Twang announces Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix

twangmichelada — Twang’s new michelada cocktail mix will be available in August. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd. announces the launch of its first-ever liquid product, Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix, to be available starting in August 2019. The formula is 85% juice-based and is made with all-natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice and no preservatives or corn syrup. This premium product is a top-shelf option for consumers and retailers looking for an authentic, south of the border, Mexican cultural beer drinking experience. (Twang, 2019)

Twang’s new high-quality mix can be used to quickly and conveniently create the perfect michelada, the popular beer cocktail that is native to Mexico, well regarded in Texas, and quickly gaining fans throughout the United States. The prepared mix works best with Mexican beers and domestic lagers and is commonly referred to as a milder version of its American cousin, the Bloody Mary. A michelada, known in Mexico as a “cerveza preparada,” is often made with beer, lime juice, sauce, spices, tomato juice and chili peppers. It is typically served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. Twang’s michelada mix takes out all of the guesswork and hassle by having already created a perfectly balanced blend.

The package design for Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix features classic calaveras (skeletons) Mexican art, which gained fame during the Mexican Revolution and has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Bottles range in size and price, including $5.99 to $6.99 for a 16 oz. glass bottle and $8.99 to $10.99 for a 32 oz. glass bottle, ideal options for at home gatherings, bars and restaurants. There is also a small plastic bottle that is a perfect single-serve option and will range in price from $1.99 to $2.49 and will be available at convenience, liquor and select grocery stores.

Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix provides consumers with an authentic Mexican recipe, produced in Texas, that allows at-home bartenders to garnish the drink, based on personal preferences and create their own customized version. While originally created to be combined with beer, the mix has versatile uses and can also be mixed with a variety of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages to create a delicious, spirit-free cocktail. The rollout of Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix in Texas is slated for the beginning of August and will be available in stores such as Spec’s. Aside from Texas, Twang has future plans to launch in the Southwest sometime in 2020.

“We’ve been perfecting this formula for quite some time but with our 33-year reputation on the line, we wanted to make sure we got it right. We’re excited to provide fans with this unique, convenient michelada mix inspired by our family’s favorite recipe.”- Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer for Twang

National Watermelon Day in San Antonio

This Saturday August 3 is National Watermelon Day and area restaurants are offering food and beverage offerings around San Antonio which showcase everyone’s favorite melon fruit. (EVO Entertainment, Twang, The Esquire Tavern, 2019)

EVO Entertainment Group
Watermelon Margarita
The watermelon rita is available behind the bar at EVO’s family-owned and operated Schertz, Kyle and San Marcos locations. The margarita is made with patrón barrel select, triple sec, agave, fresh watermelon and squeezed lime juice. ($9). Grab the rita before hitting EVO’s movie theatre or pair it with bowling and arcades.

Evo Entertainment
Schertz 18658 I-35
Schertz, TX 78154

Twang
Austin Eastciders Watermelon Cider with Twang-A-Rita Sangrita
Twang is a San Antonio-based family company with products available in 45 states nationwide and Amazon. One of Twang’s brands, Twang-A-Rita, is a line of tasty salts and seasonings designed to easily add flavor to drinks and upgrade beverages into cocktail bar status. Twang’s cocktail rimming blends are made with ingredients like kosher salt, real spices and cane sugar; try Twang-A-Rita Sangrita to take any watermelon drink up a notch, like Austin Eastciders’ new Watermelon cider.

Recipe:
3.5 oz Watermelon Eastciders
.5 oz fresh squeezed lime
Rim with Twang-A-Rita Sangrita

Esquire Tavern
Heirloom Tomato Salad with watermelon
Located along the San Antonio River Walk, wanderers will find the historic Esquire Tavern, a place that touts the longest bar in Texas, and where patrons can fill up on an Heirloom Tomato Salad which is made with watermelon, feta cheese, dill, basil and cucumber vinaigrette. ($13)

The Esquire Tavern
155 East Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

The Boys on Amazon video

Garth Ennis is a comics writer best known for the Vertigo series Preacher and most recently in the news because of his work with The Boys comic series. The Boys is an American comic book series written by Garth Ennis and co-created, designed and illustrated by Darick Robertson and set between 2006 through 2008 in a world where superheroes exist. Developed by Eric Kripke , the creator of the television shows Supernatural, Revolution and Timeless, it was adapted into a superhero black comedy web series and premiered on Friday July 26 on Amazon video. It stars Karl Urban, Elizabeth Shue, Jennifer Esposito, Simon Pegg and Ann Cusack.

According to Wikipedia, in the universe of The Boys, most of the superheroes are corrupted by their celebrity status and often engage in reckless behavior, compromising the safety of the world. The story follows a small clandestine CIA squad informally known as “The Boys,” which is led by Butcher and consists of Mother’s Milk, the Frenchman, the Female and new addition “Wee” Hughie Campbell. They are charged with monitoring the superhero community, often leading to gruesome confrontations and dreadful results. A sub-plot centers around Annie “Starlight” January, a young and naïve superhero who joins the Seven, the most prestigious and corrupted superhero group in the world and The Boys’ most powerful enemies.

Back to school tax free weekend at San Marcos Premium Outlets

sanmarcosoutlets — San Marcos Premium Outlets will have extended hours during the Texas Sales Tax Holiday from August 9 through August 11.

Another school year is around the corner and it is time for the Texas Sales Tax Holiday. San Marcos Premium Outlets invites area residents and visitors to enjoy extended hours and great deals during tax-free weekend. (San Marcos Premium Outlets, 2019)

San Marcos Premium Outlets is pleased to offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase back-to-school necessities without paying sales tax on qualifying items in accordance with the Texas Sales Tax Holiday. The 3-day sales tax break begins on Friday, August 9 and ends on Sunday, August 11. During this period, retailers will not be required to collect state and local sales use tax on most footwear, clothing, backpacks and school supplies priced less than $100.

Before hitting the mall, shoppers can check out even more savings by visiting the Simon Retailer Showcase online where coupons and other retailer deals await.

Not sure what clothes are school uniform approved? Stop by Simon Guest Services at either property for a list of school requirements, which stores to find the appropriate attire and which stores have the best deals.

Extended Hours at San Marcos Premium Outlets
Friday, August 9 – 9a.m. to 10p.m.
Saturday, August 10 – 9a.m. to 10p.m.
Sunday, August 11 – 10a.m. to 7p.m.
* Department store hours may vary

Customers who spend $450 at select stores can visit Guest Services, located in the Food Court, from Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11, during center hours, and receive a free lunch tote.

San Marcos Premium Outlets
3939 I-35 South
San Marcos, TX 78666

Theater review: ‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Public Theater

Weekends were made for family fun and there are still plenty of chances to catch Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical’ in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opened July 12 to much acclaim and runs through Sunday August 11. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258.

‘Matilda The Musical’ begins with a large group of spoiled children at a birthday party singing “Miracle” and delighted about how special they are, as their parents shower them with praise and attention. At the same time, a clueless and nine-months pregnant Mrs. Wormwood (Briane Green) is at the hospital and even though she insists she must travel to Paris for a dancing competition, she gives birth to a baby girl. Mr. Wormwood (Robby Vance) is disappointed that it is a girl and that is how Matilda’s (Taylor Paige Henderson) mistreatment at the hands of her family begins. Five years later, an unhappy Matilda lives with her family and to cope with the constant verbal abuse, she gets even by playing pranks on them.“Naughty” Her situation does not change once she goes to school due to the cruel and child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Shane Glenn Vickers) but she finds an ally in her teacher Miss Honey (Madison Genovese). At first it seems like Matilda will never have her happy ending but when her family has to leave town, Mr. Wormwood agrees to let her stay with Miss Honey and finally acknowledges her as a girl.

This version of the story of Matilda is darker than what most people, who are fans of the movie, are used to. The cast of children do an admirable job alongside the adults and Taylor Paige Henderson, as Matilda, is especially talented in the role. Note: Audrey Anne Davis plays Matilda on alternating days. An honorable mention goes to Shane Glenn Vickers for his portrayal of the heartless and mean Miss Trunchbull. Show highlights are when the company performs “When I Grow Up” as the children ponder about their adult lives and “Revolting Children” as the defiant children swear to continue to fight for their rights. One of the funniest musical numbers is “Loud” when Miss Honey visits the Wormwoods to get them to put Matilda in an advanced class and Mrs. Wormwood and Rudolpho (Luis Garcia Jr.) insist on rehearsing their dance number instead. Overall, ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the charming story of an underestimated little girl who uses her imagination and sharp mind to take a stand and change her own destiny. It appeals to audiences of all ages and is filled with humor, laughter and heart. A definite must-see production for the entire family.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar introduces new menu items

hopdoddyimpossible — The Impossible Cheesesteak is one of the new burgers on the Hopdoddy Burger Bar menu. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

Award-winning burger joint, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, announced today the debut of its new menu, revamped just in time for the dog days of summer. Furthering its fanatical focus on sourcing and serving high-quality ingredients, the nationally renowned restaurant group has created a variety of new menu items that combine familiar ingredients in unfamiliar ways. The recently refreshed menu features new burgers, hearty salads, added vegetarian options and cold drinks at all 32 locations throughout seven states. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

This refreshed menu raises the burger bar with additional twists on the humble hamburger. The new menu will still offer tried-and-true favorites, like the Good Night/Good Cause Burger, El Diablo, the Thunderbird, the Magic Shroom burger and more. It now has added a few new items, like the Ahi Cali Club, featuring a sushi-grade tuna patty with steakhouse bacon, avocado, cilantro dijonnaise, and basil pesto; and the Impossible Cheesesteak, with an Impossible patty made entirely of plants topped with Provolone & Swiss, seared peppers and onions, field mushrooms, 78,000 Island and yellow mustard. New salads include Thai Beef Kale and Poblano Ranch Turkey Cobb.

Hopdoddy is also launching new drinks. Perfect to beat that midsummer heat, Hopdoddy now offers Strawberry Margaritas; Berry Gin Fizz—with Prairie Organic Gin, blackberry, cardamom, lime, and bubbles; Grapefruit Spritz with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Anew Rosé, and rhubarb; Rum Punch with Plantation Dark Rum, Cointreau, lime, Angostura; and more.

“We’re excited to showcase the new items to our fans across the country. We listen to what they want, and respond with creative options. Our guests have come to expect a level of greatness from our cuisine, and these latest additions are sure to exceed their expectations.”- Jeff Chandler, Hopdoddy CEO

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

Dark Star Pictures acquires rights to The Prey

Dark Star Pictures has announced today that it has acquired North American rights to action thriller The Prey. The company is planning an October theatrical release followed by VOD and DVD release. The film has excited audiences and critics at festivals including Busan International Film Festival 2018, BFI London Film Festival 2018, Hawaii Film Festival 2018, Night Visions and most recently Fantasia Film Festival 2019. (Dark Star Pictures, 2019)

Loosely based on Richard Connell’s story of survival and adventure “The Most Dangerous Game,” The Prey comes from writer/director Jimmy Henderson and the team behind genre festival hit Jailbreak. Undercover Chinese cop Xin (newcomer Gu Shangwei), is on a secret international mission when a surprise raid puts him in a remote Cambodian jungle prison that plays by its own rules. Ruthless warden (Vithaya Pansringarm of Only God Forgives) sells prisoners as human prey for rich hunters looking for thrills in the jungle. After years of hunting down ruthless criminals, Xin suddenly finds himself running for his life. If Xin manages to survive this sadistic game, he will walk out of the jungle the same way he came in: as a free man. If Xin fails, he is just another hunting trophy.

Theatrical openings will include Los Angeles, New York, and more to be announced. The deal was negotiated by Dark Star President Michael Repsch and Pip Ngo of XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers.

DIRECTOR: Jimmy Henderson (Jailbreak)
WRITTEN BY: Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller
CAST: Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nophand Boonyai, Vithaya Panringarm (Only God Forgives), Gu Shang Wei

Distributed by LA-based Dark Star Pictures.

RT: 93 minutes; Color; Language: Cambodian and Chinese with English subtitles; Rating: Not Rated

“The Prey is an exceptionally fun, high strung action film that is exhilarating from start to finish. But what really drew us to the film was the societal context – specifically the look at how class systems can be taken to the extreme, which could not be more relevant in our society today.” – Michael Repsch

National Tequila Day at La Panaderia

panaderiatequilatresleches — Celebrate National Tequila Day at La Panaderia with a Tequila Almond Croissant. Photo: Karissa Rangel/Giant Noise, used with permission.

This Wednesday July 24 is National Tequila Day and for those looking to celebrate without the next-day hangover, San Antonio-based bakery La Panadería is offering a trio of delectable tequila croissants. Owners and brothers, David and Jose Cáceres, will be serving up a family of tequila pastries including their classic Tequila Almond Croissant, the Tequila Tres Leches Croissant and their latest creation, the Tequila Apple Croissant, which is La Panadería’s answer to the traditional apple pie. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a 48-hour fermentation process and a double baking technique that results in artisan baked goods unlike any other, making it the ultimate National Tequila Day stop. (La Panaderia, 2019)

- Tequila Almond Croissant – Prior to the opening of their flagship bakery, Chef David Cáceres was experimenting with the traditional almond croissant recipe. Noticing that he did not have rum handy, David reached for a bottle of 1800 Reposado Tequila and the rest is history. The Tequila Almond Croissant is now one of the bakery’s staples.
- Tequila Tres Leches Croissant – Inspired by the culture shared by San Antonio and their native Mexico, David Cáceres decided to combine the flavors of tres leches and their Tequila Almond Croissant to create the Tequila Tres Leches Croissant. The delectable treat is served with a filling of fresh mascarpone whipped cream and strawberries and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Tequila Apple Croissant – The latest product to join the tequila croissant family is the Tequila Apple Croissant. The treat is La Panadería’s answer to the traditional apple pie. The croissant is served with a filling of caramelized apples and topped off with a crumble.

Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, also draws influence from French, Italian and American breadmaking techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has two locations in San Antonio, Texas.

8305 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 375-6746

301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 592-6264

New release: ‘Labyrinth’ by Catherine Coulter

Catherine Coulter is The New York Times’ bestselling American author of eighty-four novels, including the FBI Thriller series and The Brit in the FBI international thriller series, co-written with J.T. Ellison. She is mostly known for writing romantic suspense thrillers and historical romances but she also writes suspense thrillers. The FBI Thriller series begins with “The Cove” in 1996 and includes “Double Take,” “Bombshell” and “Paradox.” In “Labyrinth,” the 23^rd book in the series, agents Savich and Sherlock stumble into a bizarre case that is more complicated and twisted than any they have ever encountered. It will be released on Tuesday July 30, 2019.

According to Amazon, “Labyrinth” begins when agent Sherlock is driving in downtown Washington and her Volvo is suddenly T-boned at an intersection. As her car spins out of control, a man’s body slams against her windshield and she passes out. When she regains consciousness in the hospital, she is told about the accident and the man she struck. No one knows yet who he is or where he is because he ran away. The recovered DNA identifies him as Justice Cummings, a CIA analyst at Langley and he is still missing.

Meanwhile, in the small town of Gaffer’s Ridge, Virginia, Special Agent Griffin Hammersmith rescues a kidnapped woman who claims her captor murdered three missing teenage girls. The man she accuses is the local sheriff’s nephew and a member of a very powerful family and is reputed to have psychic powers. When the sheriff arrests Griffin and the rescued woman, Carson DaSilva, he calls Savich for help. Together they have to weave their way through a labyrinth of lies to find the truth of a terrible secret.

The Esquire Tavern searching for new Executive Chef

The Esquire Tavern, a San Antonio staple on the River Walk for over 85 years, is announcing the departure of Chef Brooke Smith after eight years of graciously helming its historic kitchen. Chef Smith’s dedicated years at Esquire Tavern and its team has made an immense impact on the staff and its loyal customers. (The Esquire Tavern, 2019)

Over the past eight years of Chef Smith’s career, she:

Worked approximately 2,100 days, good times and bad, all weather, onsite and off.
Hired, trained, and mentored more than 150 kitchen staff members.
Designed and opened 3 kitchens.
Wrote, taught, and executed 16 seasonal Esquire Tavern menus, along with menus for Downstairs and El Mirador, all simultaneously.
Twice bested barman Houston Eaves (and therefore everybody else) at Lucha Limon, an Esquire Tavern original San Antonio Cocktail Conference event.
Gave an eloquent and charming talk at PechaKucha San Antonio.
Made from scratch and served 250,000 burgers, 245,000 deviled eggs, and 610,000 fried pickles.

The Esquire Tavern is now accepting applications for its next Executive Chef. Those interested in applying may email a resume and cover letter or apply online.

“Closing this chapter and saying goodbye to nearly a decade of Brooke at the center of it all won’t be easy. While The Esquire will be welcoming a new chef, we’re excited to see where Brooke’s culinary journey takes her next.” – Owner Christopher Hill

SA Examiner

A books, music, movie, and business news blog

Month: July 2019