The movie adaptation of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ by Kevin Kwan will be in theaters starting Wednesday August 15, 2018
Kevin Kwan is a Singaporean-American novelist best known for his satirical novels that comprise the Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy. He was named as one of the ‘Five Writers to Watch’ on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Authors. In 2018, he made Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people and was inducted into The Asian Hall of Fame. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ follows a young Asian American woman who travels to meet her boyfriend’s family, only to find out they are one of the richest families in Singapore. It became a best seller and is followed by ‘China Rich Girlfriend’ and ‘Rich People Problems.’ Kwan once stated that this intention in writing ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ was to introduce a contemporary Asia to a North American audience and that it is loosely based on his own childhood in Singapore. The movie adaptation of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ will be released on Wednesday August 15 and stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Gemma Chan.
According to Amazon, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is the story of New Yorker Rachel Chu who agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend Nicholas Young. She pictures a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry someday. What Nicholas failed to tell her is that his childhood home looks like a palace, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars and that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back as soon as she steps off the plane. Soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives and scheming social climbers.
Camp Gladiator stops in San Antonio on Saturday August 18 at the Alamodome. Photo: Camp Gladiator, used with permission.
Camp Gladiator, one of America’s fastest growing fitness companies, is proud to announce a series of free, open-to-the-public stadium takeover events this August in celebration of its tenth anniversary. With the motto “Changing Fitness, Changing Lives,” these fitness events will take place in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Waco, Texas; as well as in Charlotte, North Carolina; Raleigh, New Carolina; Shreveport, Louisiana; Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee. The stadium take-over in San Antonio will take place on Saturday August 18 from 7a.m. to 1p.m. at the Alamodome. (Camp Gladiator, 2018)
Founded in 2008 in Dallas, Texas, by Ally and Jeff Davidson, Camp Gladiator is a movement dedicated to transforming lives through dynamic, fun and challenging outdoor group workouts led by talented trainers who inspire campers to discover their best selves. To celebrate its ten-year anniversary, Camp Gladiator is creating the camp experience on a grand scale by providing the rare experience of working out on the grounds of notable large stadiums in each city for a day of outdoor fitness fun. Since its humble beginning, Camp Gladiator has grown to over 80,000 campers with over 900 trainers across 350 cities. In its tenth year, Camp Gladiator is entering new markets as its pattern of rapid growth continues. Most recently, the company announced plans to expand to Jacksonville, Florida, in January 2019.
The stadium takeover days offer a social, hangout space for guests to have fun and get to know what Camp Gladiator is about. The events feature food, retail, and fitness vendors and other fitness activities such as a slamball slam contest and a battle rope station. Each city event has an Eventbrite page to RSVP and an RSVP is required to attend the free event. The events are open to all ages and all fitness levels. Attendees under 14 years old must have a parent present to attend. All campers will be provided with online waiver forms with their RSVP. Guests are asked to wear athletic clothing.
The Camp Gladiator stadium takeover events start on August 11 in Austin, Texas, and continue in cities across the nation on August 18 and August 25. The day is programmed around a free, CG trainer-led group workout. Attendees can sign up as a spectator or a competitor. The events will either be a “Dash” event where the participants will be released in waves to run between 10 workout stations held throughout the stadium or a “Mega Workout” where participants will complete the 10 workout stations as a large community workout. Dash events are held inside the stadiums are 2 to 3 miles long. Mega Workout events are 60 to 90 minutes long and are held on the stadium grounds or in stadium parking lots.
Both the Dash and Mega Workouts are full-body workouts that combine strength and cardio exercises designed to challenge campers of all fitness levels and ages. The workout is based off the CG camp experience which focuses on endurance, strength, agility, and interval training suitable for all fitness levels. Camp Gladiator provides an encouraging community to inspire greatness and a competitive spirit in each camper.
“We are really beyond excited to be celebrating 10 amazing years of Camp Gladiator and the impact made on hundreds of thousands of campers across the nation. We can’t wait to host our loyal campers and everyone in our amazing communities that have supported us through the years at stadiums across the nation.” Ally Davidson, Camp Gladiator founder and CEO.
On Saturday August 11, Krause’s Café is holding the final of the men’s stein-holding competition. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels has been hosting traditional stein-holding competitions since May. Officially called Masskrugstemmen competitions, they are Bavarian strongman/strongwoman tests that have their roots in Germany where participants hold a liter of German beer by the handle, straight out in front of their bodies for as long as they can. The last person still holding his or her liter of beer correctly wins. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2018)
This Saturday August 11, Krause’s Café & Biergarten is hosting the men’s finals which brings together the male winners from each previous round. The men’s finals will determine the overall ‘strongest’ steinholder, ultimately earning a chance to participate in the Masskrugstemmen at the Hofbrauhaus in New York City on September 15. In New York, the stein master will then be named as national champion and win a trip to Germany. This is the final battle royale of the men’s series of Masskrugstemmen. The Women’s Finals will take place on Saturday August 18.
Krause’s Café is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2807
Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is August 11 through 25 at participating locations. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
August is the time of the year to celebrate all things food related in San Antonio with Culinaria Restaurant Week. Culinaria Restaurant Week was created by the culinary community to promote the different menu options that San Antonio has to offer. It offers locals and visitors an opportunity to discover new cuisines that perhaps they never had a chance to experience at affordable prices at restaurants in areas ranging from downtown to Stone Oak. (Culinaria, 2018)
Now in its ninth year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, scheduled for Saturday August 11 through Saturday August 25, has expanded its footprint to include eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well Alamo City favorites. Participating Restaurants in the Tri-County area will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $15 lunch and $35/$45 dinner. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers.
Participating locations include Acenar Mexican Restaurant, Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano, Biga on the Banks and many more. The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Week menus can be found online. Reservations are not required but are encouraged as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed.
As a non-profit organization, Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.
“Restaurant Week presents a tremendous opportunity for local residents and out-of-town visitors to discover the art of gourmet dining at affordable prices. Plus, it generates excitement and buzz about the wide range of choices and excellent food that define San Antonio and neighboring cities” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria
The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. location in San Antonio is located along the River Walk. Photo: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., used with permission.
Last week, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. opened its first location in San Antonio along the historic River Walk. Inspired by the Paramount Pictures’ hit film “Forrest Gump,” Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. presents a down-home, family-friendly dining experience that perfectly captures the charm and American spirit that made the film a smash hit. Each location offers a taste of southern hospitality and friendly service that involves the guest with such activity as its famous “Run Forrest Run” and “Stop Forrest Stop” license plate signs. It also offers interactive movie trivia, a retail market with regionalized merchandise and the iconic ‘Box of Chocolates’ for purchase, as well as photo opportunities with the world-famous Shrimp Louie mascot. (Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., 2018)
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. remains the first and only theme restaurant chain based on a motion picture, serving patrons around the world including Bali, Cancun, Hong Kong, London and Tokyo among many others, as well as major destinations across the United States like Hollywood, California; Santa Monica Pier in California; Times Square in New York City; the Las Vegas Strip; Navy Pier in Chicago; Mall of America; Miami, Florida; and San Francisco’s Pier 39.
Known for its quality seafood, Bubba Gump offers 19 different preparations of shrimp, as well as an exciting variety of fish, steak and chicken dishes, crisp salads, fun kid’s meals, creative desserts and award-winning ribs. The menu also offers signature items that include Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Seafood Trio, Jenny’s Catch with Lobster Butter Sauce, as well as appetizer favorites like Bubba’s Far Out Dip, Shrimper’s Net Catch and Run Across America Sampler. Guests can also enjoy new menu items like the BBQ Brisket Burger or the Backyard BBQ Combo with Tender Brisket, Barbecue Ribs, Grilled Chicken and Corn on the Cob.
Located at Navarro and W Crockett Street in the heart of the River Walk, it is within walking distance to nearby hotels, shops and attractions. In addition to its southern aesthetic, the restaurant will also offer riverfront dining on its outdoor covered patio. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11a.m. to 10p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to 11p.m.
“San Antonio is a vibrant city recognized for its historic roots and eclectic culture. We are thrilled to join this thriving community and bring our entertaining atmosphere, memorable food and beverage, array of merchandise and souvenirs along with our engaging and interactive service to the River Walk.” – Jim Dufault, VP and COO of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
406 Navarro St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 224-4867
‘Superhero Ethics’ by Travis Smith is an interesting look at superheroes and the qualities that makes them worthy of emulating. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Travis Smith is an American author who received his PhD from Harvard University and is associate professor of political science at Concordia University. He has been collecting comic books since he bought Uncanny X-Men #207 with his allowance in 1986. His writing has appeared in the Weekly Standard and Convivium Magazine. In his latest book, ‘Superhero Ethics: 10 Comic Book Heroes; 10 Ways to Save the World; Which One Do We Need Most Now?’ he uses superheroes to put the focus on timeless human conditions and examines how people use them to shape their character and face life’s challenges.
‘Superhero Ethics,’ poses the questions: given the choice, which superhero should people follow today? Who is most worthy of admiration? Whose goals are most noble? Whose ethics should people try to emulate? Travis Smith takes ten top superheroes and pits them one against another, chapter by chapter. The hero who better exemplifies how people should live advances to the final round. By the end of the book, a single superhero is declared the winner and is crowned the most exemplary. It is divided into the Introduction, Chapter 1 The Best of the Beastly: The Hulk versus Wolverine, Chapter 2 Beacons of Imagination: Green Lantern versus Iron Man, Chapter 3 Responsibility and the City: Batman versus Spider-Man, Chapter 4 Ideals in Action: Captain America versus Mister Fantastic, Chapter 5 Gods in a Longbox: Thor versus Superman and the Conclusion, where the author reveals the winner.
With superheroes being more popular than ever, Travis Smith uses them to explore the topic of ethics in a more familiar way that is also easy to understand. He takes the childhood argument of who is cooler, Batman or Superman and takes it up a notch depending on what a person’s most important human characteristic. For example, if someone “thinks the biggest problem society faces today is the degree of divisiveness exhibited by its citizens, then Captain America is a good role model to adopt.” Even though in the end he declares a clear winner (no spoilers) by examining every aspect of society and human conditions, he hints at the old cliché that everyone is a winner because they all have their endearing and winning qualities. Since it is an in-depth exploration of the comic book world, ‘Superhero Ethics’ is a must-read for comic books fans interested in ethics and will no-doubt leave readers pondering the different topics long after the last word is read.
“…I have learned a few things from superhero stories: First, if some scientist promises to bring all humankind peace and joy through the application of some technology, it means he’s the bad guy; second, global governance is for supervillains; and third, reboots disappoint.”
*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
‘Taste of Texas’ features chefs across Texas and Native Texan inspired dishes. Photo: Independence Brewing Co, used with permission.
Friday August 3 is International Beer Day, and to celebrate, Independence Brewing Co., one of Austin’s largest and most beloved craft breweries, announces its ‘Taste of Texas’ campaigns. It features ten chefs in five cities that will create Texas-Inspired dishes featuring new seasonal brew “Native Texan.” The brewery has partnered with ten culinary experts statewide to celebrate the release of its new seasonal pilsner, Native Texan. Each of the hand-selected chefs and mixologists have been tasked with creating a Texas-inspired dish or cocktail incorporating the beer as its star ingredient. These limited-time, chef-prepared offerings will be served at choice restaurants across Texas exclusively on International Beer Day. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)
Participating chefs and mixologists include:
Austin: Alma Alcocer (Executive Chef, El Alma); Anselmo Sanchez (Executive Chef, El Chile); Todd Duplechan (Chef/Owner, Lenoir); and Justin Gutierrez (Bar Manager, Yuyo)
As the beer has made its way from stores among the ranks of Whole Foods Market and Buc-ee’s into the hands of thirsty Texans, it has resonated with many people, bringing back memories of days spent on the water for some and evenings spent on the porch swing watching the bluebonnets bloom and the sun set for others. For Independence Brewing Co.’s co-founder, Amy Cartwright, Native Texan has meant something uniquely special to her, reminding her why she fell in love with Texas in the first place. Native Texan is now available in Whole Foods Market, Buc-ee’s, HEB, Central Market, and select restaurants and bars throughout Texas.
“To me, Native Texan is about a sense of belonging, the quality of life here in Texas, the people, and the natural beauty. It’s a beer brewed by Texans for Texans,” said Cartwright. “I’m excited to see and taste what Native Texan means to the finest culinary talents in Texas through each of their creations.” – Amy Cartwright
Grammy-nominated Spanish artist Buika will be performing at the Pearl on Friday August 4. Photo: Manuel Velez, used with permission.
To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl developed Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration runs until Sunday September 16 to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary and includes events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. (Pearl, 2018)
As a part of Olé, Grammy-nominated artist from Spain Concha Buika will perform a special concert at Pearl Park on Friday August 4 from 7p.m. to 10p.m. Known commonly by her stage name, Buika, the Spanish singer was voted one of “50 Great Voices” by NPR and nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Concha Buika will take over Pearl Park with a stunning performance that draws inspiration from flamenco, jazz and R&B. San Antonio favorite, Las Coronelas, the all-female mariachi group will open the show. The performance is free and open to the public. Parking information available online.
Pearl Park
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260
San Antonio Food Trails is a food destination guide for visitors and locals alike. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.
San Antonio is fast becoming a foodie destination for visitors as well as locals. Culinaria is teaming up with Visit San Antonio to create a flavorful and fun culinary adventure. ‘San Antonio Food Trails’ is a call for the city’s finest for Best Margaritas, Tacos and BBQ Joints. In September, Culinaria will unveil this new, delicious and exciting concept. The trails will be a categorized journey to restaurants that offer some of the region’s best local cuisine, as decided by a committee of leading local restaurateurs, foodies and culinary ambassadors. (Culinaria, 2018)
Chef Johnny Hernandez noted that most people use their smart phone to plan their visits to different cities. San Antonio Food Trails is designed to be a convenient way for the savvy travel planner to get the most out of their culinary adventure to the Alamo City, while also providing locals with a new way to explore the tastes of their community. “One of our target markets are visitors to San Antonio, so a central walkable tour in San Antonio would be ideal in the coming months after our initial trails are announced,” Chef Johnny Hernandez said.
The list of restaurants that make up the inaugural San Antonio Food Trails will be unveiled this fall. Trails will be divided into four categories: margaritas, BBQ, tacos and a non-judged “Where the Local Chefs Eat” section. Ten to 12 stops will be identified for each of the Food Trails.
To be considered for a designation on one of the recognized San Antonio Food Trails, the eatery must meet the following criteria:
Locally owned and located within Bexar County
Must make efforts to source locally, within 150 miles
Participate in city efforts to promote culinary events in San Antonio
Must be established as a business by designated city, county or state entities
Must have an active website and/or social media viewable to the public
To apply, visit Culinaria online and download an application.
Restaurants on the San Antonio Food Trails will be on a two-year rotation to give ample time for patrons to go on several “food crawls.” Explore, mix-and-match experiences and share your experiences. The San Antonio Food Trails are sure to be a conversation centerpiece for any lover of great local cuisine.
Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.
“We feel San Antonio has a lot to offer. We wanted to make it easier for visitors and locals to get to these places they might have never visited otherwise.” – Celebrity Chef Johnny Hernandez, who is helping lead development of the San Antonio Food Trails.
La Cantera Resort & Spa now has a nature program that gives guests’ children the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Part of the Destination Hotels collection, La Cantera Resort & Spa announces the launch of Kids Club Naturalist Program benefitting San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. A picturesque Hill Country nature trail on the west side of La Cantera Resort & Spa is now a classroom where children can get an up-close and personal introduction to flora and fauna. Children will learn about the different trees, cactus, birds and native wildlife such as raccoons, armadillos, deer, wild pigs and possums, that share the 550-acre grounds of the resort. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)
The Kids Club Naturalist Program is designed for children ages four to twelve and is available to resort guests for $70 per child. Reservations can be done online or by phone at (855) 499-2960. A trained resort staff member will accompany eight to ten children on a quarter-mile tree-shaded nature trail for the start of a four-hour adventure. Children will have the opportunity to see deer, road runners, lizards, hummingbirds and more, and to walk among the cedar, oak and cactus on the trail. Young naturalists get a backpack with tools to support their adventure, such as a magnifying glass, notebook to log observations and a booklet with naturalist-themed puzzles and games.
Children enrolled in the daylong Kids Club Naturalist Program will scout animal tracks, observe and categorize trees and wildflowers and learn to identify different kinds of animal poop. They will do this under a curriculum co-developed with San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. For their partnership, La Cantera Resort & Spa will donate a portion of the registration fee to these non-profit organizations. Aly Wehde, Director of Recreation for La Cantera Resort & Spa, worked with educational staff from San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden on site as they developed the program.
On the trail, resort staff place molds of various animal tracks for children to discover (coyotes, rabbits, deer and more) just in case the critters that inhabit the grounds are a bit shy. Signs identify native Hill Country trees, flowers and plants. After the trail hike, children return to the Kids Club activity center for arts, crafts and educational exercises that complement the outdoor lessons.
While the kids are on their four-hour educational adventure, parents can relax at the adults-only infinity pool, take a few swings at one of the two world-class golf courses, be pampered with a signature treatment at Loma de Vida spa or sit and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail and sumptuous meal at one of the property’s fine restaurants.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with La Cantera Resort & Spa on nature programming that connects children to the plant world,” – Bob Brackman, Executive Director of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500
SA Examiner 