Month: June 2019

Harlequin launches Feel Good Day and The OutStander Awards

feelgoodday
Feel Good Day is Saturday October 5. Courtesy photo, used with permission. 

Harlequin is expanding its Feel-Good Project, which was launched last fall, to San Antonio, and is announcing Feel Good Day on Saturday October 5 at the Omni La Mansión Del Rio hotel and The OutStander Awards. Tickets for Feel Good Day are now on sale online, starting at $199. The public can follow along on social media at #feelgoodday. (Harlequin, 2019)

The OutStander Awards will honor local people who make a difference in our community and the categories include:
o Person of Positivity: Those with stories of resilience, faith, optimism and overcoming challenges.

o Harlequin Hometown Hero: Women who serve and protect with their unwavering bravery, inspiring courage and commitment to the collective good.

o Community Catalyst: Advocates, volunteers and tireless contributors who affect positive change for populations at risk or in need.

o Cultural Champion: Those committed to making arts and literacy programs accessible for all.

o Millennial Groundbreaker: This groundbreaker is making waves through philanthropic or entrepreneurial efforts, or their active citizenship.

Nominations are now open and will be accepted through July 31. To submit a nomination and for complete rules and conditions visit Celebrate Feel Good online.

Feel Good Day is a one-day immersive celebration designed to induce happiness and focuses on making people be and feel their best. Program highlights include empowering and fun workshops on gratitude, movement, inspiration, nature, vision boarding and cooking as well as discussions with The New York Times bestselling authors Robyn Carr, Brenda Jackson and Susan Mallery. San Antonio’s own Mariachi Las Coronelas and chefs from The Culinary Institute of America will add regional flavor to the programming.

The Harlequin Feel Good Project is a four-part initiative including the Harlequin Creator Fund, the Feel-Good Challenge, Feel Good Day and Feel Good Sciences, designed to explore the power of positive experiences that fans expect from their stories. For additional information about the Harlequin Feel Good Project, please visit Feel Good online.

Harlequin is a leading publisher of commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. The company publishes more than 110 titles a month, in both print and digital formats, in as many as 150+ international markets and 30+ languages. Encompassing highly recognizable imprints that span a broad number of genres, the publisher is home to many award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries.

Sweet Paris to bring taste of Paris to The Shops at La Cantera

sweetparis
Sweet Paris will open its first San Antonio location in mid-June at The Shops at La Cantera. Photo: Sweet Paris, used with permission. 

Sweet Paris recently announced the opening in mid-June of their San Antonio location on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. The Parisian-inspired, fast casual restaurant offers a critically acclaimed selection of sweet and savory crêpes, from Apple Cinnamon Crème Brȗlée and S’mores made with Nutella®, torched marshmallows, graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate to the ribeye-and-provolone stuffed Philly cheesesteak and the Nordic made with smoked salmon, dill sour cream, pickled red onions and capers. Sweet Paris will donate part of its grand opening proceeds to the not-for-profit Culinaria, which promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination through year-round events including the Culinaria Wine + Food Festival. (Sweet Paris, 2019)

In keeping with Sweet Paris’ tradition of giving back to the community, the company has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank in what will be an ongoing campaign to donate a portion of restaurant sales to programs that will provide meals for children. Sweet Paris supported the World Food Program until 2018, when the team decided to give back to the local Houston Food Bank, feeding the hungry in Southeast Texas.

Founded in Houston in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Allison Young Chavez and Ivan Chavez, the expansion into San Antonio is an exciting addition to the Sweet Paris family. The Chavez’ love of crêpes goes back to college, when Ivan spent a couple of summers studying French in Paris. He brought Allison to the City of Lights to propose, and to try to track down the sidewalk crêpe stand where he first became obsessed with street-style crêpes. When they got back to Houston, the couple could not find a restaurant that satisfied their Parisian-style crêpe cravings. That inspired them to open the first Sweet Paris. Locations include six cafes in the Houston area, including College Station, Katy and The Woodlands and a location inside a resort hotel in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

A sumptuous assortment of breakfast crêpes is on the evolving brunch menu, which includes paninis, salads, soups and options for gluten-free crêpes. On those hot summer days, Sweet Paris invites guests to enjoy lavender mimosas, nitro brew coffee or milkshakes. The restaurant also will carry several offerings of beers and wines. The La Cantera café will have elements familiar to all Sweet Paris restaurants: Large industrial European chandeliers with crystal and large iron orbs all around, iron sconces and antique mirrors on blue, venetian plaster walls and marble top bistro tables. The café will have a larger outdoor patio space, giving café-goers the opportunity to enjoy the natural landscaping of The Shops at La Cantera. Chavez is looking forward to visitors taking time to enjoy the food and the ambience.

“Our target market is always lifestyle centers where people can eat, play and live. We like centers that attract people to spend the day, where they can pause and just enjoy the surroundings. We felt lucky we found such an awesome space at The Shops at La Cantera.” – Allison Young Chavez

Twangerz spices up look with new package design

twangerzpickle
Twangerz Flavored Salts has unveiled a brand new package design. Photo: Twang, used with permission. 

Twang Partners, Ltd. recently announced the redesign of Twangerz Flavored Salts. It is the same great product many consumers have grown up with but now with a fresh, new look. The family-owned operator of salts and seasonings, best known for their Twang citrus-flavored beer salts, has refreshed the product’s packaging to feature a more animated design for each flavor of Twangerz as a fun way to pair consumers’ personalities with five of the Twangerz flavors. While the identity of the brand has been redesigned to include a 3D appearance, the formula remains unchanged. The entire line that has undergone the makeover includes the following flavors: Lemon Lime, Lime, Chili Lime, Pickle and Mango Chili, all of which can be found at most convenience and liquor stores throughout Texas and at select H-E-B Texas Grocery. (Twang, 2019)

Twangerz is a line of low-calorie, flavored salt blends that can be eaten alone or used as a snack topping on fruit, popcorn, lollipops, paletas (Mexican-style popsicles) and more. Twangerz fans also associate different flavors with various uses, like pickle salt as an aid to post-athletic activity, hence, the boxing pickle mascot represented on its 2019 bottle. Twangerz has historically been one of Twang’s more kid-friendly brands, in comparison to popular beer salt and Twang-A-Rita cocktail rimming blends, and some of the new Twangerz labels have strategically been designed with a younger audience, and the young at heart, in mind.

Twangerz was originally introduced in 1986 as a simple packet and used as a topping for convenience store retailers looking to provide their customers with a quick, grab-and-go spicy addition for salads, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and salty snacks like chips, nuts and popcorn. The entire, re-branded line of Twangerz is available online via Amazon and at most convenience, liquor and select grocery stores. Consumers are encouraged to join Twang’s social media campaign and tell the company how they use different flavors of Twangerz and send their photos to them by using the hashtag #HowDoYouTwangerz.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “the original beer salt.” They have produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, and Cafe Zuca.

“Our family grew up adding chile salt to snacks and the Twangerz brand was largely inspired by our childhood. We felt it was time to animate the brand and roll out some fun new packaging, it’s all a bit playful on purpose.” – Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer for Twang

‘Four Places’ at The Surround Project

fourplaces
Courtesy photo: used with permission. 

Local theatre company The Surround Project is taking on their second outing this summer with ‘Four Places’ by Joel Drake Johnson. Once again partnering with The Classic Theatre of San Antonio to bring another San Antonio premiere to the stage, the company will explore themes similar to those tackled in their maiden voyage production of ‘9 Circles.’ Co-founder Eva Laporte directs ‘Four Places’ by Joel Drake Johnson which will run from Thursday June 13 through Sunday June 23 and will consist of eight performances only with showtimes Thursday through Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. (The Surround Project, 2019)

General seating in groups begins 45 minutes to curtain. No late seating or re-entry will be allowed. This play includes mature content. Tickets are $25 and are available online and consists of General Admission seating only. Guests will check-in and be assigned seating groups.

Laporte shares the connection between the two plays: “There’s a through line from our first production of ‘9 Circles,’ a play about war trauma, sexual violence and the politics of war, to our current production of ‘Four Places.’ In this play, we’re exploring the politics of a family and the trauma adult children must face in order to be happy, resilient, fulfilled people.”

In ‘Four Places,’ a seemingly innocent and routine family lunch between Peggy and her two adult children Ellen and Warren slowly reveals itself to have dire implications. The cast includes Kathy Couser as Peggy, Catherine Babbitt as Ellen and Andrew Thornton as Warren. Sarah Fisch rounds out the cast as Barb, the waiter for the family lunch. Directed by Eva Laporte, it includes Lighting Design by Kaitlin Muse, Music Composition & Sound Design by John Coker.

The Surround Project is inviting local non-profits to participate and build a bridge between audiences and experts, creating a dialogue about the themes seen on stage.

“Our first official community partner for ‘Four Places’ is Jewish Family Service. Providing mental health services for the entire San Antonio community, JFS is a local resource for many of the issues found in our play. JFS CEO Talli Dolge, MS, is excited to work with us and will serve as one of our talk back panel experts,” Eva LaPorte

Special Events:
Audiences are invited to join an informal chat with the artistic team after every performance. More information about The Surround Project is available online where new events will also be added.
Friday, June 14  – Donor Pre-show Reception
Sunday, June 15 –  Expert-led panel post-show discussion
Friday, June 21 – Dual ASL-interpreted performance

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Gennady Golovkin vs Steve Rolls Watch Party

fasteddieboxing
Fast Eddie’s will be having a Gennady Golovkin vs Steve Rolls boxing match watch party this Saturday. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission. 

Head over to select Fast Eddie’s Billiards on Saturday, June 8 at 6p.m. to watch the Gennady Golovkin vs Steve Rolls boxing match. They will be showing the fight on multiple screens at select venues. Attendees can play some pool, enjoy adult beverages at the bar and catch all the action of this knock-out match at Fast Eddie’s. (Fast Eddie’s, 2019)

Fast Eddie’s opened its first location in San Antonio in August 1998 by hospitality experts and bar veterans, Bob Wilson, Mark Beyer and Mark Lewis. These talented entrepreneurs created a neighborhood gathering place with more entertainment options than were available at any other billiards halls. With large, comfortable environments that feature multi-dimensional entertainment, high-end audio-visual equipment, top of the line pool tables, dart boards, video games, music, comfort food, a full bar, themed events and charity benefits, Fast Eddie’s has drawn a loyal following. The single pool hall on Culebra Rd became so successful, it spurred the growth of Fast Eddie’s to 15 locations in Texas and Louisiana.

Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX

400 Nolana Ave., Space G
McAllen, TX

13945 N. Hwy 183 Ste. #D122
Austin, TX

1619 S. Kentucky Dr.
Amarillo, TX

7301 University Ave. Ste. 400
Lubbock, TX

Shake Shack’s new Brackenridge location opens this week

shakeshackburgeres19
Shake Shack’s new location opens this Friday. Photo: Kristyn Clark, used with permission.

This week, Shake Shack® announced the opening of its newest Texas location in San Antonio on Friday, June 7 at 11a.m. The Shack will be located at 3003 Broadway Street, just moments away from the expansive Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Zoo. To celebrate the good news, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday at 10:30a.m. where attendees will have a chance to score some swag. The first 100 people in line when doors open at 11 a.m. will receive a complimentary custom tote bag that will be screen printed on site by Brunt Nopal, formerly Snakehawk Press. After the first 100 guests, other customers can also bring in their own items (tote bags, t-shirts, etc.) to get it screen printed free of charge. (Shake Shack, 2019)

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and griddled flat-top dogs, no hormones or antibiotics ever, fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

In addition to the classics, the Brackenridge Shack will be spinning up a unique selection of frozen custard concretes with local purveyors:
• Pie Oh My: Vanilla custard blended with pieces of The Granary Buttermilk Chess Pie
• S’more: Chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, graham crackers and Mast Brothers dark chocolate chunks
• Macaron Swoon: Vanilla custard, strawberry purée, lemon curd and Bakery Lorraine macaron shell pieces

Guests can wash their burgers down with local brews from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, Pedernales Brewing Company and Lone Star Brewing Company plus Shake Shack’s exclusive Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale. Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of Shack RedTM and Shack WhiteTM wine from the Gotham Project.

As part of Shake Shack’s mission to Stand For Something Good®, the Brackenridge Shack will donate 5% of sales from the Pie Oh My concrete to San Antonio Food Bank, an organization that fights hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, education and advocacy.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets customers save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

The 4,000 square-foot Shack will feature ample seating for guests, an outdoor patio and an interior feature wood wall. In keeping with Shake Shack’s commitment to green architecture and eco-friendly construction, the Brackenridge Shack’s tabletops will be made by CounterEvolution using reclaimed bowling alley lanes; chairs will be designed by Uhuru using sustainable materials; and booths will be crafted by Staach using lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 220 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.

Shake Shack
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 469-3732

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz: summer pool parties to benefit charities

eveningsonedge
This year’s Evenings on the Edge at Topaz pool parties begin on Thursday June 6. 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 6, except for Thursday July 4, and running through August 8 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Tickets are $30 if purchased in advance; guests must be 21 and over and ID is required. Event is free for resort guests: all they must do is simply present their key at the register desk to receive their wrist bands. Tickets at the door are $40 and Valet at the door is $10. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2019)

Ticket includes a summer-inspired cocktails and live performances and/or DJ, all with the unrivaled Hill Country views as backdrop. This year, the series includes themed evenings and additional fun 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. Available through week 6, July 18, of 2019 Evenings on the Edge season. Detailed information on cabaña rentals and Topaz Sunset Passes is available online.

• Thursday, June 6 – San Antonio Zoo; Theme: Yacht Club; Music by The Night Owls
• Thursday, June 13 – Viola’s Huge Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
• Thursday, June 20 – San Antonio Food Bank; Peanut Butter and Jelly donations requested
• Thursday, June 27 – Silver and Black Give Back; Theme: Throwback Thursday – wear vintage jersey
• Thursday, July 11 – Culinaria; Theme: White Party
• Thursday, July 18 – August Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
• Thursday, July 25 – Fashion Group International; Theme: Best of the 70s and 80s; Music by Finding Friday
• Thursday, August 1 – Eva’s Heroes; Theme: Little Polka-Dot Bikini
• Thursday, August 8 – San Antonio Library Foundation: Theme: Beach Party; Band TBD

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