui will be open to the public seven days a week and will offer lunch and dinner service. The restaurant features three different main dining spaces: The Carriqui House, The Rock House, and Courtyard & Back Porch. Private dining options for large groups and parties will also be available. The official opening date for Carriqui will be announced soon.
SA Examiner 