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9 things to know in San Antonio food right now: Local food truck park unexpectedly calls it quits
StreetFare SA, one of San Antonio's few food truck parks, has now closed.
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 and closings
First, the bad news. Family-friendly food truck park StreetFare SA suddenly called it quits via a November 14 announcement. The concept debuted in 2018 as a community space with various kitchens, a large open-air pavilion, an Airstream bar, and room for kids to romp around. The post did not give a reason for the unexpected announcement, made just days before the November 20 swan song.
Rosario's Mexican Cafe y Cantina at 910 S. Alamo St. is saying its goodbyes during its last week of service. After 23 years of operation, the Southtown staple is finally to 722 S. St. Mary's St. by the end of the year. The larger space will feature salvaged elements from the lot's former occupant, El Mirador, and works from acclaimed Latine artists — including internationally recognized muralist Inti Carlos. According to an Instagram post, the last day of service at the current building will be November 27.
Jazz was in the air at St. Paul's Square with the November 18 opening of Versa. Vinny Guerrero and Jonabelle Timms, the couple behind Beauty Haus salon, trumpeted the debut as part of the block's regular series of night markets. The subterranean club, located under coffee shop and listening room Vice, will be open Fridays and Saturdays, 9 pm-1 am.
Rooftop bar 1 Watson (no relation) will launch December 9 at the River Walk AC by Marriott hotel. Although no official menus have emerged, the upcoming downtown destination promises a variety of craft cocktails and a focus on Southwestern cuisine.
A new concept has set up camp at the former home of Hello Paradise at 520 E. Grayson St. Summer Campnonchalantly announced its opening via a social media post on November 11. In addition to drinks, the hangout is gearing up to serve a full menu. For now, guests can cuddle up before a fire pit while noshing on smash burgers and loaded fries.
Popular local pastry chef Jenn Riesmanrolled out a brick-and-mortar location of Rooster Crow Bakery at 4421 De Zavala Rd., the late home of Sol y Luna Baking Co. The November 16 soft opening featured focaccia, cookies, and pumpkin bread. After taking a few days off to bake Thanksgiving pies, the busy entrepreneur will reopen the shop on November 23.
Other news and notes
The organizers behind the cherished San Antonio tradition Cowboy Breakfast have sounded the alarms about the 2023 edition. In a release shared on Facebook, the nonprofit board shared that they still needed to meet this year's fundraising goal due to increased expenses and reduced donations. The free event, the traditional kick-off to rodeo season in Alamo City, is a long-running fundraiser for the Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts Programs at St. Phillip's College. Organizers have started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help it meet a $50,000 goal.
Following a virtual event in 2020 and a hybrid celebration in 2021, La Gran Tamelada will return in full force December 10-11 at Market Square. The annual free masa party, hosted by La Familia Cortez restaurant group and the City of San Antonio, features live music, vendors, child's activities, and a husky selection of tamales that can be enjoyed at the event or taken home for holiday feasting.
After appointing former Mighty Union culinary director Jorge Luis Hernández as executive chef in August, Hotel Emma has pulled off another culinary coup. Sofia Tejeda, a 2022 James Beard semifinalist for Mixtli, has been named the luxury property’s pastry chef. She will be joined by new chef de cuisine Amaris Diaz, recently the sous chef of The Moon’s Daughter.
