The movie adaptation of ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ by Jenny Han is now on Netflix.
Jenny Han is The New York Times’ bestselling author of young adult fiction and children’s fiction. She is best known for The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy and the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, which includes ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,’ ‘P.S. I Still Love Your’ and ‘Always and Forever, Lara Jean.’ ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ is about a teenage girl whose secret love letters to past crushes are made public. The movie adaptation stars Lana Condor, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart and John Corbett and was released by Netflix on August 17, 2018.
According to Amazon, ‘To All the Boys I’ve Love Before’ is the story of a sixteen-year-old half-Korean, half-Caucasian girl named Lara Jean Song who keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They are not love letters that anyone else wrote for her but rather letters that she has written – one for every boy she has ever loved; five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life because these letter are private. Until the day her secret letters are mailed and her love life changes from imaginary to out of control.
Buddy V’s will now have live jazz on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays featuring Alex and Karen Sutherlin. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Guests to Buddy V’s Ristorante can now enjoy some soft jazz with their favorite Italian meal. Located at The Shops at La Cantera, Buddy V’s is proud to introduce husband-and-wife duo Alex and Karen Sutherlin, who will bring their sweet jazz stylings to the restaurant on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and Saturdays from 12p.m. to 3p.m. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)
Combined with the restaurant’s unbeatable deals, including all-day happy hour specials for ladies on Tuesdays and 50% off all wine bottles on Wednesdays, their sultry tunes are another great reason to bring friends and family for a delicious meal.
Buddy V’s Ristorante
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 462-1167
The next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday will feature the flavors of Spanish jamon. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
The ongoing summer celebration Olé, San Antonio at the Pearl is meant to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary and celebrate its Spanish heritage. Hotel Emma has been participating by hosting master classes featuring food and ingredients from Spain. This Wednesday August 22 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., attendees are invited to discover the exemplary Spanish flavor of jamón at Hotel Emma’s next master class. They will be able to enjoy a tasting and lesson taught by Manuel Antonio Recio, master carver and co-owner of Conserva from Portland, Oregon, as they discover the process and celebrate the noble Spanish pig.
Manuel Antonio Recio will be the expert of the day. He is a master carver and co-owner of Conserva, a specialty food purveyor located in Portland, Oregon. The evening will feature a lesson from Manuel and a tasting – all devoted to jamón. Tickets for the class are $25 and available for purchase online.
Larder and Sternewirth will be featuring tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight the deep flavor of Spanish jamón. Or, find a seat at Supper’s table to experience Chef John Brand’s inspired approach to this ingredient, available all week long during lunch and dinner.
Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300
‘Hello Dolly!’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday August 24. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Hello Dolly!’ the blockbuster Broadway hit that is filled with humor, romance, high-energy dancing and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn of the century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences. This show opens this Friday August 24 and will until through Sunday September 16 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)
‘Hello Dolly!’ is based on Thornton Wilder’s 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers and follows the story of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker, who travels to Yonkers, New York to find a match for the miserly ‘well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder. In doing so, she persuades his niece, his niece’s intended and Horace’s two clerks to travel to New York City. It stars Anna Gangai as Dolly Levi, Tim Hedgepeth as Horace Vandergelder and Brian Hodges as Cornelius Hackl. Christopher Rodriguez is the director and choreographer and Josh Pepper is the musical director.
The movie adaptation of Ron Stallworth’s ‘The Black Klansman’ is now in theaters.
Ron Stallworth is a highly-decorated law enforcement veteran who worked undercover narcotics, vice, criminal intelligence and organized crime beats in four states. As the first African-American police officer and detective in the Colorado Springs, Colorado Police Department, he overcame fierce racial hostility to achieve a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. In his memoir ‘Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime’ he writes about his experiences as he sets out to infiltrate and expose the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. The movie adaptation written and directed by Spike Lee is now in theaters and stars John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier and Topher Grace.
According to Amazon, ‘Black Klansman’ is the extraordinary true story of Ron Stallworth who comes across a classified ad in the local paper asking for all those interested in joining the Ku Klux Klan to contact a PO Box. He responds using his real name while posing as a white man. He thought he would only receive information through the mail, but a few weeks later he receives a phone call asking if he would like to join their cause. Ron recruits his partner Chuck to play the ‘white’ Stallworth and thus begins one of the most incredible undercover investigations in history. During this investigation, he sabotages cross burnings, exposes white supremacists in the military and befriends the Grand Wizard of the KKK himself, David Duke.
‘You Lucky Dog’ by Debra Finerman is a humorous story of a couple and their beloved dog.
Debra Finerman is an American author best known for her historical fiction novels ‘Shadow War: The Resistance Fighters’ Literary Club’ and ‘Mademoiselle Victorine’ which has been translated into six languages worldwide. She is a former journalist for Capital Style, The Hollywood Reporter monthly magazine, Beverly Hills Today and Beverly Hills Magazine. Her new book ‘You Lucky Dog’ is a humorous novel for dog and human lovers alike and the unlikely love story of Jake and Emma, a young couple thrown into a very unusual situation.
‘You Lucky Dog’ is the story of Jake and Emma, a young married couple who seem to have everything. They are in love and live with their dog Jake in the leafy suburbs of Los Angeles. One rainy Saturday, Jake the human is on his way to take their West Highland terrier dog Jake to the vet when he gets into a horrible car accident. That event changes everything for him as he is now in the body of the dog and his human body is dead. Chapter One begins with the blunt statement: “I Can’t Believe I’m Dead” so there is never any doubt that he dies and from there he goes back to explain how he got there. At first, he struggles to accept his new life but at his funeral he tells Emma what happened and together they find a way to make it work. Eventually he becomes bored with the simple dog life at home and reaches out to become famous as a dog celebrity. Once he becomes content with being Jake the dog, he stretches out in his doggy bed to take a nap and wakes up a human again.
With her third book, Debra Finerman reaches out to dog lovers everywhere with a love letter to dogs and their owners. This light-hearted romantic comedy is written in the first-person narrative and successfully gives readers insight into what a dog’s life must be like. It is a dog/human version of Freaky Friday without taking itself too seriously. Jake the human was not a bad person in the beginning, but as a dog he not only becomes protective and nurturing but he also learns to appreciate each day as it comes. ‘You Lucky Dog’ is small book and easy to read and the perfect book to pick up for a quick read before the summer ends. It is recommended for dog lovers who appreciate a book for a dog’s point of view. The only complaint is Jake the dog’s uncertain fate at the end.
*A copy of this book was received for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
‘Start a Successful Business’ by Colleen DeBaise gives readers important information on business entrepreneurship.
Colleen DeBaise is a contributing editor at Inc. and podcast host at The Story Exchange, a media nonprofit devoted to women business owners. She is the founder of Hampton Bee, a media site that provides news and tips for consumers who support small businesses on Long Island’s East End. In 2005, she was the winner of the Newswomen’s Club of New York’s Front Page award for specialized writing. Her book ‘Start a Successful Business: Expert Advice to Take Your Startup from Idea to Empire’ gives expert advice for helping potential entrepreneurs get their business off the ground.
From the editors at Inc. Magazine, ‘Start a Successful Business’ simplifies the business process and includes startup stories made to inspire and spark entrepreneurs into action. Its purpose is to walk readers through the seven crucial stages that it takes to build a successful business from idea to empire. Each chapter makes up one of these steps: Chapter 1: Come Up with a Brilliant Business Idea, Chapter 2: Select the Best Strategy and Structure for Your Startup, Chapter 3: Figure Out Funding, Chapter 4: Get the Word Out – and Get Customers, Chapter 5: Dig Deep to Discover Customer’s Wants and Needs, Chapter 6: Become an Exceptional Leader and Chapter 7: Prepare to Go Global.
All include various case studies and last words that summarized the chapter. Chapter 2 includes important basics everyone should know such as how to write a business plan that includes plan templates, components of a business plan, permits and paperwork while Chapter 3 has the all-important subject of business funding and provides funding sources such as credit cards, retirement savings, crowdfunding and professional investors. It also includes ways to calculating startup costs with bootstrapping tips like sharing office services and equipment, lease instead of purchase and negotiate fees and terms with all service providers and suppliers.
‘Start a Successful Business’ gives readers clear and concise information on starting a business from idea to successful business and includes interviews with success stories meant to inspire the everyday person to strive out on his or her own. It is meant to inform and motivate people who want to start a new business but do not know where to start and gives them easy step by step advice. The stand out chapter is Chapter 4 because it has much needed advice on how to get the word out about a new product or service. These ideas include networking, referrals and reviews, affinity groups, cold calling and advertising. Specially geared towards modern advertising is the ‘Social Media 101’ section that has the different social media networks, how they work and which one to use depending on a person’s needs: YouTube for tutorials, Instagram for visual based ideas and Snapchat if target audience is young, as with millennials. The tone is relaxed and easy to understand and follow. It is recommended for those with little to no business knowledge and is full of useful advice, ideas and success stories to motivate anyone who has ever dreamt of being a business owner.
*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
Buddy V’s Italian Birthday Cake. Photo: Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.
The month of September is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate that special day than with cake. As San Antonians get ready to celebrate, TLC’s ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro, from Buddy V’s Ristorante, located at The Shops at La Cantera is graciously sharing the secret recipe for the much loved Italian Birthday Cake. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)
Method:
1.Brush sponge with simple syrup. Then spread cannoli cream.
2.Place second layer of sponge and brush with simple syrup. Then spread chocolate pastry cream.
3.Place third layer of sponge and brush with simple syrup. Using a spatula, smooth chocolate pastry cream on the sides of the cake. Then smooth whipped cream on top of the cake.
4.Coat the sides of the cake with toasted almonds.
5.With the star tip in a piping bag, pipe a border around the top and bottom of the cake.
Sponge Cake Method:
1.Whip water, oil, vanilla extract, yolks and dry ingredients until double in size.
2.Whip egg whites and sugar until stiff peak and fold into mixture.
3.Spray pan and put parchment.
4.Bake at 325 degrees F until it springs back.
Rum Simple Syrup Ingredients:
•985 grams sugar
•985 grams water
•1 cup rum
Rum Simple Syrup Method:
1.Boil sugar and water until sugar has dissolved.
2.Add rum.
3.Cool in ice bath.
Cannoli Cream Ingredients:
•2 lbs. Impastata
•1 lb. Ricotta, tub
•2 drops cinnamon oil
•8 oz. sugar
•4 oz. cocoa drops
Cannoli Cream Method:
1.In electric mixer with paddle attachment, beat both cheeses and sugar.
2.Add oil.
3.Lastly, add cocoa drops and taste the cream.
Chocolate Pastry Cream Method:
1.Combine Half & Half, sugar, vanilla and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil.
2.In a bowl, combine yolks, cocoa powder and cornstarch.
3.Temper the milk mixture into yolk mixture.
4.Put back onto heat and with a hand blender, mix until thick.
5.Add butter.
6.Strain and cool in ice bath.
Fast Eddie’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary with festivities and prizes. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission.
Fast Eddie’s, the largest group of billiards halls in the U.S., is celebrating its 20th anniversary with six months of festivities, prizes and a Chevy Camaro giveaway. In recognition of loyal guests and many enthusiasts, Fast Eddie’s is hosting a series of anniversary parties at each location on the first Friday of every month from August 2018 through February 2019. Each anniversary party will have a festive theme, drink specials and raffles. The grand prize, a new 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, will be awarded to one lucky winner in the color of their choice during the last party. (Fast Eddie’s, 2018)
Fast Eddie’s opened its first location in San Antonio in August 1998 by hospitality experts and bar veterans, Bob Wilson, Mark Beyer and Mark Lewis. These talented entrepreneurs created a neighborhood gathering place with more entertainment options than were available at any other billiards halls. With large, comfortable environments that feature multi-dimensional entertainment, high-end audio-visual equipment, top of the line pool tables, dart boards, video games, music, comfort food, a full bar, themed events and charity benefits, Fast Eddie’s has drawn a loyal following. The single pool hall on Culebra Rd became so successful, it spurred the growth of Fast Eddie’s to 15 locations in Texas and Louisiana.
During each of the Fast Eddie’s 20th anniversary parties, one lucky winner will receive a $3,000-value prize. There is no cost to enter. Guests can attend recurring 20th anniversary parties at any of the 15 Fast Eddie’s locations beginning August 3, 2018. Forty finalist tickets will be issued per location per event. During each party, a total of ten tickets for the Grand Prize Camaro Giveaway will be drawn on the hour from 9pm to 12am. The final tickets will be distributed on January 4, 2019. To qualify for the grand prize, participants must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, must attend any of the first six Fast Eddie’s parties and win at least one qualifying ticket at any of those six events. Winners of each monthly Fast Eddie’s 20th Anniversary party will be announced via Facebook Live and on HDTVs at each location. Participants must be present to win. Additional information on how to participate and event details and terms and conditions are available online.
Fast Eddie’s 20th Anniversary Party Event Dates:
• Friday, September 7, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, October 5, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Thursday, November 2, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, December 7, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, January 4, 2019: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, February 1, 2019: car giveaway and one $3,000-value prize giveaway
Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX
HoneyDew, the limited edition honey-infused bourbon from Garrison Brothers Distillery will be available starting August 17. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.
Garrison Brothers Distillery recently announced the release of HoneyDew, the latest experimental release in the company’s portfolio of ultra-premium, Texas-born bourbon whiskies. HoneyDew be available at the Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas for a limited time starting August 17 with only 4,000 bottles available. The special release 80 proof bourbon is infused with 100% Texas-made Burleson’s wildflower honey resulting in a smooth, light bourbon with a subtle honey finish. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2018)
The project is eleven years in the making and a departure from previous styles created by the brand. Nancy Garrison, wife and business partner of proprietor Dan Garrison, wanted the distillery to produce a honey-sweetened bourbon whiskey since they started the business together in 2006. Dan strongly objected due to his disdain for “flavored whiskies,” hence the name “HoneyDew”, as a play on “Honey Do” requests. Garrison’s objections to flavored whiskies come from the fact that so many of them are chemical concoctions; several even made with propylene glycol.
The new bourbon has tasting notes of sweet elderberry syrup, yeast, yellow-flesh peaches, apricots, white chocolate and of course, delicious, golden Texas honey. Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release of HoneyDew with a party at their distillery in Hye, Texas on Friday, August 17. Dubbed the HoneyDew Hullabaloo, the daytime party will feature frozen HoneyDew cocktails by Frost 321, a mobile cigar lounge by Habana Cowboy and a honey-education tent by Burleson’s Honey. Distillery gates will open at noon and the festivities will last until 6p.m. HoneyDew will be available exclusively at the distillery in Hye, Texas for $69.99 beginning August 17 at Hye Noon.
Garrison Brothers Distillery™ is a small farm and ranch located in the Texas Hill Country which produces straight bourbon whiskey. Founded in 2006, Garrison Brothers is the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas history and is one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey and only bourbon whiskey. At the American Craft Spirit Awards in 2016, they were awarded a gold medal for their Cowboy Bourbon™, silver medal for their 2016 Vintage Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey and another silver for their Texas Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas.
Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635
SA Examiner 