An Evening at Roca & Martillo
Deciding where to go for an anniversary dinner can be a daunting task. San Antonio is chock full of great options. When you’re like me and my partner though, adventure needs to be at the top of the menu. We enjoy trying something new and exciting that combines familiar flavors with new ones. Recently we’ve been hearing about this hidden gem called The Rock at La Cantera, and had been wanting to catch an outdoor movie on their lush lawn. Little did we know, however, there was also a brand new restaurant opening in its midst.
The entire experience at Roca and Martillo is exactly like their logo, which I can only describe as elegant minimalism. The restaurant looks unassuming as you approach its modern exterior; white adobe walls and clean straight lines make it blend in well with the space it shares with Frost plaza and the Victory Capital Performance Center. The interior has a modern rustic vibe with earth tones and some vibrant pops of color in just the right places.
The menu complements the aesthetic, boasting American and Italian comfort foods with a flair. Our waitress Desiree recommended drinks: a vodka and hibiscus-based cocktail called “Full of Flowers” and a gin-based one called “The Eastern Sunset”. Each was mixed to perfection and super refreshing on an uncomfortably hot day. Food and Beverage Director Andrew Aldape came by to introduce himself and inform us that, to make the cocktail menu their own, the drinks all have a twist on chef Jason Dady’s original recipes.
Then the food started coming out. As if we weren’t already excited enough about the cocktails, they started us off with the baked goat cheese and baked gorgonzola from the “Cazuelas” menu. Both were rich and flavorful, with surprising notes as well. Chef Scott Ronczkowski also sent out an order of deviled eggs, which were a beautifully elevated take on a classic staple. Honestly, all of that would have been enough for us to feel sated; nonetheless, our entrees arrived. Sweet tea-brined pork tenderloin, and duck confit with house-pulled pasta–we were in heaven. There was no need to add anything to these dishes. Every bite was mouthwatering with an explosion of flavor brought forward by the perfect amount of salt.
The staff were warm and welcoming, including the chef, bar manager, and food and beverage director, who each took the time out of their day to come chat with us and express their pride for the space and the menu alike. One of the bartenders even stepped away from making drinks to show us the lovely rooftop, where you can watch Spurs games and movies on the giant television adjacent to the restaurant. We walked away full and happy, feeling a little bit closer to one another for sharing a truly dynamic and unexpected comfort food experience. Thank you Chef Jason Dady and everyone who put in the work to make Roca and Martillo the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful anniversary dinner without having to fight downtown crowds.
Editor & Photographer: Zach Jewell
