Eternal summer

Here are the 6 best food and drink events in San Antonio this week

Larder is joining the cheesy fun at Hotel Emma this Wednesday.

We may be saying sayonara to summer and hello to fall, but we’re still a long way away from sweater weather in San Antonio. Take advantage of the last bit of summer fun this week with surprising dining events and brewery throw-downs.

Wednesday, September 5

M aster Class: Spanish Cheese at Hotel Emma
Make Wednesday a cheat day at this indulgent evening entirely dedicated to Spanish cheese. The last course of Hotel Emma’s summer-long master class series features a short documentary screening, an expert-guided class, and a cheese and wine pairing. Led by educator Max McCalman, the event will include two three-hour sessions at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. Cheese aficionados can also enjoy tapas from Larder and Sternewirth or visit Supper to feast on chef John Brand’s special cheesy menu. Tickets for the sessions are $25. Call 210-448-8351 to secure your $50 seat for dinner at Supper.

Vegan Stop Shop at Brik at Blue Star Arts Complex
If you have made the switch to plant-based eating, or just want to add a few meatless meals to your weekday rotation, this monthly market has everything you need. Pick up sweet and savory treats from popular vegan vendors like Greens & Grains, Sweet Nebula, and Miss Chickpea’s Bakeshop and score fresh local produce from Green Bexar Farm for the rest of the week. While you are filling up your pantry, stock up on luxury bath products from Organically Bath & Beauty and Dewy Organics.

Thursday, September 6

Fire & Ice Guest Dinner with Bo Bech at The Granary 'Cue & Brew
As the explosive finale of its 2018 Guest Chef Dinner Series, The Granary will host world renowned Copenhagen chef Bo Bech for an exceptional multi-course dinner and wine pairing. The fiery Danish TV personality and owner of Copenhagen’s acclaimed Geist restaurant will offer a unique take on contemporary Nordic cuisine — and an unforgettable San Antonio experience. Tickets are $225. Make your reservation now to secure a seat.

Friday, September 7

National Beer Lovers' Day at Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Labor Day may have passed, but there is still one September holiday worth celebrating. From 5-9 pm, sip on brews, whiskey, and handcrafted cocktails and enjoy “holiday” prices on specialty bottles. Meat and cheese boards will also be available for purchase to help soak all the booze up. The event is cover-free, and kids and pets are welcome under adult supervision. Get there early to be one of the first 25 people to nab a free draft beer.

Saturday, September 8

Collaboration Beer Fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis at Busted Sandal Brewing Company
San Antonio’s Busted Sandal joins forces with Longmont, Colorado’s Left Hand Brewing for a fundraiser and collaborative brew event. For $20, attendees can sample four 7-ounce pours of the collaboration beers, enjoy all-day snacks, and listen to live music. Tickets are very limited and benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

First Annual Street Taco Fest at Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Wrap up the summer with some of the best street tacos in Alamo City. Favorite San Antonio food trucks Food Maniacs, Ay Que Rico, and Truck N’ Taco will be on hand serving up their best for carnivores and vegetarians alike while Weathered Souls keep the party going with draft pours and micheladas. After getting your fill, take a swing at the piñata for candy and swag.

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Bar Culture

Ramen chain from Tokyo opens new location in San Antonio

Photo courtesy of Jinya Ramen Bar

This chain emphasizes traditional ramen.

San Antonians may not realize they have a real Japanese ramen spot in their city, and now they'll have more as Jinya Ramen Bar opens its second location in the city.

The restaurant at 7010 W Loop 1604 N. Suite 203 will open December 17. That will make 16 Texas locations for the Tokyo-based chain, which emphasizes the spread of "real ramen culture."

The first 100 guests will get a free bowl of ramen. The count starts at 11 am.

Jinya Ramen Bar bowls Jinya has a diverse menu with lots of possible add-ins.Photo courtesy of Jinya Ramen Bar

“Guests in San Antonio love big flavors and we’re happy to supply them,” said founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi in the release. “The Culebra neighborhood has become an incredible restaurant and retail destination, and we knew this community would be a great fit for our traditional ramen dishes.”

American ramen-lovers will recognize many of the ensembles featuring tonkotsu, shiyo, and miso broths with chashu (braised pork belly) or ground pork and yellow noodles. But the menu is much wider than these standard options, also featuring a vegan bowl, some bowls with chicken chashu instead of pork, shrimp or chicken wontons instead of noodles, and yuzu-flavored broth. A popular temporary menu item has also returned: The Red Garnet with vegetable broth, pork chashu, and chili garlic sauce.

Most of the ingredients listed above are offered as mix-ins (including all the proteins), plus additions like butter, fried onion, cabbage, broccolini, and more. "Tapas," rice bowls, salads, and desserts add some more variety, alongside beer, wine, sake, and just about anything else that would be available at a full bar.

According to the release, Jinya is particular about the water it uses in its broth and has a special aging process for its noodles.

Jinya Ramen Bar Culebra interior A sneak peek at the new location.Photo courtesy of Jinya Ramen Bar

Jinya Ramen Bar in Culebra will be open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.

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