DINING

Visitors, some wearing masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19, walk along the River Walk in San Antonio, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio District 1 and the World Heritage Office have partnered to launch a pilot program that aims to help support local restaurants with an outdoor dining option. “The designation officially recognizes the unique culinary heritage and traditions that exist in San Antonio,” the release said. “The city of San Antonio, as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, remains committed to the sustainability of our local food and beverage industry. We’re grateful to be doing business in a city that works to preserve the character of neighborhoods like ours.”AdRELATED: San Antonio hotels saw revenue drop more than $700M in 2020

This years Restaurant Week has expanded to a month-long extravaganza for more bang for your buck. According to the non-profits vice president, Ginger Robinson, Culinaria decided to extent the culinary event to help attract more customers in order to help restaurants cover operating costs. So, (customers) have the option to add-on a donation.The donations form a part of Culinarias emergency relief efforts that are addressed through their Hospitality Fund. We were feeding furloughed employees for several months, and weve had the emergency relief fund on and off since then, Robinson said. For a list of participating local restaurants, click here.

While many people are likely excited at the thought of getting out again, there are some things to consider before heading to dinner. If youre feeling well and youre ready, try to do the following, to the best of your ability:1. If the establishment requests that you wait in your vehicle until your table is ready, do so.2. People who have COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, so its important to mindful of who youre sharing your food with. If its not, just be sure to wash or sanitize your hands as soon as you walk in or out.

SAN ANTONIO A San Antonio sandwich staple is entering a new chapter ahead of its 30th anniversary. Deli co-owners Wayne Beers and Michael Bobo have announced their sandwich shop at 3123 Broadway and its quirky building are up for sale separately, starting on Wednesday. The selling of the business has been six months in the making, as the men who started the restaurant in 1990 near retirement age, Beers told KSAT.com. The men started the restaurant back when it was a small storefront on McCullough Avenue. Bobo called their customers a beautiful reflection of the diversity that makes San Antonio such a special place.He added they still planning a 30th-anniversary celebration.

SAN ANTONIO – A taco spot with Alamo City-themed menu items, such as the “Popfather” and the “Riverwalk-O-Taco,” has opened at the Pearl’s Bottling Department. SayTown Tacos made its debut at the food hall with a soft opening Friday after taking over The Good Kind’s nook. It will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Pearl Brewery truck to be placed by crane at Hotel EmmaThe Good Kind previously announced it was leaving the hall on Jan. 31. The Good Kind’s chef/owner Tim McDiarmid said she will focus on the business’ Southtown location, Tim the Girl Catering and Ivy Hall Events.

SAN ANTONIO – A Pearl Farmers Market veteran will set up shop inside the Bottling Department with a new taco spot. SayTown Tacos will open inside the Pearl’s food hall and take the place of The Good Kind, the Pearl announced Thursday morning. SayTown Tacos, from hot sauce maker and Pearl Farmers Market vendor Humble House Foods, is expected to open by the end of February. SayTown Tacos is expected to open inside the Pearl's Bottling Department at the end of February. Another restaurant in the Pearl food hall closingIt’s the second kiosk to leave the Bottling Department; Maybelle’s Donuts left its post on Dec. 31.