Father’s Day dining at Buddy V’s Ristorante

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Enjoy a classic Italian meal this Father’s Day at Buddy V’s Ristorante. Photo: Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.

Meal planning for the perfect Father’s Day celebration can be tricky. This Sunday, skip the cliché steakhouse dinner and savor home-cooked recipes from the “Cake Boss” instead – available exclusively at the newly opened Buddy V’s Ristorante at The Shops at La Cantera. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)

  • Boasting the same succulent flavor without the hefty price tag, Buddy’s Surf & Turf is a steakhouse staple featuring shrimp scampi, bistro tender medallions, broccolini and chianti sauce. Now available for $30.95.
  • Oven-baked with provolone and mozzarella, the Bone-In Parmesan Veal Chop weighs an impressive 16 ounces and includes a generous side of spaghetti marinara. Enjoy this colossal dish for $24.95.
  • Every dad knows a good pizza when he sees one. Smothered in Italian sausage, grandma’s meatballs, Molinari pepperoni, cherry peppers, ricotta, mozzarella and provolone.  Buddy’s Favorite Pizza is perfect for dads and kids. Get it now for just $14.95.
  • Spaghetti is in full supply as Buddy’s world-class chefs cook up this beloved dish. Dads can customize their meal by ordering different sauces, including pomodoro ($13.95), meatballs ($15.95) and Bolognese ($15.50).

Vegetarian Options:

  • Buddy’s Caprese with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, tomato confit, balsamic reduction and grilled Filone bread
  • Tomato & Basil Soup with grana padano and croutons
  • Margherita Pizza with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil
  • My Wife’s Eggplant Parm with crispy eggplant, tomato, mozzarella and parmesan
  • Cheese Ravioli with ricotta, parmesan cheese and roasted tomato sauce

Buddy V’s Ristorante
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 462-1167

Father’s Day at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat has special spa packages available for Father’s Day.  Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Father’s Day is this Sunday and for anyone still looking for gift ideas, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has special packages to celebrate dad on his special day. These are perfect for fathers who appreciate a little pampering every now and then. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)

The Front Runner: 2 Hours, $210 (regular $250) H-circle $168
A double-header of the two most popular services for the handsome type: The Sports Buff and The Well-Groomed Man, both designed to leave dad feeling shiny and new. First, a sports massage featuring a custom blend of essential oils with guided stretching and releasing to banish aches and knots. Then, he gets clean as a whistle with an invigorating facial of exfoliation, masque and aromatherapy steam plus a hand and foot massage. Lastly, hit it out of the park with a restorative scalp treatment that makes this package the perfect choice for head-to-toe care.

The Gentleman’s Retreat: 1.5+ hours, $165 (normally $195) H-Circle $139
A 90-minute Knockout Massage and an Energizing Scalp Treatment to help dads feel tip top in no time at all.

Dad’s Essentials: 2-3 hours, $189 (normally $220) H-Circle $138
His deserving choice of any two Hiatus Essential Services: The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The Body Glow, The Body Wrap or The One & Only Mani-Pedi.

H-Circle Dad:
H-Circle Members: Make it a family spa day and give dad the H-Circle guest pricing when he accompanies a member for a spa visit during the month of June.  If he joins, Hiatus will waive his enrollment fee.

Hiatus will also be offering a special June Monthly Retreat, Sonnet: 80 minutes, $139 H-Circle | $195 Non-Member
Essences of Holy Basil, Mint, Hibiscus Flower and Ginger are blended with Bora Bora White Sand and Volcanic Black Sand to create a body polish that is energizing, cool and refreshing. A Vichy rainfall rinse coupled with a massage of skin-quenching Jojoba Sesame Body Oil will replenish and moisturize. To close, a freshly spiked Ginger Mint Lemonade makes this Retreat perfect for any Summer day.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Theater review: ‘An American in Paris’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘An American in Paris’ plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday June 17. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio closes the season at the Majestic Theatre with the fabulously entertaining ‘An American in Paris.’ Last night was opening night of the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film of the same name that tells the story of an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each longing for a new beginning after World War II. It is now playing through Sunday June 17 and tickets start at $35. Next show times are 7:30p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday.

‘An American in Paris’ is set in 1945 Paris and begins as Adam Hochberg walks onto the stage, drinks a shot of liquor and sits at a lone piano onstage and tells the story of how his friend Jerry Mulligan came to Paris. In town after the liberation of France, US Army Lieutenant Jerry Mulligan sees a mysterious girl on the city streets (“Concerto in F”) and impulsively decides to stay to nurture his passion for painting. He meets Adam, a fellow veteran and pianist, at a café and they become friends. Henri Baurel, is the son of wealthy French industrialists and dreams of being an entertainer. The three of them bond over their shared interests and picture a brighter future (‘I Got Rhythm”) all the while falling for the same girl, Lise Dassin. In the end, Lise can only choose one, but Jerry, Adam and Henri agree that she changed their lives for the better. (“They Can’t Take That Away From Me”)

In true Hollywood musical style, ‘An American in Paris’ is a combination of dancing, romance, laughter and feel-good catchy songs. It features the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin including songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “S Wonderful” and “The Man I Love” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F” and “An American In Paris.” McGee Maddox and Allison Walsh, as Jerry Mulligan and Allison Walsh, have the perfect chemistry to bring the story to life onstage and work well together with the rest of this talented cast. Show highlights include “I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck” when Jerry surprises Lise at work to convince her to meet with him, “Fidgety Feet” at one of the Baurel’s party and “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” when Henri struts his stuff at a nightclub. Overall, this is a family-friendly production with gorgeous costumes, beautiful orchestral music and top-notch dancing, including ballet. Fans of the movie will appreciate this production, but it is not required viewing. It is a must-see nostalgic nod to classic musicals.

Celebrate Father’s Day at COVER 3

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COVER 3 and COVER 2 have special Father’s Day promotions to celebrate dad this Sunday June 17. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Father’s Day is this Sunday and for those who would prefer to treat dad to a sports-centric day, COVER 3 has special promotions for this special occasion. (COVER 3, 2018)

On Sunday, June 17 at all COVER 3 locations, plus COVER 2, all dads will receive a complimentary draft beer or a Bloody Mary wrapped in a COVER 3 koozie. The Bloody Marys are only available with brunch until 3p.m., but fathers can also select their choice of any available draft beer anytime that day compliments of the house. Limited to one free drink per dad per location. At the San Antonio, Downtown Austin and Round Rock locations, fathers can choose from any available beers from (512) Brewing.

All COVER 3 and COVER 2 locations will open one hour early, at 10a.m. on Sunday for World Cup watching when Mexico takes on Germany. If needed, all locations will also be showing Game 7 of the NBA Finals at 7p.m. that same night with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Golden State Warriors. Those interested in reserving a table or booth for the​ games​ are encouraged to do so in advance by calling their preferred COVER 3 location.

COVER 3 is the leading high-end sports bar and has previously been named to CNN’s list of “101 of the best sports bars in the U.S” as well as the “Best Sports Bar in the Central Region” by Sports Illustrated. Each location has enough TVs to give guests multiple options regarding which TV near their table is the most comfortable for their viewing pleasure. Serving upscale food, craft cocktails and high-end wines, COVER 3 remains elegant and stylish while giving guests the feeling they are enjoying the Super Bowl in their own private box.

COVER 2 is an independently owned and operated sports bar and restaurant created in 2008 by native Austinites, Doug Young and Matt Dodson. It is the premier sports bar in Central Texas offering an exceptional guest experience within a casual and comfortable atmosphere that sports fans of all types can call home. COVER 2 boasts both elevated cuisine offerings and classic bar food staples, in addition to over 20 beers on draft, a full bar with premium spirits, two chilled liquor taps and a curated selection of additional beers and wines. Sports fans will appreciate the more than 25 big-screen HDTVs and a larger-than-life sound system.

1806 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700

2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 374-1121

1717 West Sixth Street, #21 OR
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 982-1550

2800 N-IH 35, Suite 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 693-2393

COVER 2:
13701 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 506-9935

‘Assassins’ at The Cellar Theater

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Chris Berry as John Wilkes Booth in ‘Assassins’ playing at The Cellar Theater.  It opens on Friday June 8, 2018.  Photo: Carrie Daniels, used with permission.

Opening this weekend at The Public Theater of San Antonio’ Cellar Theater is ‘Assassins’ and will play from Friday June 8 through Sunday July 1. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. This musical has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr. It is directed by George Green. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Group Rates 10 or more are available.  Additional ticket service fees may apply. Tickets are selling fast. (The Cellar Theater, 2018)

* Contains themes and content not suitable for all audience members

‘Assassins’ uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who have, successfully or not, attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States. The musical numbers vary depending on the eras being depicted. While this production focuses on the individuals, there is a much deeper message.  The topic is one that has existed for decades and has now come to the forefront of everyday debate. While gun control seems to be to leading point of the discussion, the bigger question remains: what draws a person to violence? History shows that this is not a new problem. It is simply a growing one. Cast includes Chris Berry as John Wilkes Booth, Brendan Brady as Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald, Tyles Askins as The Proprietor, Brian Hodges as Charles Guiteau and James R Welch as John Hinckley.

The Public Theater of San Antonio
The Cellar Theater
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Father’s Day Specials

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Dos Carolinas has an exclusive new collection of guayaberas perfect for Father’s Day. Photo: Dos Carolinas, used with permission.

Sunday June 17 is Father’s Day and there are only a few days left to shop for the perfect gift for dad. Area restaurants and stores have special deals that range from a day out to watch the soccer game to specialty donuts and clothing. (Krause’s Café, Bakery Lorraine, The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, Pearl, Twang, 2018)

Krause’s Cafe:
This year, Father’s Day falls on the same day as the highly anticipated Germany vs. Mexico World Cup game and Krause’s Café + Biergarten is hosting a special viewing of the World Cup game beginning at 10a.m. Patrons can watch the game with dad in the biergarten and whether they are cheering for Germany or Mexico, they can find over 70 beers on tap at the Biergarten from German steins of beers like Hofbrau and Franziskaner Hefenweizen to Mexican cervezas including Dos XX and Modelo. There will be authentic, tasty German fare that can be paired with the biergarten’s wide array of brews, from schnitzel and bratwurst with sauerkraut to Bavarian pretzels. For Father’s Day, the restaurant will serve up an off menu special of Grilled Ribeye Filet with bacon wrapped asparagus, baked potato, bordelaise sauce for $34. They will also have Manmosas (man mimosa) for $12.

Bakery Lorraine and Maybelle’s:
Maybelle’s at The Bottling Department will have Rum and Pecan Donuts and Bakery Lorraine will offer Bourbon Tobacco Macarons. These two sweet are not typically found at Maybelle’s or Bakery Lorraine and are exclusively for Father’s Day.

The Granary ‘Cue & Brew:
The Granary ‘Cue and Brew will offer a $45 Father’s Day gift package featuring one beer growler (64 oz) filled with any house beer, one bottle of The Granary spice rub and the limited edition 5th anniversary apron designed by Cruz Ortiz.

At Pearl:
Dos Carolinas will carry an exclusive Father’s Day collection including new guayaberas, sunglasses and belts. The Sporting District will host several Father’s Day pop-ups throughout the weekend. On Friday, June 15 the store will feature Mission Mercantile, the retailer known for handmade leather goods. On Saturday, June 16, Habana Cowboy, the vintage Airstream mobile cigar bar, will take over, offering free cigars to customers who make purchases of over $100 in store plus free shoe shines for fathers on Sunday.

Twang:
Dress up dad’s drink this Father’s Day with Twang beer salt. The pocket-sized bottles of beer salt make colorful additions alongside any six pack. Beer Salt is a citrus flavored salt used to dress the rim of longnecks and beer mugs. Priced at just $3 per bottle or $12 for a 6 count, every pocket-sized bottle of Twang beer salt is an inexpensive, easy and fun addition for any father or beer lover. Twang Beer Salt is available at HEB or online.

Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series with Chef John Tesar

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The first dinner on the Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series is Sunday June 10 with Chef John Tesar.  Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Granary ‘Cue & Brew announces its Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series with acclaimed chefs from various culinary backgrounds. The first dinner in the series takes place on Sunday June 10 at 6:30p.m. with Chef John Tesar of Knife Dallas. Hosted by The Granary Chef and Owner Tim Rattray, the three-part dinner series will focus on collaborative menus with nationally and internationally ranked chefs, including John Tesar of Knife Dallas, BJ Dennis of Charleston and acclaimed Chef Bo Bech of Geist in Copenhagen. (The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, 2018)

The first dinner on Sunday, June 10 is expected to be a steakhouse takeover by Chef Tesar. The seven-course menu will focus on Texas-sourced ingredients including a bacon tasting, venison tartare, oxtail ravioli, dry-aged rib eye and more. Reservations are required for guests who plan on attending any of the dinners and may be made on Open Table through The Granary or by calling (210) 228-0124. The dinner will be $85 per person and does not include tax and gratuity.

Chef Tesar is a four-time James Beard “Best Southwest Chef” semifinalist and “Top Chef” contestant. He specializes in modern American cuisine prepared with authentic European techniques, all served up to his guests at Dallas-based steakhouse, Knife. He has over 20 years of experience in the culinary world and has been featured in Esquire Magazine, Food & Wine and New York Magazine.

Upcoming dinners in the series include collaborations with Chef BJ Dennis in July and award-winning Chef Bo Bech of Copenhagen in September. Chef Dennis will turn The Granary’s patio into an intimate Southern smoke potluck-style dinner. He incorporates Gullah Geechee cooking, a style of cuisine from the culture of the descendants of West African slaves who settled on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. Chef Bo Bech opened Restaurant Paustian in 2004 and within four years, he received a Michelin star. His cuisine has been praised by Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Travel + Leisure and more.

Television adaptation: ‘Dietland’ by Sarai Walker

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The television adaptation of ‘Dietland’ premieres on AMC on Monday June 4, 2018.

Sarai Walker is a magazine writer whose articles have appeared in national publications including Seventeen and Mademoiselle. ‘Dietland,’ her first novel, explores the beauty industry and society’s obsession with weight loss. It has been adapted into a television series by Marti Noxon and is set to premiere on AMC on Monday June 4 with back to back episodes. Joy Nash stars as Plum Kettle and Julianna Margulies as Kitty Montgomery.

‘Dietland’ centers around Plum Kettle, who tries her best not to be noticed because to be noticed is to be judged. She works at a popular teen girls’ magazine answering fan mail and is looking forward to having weight loss surgery because she believes it will improve her life. When a mysterious woman starts following her, she becomes involved with an underground community of women who live life on their own terms. She agrees to a series of challenges that force her to deal with her past, her doubts and the real cost of becoming ‘beautiful.’ In the meantime, a dangerous guerrilla group called ‘Jennifer’ begins to carry out increasingly violent acts of vigilante justice against those who mistreat women and Plum soon finds herself at the center of a sinister plot.

New Release: ‘The President Is Missing’ by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

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‘The President Is Missing’ is the new thriller by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

In book news this week, Bill Clinton and James Patterson have joined forces to write the new thriller ‘The President Is Missing’ which is due out on Monday June 4, 2018. It is a political thriller that confronts a threat so big that it jeopardizes not just Pennsylvania Avenue and Wall Street, but all of America in a story that could happen.

According to Amazon, in ‘The President Is Missing,’ uncertainty and fear grip the nation. There are whispers of cyberterrorism, espionage and a traitor in the Cabinet. Eventually the President himself becomes a suspect until he disappears from public view. The action is set over the course of three days and sheds a light upon the inner workings and vulnerabilities of the United States. Filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know, this is the most authentic, terrifying novel to come along in many years. It is a timely, historic story that will be read and discussed for years to come.

James Patterson is the best-selling author of thrillers, children’s books, non-fiction books, romance novels as well as many stand-alone novels. He is best known for the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club and Middle School series. As a generous supporter of universities, teachers, colleges, independent bookstores, school libraries and college students, he has donated millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to encourage Americans of all ages to read more books.

Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States in 1992 and he served until 2001. After leaving the White House, he established the Clinton Foundation, which helps improve global health, increase opportunity for girls and women, reduce childhood obesity and preventable diseases, create economic opportunity and growth and address the effects of climate change. He has written several nonfiction books, including ‘My Life,’ which was an international bestseller. This is his first novel.

Evenings on the Edge at La Cantera Resort & Spa

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Evenings on the Edge at Topaz are adult pool parties taking place during the summer. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz are evening events that benefit local charities and feature live entertainment. This series of popular sunset adult pool parties is back this summer at La Cantera Resort & Spa every Thursday beginning June 7 and running through August 9 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Guests must be 21 and over and ID is required. Tickets are $30 and available online and if purchased in advance it includes valet parking. Valet parking at the door is $10 and event tickets at the door are $40. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales benefit San Antonio non-profits. Event is free for resort guests: all they must do is simply present their room key at the registration desk to receive a wrist band. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)

Ticket includes a summer-inspired cocktail, live performances and/or DJ with unrivaled Hill Country views as backdrop. This year, themed evenings add to the aura of intrigue and excitement. Attendees will receive a complimentary cocktail upon entry and a Moet Chandon toast at sundown. In the event of inclement weather, ticket will be honored at a future event based on availability; tickets are non-refundable.

Ten private cabañas also are available for rent and require 24-hour cancellation. A portion of ticket sales and cabaña rentals benefit local charities. A Topaz Sunset Pass is available for $150 per person ($300 value) and includes one ticket to each Evenings on the Edge event and complimentary valet parking. Available through week 6, July 12, of 2018 Evenings on the Edge season. Detailed information on cabaña rentals and Topaz Sunset Passes is available online.

  • Thursday, June 7 – San Antonio Zoo; Music by Finding Friday; Theme: Yacht Club
  • Thursday, June 14 – August Heart
  • Thursday, June 21 – Houston Street Charities
  • Thursday, June 28 – Viola’s Huge Heart
  • Thursday, July 5 – Culinaria SA, Music by Passing Strangers; Theme: White Party
  • Thursday, July 12 – TBA
  • Thursday, July 19 – The Doseum
  • Thursday, July 26 – TBA
  • Thursday, August 2 – Sal Barbaro III for Rey Feo
  • Thursday, August 9 – San Antonio Library Foundation; Theme: One Night in Old Havana

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500