Celebrate National Lasagna Day with Buddy V

buddyvlasagna — Buddy V’s Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno. Photo” Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.

National Lasagna Day is a holiday commemorated annually on July 29th to celebrate one of the most quintessential Italian dishes. A dish that is not only popular in the United States, it also has enormous popularity around the world even though there is debate among culinary historians over when this dish was created.

Straight from Buddy Valastro’s vault of family recipes, Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno is the holy grail of lasagnas and this is ultimate recipe needed to celebrate National Lasagna Day. Courtesy of Buddy V’s Ristorante at The Shops at La Cantera, this colossal dish features Italian sausage, bolognese, ricotta, provolone, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bring home one of the Cake Boss’ most beloved heirloom recipes. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)

Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno – Courtesy of Bryan Forgione

Béchamel Ingredients
8 oz. butter
10 oz. all purpose flour
10 oz. chicken stock
2 bunches Thyme
Salt

Method

Make roux with butter, chicken stock, and flour, cook out for a few minutes.
Add rest and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking to the bottom.
Strain through china cap.

Nona’s Lasagna Al Forno Ingredients
11 sheets Lasagna Pasta
1 lb. Shredded Mozzarella
4 oz. Grana Grated
½ Gallon Ricotta
1 Bunch Basil Leaves
12 oz. Marinara
1/2 lb. ground beef, Cooked
1 lb. ground Italian sausage, cooked
12 oz. Béchamel

Method

(1) Spray heavily with non-stick all sides and bottom of a pan roughly the same size as the pasta.
(2) Lay down parchment paper to cover bottom. Lay down pasta evenly covering ENTIRE bottom corner to corner, start layering –béchamel –marinara -meat –mozzarella –ricotta–grana -basil.
(3) Add a layer of pasta and push down using another pan.
(4) Repeat process until you end up with 11 sheets of pasta total.
(5) Cover with parchment and plastic wrap and put in cooler, place the pan on top and weigh it down evenly overnight.
(6) Next day, use a grill spatula to loosen up all the sides.
(7) Flip onto a parchment lined sheet pan.
(8) Cut into 4 rectangles and wrap individually.

Notes
For each layer: 1 qt. of meat, 1 qt. of béchamel, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1 cup of ricotta, 1 cup of grana, 6 oz. marinara.

Pluckers Wing Bar celebrates 23 years

pluckerslogo — Pluckers Wing Bar is having food and drink specials all week to celebrate their anniversary. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating its 23^rd anniversary this week from Monday July 23 through Sunday July 29 at all locations. Texas’ Favorite Wing Restaurant’s Celebration will feature Fan Favorites and food and drink specials, including 75-cent wings, $1 beers, $4 Holy Mac, and more. Pluckers will also offer their Pluckers Club members a new “Keep the Mason Jar” special. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)

From July 24 to July 28, the first 100 guests at each location who are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members can participate in the “Keep the Mason Jar” special where guests who purchase a 16-oz. Pluckers Cocktail can keep the commemorative cocktail’s 23rd anniversary mason jar. Fans can join the Pluckers Club by downloading the Pluckers mobile app and signing up to become a Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite member. Pluckers fans can also participate in 90s-themed Live Team Trivia on Wednesday, July 25.

Food and drink specials and events includes:

Wednesday, July 25: Keep the Mason Jar, $4 Fried Pickles, 90s Trivia
Thursday, July 26: Keep the Mason Jar, $5 Buffalo Bites
Friday, July 27: Keep the Mason Jar, $4 Holy Mac
Saturday, July 28: Keep the Mason Jar, $4 Tater Cakes
Sunday, July 29: $1 Miller Lites, 75-cent wings

In collaboration with Alamo Drafthouse, Pluckers will co-sponsor their Wing Eating Contest on National Chicken Wing Day, Sunday, July 29, at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar location. More information on the contest can be found online.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 23 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 23 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. It offers 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” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Jimmy Choo Outlet opens at San Marcos Premium Outlets

sanmarcosoutlets — Jimmy Choo Outlet now open in San Marcos Outlet Mall.

San Marcos Premium Outlets recently announced that Jimmy Choo opened its first Texas outlet location on Friday July 20. Founded in 1996 in London, Jimmy Choo is a leading luxury fashion accessories brand with shoes at its heart. Known for its art of celebrity dressing, Jimmy Choo has dressed style icons from celebrities and royalty to musicians and heads of state. With more than 150 stores, the global brand opened a 2,300 square-foot storefront at San Marcos Premium Outlets next to CH Carolina Herrera, uniting the complete Jimmy Choo men’s and women’s collection of shoes, handbags, small leather accessories and sunglasses. (San Marcos Premium Outlets, 2018)

Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury accessories brand. Women’s shoes remain the core of the product offer, alongside handbags, small leather goods, scarves, sunglasses, eyewear, belts, fragrance and men’s shoes. CEO Pierre Denis and Creative Director Sandra Choi together share a vision to create one of the world’s most treasured luxury brands. Jimmy Choo has a global store network encompassing more than 150 stores and is present in the most prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide. Jimmy Choo is part of the Michael Kors Holdings Limited luxury fashion group.

“We’re thrilled to have Jimmy Choo join San Marcos Premium Outlets’ diverse lineup of retailers and restaurants. We are continually looking for opportunities to provide shoppers with an elevated retail experience and we believe the opening of the Jimmy Choo outlet will exceed shopper expectations.” Celena McGuill, Director of Marketing and Business Development.

San Marcos Outlet Mall
3939 S Interstate 35
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 396-2200

Master Class: Plancton Marino at Hotel Emma

olesagastro — As part of Ole, San Antonio, Master Class: Plancton Marino is a culinary experience seafood fans. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

As part of their culinary series during Olé, San Antonio, Hotel Emma will be presenting a unique experience on July 25 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. titled ‘Master Class: Plancton Marino.’ This innovative ingredient new to the culinary scene is described as tasting “authentically like the sea.” Tickets for the session are $25 and available for purchase online. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

Plancton Marino, as an ingredient, is new to the culinary scene. Spain is the only country with authorization to cultivate the tiny marine organisms. Embraced by leaders in the cutting-edge Spanish gastronomy scene, plancton marino exemplifies the latest installment in Spain’s long history of experimenting with innovative techniques and ingredients.

Scheduled to take place at Hotel Emma’s exhibition kitchen, guests will have the opportunity to experience and discover plancton marino, which is not available anywhere in the United States. The special event will welcome expert and leading Spanish marine plancton food consultant Alberto Palomar who will talk about the origins of plancton marino as an ingredient in Spanish cuisine, the process of cultivation and the nutritional benefits. Sea food and sea salt lovers are encouraged to attend and try out this unique ingredient. There will also be a short documentary and a tasting activity.

Supper will feature a la carte specials on the menu with dishes highlighting Chef John Brand’s creative uses of plancton marino. The specials will be available during lunch and dinner service. Reservations may be done online. Larder and Sternewirth will be carrying tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight this exclusive ingredient.

This event is part of the six unique culinary Master Classes Hotel Emma has prepared as part of Olé, San Antonio, a summer-long program celebrating San Antonio’s Spanish heritage in commemoration of the city’s 300th anniversary. Upcoming Master Classes include jamón (Spanish ham), conservas (tinned fish) and cheese.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

Bottling Department celebrates one year anniversary at Pearl

bottlingdept — Bottling Department at Pearl is celebrating its one year anniversary this month. Photo: Bottling Department, used with permission.

Bottling Department, San Antonio’s first ever food hall, will celebrate its one-year anniversary at Pearl on Tuesday July 24 with complimentary birthday cake, live music, food and drink specials from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Tapas specials will be available all day. (Bottling Department, 2018)

Guests will be able to enjoy:

$5 Frozé (frozen rosé) and Peach Mimosas at The Bar
Tapas Tuesdays specials, as part of Olé, San Antonio program, at all the vendors including Tenko Ramen, Maybelle’s Donuts, The Good Kind, Bud’s Southern Rotisserie and Fletcher’s Hamburgers
Complimentary birthday cake for all guests while supplies last
Complimentary Bottling Department tote bag with any purchase at the Food Hall. Must show proof of purchase with receipt, valid starting at 5p.m. while supplies last
Music by DJ Steven Lee Moya

Bottling Department houses five independently owned food vendors that span a wide range of cuisine, along with a bar serving wine and beer curated in partnership with High Street Wine. Adjacent to Pearl Park, Bottling Department offers guests a welcoming place to dine, drink and relax while enjoying interactive water features, the nearly two-acre lawn of Pearl Park, and the abundant shade of the Pearl Pavilion. The tenants include Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, specializing in Southern comfort food with a soul deep in the heart of Louisiana; Fletcher’s, an all-American hamburger concept, Maybelle’s, offering gourmet donuts and fried pies made daily; Tenko, a fast-casual ramen bar; and The Good Kind, a healthy modern market and café.

Bottling Department
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6
San Antonio, TX 78215

Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series at The Granary

granarydinner — The next dinner in The Granary’s Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series is this Sunday July 22. Photo: Robert J Lerma, used with permission.

The Granary’s Summer Chef Collaboration Dinner Series continues this Sunday July 22 at 6:30p.m. with the second dinner in the series. The three-part dinner series will focus on collaborative menus with nationally and internationally ranked chefs from various culinary backgrounds. This Sunday, The Granary ‘Cue & Brew’s Chef and owner Tim Rattray partners with Charleston Chef BJ Dennis for a Southern smoke potluck style dinner. Chef Dennis is known for hosting several pop-up dinners, especially in Charleston, where he incorporates Gullah Geechee cooking, a style of cuisine from the culture of the descendants of West African slaves who settled on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. (The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, 2018)

Sunday’s dinner menu features below and more:

Smoked goat with suya spice
BBQ ribs with pineapple bbq sauce
Okra and smoked sausage purloo (rice)
Gullah red rice
Crab seasoning boil corn with crab roe butter
Stewed summer greens with smoked ham hocks
Hog head hash and rice
Cucumber salad

Cost is $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are limited and can be bought online. The Granary has previously partnered with John Tesar of Knife Dallas in June and the final dinner is scheduled for August with acclaimed Chef Bo Bech of Geist in Copenhagen.

The Granary ‘Cue & Brew
602 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 228-0124

Theater review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

wizardofozcast18 — ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through July 29. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

There are just two weekends left to catch the family-friendly musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre. It runs through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale, who lives in Kansas and after being blown away by a twister, ends up in the magical world of Oz. Together with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, she searches for her way home. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. 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.

After the Overture, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ begins with Madeline Gutierrez’ poignant rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and the audience is introduced to Dorothy who wishes she could escape to a nicer place. When her mean neighbor Miss Gulch threatens to take her dog Toto away, she runs away and meets Professor Marvel “The Wonders of the World” and begs him to let her come along with him in his travels. They are interrupted when a twister hits and she runs back home for shelter but once inside the house, it gets blown away by the storm. It lands in Oz and flattens the Wicked Witch of the East and Dorothy is greeted by the Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins “Munchkinland.” Glinda tells Dorothy that the Wizard of Oz might be able to help her return home “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” On her way to the Emerald City to speak with the Wizard, she meets the Scarecrow, who wants a brain, the Tin Man, who wants a heart and the Lion, who wants courage. Eventually the Wizard grants them their wish, which they had inside them all along and Glinda helps Dorothy return home via the ruby slippers.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a crowd pleaser as the humor and heart are well balanced and the combination of spectacular settings and quality performances by the cast makes this a show the entire family can enjoy together. Show highlights include Glinda’s grand entrance, the cast’s performance of “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only Had a Brain” by the Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Crows. Manny as Toto is a definite scene stealer, especially during a group scene at last Saturday’s performance when he chased the Lion’s tail. A special mention goes to Joshua Buce who plays the Lion and whose comic genius makes the role an uproarious delight to witness. He was recently seen as Lord Farquaad in ‘Shrek, the Musical,’ a similarly comic role for which he received an ATAC Globe Award. This weekend, escape the heat and bring the kids to experience live theater at its best. This classic never goes out of style and is a must-see.

Theater review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at The Public Theater

mammamiabree — Briane Green as Rosie in The Public Theater’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ Photo: Carrie Daniels, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the smash hit musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ It runs until Sunday August 5 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and there are still a few more chances to experience this popular guilty pleasure firsthand. This jukebox musical uses popular ABBA songs to tell the story of Sophie who is searching for her father. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are going fast and available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate.

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes place on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi where 20-year-old Sophie is making plans to marry her fiancé Sky. She wants her father to walk her down the aisle but she does not know who he is. When she discovers her mother’s old diary with details about the men she dated, she invites them to the wedding. The show begins with an overture, a montage of instrumental versions of ABBA songs. That leads to “Money, Money, Money” during which Sophie’s mom Donna and her two friends catch up on their lives. When the three possible fathers, Sam Harry and Bill, arrive on the day before the wedding, Donna is surprised to see them, “Mamma Mia,” and flees in tears. Eventually, Sky finds out what Sophie is up to and accuses her of wanting a wedding with the sole intent of finding her father. Sam attempts to console her and gives her some fatherly advice on “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” On the big day of the wedding, Sophie and Sam agree not to marry and decide to take off together and see the world. Sam still loves Donna and proposes to her at the wedding and she accepts “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”

Overall, ‘Mamma Mia!’ is a fun show full of laughter and music that die-hard ABBA fans will enjoy. With the general theme of female empowerment, it celebrates friendship and love and is a musical nostalgic trip down memory lane. Show highlights include “Mamma Mia” and the hilariously played “Take a Chance on Me” when Donna’s friend Rosie tries to connect with Bill. Jessi Little delivers a strong performance as Sophie but Briane Green steals the show as the infectiously funny Rosie. Even those who are not familiar with ABBA’s music will find the show’s infectious songs hard to resist and the story a treat in and of itself. The cast is big but they all work together flawlessly to make this show a must-see and perfect for a girl’s night out. After the curtain call, the audience gets treated to a mini concert.

Ole, San Antonio events for July at Pearl

To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl announces Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration will take place from Friday June 15 to Sunday September 16 to commemorate the city’s 300^th anniversary. There will be events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. Events will include new programming while also incorporating existing Pearl activities. (Pearl, 2018)

Events scheduled for Olé, San Antonio from July 17 through July 27 include Sound Cream at Pearl Park, Master Class Plancton Marino, Canciones and more.

Wednesday, July 18 & 25
Sound Cream Sunset Sessions – Olé Edition at 5:30 p.m.

For the Olé edition of Sound Cream, DJ Isaiah will take over Pearl Park with a Rihanna themed dance party on July 18th and DJ Miranda Maxwell will have a Sade themed set on the 25th. Sound Cream will occur every Wednesday during the summer.

Saturday, July 21
Olé, San Antonio! Paella at 11a.m.

The Culinary Institute of America will join Pearl in celebrating San Antonio’s 300th birthday by hosting a class featuring Paella, one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. Tickets are available online for $25.

Wednesday, July 25
Master Class Plancton Marino at 5:30 p.m.

Hotel Emma will offer visitors and San Antonians the chance to have an in-depth lesson on plancton. Larder and Sternewirth will be serving Spanish plancton in tapas and dishes designed to highlight the ingredient. Expert Alberto Palomar will also teach a master class on plancton. Tickets are available online.

Friday, July 27
Canciones at 5:30 p.m.

Canciones is a free concert series dedicated to Texas. During Olé, San Antonio, visiting artists from Spain will showcase their music alongside South Texas favorites. South Texas Indie Latin orchestra Volcán will open this edition of Canciones at Pearl followed by Spanish composer, vocalist and saxophonist Antonio Lizana. Canciones is free and open to the public.

Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

Last Call to register for Camp Broadway

Camp Broadway, in partnership with Las Casas Foundation is the only dramatic camp in San Antonio that immerses young aspiring artists in a week of theatrical training, rehearsals and fun with professional actors from Los Angeles and New York. Broadway’s original summer camp will shine its spotlight at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre from Monday July 30 through Friday August 3. This is a last call for young aspiring artists to register for Camp Broadway. (Las Casas Foundation, 2018)

Camp Broadway is a five-day summer camp open to all skill levels and held daily from 9a.m. to 5p.m. and designed to immerse children ages 10 to 17 in an authentic Broadway rehearsal process. No previous theatre experience is necessary to enroll in the camp. After a week of training, the program ends in a special on-stage performance for family and friends with professional actors at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre.

For $600, Camp Broadway enables theatre-loving children to develop their confidence, character and presentation skills through ensemble performance. The week-long program includes:

Five days of instruction in singing, acting and dancing by trained Broadway professionals
Master classes with Broadway artists
Q&A sessions with industry professionals
Backstage seminar with a production crew
Official Camp Broadway T-shirts
Official Cast of Characters headshot
Healthy lunches, snacks and water
Complimentary admission to the Family Finale

Registration for this can’t-miss camp is available online. Camp Broadway San Antonio features a sibling discount for families with multiple children who want to enjoy a turn in the spotlight. A special discount for military families is also available.

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. Saint Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

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Author: Sandra Cruz