This week, San Antonio Current readers flocked to a story about a new tribute beer made in honor of Selena's 53rd birthday. However, the brew isn't available for purchase for Texas consumers. Turns out its California-based producers tapped out after the Quintanilla family sent a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the label of appropriating the late singer's likeness ..read more

I recently stumbled across an early '50s photo of Audrey Hepburn, white gloves and all, standing in front of a row of chrome and glass cubicles at a Manhattan Horn & Hardart Automat. The starlet in the photo is presumably about to put her nickels into a slot that will open to a seductive slice of pie, an illuminated slab of meatloaf or something similarly tasty ..read more

New homegrown burger spot Smash'd has begun serving inside the former home of Pearl-area casual concepts Hello Paradise and Summer Camp, the business' owners revealed in social media posts. Smash'd opened quietly at 520 E. Grayson St. about two weeks ago under the leadership of Brandon Peterson, known for his work at now-shuttered south-of-downtown barbecue joint Bandit BBQ. Tiki-inspired Hello Paradise and casual burger-and-coney Summer Camp both tried to operate from the largely outdoor location, but neither lasted long ..read more

The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival has unveiled plans for its 2024 iteration, including a new look and enhanced experiences, organizers said Wednesday. Slated for Oct. 25-26, the event will take over the sprawling Marktplatz on Fredericksburg's Main Street, hosting more than 25 culinary booths along with 38 wineries, breweries and distilleries. The gathering also will offer specialty activations including a curated Sundry Shop and Sparkling Wine Garden ..read more

San Antonio tapas spot Toro Kitchen & Bar will collaborate with the Trade Commission of Spain and California wine bar Canela to present an interactive dinner Wednesday, May 8. The Corks & Forks dinner will highlight Protected Designations of Origin ingredients, which feature characteristics specific to their geographical environment, Spanish government officials said. The protected designation of origin (PDO) is a type of geographical indication aimed at preserving the designations of origin of food-related products ..read more

Utah-based customizable-beverage chain FiiZ Drinks has closed its first San Antonio outpost after just a year in business, a recent visit to the spot revealed. The Broadway corridor location opened in February 2023 and was followed by a satellite in Converse. The business confirmed the closure in a social media post, citing "situations beyond our control" as reason for the shutdown ..read more

Select San Antonio-area Chick-fil-A locations are saying, "Viva Fiesta!" with free nuggets while the city-wide celebration lasts. Through April 27, Chick-Fil-A app users can claim a free five-count box of nuggets at participating locations in honor of Fiesta San Antonio. The chain shared the news Monday via social media ..read more

The owner of downtown's Gunter Hotel is bringing the first Paris Baguette location to San Antonio later this year. Gunter owner Jiwon Choi Song will open a unit of the South Korea-based bakery-cafe chain in a now-vacant space inside the hotel, located at 205 E. Houston St., officials with the hospitality enterprise said. Song moved to Texas to help with renovations at the Gunter, which is owned by her family, according to details released by the hotel ..read more

A nightclub-inspired boutique gym is expected to open in Midtown this summer, offering fitness buffs amenities such as pre-workout coffee and (presumably) after-workout cocktails, news site MySA reports. Dubbed House of ALIO Fitness House X Social, the new facility will occupy a storefront at 1533 North Main Ave. An adjacent concept at the same address called Unhireable Coldbrew & Cocktails will add cafe and cocktail-lounge vibes, according to the report.  The gym portion of House of ALIO's site will span 6,540 square feet, while the cafe will occupy 1,000 square feet, according ..read more

A multi-concept venture touted by the owners of San Antonio's Pearl complex as largest culinary market in the Southwest will make its debut Tuesday. The 40,000-square-foot Pullman Market, announced in December, will include a specialty grocer selling Texas-based produce along with goods from more than 150 suppliers from throughout the state, Pearl officials said. A whole-animal butcher, a sourdough bakery and five quick-service eateries serving burgers, tacos, ceviche, sandwiches, coffee and ice cream also will make their debut Tuesday ..read more