Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

Summer exhibitions open this week at Artpace

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The Summer 2017 Hudson (Show)Room and Main Space Exhibitions open this Thursday May 25 with a public viewing.  Photo: Artpace, used with permission.

Artpace announces the opening of the Summer 2017 Hudson (Show)Room and Main Space Exhibitions.  These upcoming exhibitions explore the global issues of migration and geopolitical borders. German-born, San Antonio artists Sabine Senft and Doerte Weber drew on their experiences living in divided Germany to examine the current issues of global migration and border control. The official opening is on May 25 from 6p.m. to 8:30p.m. This event is free and open to the public and guests will be able to enjoy complimentary refreshments. Doors open at 6p.m. with a talk featuring both artists at 7p.m.  Both exhibitions will be on display from Thursday May 25 through Sunday August 27, 2017. (Artpace, 2017)

Sabine Senft will showcase her work in the Hudson Showroom. It is produced through a grant from the Artists Foundation of San Antonio. According to the artist, the exhibition, ‘Borderline Reality’ comes from a place of personal reflection. She uses everyday material like candy to evoke the often-overlooked realities of division.

In Main Space, Doerte Weber will unveil ‘Checkpoint,’ a series of large tapestry panels that echo the dimensions and imposing nature of the border wall between the United States and Mexico. The pieces evoke memories of passing between West and East Germany for Weber, who describes the level of scrutiny as like being in a zoo.

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year the program hosts three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight-week residency, the artists have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean appointed to Signature Restaurant

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Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean are new to Signature restaurant.  Photo: Signature, used with experience.

La Cantera Resort & Spa recently announced the appointment of new Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean to Signature restaurant. A world class concept, Signature is inspired by Chef Andrew Weismann and Chef Rea and Patrick Bean hope to expand on his unique vision for the resort’s freestanding restaurant and bar. Part of the vision includes creating a gracious, timeless and relaxed Hill Country experience for guests looking for non-traditional alternatives to upscale dining. Weismann began his career in Europe and now back in San Antonio, he has opened seven popular and critically acclaimed restaurants including La Rêve, which was recognized by The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine magazine and other renowned publications. Signature is open from 6p.m. to 10p.m. for dinner and reservations are recommended but not required. (Signature, 2017)

Executive Chef Laurent Rea was featured in Best Chefs in American in 2013 and has previously worked in Venice, Italy; Strasbourg, France; Great Britain, New Mexico and Texas. General Manager Patrick Bean is a Texas native who uses classic techniques and Texas touches. The menu includes some of the world’s best ingredients, such as lavender, rosemary and prickly pears picked from Signature’s own backyard. A staff beekeeper cultivates La Canter’s own signature Texas honey and even though the local and organic ingredients may change with the season, quality, flavor and artistry are always a priority in the kitchen.

Signature
16401 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 247-0176

Movie adaptation: ‘Everything, Everything’ by Nicola Yoon

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The movie adaptation of ‘Everything, Everything’ by Nicola Yoon opens in theaters on Friday May 19. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Nicola Yoon is The New York Times best-selling author of “Everything, Everything” and “The Sun is Also a Star,” a Michael L Printz Honor book and a National Book Award finalist. “Everything, Everything” is her debut novel for young adults and the movie adaptation will open in theaters on Friday May 19, 2017. It stars Amanda Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly and is the story of 17-year-old Madeline Whittier, who has “bubble baby disease.”

According to Wikipedia, in “Everything, Everything,” Madeline is a girl who suffers from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and cannot leave her house or interact with anyone who has not been “sanitized.” The only people she interacts with are her mother and Carla, the nurse who takes care of her. After a new family moves in next door, she meets and befriends their son Olly. They decide to go to Hawaii together because Maddy claims it was the last place she believes she had a ‘normal’ family. Once there she ends up getting sick and is taken to the hospital after which her mother shows up and takes her back home. Eventually, the truth comes out that her mother lied about her being sick because after her father and brother died, Maddy became seriously ill and she was afraid of losing her too. Olly, his mother and sister move out but he and Maddy reunite in New York.

‘Matilda the Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Matilda the Musical’ opens at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday June 6, 2017. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The next performance at the Majestic Theatre is ‘Matilda the Musical,’ a part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. It is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers and will play for eight performances only from Tuesday June 6 through Sunday June 11, 2017.  Tickets begin at $30 and are available at the theatre box office, online, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Matilda the Musical’ is a musical based on the novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl. It is the story a Matilda, a precocious five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life. She dreams of a better life and armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind she dares to take a stand and changer her own destiny. Winner of four Tony Awards, it is directed by Matthew Warchus with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Japanese inspired bar Hanzo opens this week

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Hanzo, a new Japanese inspired bar opens its doors in San Antonio this week.  Photo: Jacqueline Fierro/Giant Noise, used with permission.

There is a new Japanese-inspired bar in the neighborhood. Opening in San Antonio on May 18 is Hanzo, a new bar concept developed by Steve Mahoney. It is inspired by the idea of an izakaya, a type of informal Japanese gastro pub, and it is set to be a casual neighborhood spot for after work happy hours, weekend and late night drinks and light bites. Business hours will be Monday through Sunday from 3p.m. to 2a.m. (Hanzo, 2017)

Hanzo’s lead bartender Nick Kenna, previously from Dorćol Distillery and Blue Box, has developed a cocktail menu that features a wide variety of Japanese ingredients such as matcha, miso and a selection of Japanese beers and sake. Cocktails include The Yuzual Suspect – yuzu sake, yuzu-ginger syrup, lime, Topo Chico, the Miso Hungry – sake/soju, miso simple syrup, lime, ponzu/angostura reduction misting, and the Matcha Matcha Man – Kinsman Rakia, gin, matcha, honey and more.

The food menu was developed by local Chef Justin Richardson of Francis Bogside and focuses on Japanese cuisine. It includes items such as lotus root chips with wasabi, edamame and avocado puree; Hamachi sashimi with ginger soy dressing and scallions; house made pork dumplings and gyoza sauce and more.

Hanzo
7701 Broadway St., Suite 124
San Antonio, TX 78209

Krause’s Café’s new breakfast menu and first annual Maifest

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Krause’s Café is now open with a full menu that includes breakfast.  Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Krause’s Café recently announced its grand reopening that includes a full menu, a new biergarten and a live music schedule. The menu reflects New Braunfel’s German heritage with items like a Reuben sandwich and sausage sampler plate with four traditional mustard options and South Texas favorites like house made biscuits and pork chops. Also new is the breakfast menu ranging from omelets and French toast to German-style dishes like pork schnitzel with eggs. Breakfast hours are from 7a.m. to 11a.m. (Krause’s Café, 2017)

The event season will kick off this month with its annual Maifest celebration, the German tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring. On May 25, 26 and 27, nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader and all around active ambassador of polka music Alex Meixner will perform at Krause’s Café. A limited number of $15 general admission tickets are available by calling the restaurant at (830) 625-2807 to reserve a spot.

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
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 652-2807

Book signing: ‘Taming the Feast’ by Chef Ben Ford at Hotel Emma

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This Friday May 19 Hotel Emma is hosting a book signing with Chef Ben Ford at Curio.  Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This Friday May 19 Hotel Emma at the Pearl is hosting a book signing with Chef Ben Ford. The community is invited to join Chef Ben Ford for a special book signing at Curio, the gift shop at Hotel Emma from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. This event is free and open to the public and there is no need to RSVP. He will be there to sign copies of his first cookbook: “Taming the Feast: Ben Ford’s Field Guide to Adventurous Cooking” and guests will be able to enjoy some bites, a glass of wine and get to meet the chef and author. Guests may bring their own copy of the book or purchase one on site. (Hotel Emma, 2017)

Chef Ben Ford is known for wowing crowds with his over the top handcrafted feasts and now with “Taming the Feast” he presents a field guide to adventurous cooking. He gives step by step instructions with photos and illustrations so anyone can grill, smoke or roast outdoors or a smaller version of the feast in their own kitchens. Along with recipes, artisanal techniques and gorgeous photography, Chef Ford shares stories of growing up with his father Harrison Ford, then a carpenter, and his life as a chef at some of California’s best restaurants.

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

Whataburger fundraisers this week

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Whataburger is having two “Oh Whata Night” fundraisers this week to benefit local organizations. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. Coming up this week Whataburger is having two “Oh Whata Night” fundraisers in San Antonio. The first is on Wednesday May 17 5p.m. to 8p.m. to benefit Fearless Fastpitch Girls Softball and the other is on Thursday May 18 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. to benefit Mays Family at Potranco. (Whataburger, 2017)

The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales during the posted hours to the organization. The first 100 customers will also receive a free Whataburger gift. Wednesday’s event will include the popular Whataburger for a Year drawing where one customer’s name will be drawn to win the ultimate prize-a free Whataburger every week for a year. On Thursday’s event, there will be a photo booth and a special appearance by Whataguy, the Whataburger mascot.

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

Whataburger – Wednesday May 17
4646 W Commerce St (near General McMullen Dr)
San Antonio, TX 78237
(210) 435-3084

Whataburger – Thursday May 18
8319 State Hwy 151 (near I-410)
San Antonio, TX 78148
(210) 521-1511

Southerleigh launches Beer Club

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Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery launched a Beer Club with membership perks to include a beer locker.  Photo: Jacqueline Fierro/Giant Noise, used with permission.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery recently announced the launch of its Beer Club now available for purchase. Cost is $250 for a one year membership and is limited to 45 memberships. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2017)

Membership in the Beer Club includes perks like:

  • Member beer locker at Southerleigh with individual or family names up to two people who must have direct family relation to share locker
  • Monogrammed leather pint sleeves, custom made in Texas at Arrow & Board
  • All beer pints at Southerleigh will be $5 all the time, no matter what style of beer
  • 20 percent off all merchandise
  • 20 percent off beer growler fills
  • Exclusive access to new beers one week before release to the public

Southerleigh is the first brewery at Pearl since 2001 and has a 15-barrel brew house, six serving tank and a firkin/wood barrel-aging program. It is a 7,900-square foot dining facility with multiple seating options including bar seating, patio seating and a private dining room that can seat up to twenty people. The private dining in the north dining room seats up to seventy-five people with the capacity to host parties of up to two hundred people.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 East Grayson, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 455-5701

Movie adaptation: ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ by Jeff Kinney

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The movie adaptation of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ by Jeff Kinney will open on Friday May 19, 2017. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Jeff Kinney is an American game designer, cartoonist, producer, actor, movie director and The New York Times best-selling author of children’s book. He is a six-time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite book and is best known for the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ book series. He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and he is the creator of the child-oriented website Poptropica, one of Time magazine’s 50 Best Websites. The movie adaptation of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ will open in theaters on Friday May 19 and stars Jason Drucker as Greg, Alicia Silverstone as Susan Heffley and Tom Everett Scott as Frank Heffley.

According to Amazon, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ is book nine in the series and has Greg and his family on a road trip. The trip includes a pacifier-stealing pig, hungry seagulls and a broken-down car until they end up stranded miles from home without any money. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series began in 1998 when he came up with the idea of a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley, who writes illustrated stories about his personal life. Kinney released an online version of these stories on the website FunBrain where he made daily entries until June 2005. An online book version was created in 2006 and it became such a hit that he eventually released a printed version. There are twelve books in the series.