In the Loop Beignets Coming To 78209 BY RON AARON EISENBERG
The Beignet Stand, one of the more popular food kiosks at the weekend Pearl Farmers Market over the years, is about to move into its first brick-and-mortar home. The new restaurant will occupy the former space of Baby Taco Garage at 8343 Broadway, just inside Loop 410. The doors are expected to open within the next month or two. In a news release on the new venture, co-owner Elisa Treviño said patrons will find the signature beignets, a Louisiana tradition with flaky pastry and plenty of powdered
sugar, in multiple flavors, but the stand also will serve a burger, chicken sandwich and coffee. Treviño’s husband and co-owner/chef, Michael Grimes, is known for his twists on beignets. During their tenure at the Pearl, which they intend to continue on Saturdays and Sundays, Grimes developed a new flavor each week — Oreo tiramisu; peanut butter pumpkin cheesecake; one made with pretzels, mustard and wheat beer; and more than 300 other flavors.
San Antonio Zoo Welcomes Newly Hatched Komodo Dragons There is great news at the San Antonio Zoo in the world-wide battle to save the Komodo Dragon from extinction. There are over 3,000 lizard species, but the Komodo dragon wins the prize for being the largest living lizard in the world. It is a type of monitor lizard, an ancient group of reptiles with ancestors that date back more than 100 million years. According to the San Antonio Zoo, in 2021 Komodo dragons were downgraded from Vulnerable to Endangered, with less than 1,400 mature individuals left in the world. The species is at risk due to their limited habitat range consisting of six islands in southern Indonesia, with most of the population living on Komodo Island. While the populations are currently stable, they are at risk due to limitations of the habitat range, development that consumes habitat, and the impending threat of habitat loss from climate change as ocean water levels continue to rise. 14 DECEMBER 2021 | 78209magazine.com
The hatching of 10 Komodo dragons between October 17 and October 27 includes two boys, four girls, and four yet to be determined dragons. Tim Morrow, President & CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, said, “This monumental hatching is a testament to the zoo’s persistence and commitment to conservation. The hatchlings are thriving, and we are looking forward to watching them grow and help preserve the existence of Komodo dragons.” This hatching results from a successful collaboration between two Komodo dragon SSP (species survival program) institutions. The mother, Kristika, resides at the San Antonio Zoo. The sire, Boga, lives at the Houston Zoo. Last winter, Boga successfully bred with Kristika, which resulted in eggs being laid on March 8, 2021. Incubation ranged from 223-233 days for this clutch.
