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.
Taco Cabana celebrates ‘National Taco Day’ with incredible taco deals available all day on Tuesday October 1, 2024. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabana is excited to announce unbeatable deals available across all Texas locations on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 for the new Taco Tuesday National Taco Day. This momentous event with the first National Taco Day change from October 4 is a day to go down in taco history. In a commitment to provide the best value to its guests, Taco Cabana is offering the below deals ALL DAY, no limit, and no coupon needed, on October 1. The taco specials are available for dine-in, drive-thru, online or through the MY TC! app. (Taco Cabana, 2024)
$1 Bean & Cheese Tacos
$2 Ground Beef Tacos
$2 Shredded Chicken Tacos
Large groups can get in on the fun as well with 10% off Catering orders of Dozen Breakfast Taco boxes. The offer is available online or by calling 855-4MY TACO. Guests must place Catering orders before 5p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024 for pickup on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 to receive the discount.
To sweeten the deal for MY TC! Rewards members, Taco Cabana is offering an additional exclusive deal on Friday, October 4 with a Buy One Get One offer on any of its tacos. This offer is valid for that day only and limited to a one-time use. Download the MYTC! App and join MYTC! Loyalty Rewards for more special offers and exclusive Taco Cabana news.
National Taco Day Deals: Tuesday October 1, 2024
Exclusive MY TC! Rewards Members Deal: Friday October 4, 2024
Whataburger
SAN ANTONIO – It’s gettin’ hot in here, y’all! Keeping up the heat streak after announcing the limited-time Nashville Hot WhataWings,Whataburger is running up the score on the flavor board with the all-new Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double – debuting on Tuesday, October 1. This limited-time burger has just the right amount of spice to fire up your munch game, no soda chaser required. (Whataburger, 2024)
Double the beef and double the fun, the Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double is two 100% beef patties layered in Whataburger’s Creamy Jalapeño Ranch and topped with crispy, smoky bacon, aged cheddar and jalapeño slices to add a little bit of spice – all hugged by two toasty 5-inch buns. This limited-time legend has it all: Crunch? Yes. Kick? Yes, yes. It’s just the right amount of spice and all the bold flavors that’ll have you saying, “More, please.”
“Our new Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double is destined to become a quick classic with Guests who want to add just the right amount of spice to their lives. The smoky bacon strips and jalapeño slices deliver that crunch you crave while our Creamy Jalapeño Ranch adds a little more of that bold flavor Whataburger is known for. But it’s only here for a limited time, so get it while it’s hot.” – Whataburger Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Scott Hudler
Guests who order the Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double or their favorite Whataburger meal in-restaurant or at the drive-thru between October 1 and 31 can do a little extra good through Whataburger’s Round-Up at the Register fundraiser for the Gary Sinise Foundation. This fundraiser is particularly special because the Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double commercial was filmed at a real fire station in New Braunfels, Texas. The foundation supports first responders, veterans, and the families of fallen heroes by providing grants for equipment and training to underserved and volunteer responder departments across the U.S. Guests can contribute by rounding up their orders to the nearest dollar at participating locations.
The Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double is also available in a Whataburger Jr. size. Guests can find it in-store, at the drive-thru, online and on the popularWhataburger App for curbside pickup or delivery. Customers who create an account will immediately start earning rewards and exclusive offers. Prices and availability vary by market. For those who want to take a piece of Whataburger home, the Creamy Jalapeño Ranch sauce and other signature condiments are available online.
Whataburger’s all-new Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double debuts at all locations on Tuesday October 1, 2024. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by Chef Jason Dady now exclusively serves a new brunch and lunch menu. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
San Antonio, TX – Jardin, chef Jason Dady’s elevated Mediterranean restaurant located in the historic Sullivan Carriage House at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, is excited to announce an entirely new dining experience, including new hours and a refreshed menu and weekend entertainment. Jardin will exclusively serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, featuring beloved classics from the original menu along with exciting new dishes bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors inspired by the garden itself. With playful, garden-to-table creations, this brunch experience is as bright and lively as its lush surroundings.
“I’m passionate about creating dishes that are inspired by the surrounding environment. The new menu highlights fresh, vibrant ingredients that complement the garden’s natural beauty, and I’m excited to be in sync with the garden’s schedule to better serve our guests.” – Chef Jason Dady
The menu, offered daily from 9a.m. to 4p.m., will include Jardin classics, like their signature mix-and-match Mezze Plates, including options like White Cheddar-Stuffed Dates with spicy honey, prosciutto and pecan, and Bolognese-Stuffed Arancini with mozzarella and black truffle aioli, while bringing more of a focus on lighter daytime fare.
Breakfast and brunch lovers can enjoy an array of savory and sweet options, including Dirty Patatas Bravas Tater Tots with Catalonian spice, piquillo-tomato coulis, garlic aioli and fried egg; Avocado Toast with soft-boiled egg, “damn fine” olive oil and Japanese inspirations; Tiramisu Pancakes with espresso-vanilla syrup, whipped mascarpone and coffee chantilly; and Blueberry Waffles with orange zest crème fraîche, lemon ricotta, blueberry jam and lavender coulis.
Lunch items will include options like Beet Salad with labneh, pistachio and a fresh citrus salad; Lamb Burger with dill havarti, house made mayo-feta crema, lettuce and tomato; Shrimp Cocktail with spicy harissa, zhoug, cucumber, avocado and pistachio; and Pan-Seared Salmon with orzo, cherry tomato, English cucumber, chickpeas, tzatziki, mint and lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Additionally, Jardin will serve chef’s daily inspired tea sandwiches on the weekends and a doughnut of the week, as well as offer a “Sprouts” menu for children 10 and under.
Jardin’s new brunch and lunch offerings will perfectly pair with a range of signature coffee drinks, brunch cocktails and indulgent treats. Guests can enjoy unique coffee creations like the Turkish Semolina Halva Cappuccino, made with saffron-pistachio syrup and crushed pistachios, or the refreshing Petal to the Metal Iced Latte with Nutella chantilly and rose petals. Jardin will also offer a decadent selection of boozy milkshakes, a fully stocked bloody mary bar and mimosa carafes with fresh-squeezed juices.
This shift in service allows Jardin to better align with the San Antonio Botanical Garden and its visitors, creating a seamless experience where guests can dine while immersed in the garden’s views from dewy mornings to late-afternoon golden hours. Jardin continues to offer grab-and-go items in the garden’s gift shop for visitors looking for a quick snack or meal option. The garden leadership is excited about the change in hours, as it offers members and guests the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful morning moments a little longer.
“We’re excited about the new brunch and lunch menu at Jardin, celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy these dishes while taking in the serene and beautiful backdrop of the garden.” – Katherine Trumble, director of San Antonio Botanical Garden
Every weekend, Jardin will host Botanical Brunch Beats, a brunch activation featuring a live DJ from 10a.m. to 2p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can indulge in delicious bites and music while surrounded by the beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Jardin will be open from 9a.m. to 4p.m. daily, timed with the operating hours of the garden. Reservations are not required but can be made online. Dinner service will be available exclusively for private dining. Interested parties can email Jardinfor information.
Since 2001, Texas native Chef Jason Dady, a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist and frequently featured expert on Food Network and Travel Channel, has redefined San Antonio’s culinary culture. The Jason Dady Restaurant Group, led by Chef Dady alongside his brother, Jake, and wife, Crystal, includes five acclaimed restaurants and offers catering and events services. Recognized as the best chef in San Antonio and named among the top 50 in the world by Texas Monthly magazine for his barbecue, Dady continues to mentor other chefs and encourages entrepreneurs to explore their ideas.
Tickets are now on sale for can’t miss Texas Food & Wine Alliance fundraisers. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.
The Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) has released a schedule of fundraising events featuring beloved TV personalities, Top Chef all-stars, and James Beard Award honorees. (Texas Food and Wine Alliance, 2024)
Ahead of his appearance at the Potluck feast at Willie Nelson’s ranch, iconic restaurateur, television host, and cookbook author Rick Bayless will be in Austin for a book signing and meet-and-greet at Nixta Taqueria. On Tuesday, March 12 from 4p.m. – 5:30p.m., foodies will have a chance to chat with the Michelin-starred master chef as he signs copies of his classic cookbook, “More Mexican Everyday: Simple, Seasonal, Celebratory.” The $50 ticket price, available online, includes a copy of the book, wine and beer, and light bites from Nixta’s kitchen.
Then, Live Fire!, Austin’s favorite cookout, returns to Camp Mabry on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30p.m. – 9p.m. with a dynamic lineup of award-winning chefs. General admission tickets for the sell-out event are now on sale for $125 HERE. All proceeds will benefit the Alliance’s culinary grant program.
This year, Live Fire! is celebrating global culinary traditions with a blazing party showcasing open-flame cooking, premium wine and beer, and cocktail craftsmanship. Top-notch chefs from across the state will showcase the versatility of Texas beef in innovative bites cooked on-site.
Keeping with tradition, a lineup of nationally recognized chefs and statewide favorites will turn up the heat. Some of the nation’s most recognized chefs will be participating, including beloved Top Chef finalists, James Beard Award nominees, and emerging pitmasters.
Minding the grills will be:
Chef Laila Bazahm — El Raval (Austin)
Chef Mattison Bills — Three Six General (San Marcos), Howdy Child (San Antonio)
Chef Aaron Bludorn — Bludorn Restaurant, Navy Blue (Houston)
Chefs Chuck Charnichart, Alexis Tovías Morales, and Haley Conlin — Barbs B Q (Lockhart)
Chefs Krystal Craig and Ian Thurwachter — Poeta (Austin)
Chef Jakub Czyszczon — Garrison (Austin)
Chefs Mike Diaz and Laura Sawicki— Oseyo (Austin)
Chef Todd Duplechan — Lenoir (Austin)
Chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu — Top Chef, Jūn (Houston)
Chef Levi Goode — Credence, Sidebar, Goode Company Restaurant Group (Houston)
Chef Robert Hale with special guest Chef Rick Neal — Beef Loving Texans
Chef Rebecca Masson — Top Chef: Just Desserts, Fluff Bake Bar (Houston)
Chef Jess Pryles — Hardcore Carnivore
Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman — José (Dallas)
Chef Nic Yanes — Murray’s Tavern (Austin)
Chef Jason Dady of San Antonio’s Tre Trattoria will also fire up the ovens for the Live Fire Pizzeria activation. More culinary talent will be announced in the upcoming days.
In addition to the fiery grand tasting, the 2024 edition of Live Fire! will also feature an exclusive VIP experience. The Live Fire! Steakhouse will transport guests to a midcentury supper club, complete with cocktail carts and flaming desserts. Featured chefs include Andy Knudson of All Pro Smokeshow, John Bates of Interstellar BBQ, and special guests to be announced. VIP tickets are $175 and include early admission at 6p.m.
“We are thrilled to work with some of Austin’s most talented chefs and excited to bring in so much culinary talent from out of town. We’re fired up to show Austin everything they have to offer.” – TFWA Executive Director Erika White
Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help TFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for chefs, farmers, artisan producers, and nonprofits by funding projects focused on culinary innovation. Since 2012, AFWA has awarded $528,500 in grants to fund local culinary projects.
As the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival, held every year in November, the Texas Food & Wine Alliance also features educational programming and culinary events showcasing Texas chef talent, artisan and local producers, world-class wine and spirit makers, and craft brewers.
The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in Texas culinary communities 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’s commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.
Freight Fried Chicken will be located in the food hall at the Bottling Department. Photo: A.J. Creative, used with permission.
Award-winning chef Nicola Blaque will open her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken, at the Food Hall at Bottling Department at Pearl on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Chef Blaque, whose fried chicken recipe has caught the attention of Eater, San Antonio Express-News and others on numerous occasions, created Freight Fried Chicken as a homage to the rich culinary history and traditions shared amongst Black Americans. Freight Fried Chicken draws its inspiration from black women in post Civil War America that sold fried chicken to rail passengers traveling through Gordonsville, VA. The women became known as Waiter Carriers and their chicken recipes would attract travelers who would go out of their way just to try the famous chicken. The sale of fried chicken allowed formerly enslaved women to support their households and create racial progress in a time fraught with dissension. (Freight Fried Chicken, 2024)
Freight Fried Chicken will use a dry batter for its chicken, which is similar in style to what was served by the Waiter Carriers. The chicken will also be served with biscuits, just like it was served on those trains so many years ago. Guests can also expect to see fried chicken tenders, a fried chicken sandwich, biscuits, mac ‘n’ cheese, seasoned fries, a vegetarian sandwich option, and more on the menu. Freight Fried Chicken’s bone-in chicken is halal and all of its batter is gluten free.
Opening date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 Hours will be 10a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday
The Food Hall at Bottling Department 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6 San Antonio, TX 78215
Lattoia Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a restaurateur and chef based in San Antonio, Texas. Chef Blaque is the executive chef and owner of the Jerk Shack, a Jamaican-inspired restaurant in San Antonio. The restaurant offers fare like jerk chicken, braised oxtail and quickly became a staple after opening in 2018. She also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean concept at the popular Pearl district in San Antonio, in the summer of 2020, which is now being redeveloped into her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken.
In addition to running successful concepts that have been recognized by GQ, Eater and more, Chef Blaque is an Army Veteran, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, a private chef for members in the NBA, a wife and a mom. Having been born and raised in Jamaica until she was five years old, Chef Blaque is passionate about introducing people to the flavors of the Caribbean. Though she’ll be the first to tell you that the dishes she’s serving up aren’t always traditional Jamaican dishes, she’s passionate about infusing those flavors into cuisine her patrons know and love.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl 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 the community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.
Pullman Market is a new 40,000 square market opening at Pearl in the spring of 2024. It will feature Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announced this month that Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, is slated to open at Pearl in San Antonio, Texas, in Spring 2024. The sprawling 40,000-square-foot market will feature four full-service restaurants, quick casual concepts, a robust wine and beer selection, Texas-based produce and specialties, and a seasonal bakery and fresh pasta program. Pullman Market will open in spring 2024 and will be located at 221 Newell Ave. Stay tuned for more details concerning opening date. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2023)
“We are excited to create a new, unique culinary experience that represents all of Texas for locals and travelers alike. Pullman Market is a place to celebrate all things food. You can grab a quick bite or stay a while at one of our restaurants. You can discover high-quality ingredients for dinner or grab something premade to make mealtime easy. Pullman is about creating easier relationships with local food and producers, a relationship that is often reserved for high-end restaurants or weekend farmers markets, and we are excited to share it with the community.” – Kevin Fink
Pullman Market will be located in Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms, Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge.
Pullman Market is set to unveil four full-service restaurants, including Fife & Farro, a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in homemade pizza and pasta; Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico; Isidore, an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly; and Nicosi, created by award-winning Pastry Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 18 seats and a no-phone policy. In addition to the four restaurants, Pullman Market will offer a grocery featuring Texas-based produce and seasonal specialties along with casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, ice cream, tacos, sandwiches, ceviche, coffee and more.
“Pullman Market is a wonderful complement to the vibrant culinary, retail, and cultural landscape that defines Pearl today. The success of our Pearl Farmers Market the past 14 years shows that our neighborhood supports local farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. With Pullman Market, we are excited to provide a space where residents and guests can connect to these experiences daily, in addition to our weekend Farmers Market.” – Mesha Milsap, Pearl CEO
Led by partners Kevin Fink, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Alicynn Fink, Berty Richter, and Rand Egbert, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group is a Texas-based restaurant group that manages seven renowned restaurant concepts including Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, Canje and Ezov in Austin as well as Ladino, located at Pearl in San Antonio. The team will also be partnering with Tom Schnuck, the son of the co-founder and co-manager of a restaurant group who also assisted and invested in young chefs to create many successful restaurants that collectively hold five Michelin stars.
Cooking is more than a necessity – it is an art form. No matter your level of experience or proficiency in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes with fresh ingredients can be rewarding. Nevertheless, when we do not have the time to be inventive, cooking can occasionally feel like a job. However, there are a few easy hacks and suggestions that will make your culinary journey joyful. Here are a few quick and simple methods to spice up your meals without spending all day in the kitchen.
1. Excite Your Dining Routine with Easy Cooking Techniques – One of the best ways to break away from dinnertime monotonyis to explore various cooking methods. There are so many exciting methods you can try, such as grilling, stir-frying, roasting or slow cooking your meals for added flavor and excitement. Each technique adds something special to your food and helps you achieve flavors you would not be able to achieve otherwise. Plus, these dishes do not require much time or effort from you. Do not be afraid to experiment with seasonings and marinades; herbs, spices, vinegars, oils – even fresh garlic or ginger can add an extra dimension. These ingredients are versatile and affordable so why not give them a try?
2. 5 Ingredients for Delicious Dishes – An easy way to switch up your meal routine is by working with five simple ingredients. This method works on weeknights when you do not have time to shop for many items. Start by choosing a protein like chicken, beef or fish then add two vegetables and one starch. Finally, pick an herb or spice as a flavor enhancer. Now you have everything necessary for creating an irresistible dinner. If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with different combinationsand make each dish unique in its own way.
3. Create Flavor Combinations That Wow – If you want to wow your guests or family members with your cooking, try creating unique flavor combinations. This could include pairing unusual ingredients like smoked salmon and beets, or sweet and savory pairings like balsamic glazed pork chops with peaches and mint. A perfect example would be quinoa salad topped off with grilled vegetables and feta cheese; not only will these dishes wow guests (or family members), but they are also incredibly healthy dishes.
4. Use Spices and Herbs to Enhance Flavors – Spices and herbs are your secret weapon for creating flavorful dishes, helping you add depth and complexity while saving time in the kitchen. If you do not know where to start, try exploring regional cuisines such as Italian with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, Mexican or Indian and see which combinations of spices they use in their dishes; this will inspire creativity with flavors. Popular herbs like oregano, rosemary, parsley and thyme can be used in various dishes from grilled meats to homemade spaghetti sauce recipes – they are almost endless possibilities when creating new dishes.
5. Learn How to Cook Healthier Meals Quickly and Easily – Eating healthily does not have to take hours of preparation. There are plenty of delicious, nutritious dishes you can whip up in no time. For instance, try this easy salmon and asparagus dish with lemon garlic sauce; its combination of lean protein and vibrant veggies will surely please everyone. Or for something heartier and comforting, try this vegetarian chili recipe packed with flavor and nutrition for added goodness.
Do not get bored at dinner time again with these tips. No matter your culinary skill level or experience level, creating delicious dishes that are both healthy and flavorful is easy with just some experimentation. All it takes is some trial-and-error with different techniques and ingredients; soon enough you will be whipping up mouthwatering meals everyone will love. So do not be shy – unleash your inner chef today and see what delicious dishes you can create.
SA Examiner 