COMING ATTRACTIONS

San Antonio chef Stefan Bowers launches new sandwich pop-up

Stefan Bowers is launching Mayday, a new sandwich pop-up.

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After growing a buzzy pop-up to a thriving brick-and-mortar, San Antonio chef Stefan Bowers is starting the process again. His newest project, Mayday, will launch May 17 inside River North’s Merci Jones bar.

“I’m launching my second concept the same way I did with Pumpers: inside an Empty Stomach stronghold, as a pop-up called Mayday, “ wrote Bowers on Instagram. “This time, Merci Jones bar will be my port in the storm.”

Bowers implied that Mayday will be a launching pad for a brand-new concept, running as four monthly pop-ups that tease three of the twelve sandwiches from an anticipated full menu. The offerings are inspired by the chef’s “ home away from home,” San Francisco, starting with seafood.

The initial menu features the Clamwich with a Cherrystone clam cake, sesame-Kewpie slaw, bagna càuda butter, a wild smoked salmon sandwich with marinated cucumber and cashew romesco, and Cajun crab salad with chili crisp pimento cheese, fried onion, and green onion oil.

Bowers is no stranger to a slow burn. After making a name with new American fare at restaurants like Feast and Rebelle, he switched gears for the more mischievous Playland Pizza and pandemic project Pumpers. While he retired Playland in May 2022, Pumpers thrived as a side-eye to self-serious restaurant culture.

Mayday promises more of the same. A social media video introducing the concept featured a crashed airplane, Bowers laying his head down in apparent dismay, and a sandwich sloppily dripping on the floor.

Bowers has not announced the dates for its next pop-ups, but long lines are sure to form starting at noon on May 17. Fans can follow along on Instagram for updates.

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SUDDEN SHUTTERS

San Antonio's iconic Barn Door steakhouse to close after 72 years

Photo courtesy of The Barn Door

The Barn Door has served generations of San Antonians.

San Antonio’s The Barn Door restaurant is closing after more than 70 years at 8400 N New Braunfels Ave in Alamo Heights. Owners Darcie and Randy Stokes are folding the checkered tablecloths after a final Mother’s Day service on May 10.

Originally opened by Bill Tassos and David Strauss in 1953, the Barn Door's location was considered the "country" by many San Antonians. Still, it soon became a favorite for after-church lunches and birthday celebrations. The Stokes took the keys in 2011, only tweaking a few details of the timeworn interior.

Tin signs for Clabber Girl baking powder and National Bohemian beer hang on the wall, wood captain’s chairs seat fidgeting toddlers, and the menu is hardly legible with its curlicues and busy background. Not that most customers don’t know it by heart.

The price of the ribeye has gone up a few dollars, but it still retains its pride of place. The owners were never swayed by chain standards like seared ahi tuna. Instead, the spot offered comfort — oysters Rockefeller, wild boar and venison sausage, feathery buttermilk-dipped onion rings.

The Barn Door San Antonio The Barn Door barely changed in its almost 73 years.The Barn Door/ Facebook

Although the Stokes issued a lengthy statement on social media and a press release, they did not share the reasons behind the closure. Instead, the couple focused on legacy.

“You welcomed us into your traditions. You trusted us with your milestones. You filled our dining rooms with life, and you made the Barn Door what it became,” wrote the restaurant on social media. “We have been through so much together, and it has truly been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this city the steaks you have come to love.”

In anticipation of crowds wanting to say goodbye to the longtime staff, the Barn Door will switch to a reservation-only system starting May 1. Hours will be Wednesday through Saturday, 5-10 pm, and Sunday, 11:30 am-8 pm, including Mother’s Day.

San Antonio expats who can’t make it home still have a chance to relish the restaurant once more. The recipe for Barn Door’s ranch dressing, the most legendary in its homemade lineup, is available here.

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