It is fall y’all — and you recognize what which means. No, we’re not speaking about pumpkin spice lattes.
The drop in temperature has heralded the onset of fall-centric consolation meals, some distinctive spins on Halloween and vacation favorites, and even scorching canines with tentacles. A few of these choices are solely out there for a restricted time, with others being served up year-round.
Caldito at Mae Dunne Kitchen & GoodsEnjoy a hearty bowl of savory vegetable Caldito (for under $10 nonetheless) at Mae Dunne Kitchen + Items. Impressed by a recipe by the restaurant’s namesake, Mae Dunne’s caldito is a simple strategy to get your veggies with potatoes, zucchini, avocado, and inexperienced beans — all in a savory, heat broth. The brunch spot has additionally simply expanded to serve some dinner choices, together with a seasonal soup and many Italian and Mexican affect.
Paella at Toro Kitchen + BarNow with a 3rd location at La Cantera, Toro’s paella choices stay constantly hearty and comforting, notably because the temperatures proceed to drop. The signature Toro paella, with jumbo shrimp, mussels, rooster, calamari, pork stomach, and Spanish chorizo is a assured crowd pleaser (feeding 2 visitors for $32, versus 3-4 visitors for $52). Different favorites are the arroz con costra, a pork-centric paella; and the arroz del senyoret, cooked with Galician octopus, shrimp and scallops. There are a number of different paella choices on the menu, which makes for the right excuse for a return go to.
Inventive scorching canines at El ChunkyRecently celebrating one yr in enterprise, El Chunky is providing up a spooky spin on its signature Mexican scorching canines (which it lovingly deems “Chunkys”) within the type of the limited-time-only “Octopus Chunky.” Basically a scorching canine sliced to appear like an octopus (full with a smiley face on its heart), the Octopus Chunky pairs nice with El Chunky’s chili cheese fries. For an additional layer of Halloween spirit, ask for El Chunky’s ghouly black sauce — you can too have it drizzled on different signature objects on the menu.
Veal chop Cordon Bleu at TardifsA new addition to Tardifs’ fall/winter menu, the veal chop Cordon Bleu is a showstopper: this dish is normally seen with rooster, however the veal model gives a little bit extra luxurious. That includes an herb-breaded veal chop, the Cordon Bleu plate is topped with prosciutto, raclette cheese, and savory mushrooms.
Grilled quail brochette at Pappasito’s CantinaGiven that quail season in Texas kicks off in October, it is solely becoming that the grilled quail brochette at Pappasito’s makes the record. Glazed with a chile ancho sauce, this skewer-grilled app is an efficient strategy to attempt one thing a bit extra seasonal with out committing to an upscale farm-to-table meal — though it’s dearer than many of the menu. (You can even pair guac with the brochettes; We’re not judging.)
Spinach-artichoke grilled cheese with bacon at Benjie’s MunchBenjie’s Munch has the grilled-cheese-and-tomato-soup vibes lined with an entire part on the menu devoted solely to its award-winning grilled cheese plates. In the event you’re craving one thing completely different, give the spinach-artichoke grilled cheese a attempt. Laden with a housemade spinach and artichoke dip, mozzarella, provolone, and contemporary spinach, the sweetest factor in regards to the Benjie’s specialty sandwich is that it is all layered on buttery sourdough bread and can solely set you again $9.99 — or $12.99, in case you add bacon to create the sandwich that received first place on the San Antonio Grilled Cheese Pageant.
Baked potatoes at Holy Smoke and spooky grownup slushies at El CaminoThe humble baked potato — an old school fall-and-winter traditional — is much less so at Holy Smoke, the place it is piled excessive with butter, bitter cream, cheddar cheese, mac and cheese, bacon, chopped brisket, and chives. When you’re there, in case you’re feeling the spooky spirit, think about El Camino’s seasonal twists on its signature frozens, together with Zombie and Sweet Monster slushies. (Go to on a Thursday to get them for simply $4.) The customarily-photographed meals truck park is illuminated by 1000’s of lights, and is enjoyable to cease by with a crew.
