PEARL

Design renderings show the 1948 plant and warehouse adjacent to the Pearl restored as a site for eateries and office space.

Each year, a community altar is crafted at the Historic Pearl, which honors loved ones of the Alamo City.

Matthew Pearl’s narrative re-creates a key moment in American history

Pearl fans knew this day was coming.

Two popular San Antonio hotels made it to the “Top 20 Hotels in Texas” list by Condé Nast Traveler.

This store's stylists will help you find the right fit.

Smoothie aficionados will soon be able snag those and more from Kineapple, a venture from the couple behind Local Coffee Founders scheduled to open this...

Diving even deeper into the realm of brick-and-mortar retail may sound like a risky game plan in the midst of a pandemic that’s seen iconic...

Time to load up on local fruits and veggies.

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance will hold its first Wine & Dine dinner September 19, featuring the culinary prowess of Steve McHugh of...

This San Antonio hotel is being recognized for having one of the best restaurants in the nation and chances are, you’ve probably been there before.

Those who have perused the Pearl’s funky gift shop Feliz Modern are familiar with the eclectic, colorful style of owners Ginger and Mario Diaz. This...

The Elmira development is just one of several multifamily projects planned or in progress to supply the booming housing demand near the Pearl.

The family behind Terry Black’s Barbecue in Austin and Dallas has purchased roughly a city block of land in San Antonio, though their plans for...

After more than a decade of free parking, the Pearl now charges visitors a flat fee for spaces in three premium lots.

Mrs. Pearl, who survived a pogrom against Iraqi Jews in her youth, helped establish a foundation in memory of her son, a Wall Street Journal reporter abducted and beheaded by Islamic militants in Pakistan in 2002.

If you haven’t made a trip to the Pearl in the past year, expect to see a lot more updated parking areas and prices for Pearl’s more than 3,000 spots.

Meghan and Prince Harry’s second Netflix project will focus on a 12-year-old girl’s adventures in an animated series.

The couple behind the popular, San Antonio-centric shop Feliz Modern is opening up a new space at the Pearl.

Mi Roti shares its popular coconut curry chickpeas bowl that is healthy and delicious.

Real estate firm CBRE began planning its move into the Oxbow building near the Pearl over a year ago at the height of the pandemic.

The Nintendo Switch remakes of "Pokémon Diamond" and "Pearl," classics first released in 2006, will come out on Nov. 19.The big picture: As much as the video game industry and its culture focus on the novelty of new releases, 2021 is shaping up to be a showcase for the appeal of the old.Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free."Pokémon Brilliant Diamond" and "Pokémon Shining Pearl" will claim yet another spot on the release calendar for new versions of games millions of people have already played.Production delays due to COVID, tied with the ever-increasing difficulty of making new games is resulting in more visibility for remakes, remasters, and other recycled efforts.Game publishers have mined their back catalog for decades. The abundance of reissues and their rising prominence in 2021 is what's startling.The "Pokémon" releases will come just a week after Rockstar starts selling an "expanded and enhanced" version of 2013's "Grand Theft Auto V," a game that has already shipped 145 million copies.Between the lines: May 2021 has been rife with reissues and the many reasons for them:May 14: EA's "Mass Effect Legendary Edition," a chart-topping remaster of a trio of sci-fi games from a decade ago, is an attempted franchise revival.May 18: Sony's release of its formerly PlayStation-exclusive "Days Gone" to PC continued the trend of Microsoft and Sony expanding their audience by putting their games on previously verboten platforms.May 21: Nintendo's Switch release of 2017 Nintendo 3DS game "Miitopia" hit in the midst of an extraordinarily successful company effort to re-sell games, some of which floundered on older platforms, on its ubiquitous newer machine.Don't forget the new consoles. Publishers see a chance to shine up recent games and try to sell them again on the new generation of consoles.See “GTA,” but also next month’s expanded version of 2020’s “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” which was itself already a radical remake of a classic game. Older games also help add value to expanding catalogue services, most prominently Xbox Game Pass, which keeps showcasing the acquisition of classic content--a range of beloved “Final Fantasy” games, a whole series of “Yakuza” titles, etc.The bottom line: As much as some fans crave new games, all of these reissues are arguably a healthy development.Reissues defy the old currents that would cause most games, even the biggest, to largely exit the public eye within a year or two after release.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

Laredo native Amy Lee moved to San Antonio after graduating college and quickly found her community at the Pearl.

The pandemic led to an attendance surge at farmers markets nationwide as folks used their spare time to seek out sustainably sourced foods. Not only...

San Antonio has one of the best farmers markets in the United States, according to USA Today.

It’s back and just in time for warmer weather!

Two new restaurants are planned for the Pearl’s Full Goods building, according to state filings.

The Pearl is opening a 10,416-square-foot shared workspace for “modern professionals” a year after COVID-19 changed the traditional office setting.

A Texas country singer was reunited with his dog Gretchen, who was stolen with his truck...

A Texas country music singer and his family are pleading for the San Antonio community’s help after their dog was stolen along with their truck outside Hotel Emma at the Pearl.

A local man has amassed a large collection of advertisements and memorabilia from local breweries.

San Antonio chef and entrepreneur Johnny Hernandez is in talks with officials at the Pearl about a new venture at the near-downtown retail complex, the...

Pearl Studio is open for businesses, individuals, photographers and videographers. Pearl Studio, a 9,000-square-foot space with enough room for lifestyle and business content creation, is now available for people and businesses, officials announced this week. “We are thrilled to debut Pearl Studio, which will generate multi-use seasonal narrative content for Pearl, its tenants, partners, and third-party clients,” Elizabeth Fauerso, the Pearl’s chief marketing officer, said in a news release. Pearl Studio is open for businesses, individuals, photographers and videographers. (Courtesy, Pearl)Pearl Studio is open for businesses, individuals, photographers and videographers.

SAN ANTONIO – Texas is now 100% open, and while the state no longer has a mask mandate in place, face coverings may still be required at some businesses. Many businesses at the Pearl still require customers to wear masks, including Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery. Customers must wear a mask when they enter the restaurant. “We even had people yesterday that were trying to come through and not wear a mask, even though it’s still required. They will be encouraging customers to wear a mask but will not require it.

One of San Antonio's most iconic hotels was named as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Hotel Emma, located at the Pearl, was ranked 23 out of 50 in the publication's list of Top Hotels in the U.S. for 2021. Hotel Emma wasn't the only Texas hotel to make the list, The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston was also a favorite. The two Lone Star luxuries were also joined by places like the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles and The Langham in Chicago. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai In Hawaii came in as the best hotel in the country for 2021, according to the list.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Pakistani-British man acquitted of the 2002 gruesome beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl off 'death row' and moved to a so-called government 'safe-house'. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Pakistani-British man acquitted of the 2002 gruesome beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl off death row and moved to a so-called government “safe house." In the government-run safe house, Sheikh will be under a 24-hour guard — often by military personnel — and will not be allowed to leave the house. AdLast week’s ruling that exonerated Sheikh also exonerated another three men accused in Pearl’s murder who had been serving life sentences. They too were ordered on Tuesday to be held in a safe house.

Pakistan is scrambling to manage the fallout of a Supreme Court decision to free the Pakistani-British man accused in the 2002 beheading of American Journalist Daniel Pearl. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is scrambling to manage the fallout from a decision by the country's Supreme Court to free the Pakistani-British man accused in the 2002 beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl. According to the Pearl family lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, this means that doubt about the guilt of one translates into a doubt about all. The provincial Sindh government has taken the last remaining legal step by filing a review petition Friday with the Supreme Court. Defying the Supreme Court order to free Sheikh could again leave the Sindh government facing contempt charges.

Islamabad — Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the release Thursday of a Pakistani-British man convicted and later acquitted in the beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. The court also dismissed an appeal of Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh's acquittal by Pearl's family and the Pakistani government. The Pearl family urged both the U.S. and Pakistani governments to take action to "correct this injustice." Siddiqi, the Pearl family lawyer, had expected it would advance his case. The court is expected to release a detailed explanation for Thursday's decision in the coming days.

(AP Photo/Zia Mazhar, File)Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered on Thursday the release of a Pakistani-British man convicted and later acquitted in the beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. The court also dismissed an appeal of Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh's acquittal filed by Pearl’s family and the Pakistani government. The “Supreme Court is the court of last resort,” Murtaza Wahab, Sindh's law minister, told The Associated Press. A three-judge Supreme Court ruled 2 to 1 to uphold Sheikh’s acquittal and ordered him released, according to the Pearl family lawyer. Siddiqi, the Pearl family lawyer, had expected it would advance his case.

(AP Photo/Waseem Khan)ISLAMABAD – After 18 years of denial, the Pakistani suspect convicted and later acquitted in the 2002 beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl has told a court he played a “minor" role in the killing, the Pearl family lawyer said Wednesday. The appeal was filed by Pearl's family and the Pakistan government. Nowhere in the three-page letter addressed to the Sindh High Court did the British-born Sheikh elaborate or say exactly what his allegedly “minor” role in Pearl's slaying involved. The appeal is expected to wrap up this week, said Siddiqi, the Pearl family attorney. The acquittal last April stunned the U.S. government, Pearl’s family and journalism advocacy groups.

Robin Jerstad /ContributorThe Bottling Department at the Pearl on Wednesday began offering outdoor tableside ordering in an effort to help keep customers and businesses safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Customers can use a QR code at 26 select outdoor tables at Pearl Park to place orders for delivery from multiple Bottling Department vendors in one transaction, allowing the customer to skip lines and avoid going indoors.

click to enlarge Courtesy PearlIn response to the pandemic, the Pearl’s Bottling Department has launched QR code-based tableside ordering for customers dining just outside the multi-restaurant food hall.The tech upgrade allows guests at designated tables to avoid going indoors, skip lines and order from multiple vendors in one transaction. Guests are also able to reorder food and drinks using the system.The system is available at 26 marked tables in Pearl Park, located adjacent the food hall. Guests in those seats can access menus, order and pay in one transaction using provided QR codes.Goodies from every food hall vendor — including Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, Fletcher’s Hamburgers, Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and The Bar — are available through the new ordering system, which goes online Wednesday.

The acting U.S. attorney general said Tuesday the United States "stands ready" to try a militant convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl whose release was ordered by a Pakistani court. "If, however, those efforts do not succeed, the United States stands ready to take custody of Omar Sheikh to stand trial here," the statement said. "We cannot allow him to evade justice for his role in Daniel Pearl's abduction and murder." Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is seen in this undated file photo. Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist militants.

SAN ANTONIO – If you don’t know about the Pearl, it’s a unique 22-acre complex just north of Downtown with green spaces, local restaurants, Hotel Emma and small businesses. It is a popular destination here in the Alamo City, and there are more attractions on the way for 2021. And one of the reasons for the new parking is the addition of new restaurants. Also, Best Quality Daughter opened on Mueller, and that’s really been exciting as well,” Fauerso said. The goal is to be a place where San Antonio shines, and when the city grows, so does small business.

click image Instagram / yahniscoscThe beer company behind Lone Star, Pearl and its namesake Pabst Blue Ribbon has had a busy year.Pabst announced plans to relocate its headquarters back to San Antonio develop a downtown culture park and relaunch its Pearl xXx American lager . It also struck a multi-million dollar deal securing the rights to sell and distribute Jack Daniel's pre-made cocktails.Now, to close out 2020, the brewer will make its Pabst Blue Ribbon Hard Coffee available in 35 Alamo City retail locations. It unveiled the caffeinated brew earlier this year and has conducted a staggered launch.In a release, 176-year-old Pabst said its 5% ABV canned coffee “balances a rich creamy blend with a whipped vanilla flavor.”While the Original version of Pabst's Hard Coffee is now on local convenience and liquor store shelves, looks like we'll need to wait for its Cold Brew version. That variety — which boasts a “slightly sweet, dairy free” 4.2% ABV experience — is currently available only in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.

(AP Photo/Zia Mazhar, File)KARACHI – A provincial court in Pakistan ordered the release of a British-born Pakistani man charged in the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. Sheikh was acquitted earlier this year of murdering Pearl, but has been held while Pearl's family appeals the acquittal. However, Siddiqi said the Sindh provincial government is appealing the order to release Sheikh. The U.S. State Department in a series of tweets said it was “deeply concerned” by the court order. Siddiqi, the Pearl family lawyer, said he expects the appeal to be decided by the Supreme Court by the end of January.

The Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies, helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The civil complaint being filed Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 points to the role Walmarts pharmacies may have played in the crisis by filling opioid prescriptions and by unlawfully distributing controlled substances to the pharmacies during the height of the opioid crisis, the person said. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio)WASHINGTON – The Justice Department sued Walmart on Tuesday, accusing it of fueling the nation’s opioid crisis by pressuring its pharmacies to fill even potentially suspicious prescriptions for the powerful painkillers. The civil complaint filed points to the role Walmart’s pharmacies may have played in the crisis by filling opioid prescriptions and Walmart's own responsibility for the allegedly illegal distribution of controlled substances to the pharmacies at the height of the opioid crisis. The suit said that only later did Walmart allow pharmacists to do blanket refusals for these suspect practices.

click to enlarge Facebook / Pabst Blue RibbonThe 176-year-old conglomerate behind Lone Star, Pearl and its namesake Pabst Blue Ribbon has negotiated a deal to include ready-to-drink Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails in its product offerings.The agreement, effective in April, gives San Antonio-based Pabst exclusive rights to sell and distribute both Jack Daniel’s pre-made cocktails and any future flavored malt beverages from the brand.“We are thrilled to bring together two classic American companies, both backed by iconic brands with over 150 years of American history,” Pabst General Manager Matt Bruhn said in a release. “Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails will form an integral part of Pabst’s expanding portfolio of flavored malt beverages, and we look forward to leveraging Pabst’s unique distribution platform to unlock the potential of one of America’s most authentic brands.”The bottled bevs, introduced in 1992, are currently available in eight flavors, including Berry Punch, Black Jack Cola, Southern Citrus and Watermelon Punch. They clock in at around 4% ABV.This won't be the brewer's first foray into the non-suds market, however. In 2019, Pabst debuted its Hard Coffee, a malted beverage mixed with real coffee, sugar, vanilla and milk.

SAN ANTONIO – The Pearl, one of San Antonio’s most iconic locations, is getting a new French restaurant - Brasserie Mon Chou Chou which will open to the public at 3 p.m. on December 7. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will feature French comfort foods and flavorful dishes from regions throughout France. Originally scheduled to open in November, the new restaurant is expected to be more informal than a typical French restaurant “serving full dinner options but also allowing for a more casual atmosphere of just wine, oysters, cheese plates, and more,” according to restaurant officials. “Mon Chou Chou” is a French term of endearment that roughly translates to “sweetie” or “darling.”French-born executive chef Laurent Réa will be the head chef for Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. The restaurant is expected to be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.

click to enlarge Courtesy Image / Don B. McDonaldThe Elmira Apartments is a 7-story apartment building planned for 1126 E. Elmira St.Pearl developer Silver Ventures is planning to build a 265-unit, 7-story apartment building on East Elmira Street, on the other side of the San Antonio River’s Museum Reach from the Pearl’s main campus. The project would be the fourth major multifamily development by Silver Ventures, and would push the Pearl’s apartment total past 900 units. click to enlargeThe HDRC agenda item for the Elmira Apartments describes a seven-level “precast parking garage” wrapped with mostly apartments, and some live-work units and retail on the ground level, including a coffee shop. It’s unclear how much it will cost to build the project, what kind of incentives Silver Ventures is pursuing from governmental entities, and what the timeline looks like. Bill Shown, Silver Ventures’ managing director for real estate, didn’t immediately respond to an email inquiry Monday morning.

These are the holiday events, programs and other offerings from the Pearl this year:Holiday Gifting 4 Good: The Pearl and the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County will partner for Holiday Gifting 4 Good. The program allows shoppers to buy gift packages from businesses at the Pearl, with a portion of the proceeds going to the United Way. The program allows shoppers to buy gift packages from businesses at the Pearl, with a portion of the proceeds going to the United Way. Pearl Farmers Market holiday gift boxes: From Nov. 27-Dec. 18, shoppers can buy curated gift boxes filled with goods from regional producers, farmers and business owners. Orders From Nov. 27-Dec. 18, shoppers can buy curated gift boxes filled with goods from regional producers, farmers and business owners.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio’s historic Pearl is transforming once again with the addition of more green space as the area shifts focus to become more pedestrian-friendly. The Full Goods parking lot in front of Green Vegetarian Cuisine will transform into green space as the center of the Pearl is expected to become vehicle-free, according to a spokesperson for the Pearl. Parking will also look different with the nearly 3,000 parking spaces available changing from free to a tiered system that costs $6 - $10 for premium spaces while free parking will also still be available. The Stable Lot, which has 65+ spaces will be the first lot to transition to a premium lot. A Pearl spokesperson told KSAT there will be three categories of parking at Pearl: premium, standard, and free.

click to enlarge Nick Simoniteclick to enlarge Courtesy PearlConstruction on the Full Goods green space will begin early next year and is estimated to be completed by fall of 2021. Get ready to spend even more money when visiting San Antonio’s Pearl complex.The popular mixed-used development is accelerating a project to offer more vehicle-free, pedestrian-focused areas, effectively eliminating the free Full Goods parking lot on the complex’s north side.“As Pearl evolves, we seek to build pedestrian connectivity and increased green space. This evolution requires us to treat parking as an amenity with a tiered approach — from premium to free,” Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso said in a statement.Beginning this month, Pearl will partner with LAZ Parking to manage its nearly 3,000 parking spots. There will still be free spots in the Koehler garage.The Full Goods parking lot will transform to green space similar to those in front of the Bottling Department food hall and the restaurant Cured. Construction on the Full Goods green space will begin early next year and is estimated to be completed by fall of 2021.The Stable Lot — off Avenue A — is the first lot to transition to the pay-to-park model, already charging by-the-hour rates for its 65-plus spaces.

Big changes are underway at The Pearl, including paid parking and more green spaces. Phase 1 of the plan includes additional outdoor seating and a tiered parking system which will cost visitors depending on which lot they choose. RELATED: Dave Chappelle was at The Pearl again, this time with other comedians“As Pearl evolves, we seek to build pedestrian connectivity and increased green space. This evolution requires us to treat parking as an amenity with a tiered approach — from premium to free,” Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso said in a release. The Pearl is partnering with LAZ Parking to usher in the change, which will come with a text-to-pay system.

click image Instagram / ardiefuquaMo Amer (left), Ashley Barnhill, Dave Chappelle and Ardie Fuqua pose for a snapshot at Hotel Havana. Dave Chappelle just can't stay away from San Antonio. The Pearl wasn't the only spot Chappelle visited — he posed with the group for a photo outside of Hotel Havana. According to MySA, Chappelle was seen in the Pearl complex near Brasserie Mon Chou Chou on Saturday. San Antonians at the complex over the weekend also reported sightings:The C on his mask gave it away.

click to enlarge Ben Olivo / SA HeronSilver Ventures recently bought this building on East Josephine Street. The Pearl is primed to grow further north after its developer Silver Ventures purchased a full city block at the northern limit of the River Walk’s Museum Reach. Silver Ventures bought the 2.2-acre property at 102 E. Josephine St. in late September from Illinois company Glenmorangie LLC, county property records show. Silver Ventures has been buying up property around the Pearl in recent years to accommodate its expansion plans. Shown declined to comment on how much Silver Ventures paid for the East Josephine property.

The Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the owners, operators and rental agent of several apartment complexes in Pearl, Mississippi, violated the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against African Americans based on their race. The lawsuit is based on the results of testing conducted by the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center and a Charge of Discrimination issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). This uncivilized and cruel discrimination hurts people; it must end, now, and the Department of Justice is determined to put a stop to it. The lawsuit alleges that SSM Properties and Steven and Sheila Maulding are legally responsible for Roe’s alleged discrimination because he worked as their rental agent. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.

click to enlarge Courtesy of PearlWhipped sweet potatoes with candied pecans is one fresh vegetable option included with the Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Thanksgiving Meal KitThe Pearl's Farmers Market is offering Thanksgiving meal kits for those looking to add more fresh veggies to their holiday feast.The $150 kit includes ingredients to create everything for a Turkey Day spread — except the turkey. However, home cooks can choose to harvest (heh) a pasture-raised bird from the Farmers Market for an additional cost. Same goes for homemade pies and pumpkin centerpieces.The box — available for curbside pickup — includes ingredients to create three sides, gravy, a salad, dinner rolls and what's being billed as a Pearl-exclusive cranberry compote. Purchasers have a choice between three potato-focused sides, two different types of stuffing and three varieties of vegetable dishes.The box serves six and includes recipe cards and ingredients sourced from more than 20 local vendors.The Pearl Farmers Market is taking orders via its website , and customers can pick up their meal kits on Tuesday, November 24, from 3-7 p.m.

Best Quality Daughter, an Asian-American restaurant, will open for limited reservations on Friday, but a grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 17. Best Quality Daughter is an expansion of their pop-up dinner concept. An interior rendering of Best Quality Daughter at the Pearl complex. (Courtesy, Pearl)Salt 'n Pepper King Crab from Best Quality Daughter. (Courtesy, Pearl)

click to enlarge Courtesy of PearlFeliz Modern POP iss selling DIY skull piñatas designed by local artists Manola & Maria and Lua Bash. The Pearl is transforming its annual Día de los Muertos celebration into a virtual experience this year, though some in-person amenities will still be available.The downtown development will host a community altar on site, while video of two offsite altars will be streamed on the its social media pages. The second virtual altar, created by local artist Kaldric Dow at the invitation of the Carver Community Cultural Center, will honor those who have lost their lives to social injustice.Pearl’s community altar is centered on the theme of Amor y Esperanza (Love and Hope), and will be on display at the complex's Shade Structure November 1-8. Dedicated to those who lost their lives to COVID-19, the four-sided altar was made by SAY Sí Artistic Executive Director Jon Hinojosa with help from SAY Sí alumni and staff. In-person visitors will be required to wear masks.SAY Sí is also developing an interactive app so visitors can leave the names of loved ones instead of a physical mementos at the altar.Hotel Emma and La Gloria will also have their own altars on display during the holiday.The Pearl’s fall programming will include the continuation of its weekend farmers markets, a video series on pumpkin recipes featuring Hotel Emma chef John Brand and a curbside event for pickup of curated Thanksgiving boxes to help avoid crowded stores during the holiday season.

SAN ANTONIO – The Pearl Brewing Company was established in 1881, and as years have passed and improvements have been made, the original buildings that make up the Pearl are still largely unchanged. The Pearl has become a San Antonio icon and was previously named one of the Great Places in America by the American Planning Association. Use the toggles on the photos below to slide between before and after photos of one of San Antonio’s most beautiful places.

SAN ANTONIO – The Pearl, one of San Antonio’s most iconic locations, is getting a new French restaurant in November. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will feature French comfort foods and flavorful dishes from regions throughout France. The new restaurant is expected to be more informal than a typical French restaurant “serving full dinner options but also allowing for a more casual atmosphere of just wine, oysters, cheese plates, and more,” according to restaurant officials. “Mon Chou Chou” is a French term of endearment that roughly translates to “sweetie” or “darling.”French-born executive chef Laurent Réa will be the head chef for Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou will be located near the entrance to Hotel Emma at 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, Suite 2104, in the space formerly occupied by The Culinary Institute of America’s NAO.

click to enlarge Courtesy Giles Design Bureau / Clayton & Little Architectsclick to enlarge Courtesy PearlRaclette and baguette at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. The Pearl will add some European panache to its dining options this fall with the addition of Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, a casual eatery with a classic and accessible approach to French fare.Unlike pricey, upscale French restaurants, brasseries are more informal, and they're known for providing a more casual atmosphere where guests can enjoy a full meal or an afternoon snack of wine and oysters.The menu at Mon Chou Chou will feature French comfort foods that will appeal to a range of guests. Think French classics such as steak frites, escargot, fresh oysters, coq au vin. Also on the menu is raclette and baguette: gooey melted cheese scraped straight from the block and slathered onto crusty bread.The bar program will offer handcrafted cocktails including the Pink French Fairy featuring Citadelle gin, egg white, fresh lemon and wild strawberry liquor, as well as a selection of absinthes — the incredibly alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit that some say has madness-inducing properties.Housed in the space formerly occupied by The Culinary Institute of America’s NAO, at 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, Suite 2104, Mon Chou Chou will open at a not-yet-determined date next month.

SAN ANTONIO – “It was the most Dave Chappelle thing ever." That’s the reaction one lucky San Antonio man had when he had an unexpected run-in with the famous comedian at The Pearl on Tuesday morning. Julian Dais spoke with KSAT Wednesday about his chance encounter with Chappelle and said the man, widely considered a comedy genius, noticed him before he noticed Chapelle. Chappelle responded saying “just hearing you say that means a lot to me,” Dais told KSAT. The last time the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor winner was spotted around San Antonio was during a series of surprise, pop-up comedy shows last October.

SAN ANTONIO – One of San Antonio’s largest Dia de los Muertos celebrations will not take place this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of canceling altogether, the Pearl will have one on-site altar and four virtual altars that locals can visit to honor their loved ones. A spokesperson told KSAT.com that the Pearl “will still make 2020′s (Dia de los Muertos) special” with the virtual altars created by local artists. Since 2017, the Pearl has hosted two-day Dia de los Muertos celebrations, bringing in hundreds of visitors with live music, food vendors, workshops, demonstrations and altars made by local artists. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising those celebrating Dia de los Muertos to refrain from large gatherings.

Comedian Dave Chappelle was spotted at the Pearl on Tuesday afternoon. It's unclear why Chappelle was roaming around town, but multiple Pearl strollers took to social media after seeing him at spots like Bakery Lorraine. The photo shows Chappelle with a coffee in hand, strolling down Pearl Parkway. "Dave Chappelle came into our store and my coworker asked him if he was from SAN ANTONIO LOL," another person tweeted. Some speculated that Chappelle might have made a stop in San Antonio while visiting his friend and new Austin resident Joe Rogan.

SAN ANTONIO – Chilaquil, a food truck focused on traditional Mexican street food, has moved into its first brick-and-mortar location at the Pearl, and now it’s ready to open to the public. The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Pearl’s Bottling Department, which is only open for takeout or patio dining due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Husband-and-wife team Orlando and Susana Aguirre began the concept that serves food based on chilaquiles, Mexican comfort food that consists of tortilla chips, salsa, cheese and other toppings. The restaurant builds off of chilaquiles with a variety of add-ons like eggs, beans, avocado, chicken, meat and more. Masks are required to enter the Bottling Department.

click image Instagram / bakery_lorraineCalifornia Zinfandel shells filled with dark chocolate ganache are a new fall macaron flavor at BL. Autumn is upon us, and San Antonio-based chain Bakery Lorraine is ready to usher in comfy, hearty dishes that fit with the cooler temperatures.The new fall menu includes eight new macaron flavors, an extensive assortment of cakes, pastries and lunches, plus a dinner menu that — unlike the rest of the new items — is available only at San Antonio's Pearl location.New macaron flavors run the gamut from obvious — pumpkin spice and caramel apple — to unexpected, such as cereal milk, zinfandel and Earl Grey. New pastries include the Everything Bagel Croissant, a flaky croissant rolled in an everything bagel spice blend, and a gluten-free orange cranberry muffin.Dinner — which is served from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Pearl location — will feature items such as steak frites, a mixed greens salad with Autumn vinaigrette and a classic croque madame.The fall menu is available now at all Bakery Lorraine locations. Interested diners can see the entire menu of available fall-inspired items — and order online — at the BL website

click to enlarge Courtesy Boiler HouseBoiler House’s Patriot Burger was created by Chef Jarrad Gwaltney. Boiler House at Pearl and MAX’s Wine Dive at Quarry Village are teaming up with Texas-based nonprofit Combined Arms to offer Patriot Burgers to support U.S. Armed Services veterans.Each restaurant is featuring its own specialty burger created for the fundraiser and is donating a third of the menu price to Combined Arms to support its mission of aiding vets transitioning from military to civilian life.Boiler House’s Patriot Burger features an 8-ounce chili-infused smoked pork patty, queso Oaxaca, grilled pineapple, poblano peppers, onions, fresh cilantro and achiote mayonnaise on a toasted bolillo bun.MAX’s Wine Dive will feature an entire chile relleno stuffed with white cheddar cheese and braised short ribs atop an 8-ounce beef patty. A cheesy mornay sauce, avocado and cilantro will finish the monster sandwich.Both Boiler House and MAX’s Wine Dive are offering their Patriot Burgers with a choice of side item for $15. The specialty sammies will be available for both takeout and dine-in customers until December 31.

click to enlarge Facebook / Pabst Blue RibbonPabst Brewing Co., the one-time owner of the Pearl Brewery, has moved its corporate headquarters back to the Alamo City.The brewing conglomerate behind Lone Star, Pearl and its namesake Pabst Blue Ribbon has leased space in downtown's Rand Building, 110 E. Houston, according to a joint story by KSAT and the San Antonio Business Journal The move comes after the company shuttered corporate operations in Los Angeles and Dallas, consolidating roughly 120 employees here, according to a separate story in the San Antonio Report After a ten-year stretch of being headquartered in San Antonio, the company relocated to a Chicago suburb in 2006. Around 40 to 50 employees in the finance, accounting and legal departments remained here, however.The 176-year-old company originally moved its headquarters from Milwaukee to San Antonio in 1996 after shutting down its historic Pabst Brewery. Lutz Issleib, then Pabst's president, lived in San Antonio and led the relocation.

This photo provided by the Mississippi Department of Corrections shows John Travis Ross. A drone carrying marijuana, cigarette lighters and cellphones got caught in a net above a Mississippi prison fence, resulting in the arrest of two men, state corrections officials said Wednesday. The two were identified after Rankin County sheriffs investigators traced the drones flights and then investigators turned up security video of them launching the drone, officials said. The drone, caught Aug. 26, carried 2 ounces of marijuana buds, a cellphone, phone chargers, headphones, and several cigarette lighters, the corrections department said. The drone is the third intercepted at a state prison in recent years, said John Hunt, the department's director of Investigations.

Best Quality Daughter, an Asian-American restaurant, will open its new home in November, according to the Pearl. An interior rendering of Best Quality Daughter at the Pearl complex. (Courtesy, Lake Flato)Chorizo, Egg and Cheese Potstickers from Best Quality Daughter. (Courtesy, Pearl)Salt 'n Pepper King Crab from Best Quality Daughter. (Courtesy, Pearl)

SAN ANTONIO Are you a beer, wine or cocktail person? Plus a Texas Eats preview, crafts for Fathers Day, masking your mask breath and a youth choir concert this weekend on KSAT 12! Dont forget free Whataburger, the San Antonio Zoo announces virtual summer camp and much more! SA Live airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on KSAT 12. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, your smart TV or your smartphone.

The Pearl Farmers Market and Bottling Department are set to reopen beginning next week. The farmers market will be open on Saturdays only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting June 6. According to Pearl officials, the farmers market will continue offering its curbside service to customers. Curbside pickup is available from 3 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, and the pickup location will move to the Farmers Market Headquarters space beginning June 12. “Our local producers and farmers market team were able to quickly pivot in the wake of COVID-19.

SAN ANTONIO The Pearl neighborhood is the most expensive area in San Antonio to rent an apartment while Lackland Terrace on the West Side is among the most affordable, according to new data released Tuesday by Apartments.com. The average rent for apartments in the Pearl neighborhood listed at $2,283 while apartments in the Lackland Terrace neighborhood listed at nearly four times less at $617, the apartment listing site said. The top 10 least affordable neighborhoods included three in downtown San Antonio (Museum Reach at $1,774, King William at $1,543 and Lone Star at $1,495), two in midtown (Pearl at $2,283 and Brackenridge Park at $1,409) and two in the Northwest Side (The Rim at $1,596 and The Dominion at $1,545). Among the top 10 most affordable neighborhoods included four on the West Side (Lackland Terrace at $617, Maverick at $751, Thunderbird Hills at $752 and Hillcrest at $756.) Following is a table of the 10 most expensive neighborhoods in San Antonio.

SAN ANTONIO For more than a century, Pearl Beer has been a part of San Antonios history. The brand has always been something that we've been excited to rebirth, said Daniel Crawford, Pearl brand manager. (Pearl Beer - Courtesy of Joe Mondo Cruz)The brands rebirth is rooted in San Antonio and re-imagined with a new look inspired by the growth of the city. (Pearl Beer - Courtesy of Joe Mondo Cruz)The Pearl xXx beer also has a new flavor with a mix of modern ingredients that give it a classic American lager taste. The new Pearl xXx beer is being sold in select locations across the state, including San Antonio.

click to enlarge Instagram / grayzeongraysonGrayze on Grayson has been listed on LoopNet as a retail space for lease. Grayze on Grayson is the latest San Antonio restaurant whose space is now up for lease. The eatery's site near the Pearl development is now listed on the commercial real-estate site LoopNet.Grayze maintained a takeout program in the weeks following Texas' stay-at-home order but eventually shut its doors, telling fans in an Instagram post, well see you on the other side of this crazy COVID!While the April 4 post suggested the establishment would be back in business post-COVID, the LoopNet listing does little to support that hope.The restaurant's owners were unavailable for immediate comment.Since opening in 2016 , Grayze has focused on locally sourced ingredients, made-from-scratch sauces and house-cured meats. The restaurant also created menus it could modify for vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan diets.In March, Grayze launched a program that allowed diners to purchase chef-prepared meals or grocery bags of produce and dry goods for families suffering food insecurity during the pandemic.

click to enlarge Josh HuskinSteve McHugh is in the running for Best Chef for the fifth time since Cured at the Pearl opened in 2013. For the fifth year, chef Steve McHugh of Cured at the Pearl has been named a James Beard Foundation finalist.In past years, Texas has been a part of the Best Chef: Southwest category, which also covered Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma. This time, he was nominated in the newly created Best Chef: Texas category.Other finalists in the category include Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye in Austin, Michael Fojtasek (Olamaie in Austin), Anita Jaisinghani (Pondicheri in Houston) and Trong Nguyen (Crawfish & Noodles in Houston).James Beard Foundation Awards, considered one of the foodservice industry's most coveted honors, are given in categories including chefs and restaurants, books, journalism and broadcast media.While two other San Antonio chefs were named 2020 JBF Best Chef: Texas semi-finalists Alex Paredes of Carnitas Lonja and Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse only McHugh will move forward with the hope of being awarded the ultimate title when winners are announced in the fall.So many restaurants, so little time. Find out the latest San Antonio dining news with our Flavor Friday Newsletter.

click to enlarge Instagram / cerronispurplegarlicA Purple Garlic employee rearranges the dining room in preparation for reopening today. San Antonio restaurants are taking advantage of Governor Abbotts order to gradually reopen Texas economy, posting their limited menus, reduced hours and social distancing efforts online.As we navigate this new reality, we seek our communitys partnership. Meanwhile, mom-and-pop eateries are taking to social media to share their own in-house safety measures. Please be patient with us as we navigate this new normal to best serve you. We love you, San Antonio!Below is a list of restaurants that have confirmed they are reopening as of press time.

COVID-19 deals devastating blow to San Antonio's hotel industryPublished: April 9, 2020, 6:36 pmThe CEO of Hotel Emma said occupancy for Easter Weekend is "next to nothing."

click to enlarge Courtesy of Earl Abel'sAfter feeding San Antonians for nearly nine decades, Earl Abels is now feeding the front line.So far, the beloved Alamo City staple has delivered box dinners to three local hospitals, and plans to expand its reach to fire stations starting next Monday.R.E.A.C.H., which stands for Ready Earl Abels Community Helpers, is an initiative to provide scrumptious dinners to frontline workers. The Pearl-adjacent Southern-style kitchen is matching meal donations and has so far brought dinner boxes to University and Methodist Hospitals, with plans to drop off 100 meals to Brooks Mission Trails Hospital today.To find out more information on how to help or make a meal donation, call (210) 449-6555.

click to enlarge Facebook / La GloriaMexican street food outpost La Gloria wants to help San Antonio medical professionals as they battle the pandemic.To that end, the eatery at the Pearl has added special shopping hours at its onsite market from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. exclusively for health care personnel and first responders. On Monday, La Gloria also will introduce an online ordering system and curbside pick up exclusively for medical staff and first responders. Again, they'll be required to present ID to participate. La Gloria recently turned part of its Pearl location into a market that carries essential items including toilet paper, cleaning supplies, fresh produce and pantry items. This week, the Pearl launched a new food pickup and delivery site for itsrestaurants called Pearl on the Go

La Gloria will temporarily convert into a market for essentials at The Pearl starting this weekendStarting March 21, the dining room of La Gloria - Pearl will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. as a grocery store. Like other restaurants, La Gloria will also be offering to-go meals. less Starting March 21, the dining room of La Gloria - Pearl will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. as a grocery store. Starting March 21, the dining room of La Gloria-Pearl will be open from noon to 8 p.m. as a grocery store. Like other restaurants, La Gloria will also offer to-go meals.

SAN ANTONIO – UPDATE: Curbside pickup helped customers get the produce they needed from the Pearl market’s farmers. Hundreds of customers put in about 400 orders, getting produce from vendors who usually work at the Pearl Farmers Market. The closure of restaurants is having a cascading effect on the area farmers that supply them with produce, dairy products and fruits. The Pearl Farmer’s Market is helping growers connect with their loyal customers through a new curbside pick-up service. Scott says between the sales from the Pearl website and sales on his website, he hopes to make it.

Pearl Farmers Market // The popular farmers market has launched a new online site for products including meat, dairy, eggs and pantry items, allowing customers to find what they need and arrange for curbside pickup later in the week. Pulp Coffee // Pulp Coffee has been roasting and brewing high-quality coffee for San Antonio shops, events and pop-ups since 2016. Madges Food Company // This company specializes in flavorful and fermented food products like spicy vegan kim chi plus jams, sauerkraut and a spicy Bloody Mary mix. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.

I think itd be tough to survive in this market if people werent making good beer, so theres a lot of good beer out there, he said. Total U.S. beer sales were down slightly in 2018, but craft beer sales were up almost 4 percent. While some of those changes have propelled brewery growth throughout Texas, San Antonio is still behind compared with other major metros. Other Texas cities might have a greater percentage of independent, craft beer drinkers than San Antonio, Banas said. So San Antonio still has a lot of growing up to do as far as reaching for craft first.

Customers can top their roti with rice and fresh additions like mango chutney, shredded kale and spinach and a variety of hot sauces. "...Mi Roti will put a unique, local spin on traditional staple flavors, the ones I fell in love with in Trinidad. I'm sure everyone in any family will find a combo they will love at Mi Roti. "Blaque, a U.S. Army Veteran and CIA-San Antonio grad, teamed up with her husband Cornelius Massey, to open The Jerk Shack in 2018. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.

A look at The Pearl's new luxury apartments complex, Southline Residences. SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story is published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. Southline Residences at 226 Newell Ave., named after being the southernmost point of Pearl, is the latest from Silver Ventures. Finishes throughout the 223-unit building’s amenities and residences incorporate original materials from the Pearl Brewery. Read the full story and see more photos at the San Antonio Business Journal.

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 – The Pearl’s darling has earned another top ranking for best hotels in the United States. Hotel Emma ranked at No. 10 in U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 50 best hotels in the USA in 2020, which was released Tuesday. Hotel Emma is classified as a 5-star hotel and has received four critic awards, including recognition in the 2019 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List and TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Naturally, it was named the best in San Antonio by U.S. News and World Report.

SAN ANTONIO – Some people who work near the Pearl say business is down, and it has nothing to do with their products. “Kind of smells like a dead animal over here.”Others described the area smelling like sewage or gas. “I thought it was natural gas. We call natural gas. CPS Energy officials say crews scanned the area and found a small natural gas leak from a broken boiler.

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.

SAN ANTONIO – The Bottling Department at the Pearl is saying goodbye to another restaurant. The Good Kind, a kiosk that sells fresh comfort food, will close on Jan. 31, the Bottling Department announced on social media. It’s closing “after nearly 3 years of helping children and adults alike enjoy their vegetables,” the food hall wrote on Twitter. ‘Texas Eats’ Episode 2: Texas German food in New BraunfelsThe Good Kind’s chef/owner Tim McDiarmid will focus on the business’ Southtown location, Tim the Girl Catering and Ivy Hall Events. ✨ pic.twitter.com/IuveDB0xP6 — Bottling Department (@BottlingDept) January 15, 2020It’s the second kiosk to announced its departure from the Bottling Department in the past few weeks.

SAN ANTONIO – Before her big show at the AT&T Center on Tuesday night, Cher gave some love to Hotel Emma at the Pearl. Cher tweeted out that the hotel was one of the most unique, beautiful hotels ever. The tweet also said, “Stayed in amazing hotels all over the world “Emma” might take the cake." Cher made a stop in San Antonio as part of her “Here We Go Again” tour.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio will soon celebrate its first ever Dia de Los Muertos river parade, and starting this weekend ,you may see some life-sized skulls on display throughout La Villita and the Pearl. A team of eight artists is creating the Day of the Dead skulls, including contemporary artist Andy Benavides. "I had this interest in covering this whole thing in mirrors," Benavides said. "On many levels, it was a gift to the ancestral memories, as well as a literal gift to the city," Benavides said. Benavides said in addition to the eight skulls worked on in San Antonio, there will be eight more produced by artists in Mexico City.

SAN ANTONIO – Lez Ride SA met up last Saturday at the Pearl for a Galentine’s bike ride. If you don’t know already, Galentine’s Day is a holiday that celebrates female friendships, made famous by “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope. So we thought we would tell you a little more about Lez Ride SA and what they do around the community as our favorite civil servant would -- with a fun infographic below! (Click here if you can not see the graphic.)