Name: Yard House

Where: 15900 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio TX  78256 (Get directions here.)

Did you know? The name yard house pays homage to the 3-foot tall English glass, originally created for passing to stage coach drivers easily, during more relaxed alcohol consumption days.  (There is approximately 32 ounces in a yard house including those glasses offered at all Yard House locations.)

Quick Bit: Opened for only a week, the first Yard House in Texas did not disappoint!  My friend and I enjoyed an incredibly indulgent Sunday afternoon meal at The Shops at La Cantera’s newest eatery addition.  The sun streamed demurely through the windows, offering a full-scale view we did not ascertain during a late-night reconnaissance visit the previous Friday.  As one of the first lunchtime patrons (day-lights savings has no affect on the discerning palate), I was struck by the intimate openness of the spacious restaurant, the dramatic artwork on the walls (details to follow), and the numerous flat screens patiently waiting for NFL Sunday (and yes, sports fans, they do have NFL Sunday Ticket.)

Geekette Bit’s Tasty Byte Highlight

While reviewing the extensive menu, my dining companion and I immediately struggled to select a rational and reasonable number of tantalizing appetizer specialties from the 20-plus offered on our local menu.  We were not disappointed with the crisp, solid Blue Crab Cakes happily dancing with the lightest mango papaya chutney, passion fruit beurre blanc, and tomato oil.  Dipped individually, the crab cakes spawned 3 distinct tastes, joined revealed its perfect complements.  For our starter course we also ordered the behemoth Hawaiian Poke Stake which included generous layers of fresh, hearty ahi tuna, crunchy wontons, and ginger mix of julienned carrots and bean sprouts medley.  The avocado accompaniment politely subdued the strong ginger crescendo without diminishing the dish’s richness.

The half pound avocado and Swiss burger my friend ordered was served in the good company of a slender French fries and a tasty pickle which I thought was pleasantly attentive to a somewhat minor detail!)  He was also offered the choice between a potato or wheat bun.  I did not need the charming wooden stake to know my 12 oz. full flavor grilled rib eye was a perfect medium, my butter rose melting quickly.  The garlic mashed potatoes, full of texture and adorned with a sprig of rosemary, quietly outperformed the green beans that packed a solid crunch but almost under-delivered on flavor.  The colossal shrimp impaled with a thick lemon grass skewer were beautifully grilled and seasoned.

Our meal concluded with a light mini chocolate soufflé, the perfect portion, coupled with vanilla ice crème.  Served warm, both immediately melted fondly in my mouth.

Throughout the meal, our server Casey treated us as if we were her only (and favorite!) customers – gregarious, patient, and charming, a wonderful host who only enhanced our meal.

For more pictures see Geekette Bit’s Tasty Bytes on Flickr

Feature(s):

• Beer Menu – “Transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer” contributing to the 130-some beers on tap at the San Antonio, TX location, dramatically ascend across the ceiling to the island bar.
• Kids Klub – [Family Friendly] although I haven’t been there with my daughter yet, I know she’ll appreciate the 12-page kid’s activity book (with a chance to win the monthly kid’s coloring contest, multiple winners), frozen strawberry fruit bar, and VERY kid-friendly, diverse meal selection.
• Order Online – order online for pick up (and conveniently curbside)…I don’t see San Antonio as an option yet, benefit of a doubt inserted here.
• Large Party?!  Call ahead! – Instead of having to wait (and it was packed Friday night), parties with 8 can make reservations, smaller parties can take advantage of “call ahead seating”.
• Tap In – After setting up an account, create evites to send to friends, co-workers, and family.  Pre-populated with your default Yard House (address, phone number, etc.), you’re given the option of 4 stunning images and multiple styles to play around with.  Evites also track guest lists with option to allow guests to invite others and view whose already rsvp-ed.  Invite can be sent to 200 email address and a personalize message can also be included.  Mimi’s Café offers a similar online event invite option however Yard House’s reigns supreme.
• Gastaldi – Massive, contemporary artwork by Italian ancestry artist Jerome Gastaldi fill the walls of Yard House with bright vibrant colors and distorted reality, complimenting the dynamic energy that consumes the restaurant.

Menu

• Breakfast – No breakfast, opens at 11am, 7 days a week.
• Lunch – lasts from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, includes entrée salads, house favorites, and other enticing combos.
• Dinner – late-night dining offered Monday through Friday until 12am; Friday/Saturday kitchen is cooking until 1am!

In the Community

Take a second to view the main organizations Team Yard House continues to supports in the community:

1 – Komen Cancer Foundation

2 – Canyon Acres

3 – Share Our Selves (SOS)

4 – 9-1-1 for Kids

5 – Kids Konnected

In addition to these incredible groups, you can also contact Yard House with other opportunities to support.

Get the Deal(s):

• Happy Hour

Mon – Fri from 3pm to 6pm

Sun – Thu from 9pm to 11pm

Monday Night Football from kick-off to 11pm

• Extensive list of half-priced appetizers, sliders (Classic/Bearnaise/Pastrami/Turkey mini-burgers), and specialty pizzas are offered
• Bountiful pint, well, wine, and martini drink specials

• Alerts - Sign up for the e-mail newsletter (below) to hear about specials and events at your Yard House

E-mail Newsletter: http://www.yardhouse.com/invite/default.asp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yardhouse

Twitter: @yardhouse

Price: $$$           (Although moderate during Happy Hour!)

$ – Bargain

$ $ – Moderate

$ $ $ – Upscale

$ $ $ $- Expensive

Geekette Bit’s Tasty Byte Highlight

Name: Roaring Fork

Where: NW Loop 1604 Huebner, San Antonio, TX

*Disclaimer at the bottom of each menu:

Happy Hour may induce a state of euphoria. Please proceed with caution.

It doesn’t have to be Happy Hour to leave Roaring Fork in a state of Euphoria, a wonderful place to watch the game on a casual Sunday afternoon or while celebrating an intimate, special anniversary with a loved one. I have enjoyed each trip to Roaring Fork, a relatively recent addition to San Antonio’s eating scene.

As a frequent visitor, this eatery consistently boasts wood-fired cooking, a contemporary ambience, and incredible Happy Hour specials. Smoked or simmering over a calculated blend of hickory, oak, and pecan, the menu boasts an eclectic assortment of meats infused with a rustic, wood-grilled taste. Although large, 7,200 square feet, the restaurant conveys a romantically, intimate setting for friends and loved ones with its private feeling booths, low lighting, and unobtrusive wait staff.

A victim of Pavlov’s conditioning, I’m salivating at the mere thought of their extensive, comforting, and indulgent menu. Lunching there after church one Sunday, my only disappointment was that the lamb chops were not served in the afternoon. It was only a temporary setback before my taste buds were immediately appeased by the pan sautéed rainbow trout with roasted almonds. Pair with a Roaring side, the sautéed spinach and red onions were a perfect compliment. My lunch buddy went nuts over the Roaring Fork “Big Ass” Burger with longhorn cheddar cheese and smoked bacon. As the name suggests, our waiter delivered a behemoth slab of ground beef, mounded with hamburger condiments. It also came with crispy, French fries – slender, each bite packing a crunch.

Another visit, an anniversary, was preemptively planned with a phone call reservation from my boyfriend. Upon arrival we were immediately congratulated by the gracious hostess on our good fortune and whisked to an intimate booth with a wonderful view of the patio and fireplace (lit with Christmas lights.) In celebration of the 8 nights of Hanukah, the appetizer special (rumored to make a reappearance) that night was potato latke with smoked thinly sliced salmon, capers, diced tomatoes, sour crème, and chives. Every bite was incredible, the capers made my tongue dance in contrast to the sour crème and crispness of the thin, flavorful latke. We still talk about it often. It set a wonderful tone for our main courses to follow. I quickly ordered the lamb chops which came out, a perfectly grilled, as requested, medium…served with Yukon mashed potatoes, this dish left me wishing I could discreetly gnaw the bones. The rich wood flavors drew out the lamb’s wild flavors. The evening ended with a surprise sweet treat, my very favorite dessert, crème brulee…with Happy Anniversary written richly in chocolate on the plate.

Menu

• Brunch – although I haven’t made it for brunch I plan to! A lot of Tex-Mex inspired breakfasts delight brunch goers (Smoked Salmon Benedict, Breakfast Flatbread, Chicken Enchiladas and Eggs and several other tempting choices.)
  
• Lunch – wonderful place to treat yourself (and co-workers??) during a lunch break, several options from the dinner menu at special lunch prices!
  
• Dinner – sections of the menu entrees include tantalizing descriptions like “Wood Rotisserie”, “Wood Grilled Steaks, Chops, and Ribs”, and “Fresh Fish, Sandwiches, and Salads”.
  

Get the Deal(s):

• San Antonio’s Restaurant Week – Radio station Q101.9 and Tanji Patton of Good Taste with Tanji came up with the perfect pairing to support United Way and Bexar County. A 3-course menu will be offered at Roaring Fork (and other San Antonio restaurants) with $5 from EACH meal going to the community (order of the menu instead and $5 still goes to United Way)! August 17^th through the 21^st.
• Rewards Program – Sign up by going to the site and clicking “Reward Program” to get 10% credit for EVERY dollar spent after $50! Card works at all Roaring Fork locations.

Did you know?

Spurs?! The idea to open Eddie V’s in San Antonio stemmed from a Spurs player asking owners in Austin, “When are you opening in San Antonio?!”

Instead of a beer flight, enjoy their Margarita flight! (Choose 3 from their extensive ‘rita menu.)

Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5pm-11pm -
Flicks and Food has organized a Tweetup at Roaring Fork this month! Come meet other Tweeps and enjoy:

• FREE appetizers from 5-7pm
• Half-priced margaritas (),
• $5 martinis, Mojitos, & select wine
• $2.50 draft beer
• $1 off all other drinks
• $4 off apps that aren’t free!

RSVP here before it fills up!

Feature(s):

• Giant outdoor fireplace and patio area provides a wonderful fall escape during lunch or dinner
• All Roaring Fork locations and online reservations here.
• Possibly having appropriately timed blood drive on Halloween? Very clever!

Job Hunting? Apply here.

E-mail Newsletter:
http://www.eddiev.com/ (Click on “eNews” and select multiple restaurants and locations – special promotion and coupon notifications.)

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/roaringfork_sa

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/roaringfork

Price:
to

– Bargain

– Moderate

– Upscale

– Expensive