Month: September 2020

Book review: ‘Everyone Dies Famous’ by Len Joy

‘Everyone Dies Famous’ is Len Joy’s new novel. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Len Joy is a nationally ranked triathlete who competes internationally representing the United States as part of TEAM USA. He is also the author of “Letting Go: Stories,” “American Past Time: After the Cheering Stops” and “Better Days: In This World Heroes Don’t Get Parades.” His fourth novel “Everyone Dies Famous,” released last month, is the story of a stubborn old man, who, as a tornado threatens their town, teams up with a troubled young soldier to deliver a jukebox to the wealthy developer having an affair with the soldier’s wife.

In the Prologue set on July 18, 2003 at 7p.m. Zeke Mesirow, one of Maple Springs, Missouri residents, leaves his apartment after a tornado and surveys the devastation left behind. He eerily witnesses “….a man, his dark business suit turned gray with grit, standing in his front lawn clutching an open briefcase and staring down the road like he was waiting for the bus.” After the Prologue, the first chapter begins fourteen hours earlier and the last chapter, set at 6:40p.m. ends the tragic story.  The chapters in between track the residents’ lives before the tornado hits and sets the stage for the damage left behind by the storm. The small town is going through a drought, so many of the residents are unprepared for the approaching storm. Dancer Stonemason, an aging and long-forgotten hometown hero, is still grieving the death of his oldest son Clayton. He is liquidating his late son’s jukebox business so he hires Wayne Mesirow, an Iraqi war veteran, to help him transport two jukeboxes. Wayne is also dealing with grief: one of his fellow soldiers, Sonny, killed himself and Wayne feels he should have done more to help.  His wife’s infidelity is also weighing heavily on his mind. Together, Dancer and Wayne navigate through their own family drama while the storm brings its own disaster that will leave one of them dead.

For those familiar with Len Joy’s work, “Everyone Dies Famous” is the sequel to “American Past Time” where Dancer Stonemason’s story continues. Years later, his son Clayton is dead and Dancer is trying to move on. The aftermath of the tornado is set at the beginning, so there is no surprise ending.  The fun is in trying to find out how the different characters end up after the storm. Due to the extensive character build up, by the time the storm hits, the reader has spent time getting to know them and is eagerly flipping pages to find out their fate. The tornado action is just as exciting as the family drama taking place within the small town. Throughout the story, the storm is lurking in the background until it comes roaring into the picture starting on Chapter 33.  From there the action shifts as the residents have to rely on each other to survive. Len Joy has an excellent grasp on the human condition and uses it to create brilliant storytelling. “Everyone Dies Famous” is an easy read, with relatable characters that spotlight the heart of everyday American life. It is a definite must-read and is recommended for fans of character-driven small town dramas.

“This is a small town, Dancer. Everyone dies famous here.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

New release: ‘One by One’ by Ruth Ware

‘One by One’ is the new psychological crime thriller by Ruth Ware. Photo: google

Ruth Ware is  a British author of psychological crime thrillers but has also written young adult fantasy novels published under her name Ruth Warburton. The writing style in her crime thrillers has often been compared to Agatha Christie’s in the sense that one of her plot devices consist of protagonists who are usually ordinary women who find themselves in dangerous situations involving a crime. These include “In a Dark, Dark Wood,” “The Woman in Cabin 10,” “The Lying Game,” “The Death of Mrs. Westaway,” “The Turn of the Key” and her new release “One by One.” The characters in “One by One” are snowed in at a luxurious, rustic chalet high in the French Alps; it was released on September 8.

According to Amazon, when the co-founder of Snoop, a trendy London-based tech startup, organizes a week-long trip for the team in the French Alps, it starts out as a corporate retreat like any other: PowerPoint presentations and strategy sessions broken up by mandatory bonding on the slopes. But as soon as one shareholder upends the agenda by pushing a lucrative but contentious buyout offer, tensions simmer and loyalties are tested. The storm brewing inside the chalet is no match for the one outside, however, and a devastating avalanche leaves the group cut off from all access to the outside world. Even worse, one Snooper has not made it back from the slopes by the time the avalanche hit. As each hour passes without any sign of rescue, panic mounts, the chalet grows colder, and the group dwindles further…one by one.

Briscoe Western Art Museum announces monthly Locals Days

Briscoe Western Art Museum announces monthly Locals Days.

To thank the San Antonio community for its support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is making the third Saturday of each month “Locals Day,” greeting locals with 50 percent off of general admission. Bexar County residents can enjoy the Briscoe’s Locals Days through Fall 2020, including September 19, October 17, November 21 and December 19. Since children 12 and under receive free admission, as do active duty members of the military, the Briscoe is the perfect spot for local families to enjoy. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

Safe and Socially Distanced:  Travel West Without Leaving San Antonio

The Briscoe’s collection of Western art and artifacts showcases the stories of the West through visual art. Collection highlights include Santa Anna’s sword, works by Frederic Remington, Pancho Villa’s last known saddle, a fantastic Alamo diorama and artifacts, contemporary and historic paintings, sculptures, an impressive spur collection and other cowboy and Native American relics, weapons and photography.

One of the latest additions to the Briscoe is a bronze bust of President Lincoln sculpted by Gutzom Borglum, the artist who carved Mount Rushmore. The bust was crafted before Borglum began carving the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Texas history fans will enjoy the Briscoe’s A-Tex Elliott Family Gallery, home to the museum’s popular display on the Battle of the Alamo. Featuring a legal document signed by Travis when he was working as a lawyer in San Felipe de Austin on the eve of the Texas Revolution, the gallery offers a new glimpse into William Barret Travis’ life before the Alamo.

Visitors may enjoy self-guided tours, watch short videos and learn more about the artists behind the works through the Briscoe’s app, available for iOS systems. Lil Partner activities for children are available on the app as well as the museum’s website through the museum’s “Beyond the Briscoe” program. The entire family can enjoy a scavenger hunt that explores the museum, play musical match-up or musical bingo, bringing the museum’s extensive collection to life for all ages.

The Briscoe continues to operate at 50 percent of its admission capacity by monitoring attendance through ticket counts. The museum encourages social distancing through its acre and a half campus on the banks of the River Walk, with outdoor displays that include 32 sculptures extending from the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden and a lush public space that features a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures depicting iconic figures of the American West. The Briscoe’s collection also spans 14 galleries in a restored 1930s building that offers high ceilings and spacious areas for guests to stay safely socially distanced. The museum’s health and safety protocols require temperature checks and that both staff and guests wear masks. Additional sanitizing and cleaning protocols are observed throughout the day and both visitor services and the museum store feature plexiglass shields for additional protection.

Museum hours are 10a.m. through 3p.m. seven days a week. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s mission is preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage. The museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.

“Like everyone else, we’ve been impacted by COVID-19. We’re grateful to the San Antonio community for its continued support. Whether it’s the story of the cowboy, the vaquero, the Native American or the wildlife that still roams the range, Western history is unique to the United States. San Antonio played a key role in shaping the West, making it a must for locals who enjoy our diverse history.” – Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

Lone Star Beer announces new German-style kölsch

Das Bier Y’all is a classic German-style kölsch with a peachy twist. Photo: Lone Star Beer, used with permission.

Lone Star Brewing announces the latest seasonal beer in the beloved family of Lone Star Beers: Das Bier Y’all – The New Taste of Classic Texas. Das Bier Y’all is a classic German-style kölsch with a peachy twist, brewed to honor the German heritage of the Lone Star State and its enduring cultural influence that remains prevalent in Texas today. The beer is now available for purchase in select locations throughout Texas for a limited time through early Spring 2021. (Lone Star Beer, 2020)

Following the recent success of Lone Star’s first seasonal launch, Rio Jade Mexican-style lager, the Das Beer Y’all German-style kölsch is the next edition in the Lone Star cultural series that honors the unique customs and traditions that shape the Texas we know today. With a taste reminiscent of the Hill Country distilled into beverage form, the flavor profile is proudly Texan with a modern interpretation.

With an ABV of 4.8%, this crisp and refreshing kölsch is locally brewed in the Hill Country region of Austin and is infused with natural peach flavoring to create a distinct take on a classic German brew style. In the tradition of Lone Star, the beer remains highly drinkable and perfect for the transition from Summer to Fall in Texas. Das Bier Y’all pairs perfectly with small, socially-distanced backyard get-togethers, enjoying the sunset from your patio or while reminiscing on days spent enjoying the splendor of Texas.

Served in a metallic copper and deep teal can, Das Bier Y’all was conceptualized by Austin-based designers Keith Davis Young and Lauren Dickens whose creations are rooted in Austin institutions and brands such as Magnolia Cafe, Native Hostel, Better Half and Hunt, Gather. The unique-to-Texas design features the iconic armadillo, the state mammal of Texas and unofficial mascot of Lone Star Beer. Das Bier Y’all will be available throughout Texas, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $7.99. Beer lovers can use Lone Star’s beer finder to find a store selling nearest to them. 

Since it is currently not possible to enjoy beer gardens and Oktoberfest-themed events, Lone Star is helping to bring the beer garden experience to five lucky winners’ backyards. Lone Star is launching a “Beer Garden in a Box” contest, arranged by Austin-based experiential events company Wander/Gather. Starting Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Lone Star followers will have the opportunity to enter to win a curated box featuring:

  • A 25-minute exclusively recorded video hosted by a local chef and mixologist, featuring one handcrafted cocktail and a German-style pretzel-making demo 
  • Curated “Oktoberfest” playlist from DJ Cassandra
  • Branded recipe cards and packed dry ingredients for two people 
  • German-style beer mug
  • Lone Star branded Cowboy-style bandana 
  • Six ounce preserved Texas peaches and local honey
  • German drinking game “Flunky Ball” + Lone Star branded ping pong balls (2)
  • Beer garden-themed decorations
  • Branded checklist for hosting a backyard beer garden gathering at home
  • Access to a Wander/Gather virtual event planner

Followers can enter the giveaway by visiting Lone Star’s Instagram page on September 16, 2020 and following the contest instructions; entrance will close at 5p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.  

Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

Book review: ‘Gumbo Love’ by Lucy Buffett

Photo: google

Lucy “LuLu” Buffett is a Southern businesswoman, author and entrepreneur best known for her Gulf Shores restaurant Lulu’s. She began by cooking her way from coast to coast before returning home to Alabama to open a modest little bayside gumbo and burger joint that doubled as a bait shop. Now she is a successful restaurateur with three locations: Gulf Shores, Alabama; Destin, Florida and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she serves over a million guests a year. Her adventures, culinary and otherwise, inspired her to write “Gumbo Love: Recipes for Gulf Coast Cooking, Entertaining, and Savoring the Good Life,” a cookbook that includes recipes from all over the Gulf Coast and incorporates Caribbean, Cajun, Cuban, Mexican, Old Florida and Creole influences.

In “Gumbo Love,” Lucy Buffett begins with a letter to readers where she explains that the book is a love letter to the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico.  Her mission is to pay homage to the coastal Southern food culture and continue the conversation she began with her first book “Lulu’s Kitchen.” Along with over 100 recipes, she shares stories of her childhood growing up in Mobile, Alabama as well as the adventures she has had traveling as a cook, the times she spent working as a chef in New Orleans and her attitudes on life, which includes relaxation, gratitude and seizing the day. She shares her mother’s philosophy of “Life is short-east dessert first” so she begins with Chapter 1: Life Is Sweet: Eat Dessert First.  Each subsequent chapter is a category of delicious recipes accompanied by colorful pictures: Starters and Snacks, Gumbo Love and other Heartwarming Soups, Main Dishes, Vegetables and Sides, Deep-Fried Favorites: A Southern Must, Salads, Sandwiches, Vacation Libations and Mocktails and Coasting the Gulf Party Menus.

Lucy Buffett’s love of cooking and appreciation for the Gulf Coast shines throughout the pages of “Gumbo Love.” More than a cookbook, it is a collection of stories, background on food and dishes and recipes that have shaped her life and livelihood. The gorgeous pictures make the food and locales come alive. It is understandable that she wants to share the recipes she loves to make, but a handful of them are restaurant quality with too many ingredients and too complicated for the average cook. Some of the easier ones are for Salads, Starters and Snacks and Sandwiches as well as the cocktail recipes. Standouts include Cuban Yellow Rice, page 181 and Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad page 229. In the Introduction, her ‘Ten Grateful Ingredients for a Bright Life and a Happy Kitchen’ is worth reading as is ‘How to Gumbo Lulu: A few notes on Gulf Coast Cooking Essentials.’ It also includes valuable ‘how to’ tutorials, such as ‘How to Shuck an Oyster’ on page 55.  Overall, “Gumbo Love” is an impressive cookbook that will appeal to reads who appreciate excellent recipes and entertaining stories.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

PechaKucha San Antonio announces Volume 39 for this week

Eric Cooper, President/CEO will be one of the speakers at PechaKucha San Antonio Volume 39 on Thursday September 10. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce the lineup for its Volume 39 edition, scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2020, live streamed on PechaKucha San Antonio’s YouTube and Facebook. The night begins with presentations starting at 7p.m. This will be PechaKucha San Antonio’s second online event to practice safe social distancing during these uncertain times.  (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2020)

Volume 39 will feature a talented group of locals. The six presenters include:

Eric Cooper – President/CEO

Emilie and Tatu Herrera –  Entrepreneurs

Angelica Holmes – Executive Director/Camp Founder

Celina Montoya – Community Leader

Cherise Rohr-Allegrini – Epidemiologist

Marc Anthony Smith –  Musician/ Philosopher

Emcee for the evening will be local publicist and PechaKucha SA former presenter Christian Reed-Ogba. Musical guest for the evening will be local band Dreambored. This event will be completely free and donations are encouraged to help support MOVE Texas and fund PechaKucha San Antonio. To donate, please visit Las Casas Foundation online. Donations will be split equally between MOVE Texas and PechaKucha San Antonio.  

Everyone who donates will be entered to win a curated gift basket that will be raffled off at the end of the event. The gift basket will include local goodies like a Sage & Honey grazing box, certificate for a Ben Yanto Visuals porch photo session, Tio Pelon’s Salsita, Wildflower Caramels, Twang premium salts and seasonings, and Lone Star Rio Jade Beer. PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. Speakers share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world. 

Book review: ‘The Final Gift of the Beloved’ by Barron Steffen

'The Final Gift of the Beloved' by Barron Steffen
‘The Final Gift of the Beloved’ by Barron Steffen. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Barron Steffen is a student on the spiritual path of Siddha Yoga, a big band crooner and a widower. He has also been a big wave surfer, a 1980s Italian pop singer and an award-winning elementary school teacher. He has transitioned from the elementary school classroom to his company, The Yoga of Mindset, where he teaches children and adults how to use their thoughts. Dr. Seana Steffen, his late wife, founded the Restorative Leadership Institute – her life’s work in service to the possibility of a just and sustainable world continues there. His new book, “The Final Gift of the Beloved: Her Disappearance – 13 Days,” is the story of one man’s sudden and astonishing brush with devastation after his wife dies in a car accident.

In the Preface, Barron Steffen describes “The Final Gift of the Beloved” as a love story disguised as a tragedy. Because Siddha Yoga is a big part of the book, he explains that it is a spiritual path; “a philosophy, not a religion, and it includes people from many different faiths.” It is not his intent to promote any specific spiritual path, because everyone’s journey is different, but for him, it is a significant part of his experience because without it, he would have never met Seana, let alone had gotten through the aftermath of her death. In Hindu tradition, a person is mourned for thirteen days and on the thirteenth, during a ceremony and celebration of life, the blessings invoked serve as a final release for anything that may be holding that person to the physical world. The book is divided into these thirteen days, with subsections, and consists of his experiences and revelations during those painful first days as well as what he learns along the way.

Regardless of faith or personal beliefs, grief is universal – this is one of the main themes present in “The Final Gift of the Beloved.” This book is one man’s experience in dealing with his wife’s death and how Siddha Yoga helped him through the most painful moments. Using beautiful poetic language,  “…my sense of ‘I’ drifted through my awareness as aimlessly as the sunlight that was filtering through the branches of the trees outside the parking lot in front of me,” the reader is witness to his grief and his healing. The story starts off as  an examination of their relationship, as told through flashbacks, and the narrative finally moves along during Days Five and Six: The Mortuary, when he finally goes in to identify her body. In the end, he just wants to share the most important lesson he learned, what Seana would want for him and everyone :“May you remember your purpose for being alive.” One of the standout chapters is Day One: The Drive, when reality hits him and he describes the moment as grief being an emotion that all creatures share. He was in excruciating pain, which included howls and cries: “From this vantage point, I saw myself to be simply another living thing grieving the loss of its life-mate.” Learning about other cultures and beliefs regarding mourning and grieving rituals is important because it unites us as human beings. It reminds us that we are more similar than we realize because we share in the human experience. “The Final Gift of the Beloved” is a thought-provoking and inspiring memoir of one man’s tragic loss and recovery and is recommended for readers who appreciate honest and insightful spiritual guidance.

“So then, I wonder, which is it? What is more real-appearing or disappearing, birth or death? Who can possibly say for sure which one is the truer reality and which is the dream?”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Work or learn remotely in style at La Cantera Resort & Spa

La Cantera Resort & Spa's adults only infinity pool, Topaz. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
La Cantera Resort & Spa’s adults only infinity pool, Topaz. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa has created two new packages, the Home Away From Home and Class Is Now In Session, tailor-made for remote workers and learners to get away from the ordinary routine of home life that has been all too familiar due to Covid-19. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

With the Home Away From Home Package, you can move your office to La Cantera Resort & Spa. It is one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top resorts in the country and is set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio. After a good night’s sleep, jump start your workday with a cup of Lavazza coffee or tea at Henrietta’s Market, then set up your remote office in the comforts of your room, which is equipped with lightning fast Wi-Fi and a spacious work desk. Need a printer or to mail a package? Just text your dedicated personal assistant and they can take care of your business needs so you can focus on the important stuff, like deciding which La Cantera Zoom backdrop to use on your morning video chat. Swing by the gym or skip the workout and head to SweetFire Kitchen for lunch overlooking Plaza San Saba and then be ready to turn your ‘out of office’ on in time for happy hour at Primero Cantina and slip away to a poolside chaise at the adults only infinity-edge pool, Topaz.

The Home Away From Home package can be booked with code “WORKREMOTE” and includes:

  • Overnight accommodations complete with a spacious desk and complimentary Wi-Fi starting at $199/night
  • 10a.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out
  • Cup of coffee or tea at Henrietta’s Market
  • Custom La Cantera Zoom backdrop bundle
  • Dedicated personal assistant available during business hours
  • SweetFire Kitchen lunch break
  • Primero Cantina happy hour, including chips and salsa and beverage of your choice

Take your virtual classroom to the Hill Country with the Class Is Now In Session package, which will start at $199 per night and includes:

  • Overnight accommodations complete with a spacious desk and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • 10a.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out
  • Family breakfast at SweetFire Kitchen
  • Boxed lunch for the kids
  • Afternoon scavenger hunt
  • After-school ice cream treat

Both packages will be available for stays Sunday through Thursday, some restrictions may apply. Thirty-six dollar a day resort charge, taxes and parking are not included. Not valid with any other offer or for groups. Offer is based upon availability and subject to end without notice and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

EVO Entertainment Group’s Fall programming and promotional offers

EVO Entertainment Group’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake returns Monday September 7, 2020. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group is kicking off the Fall season early with exciting new promotions and screening opportunities. Throughout September, guests can enjoy limited-time promotions such as the return of EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake as well as buy one, get one cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day. In addition, guests can celebrate National Video Game Day with all-day game play deals, as well as enjoy private film screening and on-screen gaming with private theater rentals. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2020)

EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake Returns – Beginning Monday, September 7, 2020, EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake will return to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake will be available for $8.50.  

National Video Game Day – Saturday, September 12, 2020 – In celebration of National Video Game Day, guests can enjoy unlimited all-day video game play for only $10 at all participating EVO locations.

National Cheeseburger Day – Friday, September 18, 2020 – In honor of National Cheeseburger Day, EVO is offering a buy one, get one free burger deal for all EVO Elevate members at EVO Schertz, Kyle, Springtown and Belterra when purchased through the EVO app.

EVO Film Fest with Jason Faunt & Michael Copon – The EVO Film Fest returns with back-to-back, in-theater events at EVO Belterra (Friday, September 18, 2020) and EVO Schertz (Saturday, September 19, 2020). The special event will feature a screening of Power Rangers Time Force and will be hosted by Power Rangers stars Jason Faunt and Michael Copon. A Q&A session will take place following the conclusion of the movie. Tickets are available online for $15.

Grub & Game Combos – Launching Friday, September 25, EVO Entertainment will be offering a special Grub & Game promotion, pairing select entrees from the EVO Cafe with EVO game cards at a discounted rate. Combinations include: Entree + $10 game card for $15.99 and Entree + $20 game card for $24.99. Entree offerings include Classic Burger, Chicken Tenders, Honey Sriracha Tacos, Chicken and Waffles, Pesto Chicken Flatbread, Philly Cheese steak, 10” Pepperoni Pizza, Fried Shrimp Basket, Classic Caesar with Shrimp or Chicken or Pulled Pork Nachos.

Game on the Big Screen – Available at EVO Springtown and EVO Belterra, guests can instantly book a theater (Belterra) or Flex Room (Springtown) to play video games using their own gaming console for two hours for $54.99.

Private Film Screenings – Now available at all EVO locations, guests are now able to book a private auditorium for up to 20 guests to enjoy a private screening of classic films (i.e. The Goonies, Space Jam, Jurassic Park) for $75, or new releases like The New Mutants, Tenet and others for $165. 

Taco Cabana introduces Mexican-style tortas to menu

This addition to the menu is at participating Taco Cabana locations only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce three new menu items coming to its locations throughout Texas. Beginning today, Wednesday September 2, 2020, the popular restaurant chain is now offering a Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork Torta for the first time in the company’s 42-year history. In addition, guests can enjoy the Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork in a taco or cabana bowl.  (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana is launching the popular Mexican sandwich platform with the Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork Torta. The torta’s traditional build includes refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and Taco Cabana’s chipotle crema. The taco is filled with Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and chipotle crema. The cabana bowl includes Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork, refried beans, rice, lettuce, shredded cheese, chipotle crema and pico de gallo.  New menu items will be available in participating Texas locations in Austin, San Antonio, DFW, Houston and El Paso.

The Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork Torta is available for $5.29 a la carte or $7.29 for a plate with rice and beans; the taco is available for $2.29 a la carte or $6.99 for a plate; the cabana bowl is $5.99. Guests can place orders for all their Taco Cabana favorites via the convenient drive-thru, or for curbside pickup or delivery. Orders of $10 or more placed online or the MYTC! App are eligible for free delivery.

“Tortas are a big part of Mexican food culture and we’re looking forward to putting our own TC spin on them with Mango-Habanero Pulled Pork. The new Torta, Taco and Cabana Bowl are going to be great additions to our menu and we’re looking forward to our guests getting a chance to try them. They each make a great complement to any of our 12 margarita flavors – each only $2 all day, every day.” – Rich Stockinger, Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO.