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San Antonio: and the heart of Texas.

Article Excerpt
THE STORY NEVER ENDS

San Antonio has always been the crossroads of Texas. It's where Mexican alma meets U.S. spirit, where Southern hospitality meets Western cowboys, where Old World cultures meet New World opportunities. The San Antonio of today--charming, fascinating, unique in outlook--is the result of its singular history. * Not surprisingly, San Antonio embraces its visitors, and they embrace it right back. Regular visitors have learned that the city's culture runs far deeper than its impressive list of tourist attractions. All around town you'll find amazing new restaurants, art galleries, cultural events, and the kind of festivals for which San Antonio is famed.

San Antonio is the gateway to the fabled Hill Country of Texas, home of flesh peaches, homemade beef jerky, country fairs, and legendary dance halls. Include in your sojourn to San Antonio quaint cities like Boerne or New Braunfels that are just a 30-minute drive away, And not much further, the outlet store capital San Marcos and the trendy shops and restaurants of Fredericksburg.

Dining Out

The Alamo City has broadened its reputation as a cultural arts and culinary center by successfully marrying the passions of other cultures. The Sail Antonio New World Wine and Food Festival October 9-12 salutes cuisine and wines from the Americas--with a special accent on Texas, Mexico, and Latin America.

Tip your glass to some participating restaurants, including Citrus at the Hotel Valencia on increasingly elegant Houston Street, Bistro Vatel, the award-winning Le Reve, sumptuous Silo Elevated Cuisine, and Manduca located on the River Walk. Las Canarias at La Mansion del Rio Hotel hosts a seminar on Chilean wine and the "Tux-Mex" table.

Mark Miller, the celebrated chef who cooked up the Coyote Cafe and is a consultant to Francesca's at Sunset at rite Westin La Cantera Resort, has become a big fan of the city's culinary past and present. "When I first came to Soot Antonio. we talked about the chili queens who set up in the market in rite late 1800's and I thought it was a great historic platform--to create from within the tradition and then extend that tradition. The strength of San Antonio food is the connection to great history and culinary tradition."

In that vein Two Peppers restaurant near Fort Sam Houston mixes and matches traditional Argentine tango dancing, Italian cuisine, and Mexican favorites. Tango enthusiasts from across the state dance every Friday night.

A new choice is Southtown (located on the southern rim of downtown and adjacent to the historic King William District) restaurant proprietress Lisa Wong's newest venture, the serene China Latina. Another newcomer to Southtown is Chef Rene Fernandez's hot Azuca, where the cuisine is a samba of Nuevo Latino flavors. For dessert, try the traditional Mexican tres leches (three milks) cake, Caribbean coconut cheesecake, or the delightful flesh fruit and dark chocolate fondue at what has to be the best bargain in the city for only $4.

Southtown is a particularly creative neighborhood. Every month its galleries, restaurants, and shops host "First Friday," an everyone's-invited open house featuring local art, food, and wine. One of those galleries is Garcia Art Glass owned by glass blower/artist Gini Garcia. Her exquisite creations make distinctive gifts.

In the King William District, the Guenther House is postcard-perfect. Serving comfy breakfasts and delightful lunches from products made right there at the Pioneer Mill, it sits on a bend of the San Antonio River and overlooks the lovely homes of King William. If you want to burn off a few calories after your meal, King William Street is the place to stroll. The Steves Mansion is the chance to peak into one of those fabulous Victorian homes.

Back in downtown the Tower of the Americas has something remarkable--good food--a rarity for tourist rowers. Renowned Chef Mark Bliss has given the Tower a menu worthy of its 750-foot altitude. Now you'll find Asian-inspired spring rolls, delicious shrimp, pork in a chipotle sauce, and other blissful specialties, including creme brulee in chocolate. Diners get a special side dish with their meal, a full rotation around the tower, affording a 360-degree view.

Bruce Auden of Biga on the Banks (on the River Walk) is San Antonio's reigning gourmand. His numerous accolades include his selection as a James Beard nominee three times and Biga's inclusion on Gourmet magazine's list of top five restaurants in Texas. Dishes such as Hunan-style barbecue veal chops and English sticky toffee pudding are imbued with the great traditions and flavors of the region. Of his approach to creating signature dishes Anden says, "We art: always looking for new inspiration not only from far reaches of the world, but right in our own back yard. True Mexican cuisine has such depth and complexity in ingredients and preparation."

Theatergoers have some worthy choices before and after shows at the Majestic Theatre. Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood, whose second-floor dining rooms overlook the Majestic's marquee, and the casually elegant Houston Street Bistro both offer winning prix fixe menus.

Make it a point to catch a Broadway show (this season's Broadway Series includes The Full Monty, The Producers, Oklahoma, and more) or performance at the Majestic, one of the grandest of the grand old theaters. The...

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