News you can eat
Dessert shop killing it on Northwest Side, Chick-fil-A departs airport, and more food news
Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the what’s what and who’s who of San Antonio food. But we have you covered with our regular roundup of the freshest local restaurant news.
Pink’s Popcorn has switched over to a tasty new concept. Owner Megan Morales tells CultureMap that she rebranded the shop at 10501 Huebner Rd. into Cereal Killer Sweets due to the overwhelming popularity of its Rice Krispies treats and other cereal bars. The colorful confections come in flavors like a Berry Me Alive, peanut butter cup, and the wildly popular Churroll (a rolled cinnamon creation with icing). Even sweeter: Ten percent of all monthly sales goes to local nonprofits like Thrive Youth Center and Snack Pack 4 Kids.
On March 21, the San Antonio City Council axed a deal to bring Chick-fil-A to the San Antonio International Airport in a 6-4 vote, with one abstention. In a statement, council member Roberto Treviño said, “With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion. San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.” The Chick-fil-A location was part of a larger concessions deal from operator Paradies Lagardère that includes capsule outposts of Alamo City favorites like The Luxury, Smoke Shack BBQ, and Local Coffee. Those eateries will open as planned.
Noted San Antonio barman Benjamin Krick's latest project, Jet-Setter, will soon be landing in the former location of The Last Word at 229 E. Houston St. Krick confirms that April 1 will be the first date for the bar, which serves international flavors and spirits in a high-flying midcentury modern lounge setting.
March 10 was opening day for Medina River Coffee, a new coffee shop at 11825 West Ave. Ste 101. The new concept sells a variety of espresso drinks, including the signature Coco-Ro-Dachio with almond roca, pistachio, and coconut syrups. The spot also offers scratch treats like chocolate cinnamon muffins, savory jalapeño corn muffins, and beautifully decorated chocolate covered Oreos.
San Antonio’s best chefs battled it out at Mission County Park on March 24 for the 10th annual Corona Paella Challenge. A panel of judges (including this writer) tasted over two dozen new and old school dishes to determine the ultimate winners. Jose Sanchez from Cured took home first place in the classical category, followed by Susanna Trilling (Seasons of My Heart, Oaxaca) in second, and independent chef Brian West in third. In the contemporary category, where contestants are allowed free reign in interpreting the classic Spanish dish, Carlos Gonzales of Sweetfire Kitchen reigned supreme. Pieter Sypesteyn (The Cookhouse), and Jhojans Priego Zarate and Lorenzo Renzahuer (Mariscos Villa Rica, Veracruz) nabbed second and third place, respectively. The crowd, however, didn’t agree with the judge’s opinions. Toro Kitchen tied with Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery as the people’s choice.
San Antonio’s chapter of culinary organization Les Dames d’Escoffier International is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. The grants, only open to San Antonio area women enrolled in a professional culinary program, will be awarded on May 31. Those interested can see the full list of requirements and print out an application here.
NOLA Brunch and Beignets is introducing beer and wine with a fly brunch on March 30. From 9 am to 2 pm, guests can wear claw clips and bucket hats as they kick it ‘90s style during a day filled with drink specials, giveaways, and live music. After the event, guests will still be able to bring their own bottle, but a $20 corkage fee will apply.