RISING TO THE OCCASION

San Antonio brunch fave brings around-the-clock biscuits to River Walk

Alamo Biscuit Co. is now open on the River Walk. Alamo Biscuit Co./ Facebook

Popular brunch spot Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia has opened its new 24-hour location at the River Walk. The bakery and restaurant now serves fluffy biscuit sandwiches at 849 E. Commerce St., by the Shops at Rivercenter.

Owner John Vale announced the debut via Facebook with a photo of the renovated storefront, briefly the home of Spanish import Enrique Tomás. Fans of the local business will notice the playful concha branding, transforming pan dulce into a row of Instagrammable umbrellas.

"Thank you everyone for all your continued support throughout this amazing journey," Vale wrote.

The 7,000-square-foot eatery serves biscuits, of course — topped with gravy or jam, sandwiching Nashville-style hot chicken, or flattened into the base of a breakfast pizza with sausage, bacon, and cheese. Less flaky offerings include waffles, shrimp and grits, bean and cheese tacos, and brisket-loaded fries.

Insomniacs will be happy with the full espresso bar, serving standards like cappuccinos and lattes. River Walk revelers will want to order something off the cocktail menu, which lists sophisticated sippers like a French 75; a classic Bee Sting with local gin; and the signature Pink Drink, a mix of tequila, strawberry, and lemon juice.

The addition of Alamo Biscuit continues the renaissance at the once-struggling Rivercenter mall. New businesses like the Australian mini-golf chain Holey Moley and the upcoming Mexico Ceaty food court overhaul by chef Jason Dady are bringing new vitality to the downtown space.

Alamo Biscuit is on a growth spurt, too. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation listing, a fourth location will soon launch at La Picosa Town Center at 7514 S. New Braunfels Ave., Bldg 3.

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Brews and Barrels

New brewery and Italian-inspired winery barrel into Hill Country town

Charleston Taylor Estate Winery exterior

The new winery will host cooking classes to pair with its Cabernet wines. Photo courtesy of Charleston Taylor Estate Winery

A new winery tasting room and brewery on the same property are preparing for a May 3 grand opening in Johnson City, about 65 miles from San Antonio. The Charleston Taylor Estate Winer y and Black Chapel Brewing Co. will do much more than serve beverages at their new space.

The estate is located at 6212 W. U.S. Highway 290, which is next to Vinovium, a winery Texans might recognize as the host of the annual Texas Wine Jam.

A photo of the winery, sent via press release, shows an unassuming, rustic structure with a patio and parking. Both the winery and the brewery have been sharing photos and videos of their construction progress for months on Instagram.

The winery, named for the owners' children, takes a community-centered approach, offering plenty of excuses to visit beyond drinking wine. The press release lists haunted tours, tasting events, and workshops — both creating wine blends and Italian cooking. Some of these events center around a 19th century well used for aging wines.

The vineyard uses Cabernet grapes for its wines, and a mix of traditional and modern techniques. Its specialties are sparkling wines and reds, which are made with the winery's "Italian-inspired cuisine" in mind.

On the brewery side, the website touts "over 15 years of craft beer and pizza-making excellence." The team comes from Black Market Brewing in Temecula, California, so if the new venture is anything like its predecessor, Texans should expect pizza with tons of toppings, and an array of beers with a sense of humor, like the Severance double hazy IPA or the No Equis Mexican Lager.

The brewery further offers an indoor taproom with games and big screens, outdoor seating, and access to the rest of the 30-acre estate.

Winery hours are Thursdays through Mondays from 11 am to 5 pm, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment. Brewery hours are Thursdays and Mondays from 11 am to 8 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm.

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