Hiatus Spa + Retreat has gift packages available for Mother’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and Hiatus Spa + Retreat has several packages for the mother who likes to be pampered. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)
Mother’s Day Gift With Purchase – Guests who buy a $250+ Hiatus gift card will receive a free FOREO Play Plus ($49 value).
Mom 2.0: 2 hours, $165 (up to $190 value) – Upgrade Mom’s operating system with two hours of me-time and she will be ready to take on the world. The Comeback Massage and The One & Only Pedicure give Mom some much-needed time to re-charge.
Happy + Happier + Happiest: 3.5 hours, $260 (up to $320 value) – Take care of yourself from head to toe. Their three most popular services combine— The Signature Massage, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, and The Tailor-Made Facial— to leave you sparkling.
The Big Chill: 2.5 hours, $240 ($305 value) – The 90 minute Signature Massage followed by a super-charged plant peel in The Perfectionist Facial will help you hit refresh on that inner glow.
With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Twin Liquors launches entertaining guide. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.
Twin Liquors is excited to announce the launch of its new Spring into Summer Entertaining Guide designed to provide plenty of advice on hosting this spring season. Whether “Entertaining at Home” means having a few friends over for dinner or inviting your closest friends to a backyard get-together, Twin Liquors has you covered with everything you need. Featuring spring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairings, and tips for hosting this spring, the entertaining guide has something for everyone. (Twin Liquors, 2021)
The Spring into Summer Entertaining Guide also features a helpful home bar checklist to make sure you have all the supplies you need to entertain with ease. For the wine drinkers, there is also a wine pairings guide for new wine drinkers to learn the basics of food pairing and serving temperature. Be sure to check out the spring wine sale now through April 17 which includes 20% off on two or more bottles of Twin Liquors Sourced Wine.
Check online to find a Twin Liquors location near you. Customers can shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. Twin Liquors will continue to offer online ordering for in-store pickup and/or delivery in all stores.
Twin Liquors is open Monday – Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m. Online hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company that has a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
Lone Star Seltzer will debut with two refreshing flavors, Agave Lime and Agave Watermelon. Photo: Lone Star Brewing Company, used with permission.
Lone Star Brewing is excited to announce Lone Star Agave Seltzers, refreshing hard seltzers inspired by beloved Texas ingredients and local taste profiles. The new beverages will be available in stores throughout Texas in two flavors, Agave Lime and Agave Watermelon, starting in April of this year. The refreshing beverages are made with Texans in mind and are best paired with fun Texas activities; by the pool, on the lake, or your favorite porch or patio – wherever you find enjoyment in the land of Texas. (Lone Star Brewing Company, 2021)
Brewed locally in Austin, TX with a high quality sucrose base, the 5% ABV seltzer is enhanced with blue agave nectar that provides a crisp, balanced, and distinct drinking experience. Lone Star Agave Seltzers are the ultimate Texas hard seltzers made with locally-minded natural fruit flavors. Lone Star Agave Seltzer’s Agave Lime flavor has a light, natural citrus twang that complements the sweetness of the blue agave nectar. The Agave Watermelon seltzer embodies the light sweetness of the watermelon, making it perfect for Texas’ mild spring and hot summer seasons.
Both flavors of Lone Star Agave Seltzer will be available for purchase in six-packs of 12 oz. sleek cans. The Agave Lime flavor is also available in a 19.2 oz. single-serve can. The six-packs will retail for the suggested price of $8.99, while the Agave Lime single serve will retail for $2.79. Lone Star Agave Seltzer is a refreshing option at just 100 calories for its 12 oz. can, with only 2g carbs and 1g sugar.
To find a nearby retailer carrying Lone Star Seltzer, consumers can use Lone Star’s seltzer finder tool. Lone Star Seltzer will be available at select retailers starting this month including Walmart and Albertsons, Quick Trip, Circle K and HEB slated for May.
To celebrate the launch of Lone Star Agave Seltzers, Lone Star is teaming up with Cowboy Pools, a full-service stock tank pool company based in Austin, who creates unique oases in Texas backyards by reimagining the classic stock tank for outdoor enjoyment. Lone Star will be giving away and installing 5 stock tanks that are perfect to combat the common native enemy, “The Texas Heat.” This giveaway program will run in select retailers throughout the state, and on Lone Star’s own social media channel. The in store portion of the giveaways are slated to begin in May, with the Instagram giveaway rolling out sometime this summer.
“There’s a clear demand for quality hard seltzers, so we’re excited to break into the market with flavor profiles that are both refreshing and have an essential Texas quality to them,” “This is a proudly Texas product, with locally minded ingredients for modern taste palates, perfect for all Texans who enjoy easy drinking beverages and socializing outdoors in our beautiful state. This is just the beginning of our Texas Seltzer exploration. We have some really fun flavors & concepts in the works.” – Daniel Crawford, Lone Star Brand Manager
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.
MargaritaPalooza returns to Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
The wait is over for Texas margarita lovers as MargaritaPalooza returns to Taco Cabana. A dozen margaritas will be available at TC, including nine all-new flavors and three TC classics. All margaritas are available for just $2 all day, every day, at participating restaurants in Texas. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Nine new limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:
Pineapple Jalapeno
Dragonfruit
Pickle
Violet
Orange
Pistachio
Orange Cream
Chili Lime Cucumber
Pineapple Banana
Three TC MargaritaPalooza classics include:*
Lime
Strawberry
Mango
*Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.
Taco Cabana continues to sell Lime, Strawberry and Mango margaritas by the gallon to-go for $34.99. The new frozen Bacardi Orange Cream launches this week as well, featuring a refreshing blend of Bacardi Rum, orange, hints of vanilla, and whipping cream for $3.
TC fans can also enjoy three new street tacos: Carne Asada topped with chopped cilantro and diced onion; Pork Adobado topped with chopped cilantro and pickled red onions; Pollo Adobado topped with cilantro lime ranch and cotija cheese. New street tacos are available in a three-pack for $4.99.
A new chicken milanesa torta and a TC favorite dessert, peach empanadas, also join the TC menu. The chicken milanesa torta features a breaded chicken breast on telera bread with refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro lime ranch. The peach empanadas return to the menu with a two-pack for just $2.99.
All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.
“Taco Cabana remains the go-to destination in Texas for great-tasting, uniquely-flavored margaritas at a fantastic value. We invite everyone to TC to find their favorite!” – Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO, Rich Stockinger.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
‘The God Equation’ is the new book by renowned theoretical physicist and bestselling author Michio Kaku. Photo: amazon
Michio Kaku is a professor of theoretical physics at the City University of New York, co-founder of string field theory, and the author of several widely acclaimed science books, including “Beyond Einstein,” “The Future of Humanity,” “The Future of the Mind,” “Hyperspace,” “Physics of the Future,” and “Physics of the Impossible.” He is the science correspondent for CBS This Morning, the host of the radio programs Science Fantastic and Exploration, and a host of several science TV specials for the BBC and the Discovery and Science Channels. His new book “The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything” tells the story of the greatest quest in all of science. (amazon, 2021)
“The God Equation” – When Newton discovered the law of gravity, he unified the rules governing the heavens and the Earth. Since then, physicists have been placing new forces into ever-grander theories. But perhaps the ultimate challenge is achieving a monumental synthesis of the two remaining theories—relativity and the quantum theory. This would be the crowning achievement of science, a profound merging of all the forces of nature into one beautiful, magnificent equation to unlock the deepest mysteries in science: What happened before the Big Bang? What lies on the other side of a black hole? Are there other universes and dimensions? Is time travel possible? Why are we here? Kaku also explains the intense controversy swirling around this theory, with Nobel laureates taking opposite sides on this vital question. It is a captivating, gripping story; what is at stake is nothing less than our conception of the universe. Written with Kaku’s trademark enthusiasm and clarity, this epic and engaging journey is the story of “The God Equation.” **Read an excerpt here.**
Pluckers Wing Bar will have a concession stand inside the Q2 Stadium. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
Pluckers Wing Bar, Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant, is excited to announce their Austin expansion with a concession location inside the soon-to-be-opened Q2 Stadium, the new home of Austin FC, the 27th club in Major League Soccer (MLS). Known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces, Pluckers is thrilled to bring their cult-favorite wings, waffle fries, and buffalo bites to Austin FC fans as their official and exclusive wings partner. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)
Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin. The iconic Pluckers menu at their additional locations includes fan favorites such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
As part of their partnership with Austin FC, Pluckers will gift everyone in attendance at home games with a coupon for five free wings when Austin FC scores first. Throughout the season, Pluckers will host watch parties at their additional seven Austin locations, as well as host events with Austin FC players. Additional details on player events to be announced in the coming months.
The Pluckers Wing Bar concession stand will be in the Southeast corner of Q2 Stadium’s main concourse level behind Section 135.
Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.
Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC will officially begin play in 2021 in the new, 100% privately financed, $260 million, state-of-the-art Q2 Stadium in Austin. Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy, the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented young players.
“Austin has waited years for a major league team and Pluckers is extremely proud to sponsor a first-class organization such as Austin FC. Not only will we be extending our five free wings promotion to the soccer matches, if Austin FC scores first, but Pluckers has also been chosen as one of the select Austin restaurants to operate a food stand inside Q2 Stadium.” – Dave Paul, co-owner of Pluckers Wing Bar
‘A Gambling Man’ by David Baldacci is due out on April 20, 2021. Photo: amazon
David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. His new book “A Gambling Man (An Archer Novel)” will be out Tuesday April 20 and features Aloysius Archer, the straight-talking World War II veteran fresh out of prison. (amazon, 2021)
In “A Gambling Man,” the 1950s are on the horizon and Archer is in dire need of a fresh start after a nearly fatal detour in Poca City. So Archer hops on a bus and begins the long journey out west to California, where rumor has it there is money to be made if you are hard-working, lucky, criminal—or all three. Along the way, Archer stops in Reno, where a stroke of fortune delivers him a wad of cash and an eye-popping blood-red 1939 Delahaye convertible—plus a companion for the final leg of the journey, an aspiring actress named Liberty Callahan who is planning to try her luck in Hollywood. But when the two arrive in Bay Town, California, Archer quickly discovers that the hordes of people who flocked there seeking fame and fortune landed in a false paradise that instead caters to their worst addictions and fears.
Archer’s first stop is a P.I. office where he is hoping to apprentice with a legendary private eye and former FBI agent named Willie Dash. He lands the job, and immediately finds himself in the thick of a potential scandal: a blackmail case involving a wealthy well-connected politician running for mayor that soon spins into something even more sinister. As bodies begin falling, Archer and Dash must infiltrate the world of brothels, gambling dens, drug operations, and long-hidden secrets, descending into the rotten bones of a corrupt town that is selling itself as the promised land—but might be the road to perdition, and Archer’s final resting place.
‘Rigo Puro Amor’ is a tribute album to Mexican pop culture cumbia icon Rigo Tovar. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Tropical music star Emir Pabón presents the tribute album ‘Rigo Puro Amor’ in honor of his godfather, the Mexican Cumbia icon Rigo Tovar. While recreating the greatest hits that made Rigo Tovar a legend, the percussionist, producer, and composer Emir Pabón remembers the impact that this idol had on Mexican culture while also recalling his personal connection to the artist as his godson. Pabón, who also serves as the percussionist for Grupo Cañaveral, is proud to now present ‘Rigo Puro Amor.’ (Vesper Public Relations, 2021)
As a celebration of both the anniversary of Rigo Tovar’s birth (March 29) and his death (March 27), Pabón has reimagined Tovar’s greatest hits. This new tribute album, which also happens to be Pabón’s debut full length release, features collaborations with esteemed artists such as Mariana Seoane, Percance, Jorge Medina, Grupo Cañaveral, Los Rojos, Fátima Campo, and PeeWee. Listeners will be able to enjoy cumbia classics such as “La Múcura,” “Amor Sincero,” “¿Quién Será la Mujer?,” and “Quítate La Mascara.” Emir Pabón is known as an artist who likes to reinvent himself and be at the vanguard. Adapting different sounds is part of his artistic essence, which he continues to do with ‘Rigo Puro Amor.’
‘Rigo Puro Amor’ is now available on all digital formats.
‘Rigo Puro Amor’ – Track list “Oh Qué Gusto De Volverte A Ver” ft. Jose Adán Esparza Y René Esparza “El Sirenito” ft. Pedro Fernández “Mi Matamoros Querido” ft. Lemongrass “Cómo Será La Mujer” ft. Jorge Medina “El Testamento” ft. PeeWee “Quítate La Máscara” ft. Los Rojos “No Que No” “Carita De Angel” “Mi Tinajita” ft. W Corona “Perdóname, Mi Amor Por Ser Tan Guapo” ft. Chico Che Chico “Cuando Tu Cariño” “Amor Sincero” ft. Grupo Cañaveral “Lamento De Amor” ft. Carolina Ross “Dos Tardes De Mi Vida” ft. Sandoval “Me Quiero Casar” ft. Fátima Campo “Así Soy Yo” ft. Percance “Mi Amiga, Mi Esposa, Mi Amante” ft. Claudio Alcaraz “La Calandria Canta” ft. Jonaz “La Múcura” ft. Mariana Seoane “Carta De Recuerdo” ft. Buyuchek
Mexican by birth and Colombian at heart, Emir Pabón was born in Mexico City and began his musical career by attending his father’s concerts. He eventually joined his father’s legendary band Grupo Cañaveral as a percussionist and has served an integral role in the ensemble for the past 23 years. In addition to a percussionist, Pabón is also a producer, businessman, actor and composer.
Pabón began a new phase of his career in 2019, releasing several singles as a soloist including “Echa pa’lante,” which invites listeners to overcome their problems with a positive attitude, as well as “Swing,” a collaboration with the acclaimed reggaeton artists Nacho and Joey Montana. In 2020, Grupo Cañaveral celebrated their 25th anniversary and Emir finished up recording his debut solo album – a tribute to his godfather, the Mexican icon Rigo Tovar.
‘Golda’s Balcony’ opens Thursday and will consist of all streamed online performances. Artwork by Jeremy Whittington
The Public Theater of San Antonio’s next production is ‘Golda’s Balcony.” It opens Thursday April 8 and will run until Sunday April 18, 2021. This production will be streamed online only. Get your live stream link now for Golda’s Balcony and experience this beautiful story based on the life of Golda Meir. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)
‘Golda’s Balcony’ by William Gibson is a dramatic look at idealism, power, and the strength it takes to shape the destiny of a nation. This tight-knit story of war and peace opens in 1973, on the eve of the Yom Kippur War, and uses flashbacks as Golda tells the story of her life: her journey from her birthplace in Russia to her life in the United States.
*The presentation may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences.
Performance times will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online. Golda Meir – Diane Kondrat*, Director – Susan Hardie, Stage Manager – Sondra Gervasi* *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
In historical fiction, ‘The Last Bookshop in London’ by Madeline Martin will be out Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Photo: amazon
A new month is here and April brings more than enough new books to keep readers interested, from historical fiction to fantasy, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights from this month’s new release list. (amazon, 2021)
Historical fiction: “The Last Bookshop in London: A novel of World War II” by Madeline Martin Release date: April 6 August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and blackout curtains that she finds on her arrival were not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she would wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London. Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.
Fantasy: “The Girl and the Mountain” by Mark Lawrence – The Book of the Ice, Book 2 of 2 Release date: April 13 On the planet Abeth there is only the ice. And the Black Rock. For generations, the priests of the Black Rock have reached out from their mountain to steer the fate of the ice tribes. With their Hidden God, their magic and their iron, the priests’ rule has never been questioned. But when ice triber Yaz challenged their authority, she was torn away from the only life she had ever known and forced to find a new path for herself. Yaz has lost her friends and found her enemies. She has a mountain to climb and even if she can break the Hidden God’s power, her dream of a green world lies impossibly far to the south, across a vast emptiness of ice. Before the journey can even start, she must find out what happened to the ones she loves and save those that can be saved. Abeth holds its secrets close, but the stars shine brighter for Yaz and she means to unlock the truth.
Science Fiction: “The Last Watch” by J.S. Dewes – The Divide Series, Book 1 of 2 Release date: April 20 The Expanse meets Game of Thrones in J. S. Dewes’ fast-paced, sci-fi adventure, where a handful of soldiers stand between humanity and annihilation. The Divide. It is the edge of the universe. Now it is collapsing―and taking everyone and everything with it. The only ones who can stop it are the Sentinels―the recruits, exiles, and court-martialed dregs of the military. At the Divide, Adequin Rake commands the Argus. She has no resources, no comms―nothing, except for the soldiers that no one wanted. Her ace in the hole could be Cavalon Mercer–genius and exiled prince who nuked his grandfather’s genetic facility for “reasons.” She knows they are humanity’s last chance.
Mystery and thriller: “When the Stars Go Dark” by Paula McLain Release date: April 13 Anna Hart is a seasoned missing persons detective in San Francisco with far too much knowledge of the darkest side of human nature. When tragedy strikes her personal life, Anna, desperate and numb, flees to the Northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. She lived there as a child with her beloved foster parents, and now she believes it might be the only place left for her. Yet the day she arrives, she learns that a local teenage girl has gone missing. The crime feels frighteningly reminiscent of the most crucial time in Anna’s childhood, when the unsolved murder of a young girl touched Mendocino and changed the community forever. As past and present collide, Anna realizes that she has been led to this moment. The most difficult lessons of her life have given her insight into how victims encounter violent predators. As Anna becomes obsessed with saving the missing girl, she must accept that true courage means getting out of her own way and learning to let others in.
Young Adult: “Witches Steeped in Gold” by Ciannon Smart Release date: April 20 This Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut about two enemy witches who must create a deadly alliance to take down a common enemy has the twisted cat-and-mouse of Killing Eve with the richly imagined fantasy world of Furyborn and Ember in the Ashes. Divided by their order. United by their vengeance. Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom—and vengeance. Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power. Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain—except the lengths they will go to win this game.
SA Examiner 