A world of flavors

Savor San Antonio's new globally inspired neighborhood bistro

Elizabeth Davis may have grown up in Venezuela, but her family comes from all over the globe. On June 22, the diverse food traditions learned from her grandmothers and other family members will form the foundation of her stylish new eatery at at 20122 Stone Oak Pkwy. Ste. 105.

SaVor Bistro, not to be confused with the Culinary Institute of America’s Pearl restaurant Savor, will focus on the classics of European cuisine. Chef Romer Sanchez — also from Venezuela — will explore the sunnier climes of the continent, focusing on dishes from Spain, Italy, and France.

“I love the flavors of those three wonderful countries,” Davis tells CultureMap, explaining that various family members exposed her to an array of cooking styles from an early age.

The menu will focus on some of the most famous dishes from each of the countries. From France, expect dishes like creme brulee, onion soup, and filet mignon with bearnaise. Three different octopus preparations and, of course, paella, hails from Spain. And pasta and risotto round off the Italian-inspired portion of the menu.

The common thread between all the food, Davis says, is that everything is made from scratch with fresh, organic ingredients. No cans or mixes will stock the kitchen shelves.

Fitting the elegant cuisine, the interior is crisp and contemporary. Marble tables and bright white walls bounce light from the many windows, creating an upscale but approachable vibe.

But the fancy digs and pricier ingredients don’t translate to a hefty bill for guests. Davis says that she wanted keep prices in normal, middle range to make SaVor accessible for a wide variety of guests.

‘[It’s] so people can enjoy it,” she explains. “We’re looking forward to making people happy.”

The kitchen will make three different preparations of octopus.

Courtesy photo

The kitchen will make three different preparations of octopus.

where-to-eat openings

Sipping into the holidays

10 festive pop-up bars max out on holiday spirit in San Antonio

San Antonio, Hugman's Oasis, holiday pop-up bar, Sippin Santa

Hugman's Oasis/Embark Marketing

It's a tiki Christmas at Sippin Santa, the holiday pop-up bar happening at Hugman's Oasis.

The holiday season is in full swing, and some restaurants, bars, and hotels around San Antonio are really getting into the spirit. With just over a week to go before Christmas (and in most cases, some time to extend it afterward), bar-goers can reach the peak of holiday fun with festive pop-up bars presenting seasonal drinks, eats, whimsical decor, and other fun activities.

Three Star Bar
521 E. Grayson St.
This Pearl-area bar is home to Krampus’ Cove, which celebrates the creepy German legend and Santa Claus’ adversary. Krampus’ Cove features seasonal drinks, naughty elves, evil snowmen, some humorous alternate versions of classic Christmas carols, and perhaps even a visit from Krampus himself. Krampus’ Cove is open through December 25.

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
111 E. Pecan St.
The High Praise Rooftop Bar is the space for Peppermint Peak. Guests can enjoy views of a wonderland of lights, downtown skyline views, fancy s'mores, outdoor space heaters, and more. Christmas movie-inspired libations on the menu high in the sky include Son of a Nutcracker, Ya Filthy Animal, Hap Hap Happiest Cocktail, and I Think You Are Cute Espresso Martini. Peppermint Peak is open through December 27.

Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
Visitors to Esquire’s Christmas-themed pop-up bar, Miracle on Commerce Street, can find all sorts of holiday decorations inside an immersive setting. The drink menu includes the Christmapolitan, a vodka-based cocktail with spiced cranberry sauce; the Krampus with reposado tequila and Hellfire Bitters; and Crooked Antler, featuring brandy, hazelnut, and a ruby port. Group reservations are required, and the space is available for private functions. Miracle is open at the Esquire’s downstairs bar now through December 31.

Hugman’s Oasis
135 E. Commerce St.
At the tropical-themed Sippin’ Santa pop-up, special cocktails are poured into classic Hugman’s Oasis tiki glasses that are decked out for the holidays. Offerings include Frosty the Merman, Choquito, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, Yule Tide, Merry Spritzmas, and a Snowball’s Chance in Hilo. This pop-up is ongoing through December 31.

Chicken N Pickle
5215 UTSA Blvd.
Chicken N Pickle’s Holiday Hideaway offers wintry lodge vibes with outdoor fire pits, Christmas decorations, rooftop views, and 10 seasonal cocktails. All reservations include a shareable dish of red pepper hummus and charcuterie. Reservations are encouraged. Holiday Hideaway is open though December 31.

Omni La Mansion Del Rio Hotel
112 College St.
El Colegio bar at the River Walk hotel is putting on the blitz with Blitzen’s Bar, a colorful Christmas pop-up bar overseen by guest mixologist Julie Reiner, famed for her work renowned at several New York City hot spots. The fun is happening at Blitzen’s Bar now through December 31.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel and Spa
555 S. Alamo St.
Miracle on Arciniega St., at this downtown hotel’s Anaqua Garden Bar, features eight holiday cocktails, such as Rudolph's Red Nosed Martini. A s'mores board or a seasonal cookie plate completes the festive spread. The bar is open now through December 31.

Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones St.
Elsewhere welcomes visitors to Whoville with a Grinch-inspired atmosphere featuring colorful, bright, whimsical displays. Similarly, there will be themed drinks and bites such as Mrs. Claws Punch, Grinch Potion, and a Grinch burger, all through December.

Bar America
723 S. Alamo St.
Bar America in Southtown is spending the holiday season celebrating the iconic Christmas Eve action movie Die Hard with a variety of fun special activities, and offering cocktails such as the Yippie Rye Yay, MF. This pop-up is open "now through January," the bar's social media says.

Green Lantern
20626 Stone Oak Pkwy.
This Stone Oak lounge is also known this holiday season as Apres Ski Lodge, where the wintry cocktail menu includes Fernet Navidad, Sweater Weather, Silent Night, and Apply Ever After, with the latter featuring cask-strength bourbon by Still Austin Whiskey Co. The holiday menu is available for an unspecified time.

san antonio holiday pop-up bar