Latest news with #Tex-Mex
Eater
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
How to Spend 24 Hours Dining and Drinking in San Antonio
Blessed with revered landmarks like the Alamo and theme parks like Six Flags, San Antonio has long been one of Texas's favorite day trip destinations. In recent years, however, the visitor experience has changed vastly. Stumbling around the chain restaurants in the River Walk is out; lingering over an aged bavette is in. A new generation of restaurants like Ladino and Best Quality Daughter centered around Downtown has enhanced the city's surfeit of Tex-Mex. And now, the buzz comes from elegant cocktail bars and new-school ice houses. Whether in town for a quick overnight stay or lingering over an entire weekend, here's the ultimate guide on how to spend at least 24 hours dining and drinking in San Antonio. 8 a.m. Coffee at Gravves Coffee Less for early risers than those who stayed up all night, this coffee shop offers a hangover-friendly black interior and a welcoming, unchipper staff. Along with the usual espresso drinks and cold brews, the funereal parlor pours appropriately goth specialty drinks. The ghostly black sesame latte blends activated charcoal and milk, and the swampy Forest Dweller adds pandan. Food is usually limited to a few spooky pastries, but the business frequently hosts morning pop-ups. 10:30 a.m. Breakfast/Brunch at Con Huevos Taco It's impossible to drive through San Antonio without passing by incredible taquerias, but this Dignowity Hill staple merits a slight detour East. The pillowy flour tortillas wrap up fillings like buttery scrambled eggs, thick bacon, carne guisada, and creamy avocados. Those who don't have room for an afternoon nap window can go for the lighter Lupe — calabazas, black beans, and queso fresco on a spinach and nopales tortilla. Either way, greet the morning with a peppery Michelada or refreshing Topo Chico preparado on the brightly painted picnic tables. 2 p.m. Lunch at the Newstand Sandwiches are lunch classics for a reason, but it is challenging to settle for a fast food log while this Broadway shop ups the ante. Chef Page Pressley starts with house-baked focaccia, then loads the halves with imaginative toppings. There's the Parisian, which is stuffed with white asparagus, truffle honey, Parmesan, arugula, and a black pepper custard, and the Chronicle, whipped roasted beet root creme cheese, sheeted and dressed beet root, hazelnuts, sprouts, fine herbs. The wildest ride is the Gazzette, an improbable mix of stracciatella, mortadella, seasonal fruit, pistachio butter, and arugula. The interior has a contemporary edge, too, with sleek marble and blond wood. An attached vintage store gives diners something to do while waiting for their order. 5 p.m. Happy Hour at Little Death Located in a former service station and graffitied with psychedelic murals, this tiny bottle shop and bar is one of San Antonio's few spots to buy low-intervention wine. Amateur oenophiles shouldn't worry about snobbery: The counter staff can advise based on a favored grape or a vague vibe. Expected wine bar snacks like nuts and cheese make up the permanent window, but the Airstream trailer on site partners with local chefs to offer everything from raw oysters to Palestinian fare. This cozy New American restaurant is the centerpiece of Pullman Market, the Pearl District's food hall and grocer from Austin's acclaimed Emmer and Rye Hospitality Group. The wood-fired menu focuses on Texas ingredients like reserve Akaushi steaks and heritage breed chickens. Expect to find more mischief in the snacks section, where the kitchen features two-bite wonders like buttermilk pie with mustard greens and fennel. If ending the evening early, stop by the wood-paneled lounge for a nightcap like the Midnight Mass, a riff on an espresso martini infused with raspberry miso and yogurt whey. For comforting cuisine that gives a snapshot of San Antonio's culture, consider Best Quality Daughter. As much of an art project as a restaurant, BQD began as a series of pop-ups exploring Chinese American identity. The food, however, never feels academic. Chef and owner Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin turns out witty pan-Asian surprises such as Korean corn cheese egg rolls, mochi cheddar hush puppies, dan dan noodles tossed with wagyu guisada, and a drunken noodle dripping in red curry mole. Even the drinks get inventive, with boozy boba and cleverly named cocktails, like the Over My Dad Body, a combination of Toki Japanese whisky, gentian liqueur, lemongrass syrup, and Thai spice bitters. The Victorian veranda has plenty of outdoor seats for lolling away sunny days, but the four Chinoiserie wallpaper-wrapped dining rooms glow brighter. San Antonio has two days of winter and a thousand days of summer, making chilly desserts a lifeline when the thermometer glows an angry red. This Austin-based mini-chain is a fitting coda to any summertime dinner. The most balmy days call for the pucker of a grapefruit paloma cone made with tequila and a hint of sea salt. Should San Antonio's nightlife scene beckon, power up with an affogato made with local honey and a Madagascar vanilla scoop. 11 p.m. Late Night: Decisions, Decisions Rave into the wee hours at 1912 Nightclub, housed in a historic train station that once served as Selena's 'No Me Queda Mas' video set. Stick to St. Mary's Strip for bar-hopping, where visitors can stumble into honky tonk Lonesome Rose, tiki favorite Holy Diver, and raucous bar Midnight Swim. Should hunger pangs strike, cheeky Downtown smash burger joint Pumpers keeps the party going until midnight. Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden: This historic park is one of San Antonio's most breathtaking selfie spots. The grounds, converted from a limestone quarry in the early 20th century, include charming stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, and spacious ponds filled with hundreds of koi. Those with limited mobility can take advantage of the upper garden by ramp, but the lower garden requires stairs. Shop at Pearl: Adapted from the former site of the Pearl Brewing Company, this mixed-use development nestles some of the city's most unique boutiques among its restaurants and bars. Pick up a bespoke guayabera at Dos Carolinas, stock up on artisan home goods at Rancho Diaz, or browse literary fiction at the Twig Book Shop. On the weekend, take advantage of the farmers' market. Catch a show at Paper Tiger: This mostly outdoor venue books some of the most well-known indie acts in the city, but the weekly lineups are a chance to discover emerging artists. The eclectic schedule pays little mind to genre, making room for country, metal, hip-hop, dream pop, and goth rock. Get a chill up your spine with Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours: Over its more than 300-year history, San Antonio has collected more than a few things that go bump in the night. Visit some of its more notable former citizens during this theatrical tour. Ghost hunters can pick from two experiences: a walking tour downtown or a bus tour venturing through a historic cemetery. Cheer on the San Antonio Spurs: Win or lose, the San Antonio Spurs have one of the most loyal fan bases of any NBA team. When the season ends, the Frost Bank Center also hosts the San Antonio FC and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. If staying more than 24 hours, these hotels are near San Antonio's cultural, dining, and nightlife hubs. For a truly luxe experience, book an evening at this Pearl District anchor, renovated from Pearl's former brewhouse. The well-appointed rooms are steps away from San Antonio standard-bearers like Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Ladino, Full Goods Diner, and dessert tasting menu restaurant Nicosi. The hotel itself includes an upscale restaurant, Supper; the chic and bustling bar, Sternewirth; and a library lounge just for guests. Named for its Mediterranean Revival architectural style popular in Cuba in the 1910s, this River Walk boutique hotel is from the Bunkhouse team, who are also behind Marfa's El Cosmico and Mexico City's Hotel San Fernando. Amenities include Ocho, a stunning glasshouse conservatory restaurant overlooking the River Walk; a speakeasy-style bar; and serape robes. Squeezed between Downtown and artsy Southtown, this new kid on the block offers contemporary amenities like a fitness room, complimentary city bikes, and a heated rooftop pool. The onsite Dean's Steaks and Seafood impresses with a 19th-century schoolhouse atmosphere and decadent raw bar. The largest pool Downtown is serviced by Anaqua, its adjacent bar that delivers tropical cocktails and bites with Japanese and Latin influences. The wellness concierge at the spa can recommend services such as dark chocolate wraps, radiofrequency stimulation, or holistic manicures. See More:
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Old El Paso Taps Keith Urban in ‘Castin' the Cowboy' to Crown the Voice of Taco Night
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cowboy-core is having a moment. Fringe is flying, boots are stomping, and belt buckles are back. Now, Old El Paso is dialing up the heat this summer, by turning taco night into a full-blown cowboy talent show. The Tex-Mex brand is debuting 'Castin' the Cowboy,' a playful take on the talent casting process, where country music superstar Keith Urban lends his judging experience to weigh in on a flavorful showcase of taco night contenders. Old El Paso is putting the spotlight on 10 musicians who bring flavor, fun, and flair to the table in the 'Castin' the Cowboy' content series. From taco ballads and fake guitars (and horses) to full-on cowboy-inspired performances, each hopeful is vying for a shot to take on the cowboy persona and lead Old El Paso's next taco-night era, with Urban adding his input. 'Watching our touring crew demolish a table full of tacos is like being at a huge family gathering,' said Urban. 'Good food, big personalities, and a great atmosphere – that's what being on the road is all about. So, when Old El Paso approached me with their 'Castin' the Cowboy' campaign, it felt like the perfect way to combine the two.' But this taco night casting call isn't something to scroll past. Urban is asking fans to follow along and cheer on their favorite audition. When all is said and sung, he will ultimately crown Old El Paso's newest 'cowboy' later this summer. A few lucky fans who guess the new cowboy will also have the chance to win exclusive prizes like a Keith Urban-signed Old El Paso cowboy belt buckle and taco-themed surprises including Old El Paso taco kits. 'There's never been a better time to bring western flair to the dinner table,' said Brand Experience Manager for Old El Paso, Jenny Jonker. 'With the current country-themed trend, it felt like the perfect time to tap into our own Tex-Mex roots. Old El Paso has always been about bringing bold flavor and fun to the table, and Keith brings the perfect mix of heart, humor, and star power to help us celebrate taco night in an unexpected way.' This summer, Urban will also be hitting the road on his HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR. Visit for ticket information and links to Keith's latest album HIGH. To stay in the loop and watch the 'Castin' the Cowboy' content series, follow @OldElPaso on Instagram and @ OldElPaso_Official on TikTok to get in the casting fun. About General Mills General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Totino's, Annie's, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. General Mills generated fiscal 2024 net sales of U.S. $20 billion. In addition, the company's share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1 billion. For more information, visit About Keith Urban Keith Urban has spent the better part of his life harnessing a deep-seated passion for music. His authenticity, talent and driving musical inquisitiveness, helps to understand why he is one of the most successful and well-respected artists in the world. He's won 4 GRAMMY© Awards, 13 CMAs (including 2x Entertainer of the Year), fifteen ACMs (including the prestigious Triple Crown for winner Best New Artist, Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year), 3 AMAs, 2 People's Choice Awards, celebrated 9 consecutive gold, platinum or multi-platinum albums, which have produced more than 10 BILLION streams. His HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR will feature concerts throughout the United States, Canada and Australia and in October Urban will be the featured headliner on the new CBS music series, 'The Road,' which highlights his, and Blake Shelton's journey in search of the next big musician.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
KFC parent Yum Brands' finance chief Chris Turner to take over as CEO
Yum Brands said on Tuesday its finance chief Chris Turner will take over as its CEO from October 1, succeeding company veteran David Gibbs. The company had said in March Gibbs would retire in 2026 after about 37 years at the KFC and Taco Bell parent, during which he assumed several roles and became its top boss in 2020. Gibbs will remain at Yum Brands in an advisory capacity until the end of next year, the company said on Tuesday. Turner, who has been the company's CFO since 2019, has previously worked with packaged food giant PepsiCo and consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The duo helped digitize operations at the company, which included the launch of its artificial intelligence-driven restaurant technology platform to help with online orders, kitchen optimization, inventory and menu management. The restaurant operator said its digital channels grew to account for more than 50% of total sales during Gibbs' time as CEO. Yum's stock is up about 5% so far this year, and has risen 40.9% under Gibbs' tenure. The company's Taco Bell banner has bucked broader weakness in the restaurant industry for the past several quarters, helped by its value meals and the appeal of its Tex-Mex cuisine. Louisville, Kentucky-headquartered Yum Brands has about 61,000 restaurants globally, including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC and Habit Burger & Grill.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
KFC parent Yum Brands' finance chief Chris Turner to take over as CEO
Yum Brands said on Tuesday its finance chief Chris Turner will take over as its CEO from October 1, succeeding company veteran David Gibbs. The company had said in March Gibbs would retire in 2026 after about 37 years at the KFC and Taco Bell parent, during which he assumed several roles and became its top boss in 2020. Gibbs will remain at Yum Brands in an advisory capacity until the end of next year, the company said on Tuesday. Turner, who has been the company's CFO since 2019, has previously worked with packaged food giant PepsiCo and consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The duo helped digitize operations at the company, which included the launch of its artificial intelligence-driven restaurant technology platform to help with online orders, kitchen optimization, inventory and menu management. The restaurant operator said its digital channels grew to account for more than 50% of total sales during Gibbs' time as CEO. Yum's stock is up about 5% so far this year, and has risen 40.9% under Gibbs' tenure. The company's Taco Bell banner has bucked broader weakness in the restaurant industry for the past several quarters, helped by its value meals and the appeal of its Tex-Mex cuisine. Louisville, Kentucky-headquartered Yum Brands has about 61,000 restaurants globally, including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC and Habit Burger & Grill.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular Houston Mexican Restaurant Closes Abruptly
After two years in business, a local Houston Mexican restaurant closed its doors abruptly this week. Mi Tierra Mexican Kitchen shuttered on Wednesday, effective immediately. Owner Kate Mancia announced the news on social media after "after much reflection and with a heart full of mixed emotions." "This decision did not come easy. Mi Tierra was more than just a restaurant. It was a dream, a risk, a labor of love, and a huge part of my soul. It was where we poured our passion, culture, and our heart into every detail -from the recipes to the guest we welcomed through our doors," Mancia wrote. Mancia and chef Martin Weaver opened Mi Tierra in October 2023. Over time, it gained a following from loyal customers, who Mancia thanked, along with her staff, in Wednesday's final message. "Though this chapter is ending, I am proud of what Mi Tierra was and what it represented. I've learned so much through this journey ; about business, about people, and about myself," she added. "This isn't goodbye to the dream. It's just a pause, a redirection. I carry forward the good memories, the food , the flavors, and the spirit of what Mi Tierra represented wherever life takes me next." Mi Tierra customers also expressed their disappointment in the comments. "If you ever open another restaurant in a different location. We would love to come and eat again," one wrote. "So sorry to see this chapter close, but excited to see what lies ahead!" a second added. "Good luck and this is just a pause," a third chimed in. During its tenure, Mi Tierra offered a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites, as well as a raw bar, a variety of drinks and cocktails and dishes such as gochujang short rib, smoked duck carnitas in mole and a selection of small plates. Popular Houston Mexican Restaurant Closes Abruptly first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
