Your Expert Guide

Dignowity Hill: Downtown proximity drew this Realtor to the district

Realtor Shail Patel.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

There are so many great places to live in San Antonio that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

---

Four years ago, Shail Patel made the move to the Dignowity Hill Historic District, enticed by the lifestyle that comes with being so close to Pearl, downtown, the River Walk, and all the accompanying restaurants.

But it was 10 years ago that the Kuper Sotheby's International Realty agent first began helping buyers and sellers in the area.

"Dignowity Hill offers so much and features a variety of architectural styles, all in a charming and unique neighborhood, and that makes it extra appealing," Patel says.

Born in India, Patel now makes downtown his backyard by living in the city's first exclusive residential suburb, which has seen a renaissance in the past decade or so.

Patel offered up a few more of his personal favorites about life in Dignowity Hill. Here's his guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Whether you're craving something tapas from Toro Kitchen + Bar or looking for Korean flavors at Magpie, there's a tasty option for every palate and occasion.

"I also love Alamo Brewery, Scorpion, Burleson Yard, and Roadmap Brewery for happy hour," says Patel.

Where to play
Have a chill afternoon at Dignowity-Lockwood Park or lace up your sneakers to explore Mission Reach, the eight-mile section of the San Antonio River trail that meanders past four of the city's famous missions.

Improve your serve at Fairchild Park, where there are more than a dozen tennis courts.

Where to live
"Whether you are looking for a beautiful historic estate, Craftsman bungalow, or new construction home, this neighborhood provides that," he says.

Patel also notes an exciting upcoming addition to the neighborhood: the merging of two parks into one, complete with a giant dog park.

"There are plenty of reasons to love living in Dignowity Hill, but one of the main ones is the inclusiveness of the community and how everyone feels welcome," says Katie and Will. "On top of the awesome people, it's amazing to also be directly adjacent to all of the happenings, restaurants, and fun developments of the downtown and Pearl areas."

---

Shail Patel lives, works, and plays in Dignowity Hill. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email shail.patel@kupersir.com, or call 210-454-2904.

home-for-sale interview promoted hidedate

SLURP

Los Angeles ramen shop bowls over San Antonio with first location

JINYA Ramen Bar/ Facebook

JINYA Ramen Bar is opening its first San Antonio shop.

It’s easy to be cynical about San Antonio’s proliferation of restaurant chains. Another Chipotle is hardly a reason to break out the bubbly in a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. But occasionally, news of a franchise coming to town seems more like an endorsement than a cash grab.

Such is the case for JINYA Ramen Bar, the Tokyo-born, Los Angeles-bred noodle shop once endorsed by late Los Angeles Times and LA Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold. A company rep confirms that the well-regarded operation will open its first Alamo City location at 311 N Loop 1604 W. #110 in March.

The concept is the brainchild of Tomo Takahashi, the son of a Japanese restaurateur. Following those footsteps, he opened the first JINYA in Tokyo before seeing a market in California. Since then, the chain has expanded across the United States, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

The eatery specializes in tonkotsu ramen, an indulgent, silky broth based on slow-cooked pork bones and usually served with firm, thin noodles. Perhaps the most popular of JINYA’s variations is the Tonkotsu Black, served with braised pork belly, wood ear mushrooms, green onion, nori, garlic chips, and fried onion.

Other slurps include wonton chicken ramen with green onion and spinach, a yuzu-seasoned option with a clear pork and chicken broth, and an umami-packed variation topped with ground pork, bok choy, and chili oil. Plant-based eaters have plenty of choices, too — like the Flying Vegan Harvest with Impossible meat or a spicy bowl with creamy vegetable broth.

In addition to ramen, the shops serve a variety of other treats, from appetizers like Brussels sprout tempura to traditional pork gyoza. During San Antonio summers, guests can also opt for curry rice bowls, mini salmon poke tacos, and jalapeño butter corn.

Though the exact opening date and hours have yet to be announced, JINYA Ramen Bar locations are typically open seven days a week until at least 10 pm. Company reps promise more details closer to opening.

ramen openings san antonio jinya ramen tonkotsu