Food for thought

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

Wine and dine this week with Toro Kitchen + Bar's pairing dinner.

Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time for parents to learn a few things, too. This week’s food events rise to the head of the class by feeding both belly and mind. Learn about urban farming at a blowout feast, explore New Orleans culture during a spirited benefit, and grab the whole family for some gold star raspas.

Monday, September 10

The Traditional Ramos Gin Fizz Shake Party at The Modernist
Shake it up with Seersucker Southern Gin as The Modernist celebrates one of New Orleans' most famous libations. Starting at 5 pm, bartenders from across San Antonio will form a line of up to 10 bartenders to shake the labor-intensive cocktail for an uninterrupted five minutes, giving each drink its signature frothy texture. Each gin fizz is $20 with gin and tonics available for $8. All proceeds will benefit the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and U.S. Bartending Guild’s Public Charity.

Wednesday, September 12

Salud! Culinary Night at The Witte Museum
Beginning at 6:30 pm, Ocho executive chef Edward Villareal and pastry chef Ernest Lopez and Smoke Shack Meat Market executive chef/butcher Paul Morales will throw down for a three-course dinner sourced from San Antonio’s urban farms. Sip on seasonal Texas Hill Country wines while learning about the importance of sustainable local agriculture from two area producers. Score your $50 ticket here.

Corks + Forks at Toro Kitchen + Bar Downtown
Pop into Toro’s new downtown location for a seasonal four-course dinner featuring off-menu dishes from chef Juan Carlos’ kitchen. While dining, enjoy live music and get schooled on each paired wine’s origin, winery, and varietal from Toro’s in-house wine expert. The dinner begins at 7 pm and tickets are $87.

Saturday, September 15

Thai Cocktails at Thai Topaz
This popular class and tasting session returns to highlight the bright flavors of traditional Thai cooking in a whole new way. Gastronomy Live Events will teach attendees how to use Southeast Asian ingredients in cocktails while the popular Castle Hills restaurant serves a variety of small plates from 6:30-8:30 pm. Reserve your spot for $20.

Sunday, September 16

Mexican Independence Day at The Rustic
The Rustic joins Four Corners Brewing for this day-long fiesta featuring live music, great food, and lotería. Start off with a tasty Jam & Toast Brunch from 10 am-2 pm, followed by live music at 12:30 pm and Sunday Supper at 4 pm. Enjoy special beer cocktails throughout the day made with Four Corners’ Local Buzz and Deep Eddy lemon vodka. Psychedelic Austin band Money Chicha finishes off the day with a rousing set at 7 pm.

Raspa Fest at Comanche Park
Chill out with other snow cone loving San Antonians at this family friendly celebration from Big Daddy’s Eats and Treats, kicking off at 1 pm. The alcohol-free festivities include live entertainment, an artisan market, and tons of tasty snacks. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits God’s Dogs Rescues and Bexar Country Family Justice Center.

concerts downtown museums movies lists tex-mex music wine cocktails chefs holidays galleries brunch breweries dinner drinks

A toast to wine bars

2 new wine bars pour into San Antonio 10 days apart

Loblolly Cellars, Vino Grotta, San Antonio, wine bar, winery

Loblolly Cellars / Facebook

Loblolly Cellars, a Columbus, Texas-based winery, opened a tasting room in north San Antonio in late December.

Wine fans in San Antonio have two new urban wineries in town where they can enjoy a glass or two of vino and more.

First, the owners of Loblolly Cellars hosted a December 21 grand opening party to celebrate their new tasting room at 11115 Wurzbach Rd., Ste. 600, in the north central side of town.

Loblolly Cellars is based in the Columbus area, halfway between San Antonio and Houston. The owners have a vineyard on their family ranch filled with loblolly pine trees, which inspired the name of the winery.

The crew at Loblolly Cellars have spent the past year and a half promoting the fledgling winery, offering products at pop-up events in the Columbus area and around the Hill Country. The owners often use a mobile taproom to serve up a glass of Loblolly wine or sangria at such events.

Prior to opening the San Antonio tasting room, Loblolly has also been present for local events, such as pop-ups at the Vance Jackson Road tasting room parking lot. They also have appeared at the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church fall festival, which is held just down the street from the permanent tasting room site.

The family- and pet-friendly taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating where patrons can choose from a variety of Loblolly wines, such as Riesling, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Lenoir, Blanc du Bois, Camminare Noir, and an Italian-style red blend, a mix of Sangiovese and Aglianico grapes.

Loblolly Cellars also features house sangria and charcuterie. The tasting room is open from 5-10 pm on Thursdays, 1-10 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 10 pm Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays.

The second new winery soft opened December 30 at 19338 Babcock Rd., Ste. 209, in far northwest San Antonio. Owner Kim Stevens describes Vino Grotta, or “wine cave," as more than a wine bar, but rather an experience that features 100-plus wines from across the nation and world. The interior has a look and feel that reflect the rustic charm of underground cellars, Stevens says.

According to Stevens, guests can complement their wine with selections from a gourmet food menu that boasts small plates, such as zucchini fries, artichoke fritters, and red pepper gouda soup. The menu also contains sandwiches and flatbreads. Additionally, patrons may choose from a small assortment of craft beers and non-alcoholic wines.

Vino Grotta hosts occasional activities, such as live music performances, wine tastings and wine education programs. The space can also be reserved for various group events, such as private parties and corporate functions. A grand opening celebration is planned for February 1. The bar is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 3-10 pm, Saturdays from noon to 11 pm, and Sundays from noon to 8.

san antonio winery vino grotta loblolly cellars wine bar

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A toast to wine bars

2 new wine bars pour into San Antonio 10 days apart