Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and now there’s a new food truck cranking out amazing day-starting meals. I first met Nick Fuentes, chef-owner of LocaVore along with partner Jessica Vargas, while he was part of the Texas Cooks’ Co-Op. Since then he’s moved his talents from Tre Trattoria Downtown to Biga on the Banks. Now with LocaVore, the chef is making his own “delicious cultural expressions” on Sundays at the Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu changes often but usually features a take on eggs Benedict (crab and ham this past week), a chorizo hash and rotating specials like braised bits over blue grits, a loaded dish of guajillo chile-braised pork over blue corn grits with a gooey sunny side-up egg and charred okra. That’s a breakfast I can definitely get behind.
Texas Tiki Week is in full effect around these parts. Throw on your favorite Hawaiian shirt and cool off as the U.S. Bartender’s Guild keeps spreading the love of rum- and juice-based cocktails with events at El Mirador (722 S St. Mary’s, (210) 225-944), Hot Joy (1014 S Alamo, (210) 368-9324) and Blue Box (312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 227-5853). Barbaro (2720 McCullough, (210) 320-2261) will also serve boat drinks and tiki-inspired menu items throughout the week.
The Pearl shared some exciting news last week with the expected opening date of Hotel Emma (named after Emma Koehler, wife of Pearl Brewery founder Otto Koehler) set for 2015. The boutique hotel, owned by Kipmton Hotels & Restaurants, will feature chef John Brand, a Culinaria favorite and former executive chef at Las Canarias, as executive chef and culinary director. Congrats on the new gig, John!
Kawashi Sushi & Japanese Cuisine (124 Broadway, (210) 314-1781) has opened in the space previously occupied by Vinny’s Donuts (and Taste Crepes & More and Twin Sisters Café). The menu is made up of specialty rolls, hand rolls, nigiri and sashimi with prices ranging from $6.95 to $12.95 for rolls and $8.50 to $18.95 for appetizers and samplers.
Lastly, Copa Wine Bar (19141 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 495-2672) will hold a barbecue plate fundraiser this Saturday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit Kidd’s Kids, the late Kidd Kraddick’s charity that helps send children who have chronic or terminal illnesses to Disney World on an all-expense paid trip with their families. Pick up a plate of brisket and chicken with sides for $20 a pop or $50 for a family of four. Plates include a beverage ticket good for any bottle of Pedernales Brewing, a glass of wine or a glass of ginger lemonade.
