San Antonio is getting a taste of winter this week, but that's not stopping new ice cream shops from scooping into the area — two specializing in gelato, and another one (coming soon), in frozen custard. Meanwhile, local restaurants are facing rising egg prices due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
Openings
Three new ice cream parlors are primed to melt locals' hearts:
First, the first San Antonio location of multinational chain Amorino Gelato, opened on February 20 at 200 Riverwalk #105. As CultureMap previously reported, the brand is primarily known in Europe, where it has made a mark with rose-shaped scoops. The downtown location celebrated its grand opening with free tastings and Italian hot chocolate.
Meanwhile, Muu LaLá is days away from opening at 2211 NW Military Hwy, #122 in Castle Hills. Teaser reels promise a debut in March and a menu of espresso drinks and small-batch gelato. There's no word yet on an exact opening date.
The frosty fun is extending to Cibolo. According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the bedroom community will soon enjoy its first location of cult Midwest chainAndy's Frozen Custard. Construction on the walk-up and drive-thru restaurant at 933 Cibolo Valley Dr. is currently set to wrap up in August.
In non-ice cream news, three miles up the road, Cava is eyeing an outpost in Scherz. TDLR records indicate that the Mediterranean bowl chain intends to build a new location at 36 Cibolo Valley Dr. Although the Washington, D.C. company has several storefronts in San Antonio, this will be the first area location in the suburbs.
Other news and notes
Comfort Cafe is waffling on what to feature on its upcoming appearance on the Food Network series America's Best Restaurants. The recovery-minded restaurant is polling its customers on which dish to showcase when host Luis Rivera stops by February 28, promising two $25 gift cards to randomly drawn winners. Filming will take place at the Leon Valley location at 6812 Bandera Rd.
Oof (or maybe œuf)! Beloved diner chain Jim's Restaurants has announced a 50-cent egg surcharge. In a Facebook statement, the company explained that the bird flu outbreak is making eggs harder to come by and, thus, more expensive. The group hopes to remove the extra fee as soon as markets stabilize.
The Hello Kitty Cafe is once again rolling into Alamo City. The Sanrio-themed food truck will park between the 410 access road and McCollough Avenue at North Star Mall between 10 am and 7 pm on February 22. In addition to serving sweets, the truck will also be peddling twee merch like t-shirts and plushes.