Can’t stop, won’t stop: After announcing the addition of a second Piatti location, Eilan (17101 La Cantera Pkwy) is adding cocktails to its burgeoning lineup. George’s Keep, owned by Steve Mahoney of Blue Box and Green Lantern, is slated to open January 2014. The terrace-level bar will take up more than 3,000 square feet with art-deco design and handmade cocktails.
In great news, Tribeca di Olmos (4331 McCullough) is still alive and kicking. The Tex-Italian restaurant renovated one of its dining rooms (of which there are plenty) and opened a new Moroccan-themed lounge perfect for happy hour cocktails. The restaurant also officially launched its Sunday brunch in early October with items such as shrimp and grits, frittatas and the crowd fave quail and waffles.
Spoiled Palate, one of the newest food/booze tours to hit town has officially started booking for its inaugural nom-filled jaunt in November. Tours include a Southtown trek with stops and snacks at Bliss, The Monterey, Le Frite Belgian Bistro, Bar 1919, Barraca Paella Bar and Liberty Bar for $139 per person, as well as a craft beer tour with stops at Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling, Branchline Brewing Company and Busted Sandal Brewing Company for $79 per person. Visit spoiledpalatesa.com for details.
In case this wasn’t already ingrained in your brain, Tamales! holiday festival at the Pearl will once again take place on the first weekend in December. The fourth annual tamal-centric fest will feature more than 35 vendors of all skill levels. Be sure to wear your stretchy pants from noon to 5 p.m. on December 7. I know I will.
MAX’s Wine Dive (340 E Basse) announced a new happy hour lineup. New drink specials include $2 off a glass ($4 off a small carafe or $6 off large carafe) of MAX’s sangria or Spanish Garnacha; 25 percent off “Day Old Wine” and $2 off select beers. Happy hour snacks, $8, include blue chips (potato chips topped with truffle Mornay, Bleu cheese crumbles, bacon and chives) and chili mac (Texas Prairie Fire chili mac ’n’ cheese with pickled jalapenos.) Stop in from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday for regular happy hour or the last two hours of business for reverse happy hour.
Sad news for wiener fans: King’s Court Frankfurter Express (111 Kings Court) has closed. The go-to spot for loaded hot dogs in SA closed in early October.
