Kyle Park

The County Line, 10101 I-10 W., has resumed its popular music series on Wednesday nights. The

Now in its 12th year, the series has featured some of the best Texas and national country musicians.

All of the shows are free, but those who attend are asked to bring donation of either food or money for the San Antonio Food Bank. Since it started, the series has raised more than a half million pounds of food, with last year’s series alone bringing in more than 50,025 pounds.

This year’s lineup includes:

• March 28 – Hudson Moore with Jonathan Garcia Band
• April 4 – Stoney LaRue (solo acoustic) with James Delgado
• April 11 – Two Tons of Steel with Rockn H. Band
• April 18 – Cody Johnson with Jeffery Charle
• April 25 – Cody & Willie Braun of Reckless Kelly with James Pardo
• May 2 – Roger Creager with John David Kent
• May 9 – Charlie Robison
• May 16 – TBD
• May 23 – Kyle Park with Bri Bagwell
• May 30 – TBD
  

  Roger Creager

• June 6 – Jason Boland & The Stragglers with James Delgado
• June 13 – Brandon Rhyder with Jonathan Garcia Band
• June 20 – Bart Crow Band
• June 27 – Dirty River Boys with Kyle Reed
• July 11 – Whiskey Myers
• Aug. 15 – Cory Morrow

Held on the restaurant’s open-air patio, the concerts feature an opening act at 6:30 p.m. with the headliner playing from 8 to 10 p.m. Drink specials run from 3 to 7 p.m. on concert days. Concerts are held rain or shine.

“We are excited and extremely grateful to have this continued partnership with County Line BBQ again this year,” says Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank President and CEO. “Over the past 11 years, this effort has collected more than 50,047 pounds of food that has gone to help feed thousands of hungry individuals in Southwest Texas.”

The County Line continually updates the concert line-up on its website. Click here for details.

Call (210) 641-1998 for more information.

Texas Pride Barbecue is bringing back the Friday Fish Fry starting March 2.

Texas Pride Barbecue, 2980 E. Loop 1604, Adkins, will start its regular fish fries back up on March 2.

The weekly event includes fried pollock or shrimp with hush puppies, fries and more (or you can order barbecue inside and bring it around back). Live music, room for dancing and bucket of longnecks all help make the evening pass in a most agreeable manner.

There’s no cover charge, just plenty of fun.

The restaurant is also going to start up cooking classes in mid-April.

For more information, call (210) 649-3730 or click here.

Meanwhile, Garrett Stephens will resume his popular Pitmaster Cooking Class on March 30 at the County Line, 10101 I-10 W.

Garrett Stephens

Class participants will receive a full serving of each of the three courses as Stephens demonstrates how to prepare each dish and takes questions from the guests as he cooks. Everyone receives a recipe book, with space to take notes.

A cocktail reception featuring frozen mojitos made with Steve’s Frozen Chillers and Cruzan Light Rum, both of which are sponsors, begins at 7 p.m.; the class/dinner begins at 7:30 p.m.

The theme for the March 30 menu is “Pigging Out Cuban Style” and includes:

• Cuban chopped salad with sour orange vinaigrette featuring smoked pork belly with a mango-cilantro glaze
• Slow-smoked whole suckling pig in Cuban Mojo served with Cuban black beans and rice
• Grilled plantains with brown sugar coconut rum glaze, mango puree, and vanilla bean ice cream

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, including meal, class and cocktails, is $50 a person.  To make a reservation, call (210) 641-1998 or email  garretts@countyline.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.

Barriba Cantina opens Monday at 111 W. Crockett St.

In the kitchen at Barriba Cantina.

Saturday was a night for celebrating the new at two restaurants in San Antonio.

Barriba Cantina on the River Walk at 111. W. Crockett St. is a haven of “tacos, tequila y mas,” as the restaurant bills itself. Though it doesn’t open until Monday, the restaurant hosted a pair of preview parties on Friday and Saturday to help inaugurate the space, which is located on the two stories above its sister restaurant, the County Line.

The sign on Crockett Street.

Tacos filled with chicken tinga topped with caramelized onions, corn pico de gallo and ancho cream sauce or tilapia with jalapeño ranch and avocado tomatillo salsa were dished up.

When the restaurant opens, the tacos will be offered in plates of three with rice and beans, so you can expect heaping potions of the mango pork carnitas with mango and avocado tomatilla salsas, pickled onions, cotija cheese and more. Or the Del Rey, which was created in memory of Randy Goss, the Rib King of San Antonio who had been a part of the County Line’s success for years; this taco featured beef marinated with chipotle chiles and came topped with chipotle slaw, caramelized onions, salsa and cotija.

Purple Reign

A special emphasis is made on using lean meats, whether it’s the pork or the chorizo that was used in the Queso Deluxe, a treat that also featured guacamole and corn pico de gallo on top of the cheesy dip.

Mango Pork Carnitas Tacos at Barriba Cantina.

The bar is a big part of Barriba Cantina’s fun, and house specialties include the Purple Reign made with Ciroc Vodka, limoncello, violet liquor, Dulce Vida Organic Agave Nectar with blueberries as well as the Olé, a potent blend of Cinco Vodka, blackberries, raspberries, lime juice and soda.

Every bar in San Antonio has to have at least one margarita, and Barriba’s lineup includes the Skinny Dulce Vida Rita, a blend of Dulce Vida Silver, a splash of orange juice, agave nectar and lime juice.

Barriba Cantina will be open daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Click here for the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Clellan and Matt perform a sound check on the new patio at Big Bob's.

Big Bob’s Burgers, 447 Hildebrand Ave., was also celebrating the opening of its new patio and stage out back.

The new restaurant, housed in what used to be Cookie’s near the San Pedro Avenue intersection, featured Clellan and Matt as the inaugural act performing in the space, which is decorated with picnic tables and a few nice plants. It looks far better than a dilapidated back alley it appeared when owner Bob Riddle first stated work on the space.

Big Bob's Cheeseburger

The visit was also a chance to check out Big Bob’s cheeseburger and a few of his crispy onion rings.

Click here for more on Big Bob’s Burgers.

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.

County Line will host its next Pitmaster Cooking Class, presented by chef Garrett Stephens, on April 29, at the County Line, 10101 I-10 W.

Grilled Peach Kebabs with Pound Cake and Jack Daniels Sauce is a creation from chef Garrett Stephens taught at a previous County Line class.

You’ll learn to make the dishes, but also get to dine out on a full serving of each of the four courses. Stephens demonstrates how to prepare each dish, taking questions from the guests as he cooks and everyone receives a recipe book, with space to take notes.

A reception featuring Tropical White Sangria begins at 6:30 p.m.; the class/dinner begins at 7 p.m.  The April 29 menu will feature:

• Citrus Cilantro Black Bean Salad
• Jamaican Jerk Baby Back Ribs with a Pit-Charred Habanero-Mango Barbecue Sauce
• Sweet Potato Salad
• Grilled Pineapple Kabobs with Zesty Tamarind

Whole Foods is the sponsor for this cooking class, and Sam Adams has donated the beer and wine. 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 welcome reception will be at 6:30 p.m.; class begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $50 per person plus tax and tip.

To make a reservation, contact the restaurant at 210-641-1998. Or, you can e-mail garretts@countyline.com or click here. (Note, the last two Pitmaster classes have sold out a week before the event, so make reservations early.)

Jason Boland

The sounds of the 11th annual live music series at the County Line, 10101 I-10 W., have begun to fill the air.

The outdoor series, which runs 6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays, features some great names in the music business, including Cory Morrow, Two Tons of Steel and Jason Boland, all for free. Admission is merely a donation of food or money to the San Antonio Food Bank. Concerts are held rain or shine.

Cory Morrow

“We’re looking forward to another successful year of this free music series, started 12 years ago by Randy Goss,” says Mike Crenwelge, general manager of the County Line. “Over the years, people who love country music and barbecue have truly showed where their heart is with their generous donations of food and money to the San Antonio Food Bank. Let’s continue to make Randy proud.”

The most recent lineup, which is subject to change, is as follows:

• March 30 — Kyle Bennett Band and Stonehoney
• April 6 — Jason Boland and Clint Martin Band
• April 20 — Stoney LaRue and Rob Baird
• April 27 — Cory Morrow and the Dirty River Boys
• May 4 — Bart Crow Band and John David Kent
• May 18 — Sean McConnell and Reed Brothers
• June 8 — Johnny Cooper and The Captain Legendary Band
• June 15 — Brandon Rhyder
• June 22 — No Justice and Stonehoney
• July 6 — Emory Quinn
• July 13 — Gary P. Nunn
• July 20 — Kyle Park and  Clint Martin Band
• July 27 — Charlie Robison
• Aug. 3 — Zack Walther Band
• 

  Two Tons of Steel

  Aug. 10 — Two Tons of Steel and Rockn’ H Band

• Aug. 17 — Brandon Jenkins
• Sept. 7 — Rob Baird
• Sept. 21 — Scott Wiggins Band

The performances are free; however, all who attend are asked to make a food or monetary donation to the San Antonio Food Bank. The 2010 music series raised more 52,640 pounds of food.

“The San Antonio Food Bank is extremely grateful to have this continued partnership with County Line BBQ again this year,” said Eric Cooper, president/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. “Since we began this partnership 11 years ago, we have collected more than 530,000 pounds of food that has helped feed thousands of hungry individuals each week in Southwest Texas. Randy’s legacy of helping others and fighting hunger continues to remain strong through this wonderful partnership.”

Grilled Oysters Rockefeller

Now that the weather’s warmer, it’s time to return your attention to the grill. In that spirit, the County Line, 10101 I-10 W., resumes its monthly Pitmaster Cooking Class at 7 p.m. March 25.

The March theme is “A Taste of New Orleans” and will feature chef Garrett Stephens presenting a multi-course dinner inspired by the Big Easy.

Guests will be able to dine on full servings of the each of the four courses, while Stephens demonstrates how each of the dishes is prepared. All of the recipes are in a souvenir cookbook with plenty of room for taking notes.

Creole-grilled Mirliton Ratatouille

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with Hurricane cocktails, followed by the class at 7:30 featuring the following menu:

• Grilled Oysters Rockefeller with Crispy Pancetta and Gruyère
• Creole-grilled Mirliton Ratatouille
• Nawlins’ Style BBQ Shrimp
• Bananas Foster with County Line Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The cost for the evening is $50 a person plus tax and tip. To make a reservation, call 210-641-1998 or e-mail garretts@countyline.com. (The last two classes have sold out a week before the event, so you may want to plan ahead.)

The next class after that will be April 29.

New Year’s Eve parties abound in the Alamo City, with restaurants happy to help you raise a toast to 2011. Special menus, Champagne toasts and even fireworks are part of the plans available.

Reservations are necessary unless otherwise noted. And remember not to drink and drive.

Aldaco’s at Sunset Station, 100 E. Hoefgen St., 210-222-2561 — Ring in the new year with a three-course dinner beginning with caldo Tlalpeño with jumbo lump crab or  Tres Maria’s Wedge Salad, followed by your choice of lime-marinated grilled chicken breast over  angel hair pasta with roasted poblano alfredo or grilled rib-eye steak and papas bravas. Dinner concludes with Mexican bread pudding or Mexican hot chocolate with pan de polvo. The cost is $44.95 per person, including a Champagne toast and party favors. aldacos.net

Biga on the Banks, 203 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-225-0722 — New Year’s Eve seatings will be before  9 p.m. and after 9 p.m. The five-course menu includes some of the following options: lobster bisque, smoky duck breast salad, seared natural scallops, grilled beef tenderloin, rosemary-braised lamb shank, grass-fed veal chop and preserved lemon-roasted poussin. The cost is $100 a person plus tax and tip. The restaurant will be open New Year’s Day but will be closed Jan. 3-7.

Bin 555, Artisans Alley, 555 W. Bitters Road, 210-496-0555 — A five-course dinner is planned with seatings beginning at 6 p.m. Some of the items on the menu include sweet potato soup, Texas quail roulade, seared duck breast with foie gras-chestnut purée, and wood-oven roasted New York strip. Cost is $80 a person or $110 paired with wines. Tax and 18-percent tip not included. Full bar available. Open New Year’s Day.

Bohanan’s, 219 E. Houston St., 210-472-2600 — On New Year’s Eve, the bar will be open its regular hours of 11 a.m.-2 a.m. The restaurant upstairs will be open 5 p.m.-midnight with the regular dinner menu and holiday specials.

Brannon’s Cafe, Westin La Cantera, 16641 La Cantera Parkway, 210-558-6500 —  The New Year’s Eve special dinner, from 5 to 10 p.m., will feature four courses for $59 a person. The menu includes sweet potato gnocchi with cinnamon crème fraîche, followed by a Year’s End Salad with torched avocado, compressed English cucumber and petite lettuces with a serrano and mint vinaigrette. The main course is a choice of prime strip steak with Hoppin’ John Mashed Potatoes or pan-seared wreck fish with smoked okra and pancetta risotto. The finale is Before Your Resolution Chocolate Cake with dark chocolate genoise, mint cream and chocolate buttercream. The regular menu will also be available.

Coco Chocolate Lounge, 18402 U.S. 281 N., 210-557-9927 — Three different New Year’s Eve parties are planned for different areas with a Midnight in Vegas theme. One is a five-course dinner with a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Live music from Nic Dante and Stan Wayne Band. Cost: $75 a person. Coco XO will offer a video DJ and dancing all night. The cost per table starts at $500 and includes three bottles. The Coco Lounge Patio offers hip hop and an R&B DJ. The cost per table starts at $350 and includes two bottles. There is also a VIP party pass with access to all three parties.

The County Line, 111 W. Crockett St., 210-229-1941 — The River Walk restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-11  p.m or later depending on the crowds. Reservations are not accepted. Closed New Year’s Day.

The County Line, 10101 I-10 W., 210-631-1998 — The barbecue restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Reservations accepted.

Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery, 3920 Harry Wurzbach Road, 210-821-5600  — New Year’s Eve seatings start at 5:30 p.m. Entrées are served with appetizer, cup of soup or salad as well as vegetable and dessert. Appetizers include mousse truffle pâté, stuffed artichoke and  Nova Scotia smoked salmon. Soups: New England clam chowder and cream of mushroom. Entrée options, at various prices, include chicken breast with Montrachet  sauce, rainbow trout, Shrimp  Lyonnaise, Beef Wellington, salmon, veal scalloppini, and a Trilogy of lobster tail, rack of lamb and beef tenderloin. (No coupons accepted.) www.crumpetsa.com

814 A Texas Bistro, 713 High St., Comfort, 830-995-4990 — Closed for lunch Dec. 31. There will be two seatings in the evening at 6 and 9 p.m. The four-course prix-fixe menu is offered for $65 a person. Closed Jan. 1-4. Regular hours resume Jan. 5.

Fogo de Chão, 849 E. Commerce St., 210-227-1700 — New Year’s Eve hours are 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. for lunch and 5-10:30 p.m. for dinner. New Year’s Day hours are 4:30-10:00 p.m. The cost is $24.50 for lunch, $42.50 for dinner and $19.50 for salad bar only.

Francesca’s at Sunset, Westin la Cantera, 16641 La Cantera Parkway, 210-558-2253 — Ring in the new year with a tribute to Andy Warhol by Dom Perignon. The evening includes a multi-course luxury Pop Art-inspired menu from chef Ernie Estrada plus a glass of Moët and Chandon Imperial and Dom Pérignon’s Cuvée Andy Warhol. Door prizes and other activities planned. Cost is $125 a person plus tax and tip.

Frederick’s Bistro, 14439 N.W. Military Hwy., 210-888-1500 — New Year’s Eve hours begin at 6 p.m. The special four-course dinner includes the following entrée options: pomegranate-glazed duck breast, beef tournedo Rossini, sea bass and jumbo lump crab meat Napoleon, and grilled Maine lobster on a nest of spicy linguini. The cost is $70 plus tax and tip. www.fredericksbistro.com

Frederick’s Restaurant, 7701 Broadway, 210-828-9050 — New Year’s Eve hours begin at 6 p.m. The special four-course dinner includes the following entrée options: pomegranate-glazed duck breast, beef tournedo Rossini, sea bass and jumbo lump crab meat Napoleon, and grilled Maine lobster on a nest of spicy linguini. The cost is $70 plus tax and tip. www.frederickssa.com

The Gazebo at Los Patios, 2015 N.E. Loop 410, 210-655-6171 — New Year’s Eve hours are 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A holiday special is chicken breast stuffed with roasted bell peppers, spinach and ricotta cheese, served with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables for $9.95. There a different kids’ menu available for $6.95.  Closed New Year’s Day. www.lospatios.com

Godai Sushi Bistro, 4553 N. Loop 1604 W., 210-492-9262 — Dinner service is available 5-9:15 p.m. New Year’s Eve. The party begins at 10 p.m. with food, music and dancing. Included in the cost of $55 a person is a split of Champagne, party favors, an all-you-can-eat appetizer bar including sushi and a dance floor with music. There will also be specials running at the bar all night. E-mail yonggoro@yahoo.com.

Hotel Valencia, 150 E. Houston St., 210-227-9700, ext. 8412 — The party will be in the Vbar and Verona Ballroom. Vbar will feature a DJ while the band in the ballroom will play favorites from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The dinner buffet will include an ice sculpture, sushi and carving stations and be served from 8 p.m. to midnight. The party continues until 2 a.m. Cost is $100 per adult age 21 or older and includes a Champagne welcome, two drinks, and access to all food stations. www.hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com

Hyatt Hill Country, 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, 210-647-1234 — The resort is offering a New Year’s package for a family of four. For $369, you get a smokehouse barbecue dinner for two adults and two children, a carnival, a family dance with live music, fireworks with synchronized music and a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet.  New Year’s Day events include a FunZone for kids.

Hyatt Regency, 123 Losoya St., 210-222-1234 — The New Year’s Eve celebration includes a part in the ballroom as well as a room for two. The menu includes standing prime rib of beef, Scottish salmon baked in puff pastry, braised veal loin, salads, artisan cheeses and desserts. The cost is $399 a couple.

JW Marriott, 23808 Resort Parkway, 210-225-0462 — The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the New Year’s celebration, which runs 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, live entertainment and a Champagne toast at midnight. Cost is $150 a person if reservations are made before Dec. 17 or $175 if made after that date.

Las Canarias, La Mansión del Rio, 112 College St., 210-518-1063 — The restaurant will offer a 5-course and a 9-course prix fixe menu for New Year’s, available from 5:30 to 11 p.m. A live band with dancing and party favors will be available after 9 p.m. The cost of the 5-course menu is $100 a person while the 9-course menu costs $150 a person. Price includes a Champagne toast, but not tax, tip or other drinks.   On New Year’s Day, the restaurant will offer a buffet from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The price of the buffet is $26.95 ($13.50 for children, ages 5-12 years) and includes juice and coffee, but not tax, tip or alcoholic beverages. À la carte dining will be available from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Click here.

Limestone Grille, Ye Kendall Inn, 128 W. Blanco, Boerne, 830-249-2138 — The New Year’s Eve menu, served from 5 to 10 p.m., is a multi-course meal with appetizer, salad, and choice  of the following: herb-crusted Angus prime rib, prickly pear and herb-marinated duck breast, pistachio-crusted chicken, grilled mahi-mahi, prosciutto and provolone stuffed pepper-crusted veal chop, and surf and turf (the latter with a $9 surcharge). Dessert is a white and dark chocolate mousse tuxedo cup. Cost is $65 a person plus tax and tip. The hotel is hosting a separate New Year’s party. See details below. www.yekendallinn.com

The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills, 1746 Lockhill Selma Road, 210-349-8466 —The Lodge will be celebrating its 10th New Year’s Eve with a six-course menu featuring a number of choices. Seatings begin at 5:30 p.m. A few of the dishes include seared diver sea scallop with celery heart-onion “salad” and “truffle syrup,” rabbit saddle with melted leeks, pan-seared Moroccan salmon, cast iron-seared beef tenderloin with smoked bone marrow pudding. Cost: $100 per person or $150 paired with wines. Tax and 20-percent tip not included. Full bar available. Open New Year’s Day.

Max’s Wine Dive, 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101, 210-444-9547 — On New Year’s Eve, the restaurant is offering the following specials in addition to its regular menu: Fresh Bacon ‘n’ Beans ($15),  Potato Latke ($17),  Foie Gras Pain Perdu ($19), Max’s Ultimate Foie Gras Kobe Burger ($29),  Veal Osso Buco ($32), Filet Mignon ($38),  and Tres Leches Baked Alaska ($12).

Mike’s in the Village, 2355-3 Bulverde Road, Bulverde, 830-438-2747 — New Year’s Eve hours are 5-9 p.m. The special menu begins with Maine Lobster Bisque with Sherry, followed by a choice of  Pear Salad with Maytag Blue Cheese or House Salad with Craisins, Montrachet Goat Cheese and Roasted Almonds. The third course is a choice of  Dijon Mustard, Pecan and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops, Black Angus Filet au Poivre or Pan-seared Halibut. Dessert choices are  Pistachio-crusted Chocolate Truffles, White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Vanilla Bean Crème Brule with Raspberry Sauce. Live jazz from the Phil Grota Trio. Cost is $75 a person.

Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, 218 Produce Row, 210-225-1262  — The restaurant is open 24 hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Reservations not accepted.

Ostra, Mokara Hotel and Spa, 212 W. Crockett St., 210-396-5817 — The restaurant will offer its regular menu from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Paesanos Riverwalk, 111 W. Crockett St., 210-227-2782 — New Year’s Eve seatings are at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. The multiple-course meal includes entrée choices of Shrimp Paesano, ahi tuna ceviche style, pan-seared sea bass in truffle butter, herb-crusted filet mignon, Parmesan-crusted chicken breast and cheese tortellini.  The cost of the 6 p.m. is $42.95 for adults or $24.95 for children ages 9 or younger. The cost for the 8 and 10 p.m. seatings is $58.95 per adult or $24.95 for children ages 9 or younger. Tax and 20-percent tip not included. www.prg-sa.com

Q on the Riverwalk, Hyatt Regency, 123 Losoya St., 210-222-1234 — The three-course New Year’s Eve menu is served 7-10 p.m. Choices include either am élange of fresh wintergreens tossed with spiced pecans, feta and pink grapefruit or fresh lobster bisque. Entrée options include standing rib roast of Angus beef, fire-grilled filet of salmon or roasted breast of chicken with chevre. Dessert is a New Year’s Eve chocolate trio. The cost is $100 per couple. Complimentary self‐parking available at the Central Parking garage located across from the hotel.

Restaurant Insignia, Fairmount Hotel, 4o1 S. Alamo St., 210-223-0401 — The restaurant is in perfect proximity for the New Year’s celebration at Hemisfair Park with seatings at 7 and 10 p.m. The New Year’s Eve dinner will feature a six-course menu with some of the following options: lobster bisque, king crab risotto, cast iron-seared beef tenderloin and seared duck breast. Cost is $90 per person and $30 extra with wine pairings. Tax and tip not included. (The 7 p.m. seating must be over by 9:45 p.m.) Full bar available until 2 a.m. Open New Year’s Day. restaurantinsignia.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 1170 E. Commerce St., 210-227-8847; 7720 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-821-5051 — The New Year’s Eve parties bring a multi-course meal starting with a choice of appetizer, followed by choice of soup or salad. Entrée choices include filet mignon, rib-eye, stuffed chicken breast or Hong Kong sea bass, each complemented by a 6-ounce lobster tail. Dessert choices close out the meal. Cost is $89 a person plus tax and tip.

Silo, 1133 Austin Hwy., 210-824-8686 — A three-course dinner for $55 a person is available for those who dine before 6:15 p.m. Four courses for $90 a person is available for dining after 6:45 p.m. Entrée options include grilled  and roasted duck breast with duck confit leg, grilled beef tenderloin, pistachio-crusted Gulf snapper, grilled Australian rack of lamb and whole Maine lobster carbonara.

Thai Dee, 5307 Blanco Road, 210-342-3622 — The restaurant will be open noon-9 p.m.  New Year’s Day. Reservations not needed.

Tre Trattoria, 4003 Broadway, 210-805-0333 — Tre Trattoria will host a six-course menu with seatings beginning at 6 p.m. A few of the options include foie gras pastrami with pear mostarda, pan-seared gnocchi with creamy gorgonzola and honeycrisp apples pangrattato, spaghetti amatriciana with house-cured guanciale, local cabrito with polenta, and seared ahi tuna with puttanesca. Cost is $60 a person, $90 paired with wines. Tax and 18-percent tip not included. Full bar available. Open New Year’s Day.

Watermark Grill, 18740 Stone Oak Parkway, 210-483-7600 — There will be two New Year’s Eve seatings at 6 and 9:30 p.m. for a four-course dinner. The first course includes a variety of choices such as a Mango Avocado Lobster Tower or a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. Second course includes Heart of Romaine with Artisan Brie or Tarragon-crusted Caribbean Lobster Tail. Saffron Vanilla Maine Lobster is one of the entrée options served prior to a dessert course that includes Chocolate Indulgence Trio among the choices. At the first seating the cost is $75 for the meal. At the second, it costs $95 for the meal paired with Louis Roederer Champagne.

The Wine Cellar at Zinc Bistro, 207 N. Presa St., 210-224-1313 — Zinc provides an intimate setting to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a wine-paired five-course dinner beginning at 8 p.m., with the opening of a 2000 Roederer L’Ermitage sparkler from Anderson Valley, Calif., offered with Oregon mushroom duxelles in sour cream tartlets and other appetizers.  At 8:30 p.m., the starters will be followed by a pot pie filled with cold water lobster and wild mushrooms in a sherry and lobster bisque and offered with a Montaudon Rosé Champagne NV from Reims, France.  A 2008 Melville Estate Pinot Noir accompanies the pomegranate and horseradish-glazed quail salad with arugula, frisee and a tangerine vinaigrette. The main course is a choice of Niman Ranch herb-crusted rack of lamb with a chipotle Bordelaise or a center-cut strip sirloin with Portobello compound butter. The wine is a 2006 Cenay Blue Tooth Vineyard Cabernet from the Napa Valley.  A glass of Grahams 10-Year-Old Tawny Port will accompany dessert, a winter-spiced molten chocolate cake with sugared raspberries and Sabyon sauce. Tthere will Champagne at midnight. Limited reservations. Cost: $100 per person.

Ye Kendall Inn, 128 W. Blanco, Boerne, 830-249-2138 — The New Year’s Party begins at 7:30 p.m. with an hors d’oeuvres and dinner buffet, bottle of wine (per couple), live entertainment with the Mo-Dels, dancing, party favors, Champagne toast, black-eyed peas and cornbread. The cost is $79 a person plus tax and tip.  www.yekendallinn.com

Z’Tejas, 15900 La Cantera Parkway, 210-690-3334 — The restaurant is offering a three-course special Dec. 31-Jan. 2. The first course is Baja Shrimp Cocktail, followed by a choice of Z Salad, tortilla soup, soup of the day or Southwestern Caesar Salad. The third course is a choice of prime rib ($34.99) or Fresh Chilean Sea Bass on Papillotte ($41.99).

Zuni Grill, 223 Losoya St., 210-227-0864 — New Year’s Eve seatings are at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. The multiple-course meal includes entrée choices of Shrimp Paesano, pan-seared salmon, prime sirloin chimichurri, grilled chicken Tuscany pasta and grilled vegetable fajitas. The children’s menu  includes a burger or chicken tenders, both with fries. The cost for the 6 p.m. seating is $39.95 per adult or $19.95 per child ages 9 or younger. Cost for the 8 and 10 p.m. seatings is $49.95 per adult or $19.95 for children ages 9 or younger. Tax and 20-percent tip not included. www.prg-sa.com

Restaurateurs, if you are not included on this list e-mail info@savorsa.com and we will update the list.

Order an entire meal or just some complementary dishes. Options range from a full spread with beef tenderloin to cheesecakes in a variety of flavors.

Give the gift of a Flying Pig cheesecake

Flying Pig Cheesecakes

Flying Pig has expanded its product line and added cookies, as well as some great new cheesecake flavors.

Some of the new cheesecakes from the San Antonio bakery are White Chocolate Truffle, rich, creamy white chocolate with an overlay of orange liqueur; Fireside Dream, bright cranberries, a subtle hint of orange and the elegant smoothness of white chocolate; Dia de los Muertos, Mexican dark chocolate, cinnamon, and smokey chipotle; Heavenly Harvest, with pumpkin, honey, and perfect spices; the Lodge, a flavor to make you think of mulled apple cider and the scent of juniper as you sit on the porch of a mountain lodge.

The new cookies come in some of the cheesecake flavors, but also flavors all their own. Ask for Mango Tango, Fire Island, Dia de los Muertos, The Lodge, Fireside Dream, German Chocolate, Turtlelly Awesome, and Tranquility, as well as Molasses and Peanut Butter flavors.

All cheesecake orders can be made with low-fat cream cheese upon request. Call 210-844-8458 or e-mail flyingpigbaking@yahoo.com for more information and delivery costs.

Mike's in the Village offers plenty of options to meet your holiday needs.

Mike’s offers everything from appetizers to desserts

Need a ready-to-serve appetizer or five? Or maybe two or three different desserts?

Mike’s in the Village, 2355-3 Bulverde Road, Bulverde, offers an array of pre-cooked options that can be catered to suit your needs.

For appetizers, consider spinach- and cornbread-stuffed mushrooms, chicken and Gouda phyllo triangles, apricot- and walnut-stuffed double crème brie en croute, crudité and vegetable platters with asparagus and roasted peppers or one of the signature crawfish cheesecakes.

White chocolate bread pudding with cinnamon rum sauce, warm cherry clafouti pudding, warm Bananas Foster over vanilla bean ice cream and  caramelized apple flan are among the dessert choices.

Call 830-438-2747 or click here.

Holiday tamales at Paloma Blanca

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine, 5800 Broadway, is now taking orders for holiday tamales.

They come in four flavors: chicken verde, pork, poblano corn and black bean. Each is $8 per dozen.

Tres Leches cake is also available. It comes in your choice of vanilla, chocolate, piña colada and strawberry.

Call 210-822-6151 or visit www.palomablanca.net.

Cookies, pies and buche de Noël at Marioli

At Marioli, 18730 Tuscany Stone, chef Mariana Oliver has created an expansive holiday dessert repertoire.

The international array of cookies, sweet breads, pies, brownies and puddings is designed to appeal to any taste, no matter the country of origin.

Garibaldi pastries, for example, are a mainstay at the Stone Oak eatery.

“These are traditional sweet breads of Mexico and are often served with café de leche,” she says. “This is something that you find all over Mexico City and the rest of the country.” The shape of the dessert resembles the hat worn by the Italian freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi who was dubbed the “hero of two worlds” in recognition of his military exploits in South America and Europe.

There are also Mariposa cookies, slathered with apricot or raspberry jelly between two shortbread layers that have been drizzled with chocolate as well as brownie triangles encrusted with peppermint crunches.

Also for the season is the buche de Noël, or yule log, served at Christmas in France and Belgium. Miniature pecan pies, flan, cupcakes filled with tres leches and drizzled with sweet cream, and more are available.

Marioli is open 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Satruday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Call 210-496-1111 or visit www.marioli2go.com.

More options

• Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine, 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, 210-494-0561 — People can place orders for Blanca Aldaco’s tres leches cake, available in various flavors. These cakes serve up to 20 slices.
• Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, various locations — Click here to order online. A 10- to 12-pound turkey with gravy and dressing costs $38.99, while an 18- to 20-pound turkey with gravy and dressing costs $59.99. Honey-glazed spiral cut ham costs $5.19 a pound. Party packs, pies and extras are also available.
• Central Market, 4821 Broadway, 210-368-8600 — Place orders by 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Order a traditional Thanksgiving dinner that serves 6-8 for $129.99. The lavender-white hickory smoked turkey dinner for 6-8 costs $139.99. A turkey breast dinner for 4-6 costs $99.99. The glazed white hickory-smoked ham dinner for 6-8 costs $99.99. The herb-roasted rib-eye dinner for 6-8 costs $159.99. The herb-crusted beef tenderloin dinner for 6-8 costs $169.99. The vegetarian hazelnut-fig roast en croûte for 2 costs $39.99. A package of holiday side dishes for 6-8 costs $49.99.
• The County Line Barbecue, 10101 I-10 W., 210-641-1998 — Boneless, smoked, pepper-rubbed turkey breast is available for $12.99 a pound. The breasts are generally 4 pounds and feed 10-12 people. The emergency kit of barbecue and sides is available for $11.99 a person. Ship barbecue via AirRibs by visiting www.airribs.com or by calling 800-AIR-RIBS (800-247-7427).
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 1170 E. Commerce St., 210 227-8847; and 7720 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-821-5051 – San Antonians can order the following side dishes, which serve 10-12, throughout the holidays: sweet potato casserole, green beans and roasted garlic, creamed spinach and corn pudding. Desserts for 8-10 people include pecan pie and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Desserts for 10-12 include a whole cheesecake or a whole Chocolate Sin Cake. Orders must be picked up 24 hours in advance.
• Whole Foods, 255 E. Basse Road, 210-826-4676 — Order your holiday meal online by clicking here.  The herb-crusted prime rib roast is priced at $42.49-$254.94. A pre-roasted whole organic turkey is $109.99. Other dishes include chipotle-glazed pork loin for $17.99, chocolate pecan pie or pecan pie for $12.99 and brie with fig spread and almonds, $11.99.