NEWS YOU CAN EAT
Stoner sandwiches, serious coffee, and black pudding spark San Antonio food news
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 weekly roundup of essential food news.
Openings
Arizona-based franchise Cheba Hut hopes to take a huge rip out of San Antonio's sandwich market. The chain is opening a second San Antonio location at 2907 N. Loop 1604 E. #205 on November 20. The business, known for its "toasted" subs, names all of its subs after cannabis strains. Though the theme might suggest provocative flavor combinations, the menu takes a sober approach. The ham, Swiss, and pineapple Pakalolo is its only nod to true stoner cuisine.
Local standard-bearer Mixtli is keeping it casual for its upcoming concept, Greenhouse. The team's Instagram announcement promises a wholesome menu, including a "serious" coffee program, gluten-free pastries, whole grain bread sandwiches, and cold-pressed juices. The Olmos Park shop will drive out the spirits at 223 E. Hildebrand Ave. #101B, the former site of an ill-advised Chick'nCone franchise. (San Antonians, of course, know that chicken is best enjoyed on a stick.)
Although shamrock-splattered British and Irish pubs have been in San Antonio for ages, a group of British expats is set to bring authenticity across the pond. The Olde British Tea Shoppe, a daytime café featuring the classics of Brit cuisine, will debut November 21 at 20122 Stone Oak Parkway #105, the former home of Savor Bistro. Guests can expect Full English breakfasts, complete with black pudding, cottage pie, curry and rice, and Sunday roast. Afternoon tea will also be offered by appointment only.
Bringing back the mid-2000s vogue for umlauts, Blü Prime Steakhouseopened November 1 at 1818 N Loop 1604 W. #101. The menu is upscale, with favorites like seafood towers, rack of lamb, and wedge salads commingling with pricey add-ons like lobster tail and foie gras. The vibe follows suit with a business casual dress code and liberal use of uplighting. Children under 12 are not invited, though many a parent may take playroom inspiration from the liberal use of Majorelle blue.
The former downtown home of Kimura Ramen has finally found a new tenant. Branding for a new concept called FatHead Pizza has popped up at the 152 E. Pecan St. address. As of yet, the joint has offered scant clues for culinary gumshoes. Although an Instagram account assures a spring 2024 opening, it contains zero posts. Maybe it's a sushi joint? Who knows?
Other news and notes
Hankering to gorge yourself while dressed as a Gilmore Girls extra? The San Antonio Lobster Festival is set to defy the sea gods on November 26 at the downtown Smoke Skybar. The daylong event, held from noon to 10 pm, features free entertainment and various a la carte lobster dishes for $15 (organizers recommend pre-ordering). Those looking for a full boil, however, should be forewarned. The Caribbean lobsters being served may be a lovely pinch hitter, but they don't have claws.
The cookies will crumble on November 4 as the fourth annual Concha Throwdownmakes its way to Rolling Oaks Mall. From 11 am to 5 pm, local bakers will battle for pan dulce glory. Make a day of it by purchasing Blü-approved business casual togs at Dillard's.