Category Archives: Restaurant

The Palm “Where Everybody Knows Your Name!”

Posted in Downtown San Antonio, Happy Hour, Restaurant, San Antonio Restaurants, The Palm by

Picture this. You walk into a restaurant and you are immediately welcomed with BIG hugs and smiles ALL the way around! You are excited to find out which one of your friends is working or which of your friends is dining. Cool huh?! If you could experience this EVERY time you went somewhere, wouldn’t you want to go ALL THE TIME?? Yep. I thought so. 🙂 This is how I feel when I go to The Palm, San Antonio. I have made many wonderful friends at The Palm, and of course I owe it all to Robert Sanchez, aka the Prince of the River Walk. Robert was the Sales Manager at The Palm San Antonio until recently. He received a promotion as the Sales Manager of The Palm West in New York and moved about 2 months ago. (YAY) It was always a treat to visit Robert for lunch or a “quick” drink after work. As I became a “regular,” I built friendships, joined the 837 Club and created many memories that will last forever. For me, The Palm feels like home. Don’t let the name scare you. Even though it is fine-dining, The Palm is welcoming. The service is on point whether you are in a suit or sandals. And of course, the food is amazing. Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Sesame Seared Ahu Tuna (I know, random but SO GOOD!), the Dirty Shrimp, the Gigi salad, and the Nova Scotia Lobster BLT. Also, try the Chicken Parmigiana – it’s pretty spectacular, especially as your first meal after completing a half marathon. Trust me, I speak from experience. My favorite drink is the Lemon Drop Martini – you must try it! If you are looking for a great happy hour, lunch or dinner, go to The Palm. And maybe one day, you will see my face on the wall 🙂

Lemon Drop Martini

Lemon Drop Martini

Dirty Shrimp

Dirty Shrimp

San Antonio River Walk Royalty: Prince Robert Sanchez and Duchess Kristy Hernandez

San Antonio River Walk Royalty: Prince Robert Sanchez and Duchess Kristy Hernandez

The Sandbar Fish House & Market = PERFECTION!

Posted in Restaurant, San Antonio Restaurants, Seafood by

Everyone deserves to treat themselves. Some may choose to enjoy a luxurious massage at San Antonio’s finest spa or book a last-minute vacation in gorgeous Maui. Whatever the case may be, we all know that it feels great to give ourselves a little love from time to time.  I often treat myself by going out and experiencing amazing meals that leave me saying “OH MY GOODNESS, THAT WAS BEYOND PERFECTION!” #hellomynameiskristyandiamafoodaholic I admit, sometimes I go a little overboard, but I can promise you, it is ALWAYS worth it.

My treat last week was The Sandbar Fish House & Market, which is an Andrew Weissman restaurant, located at the historic Pearl Brewery.  The Sandbar features fresh seafood, a variety of homemade artisan breads, as well as homemade seasonal desserts! All of this fine dining deliciousness is presented in a beautiful, casual environment. Also, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and attentive to guests, which was a huge highlight for me.

Prior to my visit, I was instructed by several friends to try the carrot ginger soup as a starter…so, I did! It was the BEST soup I have EVER had! It was decadent, warm, cozy, inviting and rich in flavor! Not to mention, it was a gorgeous shade of yellow! You MUST try it!! I promise, you will not be disappointed! Next, I ordered the Arctic Char as an entrĂ©e. It was poached, sautĂ©ed in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy potatoes.  The Arctic Char was delicate, pink, flavorful and absolutely fabulous! Andrew Weissman and his team deserve  a standing ovation.  If there was ever place to treat myself, The Sandbar Fish House & Market was the perfect spot. At that moment, I felt like the luckiest girl in San Antonio.

Highlights

FOOD: Seafood, Fine Dining
PRICING: Average Appetizer $11, Average Entrée $30
DON’T MISS: Soup of the Day (IS A MUST), Homemade desserts, and of course the FRESH seafood!
AMBIANCE: Casual, comfortable
CONTACT:
200 E. Grayson No. 117
San Antonio, TX 78215
210.212.2221
www.sandbarsa.com

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

Arctic Char poached, cream sauce, crispy potatoes

Arctic Char poached, cream sauce, crispy potatoes

Max’s Wine Dive. A great spot for a date or two or three…

Posted in Alamo Heights, Dating, First Dates, Restaurant, San Antonio Restaurants, WIne, Wine Dive by

Sometimes, you need a good wing-woman. And SOMETIMES, that wing-woman is Max’s Wine Dive. Listen, first dates are stressful. #speakingfromexperience You have to decide on a great place, choose the perfect outfit, have a glass of wine to get “loosened up” (LOL) ALL to impress someone who you may NEVER see again. UGH! The agony!! Here is my Suggestion – go to Max’s! Let me tell you, it has been a while since I stepped foot into this dive, however there was a time that I would go regularly. I don’t know why this changed, but I’m glad I took the initiative to schedule a date there recently. The lighting is at a perfect dim setting, which makes the environment very cozy and relaxing. They also have local musicians that play every Monday – a very nice touch that I never knew existed! Of course, the highlight at Max’s is their wine list. They have a large selection of various wines from around the world. Luckily, my order is always pretty simple – “I’ll take a Pinot Grigio, please!” This time I ordered the WillaKenzie. It is a tasty Oregon wine that is smooth and crisp. I liked it so much that I ordered two glasses! YUM. If you are in the mood for an appetizer, you must try the Pulled Pork Stuffed Peppers (pulled pork and cotija-stuffed piquillo peppers, chipotle aioli and cilantro chimichurri) – they are REALLY delicious and pair perfectly with your beverages! Need something heartier? I would recommend the Pan Borracho (“drunk bread”) – one of their signature dishes that includes: torn sourdough baguette, prosciutto and fresh thyme soaked in a savory white wine custard and baked with Gruyere, mozzarella, provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The flavors are crazy-good! It’s pretty amazing! #justsayin The good news here is that whether your date is a total bust or not, at the very least, your taste buds will be satisfied. I call this a WIN!

Highlights

FOOD: American “gourmet comfort food”
PRICING: Average Appetizer $10, Average Entrée $20
DON’T MISS: Live music on Mondays, Incredible Wine List, Awesome Brunch Sat & Sun 10am-3pm
AMBIANCE: Nice low lighting, hip
ACOUSTICS: Not too loud, great for convo
CONTACT INFO:
Max’s Wine Dive
340 East Basse Rd. Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78209
210.444.9547
http://www.maxswinedive.com

Delicious Pinot Grigio

Delicious Pinot Grigio

Pulled Pork Stuffed Peppers

Pulled Pork Stuffed Peppers