Christmas specials in San Antonio

bakerylorrainemacarons18 — Bakery Lorraine has gingerbread macarons available. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Area restaurants and bars are having Christmas specials to make the season merrier. More details are available online. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar, Bakery Lorraine, Krause’s Café, Supper at Hotel Emma, Esquire Tavern, 2018)

MEADOW NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY + BAR
This Sunday December 23 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. is the final Santa Brunch. It will feature holiday cocktails including hot toddies, bourbon eggnog, peppermint Irish coffee and cranberry mimosas that pair perfectly with brunch staples at Meadow. Parents can enjoy brunch while the kids enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus for pictures. There will also be sugar cookies for the kids to decorate while they wait. All images will be sent by email and can be used for holiday cards, printing and more. Images with Santa are free with a brunch reservation.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar will host a pre-fixe Christmas Eve Dinner on Monday, December 24 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Reservations will be required for Christmas Eve Dinner with pricing at $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will have several options that include Fried Chicken with braised greens, chow chow and hot sauce honey, Striped Bass with hoppin’ John, grilled bok choy and radish, Eight Layer Chocolate Cake with candied orange and Montenegro and more. There will also be a children’s menu available.

Meadow will have a full Christmas meal available for order. The meal feeds 10 people for $135 and includes a honey baked ham dinner, roasted Brussel sprouts with dried cherries and pecans, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, Texas mushroom gratin and Bread Box dinner rolls. Orders can be placed now until Thursday, December 20. Pick up will be Monday, December 24. Meadow will be closed on Christmas Day.

BAKERY LORRAINE
Will have pies, Buche de Noels and limited-edition holiday-themed macaron boxes available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Inside the Buche de Noels are a vanilla mousse, cherry compote and a chocolate sponge soaked with kirsch syrup. This is by special order only for $45 and are now available for pickup. The pies will be $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Thursday, December 20. Pick up day will be Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Bakery Lorraine will also have newly released, house-made jams that make excellent stocking stuffers. They are priced at $6 each and flavors include Raspberry Hibiscus and Spiced Mango and Guava.

KRAUSE’S CAFE
Jolly ‘Krause Klaus’ will visit Krause’s Café throughout the month of December and prices for getting a picture taken with Santa are $10 and $5 for reprints. Bring the family and enjoy a German platter while getting Christmas photos done. Families can enjoy a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist, groups can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85). Krause’s Café also recently launched hot winter drinks for adults including a Hot Toddy, German Glühwein (mulled wine), Salted Caramel and Cream, Spiked Hot Chocolate and more. Homemade hot chocolate for the children is now available too.

SUPPER AT HOTEL EMMA
Will host a Christmas Eve dinner featuring a whole bronzino special, available from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Chef John Brand has curated an exclusive menu that highlights the silver-skinned, European fish. Holiday inspired sides will accompany the Bronzino, creating a unique Christmas Eve dish.

ESQUIRE TAVERN/DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio based upon a recipe which dates to the 1700s. It was common to prepare Egg Nog well in advance of consumption of holiday libations and this year’s Egg Nog was made in November. Esquire’s Egg Nog will have rested for a little over a month developing complexity before guests can get their hands on it, beginning on December 18 while supplies last and available at both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar and eggs and it is spiced with cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.

Esquire Tavern’s cocktail menu features other festive cocktail choices like a traditional Hot Toddy. A staple for cold weather and the holidays, Esquire’s Hot Toddy is $9; cozy up with the spirit of choice: apple brandy, bourbon whiskey, or esquire rum blend no. 9 with honey, lemon, allspice; served warm.

Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5

hotelemmadrink — Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5 at Sternewirth at Hotel Emma. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

National Repeal Day celebrates the Repeal of Prohibition, or the end of the great experiment, and the return of legal alcohol sales. This year, Repeal Day will be observed on Wednesday December 05, 2018. The Repeal of Prohibition in the United States was accomplished with the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 5, 1933. The Esquire Tavern and Hotel Emma will be holding events on Wednesday to commemorate the big day.

The Esquire Tavern is excited to invite all of San Antonio to party like it’s 1933 and celebrate the establishment’s 85th birthday at a timeless bash on Wednesday, December 5, the day recognized as ‘Repeal Day’ throughout history. To commemorate 85 years of providing downtown San Antonio with exquisite classic cocktails and delectable tavern food, the oldest bar on the Riverwalk will host an evening of revelry. Guests can expect entertainment including live music, a fortune teller, burlesque performances and plenty of the Esquire’s classic, prohibition-era cocktails like its famous Old-Fashioned. A variety of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be shared throughout the night. Reservations are encouraged and available for both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. (The Esquire Tavern, 2018)

Special guests include Stars and Garters Burlesque accompanied by live music from The Dirty River Dixie Band. Chef Brooke Smith’s full menu will be available until 11p.m., including Esquire favorites like the Chicken Chalupitas in addition to the recently updated seasonal menu featuring new items like her savory Artichoke Dip and Grits and Grillades. The mysterious Shaman-like, ‘Brujo Jerry’ will be inhabiting Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern for the evening to share his revelatory visions of the future. Patrons are encouraged to celebrate their right to drink alcohol and visit Downstairs for the best Grower Champagne list in town, paired with house-prepared charcuterie and oysters on the half-shell. Everyone is invited. The event is from 7p.m. to midnight and the entertainment begins at 8p.m.

The Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Emma is hosting a National Repeal Day event at Sternewirth from 6p.m. to 10p.m. The evening will feature drink specials and Jazz Age music by award-winning artist Henry Brun. The public is invited to toast the end of prohibition and celebrate the freedom to drink and be merry this holiday season. The staff will dress the part in era-appropriate attire for an authentic Roaring Twenties feel. New features include speedier drink service courtesy of a new service bar and a new mezzanine seating area, where there is space for every reveler. The event is free and open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

The exclusive drink specials include:
• Gin Martini – Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters $8
• House Bubbles – $8
• Aviation – Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon $9
• Sazerac – Rye, Peychauds Bitters, Absinthe $9

Sternewirth Tavern & Club Room,
136 E. Grayson St.
San Antonio TX 78215

Hotel Emma’s Salvation Army benefit kicks off with concert on Saturday

hotelemmacarolers — Hotel Emma will host a holiday concert this Saturday to kick off the season. Photo: Nick Simonite, used with permission.

Hotel Emma is thrilled and honored to continue their annual Salvation Army benefit this holiday season from December 14 through December 22. To kick off the holiday season and give a special preview of the upcoming caroling, Hotel Emma will host a concert on Saturday, December 1 from 3p.m. to 5p.m. in the Pearl Amphitheatre. The community of San Antonio is invited to sing along with local 12-year old musician Marisa Rose Mejia and additional holiday performances including the Children’s Choir. Santa will be available for photo opportunities and guests will be able to enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate during the performance. The presentation is free and open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

Chordsmen will perform in Supper for guests’ enjoyment from December 14 through December 22 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Reservations for Supper are encouraged and can be made by calling (210) 448-8351. Donations can be made to the Salvation Army kettles in Supper and in the hotel lobby area. Hotel Emma will be matching all donations received up to $5,000.

Holiday Performance:
Pearl Amphitheatre
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215

Carolers at Supper:
Supper at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215

James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner at Hotel Emma

hotelemma2-pg — The James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour dinner will be held at Hotel Emma this Sunday October 28.

On Sunday October 28, the James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour Series is headed to Hotel Emma at the historic Pearl to serve up a night of fine dining. Eight renowned chefs from around the country will showcase their culinary talents at the event, each featuring a signature dish. The evening will consist of dinner and dessert followed by a Q & A with the event’s chefs. Tickets are on sale online and are $175 for James Beard Foundation members and the general public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

The night will begin at 6:30p.m. with a cocktail reception hosted by Hotel Emma’s Chef John Brand followed by a multi-course dinner with wine pairings and ending with a decadent dessert course, all benefitting the James Beard Foundation. The dinner will feature dishes from special guests including Charleen Badman from FnB in Scottsdale, Arizona; Rick Lopez from La Condensa in Austin, Texas; Steven Redzikowski from Oak in Boulder, Colorado and Acorn in Denver; Daven Wardynski from Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Amelia Island, Florida and hometown chefs Tim McDiarmid from Tim The Girl and Steve McHugh from Cured.

The James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour showcases tastes from the country’s top chefs in cities across the nation for an interactive culinary experience to remember. The event is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, US Bank, Whispering Angel Rosé and popular San Antonio bakery-café La Panaderia as the local sponsor. Brothers David and José Cáceres will provide loaves of their freshly baked kamut , birote and telera rolls for the dinner and will be in attendance to support their local chefs.

Hotel Emma
136 E. Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215

‘Cowboy Barbecue’ book signing at Hotel Emma

Hotel Emma will be hosting a book signing this Saturday with Adrian Davila, author of ‘Cowboy Barbecue.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Adrian Davila, third generation pit master of Davila’s BBQ, a nationally recognized restaurant in Seguin, will feature his latest cookbook, ‘Cowboy Barbecue: Fire & Smoke from the Original Texas Vaqueros,’ at Hotel Emma at a special book signing. In addition, Adrian will feature complimentary unique recipe samples to try from his cookbook. This event is free and open to the public and will take place Saturday October 27 from 11a.m. to 1p.m. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

In ‘Cowboy Barbecue,’ Adrian celebrates the traditions of Latin America and Texas, taking inspiration from the vaquero lifestyle of his own family history. For three generations, Davila’s BBQ in Seguin, TX has infused classic brisket, ribs and sausage with Latin flavors and ingredients. Davila goes beyond standard grilling in this guide, offering techniques for smoking, cooking directly on the embers, underground on a spit and more. Here, Mesquite Brisket is rubbed with fiery dose of cayenne; Vaquero Chili con Carne is served with Jalapeño Cheese Corn Bread; Smoked Pulled Pork is cooked low and slow, sweetened with Dr Pepper; and everything that goes with barbecue sauce can also be served with tomato, onion, and serrano salsa – fire-roasted of course.

Larder
Hotel Emma,
136 E. Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215

Hotel Emma’s Chef John Brand to participate in No Kid Hungry’s Chefs Cycle

Chef John Brand to participate in Chefs Cycle. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign designed to get the public mobilized to combat hunger. The month is dedicated to spreading the word and working together to find solutions. Chef John Brand of Hotel Emma is teaming up with No Kid Hungry from Tuesday September 25 through Thursday September 27 for Charlottesville’s Chefs Cycle. This event is an endurance fundraiser featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen. They will be completing a three-day, 300-mile ride while raising funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry. Chef Brand is seeking to raise $7,500 by the end of the event, which would help donate 75,000 meals for children in need. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

To help support the cause, last week Supper donated $10 from various lunch specials to Chefs Cycle. The public can make donations online to support Chef Brand’s goals

Chefs Cycle is a fundraising endurance event featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen. For the past three years, Chefs Cycle has engaged culinary talents who want to push their limits by completing a three-day, 300-mile ride while raising funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry. The spring 2018 ride took place in Santa Rosa, California with a goal of 275 chefs riding to help raise $2.4M, which translates into 24 million meals for kids facing hunger. The fall 2018 ride will take place in Charlottesville, Virginia in September.

Next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday

olesagastro — The next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday will feature the flavors of Spanish jamon. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The ongoing summer celebration Olé, San Antonio at the Pearl is meant to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary and celebrate its Spanish heritage. Hotel Emma has been participating by hosting master classes featuring food and ingredients from Spain. This Wednesday August 22 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., attendees are invited to discover the exemplary Spanish flavor of jamón at Hotel Emma’s next master class. They will be able to enjoy a tasting and lesson taught by Manuel Antonio Recio, master carver and co-owner of Conserva from Portland, Oregon, as they discover the process and celebrate the noble Spanish pig.

Manuel Antonio Recio will be the expert of the day. He is a master carver and co-owner of Conserva, a specialty food purveyor located in Portland, Oregon. The evening will feature a lesson from Manuel and a tasting – all devoted to jamón. Tickets for the class are $25 and available for purchase online.

Larder and Sternewirth will be featuring tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight the deep flavor of Spanish jamón. Or, find a seat at Supper’s table to experience Chef John Brand’s inspired approach to this ingredient, available all week long during lunch and dinner.

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

Master Class: Plancton Marino at Hotel Emma

As part of their culinary series during Olé, San Antonio, Hotel Emma will be presenting a unique experience on July 25 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. titled ‘Master Class: Plancton Marino.’ This innovative ingredient new to the culinary scene is described as tasting “authentically like the sea.” Tickets for the session are $25 and available for purchase online. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

Plancton Marino, as an ingredient, is new to the culinary scene. Spain is the only country with authorization to cultivate the tiny marine organisms. Embraced by leaders in the cutting-edge Spanish gastronomy scene, plancton marino exemplifies the latest installment in Spain’s long history of experimenting with innovative techniques and ingredients.

Scheduled to take place at Hotel Emma’s exhibition kitchen, guests will have the opportunity to experience and discover plancton marino, which is not available anywhere in the United States. The special event will welcome expert and leading Spanish marine plancton food consultant Alberto Palomar who will talk about the origins of plancton marino as an ingredient in Spanish cuisine, the process of cultivation and the nutritional benefits. Sea food and sea salt lovers are encouraged to attend and try out this unique ingredient. There will also be a short documentary and a tasting activity.

Supper will feature a la carte specials on the menu with dishes highlighting Chef John Brand’s creative uses of plancton marino. The specials will be available during lunch and dinner service. Reservations may be done online. Larder and Sternewirth will be carrying tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight this exclusive ingredient.

This event is part of the six unique culinary Master Classes Hotel Emma has prepared as part of Olé, San Antonio, a summer-long program celebrating San Antonio’s Spanish heritage in commemoration of the city’s 300th anniversary. Upcoming Master Classes include jamón (Spanish ham), conservas (tinned fish) and cheese.

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

Culinary Monographs at Hotel Emma to celebrate Ole, San Antonio

20151112_083632 — Hotel Emma is hosting Culinary Monographs this summer to honor Spain’s most beloved flavors.

Olé, San Antonio is in full swing at the Pearl and Hotel Emma is joining in the celebration by hosting Culinary Monographs. These are six delicious, immersive experiences that will honor the most beloved flavors of Spain: olive oil, jamón (Spanish ham), tinned fish, salt and spices, wine and sherry and cheese, to help celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

These culinary monographs will take place every two weeks, beginning on Wednesday/Thursday from June through September, each offering a look into the history, craftsmanship and diversity of flavor and utility of each product.

Each monograph includes a ticketed Monograph Session facilitated by experts and makers of the individual product. Guests will enjoy, depending on theme, a deep dive into the culture, economy and trends of the product and an expertly guided tasting opportunity. There will be an open-to-the-public Casual Tasting at Larder, where the fine grocery store at Hotel Emma will support each monograph with a multi-day tasting of the highlighted product. Tapas tastings will be held at Sternewirth, the main bar at Hotel Emma, which will create a special tapas dish highlighting the product at play. There will also be a Dinner at Supper series, where Chef John Brand will create a special tasting menu highlighting the various uses, applications and flavors of the spotlighted product. Monograph Sessions and Dinner at Supper will be ticketed events, while Tapas will be a menu option for Sternewirth guests and tastings at Larder will be free and open to the public. More information on these event is available online.

Upcoming Culinary Monographs:

June 27 – Olive Oil
July 11 – Spain’s Great Match
July 25 – Salt & Spices
August 8 – Tinned Fish
August 22 – Jamón
September 6 – Cheese

In honor of San Antonio’s Tricentennial, Hotel Emma is also offering a special rate now through September 16, 2018. The special ‘300 years, 300 dollars’ features rates starting at $300, plus complimentary valet parking.

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

New Year’s Eve holiday specials and menus

southerleighsign — Southerleigh is one area restaurant having a special New Year’s Eve menu. Photo: Nick Simonite, used with permission.

Still need plans for the long New Year’s Eve holiday? Area restaurants have special menus and events planned to help guests usher in the new year. (Hotel Emma, Hotel Contessa, Boiler House, Southerleigh, Esquire Tavern, Rosella at the Rand, Krause’s Café, Pinch Boil House, 2017)

Hotel Emma will offer special holiday themed menu items on New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth and Supper.
New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth
San Antonians are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth, Hotel Emma’s bar and club room. Guests will be able to enjoy Latin jazz music by local icon Henry Brun and his international trio. A $20 cover fee will include champagne toast and party favors. Price: $20 Time: 9p.m. to 2a.m.
New Year’s Eve Special at Supper
Supper will open its doors during New Year’s Eve and will be welcoming guests and locals to dine in and ring in the new year. Please call the restaurant at (210)448-8351 for reservations. Hours: 11a.m. to 3p.m. and 5p.m. to 10p.m.

Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Sunday, New Year’s Eve. Reservations are required for New Year’s Eve dinner, $55/person, $25/children ages 8-13 and children 7 and under eat free.

Boiler House will be serving holiday themed cocktails and dinner items on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. to close. The restaurant will also have their regular lunch menu along with special brunch items on New Year’s Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. New Year’s Eve Cocktail items include: Gingerbread Martini for $14 and Hot Buttered Texas Rum for $12. New Year’s Eve Dish items include: Lemon Chive Crabcake for $15, Calamari Piccata for $21, Roast Leg of Lamb for $29 and Eggnog Pound Cake for $8. New Year’s Day Brunch items include: Green Chile Pulled Pork, Poached Eggs & Popcorn Grits, Hangover Hash, BLT Mac & Egg and Barbacoa Sando.

Southerleigh will have specialty items for New Year’s Eve brunch and dinner. Southerleigh’s hours on New Year’s Eve are from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and will be closed on New Year’s Day. Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include House Cured and Braised Country Ham, Creamed Field Peas, Flash Fried Collards and Eggs Over Easy. Dinner hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will include Slow Roasted Pork Shank, Hoppin John, Black Garlic spiked Spinach, Dijon Glace and Whole Fried Gulf Flounder, Creamy Crystal Butter, House Fries and South Texas Slaw. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne to ring in the new year at 12 a.m.

Esquire Tavern will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with dinner reservations and sparkling wine to toast at midnight. There will be live music and more.

Rosella at The Rand will be serving regular Sunday brunch on New Year’s Eve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant will then open the same evening for a FREE New Year’s Eve party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rosella at the Rand will be open for New Year’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Krause’s Cafe will have a self-serve Hot Chocolate bar, Bloody Mary bar and free black eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Restaurant hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will be celebrating the new year with a Munich Platter – A pork shank stands atop of mashed potatoes, chicken schnitzel, red cabbage, sauerkraut, assorted sausage, crisp pork belly and a side of Dunkel Sauce.

Pinch Boil House and Bia Bar will be hosting a crawfish boil with a Boil & Brews on New Year’s Eve, Eve, Saturday December 30 from 12p.m. to 3p.m. Guests can enjoy boiled crawfish or crab legs, shrimp and other seafood items. There will also be a DJ and cold beer.

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