Ep 20. Savory San Antonio

In season 4, episode 20 of the travel and food show Cheap Eats, host Ali Khan takes viewers on a culinary adventure in the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas. Known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and rich cultural heritage, San Antonio offers a wide variety of budget-friendly dining options that showcase the city's unique flavor and flair.

The episode begins with Ali grabbing breakfast at a local food truck called La Botanica. He tries their popular vegan breakfast tacos and chilaquiles with a side of refreshing agua fresca. Ali also learns about the restaurant's commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and promoting social justice causes.

Next, Ali visits Tommy's Restaurant, a family-owned institution that has been serving classic Mexican dishes since 1959. He tries their famous puffy tacos, which are made by frying a specially shaped tortilla until it puffs up and then filling it with meat, lettuce, and tomato. Ali also enjoys the restaurant's homemade salsa and margaritas.

For lunch, Ali heads to Cured, a charming eatery located in a historic building that once housed a book bindery. Cured specializes in house-cured meats and inventive charcuterie boards that reflect San Antonio's diverse culinary traditions. Ali tries the oxtail poutine, which features crispy fries topped with tender oxtail, cheese curds, and a savory gravy. He also samples the pickled shrimp and blood sausage, as well as the restaurant's signature cocktail made with local grapefruit juice.

Later in the day, Ali pops into La Panadería, a bakery that puts a modern twist on traditional pan dulce. He tries their almond croissant, which features flaky pastry filled with marzipan and topped with slivered almonds. Ali also enjoys the bakery's colorful macarons and cappuccino.

For dinner, Ali visits 2M Smokehouse, a smokehouse and BBQ joint that has taken San Antonio by storm. He tries their brisket, which is smoked for over 12 hours and served with a side of homemade BBQ sauce. Ali also samples the barbacoa, a tender, slow-cooked dish made with beef cheeks and seasoned with a blend of spices.

Finally, Ali ends his day with a sweet treat at Chocollazo, a gourmet chocolate shop that specializes in handcrafted truffles and chocolate-covered treats. He tries their churro bites, which are fried pieces of dough coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a side of chocolate dipping sauce. Ali also samples the shop's artisanal chocolates, which come in flavors like lavender, mint, and sea salt.

Throughout the episode, Ali showcases the unique culinary scene of San Antonio and highlights the diverse mix of flavors and cultures that make the city a food lover's paradise. Through his enthusiastic and genuine approach to food, Ali encourages viewers to seek out authentic and flavorful cuisine without breaking the bank.