Brandon Watson

Guy Fieri's bowling shirts and frosted tips may be a pop culture punchline, but there's no denying his shows have been a boon for mom-and-pop restaurants. A mere sighting of his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible can shoot sales through the roof. New in Fieri's good graces is San Antonio's Con Huevos Tacos.

brandon watson, sturgis journal NILES — The Sturgis girls evened their season record at 2-2 with a 50-33 win at Niles on Friday night.

When Steven Pizzini opened Lala's Gorditas, it seemed like his birthright. Not only was the tiny Southside joint named after his maternal grandmother, but it was built on generational restaurant know-how that dates back to the 30s. After five turbulent years, that legacy is being cut short.Via Facebook, Pizzini announced he would shutter Lala's after service on December 24. Although the post does not fully explain the reasoning behind the closure, it capped one of the restaurant's most turbulent years."We hope everyone will come by and share a laugh or tear and send Lala's off in grand style," Pizzini writes. "On behalf of my staff and myself, it's been an honor and a pleasure to serve you these last five years. You'll see my staff in other great dining places, no doubt, and I plan to enjoy my retirement."Opened in March 2019, Lala's continued his family's long history in the San Antonio hospitality community. His aunt Ernestine Pizzini Chapa founded Teka Molino in 1938. His father and uncle, Herman and Eddie Pizzini, established Taco Hut in 1958.The simple menu was aptly time-honored, offering San Antonio favorites like guacamole cups, bean rolls, puffy tacos, and signature gorditas. Pizzini didn't take shortcuts, nixtamalizing corn on site. It was, at first, a formula for success.Unfortunately, Pizzini faced challenges from the get-go, including a lack of parking and an outdoor dining space. The COVID-19 pandemic hit before he could celebrate his first year. In 2022, he told the San Antonio Current that supply availability and costs were wreaking havoc on his business.In the past year, the restaurant has twice appealed to the local community for support. The most recent plea, on June 11, admitted many of the restaurant's shortcomings. Despite the struggles, Pizzini expressed no sour grapes."On a personal note, I will miss the wonderful community Lala's has created with our authentic food and friendly service," wrote the longtime San Antonio chef. "It's been an extraordinary experience getting to know so many of you and sharing my family's legacy through our traditional Tex-Mex recipes."

Pity (or perhaps envy) the New York Times food staff. Covering the Big Apple's restaurant scene is difficult enough, but the Gray Lady also chronicles the nation. This time their praise fell on Austin taco truck Paprika's saudero taco, as one of their favorite dishes of the year.

Severe weather ripped through Southwest MI on May 7, 2024; Sturgis readers viewed our photos of the aftermath more than any other photos this year.

brandon watson, sturgis journal BURR OAK — Braylyn Hernadnez knew exactly how many points she needed to score on Wednesday night.

Several agencies were in attendance to get into the Christmas spirit.

Fair warning: the last San Antonio food news round-up before Christmas isn't as jolly as we had hoped. This week, three restaurants revealed they will not make it until the new year. Never fret, Hallmark addicts. There's a reason to don gay apparel when you read to the very end.

brandon watson, sturgis journal STURGIS — A handful of hoops games took place on Thursday evening before everybody pretty much shuts it down for Christmas break.

brandon watson, sturgis journal STURGIS — When it comes to being prepared for the next level, Sturgis graduate-to-be Tenley Banaszak believes she has things set up in the right direction.