Day: July 26, 2022

Book review: ‘Dry Heat: A Novel’ by Len Joy

‘Dry Heat: A Novel’ is Len Joy’s latest novel. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Len Joy is the author of four books that have have received shining reviews and several awards. His first novel, “American Past Time,” published in 2014 took 1st Prize in the Top Shelf Book Awards in 2019, his second novel, “Better Days” was a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards in 2019, and “Everyone Dies Famous,” published in 2020 won 1st Prize in the 2020 Top Shelf Book Awards. His new book “Dry Heat” is about an All-American young man, Joey Blade, whose life begins to unravel when he learns that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, is betrayed by his new girlfriend, and is arrested for the attempted murder of two police officers.

“Dry Heat” –  The story is set in Phoenix, Arizona and begins in November 1999 as a teenage Joey Blade is at a park playing basketball with his friends. Shortly thereafter at the high school bonfire, his life takes a turn for the worse as he is at the wrong place at the wrong time. The bonfire explodes and Joey, his girlfriend Wendy and her drug dealing friend TJ flee in her truck. When the police pursue, TJ shoots at the cop’s car. It crashes and in the ensuing chaos TJ slips away undetected. Joey, the only adult in the truck, is arrested and charged with attempted murder and released on bail. TJ is nowhere to be found. In desperation, he reaches out to notorious gang leader, Chico Torres, whom he met in jail, for help locating TJ. When Joey is offered a deal–his freedom in exchange for his cooperation in nailing Chico–he faces a decision that will change the course of his life. The book is divided into two parts: Part I Joey and Part II Joseph and spans years in Joey Blade’s life, up to the year 2017 as an adult.

Some of the best novels plunge deep into the human condition by examining a character’s lifetime of experiences. Such is the case in “Dry Heat” as readers are witnesses to Joey Blade’s transformation from an idealistic teenager to a young man who, despite being falsely convicted of a crime, he is far from jaded. As with his previous novels, Len Joy excels at character development and by the end of the story, readers cannot help but be heavily invested in finding out what happens. Due to the dialogue driven action, it is an easy read and hard to put down. The characters are down to earth and relatable because anyone can easily become a victim of circumstances and have his or her life turned upside down from one minute to the next. “Dry Heat” by Len Joy has everything from family drama to courtroom action and is recommended for readers who enjoy both. It is a must read coming of age saga.

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

An excerpt is available.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Austin’s newest female-led and garden-inspired mixology program

The Mansion is debuting a new immersive cocktail menu inspired by the resort’s lush grounds. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.

Austin’s glamorous Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection’s The Mansion is debuting a new, immersive cocktail menu inspired by the resort’s lush grounds that incorporates the tastes, smells, and sights in the property’s beloved rose garden. The Mansion’s Lead Mixologist, award-winning Sarah Rahl, a veteran of the industry who has held positions at Proper Hospitality and Four Seasons, inspires guests to experience the property with rose-colored glasses, embracing the unique flavors that are exclusive to the renowned hotel. (Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

The Location: Step through the Mansion’s ornate wrought-iron doors and be transported to an era when Texan businessman Edgar “Commodore” Perry and his wife Lutie presided over lavish Jazz Age soirées. Their intangible spirit lives on in the 10,800-square-foot Mansion, reimagined by acclaimed designer Ken Fulk as a glamorous social hub.

The Inspiration: Sip on craft cocktails curated by the Mansion’s Lead Mixologist, Sarah Rahl, that run the spectrum of the rose garden’s particular pantone: pinks, fuchsias, blush, and bright reds. Each cocktail boasts vastly varying flavor profiles, including body, heat, herbaceousness, salinity, and fresh produce.

From the refreshing Desert Rose cocktail, a medley of mezcal, watermelon and lime juice, to a custom Sunken Garden (referring to the on-property garden), featuring gin and sparkling wine, cucumber and lime juice, topped off with green chartreuse – there is a hyperlocal, artisanal cocktail for everyone. Guests and members can enjoy the spectacular cocktails in the charmingly distinct Mansion, or perhaps by the European-inspired chaises for poolside dining.

With this new female-led mixology program at The Estate, the property reaffirms its dedication to exceptional dining and celebrates the story of each cocktail’s unique inspiration and methods.

 

Full Goods Diner coming to Pearl in September

Full Goods Diner, a new restaurant concept by the owners of Paperboy in Austin, will offer casual and approachable fare with a nod to San Antonio’s culinary traditions. Photo: Paperboy, used with permission.

The owners behind successful Paperboy in Austin are excited to announce Full Goods Diner, a new restaurant coming to Pearl. The new diner is the product of San Antonio native and restaurateur Ryan Harms and chef Patrick Jackson of Paperboy in partnership with Potluck Hospitality. Full Goods Diner will open in September 2022 in the Full Goods building on the property, with an official opening date to be announced soon. The restaurant will be located at 200 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Potluck Hospitality, 2022)

“Having grown up in San Antonio, I am particularly excited to be back here, contributing to the city’s dining scene. We are so proud of what we’ve created with Paperboy in Austin and can’t wait to bring this fresh, yet familiar style of food and hospitality to our guests.” – owner Ryan Harms. 

Full Goods Diner will serve made from scratch, seasonally-driven food for breakfast and lunch with a menu consisting of comforting and familiar everyday food. Seasonal and local ingredients will be used to connect the restaurant to its central and south Texas roots with a blend of Mexican and American fare. Guests can expect to see menu items like handmade pastries, seasonal toasts, breakfast enchiladas, pancakes, sopes, carnitas tortas, hill country salads, and more. 

“We are excited to welcome Full Goods Diner to Pearl. Their menu is very reflective of San Antonio and we’re thrilled that they are anchoring Pearl’s new plaza and joining the excellent lineup of culinary concepts in the neighborhood.” – Pearl CEO Mesh Millsap

The design of Full Goods Diner embodies the warm and welcoming environment at Pearl with rich wooden accents, plenty of natural light, and a greenhouse-style entry. Full Goods Diner will also feature a patio that extends out into the new plaza space at Pearl that is also set to open this summer. The Full Goods team is excited to create this environment by working with Laura Brittain of Kempt Design Studio and architect Chioco Design. 

After graduating from Baylor University’s entrepreneurship program, San Antonio native Ryan Harms began working in the hospitality industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex before moving to Austin with the ultimate goal of owning his own restaurant. In 2015 he launched the successful Paperboy food truck, which ultimately transitioned into an even more successful brick-and-mortar location by the same name. 

In 2017, chef Patrick Jackson joined the Paperboy team as executive chef and was integral in helping to get the permanent location off the ground. Patrick grew up making pasta with his Italian grandfather and has been in the kitchen ever since. He was an invaluable part of the opening teams at The Lark and Lucky Penny in Santa Barbara’s funk zone, as well as Herb & Wood in San Diego’s Little Italy before his move to Texas. Patrick is joined at Full Goods Diner by chef de cuisine, Ruvin Samarasundera, who has worked under legendary chefs including Thomas Keller and Michael Chiarello and has been with the Paperboy team since 2021.

Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance who share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.

Superhero Adventure Night at San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art’s Choose Your Destiny: A Superhero Adventure Night will be this Friday, July 29, 2022. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is calling all heroes and villains to enjoy its interactive Choose Your Destiny: A Superhero Adventure Night on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 6p.m. to 8:30p.m. in the Great Hall. Those brave enough to take on the challenge will be able to create their own path through the galleries by answering riddles, but make the wrong choice and players could meet their demise. This unforgettable evening is available for all ages and is free with Museum admission, following required pre-registration (free of charge). (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

At sunset, friends and foes are encouraged to grab a blanket and head to the West Lawn for a screening of the cult classic ‘90s film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Rated PG). Fuzed will be onsite serving refreshing drinks, spirits, and paletas while Stone Bro’s Pizza will be offering the Ninja Turtle’s favorite hot and delicious pizza from 6p.m. through the end of the film. After the movie, guests can grab a photo with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle van that will be positioned at the Museum’s entrance. SAMA is overjoyed to embrace art and superhero lovers alike for a one-of-a-kind evening.