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 around town

Following months of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas-based seafood chain Fish City Grill is set to open its second San Antonio outpost on Tuesday, September 29. In accordance with current state guidelines set out by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the new operation will be operate at 75 percent dining capacity once it officially opens at 7010 W. Loop 1604. Diners can expect a full menu of grilled salmon, shrimp, fried catfish, and gumbo, as well as such unique starter options as oyster nachos and “smokin hot shrimp” with honey chipotle sauce and blue cheese crumbles. Additionally, Fish City Grill’s first San Antonio location in the Northwoods Shopping Center will shut down temporarily on September 29 for an interior renovation that’s expected to last approximately five days.

Haute South, the anticipated all-day cafe from Southerleigh, has announced it is opening Wednesday, September 30. Haute South will feature a menu based on Southern-style food, including the signature fried chicken made famous by its sister restaurant, seafood, a full oyster bar, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, salads, and even dessert hand pies. Haute South in located in the Rim at 5822 Worth Pwky., #11.

New details emerged this week about Little Em’s Oyster Bar, the forthcoming seafood operation from restaurateurs Emily and Houston Carpenter, fronted by longtime industry staple chef Benjamin Crumley. Little Em’s will focus on such unique oyster options as West Coast oysters as opposed to the Gulf Coast oysters commonly served at local seafood restaurants. Crumley offered more details to the San Antonio Current, adding that diners can also expect such menu options as ceviche and shellfish, as well as turf dishes like hamburgers and filet mignon. For drinks, Little Em’s will offer a wide selection of local craft beer and wine, including a variety of sparkling wines to pair with the concept’s seafood offerings. According to the Current, Little Em’s will open at 1001 S. Alamo St. sometime this fall, with the team eyeing early November for a grand opening date.

Other news and notes

Texas-based Blue Norther is partnering with Texas’ Breast Cancer Resource Center to debut its latest flavor. With every purchase of Blue Norther’s new Prickly Pear, a portion will be donated to the BCRC, a nonprofit that has provided free guidance, education, and assistance to nearly 2,000 women and their families for 25 years. For the first year of its partnership with the BCRC, Blue Norther will also donate a further percentage of sales from its full product line, which includes Wild Blackberry and Agave Lime made with real fruit juice. “We’re incredibly excited and thankful to team up with Blue Norther this year and, hopefully, for the years to come,” said BCRC’s executive director, Ray Anne Evans. “Committed community partners are essential to BCRC’s operations, and like so many families, the founders of Blue Norther have their own experience with breast cancer making this partnership so meaningful.”

Jerk Shack, the award-winning Jamaican eatery named CultureMap's Best New Restaurant 2019, is now offering new online ordering options. Alamo City foodies can now order chef Nicola Blaque’s popular half-chicken, jerk ribs, and vegetarian jerk jackfruit plates, as well as such side options as coco bread and pineapple habanero slaw, through the online ordering service Toast Tab for faster pick-up service. Also currently open for dine-in and takeout service is Blaque’s latest Caribbean concept, Mi Roti, which opened this year in the Pearl’s Bottling Department food court. Jerk Shack is currently open for takeout from 11 am-4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.