October Table Talk: What's New in the Coastal Bend Food & Drink World - The Bend Magazine

October Table Talk: What’s New in the Coastal Bend Food & Drink World

From smoking cocktails and seasonal treats to new restaurants opening up and exciting menu additions, here are a few local highlights in the world of cuisine

By: Tyler Schultz  Photo courtesy of: Doyko Dauntaun  Taken by: Dustin Ashcraft

A Toast to New Cocktails

What better way to end the day than with a craft cocktail and delectable food? Dokyo Dauntaun is offering another bubble drink on the menu. The Bara Bara, made with rose tea, Bare Bone Vodka, Amaro, lemon, agave, and bitters is the perfect drink to settle down with, pairing perfectly with a delicious veggie roll (or literally anything on the menu). Nothing says spooky season like a smokey cocktail! 

New Seasons Bring New Snacks

There are some changes coming to the menu at Lucy’s Snackbar. The updated fall menu offers a few new delicious options like the “Damn Sandwich” made with peppery housemade tuna salad, arugula, and a balsamic glaze served on a baguette. Looking for breakfast? The updated Breakfast Bowl includes uncured bacon, two eggs over medium, spring greens tossed in a vinaigrette, served with a slice of toast on the side.

An Autumn Addition to Brunch

Hester’s Cafe has a few new options to pair perfectly with brunch this fall. Whether you’re enjoying some Griddle Toast or a Texas Wave, Hester’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is the perfect match to sip on with your meal. If you’re looking for something sweet to finish off, try a slice of their seasonal Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake to seal the deal.

Pumpkin Pastries to Kick-Off Fall

If you’ve had a sweet tooth lately, Cookie + Crumb has the fix. With the season’s changing they’ve introduced a few new pastries to satisfy those autumnal cravings including Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumble Bars that make for the perfect cozy treat. If you’re looking for something outside the world of pumpkins, check out their new vegan and gluten-free Maple Pecan Donuts.

New Seafood and Sake Sensations

If you’re looking for a new place to grab a drink and seafood, Ninja Bar Wings & Seafood might be the spot for you. The restaurant and bar, which opened in mid-September, is the newest venture of their sister restaurant Ninja Ramen. Ninja Bar offers a selection of beers and cocktails along with a variety of seafood, wings, snacks, and dessert. Stop by and enjoy some Baked Tokyo Mussel while sipping on Sake.

A New Traditional Vietnamese Coffee Experience

A new coffee experience has found its home in the Coastal Bend. Saigon’s Civet Cafe is founded on the long-held tradition of coffee culture in Vietnam and offers the highest quality of coffee beans from Buôn Mê Thuôc, served in traditional Vietnamese fashion. The shop offers a delicious variety of drinks, food, and pastries to meet all of your needs. If you’re looking for something new, try a Café Sua Dá paired with a traditional Bánh Mì sandwich. 

Topping Off Delicious Desserts

A La Mode Gelateria and Snackbar just elevated the local dessert experience, introducing a new line of housemade gourmet dessert sauces to top their delicious sweets. Whether garnishing their housemade gelato, crepes, or a variety of other desserts, their new Biscotti Butter line is the perfect finishing touch. The limited-time Apple Cider Donut Biscotti Butter pairs perfectly with A La Mode Gelateria’s dessert nachos topped with warm apple pie and any of their seasonal gelatos.