Culinaria, a San Antonio-based nonprofit organization that creates year-round events centered on food and wine, relishes its annual festival. For one, it’s an open table with a place for everyone to dine in chic elegance or backyard casual. The annual Culinaria food and wine festival is set for May 15-19 at venues in and around the Alamo city. Everything from charming Chardonnays to Mystic Merlots and capricious Cabs will be poured at all events. Additionally, non-wine aficionados can select from an array of superior spirits or handcrafted beer at several of the indoor and outdoor events during the five-day festival. The lengthy list of sponsors includes HEB, where many of the domestic and international brands of fine wines are available. The organization started under another name in 2000 but changed its name to Culinaria in 2010. It also moved the annual festival from November to May. The group’s mission is to promote the city as a premiere destination for haute cuisine and fine wine while fostering community growth. “We have worked hard and diligently to highlight San Antonio as a culinary destination and it’s extremely rewarding to see that coming to fruition,” said Suzanne Taranto Etheredge, Culinaria CEO and president. Wednesday, May 15 Winemaker Dinners will be at various restaurants, including The Boiler House, Bliss, Francesca’s at Sunset at the Westin at La Cantera shopping complex and Luke Riverwalk. Dutchman is one of several wines that will be poured during the chef-prepared dinners. Thursday, May 16, BIN 555 is among the featured restaurants owned by executive chef and owner, Jason Dady. The Boiler House will host a beer dinner and Ruth Chris Steakhouse in downtown San Antonio will host a scotch dinner. A Food Truck Competition will roll into the town’s Alon Market on Thursday, May 16. Advance tickets of $10 each entitle the visitor to beer, wine and water, but food can be purchased from each food truck. Friday, May 17, is especially exciting for wine lovers. It’s a chance to indulge in a four-course luncheon at the famed Becker Vineyards in Stonewall. Although Becker wines have made a name for themselves at the White House and James Beard House, guest winemakers will pair their best with menu items. Four local chefs will prepare a four-course meal. Featured chefs are: Jesse Perez of Arcade Midtown Kitchen, John Brand of Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa and Las Canarias at Omni’s La Mansion del Rio, Drew Glick of Glick’s American Grill and Dave Rapozo of Magnolia Pancake Haus. The backdrop for the Becker Luncheon is right out of a Hollywood movie. Guests are immersed of vineyards, lavender fields and fruit orchards. The 10,000-square foot winery boasts a reception hall and rustic elegance throughout. Friday, May 17, is a special evening event. The Best of Mexico soiree showcases Mexico’s street food and cuisine from the interior of Mexico. A highlight of the event is a tequila tasting, the biggest tasting in Texas. Of course, there will also be an abundance of wine and beer as well. The Saturday Morning Brunch called “Sabado at Casa Hernan” features a Mexican-style barbecue from various regions in Mexico. Nortena, Poblana and Yucateca are among the barbecue favorites. Two chefs from Mexico will assist San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandez with the sizzling menu. Some foods to be served include, slow-roasted, seasoned kid goat with dry chiles (birria tatemada), corn meal dumplings with chicken (chilaquiles de pollo) and Oaxaca tamales. The menu will be paired with popular beer and wine. Saturday afternoon, before the exciting evening events, attendees can choose to attend one of three seminars hosted by wine consultants and sommeliers. One seminar focuses on sweet German wines, classic wines and, wine cocktails. Seminars run from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. The Grand Tasting and Bubble Room is Saturday, May 18, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. Those who want a bit of bubbly before the Grand Tasting need to arrive at 6 pm and head for the Lonesome Dove enclave. The Grand Tasting at 7 pm features classic wines from Texas, across America and the world. More than 20 stations in the Grotto will be manned by award-winning chefs who have created delectable bites for this annual grand affair. Culinaria’s annual food and wine festival ends Sunday, May 19, with a “Burgers, BBQ & Beer” event at the iconic Pearl Brewery near downtown. Craft beer, cocktails and popular wines will be available. Organizers encourage guest to bring their children, since this event is akin to a backyard barbecue. “That’s probably my favorite event,” said John Brand executive chef at Ostra and Las Canarias restaurants. “It involves the most basic of foods and ingredients, so you are able to show off your identity as a chef with some really cool flavors that you wouldn’t expect typically in a burger.” Proceeds from Culinaria’s year-round events usually benefit several causes, including culinary arts students and food-aid organizations. But this year, all proceeds will go toward the purchase of land to build a city-centric educational garden center aimed at improving nutrition.To purchase advance tickets to any of the Culinaria food and wine events, call (210) 822-9555. Or visit the website: www.culinariasa.org
