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

The owners of The Modernist are trumpeting a new project but are so far keeping most details on mute. In a July 31 Instagram post, the bespoke cocktail lounge teased a new concept called La Ruina. The bar will be dedicated to the spirits of tropical America with a focus on rum (the tagline is “ron y mas”). The location, however, remains a mystery. Zillow sleuths were only offered one tantalizing clue — the spot will be “housed in a graceful but well-worn building.”

Japanese chicken spot Krazy Katsuburst into the San Antonio scene with a grand opening on July 30. The fast-casual restaurant, located at 5257 McCullough Ave., specializes in herb-brined and panko-breaded chicken sandwiches slathered with sauces like Bourbon teriyaki, Kewpie mayo, and chipotle ranch. The eatery also nods to its hometown in various offerings, including hibiscus agua fresca, craft beer from local fave Viva Brewery, and a fusion take on chicken on a stick.

Francis Bogside gave an Irish goodbye to Southtown on July 31. According to a media alert, the popular pub will soon move to a new space. The long-running bar has been pouring since 2015, save for a year interrupted by a devastating Halloween 2016 fire. After extensive renovations, it commandeered sibling restaurant Brigid’s space and reopened with a small stage and wraparound bar. There is no word yet on where the bar will start its third act. Details are promised in the upcoming weeks.

It’s out with barbecue, and in with cheesesteaks at Weathered Soul Brewing Co. South BBQ is moving out of the brewery’s kitchen on August 7 to make room for Broadway food truck Eleanor 1909. Owner Brie Morris, a former Food Network stylist who has worked with Bobby Flay, Rocco DiSpirito, and Lorenzo Polegri, will bring some sparkle to traditional pub grub. Highlights include a smash burger with pimento cheese and candied bacon, oxtail queso, and smoked salmon deviled eggs. According to social media, Morris will start serving on August 9.

In another switcheroo, New Braunfels Italian joint 188 Southclosed its doors July 30 to make way for a second location of San Marcos bistro Cody’s Restaurant. There are no details yet on when Cody’s will start dishing out its upscale fare, but the restaurant has absorbed many of 188’s former staff members.

Other news and notes

River Walk tiki bar Hugman’s Oasis rolled out a new food menu on August 1. Well-known Alamo City chef Teddy Liang has developed five new dishes for the watering hole, including Kalua pork sliders and two flavors of popcorn chicken. The must-order item is sure to be the watermelon coconut bowl — a tropical concoction topped with fruit, ginger, roasted almonds, and chili salt dramatically presented tableside with dry ice.

Tickets are finally on sale for the hotly anticipated Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival on October 27-30. As previously reported, the mega event is a collaboration between the James Beard Foundation, Visit San Antonio, and local food nonprofit Culinaria, featuring a daytime Culinary Market on the San Antonio River and a stellar cast of national and homegrown culinary talent. Snag passes here.