Mark Bohanan (right) presents proceeds from the first San Antonio Cocktail Conference to members of HeartGift. (Shane Kyle/CE Group)

Mark Bohanan, owner of Bohanan’s Restaurant and Bar and creator of the first San Antonio Cocktail Conference, recently presented a check for $57,000 to HeartGift San Antonio to support two lifesaving surgeries for children from disadvantaged countries seeking heart surgeries at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.

Other businesses who helped sponsor the conference included SoHo Wine & Martini Bar, Ocho Lounge at Hotel Havana, The Esquire Tavern and Rio San Antonio Cruises.

HeartGift is a San Antonio-based charity that provides life-saving heart surgery to children from countries with unavailable or inaccessible health care. Every child chosen receives state of the art pediatric surgery from doctors Dr. John Calhoon and Dr. Adil Husain and their medical staff free of charge.

During the celebration, attendees celebrated HeartGift surgery recipient’s Wang Nan’s fourth birthday, a birthday she may not have seen had it not been for the funds raised through the first-annual cocktail conference, a four-day educational event about spirits that was held in downtown San Antonio in January.

Wang Nan lives in a remote Chinese village in the Gansu Province. Her family lives in a five-room mud house on two acres of land. Although they farm their land, Wang Nan’s father must go to the Xinjiang Province to do construction work for eight months each year to send home money for the family. Wang Nan suffers from Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. She was operated on Feb. 3 and she returned home with her mother and their San Antonio host family on Feb. 7.

“The inaugural San Antonio Cocktail Conference was a bigger success than any of us could have imagined,” said Bohanan, whose restaurant is at 219 E Houston St. “This donation simply would not have been possible without the countless number of supporters, partners, presenters and attendees that made this a reality. We are thrilled to provide such a significant contribution to HeartGift on behalf of the conference, knowing that it will save the lives of two children in need.”

Boschetto pizza coming to Gallo

Starting Thursday, Gallo Pizzeria, 164 Castroville Road, will be making pizzas with boschetto, white truffles and portobello mushrooms blended with cheese. According to the pizzeria’s Facebook page, “It’s great for Lent.”

The cost is $19.99 for a large and $15.99 for a medium. Supplies are limited. Pre-orders are accepted.

Call (210) 264-0077 or click here.

Sip a sample of the Veneto at Luce

Luce Ristorante e Enoteca, 11255 Huebner Road, is showcasing the wines of the Veneto at a special dinner set for 5 p.m. March 10.

Executive chef Joe Buonincontri and Italian wine expert Jeremy Parzen are teaming up for the multi-course meal.

The cost is $50 a person. For reservations, call  (210) 561-9700.

Hoist a beer on Texas Independence Day

High Velocity, one of the dining areas at the JW Marriott resort, 23808 Resort Parkway, is having a  Saint Arnold beer dinner on Texas Independence Day, March 2.

The four-course meal will feature matching beers.

For price, time and reservations, call (210) 276-2500, ext. 5835.

Maggiano’s is giving away dinner for 20

Want to win dinner for 20 of your nearest and dearest?

Registration is now open for the Maggiano’s Little Italy “Who’s In Your 20?” sweepstakes. This is a chance for someone to land a private, Italian-style dinner party with 19 of his or her closest family, friends and co-workers. A dinner will be given out at each of the chain’s 44 restaurants.

Anyone who registers will also receive a coupon for a free flatbread at the restaurant. Registration is open through April 1.

To enter, click here. The San Antonio Maggiano’s is at the Rim, 17603 I-10 W. Call 210-451-6000.

Texas de Brazil's Picanha is available by the pound.

Get some meaty help for your next party

For many of us,  the key to any great Super Bowl party — or any party, for that matter — is the meat. And that’s where Texas de Brazil, 313 E. Houston St., is ready to help. Now, you can get the restaurant’s famous meats by the pound, delivered to your home.

The catering lineup includes Picanha or Garlic Picanha (sirloin), leg of lamb, flank steak, lamb chops, bacon-wrapped chicken breast and sausage as well as the lobster bisque, garlic mashed potatoes, cheese bread and numerous salads.

For more information, click here.

Gauchos and spears not included.

New at the Monterey

The Monterey, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St, has introduced an updated menu.

Don’t worry, the incredible grilled cheese, french fries and house-made pickles are still on the menu. But they are joined by the likes of Benton’s Smoky Mountain Ham with Hay Aïoli ($9.50), Melted Morbiér, Pighead Pastrami, Potato Confit and Cherry Preserves ($11.50), and Old Bay Fried Chicken with Chicken Fat Hush Puppies ($12.50).

Barbecued Shrimp with Smoked Butter and French Bread ($18.50), Pork Belly with Duck Fat White Beans, Mustard and Candied Tangerine ($14.50) and a Barbecued Lamb Sandwich with Kimchi, Cumin Aïoli and Cilantro ($13.50) are also being offered.

For those with deep pockets, there’s also a Wagyu Rib-eye with Animal Butter and French Fries ($60).

And don’t forget, as the menu reminds you, to “ask your server about non-menu offal specials!”

For more information, call (210) 745-2581.

A taste (or four) of Tuscany

Luce's Tuscan wine dinner will be served family style.

Luce Ristorante e Enoteca, 11255 Huebner Road, is hosting a wine dinner  featuring the wines of Sassetti (Montalcino), including Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino,  at 5 p.m. Jan. 28.

Chef and owner Joe Buonincontri is serving the meal family style while wine expert Jeremy Parzen describes the four Tuscan wines.

The cost is $50 per person. Call  210-561-9700 for reservations.

National Margarita Day at Z’Tejas

Every day around me is National Margarita Day, but there is actually such a celebration. Needless to say, it’s a good reason to raise a salted glass or two.

The folks at Z’Tejas,  15900 La Cantera Parkway, will be celebrating Feb. 22 with several specials.  Your first Little Larry Margarita is priced at $2.22. A tequila-marinated chicken pasta entrée special will also be offered. And you can take the taste home with you in a bottle of Z’Tejas Margarita Mix.

Kim pop rolls coming

The sign at 3830 N. Loop 1604 E. near the intersection of Bulverde Road says Tiger Pop Korean Roll n Go is coming  soon.

But what is it?

What was your favorite treat from 2011? A burger like this from Cullum's Attaboy?

According to a posting, “We are a completely new concept on Korean-inspired food. Our core items are Kim Pop, which are Korean-style rice rolls. Kim Pop rolls have never contained any type of raw proteins like Japanese style sushi, and we have blended them to include many iconic western ingredients. Our menu also includes Korean marinated steak tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls, salads and more! Only the highest quality non-processed ingredients are used, all prepared fresh daily for the fast-paced customer.”

The plan apparently was to have the eatery open over the holiday season, but work is still progressing.

The Luxury progresses

Work is also progressing on the Luxury, Andrew Weissman’s trailer park of mobile eateries. He hadn’t expected it to, because he told his contractors he’d be otherwise engaged with new baby Moishe Andres, but that seems to have spurred more work.

The Luxury, Mark Bliss’ Bliss and Stephan Pyles are among the eagerly awaited new dining venues for 2012.

Palenque Grill opens

Palenque Grill has opened at 389 N. Loop 1604 W. with an array of Mexican favorites. This is not related to Taco Palenque on Loop 410.

Foodie openings

• Boerne Epicure Gourmet Market, 210 S. Main St., Boerne, has opened. It promises “delicious surprises from around the world.” Call: 830-331-9355. www.boerneepicure.com.
• Spec’s Wine Spirits and Finer Foods has opened at 1305 Sidney Baker St., Kerrville. Call: 830-895-8757. www.specsonline.com.

The best of 2011

What were your favorite dining experiences of 2011? Was it a burger from Cullum’s Attaboy with bacon, egg and cheddar piled high on top? A trip to one of the Brazilian steakhouse? Maybe it was a meal on a barge floating down the San Antonio River. Or a favorite meal at the Lodge before its doors close. Or was it a meal you prepared at home? Share with us a few of your favorite food moments of 2011.

If you have restaurant news to share, email griffin@savorsa.com or walker@savorsa.com.

Sugar and Smoke to open in Fredericksburg

Rebecca Rather

The Pastry Queen, Rebecca Rather, is planning a new restaurant. Her original place, Rather Sweet, has been closed for renovations and will reopen in January as Sugar and Smoke.

She will be teaming up with award-winning Wagyu brisket and steak chef Nicole Davenport on the venture.  “Our mission at Sugar & Smoke is to create dishes sourcing fresh, locally grown products that represent the best Texas flavors and styles!” the website says.

Nicole Davenport

Breakfast foods will include quiche, French toast and omelets, while lunch will bring a half-smoked chicken, pork-stuffed loin and pecan-smoked brisket.

The dessert list will include  pocket-sized key lime pies, tuxedo cake, Italian cream cake, hot chocolate cake, red velvet cupcakes, Big Haired Lemon Tarts, Garrison Bourbon apple pies and tiramisú.

Sugar & Smoke will also serve all of your favorite Beer and Wines as well as a selection of grab and go lunches including wraps, chicken salad, chips, and drinks.

The bakery/cafe will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday with a Sunday Brunch each week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information visit www.sugarandsmoke.com.

New items at Auden’s Kitchen

In time for fall: Tomato Chipotle Goat Cheese Soup at Auden's Kitchen.

Auden’s Kitchen, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., has introduced a new menu for the fall and winter seasons.

Tamarind-glazed quail with an Asian sesame slaw, mussels steamed with a local brew and served with fries, garlicky white bean dip with flat bread, and tomato chipotle goat cheese soup are among the small plates on the menu. Large plates include pan-seared salmon with feta polenta cake, Texas antelope and quail, and a seasonal ravioli.

Happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. daily with a new bar/patio menu. Snacks start at $4, while house cocktails are $5 and select wines and beers are $4.

For more information call (210) 494-0070 or click here.

Celebrate a new Texas bourbon

.36 Texas Bourbon Whiskey

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, 4834 Whirlwind Drive, is celebrating the release of .36 Texas Bourbon Whiskey with a launch party from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, just after Thanksgiving.

The event will featuring food from Lüke, 125 E. Houston St., including cochon du lait jambalaya, house-made sausages, Ranger Creek OPA-fried chicken, traditional Southern sides and bourbon pecan pie.

You can meet the distiller and have your bottle signed.

The cost is $60 a person, plus tax and gratuity. To make your prepaid reservation, call 210-227-LUKE or email jsoloman@chefjohnbesh.com.

Dady, Rather part of Pyles’ Celebrity Chef Dinner

Jason Dady

Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills chef Jason Dady and Rebecca Rather are among the six chefs who’ll be part of the lineup for the 12th annual Stephan Pyles Celebrity Chef Dinner & Live Wine Auction, which is set for Dec. 4 at Pyles’ flagship restaurant in Dallas.

The event, presented under the auspices of the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, raises money for the Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship.

Pyles will be cooking as well as Renee Morgan from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, who was the 2011 scholarship winner, David Garrido of Garrido’s in Austin and Nick Badovinus of Neighborhood Services Bar & Grill in Dallas. this is the second time Dady has participated in the event.

A Champagne reception kicks off the evening at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The price is $150 a person (tax and gratuity included). Reservations can be made by calling the Foundation at (512) 327-7555 or by visiting www.winefoodfoundation.org.

According to a press release about the dinner, “The Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship is based upon an “Iron-Chef”-style cook-off each spring. Numerous students apply from across the state, and the top three applicants are selected for the challenge; the students must create a three-course menu utilizing a predetermined list of Texas ingredients.”

County Line class canceled

The County Line, 10101 I-10 W., has canceled its November cooking class. The class, which was set for this Friday, was too close to Thanksgiving for so many of the regulars, pitmaster Garrett Stephens said.

We’ll announce the next class as soon as it is scheduled.

Dough is expanding.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, 6989 Blanco Road, will soon be expanding, if all goes according to plan.

Owner Doug Horn has signed a lease on the 900-square-foot space next door, which currently houses an insurance office. He’ll take over the space by the beginning of the year, he says, and hopes to have the work done within three months.

Diners have hoped Dough would get some more space. Since the restaurant was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” it’s can be hard landing a table because now the whole city — and the country — know of Doug and Lori Horn’s fine Italian fare, which includes a burrata bar for cheese lovers.

But the new space won’t have too many new tables, Horn says. He needs more room for the cheese making, a wine bar and space for cooking. So, they will also spread out with a few extra tables added.

Horn has been in Dallas this week at the second location of Dough.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria has opened at the Quarry Village.

In other restaurant news, Grimaldi’s has opened a second coal-fired pizzeria in town. The chain is now at the Quarry Village, 330 E. Basse Road.

Click here for more information.

Also new to the dining scene is Two Step Restaurant and Cantina, 9840 W. Loop 1604 N. at Braun Road.

We’ll get to the food in a minute, but let’s talk about the building first. It has been “constructed from a homestead originally built in the 1850s by early American pioneers and German immigrants, Philipp and Carolina (Braun) Ruempel,” the restaurant’s website says. “Philipp and Carolina were among the earliest settlers of Helotes, Texas. After marrying in 1869 they raised 10 children in the Ruempel homestead and remained there for the rest of their lives. The restaurant is constructed from what originally functioned as a house and barn.”

Chef Steve Warner, formerly of Wildfish Seafood Grille and Morton’s the Steakhouse, has created a menu that captures the Texas spirit of the setting. It includes smoked meat plates, including beef ribs, brisket, chicken and beef and pork links, as well as chicken-fried steak, bacon-wrapped pork loin, hot buttered shrimp with Tabasco-lemon sauce, and a grilled New York strip.

Family-style sides include fontina cheese and big-shell macaroni, Creole mustard red potato salad, borracho beans, and roasted corn dressed with cotija, lime, mayo and chile.

In the Cantina, the menu features “World Class Margaritas” as well as “Really Good Margaritas,” all of which require personal investigation. Beers, wines and specialty drinks fill out the list.

Word is, dancing will be added to the menu in the future.

Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Click here for information or call (210) 688-2686.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille coming to La Cantera

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, a chain out of Houston, will be moving into The Falls in The Shops at La Cantera. The steakhouse’s website shows the opening coming this fall at a new section of the shops at 15900 La Cantera Parkway.

Perry’s will offer a “unique yet casual décor” with seating for 350 guests, four private dining rooms and its award-winning menu. It will also be offering a prime, 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye steak, prepared with kosher salt and pepper and topped with herb butter. We’ll be giving that some thought.

Arriving ...when? The sign is up, but nobody's home quite yet.

So, are you still werking on that?

Well, yes, according to the sign that’s been in prominent view in Lincoln Heights, at the corner of Broadway and Nacogdoches, a Stone Werks Big Rock Grille is on the way.

(And, what’s up with that “e” at the end of the perfectly good word “grill,” anyway? Perry’s? Stone Werks? Limestone?)

But the greater question is, “When will they open?” We conducted a swift and informal site inspection, determining that it didn’t appear quite ready for prime (rib) time.

But, according to an employee, we might see the doors opening early in November. Rumor has it, they close down the Jones Maltsburger location.  Or, will they? If they tell you, hey, let us know!

This just in:   Owner Larry Gibson was able to get back with us this morning, and says that the first or second week in November will, indeed, see the opening of the new Stone Werks. It’s 7,500 square feet, with a custom-designed bar, and will have what customers know as the Stone Werks atmosphere, with some neat, new touches.

Samuel Adams Beer Dinner at The Westin

The Westin La Cantera Resort invites beer lovers to their Oktoberfest Beer Dinner on Friday, Oct. 7. The four-course dinner begins at 7 p.m. in the Palo Duro Pavilion.

Four beers from Samuel Adams will be featured, along with an especially beer friendly menu created by chefs Isaac Cantu, John Herdman and Henry Weslowski.

Guest host for the reception and dinner will be Austin Tipps, district manager, of Boston Beer Company.

Tickets are $49 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Make reservations directly with The Westin at 210-558-2305.

The Pomegranate has closed

We’re sorry to say that this pretty and relatively new restaurant in Artisans Alley, 555 Bitters Road, has closed. Owner Nancy Fitch still owns her first restaurant, The Peach Cafe, in Boerne.

Myron’s Prime Steak House Wine Dinner

Myron’s next wine dinner, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, will be featuring wines from Blackbird Vineyards. The price is $95 plus tax and tip. Reservations are required. Call 830-624-1024. Myron’s is in New Braunfels, 136 North Castell Ave.

On the menu: An orange-infused tuna tartare with jalapeño, avocado and ginger over a strawberry gastrique with the Arriviste  Rosé;  Tomato salad with fennel, pickled mushrooms, cherry reduction and a warm bacon vinaigrette with Arise Proprietary Red;  A mocha crusted scallop over a fennel and leek purée, with a savory toffee glaze with Illustration Proprietary Red. Main course:  Sous vide Beef Wellington over mixed bean succotash with sauce chasseur with the Contrarian Proprietary Red; dessert and coffee.

Surf and Turf at The Lodge

Today through Saturday (Sept. 24)  The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills offers a $35 prix fixe menu to please those who can’t decide between meat and seafood. Have ‘em both. Call 210-349-8466 for reservations. The Lodge is at 1746 Lockhill Selma.

Start with Blue Crab and Pork Meatballs with Deconstructed Bahn-Mi; then Creamy Shrimp Bisque with Duck Confit Carnitas and Crispy Duck Skin. Third course is  Pan-seared Salmon with Roasted Squab Sauce, Dirty Rice and Red Pepper Jam OR  Cast Iron-seared Beef Tenderloin with “Creole Shrimp” and Creamy Polenta ($10 Beef Supplement). For dessert:  Key Lime Pie Tart with Vanilla Chantilly and Coconut Meringue.

The Monterey

Remember, y’all  (as we say in our best Paula Deen voice) that El Monty is now open on Monday nights. Same hours: 5 p.m.-midnight. 1127 S Saint Marys St.

Another thing to remember: We like gossip. So, if you have some juicy restaurant news that you can’t keep to yourself, email walker@savorsa.com or griffin@savorsa.com.We’ll be glad to spread the word.

Chef John Besh, right, of Lüke New Orleans and Lüke San Antonio.

— Chef John Besh,on Twitter, talking about Lüke San Antonio chef Steven McHugh cooking jambalaya for those involved in the Bastrop area fire.

 Z’Tejas Chile Fest to benefit San Antonio youths

Between  now and Sept 25,  Z’Tejas offers dishes featuring the popular Hatch green chiles. One dollar of every entrée sold from the Chile Fest menu will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio. This is the first year for Z’Tejas’ new location at The Shops of La Cantera to participate in the annual event.

Barriba Cantina coming soon on the River Walk

Serving Mexican street food and offering catering and live music, Barriba Cantina, from The County Line Bar-B-Q restaurant, will open Sept. 12 on the River Walk, 111 Crockett St.

Barriba Cantina will be on the second and third floors of the same building that houses The County Line. It will have balconies and patios overlooking the river, while the second floor will offer large meeting spaces, also with river and San Antonio skyline views.

Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday – Saturday, Barriba will serve food such as Mango Pork Carnitas (slow-cooked lean pork with a blend of traditional Mexican seasonings, garnished and served on corn tortillas; Baja Pescado (tilapia seasoned with a mild ancho chile rub, served on corn tortillas); and Tacos Del Rey (beef marinated with mild chipotle chiles and a blend of Mexican spices).  The Tacos del Rey were created in honor of Randy Goss, the late owner of The County Line.

On the drinks menu: Bango Mango Martini (pineapple infused Sauza Tequila, mango, lime juice and Dulce Vida Organic Agave Nectar) and Berriba (Bacardi, Triple Sec, pineapple juice, blueberries and raspberries).  A to-go menu will eventually be added.

Barriba will also offer live acoustical music everyday from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., with a cover charge after 10 p.m. (cover charge will vary based on musicians).  Music schedules will be updated regularly on Barriba Cantina’s Facebook page.

Fig Tree tasting menus through September

The Fig Tree Restaurant is offering its popular tasting menu through September. The prix fixe price is $39, and there is complimentary parking at the restaurant, in La Villita. The menus will change weekly. To see what is being served, check this website. To make reservations, call 210-224-1976.

Fishland Fish Market to move next door

Fried fish at Fishland.

Fried fish at Fishland Fish Market, 4941 Walzem Road, is closing for a few days while the owners pack up and move to a larger space next door. The move will give them more room for customers to dine in and enjoy the fried fish, shrimp and oysters on the menu.

The new place will open Thursday (Sept. 15), so be patient while waiting for some of that drum, tilapia or sole.

The phone will still be 210-655-3232.

SavorSA reviewed this gem close to two years ago, on Sept. 10, 2009, and the praise still holds true.)

Take tour of Northern Italy at Tre Trattoria downtown

Italian red wine on the pairing menu

Chef Jason Dady takes you on a tour of the flavors of Northern Italy paired with wines from that region, on Sept. 16. Priced at $40 per person, this four-course wine pairing dinner begins with a cocktail reception and seasonal hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. at 401 S. Alamo St., at The Fairmount Hotel. For reservations: 210- 223-0401 or email downtown@tretrattoria.com.

On the menu: first Course, Baby Arugula, toasted walnuts, gorgonzola, roasted grapes with NV Tervisol Prosecco; second course, Risotto Milanese with ‘08 Pieropan Soave Classico; third course,  Bistecca alla Fiorentina, sweet corn crema, roasted mushrooms, goat cheese polenta and radicchio marmelatta with ’06 Sanguineti Nessum Dorma. For dessert,  Lemon Panna Cotta, blueberry and thyme shortbread with  ’06 Ceretto Moscato D’Asti

Country French Wine Dinner at Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery

Crumpets, at 3920 Harry Wurzbach, offers this wine dinner featuring premier French vineyards matched with French fare. 7 p.m. Sept. 16, $70 per person. Make reservations at 210-821-5600. Or send email to crumpets@aol.com. Seating is limited, so make reservations soon.

Wine and food pairing: Macon Lugny “Les Charmes” with Vol au Vent St. Jacques; Ragotiere Muscadet with Paté Mousseline aux Truffles; Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages with Escalope de Veau aux Cognac; Chateau Larose Trintaudon Bordeaux with Filet de Bœuf aux Poivres; Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls with Mille Feuille de Deux Crèmes for dessert.

Frances Strange to be guest on KCWX cable channel 4

Don Strange of Texas: His Life and Recipes

What do Paula Abdul, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump and Frances Strange have in common? They all have the distinction of being celebrity guests on the national syndicated lifestyle show from “Better Homes and Gardens Magazine,” titled simply, “Better.”

Now, San Antonio author Frances Strange will head to New York City to tape her “Better” segment, which is scheduled to air in San Antonio Sept. 23 at 7 a.m. on KCWX, local cable channel 4.

Tune in to catch Strange dishing about her famous cookbook “Don Strange of Texas: His Life and Recipes,” sharing her secrets for entertaining and preparing her best Texas-style recipes including Shrimp and Crab Corn Cakes, Pan de Campo, and the cool Café Mystique iced beverage.

September wine dinners at Las Canarias, Ostra

Two River Walk restaurants, Las Canarias at the La Mansion del Rio and Ostra, at the Mokara Hotel & Spa, will be offering wine dinners in September. Las Canarias features wines from Far Niente Winery and Ostra will showcase Jordan Vineyards. John Brand is executive chef at both restaurants. Both events begin at 7 p.m.  Call 210-518-1017 to make reservations for either dinner.

The Far Niente Winery Wine Dinner at Las Canarias is Sept. 22. The price is $125 per person. Las Canarias is at 112 College Street.

On the menu: East Coast Fluke, Avocado Oil, Bella Verdi Greens and Citrus w/Far Niente Chardonnay; Hudson Valley Duck Liver and Prosciutto Roulade, Pickled Cherries, Duck Confit Palmiers w/En Route Pinot Noir; Third Course: Peeler Farms Egg Ravioli, Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Smoked Scamorza, Local Oxtail and Short Rib Stew w/Far Niente Cabernet; Culotte of Waygu Beef, Heirloom Carrot Ribbons, Mille-feuille of Gold Potato, Kabocha Pumpkin, Marrow, Marjoram Gremolata w/Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet and Sullenger Cabernet: Dessert is Cooper Farms Peach and Brown Butter Tart, Pure Luck Sainte Maure and Blue Heron Cajeta/w Dolce by Far Niente.

On Sept. 23, Ostra, 212 W. Crockett St., will feature Jordan Vineyards. This wine and food event will be $100 per person. On the menu: Passed hors d’oeuvres; Green Apple Carpaccio, Pure Luck Chevre, Marcona Almonds, Gold Beets, Watercress; Hawaiian Kona Kampachi Crudo, Grapefruit, Amaranth and Bottarga Aioli w/2009 Chardonnay; Strube Ranch Waygu Beef Flatiron, Engle Farms Squash Gnocchi, Spinach, Caper and Sage Beurre Noir w/2002-2004 Cabernet; Valrhona Equatorial Chocolate Mousse, Jivara Pot de Crème and Cocoa Nibs, Roasted Cherries, Red Velvet Sponge Cake w/ 2007 Cabernet.

Rather Sweet takes a month off

Rather Sweet Bakery, Rebecca Rather’s bakery at 249 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, will be closed for the month of September, according a posting on Facebook. Rather will reopen Oct. 1.

Louis Halfant doing fine dining in Boerne

Chef Louis Halfant, San Antonio chef and former chef/owner of Eclipse, on Northwest Military Highway, is now chef at the Limestone Grill in Boerne. The fine dining restaurant is in the historic Ye Kendall Inn, 128 W. Blanco St.

Support arts’ à la carte on Sept. 27

Grilled Cheese Sandwich at The Monterey.

On Sept. 27, the Artist Foundation of San Antonio will stage a one-day event at area restaurants called arts’ à la carte. Proceeds will assist the Artist Foundation to continue its mission, which is “to enrich our artistic and economic fabric by providing monetary awards to individual artists, across diverse disciplines, thereby advancing their creative enterprise and the arts in our community.”

The participating restaurants and their specials include:

• Aldaco’s (Stone Oak),  20 percent off food only, 3-9 p.m.
• Bharmacy, 20 percent off food and drinks,all day
• Patty Lou’s, 20 percent of food and drinks, all day
• Bistro Vatel 20 percent off food & drinks/all day
• Capparelli’s on Main, 20 percent off food and drinks, dinner only
• Coco Chocolate Lounge, 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• Cool Cafe (Stone Oak), 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• Counter Culture Cafe, 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• The Esquire Tavern, 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• Green Vegetarian Cuisine, 20 percent off food and drinks,dinner only
• Liberty Bar, 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• The Monterey, 25 percent off food and drinks, all day
• Paloma Blanca, 20 percent off food and drinks, lunch only
• Piatti, 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• Twin Sisters (Alamo Heights), 20 percent off food and drinks, all day
• Twin Sisters (Downtown), 20 percent off food and drinks, all day

For more information on the event, click here.

Benihana Restaurant closed, Sumo Japanese to Open

The restaurant at 8342 I-10 W. has closed and will reopen under the new name this week.

SavorSA co-editor John Griffin contributed to this post.

Gallo spices up the San Antonio pizza scene

Gallo Pizzeria has opened at 164 Castroville Road.

The restaurant specializes in hot and spicy pizzas as well as wings. Prices range from $10.95 for a medium and $12.95 for a large. That is, except for the Diablo, a specialty pizza with diced habanero, jalapeños and ghost peppers with the house diablo sauce. It is priced at $3.95 for a small, $9.95 for a medium and $19.95 for a large.

Other specialty pizzas include the Veggie Delight (mushrooms, onions, spinach, bell pepper and olives), the Chanchi Pizza (avocado chunks, black olives, and red onions on a spicy bean sauce),  the Gallo Pizza (chicken, spinach, and sliced tomatoes with Salsa Mexicana sauce), the Mexican Margarita (fresh tomatoes garnished with dried basil served on Salsa Italiano).

It is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

For more information, call 210-264-0077 or click here.

Texas de Brazil is hosting a private label wine tasting.

Private label wine tasting at Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil, 313 E. Houston St., is hosting a private label wine tasting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

Though the label may be private, here are the pairings for the evening: Chardonnay matched with chicken breast wrapped in bacon and smoked salmon crostini with creme fraiche; Merlot with goat cheese crostini with asparagus, garlic picanha and Brazilian sausage; and Cabernet Sauvignon with flank steak with chimichurri and Parmesan pork.

The cost is $25 a person, including tax and tip. For reservations, call 210-229-1600 or email dainaandelmo@texasdebrazil.com.

La Mansión’s new cocktail list has a regional kick

El Colegio, the bar at the Omni La Mansión del Rio, 112 College St., has revamped its cocktail list with help from mixologists from across the country.

The lineup includes a host of new drinks made with local ingredients and featuring regional flavors. A few include the following:

• Smokin’ Patrón — Patrón Silver Tequila shaken with hand-squeezed lime juice, Monin Agave Nectar and a splash of Del Maguey Mezcal.
• Prickly Sangria Punch — Bacardi Limón Rum, prickly pear purée, fresh lemon juice, Monin Agave Nectar, topped off with ginger ale.
• Grand Ole Margarita – Herradura Silver Tequila, Monin Agave Nectar, fresh lime and orange juices topped with a float of Grand Marnier.

For more information, call 210-518-1000.

It’s Back to the Pit at County Line

Blueberry-Pecan Crumble Pie is on the menu at the next County Line Pitmaster Cooking Class.

The County Line at 10101 I-10 W. is resuming its popular Pitmaster Cooking Classes with chef Garrett Stephens on the first Fridays of the month. The next two classes are scheduled for Sept. 9 and Oct. 7. Both begin at 7 p.m.

Class participants will enjoy a full serving of each of the four courses that Stephens demonstrates. He also takes questions from the guests while he cooks in an evening that is keeps everyone entertained. A recipe book with room for notes is also included.

The Sept. 9 menu will feature: Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Quail with a Maker’s Mark Jalapeño Glaze; Pit-fired Summer Vegetables with Fresh Basil and Balsamic; Herb-crusted Smoked Prime Rib with Creamed Horseradish and Lemon-Thyme Campfire Potatoes; and Blueberry-Pecan Crumble Pie with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

LangeTwins Wines will be paired with each course.

Since the grill will be fired up, the cooking class will be held outside on the restaurant’s shaded patio; in case of rain, the class will be moved inside.

The cost for the evening with wines included is $50 a person plus tax and tip. Call 210-641-1998 or email garretts@countyline.com. The last two Pitmaster Classes have sold out a week before the event, so make your reservations now.

Labor Day specials at Roaring Fork, Wildfish

Wildfish Seafood Grille (above) and Roaring Fork are offering a savory Labor Day special.

Roaring Fork, 1806 N. Loop 1604 W., and its sister restaurant next door, Wildfish Seafood Grille, are dishing up some specials for Labor Day.

Buy one entrée and get a second entrée free during dinner, which begins at 4 p.m. at Roaring Fork and 5 p.m. at Wildfish. The dishes can be purchased in the dining room or bar. The complimentary entrée must be of equal or lesser-value.

For reservations at Roaring Fork, call 210-479-9700 or visit www.roaringfork.com. To reach Wildfish, call 210-493-1600 or visit www.eddiev.com.

If you have restaurant news, email walker@savorsa.com or griffin@savorsa.com.

Artful pizzas at Fralo's that taste as good as they look.

Fralo’s Art of Pizza, 23651 I-10 W., is expanding at its Leon Springs location.

Owner Frank Hakspiel says he has purchased microbrewery equipment from Sea World and plans to open his own brewery on the property in the spring. The microbrewer from Sea World has agreed to help him get started once the equipment has been moved to the site.

He has already named one of the beers, Grant’s Pale Ale, for his infant son. Grant’s name is also on the caramelized pear and prosciutto pizza the restaurant offers.

Hakspiel is also talking about adding a second restaurant next door. It would offer high-end Italian food prepared by former Il Sogno chef Luca Della Casa, who has been working at the restaurant, making all of the revamped pasta dishes and providing specials each weekend. “He makes all of the pasta,” Hakspiel says.

Della Casa has also added a Torino pizza — Italian sausage, chicken, arugula, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella and provolone cheese with a spicy tomato sauce — that was named after his home region in Italy. Torino is also a possibility for the name of the new restaurant, Hakspiel says.

Isn't she a beauty? Fralo's is going to transform her into a catering truck.

As if all that weren’t enough, Hakspiel has plans for the 1940s-era fire truck he has on the property. He plans on adding an oven to the back of the truck and use it for catering. Kids of any age who have played with a miniature fire truck should love having the real thing at a party.

We learned this over a wonderful lunch at Fralo’s with vegan travel blogger Carolyn Scott-Hamilton, who produces and writes HealthyVoyager.com. She was able to get a vegan pizza that she declared one of the five  best she has ever had. In keeping with Fralo’s ongoing desire to please a multitude of tastes and diets, the restaurant also offers gluten-free and whole wheat crusts as well as an off-the-menu feature of a miniature pizza made on a portobello mushroom for those who are avoiding flour.

For more information about Fralo’s, call 210-698-6616 or click here.

Exploring more vegan options

Carolyn Scott-Hamilton and her husband, Dan Hamilton: Healthy Voyagers at Fralo's.

Other restaurants Scott-Hamilton and her husband, Dan Hamilton, also her cameraman, visited during their stay were Mi Tierra, the Cove and Adelante. She described the latter, with its riot of color and collection of whimsical Mexican folk art as looking “like Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.”

The couple are from Los Angeles and were here on a Convention and Visitors Bureau trip for travel writers. A Boston blogger who writes about women traveling alone and an Orange County mom who writes about traveling with her kids were also invited. All three were part of teams that competed against each other in a series of events that ranged from feeding the lorikeets at the zoo to lassoing a statue of a cow. On Sunday, in the heat, the couple found themselves running from the Tower of the Americas to the Alamo, where they had to start a conga line and encourage as many participants as they could to join in.

If you’re wondering why Scott-Hamilton and her husband didn’t go to Green, Pavani Express or the city’s new vegan restaurant, Vegeria, which opened last week at 8407 Broadway, it’s because she likes to focus her trips on restaurants where vegans are welcome, even if the place is not entirely vegan.

At the Cove, she was able to get the Vegan Bacon Cheeseburger and a Vegan BLT along with a gluten-free beer before heading off to First Friday.

If you are looking for vegan food and are unsure if a restaurant can accommodate your tastes, give it a call first and ask. It’s as simple as that.

Wine Spectator honors area restaurants

Wine Spectator magazine has released its annual roundup of restaurants with excellent wine lists. New this year is Antlers Lodge at the Hyatt Hill Country, 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive.

Others to make the list are Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Biga on the Banks, Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse, Coco Chocolate Lounge, Fleming’s, Fogo de Chão, Francesca’s at Sunset, Kirby’s, Las Ramblas, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Silo, the Melting Pot, the Palm and Wildfish Seafood Grille.

The importance of the list has been debated, but despite any faults, it does bring in customers, which is why you’ll find a restaurant like Morton’s unveiling a new program, the Sommelier Selections of its wine list. This area includes boutique wines and rare gems that include Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain 2005) and Freemark Abbey Cabernet (Napa 2002), which are available only at Morton’s domestic locations.

Wine on tap

We always thought wine sales would go up if you could get a great glass without having to buy the full bottle. This is the secret behind the Boerne Wine Company, 302 S. Main St., Boerne, where you can try such top-shelf wines as PlumpJack and Palmaz by the glass from their dispenser systems that keep an open bottle fresher for longer period of time.

Now, Boston.com is reporting that a few wineries are selling their best by tap. “That’s right, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from kegs, not bottles, dispensed from a tap like beer and ale,” the article says. “The approach promises to remake restaurant by-the-glass programs by lowering costs, dramatically reducing waste (wine in open bottles deteriorates rapidly), and making the whole process considerably greener. … But a switch won’t happen overnight.”

Costs, of course, are a factor. But if this catches on, it will be a revolution in wine and dining.