We still have a ways to wait until the first tenants at the new Yanaguana Garden open inside four of Hemifair's historic homes. You'll get your first taste of who gets to represent San Antonio as authentic, local, creative, inspiring, accessible and vibrant (all actual characteristics used by the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation during their search) this weekend as the business owners behind these joints show off their goods. Here's a quick primer of what you can expect from their first showing.
Con Safos: Has Danny Delgado, owner of Hi-Tones, Faust, La Botanica and Phantom Room, reached empire status yet? Back at it again with business partner Andrea Vince, Delgado is bringing JC Rodriguez (currently with Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery and previously with Citrus) on board for this West Side San Anto-inspired eatery inside the Espinoza House, built in 1890. The grand opening will feature bites of the restaurant's tentative menu (Con Safos, by the way, is Chicano slang for "with respect") including the pan dulce burger, fried hominy and a brisket chili.
The OK Brewery & Eishaus: Formerly known as the San Antonio Brewing Company, this brew operation will move into the former home of the OK Bar & Grocery Building, which currently houses the B-Cycle staff. Brewer Vera Deckard's wares will be much more than OK — expect a 16-tap bar filled with house brews and guest libations available by the growler. The operation, also manned by Deckard's husband Brent and Mike Farringer, current president for the San Antonio Cerveros, is rounded out with Bavarian snacks, small plates and charcuterie boards.
Paletería San Antonio: Joey Rodriguez is continuing his family's legacy with the opening of this popsicle shop. For now, Rodriguez manages his parents' paleteria La Gran Michoacana (6112 S Flores), but he'll move about half of the 50 or so flavors he's making these days into the Pereida House, built in 1883. Expect to find favorites such as his take on Oreo, lime, strawberry banana, strawberry-cream and lime with chile. The shop will also include a variety of house-made ice creams and fruit cups. Get a free sample of the paletas during the grand opening ribbon cutting on Sunday.
Revolucion Coffee + Juice: Soon to be inside the Koehler House, which will share a central deck with Con Safos across the way at the Espinosa House, Revolucion Coffee + Juice will bring more of its health-minded beverages — both cold-pressed and caffeinated — to the downtown area. Runners and yogis can look forward to classes and group runs in 2016.
