SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Leo Davila and the St. Anthony, a Luxurious Assortment Resort, introduced particulars relating to Esencia, its new restaurant idea that may open this coming winter. Esencia will embrace 130 seats, a two-level eating room, craft cocktails, personal eating experiences, and extra, all positioned contained in the St. Anthony Resort.
Esencia will replicate the culinary spirit of modern-day San Antonio. The method blends the flavors and traditions of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian cultures—all rooted in Davila’s Chinese language and Mexican heritage. Below Davila’s route, the menu at Esencia will likely be a celebration of the state’s culinary panorama, providing Texas beef, wild recreation, Gulf seafood, and contemporary heirloom greens.
Esencia’s Menu
The menu will supply specialties resembling Carne Asada Frites served with Wagyu ribeye, potato pave, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri and heirloom corn tortillas; a reimagined Arroz con Pollo with cornish hen ballotine, mole amarillo, huitlacoche and squash fried rice, wok fried vegetable medley and miso aioli; a contemporary interpretation on Beef and Broccoli that includes tartare-style Asian-spiced Wagyu beef and beets, lemongrass aioli, broccoli mole and pickled pink onion; in addition to the Duck & Flower, an Asian-spiced duck breast with a hibiscus and Texas pecan mole.
Esencia’s beverage program will embrace a mixture of Asian spirits, tequilas and mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers, and a choice of wines. Cocktails such because the Smoked Previous Long-established, crafted with an unique bourbon from Anacacho Espresso & Cantina’s Barrel Program in partnership with Garrison Brothers, will likely be out there, as will the Cherry Blossom Bitter with sake, gin, lemon, cherry blossom honey, and egg white. The wine program spotlights 4 key areas—Texas, the West Coast, Mexico, and choose Worldwide producers.
“Esencia is greater than a reputation—it’s a philosophy,” Davila stated. “In Spanish, Esencia means ‘essence,’ and our mission is to seize the true essence of San Antonio delicacies. This metropolis has a narrative to inform, and meals is my means of sharing it. Bringing Esencia to life has been a dream come true—each element, each visitor, and each eating expertise issues. For too lengthy, San Antonio has been ignored within the Texas culinary panorama. That adjustments now. My group and I are proud to be a part of a brand new wave of cooks highlighting the depth, heritage, and creativity that make this metropolis extraordinary—and to assist put San Antonio firmly on the ‘new Tejano’ culinary map.”
A Design-Ahead Expertise
Esencia’s inside design is a mirrored image of San Antonio’s historic roots and its multifaceted tradition, mirroring the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Spanish influences, from the cantera stone fountain within the middle of the restaurant, to wrought-iron detailing and extra, may be seen all through the area.
The area will likely be adorned with a curated coloration palette, with shades like terracotta, sage inexperienced, varied teals, and creamy off-whites, amongst others. Native artist Regina Moya was commissioned to create sundown clouds on the ceiling. Esencia’s essential eating room brings again the unique supposed design, which mimics the looks of a Spanish courtyard, with heat lighting and olive timber positioned all through.
Esencia will likely be a spot for informal gatherings and main celebrations alike. The restaurant will supply visitors quite a lot of personal eating choices, together with the Most important Room with Spanish decor and a 14 foot mahogany desk that seats 14-16; the Shanghai Room with Asian-inspired components that may accommodate as much as 20 visitors; and the Mezzanine, which seats 30-40 individuals with drapes for privateness and entry to the balcony patio.
“We’re thrilled to unveil Esencia to the general public quickly,” stated St. Anthony Common Supervisor Maria Martinez. “The restaurant is a pure extension of our lodge’s legacy and of San Antonio’s vibrant culinary tradition. Esencia shouldn’t be solely an distinctive amenity for our lodge visitors, but in addition a gathering place for our San Antonio neighborhood. We will’t wait to open our doorways and share it with everybody.”
Native Companions
Esencia’s creation is made doable with the assistance of a number of native companions, together with Richard Garcia with Affordable Remodelers, Stan Gluza with Doortex, Alan Petlin Connoisseur Flooring, Chris Greer with Saylee-Greer Panorama Structure, artist Regina Moya, and Nicole Pulley with Inside Affairs.
