Opening Alert

New farm-to-table restaurant flies into San Antonio

Lasagna made with 44 Farms grass-fed beef Bolognese and butternut squash noodles at RedBird Farmacy.

Adding to San Antonio’s growing farm-to-table restaurant scene, RedBird Farmacy, frequently found at various farmers markets around town, is officially opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant and market in May.

The masterminds behind Redbird Farmacy are husband-and-wife team, and owners of Rossini Italian Bistro, Kay Paparella Spears and Andrew Paparella. Kay, nutritionist of 20 years, and Andrew, chef of 25 years, are working together the same way red birds work together to create nutrient-dense, chef-driven food with ingredients sourced from local farmers and ranchers.

Everything will be fresh, organic, and high quality. Poultry that comes from Windy Meadows Family Farm, beef from 44 Farms, eggs from Koch Ranch, cheese from Goatilicious, and fresh produce from local farms and Redbird’s very own garden are just a few of the local ingredients that will be used.

Open for lunch and dinner, the menu will feature seasonal ingredients with food prepared in-house. Specific menu items will range from homemade soups like the delicious organic squash and sweet potato soup (a favorite at farmers markets) to fresh salads filled with seasonal vegetables and herbs.

In many ways they are taking classic dishes and recreating them in healthy ways. Their hearty dish of lasagna will be made with 44 Farms grass-fed beef Bolognese and butternut squash noodles. The waffles that come with their buttermilk chicken will be made of sorghum, a gluten-free grain and served with a local honey.

Bowl options will include a delicious yellow coconut curry bowl, a Paleo burrito bowl with cilantro cauliflower rice, and various vegan and vegetarian options. With water from their reverse osmosis purification system, they will also serve organic coffee and tea, kombucha, stevia sodas, and more.

In an effort to make nutrient-dense food an option for everyone, even for those on the go or at events, they will also have a full market stocked with freshly made meals and catering options. You will have the option to pick up healthy grab-and-go meals. You’ll also be able to purchase raw-milk cheeses; raw yogurt; kombucha tea; fermented foods; and, Paleo, vegan, and gluten-free items, as well as Himalayan salt, organic skincare products, and supplements.

Taking over the space once occupied by River Tree Bistro on Blanco Road, RedBird Farmacy has completely changed the look and feel. The layout has been opened up and reimagined with a barn-like vibe (think reclaimed wood, rustic decor, clean colors) and laid-back order-at-the-counter service. Pots filled with herbs and vegetables will surround those who sit in the outdoor space.

The official grand opening party will take place on Saturday, May 7, from 11 am to 7 pm, with lots of food, live music, and activities for the kids.

news-you-can-eat dinner health lunch

BREW BLUES

Acclaimed brewery taps out of San Antonio after 11 years

Busted Sandal Brewing Company/Facebook

Busted Sandal is closing all three of its locations.

Nationwide, the gusty tradewinds of the craft brewing industry have capsized several industry leaders. In San Antonio, it has been a hurricane. Less than a month after revered beermaker Weathered Souls shuttered, Busted Sandal Brewing has written its own epitaph. The closure affects all three locations.

The team shared the news in an October 2 social media post. Although the statement didn’t dig deeply into the reasoning, it cited economic pressures, including its customers' ability to pay for “housing, food, and day-to-day life.”

“We do not close Busted Sandal with immense regret, but rather with a great sense of pride, holding our heads high knowing we made great beer and created a fun place for our Sandal family,” wrote a representative.

Busted Sandal opened its first outpost in San Antonio in 2013, largely committed to lighter beer styles like Mexican lagers and hefeweizens. In early 2020, the company expanded to a beer garden in Helotes. Its newest location in Kerrville has only been open since July 2023.

The economy had undoubtedly been unfriendly to breweries. According to a 2023 study by the national trade group Brewer’s Association, the industry has been burdened by rising costs in almost every production area. At the same time, climate change has reduced crop yields, and changes in drinking preferences have damaged sales.

The market forces are definitely felt in the Alamo City area. In addition to Weathered Souls’ passing, Barrelman Brewing Co., Boerne Brewery, Kinematic Brewing Co., and Second Pitch Beer Co. have all shuttered in recent months. Alamo Beer owner Eugene Simor has placed his East Side property for sale, and Black Laboratory has traded beer for seltzers.

The last day of business for Busted Sandal’s San Antonio location will be October 12, followed by November 3 and 10 for Helotes and Kerrville, respectively.

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