Don’t sleep on January in San Antonio

A time existed, probably not long ago, when there was not a lot to do in the way of large-scale events in San Antonio in January.

Save for the Army All-American Bowl, San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game, and the MLK Jr. March, things were quiet locally to begin a new year, even in recent years.

Yeah, no, that ain’t happening anymore. So let me remind you (or educate you) on the very things that make San Antonio a rather busy place in January. Plus, I've covered (yes, journalisting!) each of these festivities and I could vouch for their educational or entertainment value. 

*Dream Week San Antonio - it's actually two weeks of dozens and dozens of panel discussions, lectures, hands-on family activities, film screenings, galas, dance performances, art exhibits, tastings, poetry slams, readings and more citywide. They all pay tribute to MLK's legacy of diversity, empowerment, education and tolerance. So, there's much more than the march itself.

*PAX South -- I kinda regret having not indulged my gamer cravings. (I'm more of an 80s/early 90s gamer). But PAX making San Antonio one of its prime festival destinations is a thrill. Even if you're not a gamer, you can easily enjoy the fun, active atmosphere at the convention center - one filled that represents virtually every element of gaming culture.

*San Antonio Cocktail Conference - Imbibing for charity. Do you really need another reason to go? There are nightly tasting events, paired dinners, pop-ups, after-parties and seminars, all meant to educate patrons on the art of the cocktail, the spirits and bar industries, and cocktail culture. Proceeds to go local children's charities. 

*San Antonio Restaurant Week -- Be it the winter or summer edition, it's two weeks worth of opportunities to enjoy a multi-course, prix-fixe lunch or dinner menu at some of your favorite local restaurants. This winter's edition lasts Jan. 15-27.

Prices range from $15 lunches and $35 dinners per person at some restaurants, and $10 lunches and $25 dinners at others. More than 80 eateries around San Antonio, Boerne and New Braunfels are participating this winter edition. The number of participating restaurants is on the rise.

Then, $1 from every lunch and $2 from every dinner go to Culinaria's culinary education and promotion programs. Reservations are not required, but they are strongly encouraged. 

There you go, the tip of the iceberg on the local festivities you can use to fill up your January calendar. I don't want to hear any complaints that you don't know what's happening in town in the dead of winter. 

Reveling in the finale of Restaurant Week

I saved the best for last when it came to this round of San Antonio Restaurant Week. It was the final evening of a two weeks worth of the town's best restaurants offering amazing pre-fixed meal menus for lunch and dinner.

It was no different at J Prime Steakhouse.  It was, admittedly, my first time there. For such an establishment, my friend Miriam and I could not have been more pleased with the professionalism displayed, from the quick seating at our table to departure.

For the appetizer, Miriam went with the lobster bisque, involving minced lobster, creme fraiche, and sherry. Seeing as how I hadn't loaded up on many veggies the past two days, I chose the wedge salad, which was garnished with a parmesan trick and baby heirloom tomatoes.

For the entree, Miriam indulged in the stuffed airline chicken breast -- beautifully wrapped with chicken, stuffed with breadcrumbs, and semi-dried tomatoes with a veal demi glaze.

The chicken breast came accompanied by Miriam's choice of au gratin potato.

I was in love with the Atlantic salmon, which came served with lemon beurre blanc, and beet reduction with baby vegetables.

Given all the appetizers - and glasses of Spaten beer we were downing - what appeared to be a tightly compact main entrees, with great presentation, were plenty enough on their own.

But of course we couldn't leave out the desserts. Miriam enjoyed the petite gateau -- chocolate cake served with warm chocolate truffle, vanilla ice cream and berries. 

I went after a slice of six-layered dark chocolate mousse cake. As you can guess, it was all rich, decadent and irresistible.

Props to J Prime for the excellent execution, on a typically busy Saturday night, even in the final fading hours of Restaurant Week. And all those proceeds go to benefit Culinaria and its many educational programs.

Restaurant Week's a local foodie's delight

San Antonio Restaurant Week has long been a popular way of indulging one’s craving for local culinary delights — and giving to a worthy cause.

Restaurant Week celebrates San Antonio’s chefs, winemakers, bartenders and other culinary arts leaders through specially priced meals at more than 100 participating restaurants citywide.

The latest edition of Restaurant Week begins today, Jan. 16, and continues through Jan. 28.

With each meal ordered for Restaurant Week, these restaurants will donate $1 from each lunch menu and $2 from each dinner menu ordered. 

Participating restaurants are offering an array of prix-fixe menus, encompassing three-course lunch and/or dinner menus within two different pricing tiers: 

*Tier 1 establishments have a three-course menu, costing $15 for lunch and $35 for dinner.

*Tier 2 establishments have a three-course menu, costing $10 for lunch and $25 for dinner.

Here’s just a small sampling of Tier 1 participating restaurants: Asado Seafood and Grill, Bliss, Frederick’s Bistro, Kirby’s Steakhouse, La Frite, Ostra, Saveurs 209, Supper at Hotel Emma, The Clean Plate, and Tre Enoteca.

Here are a few Tier 2 restaurants: Alchecmy Kombucha and Culture, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, SA Fresh, Texas Meat Co., and 5 Points Local.

Culinaria’s main website has a full, updated list, including links to menus. Reservations are strongly recommended at some places. 

Proceeds to benefit Culinaria, a local nonprofit that helps to advocate for San Antonio as a culinary and wine destination by fostering community development and education.

This year is big for Culinaria, as the organization will soon announce a new location for its urban farm. 

Called The Farm, the facility is a place where food professionals, farmers, volunteers, sponsors and other supporters of Culinaria and its goal can gather to  

exchange ideas and show the community at large how people can grow their own quality food.

Construction on The Farm’s original site near Magnolia Pancake Haus had been taking place through 2016. But due to unforeseen circumstances, Culinaria had to find another spot.

In the meantime, take a gander at those menus and enjoy Restaurant Week.