“We serve 10,000 to 11,000 people a day,” says Chaz Morales of her super-sized food service position at San Antonio’s largest insurance company. The corporate food world, it comes as no surprise, is jaw-droppingly different from your corner breakfast taco joint. And from your normal, fast-casual to fine dining establishment as well. “It’s like its…
Food
The Top LGBT-Friendly Brunch Spots in SA
It used to be that only restaurants served brunch. Today, you can have brunch at a bar and even catch a drag show. Whether this means curing the previous night’s hangover, or simply getting your Sunday Funday started early, brunch might now be considered the most important meal of the day. From the traditional to the outrageous and everything in between,…
Southtown’s New Flame: Battalion Lights Up a Historic Fire Station
In an interview for a previous article on the Lavaca neighborhood, resident Suzanne Martinez expressed a certain nostalgia for the time when the firehouse on South Alamo was operational: “The men were always there, playing basketball outside … they were [effectively] in charge of safety.” They watched over the kids, she indicated — and the…
A Look Inside Southtown’s Frida Kahlo-Inspired Casa Azul de Andrea
I have a confession to make, y’all. When I was finishing my undergraduate degree, I was offered an amazing opportunity for a full partnership in a little restaurant — total creative control and no financial investment necessary, just my kitchen prowess and my hard work. The space was available and the partnership was with an…
O’liva Owner and Longtime Caterer Chuck Hernandez Has Died
Reported by Jessica Elizarraras for the San Antonio Current. Chuck Hernandez, chef, caterer and author of “Pesto Power,” passed away on Wednesday, May 12. Hernandez moved to San Antonio more than 20 years ago to help his father run restaurants. He brought Arugula Catering with him and became known for his elaborate and tasty spreads.…
Tracking Monica de la O’s Unique Path Through the Culinary Landscape
“I like the kitchen, the noise, being bombarded by tickets … you’ve got to be a little crazy, it takes a certain kind of personality, but I can’t imagine doing anything else,” says Monica de la O of cooking, her chosen profession. It wasn’t her first choice, just FYI. We’re sitting outside of Southerleigh at…
Chef Heather Nañez Heads Up New Bohanan’s Venture Peggy’s on the Green
Let’s stop short of using the term promiscuous (I’ll get flack anyway), but it is undeniable that chefs can be peripatetic, nomadic, quixotic at the very least — moving from place to place and kitchen to kitchen in order to scratch an itch, gain experience, garner a better paycheck … or to escape an intolerable boss.…
Team Brigid: How Many Chefs Does It Take to…
No, we’re not talking lightbulbs here, but we are talking about harnessing the lightbulb-like creative moments of a quintet of talented chefs, all of whom now have a say in how the kitchen at Brigid/Francis Bogside (B/B) runs. The result could be chaotic, but, fortunately, a benign drill sergeant has emerged to fill the shoes…
Tex-Mex Vegeria Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
San Antonio’s gay-owned, Tex-Mex vegan restaurant, Viva Vegeria, is holding a two-day celebration to mark its fifth anniversary on August 5 and 6. The restaurant first opened in 2011 at 8407 Broadway near Loop 410 under the name Vegeria. The eatery was a success with menu items like vegetable enchiladas, veggie nachos, gluten-free baked goods…
A Welcome Respite in Isabella Pacetti-Perkins’ Pendlebury Brew
There are a billion (estimate) places to grab a cup of coffee near the Medical Center. And, perhaps, if the merely pragmatic pick-me-up of a quick cup is all you are after, you might not take much note of the latest addition to that array of java-slinging establishments: Pendlebury Brew. If, however, you like a…