News you can eat
7 things to know in San Antonio food: Upscale bar with Japanese twist dashes into Five Points
Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.
Openings and closings
Michael Sohocki is back at it after shuttering his trailblazing Restaurant Gwendolyn and the downtown location of ramen shop Kimura in December. On January 11, the busy chef reintroduced Kimura in the former Five Points Local space at 1017 N. Flores St. Then, on January 15, he quietly cut the ribbon on Dash Bar in the loft of the same building. The latter specializes in “European classic cocktails with Japanese techniques,” like the Crazy 88 with yaupon gin, matcha syrup, lemon, and sparkling wine and a bramble cocktail with colorful butterfly pea powder.
La Fogata has expanded its footprint with a third location in Alamo Heights. Named La Fogata Cantina, the new outpost has taken over the former home of Nosh, at 1133 Austin Hwy., also owned by restaurateur Patrick Richardson.
Los Angeles-based chain Mochinutunveiled its latest San Antonio location in a January 7 Instragram post. Located at 19202 Stone Oak Pkwy., the shop serves breaded Korean hot dogs, milk teas, and Hawaiian-style mochi doughnuts, a hybrid of the American pastry with rice flour.
Austin import Kung Fu Saloonopened its first San Antonio location on January 14 at 5531 N. Loop 1604 W. in the Rim Crossing Entertainment District. The playful concept bills itself as a “vintage arcade bar,” complete with Skee Ball, karaoke rooms, and a pixelated aesthetic inspired by classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Guests can also expect plenty of beer and a cocktail menu heavy on flavored spirits.
Those needing a break from Alamo City’s endless supply of breakfast tacos (hey, it happens!) now have a new Southtown spot for the morning meal. The Breakfast Truck, a new mobile eatery at Hub Mrkt at 1203 S. Alamo St., debuted January 10 with a menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, traditional egg plates, and caffeine from locals Stranded Coffee.
Other news and notes
H-E-B has won yet another plaudit, this time from the dryly named Annual Retailer Preference Index: U.S. Grocery Channel Edition from Dunnhumby. The international research firm ranked the hometown heroes second on its list of best stateside grocers. The top spot went to Amazon, proving only that much of the nation has yet to be introduced to the singular charms of H-E-Buddy.
Lone Star distilleries will once again be highlighted as the Texas Whiskey Festival returns on May 13-14. Held at Star Hill Ranch, the affair includes a seated tasting of rare whiskies on the Friday of the event and a more casual sip-and-stroll event on Saturday. Tickets, ranging from a $20 pass for designated drivers to a $215 two-day pass, are on sale now.
