Ostra Raw Bar. Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa, used with permission.
Savor the Season: 3 Must-Try Easter & Lenten Menus in San Antonio
Whether you’re looking for a fresh weekday lunch during Lent or a decadent three-course brunch to celebrate Easter Sunday, San Antonio’s culinary scene is stepping up this spring. From meat-free “stacks” to gold-leaf carrot cake, here is where you should be eating. (The Newstand, Mokara Hotel & Spa, Omni La Mansión del Rio, 2026)
One of San Antonio’s favorite cafes is leaning into peak produce with a seasonal selection that’s light, flavorful, and completely meat-free.
Named The Courant, this sandwich was designed to highlight ingredients at their seasonal best. This isn’t your average veggie sub; it’s a layered, nutrient-dense powerhouse featuring:
The Filling: Complex baby heirloom tomatoes, soft straticella cheese, and fresh arugula.
The Flavor: Zesty pesto, fresh basil, and rich olive oil.
The Vessel: Golden-brown sesame bastone bread.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to wait for “Fish Friday.” The Courant is available every day throughout the Lenten season.
For those seeking a fine-dining experience on the Riverwalk, Ostra is offering an exclusive $62 prix fixe three-course menu available only on Easter Sunday.
The Menu
First Course: Gulf Blue Crab Beignets with jumbo lump crab, shaved fennel & green apple slaw, and lemon gribiche.
Second Course: Soft Shell Crab Benedict paired with poached eggs, crawfish & tasso ham hollandaise, and charred asparagus on toasted brioche.
Just across the water, Four Brothers Southern Provisions is hosting a “tour of comfort food” with a $59 prix fixe menu that puts a Texas twist on Easter classics.
The Menu
The Starter: Deviled Eggs & Pork Belly—thick-cut maple bacon and truffled yolk mousse topped with their iconic jalapeño cornbread crumble.
The Main Event: Short Rib Benedict—48-hour braised beef short rib served on chipotle cheddar biscuits with a duck fat hash brown cake.
The Grand Finale: “24-Carrot Cake”—a warmly-spiced cake with cheesecake mousse, candied pecans, and a garnish of edible gold leaf.
Comparison at a Glance
Venue
Focus
Price
Availability
The Newstand
Meat-free / Fresh
A la carte
Daily during Lent
Ostra
Refined Seafood
$62 Prix Fixe
Easter Sunday Only
Four Brothers
Southern Comfort
$59 Prix Fixe
Easter Sunday Only
The Newstand menu spread. Photo: The Newstand, used with permission.
Monumental Botanical Fridas. Photo: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: Luxury, Culture, and Flavor
San Antonio is known for honoring its rich Mexican heritage in spectacular ways, and this year, two of the city’s most iconic hotels are taking Día de los Muertos celebrations to new heights. From stunning art installations to tequila-paired dinners and runway shows, here’s what awaits you at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa and Omni La Mansión del Rio. (Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa/Omni La Mansión del Rio, 2025)
🌹 La Reina de La Vida at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 Location: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa will transform into a one-night-only “La Reina de La Vida” (The Queen of Life) experience, an immersive celebration of Día de Los Muertos that honors Mexican culture through art, fashion, cuisine, and music. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion and fully embrace the vibrant spirit of the holiday.
Evening Highlights
5:30 p.m. — Cocktail Reception & Runway Showcase The evening begins in the resort’s lobby with craft cocktails featuring Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila, followed by a Runway Showcase by iLaCatrina at Plaza San Saba.
6:30 p.m. — La Catrina Glamour Experience Guests can indulge in professional Catrina makeup styling and enjoy a private photoshoot, leaving with five high-resolution keepsake images.
8:00 p.m. — Five-Course Dinner at Primero Terrace Hosted by Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila and presented by Chef Abraham Proa of Primero Cantina, this exquisite meal includes a tequila cocktail paired with each course.
Additional Offerings
Throughout the weekend, Volcan Tequila will feature limited-time specialty drinks at the resort’s restaurants, including Sire Bar, SweetFire Kitchen, Club Se7en, and Primero Cantina, available through Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Art & Culture
Don’t miss the Monumental Botanical Fridas, a series of Frida Kahlo-inspired sculptures crafted from fiberglass, resin, and acrylic paint, vibrant, bold, and free to the public through Sunday, November 2.
The resort will also feature an honorary ofrenda curated by Gabriela Gamez, showcasing the stunning Day of the Dead on My Mind painting by artist Kathy Sosa, a 5-foot-tall masterpiece depicting a powerful female figure wearing a traditional hand-embroidered huipil, symbolizing resilience, unity, and strength.
💀 Omni La Mansión del Rio: Dos Calaveras & Día de los Muertos Delights
Location: 112 College St, San Antonio, TX
Right along the iconic River Walk, Omni La Mansión del Rio is embracing the spirit of Día de los Muertos with cultural displays, handcrafted cocktails, and festive food offerings.
Ofrenda to Lydia Mendoza
The hotel’s lobby now features a beautifully adorned Día de Los Muertos altar (ofrenda) honoring Lydia Mendoza, the legendary San Antonio singer-guitarist known as “La Alondra de la Frontera.” Her legacy of giving voice, hope, and dignity to the Mexican community is celebrated in this heartfelt tribute.
Dos Calaveras Pop-Up Bar
A must-visit this season, the hotel’s signature El Colegio Bar has been transformed into “Dos Calaveras,” a lively pop-up running through Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Sip on limited-time cocktails created in partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila, including the Pan de Muerto Flip ($16), a creamy blend of cinnamon, vanilla, orange bitters, and nutmeg that nods to the traditional sweet bread of the season.
Festive Food Offerings
The themed menu at Dos Calaveras includes:
🍔 The Ofrenda Burger: Pan De Muerto bun, chorizo-beef patty, Oaxaca cheese, mole negro aioli, candied pepitas, and pickled onions, served with chili-dusted fries.
🌮 La Calavera Brisket Tacos
🍖 Elote “Catrina” Ribs
Perfect for those exploring downtown’s Día de los Muertos festivities, these dishes combine bold flavors and cultural creativity.
Family-Friendly Dining
For a more relaxed dining experience, visit Four Brothers, Omni’s in-house South Texan restaurant, where a newly refreshed menu includes highlights like:
Smoked Dino Rib
Bexar Cornbread
Chicken Osso Buco with butternut squash and cheese-filled agnolotti pasta
🌼 Celebrate Life, Culture, and Community
From the luxury hills of La Cantera to the historic charm of the River Walk, San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos celebrations offer a perfect blend of art, cuisine, and cultural connection. Whether you’re dressing as La Catrina, savoring tequila pairings, or simply admiring the ofrendas, this weekend promises to be a feast for the senses and the soul.
The Secret Garden Room at High Praise Rooftop Bar at InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk. Photo: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, used with permission.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in San Antonio: Special Events and Experiences to Make Her Feel Loved
Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the women who nurture, guide, and inspire us. Observed in many parts of the world, this special day is dedicated to honoring mothers and maternal figures for their enduring love and countless sacrifices. Whether through a handwritten note, a bouquet of flowers, a shared meal, or a quiet moment of connection, people celebrate in many meaningful ways.
This year, several of San Antonio’s finest hotels and resorts are offering curated experiences and special events designed to make Mother’s Day truly unforgettable. Here’s a round up of where to take Mom for a memorable celebration:
Dates: May 9–11, 2025 Location: Four Brothers Restaurant
Four Brothers, Omni La Mansión del Rio’s Southern-inspired eatery, will be hosting a limited-time Mother’s Day Brunch and serving a specialty cocktail called the ‘I Raised You.’
Celebrate Mom with a jazzy brunch and vibrant rooftop experience at the InterContinental.
Brunch at Cavalier:
Classic brunch dishes with live music from The Dirty River Jazz Band.
A Kendra Scott pop-up just outside the restaurant—perfect for last-minute gift shopping.
After Brunch:
Head up to High Praise rooftop bar to enjoy The Secret Garden Room—a lush, seasonal pop-up bar with over 10 custom cocktails inspired by spring and nature.
Take in the views and snap the perfect Mother’s Day photo with the San Antonio skyline as a backdrop.
Special Offers: Now through May 12 Gift Card Promotion: Available until May 8
Start Mother’s Day early at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, where wellness meets indulgence. Give Mom the gift of self-care with one of their rejuvenating packages:
The Essential Duo
The Glass Skin Glow
Or let her choose with a flexible Hiatus Gift Card
Each option is designed to help her relax, recharge, and feel her absolute best on her special day.
For those looking to make Mother’s Day a full-on experience, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk offers a perfect blend of indulgence, style, and serenity.
Brunch at Landrace: A Feast for the Senses
Treat Mom to a decadent prix-fixe brunch at Landrace, the hotel’s riverside restaurant known for its thoughtful flavors and elegant setting.
Relax & Unwind: Rooftop Luxury and Spa Bliss
After brunch, keep the celebration going:
Lounge poolside in a rooftop cabana with panoramic views of the San Antonio skyline.
Visit Thompson Spa for signature treatments designed to restore, relax, and elevate her day.
Whether she wants a culinary escape or a peaceful retreat, Thompson San Antonio offers a refined way to celebrate the mothers and mother figures in your life.
Plan Ahead
Mother’s Day is a time to show love and appreciation. Be sure to reserve early—these experiences are limited and sure to fill quickly!
SA Examiner 