This Friday May 19 Hotel Emma is hosting a book signing with Chef Ben Ford at Curio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
This Friday May 19 Hotel Emma at the Pearl is hosting a book signing with Chef Ben Ford. The community is invited to join Chef Ben Ford for a special book signing at Curio, the gift shop at Hotel Emma from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. This event is free and open to the public and there is no need to RSVP. He will be there to sign copies of his first cookbook: “Taming the Feast: Ben Ford’s Field Guide to Adventurous Cooking” and guests will be able to enjoy some bites, a glass of wine and get to meet the chef and author. Guests may bring their own copy of the book or purchase one on site. (Hotel Emma, 2017)
Chef Ben Ford is known for wowing crowds with his over the top handcrafted feasts and now with “Taming the Feast” he presents a field guide to adventurous cooking. He gives step by step instructions with photos and illustrations so anyone can grill, smoke or roast outdoors or a smaller version of the feast in their own kitchens. Along with recipes, artisanal techniques and gorgeous photography, Chef Ford shares stories of growing up with his father Harrison Ford, then a carpenter, and his life as a chef at some of California’s best restaurants.
Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300
Whataburger is having two “Oh Whata Night” fundraisers this week to benefit local organizations. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. Coming up this week Whataburger is having two “Oh Whata Night” fundraisers in San Antonio. The first is on Wednesday May 17 5p.m. to 8p.m. to benefit Fearless Fastpitch Girls Softball and the other is on Thursday May 18 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. to benefit Mays Family at Potranco. (Whataburger, 2017)
The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales during the posted hours to the organization. The first 100 customers will also receive a free Whataburger gift. Wednesday’s event will include the popular Whataburger for a Year drawing where one customer’s name will be drawn to win the ultimate prize-a free Whataburger every week for a year. On Thursday’s event, there will be a photo booth and a special appearance by Whataguy, the Whataburger mascot.
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
Whataburger – Wednesday May 17
4646 W Commerce St (near General McMullen Dr)
San Antonio, TX 78237
(210) 435-3084
Whataburger – Thursday May 18
8319 State Hwy 151 (near I-410)
San Antonio, TX 78148
(210) 521-1511
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery launched a Beer Club with membership perks to include a beer locker. Photo: Jacqueline Fierro/Giant Noise, used with permission.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery recently announced the launch of its Beer Club now available for purchase. Cost is $250 for a one year membership and is limited to 45 memberships. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2017)
Membership in the Beer Club includes perks like:
Member beer locker at Southerleigh with individual or family names up to two people who must have direct family relation to share locker
Monogrammed leather pint sleeves, custom made in Texas at Arrow & Board
All beer pints at Southerleigh will be $5 all the time, no matter what style of beer
20 percent off all merchandise
20 percent off beer growler fills
Exclusive access to new beers one week before release to the public
Southerleigh is the first brewery at Pearl since 2001 and has a 15-barrel brew house, six serving tank and a firkin/wood barrel-aging program. It is a 7,900-square foot dining facility with multiple seating options including bar seating, patio seating and a private dining room that can seat up to twenty people. The private dining in the north dining room seats up to seventy-five people with the capacity to host parties of up to two hundred people.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 East Grayson, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 455-5701
The movie adaptation of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ by Jeff Kinney will open on Friday May 19, 2017. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Jeff Kinney is an American game designer, cartoonist, producer, actor, movie director and The New York Times best-selling author of children’s book. He is a six-time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite book and is best known for the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ book series. He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and he is the creator of the child-oriented website Poptropica, one of Time magazine’s 50 Best Websites. The movie adaptation of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ will open in theaters on Friday May 19 and stars Jason Drucker as Greg, Alicia Silverstone as Susan Heffley and Tom Everett Scott as Frank Heffley.
According to Amazon, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ is book nine in the series and has Greg and his family on a road trip. The trip includes a pacifier-stealing pig, hungry seagulls and a broken-down car until they end up stranded miles from home without any money. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series began in 1998 when he came up with the idea of a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley, who writes illustrated stories about his personal life. Kinney released an online version of these stories on the website FunBrain where he made daily entries until June 2005. An online book version was created in 2006 and it became such a hit that he eventually released a printed version. There are twelve books in the series.
Adrian Ruiz and his Quintet will be performing at Jazz, TX on May 23 in support of the new CD. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
This month, Jazz, TX is hosting two CD release parties. The first is for Ed Sherry’s “New Orleans Party” on Wednesday May 17 from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. and the second is for Adrian Ruiz’ “Premiere” on Tuesday May 23 also from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. Tickets for both are $10 per person and are available online. (Jazz, TX, 2017)
Ed Sherry and his all-star band make the Alamo City debut of his first CD release as a band leader with “New Orleans Party.” This recording is a musical journey from the roots of traditional jazz to today’s street beats of the French Quarter and features some of San Antonio’s finest musicians. It includes fourteen New Orleans classic tunes as Ed sings and plays the trumpet in fine form.
Adrian Ruiz and his Quintet will perform in celebration of the release of “Premiere.” This recording contains original compositions written by each band member. Ruiz is the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos director for University of Texas San Antonio and a freelance trumpeter performing throughout Texas.
Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts ranging from jazz to blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wider variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.
Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386
The cast of ‘Bus Stop’ now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is wrapping up the current season with a glimpse at small town America with their delightful production of William Inge’s ‘Bus Stop.’ It is a combination of drama and comedy set in a rural Kansas diner about 25 miles West of Kansas City, Missouri in early March 1955. The story takes place in the middle of a snowstorm as a bus heading West pulls up at a roadside diner. Front and center are the lives of the passengers forced to wait out the storm together.
‘Bus Stop’ opened last Friday and starts off with Grace and Elma, the waitresses, working at the diner during a typical night. Carl the bus driver comes in an announces that the weather has taken a turn for the worse and they need to wait it out for the night. Him and Grace ‘discreetly’ go their separate ways but it is obvious that they have planned a rendez-vous. The bus passengers start drifting in as the audience is introduced to each one and their stories. One of those passengers is Cherie, a nightclub singer, who is being pursued by a Bo, the young cowboy on the bus. Along for the ride are Professor Lyman who has a drinking problem and a hankering for young girls and Virgil Blessing, the older cowboy and father figure to Bo, who was orphaned at a young age. Will Masters is the local sheriff and the voice of reason.
William Inge’s works usually revolve around small town life and this one is no exception. The intimate setting at The Classic Theatre is perfect because it makes the audience feel like they are in the diner witnessing the interaction between the characters. Bo Decker’s role is challenging and Hunter Wulff does an excellent job. John O’Neill is a welcome sight on the local stage and his performances area always on target. The relatable characters make the story timeless decades after it was first performed and the character development keeps it interesting. Small details like the snow on the coats and hats and the fact that they are eating and drinking real food and drinks gives it a touch of authenticity. ‘Bus Stop’ is a classic and a must see for fans of character and dialogue driven performances.
‘Bus Stop’ is playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio through Sunday May 28, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 589-8450.
The cast of ‘Urinetown – the Musical,’ now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio through May 28. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.
Now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio is the local production of ‘Urinetown – the Musical,’ the Tony Award winning satirical comedy musical about a dystopian future where a drought has caused a water shortage that has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets. It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement and municipal politics. Starring Brendan Brady as Bobby Strong and Emily Cleveland as Hope Caldwell, it has music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis and the book by Greg Kotis.
Despite the dubious title, it opened to an almost full house on Friday as the audience was treated to a night of laughter and homage to musical theater. The show opens as the citizens are in line to use the public toilet, in this case Public Amenity #9, that is run by Penelope Pennywise. While Penelope is by the book-strict, her assistant Bobby Strong is not and desperately wants to do the right thing. After his father, Old Man Strong, defiantly relieves himself on the street rather than pay for the ‘privilege’ of using the facility and is taken away by the authorities, he gets the desire to fight for what is right. When he meets Hope Caldwell, the naïve but well-meaning daughter of Caldwell B Cladwell, the CEO of the megacorporation that owns the public toilets, he is inspired to start a rebellion where everyone can “pee for free.”
The cast is big but they work well together under the direction of Tim Hedgepeth. Brendan Brady’s performance as Bobby Strong is solid and together with Emily Cleveland as Hope Caldwell and the rest of the talented cast, they make ‘Urinetown’ an enjoyable experience. Show highlights include the disturbing yet funny “Don’t Be the Bunny” by Cladwell, McQueen and Fipp and the inspiring “Run, Freedom, Run” by Bobby and the ensemble. Toilet humor aside, fans of musical theater will appreciate the references to shows like ‘Les Misérables,” “West Side Story,” “Cabaret” and many more. Officer Lockstock and other characters periodically break the fourth wall to talk about the show and explain what is going on. Overall, ‘Urinetown – the Musical’ is a hilarious story of greed, corruption, love and revolution and what happens when heroes arise out of desperate times. Even though it is not the typical ‘feel good’ show it is worth seeing more than once to catch all the musical references and hidden jokes.
‘Urinetown – the Musical’ plays at The Playhouse San Antonio through Sunday May 28 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258.
The next Chef Series will take place on Tuesday May 16 with Guest Chef Danny Orta. Photo: Jazz, TX, used with permission.
On Tuesday May 16 Jazz, TX will continue its Chef Series event with Guest Chef Danny Orta and a Japanese inspired menu. This event is limited to 30 guests and tickets are available online for $125 per person. Ticket includes a pre-fixe menu for two including gratuity, tax, cocktails and a cover fee if guests wish to stay and enjoy the 8:30p.m. show of The Doc Watkins Quartet featuring Jonathan Card. Dinner will be from 6p.m. to 8p.m. and the show will be from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. The menu will consist of five specialty courses including oysters, potato salad, lump crab meat, dry braised beef rib, seared scallop and milk honey with dry ice and caramel honeycomb for dessert. Paired with the food will be Japanese spirits including Shōchū, Sake and Japanese Whiskey from the bar. (Jazz, TX, 2017)
Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts ranging from jazz to blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.
Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386
Hiatus Spa + Retreat spa opens on Tuesday May 9 next to Hotel Emma. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Hiatus Spa + Retreat is an award-winning Texas day spa with locations in Dallas, Austin and Plano. They recently announced that on Tuesday May 9 they are opening a fourth Texas location, this one in San Antonio at The Cellars at Pearl next to Hotel Emma. This 5,000-square foot day spa was designed by Austin-based architects Clayton & Little and will feature original artwork by Texas artist Jan Heaton. There will be thirteen treatment rooms including a couples room, hydrotherapy, a nail therapy lounge with four zero-gravity chairs, an inviting relaxation area and separate dressing rooms for men and women. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2017)
The main subscription is the H Circle where guests can choose one signature “Essential Service” each month which include the Signature Massage, Tailor-Made Facial, One & Only Mani-Pedi, Body Glow or the Body Wrap. This membership is $69 per month and includes special discounted pricing for members on all treatments and 10% off all retail products. Other services include The Yours, Truly massage, The Perfectionist Facial, The Kindred Spirits couples massage and the Monthly Retreat.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat was founded in Dallas in 2007 by Garrison and Peabody with partner Bill Garrison. Since then they have locations in Dallas, Austin and Plano with another upcoming location in Houston. It features over fifty signature treatments with a high touch experience and has received the Innovate Award, the International Spa Association – 2013, Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies 2012 – 2016 award and the American Spa Magazine – Favorite Day Spa 2016 award.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355
Whataburger’s Picante Sauce and Salsa Verde will soon be available at most H-E-B stores. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger celebrated Cinco de Mayo with the news that they will soon bring fan favorites Picante Sauce and Salsa Verde to shelves at most H-E-B stores this month. These sauces will be available in the hot sauce aisle. The Picante Sauce is perfect for pairing with eggs and bacon in the morning or tacos at lunch. It can also be used for dipping, dabbing or topping just about anything that needs a little spice with this one-of-a-kind sauce. The Salsa Verde provides a mild flavor when it comes to spice. This light green salsa is made from a blend of onions, jalapeños and tomatillos that will make breakfast, lunch or dinner more flavorful. (Whataburger, 2017)
“We’re grateful for our partnership with H-E-B that allows us to bring these sauces into our customers’ kitchens to enjoy on their favorite recipes.” – Mike Sobel, Vice President of Retail Mike Sobel
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
SA Examiner 