By Edmond Ortiz
The new slate of Light Bites is highlighted by Singh’s Vietnamese restaurant expanding to near the University of Texas at San Antonio, local musicians launching a tapas eatery on the North Side, and a new Asian restaurant in Windcrest.
Also of note, a new Boerne speakeasy opened its doors, a dessert bar opened on the far West Side, a mimosa-centric eatery is preparing to close, and Culinaria is celebrating the winter edition of Restaurant Weeks.
NOW OPEN
Pour Cocktail Collective
This speakeasy bar is fully opening Jan. 23 near the University of Texas at San Antonio. The owners have described Pour as a lounge marketed toward people ages 30 and up. The bar will be absent of DJs, buckets of beers, nightclub lighting or other features commonly found at sports bars.
5123 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 108. Hours of operation are 3 p.m.-2 a.m. weekdays, noon-2 a.m. Sat., and noon-10 p.m. Sun. (210-889-7049)
Tinto y Tapas Restaurant and Latin Lounge
Renowned local musicians Judi Deleon and Henry Brun created this North Side eatery and live music hangout, which began a soft opening phase in mid-January.
Chef Lee Guerrero, best known for his work at Boardwalk Bistro, blends Spanish, Mediterranean and Latin influences with seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation to produce a tapas-anchored menu, which features dishes such as gambas al aljillo with shrimp and olive oil topped with pepper flakes.
Albondigas con champions contains meatballs served with a sauce of pan drippings, mushrooms, carrots, flour and a bit of tomato with a splash of white wine. Dessert offerings include olive oil cake. Non-alcoholic beverages include soda, lemonade, coffee and tea. There is also a children’s menu.
Launching Jan. 28, happy hour will be held 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays. A brunch menu will be rolled out Feb. 1 alongside two musical offerings. Bites and Beats will feature a rotation of small plates, wines, cocktails and music, ranging from Latin to jazz, Friday and Saturdays nights starting at 6 p.m. The Sunny Side of Tinto y Tapas, highlighted by live Latin soul music, will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays.
Brun will be among the regular musical acts at Tinto y Tapas.
14355 Blanco Road. Current hours of operation are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed. and Thu., and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. (726-348-2727)
The Pan House
The restaurant, with a focus on Filipino and Thai cuisine, had a soft opening Jan. 16. The Pan House offers an array of traditional soups and pho bowls, noodle dishes, dumplings, curries, and sushi dishes. There are also meals and entrees, such as Vietnamese grilled pork chop, and pork adobo.
5009 Walzem Road, Windcrest. Current hours of operation are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue., and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. and Sun. (210-957-1811)
Singh’s
The popular Vietnamese restaurant is opening a new location near the University of Texas at San Antonio in the old Noodle Tree spot Jan. 24. This will be Singh’s third local eatery.
7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 101.
Twelve to Twelve
Mexico City native and hospitality industry veteran Patricio Penalosa opened this Boerne speakeasy-style bar Jan. 20 next to Pure Country BBQ and Grill. The bar’s name reflects its operating hours – noon to midnight.
Visitors may choose from a curated menu of crafted house cocktails, such as the Golden Pear, with Belle de Brillet, a pear liqueur, Disaronno and elderflower, and Naked and Famous, featuring mezcal, yellow chartreuse, aperol and lime. Plans call for the addition of food options, including a food truck.
1491 S. Main St., Boerne. Open Tue.-Sat.
Chillato
Jan. 16 was the opening day for this fusion dessert bar on the far West Side. Chillato’s menu features gelato, Italian ice, bingsu – a Korean shaved ice dessert – as well as fruit cups, aguas frescas and street snacks, including corn in a cup and nachos.
8610 Potranco Road, Suite 109. Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. (210-996-9391)
Dave’s Hot Chicken
The California-based Nashville-style hot chicken chain opened a Schertz location Jan. 9. This is the third Dave’s Hot Chicken fast-food restaurant in the San Antonio area.
18476 I-35 N., Schertz. (210-944-4216)
Takumi Japanese Restaurant and Bar
Takumi, an all-you-can-eat sushi spot, opened Jan. 4 in the Alamo Ranch neighborhood. Lunch specials include hibachi and teriyaki entrees, raw and cooked maki rolls, and bento box combos. The same items are offered on the dinner menu alongside specialty rolls, a variety of appetizers, and desserts. Patrons may also enjoy beer, wine and Japanese-themed cocktails.
10907 Culebra Road, Suite 101. Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu. and Sun., and 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. (210-255-1839)
CLOSED/CLOSING
Mimosa Gossip
The North Side brunch restaurant, which specializes in mimosas, will close on Jan. 29 after a little more than two years of service. Owners Heather Whiting and Julia Smith took to the restaurant’s social media channels Jan. 16 to announce that the eatery would be shuttering.
“To our supporters and haters, please remember that this business has always been built on passion, hard work and love for what we do. These are real people, and kindness always matters,” the owners stated on their Instagram and Facebook profiles.
However, Smith and Whiting did indicate in their announcement that the closure may not be permanent.
“While we’re not sure what the future holds for Mimosa Gossip, for now this is goodbye,” they stated.
Uncharted Tiki Bar
The tropical-style concept bar, which operated beneath downtown New Braunfels establishment Phoenix Saloon, has closed after one year of operations.
Representatives for the Phoenix Saloon announced the closure on Jan. 13 via the company’s Facebook page.
“The intention was always to give it a year and then re-evaluate. After much soul searching, we have decided to go in a different direction. We look forward to sharing what’s coming next very soon,” the Phoenix Saloon’s owners stated.
OTHER HOSPITALITY NEWS
Dining specials offered during Restaurant Weeks
Culinaria annual winter edition of San Antonio Restaurant Weeks began Jan. 17 and runs through Jan. 31. During this period, more than 100 San Antonio-area restaurants, bars, breweries and cafes will offer three-course, prix fixe lunch and dinner menus.
Culinaria representatives say Restaurant Weeks – now in the event’s 15th year – is designed to promote local eateries during what is typically a slow time in the culinary industry.
Culinaria representatives urged diners to double-check participating restaurants’ social media and websites to make sure their desired special dish is still available because menus are subject to change based on availability.
New Braunfels speakeasy launches gambling-style happy hour
Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn, a vintage speakeasy located in downtown New Braunfels, recently rolled out its new High Stakes Happy Hour for a limited time.
According to a press release, every Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., parties of 10 or fewer receive the bar’s signature “Dice Roll” box when the check is presented, and one guest may roll one die.
Customers have 60 seconds to roll the die once the box is presented. All rolls must take place before 6 p.m. in order to qualify for the promotion. If a patron lands a six, the entire tab is fully comped by the bar.
Witte Museum’s next ‘Cocktails and Culture’ event is Jan. 22
The Witte Museum’s next “Cocktails and Culture” program, set for Jan. 22, is themed “Gallery Geeks,” as guests get to explore the museum’s galleries in preparation for a fun trivia contest.
Attendees will get to sample beverages from drink vendors, enjoy a meal from a food truck, and test their trivia skills.
The event will be held 6-8:30 p.m. All-inclusive admission is $28 for museum members, and $35 for non-members.
Gunter Hotel eatery unveils dog-friendly menu
Jots, the signature restaurant at the Gunter Hotel, recently started offering chef-curated dog menu items.
According to a press release, the menu contains a line of dishes designed with canine wellness in mind, including Honey’s Hill Country Breakfast, which features short rib, chuck and brisket served with eggs. Nori’s Seattle Treat pairs salmon with rice and green beans.
Benson’s Chicken Delight features locally sourced chicken, while Canine Crudité has apples, carrots, and green beans. There is also a light seasonal dessert of house-whipped cream and berries.
“Pet-friendly travel has evolved, and today’s guests are looking for experiences that truly welcome their dogs, not just accommodate them,” Gunter Hotel owner Jiwon Choi said in a statement.
Chef Katie Lopez takes over Hotel Contessa restaurant
Hotel Contessa, based in downtown San Antonio, announced Katie Lopez as executive chef of its on-site restaurant, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, on Jan. 20.
According to a news release, Lopez will oversee all aspects of the restaurant’s culinary operations, including menu development, tasting panels and kitchen teams.
She will also mentor sous-chefs, delegate responsibilities and foster efficient kitchen operations, the release stated. Lopez has more than 10 years of hospitality dining experience, including years as a sous-chef.
Lopez is a native of Florida, where she most recently held a leadership role at the Marriott Jacksonville Downtown. She has received various industry honors, including Marriott’s Masters of the Craft southeast regional winner in 2019.
