San Antonio's culinary scene is set to meet deep-fry expectations with Chef Nicola Blaque's latest project, Freight Fried Chicken, pegged to launch in January at the Pearl. This new eatery is stepping up to plate a historical homage, being a nod to the post-Civil War "Waiter Carriers," women who sold their fried chicken to travelers—in efforts to sustain their families. As KSAT reported, the future establishment is looking to honor "racial progress in a time fraught with dissension," remembering Gordonsville, Virginia, once dubbed the "Fried Chicken Capital of the World."
Freight Fried Chicken is set to bring more than just poultry to the table. The menu promises Southern staples such as biscuits, mac 'n' cheese, and seasoned fries, all to complement their dry-batter specialty. "We are excited to welcome Freight Fried Chicken to Pearl," said Pearl CEO Mesha Millsap in a press statement, heralding the addition as a testament to "the importance of food and its indelible link between people and culture." Nicola Blaque, not just an Army veteran but also a Culinary Institute of America alum, has positioned herself firmly in the culinary spotlight, having been a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas.
The Pearl is also to soon celebrate another feather in its cap with the anticipated spring opening of Pullman Market. Hailed as "the largest culinary market in the Southwest," the 40,000-square-foot space promises an eclectic mix from full-service restaurants to an artisan butcher—right in the heart of the former Samuels Glass Co. building at 221 Newell Ave. According to KSAT's coverage, Pullman Market aims to "create a new, unique culinary experience that represents all of Texas."
At the Pullman Market, visitors can conveniently pick from an array of cuisine styles, from homemade pizza to intimate 18-seat dessert bars. Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, famed for their restaurant Ladino, spearheads this project, which looks to reshape the local community's approach to food. Partner Kevin Fink has pronounced, "Pullman is about creating easier relationships with local food and producers," envisioning a bridge between high-end eateries and the local farmer's fare. The market's four full-service restaurants anticipate bustling scenes, with one, Isidore, offering an "elevated dining experience" that will require reservations—for those looking for something a bit more refined.
San Antonio's Pearl is already a vibrant community hub, and initiatives like these only serve to enhance its reputation as a food lover’s haven. Both Freight Fried Chicken and Pullman Market hold the promise of culinary innovation wrapped in a communal experience, creating fresh hype for Texas foodies and travelers alike. As for the official opening date of Freight Fried Chicken, stay tuned as it's to be announced shortly, with Pullman Market right on its heels for a spring debut.
