Category Archives: Food & Entertainment

Exploring a World of Coffee

Customers visit or work on laptops while sampling coffee from different parts of the world. (VBR)

Michelle and Danny Quiroz have been on a coffee journey for more than a decade. Today, they roast beans from all over the world and serve hot, steaming cups of java at Reserva Coffee Roasters in McAllen. “My husband and I have been coffee enthusiasts for a long time, like over 10 years,” Michelle said. “We really had an affinity for good coffee. Everywhere we would travel we would seek…

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Creating a Culinary Adventure

Brandi Hackett and Walter Greenwood have teamed with restaurateurs Scott and Bob Friedman to create South Padre Island’s newest restaurant. (VBR)

With culinary lessons learned at fine-dining establishments in places like New Orleans, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, a couple has teamed up with Laguna Madre area veteran restaurateurs to create a new dining experience on South Padre Island. “There are some really great restaurants here but we wanted to offer something different,” said Walter Greenwood, executive chef of F&B SPI. “For example, we want to bring coastal Italian flavors here.…

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Brownsville’s Burger History

A burger and fries basket served at The Palm Lounge. (VBR)

When it comes to having a burger, most people think about fast-food joints like McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s or Jack in the Box. Others favor chains known for having some of the best hamburgers in the country, like Corpus Christi-based Whataburger and In-and-Out Burgers of Irvine, Calif. Some people might say that all beef patties placed inside a bun or roll are basically the same, but three of the oldest…

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Serving Up a Family Tradition

Milano’s head chef Albert Garcia plates some of the Italian restaurant’s signature dishes. (VBR)

Angela Milano grew up in a home that room-by-room became an iconic restaurant that brought Italian food – and pizzas – to the Rio Grande Valley. Still going strong on West Pike Boulevard in Weslaco amidst farm scenery that evokes memories of a Valley of yesteryear, under a third generation of family leadership Milano’s endures, a Valley dining favorite that features family, great food and longstanding personal connections to their…

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Sea Wolf Howls on Island

The Lobo Del Mar Dance Troupe performs an eclectic blend of international dances. (Courtesy)

Palm Street Bar & Grill on South Padre Island used to be just a place to grab a sandwich, enjoy a spirit or listen to good music. Not anymore. The bar and grill, now operating under the name Lobo Del Mar Café, has transformed into a potpourri of entertainment, art, food and people under the direction of a large family group of entrepreneurs. Sitting at the end of West Palm…

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Women in Technology Explores Career Paths

South Texas College's Women in Technology takes place April 19. (photo STC)

The Women in Technology event takes place April 19 at the South Texas College Technology Campus Atrium, highlight careers in technology considered as non-traditional for females. The event will include information booths from programs in the Business, Public Safety, and Technology divisions. This includes Fire Science, Police Academy, Engineering Design, Culinary Arts and Construction. STC Information Technology Program instructor and event organizer Angelita Teniente says events like this are crucial for women who…

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Gluten-free Goods on the Road

Peggy Harris with some of her gluten-free breads at a farmers market. (VBR)

Selling shrimp caught in the Gulf Mexico was a full-time job for Peggy Harris when she was a vendor on the second floor of Valley International Airport in Harlingen. Called Texashrimp, the business on the south side of the boarding area was easily seen by passengers wanting to take some fresh shrimp with them. After eight years, she sold the venture and embarked on a new and different type of…

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McAllen H-E-B introduces more ways to get Janktafied

The Jankster Lamar Jones gives a lively demonstration at the launch of The Jank BBQ spice rub Feb. 8. (VBR)

He came, he sang, he talked, he cooked. Lamar Jones joined H-E-B officials Feb. 8 in launching his newest addition to The Jank line, The Jank BBQ spice rub. And he did not disappoint shoppers who stopped to watch the show and sample some unique dishes. Shoppers were drawn in by dishes such as Jank Brussel Sprouts, Jankanero Dry Rub Chicken sliders and Marbled Jankanero Cornbread Cake. The new rub…

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Valley Cheese Finds New Markets

Adam Thompson socializes with some of his goats and one of the family dogs.

After placing in the top 25 out of 400 entries in the H-E-B grocery store chain’s Quest for Texas Best competition, the pace of business at Thompson Dairy Farms has picked up dramatically. And, with a little luck, the farm’s goat cheese may next find a global market. Owner and head cheese maker Adam Thompson began marketing hand-crafted aged cheeses from goat’s milk at Rio Grande Valley farmers markets, where…

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