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

After three years in business, Beacon Hill’s Bexar Kolache Company is closing on December 24. According to an Instagram post, founder Emily Stone was unable to come to an agreement with the landlord to keep the operation running. Though a setback, the shutter does not mean an end to the brand. The statement promised that Stone is already looking for a historic building to house a new iteration of the shop.

After a brief hiatus to retool, the Government Hill location of Guillermo’s fired back up on December 13. Though not a radical departure from the original, the restaurant has a renewed focus on pizza and a new name — Austin Street by Guillermo’s.

Other news and notes

The craft beer industry may be in the doldrums, but a traveling party offers some hope for hopheads. The Brewsology Beer Fest will make one of two Texas stops at the Witte Museum on March 30, 2024. The shindig offers samples from dozens of breweries ranging from locals like Freetail Brewing Co. to cult brands like Untitled Art. Tickets are available now for $50-$65 and include after-hours admission to the museum’s exhibits.

San Antonio seventh-grader Lila Smethurst will be the latest local making a star turn on the Food Network. The young baker was one of three Texas contestants picked to compete on Kids Baking Championship. The series, a sort of Great British Baking Show for tykes, will return on January 1 with a cast competing for a $25,000 prize and a feature in Food Network Magazine.

Chopped champion Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall is reviving Ocho’s Christmas Tamal Dinner on December 23 and 24. The family-style meal revolves around jumbo-sized tamales stuffed with various proteins and served with sides like calabacitas soup, rice, and beans. The special is available during brunch and dinner services.

The Grey Lady is smitten with one of San Antonio’s most iconic dishes. In its annual survey of the best American dishes, the New York Timescited the brisket taco from Garcia's Mexican Food as a standout. Journalist Priya Krishna praised the simplicity of the meal, writing “"a juicy, crisp-edged slab of brisket, a blanket-soft tortilla, some pico de gallo — when the basics are executed this well, there’s no need for any other adornments.”

Wurst Behavior is rolling out a cinematic menu for its latest pop-up on December 16. Inspired by Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation company behind hits like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, the offerings include onigiri, fried mackerel served over rice, shoyu ramen, and adorable handcrafted cake pops.