Chef Secrets

Texas chef shows home cooks how to slice steak like a pro

In this episode of Chef Secrets, we went behind the line with Executive Chef Kirstyn Brewer of Victor Tangos in Dallas. She shows us the proper way to slice meat.

She demonstrates using the restaurant’s sliced hanger steak with barbecue lentils (a twist on barbecue beans) and tomatillo salsa verde. First, once the steak is cooked to the desired temperature, she suggests you cover it with foil to keep it warm and let it rest, so the juices redistribute and don’t run out when you slice it.

Sounds obvious, but the right tool also is key, namely a very sharp knife.

She slices against the grain, creating shorter striations of muscle, so that it’s not tough. Because she’s right-handed, she likes to start away from her left hand and slice toward it.

“When I do that I find that the meat falls in a more natural way, and I have a little more control over it,” she says.

To see the whole process, watch the video.

OPENING ALERT

Buzzy La La Land Kind Cafe teases opening at San Antonio's La Cantera

La La Land Kind Cafe

La La Land Kind Cafe/ Facebook

La La Land Kind Cafe first San Antonio location is days away from opening.

If the TikTok hype is correct, San Antonio’s Shops of La Cantera might be even more of a zoo this Black Friday. A series of videos posted by employees of dreamy coffee chain La La Land Kind Cafe says the cafe at 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. #20100 is days away from opening, with many hinting at a November 28 debut.

That timeframe tracks with earlier estimations from the Northwest Side shopping center, which previously teased the viral chain would be open in time for the holiday season. La La Land has not made an official announcement, but its official TikTok account has been liking and commenting on the deluge of videos coming from the San Antonio baristas.

The Dallas-based cafe has built a passionate fanbase around its Zoomer-friendly branding, stylish interiors, and a mission built on kindness. After finding success with poke restaurants, Francois Reihani founded the concept to make a greater social impact. The chain provides paid internships to smooth the transition from foster care to adulthood and other vital services through its sibling La La Land Foundation.

Guests wouldn’t necessarily know the charitable angle when ordering a latte at one of the Texas or California locations. But cheerful vibes are part of the branding — from peppy affirmations printed on coffee sleeves to its series of “Drive-by Kindness” videos made with influencers like David Dobrik and Keith Lee.

The drinks are just as social media savvy. Strawberry Fields comes in a preppy pink, Lavender Bloom is a striking violet, and the Upsidedown Latte photogenically flips the espresso shot from bottom to top. La La Land also serves fruity coolers and toasts in Millennial-friendly flavors like avocado, hazelnut, and truffle burrata.

The San Antonio La La Land is located in the same space as womenswear shop Francesca’s, which shuttered in the summer. CultureMap has reached out to the company and several employees to confirm the opening date, but did not receive responses by publication time. We will update this article should we receive further details.

Whenever the team lets in its first customers, fans should be prepared for a mini mob. When La La Land made its debut in Austin in July, the line stretched for blocks despite rainy weather.

northwest side shops of la cantera coffee chains openings

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