Everything is right in the world. The weather is absolutely beautiful and the Spurs are about to start their new Drive for 5! The Fall is one of my favorite times, not because of the respite from the heat but simply because of all the changes with the trees and weather. Watching football (or throwing a football in the yard) is always more enjoyable with a chill in the air and a bowl of chili (or Frito pie) by your side. I had a great vacation, have been happy to be back in San Antonio and am ready to get back into the swing of things for the Quick Bites!
- I was able to cut out of work early the other day for a team outing at Urban Taco and tried their Jalapeño Ginger Margarita. I enjoyed it but found that this drink was more reminiscent of a spicy Moscow Mule rather than a margarita. If you are looking for something a little different, give it a try; however, if you want a more typical margarita, their classic option is solid.
- Later that same day, I was able to go to an event at the Emily Morgan Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton directly across the street from the Alamo. In addition to being home to Oro restaurant, the hotel has an impressive collection of Texas memorabilia, including knives from the Battle of the Alamo as well a the Come and Take It flag from the Battle of Gonzalez. This would be a great destination for any history buffs visiting the Alamo City.
- While I typically don’t eat Asian cuisine, I found myself over at Phoenix Cafe on West and Blanco. The staff was very friendly and I liked the fact that their chalkboard menu came both in English and Chinese.
- I decided to go outside of my comfort zone and try the Peking Pork Ribs; while they were tasty I did wish I had a knife to cut them. San Antonio Jane ordered her usual of sweet and sour chicken and I found the breading around the chicken to have a good outside crunch while being light and airy. In addition to the Americanized-Chinese food, they also offer some Hong Kong styled dishes that are more close the types of food found in China.
- I finally made it out to Orange Leaf to see what all the fuss was about this national frozen yogurt chain. I somehow resisted the urge of ordering a bowl of yogurt and heaping scoops of Oreos, chocolate chips and other toppings on it. Instead, I opted for this simple half orange, half vanilla mixture that tasted remarkably similar to a dreamsicle!
- Nao, the Culinary Institute of America’s restaurant at the Pearl Brewery, launched a Peruvian menu this past week. Executive Chef Geronimo Lopez’s Peruvian-inspired menu will run six weeks until December 2 with a prix fixe menu that features an appetizer, main course and dessert for $39. The dinner begins with a choice between Chupe Seco de Pollo y Quinoa (a traditional Peruvian casserole with corn, quinoa, ajies, peas) or Crab Cause. The main course offers a choice of Arroz de Pato (roasted Duck Magret glazed with aji limo, siyau and honey) or Mahi Mahi “Sudado,” ending on a sweet note with Lucuma Glace o Tres Leches Sellado. Having made a 7 day trek on the Inca Trail this past summer, I am looking to trying it out and washing it down with Pisco Sour.
- It appears that downtown might be inching closer to having a grocery store. The Express-News reports that H-E-B is planning to make an investment of $100M to not only expand their campus at the Arsenal headquarters but also aims to construct a store nearby on South Flores. The big hangup? The company wants to close off South Main, prompting an outcry from some of the King William residents.
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