Last year, I found myself bitten by the travel bug, embarking on a series of culinary adventures that filled my 2013 with unforgettable experiences. While this year has seen me enjoying the comforts of home in Kansas City, a recent browse through old photo albums brought back a flood of cherished memories from that incredible season. It’s still hard to believe I had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people, exploring inspiring destinations, and, of course, indulging in an abundance of spectacular food.
One particular trip that I’m excited to finally share with you is my time at Culinaria, a phenomenal food and wine festival in San Antonio. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to attend, and looking back, it feels like the perfect story to recount during these colder months, offering a fantastic trip idea for anyone planning a spring getaway. Tickets are now on sale for Culinaria 2014, scheduled to enchant visitors this May. Let me assure you, this isn’t just a festival; it’s an epicurean celebration that truly embodies the spirit of Texas – where everything feels bigger and better. Culinaria is no exception, delivering an unparalleled experience. From the visionary chefs crafting culinary masterpieces and the meticulously hand-crafted cocktails, to the diverse array of events, the picturesque Riverwalk, and the exquisite wines, San Antonio demonstrates its mastery of throwing a truly grand party. Our visit was nothing short of a magnificent time.
For those of you intrigued by the prospect of such a gastronomic journey, I’ve compiled a selection of photos from my Culinaria adventure. While I confess to having taken well over a hundred pictures – a true “photo-crazy” moment – these snapshots offer a glimpse into the magic. Should you have any questions or decide to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m confident you’ll adore it!
A Boutique Stay at Hotel Havana: San Antonio’s Hidden Gem
My Culinaria experience began with the privilege of joining a group of talented press and bloggers, all set to immerse ourselves in San Antonio’s culinary scene. Our accommodations were arranged at the exquisite Hotel Havana, a charming boutique hotel gracefully situated along the tranquil North stretch of San Antonio’s iconic River Walk.
Originally constructed in 1914, this historic building served as a residence hotel for a local grocer’s buyers. Its architecture is deeply rooted in Spanish influence, yet it beautifully weaves in diverse cultural tributes to its Cuban namesake, creating a truly unique ambiance.
And let me tell you, for anyone with an eye for design, Hotel Havana is an absolute dream come true!
The hotel underwent a meticulous restoration and re-opened its doors in 2010. The designers behind this transformation did a fantastic job, infusing the space with a captivating blend of quirky charm, bold aesthetics, vibrant colors, vintage elegance, and an undeniable touch of posh sophistication. Every corner tells a story, making it a feast for the eyes.
Throughout the hotel’s common areas, such as the open meeting rooms and historical stairwells, you’ll notice a distinct and playful use of red accents, adding a dramatic flair to the overall design.
However, the guest rooms offered a serene contrast, feeling perfectly airy, light, and utterly amazing. It was difficult to capture its true essence with my camera, but my room featured a delightful enclosed sunroom or sitting area attached to the main bedroom. For someone who cherishes soaking up every ray of sunshine, this space quickly became my personal slice of San Antonio heaven.
Adding to the charm, the room came complete with a vintage fridge, thoughtfully stocked with an array of truly good treats. We’re not talking about standard peanuts and candy bars here. Oh no. Clearly, food enthusiasts collaborate with Hotel Havana, as the room was adorned with all sorts of gourmet and unique goodies, creating a delightful scavenger hunt for the taste buds.
Upon our arrival, we were also greeted by complimentary local macarons and a decadent chocolate dessert waiting on the bed. A truly thoughtful touch – they certainly know the way to a foodie’s heart! 🙂
The bedroom itself was designed with a minimalist yet playful aesthetic, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat.
And for an extra touch of luxury, a plush red robe was provided! Oh la la!
Culinaria’s Culinary Delights: From Gourmet Bites to Eleven-Course Feasts
After settling in and enjoying my macaron appetizer, I ventured downstairs to meet my fellow travelers at Ocho, a beautiful patio restaurant and lounge that is an integral part of Hotel Havana. Here, our official Culinaria culinary journey commenced with an impressive spread of gourmet small bites. I dove in with gusto, only to soon learn that an entire eleven-course dinner still awaited us. Yes, you read that right – eleven courses!
That evening, half of our group attended an exciting food truck competition, an experience my friend Andi chronicled beautifully on her blog post. Meanwhile, I joined the other half for dinner at Bin 555.
As you can see, the striking red-tinted room theme prevalent in Hotel Havana continued its stylish presence here at Bin 555. 🙂
The windows of the restaurant were creatively adorned with menus, making detailed food photography a delightful challenge. However, this unique design element certainly contributed to a wonderfully fun and engaging atmosphere throughout the evening.
Chef Jason Dady truly outdid himself, pouring his passion for Asian fusion cuisine into a long sequence of creative, daring, and utterly brilliant dishes. Each course was expertly paired with local wines, elevating the flavors and the overall dining experience. The crowd was more than enthusiastic to savor every bite, making for an incredibly enjoyable night!
Immersive Learning at The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio
The following morning, we rose early and made our way to a destination I had longed to visit for years: the San Antonio campus of the CIA. And no, we’re not discussing an intelligence agency here; this is the renowned Culinary Institute of America, widely considered one of the top, if not the top, culinary schools in the nation. The San Antonio branch is its newest campus, uniquely specializing in the vibrant local cuisines of the American Southwest.
Our visit commenced with a delightful breakfast and coffee at their inviting campus bakery/cafe, providing the perfect start to a day of culinary exploration.
Following breakfast, we embarked on a captivating walking tour of the campus. What makes this location truly special is its setting amidst 19th-century buildings that once housed the historic Pearl Brewery. The designers have done an exceptional job of creatively weaving in elements from the old brewery into the beautifully restored architecture and modern design of the school, creating a harmonious blend of history and innovation.
(Can you guess what that distinctive light fixture is crafted from? Let’s just say it looks like it could fry up a mountain of eggs!)
Stepping inside the main academic buildings, a hushed reverence fell over our group. It felt akin to entering the Ivy League of culinary education. The atmosphere was incredibly inspiring and impressive, particularly as we passed by classrooms where dedicated students were intensely focused on their craft, diligently working on their culinary assignments.
Despite the high-speed intensity of their work, creating masterpieces at what felt like 100 mph, they all genuinely appeared to be enjoying the process, a testament to their passion for food.
Beyond its professional degree programs, all CIA campuses offer a remarkable selection of Food Enthusiast courses. These programs are designed for – yes – anyone with a passion for food, ranging from immersive boot camps and specialized cooking and wine courses, to engaging demonstrations and tastings, and much more.
I was absolutely thrilled to discover that our morning would be spent in a hands-on mini boot camp cooking class, led by one of their top instructors, the charismatic Chef Brian West.
We eagerly donned our aprons and traditional chefs’ toques, then divided into groups to begin cooking up a veritable Mexican-cuisine storm. The theme for the day was “Regional Cuisines of Mexico,” and our ambitious menu included a wide array of dishes:
- Salsa verde cocida (cooked green salsa)
- Salsa roja de molcajete (red salsa made in a molcajete)
- Ceviche acapulqueno (Acapulco-style ceviche)
- Agua fresca de limon con chia (lime-chia water)
- Tacos de pescado estilo baja (Baja-style fish tacos)
- Salsa verde asada (roasted green salsa)
- Guacamole
- Cebollas encurtidas (pickled onions)
- Frijoles refritos (refried beans)
- Arroz a la poblana (Poblano rice)
- Molletes (open-faced sandwiches)
- Tinga poblana (shredded pork in a smoky chipotle sauce)
- Rajas poblanas (roasted poblano chile strips)
- Sopes estilo D.F. (Mexico City-style masa boats)
My group was specifically tasked with preparing the final three dishes on the list: the delicious tinga poblana (shredded pork), the flavorful rajas poblanas (roasted poblano chile strips), and the charming sopes estilo D.F. (Mexico City-style masa boats).
Go team!
Here were our expertly crafted masa boats, ready for their toppings…
And… ta da… here is the magnificent tinga poblana, rich with smoky chipotle flavor!
I seem to have missed capturing a close-up of the chili strips, but they were definitely a delicious component, prominently featured on the bottom-left of our serving platter.
After several hours of diligent cooking, our group was absolutely thrilled when the moment finally arrived to set out the extensive buffet of all our creations.
It was a downright feast, a true testament to our collective culinary efforts and the excellent guidance from Chef West!
We each piled our plates high with an abundance of the delicious dishes we had been cooking and smelling all morning. It was an absolute blast finally taste-testing everything, and as a devoted Mexican-food lover, I was one very happy camper. 🙂
Exploring New World Flavors and Culinary History
After our satisfying lunch, we made a stop at one of the CIA’s other acclaimed restaurants, NAO: New World Flavors, for an engaging ceviche demonstration with chef-instructor Elizabeth Johnson. Holy smokes, she truly knows how to create exquisite ceviche, and her insights into the fascinating science behind it all were incredibly impressive.
Our final cooking class of the day was led by the captivating food historian, Chef Melissa Guerra. Our entire class immediately fell in love with her; she reminded me so much of a modern-day Julia Child! Chef Guerra was wonderfully down-to-earth, possessing a fabulously quick and dry sense of humor. She also imparted an invaluable lesson on the rich history and cultural context behind Mexican ingredients. The CliffsNotes version? You can almost always trace local Mexican cuisine back to its food storage roots, as communities cooked with indigenous ingredients that could be preserved, like dried chiles. It was a fascinating and delicious journey through time.
After our enriching class, we ventured to an uber-hipster awesome restaurant called Arcade, also conveniently located on the grounds of the old Pearl Brewery.
There, we were treated to some of their signature grapefruit cocktails, a refreshing prelude to dinner.
Following our pre-dinner drinks, we made our way back to experience the full culinary breadth of NAO for dinner.
Just a little peek at the enticing menu at NAO, promising a diverse array of “New World Flavors.”
When in Texas, one must embrace the local offerings! So, yes, I opted for the steak, which proved to be absolutely spectacular – perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
Equally amazing were those succulent shrimp! The plate vanished almost instantly from our table, with everyone playfully eyeing who would snag the last one. Truly crazy good.
Chef Johnny Hernandez’s Legendary Brunch and San Antonio Sights
Just when we thought it was impossible to eat another bite, we embarked on one more exciting stop: a sneak peek of the next day’s famous Saturday brunch, being meticulously prepared by the acclaimed Chef Johnny Hernandez. Apparently, Chef Hernandez opens this particular restaurant only for special events and his legendary “second Saturday” brunches. During these exclusive occasions, he goes all out, crafting an elegant Mexican feast to share with a long list of eager patrons hoping to experience his extraordinary cooking.
He generously offered us a private tequila tasting, sharing insights into the various nuances of this iconic spirit.
Chef Hernandez also allowed us to marvel at the famous grill he custom-built out back, the very heart of his super-famous barbacoa. I had truly never seen anything quite like it – a testament to his dedication to authentic culinary techniques!
Thankfully, we received an invitation to return and be a part of the highly anticipated Saturday brunch, allowing us to taste everything for ourselves! I initially pictured a simple spread, perhaps a modest offering of Mexican favorites…
…but of course, nothing at Culinaria (or indeed, in Texas) seems to be simple. Once again, we were treated to a stunning array of every delicious Mexican dish imaginable. I kept having to pinch myself, wondering if this incredible experience was truly real!
Our plates were graced with everything from delectable fresh ceviche, bursting with vibrant flavors…
…to an endless supply of chips and salsas galore (you know I was absolutely thrilled about that!)…
…and of course, the star of the show: the famous barbacoa, which was melt-in-your-mouth magic, tender and exquisitely seasoned.
That right there, was a very happy meal indeed. 🙂
For dessert, an exquisite selection of traditional Mexican pastries awaited us, providing a sweet finish to the magnificent feast.
And to complement our meal, rich, aromatic Mexican coffee was served, invigorating our senses.
And naturally, more tequila was on offer, perfect for lingering and savoring the ambiance. 😉
The restaurant itself boasted an array of delightful decorative touches, including this charming and whimsical statue, adding to the festive atmosphere…
…and even a serene koi pond, bringing a touch of tranquility to the vibrant space!
Here’s my friend Andi looking lovely and elegant in the grand entrance of the restaurant.
Beyond the culinary delights, we also had the opportunity to take a fascinating tour of the Pearl Brewery grounds, including a visit to its historic stables, offering a glimpse into its rich past.
During our stay, we also made time for an essential San Antonio experience: a tour of the iconic Alamo.
As someone who, admittedly, knew embarrassingly little about Texas history and the Alamo (beyond what I vaguely recalled from Miss Congeniality), I found this visit incredibly fascinating and deeply educational, bringing history to life.
We also indulged in a relaxing boat ride down the historic River Walk, a truly lovely and quintessential experience for any first-time visitor to San Antonio. 🙂
The River Walk today looks somewhat different from its earliest days, but it was truly cool to observe how thoughtfully the city had restored and maintained its unique charm and historical integrity.
The revitalized Pearl Brewery campus also hosts a thriving farmers market each weekend, drawing locals and visitors alike.
It was undeniably a local hot spot, bustling with energy. Oh, and did I mention hot? Yes, be sure to pack sleeveless shirts if you visit Texas this time of year; the weather was absolutely scorching!
I always find myself wanting to take a hundred more photos at vibrant farmers markets, capturing every colorful detail and unique product.
So lovely.
Okay, this might rank as one of my least favorite photos of myself, but I truly wanted to introduce you to two wonderful friends I spent most of the trip with – Andie and Pamela. These two are beautiful, inside and out, making our adventures together even more special.
Evening Delights: Cocktail Tastings and The Grand Tasting
Later that day, we found ourselves returning to Arcade for an engaging session of cocktail tastings, further exploring San Antonio’s innovative bar scene.
Here, we delved into the art of incorporating wine into cocktails – a trend that is rapidly gaining popularity and proving to be quite hot in the mixology world.
We also witnessed an impressive demonstration on the intricate process of hand-carving ice balls for cocktails. The ultimate goal, we learned, is for the perfectly spherical ice ball to precisely touch three sides of the glass. While it was fascinating to watch, I will certainly not be attempting this delicate craft at home. 🙂
But I sure enjoyed sipping on theirs, perfectly chilled and expertly crafted. 😉
That evening, we joined a few thousand fellow foodies for one of Culinaria’s flagship events: The Grand Tasting. This spectacular gathering brings together top chefs, local restaurants, premium wines, and exquisite spirits for a truly elegant and unforgettable night, which was an absolute blast. If you plan to attend Culinaria, securing a ticket to this event is an absolute must. My advice? Don your most comfortable “stretchy” dress – this is definitely not the night for a tight mini! – slip into some comfortable shoes, and prepare to spend the evening leisurely strolling around, sampling an incredible array of food and drinks to your heart’s content.
Here’s Pamela, still going strong, enjoying what must be her 12th course of the evening! 😉
And providing the perfect ambiance for the evening, a lively band played, adding to the festive atmosphere.
And here I am, happily indulging in my 17th course of the night! 🙂
And a quick peek at some of the bustling sampling stations in action, where culinary magic was being created and shared.
All the incredible chefs we had met throughout Culinaria were also present, cooking live and engaging with the enthusiastic attendees.
So. Much. Amazing. Food. It was a true paradise for any gourmet enthusiast, with every dish offering a unique and delightful experience.
And truly such a fun, memorable night, filled with laughter, delicious flavors, and wonderful company.
Believe it or not, this is only a glimpse of the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting you at Culinaria. The festival boasts countless other events, catering to every taste and interest. From the luxurious “Cashmere and Cocktails” to the energetic “5K Wine & Beer Run,” and from the hearty “Burgers, BBQ and Beer” to the elegant “Rambling Rose,” the options are extensive and varied. You can explore the full schedule and learn more about all the incredible offerings on Culinaria’s comprehensive website, as well as their active Twitter and Facebook pages.
My initial motivation for attending was to immerse myself in all things Mexican and Tex-Mex, an expectation that was exceeded time and again. However, I discovered that the Culinaria festival is so much more profound than just that. Both the cuisine and the overall vibe are incredibly creative, sophisticated, approachable, and above all, genuinely fun. So, if you ever get the chance to go, you absolutely should. (And then you must tell me all about it!) 😀
Thank you for following along through this (nearly) 2.1 million photo journey. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
Disclaimer: I was invited to join a press team for Culinaria 2013. My trip was sponsored, but I was not paid and all opinions are 100% my own, as always. Thanks for supporting posts and experiences like this that stretch beyond what I create in my little kitchen. 🙂