Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the what’s what and who’s who of San Antonio food. But we have you covered with our regular roundup of the freshest local restaurant news.

Meatless Monday may be gaining popularity across the nation, but San Antonio remains one of the least veggie-friendly cities in the U.S., according to a new study from WalletHub. The personal finance website looked at affordability; diversity, accessibility, and quality of plant-based foods; and the prevalence of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles in 100 cities and found San Antonio lacking on several metrics. In all, the Alamo City came in at 71 on the list — still far better than El Paso, which ranked dead last.

Still, there are a few locals working to provide delicious plant-based fare. Pharm Table is making a major leap into retail to give shoppers an alternative to dairy-based sweets. Beginning October 7, chef Elizabeth Johnson’s vegan, gluten-, and sugar-free desserts will be available at all San Antonio locations of Whole Foods Market. Choices include cheese-less cheesecakes and avocado chocolate mousse.

In more vegan news, La Botanica took to social media on September 4 to announce its new lunch service. The St. Mary’s Strip eatery will open at noon Wednesday through Saturday and serve a menu of hot dogs, Cobb salads, and burgers.

A longtime San Antonio restaurateur is breathing a sigh of relief after locals pitched in to help revive her business. In public September 24 Facebook post, Capparelli’s on Main owner Gay Capparelli asked for help from the community, saying that three months of nearby construction and the withering South Texas heat had taken a toll on her Italian restaurant. With some amplification from popular local blogger San Antonio Munchies, foodies pitched in to help. In a series of follow-up posts, Capparelli says that business is now booming.

The Alamo City’s cheesiest party is returning. On November 2, restaurant and amateur teams will compete for bragging rights as part of the third annual Queso Meltdown. The $5 entry fee gets guests unlimited chips and the chance to vote for the best queso in the city. The family friendly event, a benefit for the Christian Assistance Ministry, will also include live music, kid’s activities, food and retail vendors, and plenty of margaritas and beer.

Four downtown bars are teaming up to give San Antonians a magical night. On October 24, Blue Box, Burleson Yard Beer Garden, La Roca Cantina, and Still Golden Social House will represent the houses of Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin, respectively, during a Harry Potter bar crawl. Each stop will cast a spell with treats like themed cocktails, movie screenings, and decor. Wands come out at 4 pm.

On October 12, Dorćol Distilling + Brewing Co. will be attempting to break the record for the longest sausage in Texas. The 300-feet-long beast will weight more than 240 pounds and served with potato salad from The Farmers Butcher, sauerkraut by Madge’s Food Company, and a roll. H-E-B, Laxson Co. Meat Wholesaler, and Oversea Casing Company have provided the supplies while H-E-B culinary development director Randy Evans and Clementine chef-owner John Russ have created a custom oven to cook the treat during the Southtown block party. All plate sales will benefit Respite Care of San Antonio, a local nonprofit that helps parents for children with medical issues and other special needs. Stop by at the distillery between noon-1 am to join in on the fun.

A new pitmaster has taken the tongs at Two Bros. BBQ Market. On September 24, the Dady Restaurant Group announced Chris Jerrick would now be bringing the smoke. The barbecue whiz is a nine-year vet of the restaurant.