What’s up with Whatawings: An exclusive interview with Chef James Sanchez
Whataburger Corporate Chef James Sanchez dishes on the restaurant’s newest limited-time offer menu item. | Photo by Whataburger
Who loves Whataburger? SATXtoday City Editors love Whataburger. Last week, the SATXtoday team had the opportunity to try out Whataburger’s newest coffee concept at the chain’s Innovation Lab here in San Antonio.
Little did we know, the Whataburger team had a surprise for us after our coffee tasting — let us introduce you to Whatawings, the restaurant’s newest limited-time offer item. The wings are available in four flavors (Sweet + Spicy, Honey Barbecue, Honeybutter, and Buffalo) at all locations starting Tuesday, Jan. 2.
Whatawings with Buffalo Sauce and French Fries.
|
Photo by Nicole Truly
We sat down with Whataburger’s corporate chef James Sanchez to dive into Whatawings. Please note, responses from Chef James have been edited for length and clarity.
Can you tell us about the concept behind the Whatawings?
Chef James: We make some amazing “chicken bites.” All of our stuff is proprietary to us — our coating is just exclusively for us. It has a really great flavor, the marinade is delicious. So we thought pairing those with some amazing bold sauces that we have on our existing menu would be a neat way to enhance what we offer.
Whatawings is one of those things our family members (aka Whataburger employees) were secretly making behind the scenes for themselves. So we’re paying homage to the “family members’ that were already making these wings as their family meal, and it’s a win-win for both sides. We think it’s an amazing flavor and the concept is pretty delicious.
Try out one of these Whatawing flavors: Buffalo, Sweet + Spicy, Honey Barbecue, and Honeybutter.
|
Photo by SATXtoday team
Do you have any plans for the Whatawings and the Super Bowl in February?
Chef James: We’ve had requests from other parts of our menu team to make this into a larger bulk item. Currently, we have a burger box where you can buy 10 burgers.
We’re designing and working on a concept where we’ll sell a 50-piece, and we’re working rapidly so by the time the Super Bowl comes around we may have that launched. It’s not confirmed or approved yet but it is in the works.
Diez Flores Grand Opening | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-11 p.m. | Diez Flores, 1010 S. Flores St., Ste. 110, San Antonio | Free | Travel to the heart of the Alamo City and experience the newest Latin cuisine restaurant, featuring craft cocktails + tapas.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Dr., San Antonio | $69-$7500 | Watch as the Silver and Black take on the Lakers.
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | H-E-B Performance Hall at The Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio | $65 | Come listen to Rick Schuler’s tribute to “Take Me Home Country Roads,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Annie’s Song,” and more.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Mean Girls Brunch | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Blush, 713 S. Alamo, San Antonio | Free | This brunch will be so fetch with themed music, food, cocktails, and more.
PRESS Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | PRESS Coffee, 11103 W. Ave., Ste., 302, San Antonio | Free | Grab a festive-flavored latte and shop goods from local vendors.
Grinchmas Fest | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 3-8 p.m. | Crockett Park, 1300 N. Main Ave., San Antonio | Free | Join the Weekend Market at Arbor Park for a holiday market, including a Grinch costume contest, snow in the park, local vendors, live music, and more.
Studio Ghibli Pop-Up | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 5-10 p.m. | Wurst Behavior, 358 E. Craig Pl., San Antonio | Free | Eat foods inspired by Studio Ghibli films such as “Ponyo,” “Spirited Away,” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
Sunday, Dec. 17
Sunday Makers Market | Sunday, Dec. 17, Sunday, Dec. 24 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Good Kind, 1127 S. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | Free | Shop this market featuring local vendors, brunch, a full bar, and a live DJ.
Dine And Dance | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 3 p.m. | John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Rd., Helotes | Free | Enjoy live music, dance classes, and food + drinks.
Holiday Toy & Gift Card Drive | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 6 p.m. | The Lighthouse Lounge, 1016 Cincinnati Ave., San Antonio | Free | Come out to this neighborhood spot and donate toys, books, art kits, or gift cards.
Monday, Dec. 18
CPS Energy Board of Trustees Meeting | Monday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. | CPS Energy’s Headquarters, 500 McCullough , San Antonio | Free | Knowledge is power, and CPS Energy is empowering its customers to speak up and be heard at its next Board of Trustees meeting.*
The St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees has named its 14th president, Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. He previously served for 12 years as the university’s dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, and is the school’s first president of Asian descent. Erevelles begins his new role June 1, 2024.
Award
VIA Metropolitan Transit won first place in the “Most Popular Agency” category at Transit’s “2023 Riders Choice Awards.” Transit asked 100,000 riders if they would recommend their transit agency to friends or family on a scale from one to 10, and it looks like VIA landed on top this year.
Eat
The Hayden released its Jewish-Chinese Christmas menu at both restaurant locations. Come try out Hoisin Glazed Pork Belly, Chili-Garlic Smoked Chicken Wings, Nova Fried Rice, and more. The limited-time menu is available from Tuesday, Dec. 19, to Friday, Dec. 22. for dine in or to-go. Make a reservation.
Sports
The NCAA and San Antonio Local Organizing Committee unveiled the logo for the 2025 Men’s Final Four. The annual men’s college basketball tournament returns to the Alamo City for the fifth time on April 4-7, 2025.
Finance
This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*
Wellness
Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*
Answered
How do you ring in the new year?
Ring in 2024 at one of these Alamo City celebrations.
Earlier this week, we asked our readers how they rang in the new year. 61% of you stay home with friends and family, 17% of y’all celebrate in a different way, and the rest either go out on the town or don’t celebrate at all.
For any sports questions I have, I usually go to my dad. He has the ability to break down a concept so anyone can understand it — I finally learned what the red zone is in football this year.
In 2018, he took me to the men’s NCAA Final Four Championship game at the Alamodome and it’s one of my favorite memories with him. I can’t wait to see if we’ll make the Final Four again in 2025.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.