Green Vegetarian moves Sunday

Green Vegetarian Cuisine opens in its new home at the Pearl Brewery Sunday.

The city’s first 100 percent kosher vegetarian restaurant has moved from 1017 N. Flores St. Its second location is open at 10003 N.W. Military Hwy.

“We are really excited about our new venture at the Pearl,” owner Mike Behrend says. “As you know, I have always had big dreams for Green.”

And that dream has him facing “a much larger space,” he says, where “we will be able to serve hundreds more meals each day.”

Green’s extensive menu includes dishes such as chicken-fried steak made with wheat meat, neatloaf and portabella steak as well as fried pickles, fried mushrooms, nachos, salads, burgers, quesadillas, enchiladas, stir-fries and sandwiches. New at the Pearl will be French press coffee.

According to a press release, “Green strives to be a sustainable restaurant with re-purposed restaurant equipment, the use of biodegradable packaging when possible, recycling, use of fair trade organic coffee, free range eggs and the use of their self-grown vegetables in many of their dishes.”

Green offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday. It is closed Saturday.

Pyles raises a Toast to Texas

Stephan Pyles

Celebrity chef Stephan Pyles will be in town on March 6 for a dinner at Sustenio in the Eilan Hotel, 17101 La Cantera Parkway. The theme is a Toast to Texas and will feature four courses served family style.

The meal will begin with spirits from two local distilleries, Rebecca Creek and Cinco Vodka, while the meal will be paired with Texan wines.

The evening is also an introduction of Sustenio’s new executive chef, Mike Spalla.

The price is $85 a person plus tax and tip. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. For reservations, call (210) 598-2950.

Corner Bakery adds turkey panini

Turkey Monterey Panini with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

The Corner Bakery Cafe, at 255 E. Basse Road and 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, has added the Turkey Monterey Panini with smoked turkey, fresh spinach and provolone cheese on sourdough bread with a homemade artichoke asiago spread.

Also new is a Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, made with chicken, red and yellow peppers, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes and orzo pasta simmered in a creamy broth with a hint of lemon.

“We have combined bold flavors in layers of fresh ingredients to craft an unexpected, delicious new panini,” said Chris Pheiffer, San Antonio Corner Bakery Cafe franchise owner. “The Turkey Monterey Panini is perfect for guests who love our panini offerings but want to shake up their routine.”

A soup and half of the panini is available for $7.99.

The Point celebrates 1st birthday

Denise Aquirre owns and operates the Point Park and Eats on Boerne Stage Road with Noel Cisneros.

The Point Park and Eats, 21488 Boerne Stage Road, is celebrating its first birthday March 15-17 with three days of activities and food trucks.

On March 15, Branchline Brewery will pour their brews, Sol Surfers will perform and the food truck lineup includes Skinny Cat, MARS Mobile Kitchen, Say.She.Ate, Pork U and Lagniappe Today.

D.J. J.J. Lopez will be spinning discs on March 16 while the lineup includes Skinny Cat, MARS, Crepe Nation, Texasada, Fat Bellies and Kitchen Fusionz, the latter of which is also celebrating its first year of business.

Jonathan Alexander will perform on March 17 while the lineup features Kitchen Fusionz, Pork U, Skinny Cat, So Frito and Fork It.

Drink specials will also be available throughout the weekend. For more information, visit www.ParkAtThePoint.com.

Three words to remember: Filet and lobster

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, 255 E. Basse Road, is offering an off-the-menu special through April 7.

For $37.95, you can order a filet mignon and North Atlantic lobster tail, a starter and a side dish.

The only catch is that the special is not on the menu. You have to remember to ask for it.

The Hofbrau at the Rim opens

The Quarry Hofbrau at the Rim, 18403 I-10 W., has opened.

Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday. Call (210) 877-1500.

Coming soon

• The French restaurant Saveurs 209, 209 Broadway, will be open any day now. Call (210) 639-3165 or click here.
• Salaam International Food Market, 3727 Colony Drive, will open a restaurant in the near future at the back of the store, which features Middle Eastern groceries.
• Blanco BBQ is opening at 13259 Blanco Road, which has been the home of several previous restaurants, including Matisse.

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

It’s the holiday season, and that means seasonal treats in a host of traditional flavors, some with delicious twists.

RustyZipper.com has all sorts of vintage ugly sweaters.

Get out your ugly holiday sweaters

So, remember that holiday sweater some ex-friend gave you that was so ugly it made you long for fruitcake?

Well, it’s time to take it out of mothballs and wear it proudly. Both Max’s Wine Dive, 340 E. Basse Road, and Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden, 312 Pearl Parkway, are having a day devoted to those ghastly knitted creations. On Dec. 14, anyone wearing an ugly sweater will receive a free dessert or small plate under $10.

So, find that sweater that puts the “err” in “merry,” and put it to the only good use there is outside of burning it for fuel.  To reach the Boiler House, call  (210) 354-4644 or visit www.boilerhousesa.com. For Max’s Wine Dive, call (210) 444-9547 or visit www.maxswinedive.com.

If you wish to invest in a vintage ugly sweater, check out RustyZipper.com. You can even find plenty that get more lit than a drunken uncle on Christmas!

Christmas concert at Boardwalk Bistro

On Dec. 20, Boardwalk Bistro, 4011 Broadway, hosts Small World, which will be performing their 20th annual Christmas Concert.

“We are serving our regular dinner menu with Christmas specials,” owner Barbara Hunt says. “The performance is 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and there is no cover charge. This is always a wonderful event.”

For more information, call (210) 824-0100.

McDonald’s Holiday Pie

McDonald’s decorates its menu with holiday flavors

McDonald’s is offering the following treats through the end of the year:

• Peppermint Mocha – a milder blend of espresso, steamed milk, peppermint and dark chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate – a blend of peppermint and dark chocolate syrup, steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle
• Holiday Mint McFlurry – a soft serve vanilla ice cream blended with peppermint candy pieces and holiday mint flavored syrup
• Egg Nog Shake – a delightfully creamy, egg nog flavored shake with real whipped cream and a cherry
• Holiday Pie – a sweet custard filling baked inside a flaky pastry with colorful holiday sugar sprinkles on top

Cookie Bites and more at Corner Bakery Café

Corner Bakery Café, 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, is cooking up baked goods trays featured Cookie Bites, Bar Bites and Bundt Bites. Plus, the purchase of a large Cinnamon Creme Cake brings a $5 bonus card valid during the month of January.

Call (210) 441-4547.

EZ’s Pumpkin Latte Shake

Pumpkin treats at EZ’s through the holidays

EZ’s Brick Oven & Grill introduced two seasonal treats for October, and they proved so popular that both were held over through the holidays.

The dishes are the Pumpkin Latte Shake and the Roasted Pumpkin Pizza. both are available at all EZ’s locations.

Click here for more information.

Holiday lunches return to Ruth’s Chris

Both Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations will have holiday lunch hours this December.

The steakhouse at Concord Plaza, 7720 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 821-5051, is open now through Dec. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., while the Sunset Station location, 1170 E. Commercce St., (210) 227-8847, will be open Dec. 17–21, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The cost is $50 per person and includes a starter, a choice of entrée, Accompaniment & Dessert

Choose an entrée from Filet & Frites, Sliced Steak Sandwich, Salmon, Chicken Caesar or Mixed Grill.

No other promotions can be used with this offer.

Black-eyed pea tamales at La Fonda Alamo Heights

La Fonda Alamo Heights, 6402 N. New Braunfels,  is combining two holiday traditions under one husk: tamales and black-eyed peas. From now through Dec. 31, you can order black-eyed pea tamales in addition to the usual pork, chicken and beef varieties.

“You are supposed to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck throughout the coming year,” says owner Hans White. “We figured this was a tasty way to do it!”

These handmade tamales can be ordered by the dozen and come ready to steam and serve at your next holiday gathering. Prices range from $8.50 per dozen for pork (with or without jalapeños), chicken, and beef to $12 per dozen for black-eyed pea. Order by calling (210) 824-4231.

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

Habanero Roast Beef at the Station Cafe.

Cabin fever usually refers to people who have been cooped up in their homes for a long, hard winter and are antsy to get back in circulation. We in San Antonio have had cabin fever of the reverse order this year, with the scorching heat driving us near the air conditioner both day and night.

Now that the weather has gotten slightly cooler, however, people are anxious to get back to their former habits in the great outdoors.

That’s what they did en masse for October’s First Friday celebration. Thousands of people crowded into venues as far flung as the Arneson Theater on the river to the Friendly Spot in the heart of Southtown.

Little Rhein sits on a beautiful corner of the River Walk.

And everywhere people were, food was sure to be there, too. OK, there were also plenty of artists with their artwork, but not a one appeared to be starving.

My evening started on a great note: I found a parking space on the street in Southtown, a legal parking space — and, no, I won’t divulge the location in case I want to head there again. I will say it was only a couple of blocks from my first stop, the Station Cafe on South St. Mary’s. I had really enjoyed this place when it was the Filling Station next door, but I hadn’t been to its larger, more colorful digs next door.

The space is open, wide open, almost epically open, and it feels great, thanks to lively wall coverings, from paintings to cute cat photos.

All of the food at the Station is made from scratch, from the pizza dough to the pies. That means deciding on something can be a bit of a chore. I settled on a Habanero Roast Beef sandwich with provolone melted into the meat and sweet-hot dressing slathered on the house-made roll. The flavors were clean and delicious, with just the right amount of fat and crispy edges to give it a boost.

The not-so-small petite filet at Little Rhein.

Turns out the Station hasn’t finished its expansion. Coming this January is the Filling Station Brewing Co.

Pizza and a cold hand-crafted brew? I can hardly wait.

Then it was off to La Villita where a host of festivities were under way. Artists filled the sidewalks, while food booths lined up outside the Arneson, where the 11th annual International Accordion Festival was beginning. The three-day event kicked off with bluesqueezebox, an Austin group that performed a type of accordion blues mixed with a healthy dose of Kurt Weill, some Henry Mancini from the “Peter Gunn” years and even a little hillbilly music.

The Austin band bluesqueezebox performs at the Accordion Festival.

I decided to have another bite at the nearby Little Rhein Steakhouse and listen to the music on the restaurant’s gorgeous patio. The petite filet was more than big enough, especially with a side of mixed mushrooms and a glass of Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé, one of the best rosés I’ve had this year and perfect on a warm fall evening.

From there, it was on to the Equinox gallery in La Villita where Jillian Palone, the wife of a co-worker, was showing her jewelry with two other artists. Her bracelets were drawing plenty of deserved attention for their dramatic textures and colors and are worth checking out if you are in the area.

But you can’t eat a bracelet, so I headed back to Southtown. Along the way I passed a number of old favorites, such as Azuca, La Focaccia and La Frite, all of which appeared to be packed. A woman coming out of Azuca sadly told her friends that the restaurant had been booked for the entire evening with reservations and they would have to go elsewhere.

Crowds line up for a beer at the Friendly Spot.

Elsewhere for me was the Friendly Spot on South Alamo St,, the massive beer garden with some great snacks to munch on. I ordered pork tenderloin tacos and was pleasantly surprised to find welcome strands of pickled onion on top. But beer is the name of the game here, and an IPA was the perfect way to wash down the spicy tacos while navigating the enormous crowds.

I wasn’t ready to call it a night, so I made one last stop down the street at Feast, Southtown’s newest dining spot. The Art Deco building, which has been dressed to the nines, had an empty table outside where I had a nice, relaxing sit under some sparkling fiber optic lights hung from the tree overhead. A skillet soon appeared with Jack Cheese Mac, noodles bathed in cheese and saffron cream with garlic crumbs on top. It was a gooey bit of excess that worked all too well. I couldn’t stop eating it. I also tried the grilled sweetbreads, which were served with a tomato salad and cumin molasses. It was good, but it couldn’t hold a candle to the mac.

Feast is the latest addition to Southtown's restaurant roster.

That was it for me. I dragged my tired carcass past a bustling Rosario’s and back to my car. I’m sure most of the restaurateurs in the area welcomed the break in the weather and the crowds. I don’t get to First Friday often enough, but this evening left a great aftertaste that makes me hungry for more.

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.

RoMo’s Cafe has opened at 7627 Culebra Road, Suite 107. If the address seems familiar, it’s because the restaurant is located in the same plaza as Metro Basilica No. 2, which was reviewed on SavorSA recently.

But RoMo’s is not Mexican food.

The menu includes a host of dishes from a variety of places that the chef and owner, Rob Yoas, has lived in.

“The inspiration for the menu here at RoMo’s is mainly derived from his upbringing,” says the restaurant’s website. “As a child he moved nearly every year.” That gave him “a very keen sense of casual and contemporary American cuisine.”

So, expect the likes of slow roasted prime rib, French Cajun risotto, herb-poached sea bass and a daily frittata. Hand-cut fries with white truffle oil or fried in duck fat are among the sides. There’s also a Golden Ticket burger, which the menu says is made from three cuts of prime beef. Starters include a wedge salad with chicken breast, a soup based on New Englad boiled dinner, and arancini, or rice balls.

Nutella s’mores and boracho bread pudding are among the desserts.

The food at RoMo’s “is sourced locally and fresh to the best of our ability and availability,” the site says. “RoMo’s is a small business and supports local growers and producers. We pride ourselves in preparing everything in-house and producing with no outsourcing.”

As you might have guessed, the Ro stands for Rob, while the Mo refers to his wife, Monica Yoas, who is the restaurant’s business manager.

RoMo’s is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Call 210-521-ROMO (7666) for information or click here for more information.

Underneath all that crisp lettuce is a huarache covered with equally crispy carnitas.

OK, so the name doesn’t exactly inspire too much confidence: Tacos y Burritos Metro Basilica No. 2. It apparently refers to a Mexico City metro stop, but how many San Antonians will know that before asking? (The No. 1 store seems to be in California, so don’t look for it.)

The look of the place doesn’t exactly win too many points either. Sure, it’s ultra clean, but it’s also sterile and nondescript in an equally unnoticeable plaza along Culebra Road. The boxy layout of the dining room tables makes you feel as if you were being herded through.

All of which could explain why only two other tables were occupied the other night when we slipped in for dinner.

But the food is so unbelievably good that it will win you over at first bite. This is Mexican street fare that you usually find around here only at a taco truck, only better. Forget the chips and salsa, and concentrate on huaraches, sopes and mulitas, all with the most divinely cinnamon-laced horchata in town.

The restaurant is on Culebra Road.

It’s a small menu, but everything is choice. And the prices, most under $5, are a steal.

We tried two sopes, which were visually indistinguishable until you dug a fork into them. Each arrived with a mountain of shredded lettuce topped with avocado, slivers of tomato, sour cream and queso fresco. Underneath was a smear of lardy beans and plenty of meat — we tried both the asada and the chicken, and found plenty to enjoy in each. Everything was situated atop a handmade base made from corn. Think of your favorite tostada, only on steroids in terms of size and flavor. A squirt or two of the fiery green salsa or the smoky roasted red just carried the freshness of the dish to a whole new level.

The same sumptuous mound of lettuce covered the carnitas huarache, which also had a thick-yet-tender, oblong corn tortilla on the bottom. The succulent strands of meat had been crisped on the edges, giving a variety of textures as well as its juicy pork flavor to the dish.

I was not familiar with the mulita, so I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Two corn tortillas were stuffed with the meat of your choice (I opted for what turned out to be a spectacularly well seasoned al pastor), ripe avocado and a salty cheese that sort of melted together with just a few welcome drops of grease, which you will want to sop up with any tortilla so you don’t miss a single bite. Individually, each ingredient shone; together, they eclipsed everything else on the table, which was no mean feat.

Salty cheese and al pastor meat pack the mulita.

I just wish that a few slivers of radish had been added to each of the dishes, as they would have offered a lively little kick and a complementary crunch. I hope they’re available with the pozole, which a flier on the wall said is now offered daily. I wish I had seen that first. Or maybe not. It gives me something to go back for. With a mulita on the side.

Tacos y Burritos Metro Basilica No. 2
7627 Culebra Road
(210) 680-1412
Open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

“Top Chef” here

First, the word is out that “Top Chef” is here filming for the new season. (Not the little guys that visited the Alon Market recently – the big-name chefs this time.)

Emeril Lagasse, Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi were at Biga on the Banks last night, according to Biga. No forewarning to the kitchen staff at Biga, but some in the group of 12 did head in to greet them after dinner, handshakes all around. Then, some of the chefs moved on over to the Esquire Tavern to close out the night, we hear.

So, where are they staying, where are they filming, dining out, etc.? Those in the know are being pretty tight-lipped at this point. But keep your eyes and ears open, and don’t forget to send chef sightings to us at SavorSA!

Lana Duke of Ruth’s Chris fame gets Vidorra condo here

Lana Duke, shown here at downtown Ruth's Chris, will have a residence in San Antonio.

Meanwhile, it’s good to hear that a great lady, Lana Duke of New Orleans, owner of the local Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses, will have a second residence in San Antonio. She and her son, David, will be part-time residents at Vidorra, a high-rise condominium complex on North Center Street.

The Luxury

Can we look forward to rotisserie and roasted meats going on the menu?

Andrew Weissman says The Luxury has made some significant progress, the containers are in, the landscaping soon to be started. He won’t commit to an opening date yet, but says it’s “pretty darn close.”

As always the Weissman creativity is running full blast. He is thinking of putting in a huge rotisserie in order to roast pork and goat to sell by the pound. That’s always a luxury for the tired, hungry, homeward-bound downtown worker.

He says his trailer dining concept will be unique — even among trailer dining concepts. Wine on tap is always nice, and the river location, across the the San Antonio Museum of Art will be a good draw. We’ll let you know, as soon as we do, the answer to that “when” question.

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

San Antonio’s restaurants are serving up something for all tastes.

Kirby’s Scotch Tasting

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse, 123 N. 1604 E., is hosting its monthly scotch tasting from  6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

On the menu this month are the 14-year-old Clynelish, 15-year-old Dalwhinnie, 14-year-old Oban and 12-year-old Caol Ila.

Master of Whiskey Theresa Menendez will be on hand to offer background information, tasting notes and answer questions.

The cost is $25 a person and reservations are recommended. Call 210-404-2221 or email Sam Miller at S.Miller@KirbysSteakhouse.com.

'Cabernet Is King' at Morton's

“Cabernet Is King” at Morton’s

Morton’s the Steakhouse, 300 E. Crockett St., is hosting a master class called “Cabernet is King” at 6 p.m. June 17.

General manager and certified Morton’s sommelier Todd Bricker will lead the tasting of Cabernet Sauvignons from around the world. The list will include Swanson Alexis from Napa, Livernano Divinita from Tuscany, Sebastiani Secolo from Sonoma, Chateau Ste Michelle Cold Creek from Washington’s Columbia Valley, Rosemount Show Reserve from Australia’s Coonawarra, Penfolds Thomas Hylands from South Australia, Chateau Greysac from France’s Medoc and Montes Alpha from Chile’s Apalta.

Featured hors d’oeuvres include Smoked Salmon Pinwheels, Chicken Goujonettes, Roma Tomato Fresh Mozzarella and Basil on a Crostini, Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches, and artisan cheeses with fresh fruit.

The cost is $49 a person plus tax and tip. For more information, 210-228-0700 or email mitzi_pearson@mortons.com.

Four at the Fork

Roaring Fork, 1806 N. Loop 1604 W., is offering a Four at the Fork promotion through Sept. 30. From Sundays through Thursdays, diners can choose an entrée with three side dishes for $18. Some of the main course options include Shrimp and Grits, Cedar Plank Salmon, rotisserie chicken and fried chicken while the sides include cilantro rice, broccoli, spinach, green beans, and mac and cheese.

Call 210-479-9700 or visit www.roaringfork.com.

Pineapple treats

Whataburger introduces two new pineapple-flavored items on Monday after 3 p.m.: Pineapple Shakes and hot Pineapple Pies. Both will be available for a limited time only.

Smashburger love

Smashburger has kicked off a “Why I Love the Classic Smashburger” video contest, which runs through June 20. The videos, of course, have to be about the burger and must be emailed to classic@smashburger.com. The five top finalists will be posted on Smashburger’s Facebook page, where fans will be invited to vote for the best submission. The winner will receive free Smashburgers for a year.

The Q Kebab with Chimichurri Sauce

Q on the Riverwalk is a haven for barbecue of all styles, from Texas smoked meat to Korean kalbi.

Among the many meaty treats at the restaurant, located in the downtown Hyatt, 123 Losoya St., are ribs with your choice of rubs: Tuscan, Kansas City, Cantonese and Texas Dry.

From Brazil comes the churrasco-style mixed grill, which chef David Wirebaugh serves with sausage, shrimp, chicken and sirloin along with vegetables and a chimichurri sauce. It’s an easy recipe to recreate at home where you can play around with the ingredients, doubling the sausage and deleting the chicken or adding scallops instead of beef.

Anyway you skewer it, this is a great summertime treat for grill fans.

Q’s Churrasco Mixed Grill

1 bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch chunks
1 red onion, sliced into 1-inch chunks
8 jumbo shrimp
1 zucchini, cut into ½-inch slices
12 ounces sirloin, sliced into 1-inch cubes
1 yellow squash, cut into ½-inch slices
1 chicken breast, sliced into 1-inch cubes
1 sausage link, cut into 1-inch slices
Chimichurri Marinade (recipe follows)

Take eight skewers and assemble in the following order: pepper, onion, shrimp, pepper, onion, zucchini, beef, pepper, onion, squash, sausage, pepper, onion, zucchini, chicken, onion, pepper. If the skewers are not large enough, make sure you alternate vegetables and meat.

Brush generously with Chimichurri Marinade. Grill until vegetables are cooked and meat is medium rare, about 8 minutes. Try not to overcook shrimp

Makes 6-8 servings.

Chimichurri Marinade

1.5 ounces garlic cloves, peeled
¼ bunch fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, stems removed
4 cups olive oil
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Place garlic, cilantro, and rosemary into blender. Blend to medium coarse texture. Slowly pour in olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Hot and hotter. Good thing some cool specials are happening indoors.

Brasserie Pavil

The restaurant, at Huebner Road and Loop 1604, closed its doors on Tuesday.  A sister restaurant, Watermark Grill, closed in February. Both restaurants were owned by Watermark Hotel Co. Inc.

Sangria and more at Azuca this summer

Azuca is offering sangria as a way to battle the heat.

Head over to Azuca’s website for a coupon, and then go to the actual restaurant for two of Spain’s most delicious treats: sangria and tapas (savory little snacks).

Azuca is at 713 S. Alamo St. Call 210-225-5550 for information.

Tejas Steakhouse to open this week

Tejas Rodeo Company is opening the Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon on its property at 401 Obst Road, Bulverde. (Just take Blanco Road north to Specht Road, about 10 miles from Blanco and 1604, and turn right. Follow the road for two miles and you’ll see Tejas Steakhouse and Tejas Rodeo on your left.)

Opening night is set for Friday.

Steaks are obviously a part of the menu, with a 20-ounce bone-in rib steak the star attraction. But it also offers burgers, catfish, chicken, salads, tacos and more. There’s also a kids’ menu.

The steakhouse will be open for dinner Thursday-Sunday as well as lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Open Thursday-Sunday for Dinner; plus lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Details at www.tejassteakhouse.com.

In addition to dinner, the Tejas Rodeo Company offers live music plus open mic night under the stars.

Call 830-980-2226 for more information.

The kitchen at the Esquire is offering lunch specials.

Now at the Esquire Tavern

Check out the lunch specials offered 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  Monday-Thursday at the Esquire, 155 E. Commerce St. Select entrée and side are available for $12, served with iced tea and daily ice cream.

Fridays are for martinis: Have the house martini along with steak and frites and the daily ice cream for $18. And yes, we llike the sounds of the daily ice cream as much as you do.

Also, happy hours are 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Select local draft beer is priced at $3.50; select cocktails at $4.50.

Yes, it’s cool inside, but the small balcony overlooking the River Walk is pretty, too, and might even be breezy.

This week at Fig Tree Restaurant

The Fig Tree’s Tuesday and Wednesday dinner specials are among the best deals in town. It’s a great chance for we who live here to get down to the River Walk and enjoy one of the best destination restaurants in town.

The three-course prix fixe menu is $39 per person; if paired with wine, it’s $49. Selected wines are $29 per bottle. (The regular menu is available, as well.) Valet parking is for free. The Fig Tree is located at 515 Villita Street on the San Antonio River Walk. For reservations call 210-224-1976.

Here is the menu for today and Wednesday:  Escargot Ravioli with tomatoes, olives and garlic butter, or, Summer Rolls with Thai prawns and peanut sauce: optional wine is Chateau D’Esclan “Whispering Angel” Cotes de Provence 2010.  Lamb Noisettes with  raspberry demi, Potatoes Borex, upland cress: wine is Main Street Merlot, Sonoma 2006; or, Grilled Sturgeon with yazu butter, carrot mousse and thyme jus served with St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma 2008. For dessert, a choice of Passion Fruit Mousse or Molten Chocolate Cake.

Fig Tree is at 515 Villita St. Call 210-224-1976.

Burger lovers, make way for a Chicken Club

Whataburger is about more than burgers. That’s why it has introduced its Honey Mustard Chicken Club.

The folks who work hard to make you want to try these limited-time options — the folks in the marketing department, that is — have described the new sandwich as follows: “It’s your choice of a grilled or crispy chicken breast with bacon, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and Swiss American cheese topped with sweet Honey Mustard sauce.”