Good food is best enjoyed in good company, and the Taste Team has a great way to combine the two with a Middle Eastern appetizer feast for two from the new Medical Center restaurant Al-Amir Cafe & Grill. It leads Decembers list of five things to eat and drink in San Antonio bars and restaurants right now.
The month brings a solid mix of hot, cold and comforting options from the new Tlahco Mexican Kitchen on San Pedro Avenue by Oblate; tiny Thai Dee on Blanco Road near Hildebrand; the Barrios familys La Hacienda Scenic Loop on Boerne Stage Road; and the revamped Earl Abels near the Pearl.
Meze appetizer feast
Theres something for everyone in the Middle Eastern meze appetizer sampler for two at Al-Amir Cafe and Grill ($29.99). The 10-plate tasting incorporates familiar favorites such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and tabbouleh, then branches out into the dried sausage called sujuk, the minced meat surprise of fried kibbeh and fattoush salad made with fried bread. Dont worry about the names. Just roll up some warm pita and eat. 8620 Fredericksburg Road, 210-281-8632, Facebook: Al-Amir Cafe & Grill
Chicken tortilla soup
In just a few short months, Tlahco Mexican Kitchen has become one of the citys best Mexican restaurants, in part because of chicken tortilla soup ($6.95) served in a thick terra-cotta bowl stocked with avocado, fried tortillas and dried chiles. Hot soup, warm tortillas. It doesnt get much more December-y than that. 6702 San Pedro Ave., 210-455-0135, Facebook: @tlahcoSA
On ExpressNews.com: Review: Tlahco Mexican Kitchen is one of San Antonios best Mexican restaurants
Chicken khao soi
Thai Dee has turned a tiny space next to a convenience store into a destination for solid Thai cooking, including a chicken khao soi curry ($13) that brings together soft and crunchy noodles for a filling journey of texture and flavor. Bring your own wine; theyll supply the long-stem glasses. 5307 Blanco Road, 210-342-3622, thaideesa.com
Margarita trio
The Barrios family added La Hacienda Scenic Loop to their stable of Mexican restaurants in 2017, and that means another chance to get the frozen margarita trio ($10.50). Three small glasses bring icy swirls of mango and strawberry, a tangy guava and lime mix, and a respectable house margarita. Dont roll your eyes. Sometimes all you need are a nice patio, cheesy nachos and something sweet with tequila in it. 25615 Boerne Stage Road, 210-687-1818, lahaciendascenicloop.com
Fried chicken
Earl Abels on Broadway near the Pearl reopened in November after the latest change of hands, a quick remodeling and menu revamp. Earls Famous Original Fried Chicken Dinner ($9.95 for two pieces and two sides) is the primary reason to take a seat. Its earned that famous tag, with a craggy and well-seasoned crust over perfectly cooked, juicy yardbird. 1639 Broadway, 210-444-9424, earlabelssa.com
Food writer Paul Stephen contributed to this report. Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking
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