News you can eat
6 things to know in San Antonio food right now: Famed chef constructs new casa in Southtown
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
San Antonio culinary majordomo Johnny Hernandez is once again in expansion mode with a new restaurant set to open in the spring. The local culinary ambassador is reimagining his former Southtown event space and residence at 411 E. Cevallos St., as Casa Hernán. There’s no word on the menu just yet, but a sneak peek video reveals a colorful Mexican-inspired interior.
An adventurous new concept is docking at 3299 Wurzbach Rd., the former home of Tink-A-Tako. A mixed beverage permit has been filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for Viking Tavern, a new bar and restaurant. Unfortunately, the rudimentary landing page reveals little about the joint. Though it does promise an April opening date, it’s unclear how far the owners are taking the Norse theme. Here’s hoping for a hefty mead selection!
Hot off the February opening of Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in the Quarry, another sushi chain is set to make a splash in Alamo City. Trapper’s Sushi Co., a Washington State chain, has filed plans with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for a Far West Side location at 415 Loop 1604. This will be the first Texas outpost for the restaurant known for its enormous selection of fusion rolls.
East Side residents now have a new place for birria. Chef Ernie Bradley of Kuriya and Cherrity Bar is now dipping into the food truck game with La Tienda de Birria, located on the same 929 N. New Braunfels Ave. property as his other concepts. The minimal menu features albóndigas, “quesatacos,” and traditional goat birria Friday and Saturday evenings.
Other news and notes
San Antonio’s wildest food party is roaring into the San Antonio Zoo on May 14. Though the lineup for Zoo-La-La has yet to be announced, the event will include plenty of drinks, bites from more than 40 local restaurants, and live entertainment. The VIP pass includes two private parties, including one inside the hippo viewing area of Africa Live! Tickets, ranging from $85-$150, are available here.
The San Antonio Food Bank will host more than 20 businesses and organizations on March 6 during the second annual Vegan Family Reunion. The free event, hosted by vegan frozen food company Rooted Vegan Cuisine, supports Black-owned businesses, artists, and charities while promoting plant-based eating. Vendors also will help fight food insecurity through special items benefiting the Food Bank.
