San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance mobilizes restaurants to feed South Texans

La Panaderia was one of 17 local restaurants that helped feed South Texans after devastating winter storms. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

After an unprecedented winter storm devastated San Antonio in mid-February, the South Texas food and beverage community quickly organized to provide relief. To help, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) collaborated with World Central Kitchen, Good Match, and Hopscotch to provide more than 8,600 free meals to neighbors in need. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

The relief efforts were focused on vulnerable residents living in San Antonio’s District 5, many of whom experienced power outages for 1-4 days. Working with Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, the Alliance arranged meal delivery to 21 community sites.

“The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance stepped up when District 5 needed help the most,” said Gonzales. “When so many of our neighbors were stranded with no food, water, or electricity, we relied on the Alliance to feed our most vulnerable. Their network of selfless community members became a lifeline. Their energy was our fuel, and their quick response was our inspiration.”

Although the Alliance’s work typically focuses on its culinary grant and educational programs, it realized the city would need all hands on deck. The nonprofit utilized its network in San Antonio’s culinary community to ensure hundreds of free meals could be prepared per day. The hospitality industry is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, but San Antonio’s food and beverage professionals were eager to join the efforts.

Meal deliveries were made possible by dozens of community volunteers, including representatives from the San Antonio Housing Authority and the San Antonio Fire Department. The initiative even drew the support of some high-profile helpers like U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and actor and activist Eva Longoria.

In total, 17 local restaurants, food trucks, and caterers distributed free meals February 20-23. Participants included:

• Botika
• Chelsea Catering/ Tony G’s Soul Food
• Full Belly Café + Bar
• The Good Kind
• Grupo La Gloria
• Guerrilla Gourmet
• Hello Paradise
• J’Dubs Burgers & Grub
• La Panadería
• Little Em’s Oyster Bar
• Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
• Naco Mexican
• Pedrotti’s Ranch
• Pharm Table
• Southerleigh Hospitality Group
• Teka Molino
• Toro Kitchen + Bar

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance was established in 2020, following a near-decade of success with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Even though the organization expanded in San Antonio just last year and will focus on culinary grants, educational programs, and events, the nonprofit jumped in quickly to support the city during its time of need.

“When a crisis hits, folks who want to help go with what they know. Our expertise is in bringing people together. We have an enormous amount of gratitude for the folks who were able to help. Despite the many challenges they were facing with their own businesses and in their own lives, so many people in the hospitality industry enthusiastically lent a helping hand. It has been an incredibly inspiring thing to see.” – Mariam Parker, SAFWA executive director

Southerleigh Haute South launches brunch menu

Southerleigh Haute South will kick off 2021 with the launch of a brunch menu. Photo: Southerleigh Hospitality Group, used with permission.

Southerleigh Haute South is set to begin offering brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 9, 2021 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. The restaurant recently opened at the RIM shopping center in September 2020 and offers a selection of coastal cuisine and southern comfort food. (Southerleigh Haute South, 2021)

Southerleigh Haute South’s brunch will include cocktails like the classic Mimosa, a Breakfast Old Fashioned, and a couple varieties of Bloody Marys, including one served with shrimp, a crab leg and fried chicken. The food selection will include Soft Shell Blue Crab Benedict, Southerleigh Chicken and Donuts, Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs in addition to other southern comfort offerings. The full brunch menu is available online.

Southerleigh Haute South – The RIM is located at 5822 Worth Parkway #112 San Antonio, TX 78257. 

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Southerleigh Hospitality Group is an independent fully integrated restaurant and hospitality company, owning and managing various restaurants and food concepts such as Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Southerleigh Brewery, Southerleigh Haute South and Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Southerleigh Hospitality Group is a strong group of foodies who are obsessed with connecting people with savory, comfort, flavorful food experiences and they make no excuses about it. With an unwavering passion for palette tantalizing menus, the restaurants serve up decadent cuisine along with distinguished hand-crafted beers for food lovers abound. The friendly neighborhood gathering places make every visit an unforgettably fun social dining experience.