August is here and, just like the scorching South Texas sun, the San Antonio restaurant scene is heating up too.
Last week was the grand opening of Cocina Heritage The Restaurant. Sisters Silvia Alcaraz and Lupita Rivero moved to San Antonio from Mexico 25 years ago and started Cocina Heritage Catering. Ever since, they’ve dreamt of turning that thriving business into a restaurant and, now, their dreams have come true. At their new venture, Cocina Heritage The Restaurant, the sisters create regional, pre-Hispanic, and colonial Mexican entrees brimming with simple, yet tantalizing, flavors.
I recently attended a media preview Cocina Heritage put together with Dor?ol Distilling Company (more on them in a minute). The bright and bold tastes Silvia and Lupita delivered to their catering customers for years can now be enjoyed by all of San Antonio. Located at 118 N. Medina St. (in the Avance building next to the historic train depot), Cocina Heritage offers breakfast and lunch from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Breakfast features fresh baked pastries from Sol Bakery, an assortment of breakfast quesadillas, homemade horchatas, Cafe Americano and espresso, and fresh juices. Lunchtime hours offer various Mexican plates, an array of quesadillas, and more, with the occasional vegetarian dish. All recipes are created with organic and antibiotic-free ingredients.
We let simple, fresh flavors speak for themselves.”
– Lupita Alcaraz
Visit Cocina Heritage The Restaurant at 118 N. Medina St (just take the 35 S exit Houston/Commerce, left on Commerce, cross Frio, quick right on Medina, park on street) and like them on Facebook for information, updates, and drool-worthy photos.
The media preview I attended to sample some of Cocina Heritage’s delicious dishes was hosted by Dor?ol Distilling Company who also created cocktail pairings for each dish. This was my first visit to their distillery/bar located in San Antonio’s up and coming South Flores Arts District and a fun opportunity to meet Boyan Kalusevic and Chris Mobley, the owners and creators of Kinsman Rakia, a small batch apricot liquor. Back in December, right after Dor?ol opened, The Rivard Report’s Page Graham explained the history behind Rakia and revealed the hard-fought journey to bring Dor?ol Distilling Company to life.
In addition to distilling Rakia on-site, Dor?ol also has a bar up front and a pretty patio overlooking South Flores. Genius bartender Nick Kenna, named one of the San Antonio Express-News’ Five Bartenders to Watch, creates Rakia-based cocktails with names that are more akin to clever quips.
“Do I Amuse Bouche You?” is a concoction made with Rakia, Campari, honey, and vanilla (top, left). The M.P. (bottom right) is named for Nick’s grandmother’s hilarious story of the one time she got drunk and a M.P. (military police officer) had to help her find her way home (this goes-down-so-easy, seductive drink, a riff on a Brandy Alexander, is made with Rakia, creme de menthe, and coffee foam. Like the best-ever grown-up version of a cafe mocha, it’s so sinfully smooth and creamy, I’m dreaming of it still).
We want what’s good to make love to your throat.”
– Dor?ol bartender Nick Kenna
Dor?ol is an active participant in Second Saturdays, an event of the Lone Star Art District which, as it happens, takes place tomorrow! Nab a sitter for your kids and try something new for date night. Drop by Dor?ol for a delicious Rakia-based cocktail expertly mixed by Nick, say hi to Chris and Boyan, and enjoy another steamy San Antonio night on their patio.
