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

Grape Punch sessions at William Chris Vineyards

As harvest season approaches, William Chris Vineyards is thrilled to announced the dates for their infamous Grape Punch sessions taking place at the vineyard in August. Tickets are now available online for $25. (William Chris Vineyards, 2019)

Upcoming Grape Punch sessions:

Saturday, August 17 – 12p.m.
Saturday, August 17 – 1:30p.m.
Saturday, August 24 – 12p.m.
Saturday, August 24 – 1:30p.m.
Sunday, August 25 – 1p.m.
Sunday, August 25 – 2:30p.m.

The sessions, led by the winemakers at William Chris will feature a mini learning workshop focused on harvest and the winemaking process including techniques for transforming grapes to wine from the vine to the bottle. During Grape Punch, guests will be able to scrub-up and punch-down the 2019 vintage. At the end of the session, guests will be able to take their “grapey” hands and stamp his or her own Grape Punch shirt to take home.

William Chris Vineyards
10352 U.S. Highway 290
Hye, TX 78635

National Ice Cream Day this Sunday

evoshakes — EVO will be offering $6 boozy shakes for National Ice Cream Day. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group will be scooping out specials at three of their locations across South Texas including Schertz, Kyle and The SPOT at San Marcos. Specials include hand-spun milkshakes for $5 all day at EVO (normally $6.50) and boozy shakes for $6 (normally $8.50).

EVO’s classic shakes are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry with options of more exquisite flavors like Mexican Vanilla and Caramel. Boozy shakes include ‘Grab Life By The Bourbon’ featuring maker’s mark, Kahlua, nutmeg and caramel and others can be made to order. Movie-goers seeing the Lion King will prefer Hakuna Matata from the summer LTO menu that pairs with the film release and has brownie chunks and is drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce.

3200 Kyle Crossing
Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 523-9009

18658 IH 35N
Schertz ,TX 78154
(210) 764-6986

1180 Thorpe Lane
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 210-8600

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, Maybelle’s Donuts in Pearl’s Bottling Department will have a special you “donut” want to miss. For $5 guests can have any donut of their choice topped with delicious soft serve ice cream. Donuts flavors include chocolate sea salt, original glazed and a seasonal filled donut. The special will only be available on National Ice Cream Day Sunday, July 21 while supplies last.

312 Pearl Parkway
Building Six
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 564-9140

Pluckers Wing Bar celebrating 24 years

pluckerslogo — Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating its 24th anniversary with weeklong specials. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating its 24th anniversary next week and is hosting a week-long celebration from Tuesday, July 23 through Monday, July 29 at all locations in Texas and Baton Rouge. The weeklong celebration will feature food and drink specials, including 75-cent wings, $1 beers, and $5 Holy Mac, “Keep the Mason Jar” special and more. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

From July 24 to July 28, the first 100 guests at each location can participate in the “Keep the Mason Jar” special where guests who purchase a 16-oz. Pluckers Cocktail can keep the commemorative 24th anniversary mason jar. On Sunday, July 28, Pluckers will offer a new special giving the first 25 people per store the chance to get a commemorative “I Survived 5” T-shirt by eating 5 Fire in the Hole wings.

Pluckers fans at all locations (excluding the new San Antonio Landmark location) can also participate in 90s-themed Live Team Trivia on Wednesday, July 24 as well as 90s-themed Pluck Hunt on Thursday, July 25 or Friday, July 26 (pending location). In addition, Pluckers will be selling their Pluckers Club memberships for $10 all week.

The full list of anniversary food and drink specials and events includes:

Tuesday, July 23: $1 Miller Lite, 75-cent wings
Wednesday, July 24: Keep the Mason Jar, $5 Holy Mac, 90’s Trivia
Thursday, July 25: Keep the Mason Jar, $5 Fried Pickles, 90’s Pluck Hunt
Friday, July 26: Keep the Mason Jar, $5 Buffalo Bites appetizer, 90’s Pluck Hunt (Killeen, Lakeline, Oak Hill)
Saturday, July 27: Keep the Mason Jar, $5 Fried Cheese
Sunday, July 28: Keep the Mason Jar, “I Survived 5” T-Shirt
Monday, July 29: National Chicken Wing Day, $1 Bud Light, 75-cent wings

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Tilman Singer’s LUZ opens this week

luzposter — Tilman Singer’s LUZ opens this Friday July 19 in New York and Los Angeles. National release to follow. Photo: EG-PR, used with permission.

LUZ is a new German horror movie opening theatrically in New York (IFC Center, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema City Point, Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg) and Los Angeles (Laemmle Monica, Laemmle Playhouse 7) on Friday July 19 with a national release to follow. (EG-PR, 2019)

LUZ begins as a young female cabdriver (Luana Velis, in the title role) drags herself into a run-down police station. However, a demonic entity follows her there, determined to finally be close to the woman it loves.

Dazed and numb, Luz, a young cabdriver, drags herself into the brightly lit entrance of a run-down police station. In a nightspot, Nora seductively engages police psychiatrist Dr. Rossini in a conversation. She tells the Doctor about her old schoolmate Luz’ rebellious past at a Chilean school for girls. Nora is possessed by a demonic entity, longing for the woman it loves – Luz. Increasingly drunk on both alcohol and Nora’s story, Rossini turns into easy prey. When called to the police station, the now demonically revived doctor puts Luz in a state of hypnosis, supervised by his colleagues, commissioner Bertillon and her translator Olarte. Luz recalls the events predating her arrival at the police station. But the entity that has taken control of the doctor wants something more. Bit by bit it slips into Luz’ reenactment and makes old memories come to light. (IMDb)

Shooting entirely on 16mm, first time feature film director Tilman Singer pays homage to horror masters David Cronenberg, Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci, while infusing the genre with a fresh take of his own.

Written and directed by Tilman Singer

Produced by Dario Mendez Acosta and Tilman Singer

Starring Luana Velis and Jan Bluthardt

Official selection: Fantasia Film Festival, Fantastic Fest (US Premiere) Berlin International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival and many more.

Mala Luna Festival lineup announced-tickets now on sale

malaluna18pic — Young Thug performing at Mala Luna Festival 2018. Photo: Brandon Todd, used with permission.

ScoreMore Show’s Mala Luna Music Festival, the premier festival destination in Texas on Halloween weekend, is proud to announce the full music lineup for the fourth annual weekend event taking place on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27 at Nelson Wolff Stadium (Parking Lot) located just west of downtown San Antonio. Single-day, two-day GA, and two-day VIP tickets are on sale online. (Mala Luna Festival, 2019)

Mala Luna Music Festival is a multi-day music festival held each year on Halloween weekend in San Antonio, Texas. Since its inception in 2016, Mala Luna has showcased national headlining music talent alongside some of today’s most exciting up-and-comers, while also paying tribute to San Antonio and larger South Texas region’s cultural celebration of Dia de los Muertos through a highly curated festival experience for all ages. Featuring multiple outdoor stages, local vendors and visual artists and a diverse music lineup with some of today’s most sought-after music acts, Mala Luna Music Festival has become Texas’ premier music festival each Halloween weekend.

This year’s festival will again offer festivalgoers a weekend celebration of music and culture featuring a curated lineup of some of today’s most sought after hip-hop, R&B and dance music artists. With a greater emphasis on showcasing the rising female talent in today’s music industry, the 2019 lineup will feature a number of talented female powerhouses from hip-hop and R&B. In a continued effort to support and shine a light on Texas’ growing music scene, several local artists will be performing, including FRITOGANG, Hoodlum, Jay Wile and Doeman.

Mala Luna Music Festival 2019 lineup:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
RUSS • MIGUEL
YG • DABABY • SUMMER WALKER
SMINO • MEGAN THEE STALLION • DANILEIGH • MELII
LALI • UMI • GUAPDAD 4000 • FRITOGANG • JAY WILE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
DIPLO • JUICE WRLD
PLAYBOI CARTI • TRIPPIE REDD • JESSIE REYEZ
ARI LENNOX • LIL KEED • CALBOY • 10K.CAASH
OMB PEEZY • ALAINA CASTILLO • HOODLUM • DOEMAN

Tickets are now available for purchase online. Single-day General Admission tickets are available for $79, Weekend General Admission tickets are available for $109, while two-day VIP begin at $159. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase now as prices will continue to rise as the festival event date approaches. Mala Luna ticket buyers looking for the ultimate festival experience should opt for one of the curated VIP ticket packages. VIP Packages this year include Black Moon ($159), Harvest Moon ($179), and Fly Me to the Moon ($399), with perks including preferred viewing areas, expedited entry, dedicated bars and restroom facilities, festival merch and more.

As part of its continuing philanthropic efforts, Mala Luna will donate a portion of the 2019 festival proceeds to the Miracle League of San Antonio, a San Antonio-based nonprofit organization. The Miracle League of San Antonio is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. Its four-acre complex includes a special-surfaced baseball field as well as three acres of custom-designed synthetic turf and asphalt, which allows individuals with wheelchairs and other walking assistance devices to participate in a variety of different sports in a safe, accessible environment.

Nelson Wolff Stadium
5757 W US Highway 90
San Antonio, TX 78227
(210) 675-7275

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Author: Sandra Cruz