Beer Cocktails & Farm to Pizza – San Antonio Style

Elites like to keep it local, and it doesn't get more local than new hip Southtown eatery, Stella Public House. Before the restaurant opened to the public, carb lovin' Elites gathered 'round a communal table to break bread, beer cocktails, and more. Stella's family, in Melia R's words, "lavished princess treatment on our Yelp family. Even the hospitality was Italian-style!" 

Beckoned to a beautifully decorated table complete with heirloom tomoato centerpieces, Eiltes sat down and were offerred their choice of beverages. From innovative beer cocktails like the popular Mezanotte (gin, St. Germaine, blackberries, and beer) to an expertly curated wine list, Elites had their choice of beverages to whet their whistle. 

It's a good thing we worked up an appetite, because "embarrasment of riches," in John G's terms, only just begins to describe how the remainder of the afternoon played out. It's not everyday that we're told, "tell us what pizza you want, and we'll make it," but that's essentially how it went down at Stella. First to hit the table were the caprese salad of thick sliced mozarella and local heirloom tomatoes (compliments of Andres, the mozarella mastermind), lamb meatballs, wild mushroom mac and cheese, roasted summer squash, warm olives, and country bread. There wasn't a drop left on those skillets! When the pizza came, we were already verging on full, but managed to make room for a taste of every single pizza on the menu. To name a few, Sopressata, Spicy Fennel Sausage, and Quattro Formaggi with arugula and fig balsamic. Elites event had the opportunity to play Chef, and were asked to come up with their own variations for the kitchen to make! 

This "leisurely and delicious and boozy afternoon" deemed by Lauren M had a sweet finish with Stella's small but mighty dessert menu. Salted caramel panna cotta with almond biscotti and banana brulee, ice cream sundae with espresso mocha ganache, and the "original goodness" – tiramisu. Jai J puts our feelings into words, "Once the bite was finished, I was brought back to reality. But what do you do when you wanna go back to heaven? You take another bite of course!" As if Stella hadn't done enough, each Elite left with a gift bag full of goodies – homemade tomato sauce, olive oil, and a mini baguette, plus a gift card for future visits!

The stellar staff, the locally-sourced goodness, and the life-changing libations we'll keep us coming back. Read the full event reviews and check out the photo album for all the scoop!

Until next time, SYOY! 

Gloria C