All You Can Eat

News and notes from the San Antonio food scene

Recently opened: Adobo Taco Company, 9873 I-10 West in the Colonnade; Johnny Rockets, a '50s-style diner on the street level at 245 E. Commerce; and upstairs on the fourth floor, the upscale Las Leyendas serves a prix fixe meal for $55.

On the horizon: Once a taqueria, the canary yellow building at the corner of St. Mary's and Euclid is transforming into On Top Sports Bar; the Blanco Café at 1831 Fredericksburg is replacing Los Colorines, which closed earlier this year.

Food stamps: Almost 250,000 people in Bexar County who are eligible for food stamps aren't applying for them, which leaves $16 million in unspent federal funds available to distribute the food stamps locally, according to the San Antonio Food Bank.

The Department of Health Services administers the food stamp program, but the Food Bank's Outreach Program can help people prepare for an interview with that agency, including compiling a list of necessary documentation.

Since many people felt embarrassed to present the stamps at a checkout counter, the paper has been replaced by a plastic debit card - known as an Electronic Benefits Transfer - similar to those used at banks. Nor do recipients have to go to a food stamp office each month to pick up their benefits; the card keeps track of the money used in the recipient's account. If the card is lost or stolen, it can't be used by anyone who doesn't know the Personal Identification Number; the cards are also easily canceled and replaced.

For information about the Food Stamp outreach Program, call 337-3663 or www.safoodbank.org.

By Lisa Sorg

Chile and Pineapples with a Side of Low Carb

Hatch Chiles Are Here

The Hatch Chile Festival takes place at Central Market HEB, Friday through Sunday, August 20-22 and August 27-29, from 11am-5pm. Each year chile addicts anxiously await the arrival of fresh chiles from Hatch, New Mexico. Harvested from the Rio Grande Valley in Southern New Mexico, Hatch chiles are known for their unique sweet and fiery flavor. Free. Info: 368-8600.

Low Carb Info Share

A Low Carb Depot and Vitamins Info Share will be held Wednesday, August 18, 7pm, at the Fire Hut Grill & Bar, 11851 Bandera (Loop 1604 & Bandera). All low carbers or those interested in learning about the lifestyle changes are welcome. Plans include discussions on low carb products and lifestyle suggestions. Participants may bring recipes, tips, and/or questions. Info: Christine Collings, 681-1335.

Wine Olympics

The final round of the San Antonio Wine Olympics is scheduled for Thursday, August 26 from 7-9pm at Van's, 3214 Broadway. Several Rieslings will compete for top honors. RSVP at 828-8449. More info is available at www.thehomewinecourse.com.

Compiled by Nicole Chavez