San Antonio showcased the best of it’s culinary talent with Culinaria Food & Wine Festival, featuring a week-long of events with Taste Test Education, A Grand Tasting by the River Walk, elaborate spread of authentic Mexican cuisine at Casa Hernan, and Burger, BBQ & Beer at Pearl Brewery.
I don’t make it down to San Antonio too often so I jammed pack my schedule with back-to-back tastings at Nao, Hot Joy, events at Culinaria, and touristy things like SA Zoo and Alamo. Here are my best bites at Culinaria!
Best Bites at Culinaria Food & Wine Festival
The Grand Tasting
Table of Contents
Shrimp Rice Crackers // Umai Mi
Crispy shrimp rice crackers with fresh Thai red curry crema, crispy shallot, fresh basil, cilantro, and jalapeño on top by Jason Dady.
Braised pork shoulder with bruschetta and fried kale // Lüke
Hands down the best thing I ate at The Grand Tasting. I had 4 of these and went back for an bowl of fried kale.
Alcohol Infused Ice Cream // Saucy Sweets
This could be dangerous. Pina colada with pineapple, coconut milk and aged rum; berries n’ bubbly with strawberries, limoncello and champagne; and mint julep with a spearmint-peppermint blend and Kentucky bourbon.
Spicy Shredded Pork // Cocina Heritage
It was a pleasure to meet you Silvia!
Sunday Brunch at Casa Hernan
Sunday brunch is always my favorite! Culinaria’s Sunday Brunch was made even more special by celebrating it with Chef Johnny Hernandez as he took us through an exquisite culinary journey of traditional Mexican flavors. The sights, the smells and the taste of it all with delightful cocktails and entertainment are the perfect way to start our Sunday.
Traditional Mexican barbacoa, chilaquiles, tamales, roast chicken, mole negro, Mexican coffee (I had 4 cups), and more. Completely blown away by Chef Johnny Hernandez.
Burgers, BBQ & Beer
The saying goes, “Don’t Mess with Texas,” and that includes Culinaria’s Burgers, BBQ, and Beer. Right after Brunch at Casa Hernan, I follow the sights and smells – to San Antonio’s favorite chefs grilling up their specialty. This is so much more than your backyard barbecue – but, definitely includes all of the elements – burgers, barbecue and the beer along with music in the Pearl Brewery Complex.
Crawfish Boil // Lüke
Finger licking crawfish with corn, potatoes and grilled artichokes.
Smoked Pork Belly // Charlie Wants A Burger
Photo by Justin Brownell
Green Chile Chorizo Burger // Arcade Midtown Kitchen
Favorite burger voted by attendees!
Thank you Visit San Antonio for the wonderful welcome and Emily from Defining Delicious for the invite to Culinaria and the macarons!
