Big splash

Beloved San Antonio chef dives into Southtown with new coastal concept

Fish empanadas are among the coastal treats on Villa Rica's menu.

Johnny Hernandez is about to get another jewel in his crown. Hot on the heels of opening his custom-made burger shop, Burgerteca, on the River Walk’s Mission Reach, the favorite San Antonio chef announced an opening date for his latest seafood focused concept.

Villa Rica will open at 403 Blue Star in Southtown on February 22, serving a coastal menu inspired by the cuisines of Veracruz, Baja, Yucatan, and the Pacific. The new concept is in collaboration with Mexico’s Guzman family of restaurateurs, who operate popular seafood eateries in Veracruz, Puebla, and Mexico City.

The menu will feature Mexican seafood selected daily such as the Veracruz-style tumbada-style rice with fish, shrimp, octopus, crab, and clams swimming in a creamy fish broth, and Tuna Marejada, a light dish with tuna, cream cheese, avocado, jalapeño emulsion, and ponzu.

The beverage program will include a small selection of wines but will be mainly focused on tropical cocktails like Pisco sours and mojitos.

In keeping with the theme, the interior will be outfitted with brightly patterned tile from Puebla, and commissioned artwork made from papier-mache and clay. The tables will sport custom-made ceramics and hand blown glass.

Villa Rica marks the fifth concept for Hernandez in the San Antonio area, including Burgerteca, three La Gloria locations, two outposts of The Fruteria, as well as Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon in Bulverde. Hernandez also operates La Gloria in Las Vegas, The Fruteria in Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and three restaurants in England under the MEXico name. In November, 2017, Hernandez closed the Alamo Quarry location of El Machito, but it will be reopening at Brooks on the South Side sometime in 2018.

Villa Rica will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-10 pm and Friday-Saturday from 5-11 pm. Sunday brunch will run 10 am to 4 pm.

openings

A toast to wine bars

2 new wine bars pour into San Antonio 10 days apart

Loblolly Cellars, Vino Grotta, San Antonio, wine bar, winery

Loblolly Cellars / Facebook

Loblolly Cellars, a Columbus, Texas-based winery, opened a tasting room in north San Antonio in late December.

Wine fans in San Antonio have two new urban wineries in town where they can enjoy a glass or two of vino and more.

First, the owners of Loblolly Cellars hosted a December 21 grand opening party to celebrate their new tasting room at 11115 Wurzbach Rd., Ste. 600, in the north central side of town.

Loblolly Cellars is based in the Columbus area, halfway between San Antonio and Houston. The owners have a vineyard on their family ranch filled with loblolly pine trees, which inspired the name of the winery.

The crew at Loblolly Cellars have spent the past year and a half promoting the fledgling winery, offering products at pop-up events in the Columbus area and around the Hill Country. The owners often use a mobile taproom to serve up a glass of Loblolly wine or sangria at such events.

Prior to opening the San Antonio tasting room, Loblolly has also been present for local events, such as pop-ups at the Vance Jackson Road tasting room parking lot. They also have appeared at the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church fall festival, which is held just down the street from the permanent tasting room site.

The family- and pet-friendly taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating where patrons can choose from a variety of Loblolly wines, such as Riesling, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Lenoir, Blanc du Bois, Camminare Noir, and an Italian-style red blend, a mix of Sangiovese and Aglianico grapes.

Loblolly Cellars also features house sangria and charcuterie. The tasting room is open from 5-10 pm on Thursdays, 1-10 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 10 pm Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays.

The second new winery soft opened December 30 at 19338 Babcock Rd., Ste. 209, in far northwest San Antonio. Owner Kim Stevens describes Vino Grotta, or “wine cave," as more than a wine bar, but rather an experience that features 100-plus wines from across the nation and world. The interior has a look and feel that reflect the rustic charm of underground cellars, Stevens says.

According to Stevens, guests can complement their wine with selections from a gourmet food menu that boasts small plates, such as zucchini fries, artichoke fritters, and red pepper gouda soup. The menu also contains sandwiches and flatbreads. Additionally, patrons may choose from a small assortment of craft beers and non-alcoholic wines.

Vino Grotta hosts occasional activities, such as live music performances, wine tastings and wine education programs. The space can also be reserved for various group events, such as private parties and corporate functions. A grand opening celebration is planned for February 1. The bar is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 3-10 pm, Saturdays from noon to 11 pm, and Sundays from noon to 8.

san antonio winery vino grotta loblolly cellars wine bar