San Antonio: The Five Biggest Stories of The Week

These are the stories that captured San Antonio’s attention this week, from a local brand winning big in competitions to adventurous new dining experiences and exciting music developments.

1. Success for Utopia’s Hess Street Foods in H-E-B Competition

The immensely popular Texas grocery chain, H-E-B, concluded its quest for the most promising, Texas-made products to grace its shelves. In a heated competition, Utopia’s own Hess Street Foods triumphed, earning first place alongside a $20,000 prize for its notable chorizo seasoning paste.

2. The Launch of InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel

Following a three-year transformation period, the eagerly wait is over, as the erstwhile Wyndham San Antonio River Walk reemerges as the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk. The hotel boasts 390 rooms along with four brand new dining and bar concepts, ready to offer guests a refreshing and unique downtown experience.

3. Stone Terrace Gastropub Raising the Bar in Stone Oak

Stone Oak welcomes its new hot-spot, Stone Terrace Gastropub, determined to redefine pub dining. Striking the perfect balance between a sophisticated menu and a relaxed atmosphere, owner Stacey Robinson hopes the new addition would appeal to those in search of a comprehensive culinary experience.

4. Selda Mediterranean Kitchen, Serving Authentic Turkish Cuisine

For the first time outside of Dallas-Fort Worth, the family-owned Selda Mediterranean Kitchen opens its doors at the San Antonio location. Offering a range of Turkish favorites, this new restaurant is conveniently located at 9955 W I-10 Frontage Rd., right off I-10.

5. The Debut of Woodbine Bar at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa unveiled its swanky new bar, Woodbine, continuing the establishment’s summer revamp. Opening on August 7, mere days after the Antlers Lodge unveiled its own sophisticated updates, Woodbine is yet another evidence of the resort’s determination to bring the very best to its guest.

Music and Entertainment: “Girl in a Coma” Back in Action

San Antonio’s beloved rock band, “Girl in a Coma,” is back on their feet after nearly a decade-long recording hiatus since their last album, “Exits and All the Rest,” in 2011. The band, composed of Jenn Alva and sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz, have used the lockdown period to produce new music and plan future tours. The band acknowledged the warm reception their respective ongoing projects received – Phanie Diaz and Alva’s “Fea”, and Nina Diaz’s solo career – as a contributing factor to their decision to reunite.

The local rock band is planning to take its time developing and delivering an authentic new music experience for their fans. Having dipped into different music arenas during their hiatus, all three band members look forward to bringing those learnings to their creative process. This news continues a trend of exciting happenings in San Antonio’s local music scene.

This week’s developments have once again demonstrated San Antonio’s vibrant spirit, with successful local businesses, exciting new eateries and bars, and the revival of renowned music acts.

Stay tuned for next week’s round-up of the city’s most-read stories.