Category: Bar news

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

CD release parties at Jazz, TX

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Adrian Ruiz and his Quintet will be performing at Jazz, TX on May 23 in support of the new CD. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This month, Jazz, TX is hosting two CD release parties. The first is for Ed Sherry’s “New Orleans Party” on Wednesday May 17 from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. and the second is for Adrian Ruiz’ “Premiere” on Tuesday May 23 also from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. Tickets for both are $10 per person and are available online. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Ed Sherry and his all-star band make the Alamo City debut of his first CD release as a band leader with “New Orleans Party.” This recording is a musical journey from the roots of traditional jazz to today’s street beats of the French Quarter and features some of San Antonio’s finest musicians. It includes fourteen New Orleans classic tunes as Ed sings and plays the trumpet in fine form.

Adrian Ruiz and his Quintet will perform in celebration of the release of “Premiere.” This recording contains original compositions written by each band member. Ruiz is the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos director for University of Texas San Antonio and a freelance trumpeter performing throughout Texas.

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts ranging from jazz to blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wider variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Viva! Selena! Drag Brunch at Paramour

paramourbarThis Sunday April 30 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. Paramour will be having another Drag Brunch and this one is Fiesta themed. Hosted by Kristi Waters, Viva! Selena! will give guests the opportunity to enjoy themed music by the Queen of Tejano Selena Quintanilla and performances by Kristi Waters, Nilaya Mathews, Jorgeous Waters and from Corpus Christi, Honey Andrews. This event is free and open to the public and will also feature music by DJ Ramm, breakfast tacos and specialty Selena and Fiesta themed cocktails available for purchase. (Paramour, 2017)

Paramour
102 9th St, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 340-9880

Spring Cocktails

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Cork Bar’s Primavera Cocktail. Photo courtesy of Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

It is now officially spring and several bars and restaurants in town have updated their menus to offer patrons spring drinks. Each of these new cocktails feature bright flavors that will help ease the transition to warmer weather. The following is Paramour’s Spring Cocktail Menu and cocktail recipes from the Cork Bar at Hotel Contessa and Boiler House Texas Beer & Wine Garden. (Giant Noise, 2017)

Paramour Spring Cocktail Menu
Cocktails – Missionary Reach, Smoke vs Sea, Coupe de Grâce, You Can’t Handle the Proof, De Novo Punch, A Brand, New Dance, Down South Smash, Just a Friend, Subpoenaed in Texas, Sequestered in Memphis, Walls Are, For Tyrants, One For Mahler!, G.I.L.F, Barrel Aged – Old Fashioned, Hanky Panky, Martini
Food is offered until 10p.m and incudes Charcuterie Board – a selection of cured meats and cheese, Prosciutto Sliders- prosciutto, warm brie and lemon basil aioli and Bar Snack Trio that includes chili rosemary mixed nuts, marinated olives and sweet and spicy peppers.

Paramour
102 9th St, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 340-9880

Primavera (Spring) Cocktail
Cork Bar at Hotel Contessa’s Featured Cocktail
March and April
1.5 oz Seersucker Southern Gin
1 oz Simple Syrup Shrub: white vinegar, infused cucumber, rosemary and ginger candy
Topped off with 1 oz ginger beer
Garnished with cucumber slice, sprig of rosemary and lemon twist

The Hotel Contessa
306 W Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 229-9222

Boiler House’s ‘Come Rum with Me Julep’
2oz Bullit Bourbon
½ oz Ron Zacapa 23 yr old
Solera Rum (to float)
½ oz Honey Simple Syrup
10 mint leaves, plus more to garnish

Boiler House Texas Beer & Wine Garden
312 Pearl Parkway. Building 3
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 354-464

Drag Brunch at Paramour

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Paramour will host another Drag Brunch on Sunday March 19, 2017. Photo courtesy of Paramour, used with permission.

Paramour will be presenting its third Drag Brunch of the year with a Madonna vs Britney themed celebration. It is set for Sunday March 19 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. with performances at 2p.m. There will be an exclusive Madonna and Britney themed cocktail menu suited for the occasion. Music will be provided by DJ Vitamin A with performances by Kristi Waters, show director and hostess of Babio’s Eat Drink Dance and winner of Most Original at 2016 San Antonio Burlesque Festival, Lucy Lips, winner of Audience Favorite at the 2016 San Antonio Burlesque Festival and member of the Pastie Pops Burlesque Revue and Nikaya Milan from Rey Lopez Entertainment. This event is free and open to the public with brunch drinks and food available for purchase. (Paramour, 2017)

Paramour
102 9th St, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 340-9880

Consejo Shooting Stars Poker Tournament at Paramour

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On Saturday April 8 Paramour will be hosting the Consejo Shooting Stars Poker Tournament. Photo courtesy of Paramour, used with permission.

This year for Fiesta, Paramour and Martin Phipps will be hosting the Consejo Shooting Stars Poker Tournament, an official Rey Feo event. This event will benefit the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. Rey Feo 69, Fred Reyes will be onsite. It is set for Saturday April 8 from 11a.m. to 6p.m. with check at 11a.m. and cards up at 12p.m. The cost for participants will be $200 if purchased in advance and $250 if purchased at the door on the day of the event. Anyone interested in participating may register online. All donations will include lunch, select cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and 10,000 playing chips. Participants may purchase an additional 10,000 playing chips for $100. Table sponsorships are also available. The event is free and open to those not participating and food and drinks will be available for purchase. (Paramour, 2017.

Paramour
102 9th St, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 775-2343

Mardi Gras Night at Jazz,TX

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This Fat Tuesday, February 28, Jazz, TX will be having its first Mardi Gras celebration. Photo: Jazz, TX, used with permission.

Jazz, TX, the Pearl’s upscale jazz venue, is hosting its first Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday, February 28, 2017. There will be a special menu created by locally renowned guest chef John Russ previously from Luke and a special performance by Kyle Keener, Curtis Calderon and friends during happy hour from 5:30p.m. with no cover charge and Doc Watkins and friends from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. with a $20 cover charge per guest. Guests will be able to enjoy specialty drinks such as a twist on the popular Hurricane and New Orleans menu items. Tickets are available online. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Mardi Gras menu:
Finger-licking Good Y’all – marinated crab claws, broiled with parmesan
La Grande Vie – Gulf shrimp and celery root remoulade
Oysters en Brochette – wrapped in bacon, on buttered toast
Red Beans and Rice – fried quail tots, crystal
Crispy Rice Jambalaya – pulled pork, andouille, rice crispies
Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boys – dressed or with buttered bread and pickles
King Cake – no babies

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-938

National Margarita Day at Pearl

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The Dirty Mextini is just one of the many margaritas that can be enjoyed on National Margarita Day this February 22. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

National Margarita Day is this Wednesday February 22 and the Pearl is making it easy to celebrate hump day with a margarita crawl. Guests can start with Sternewirth’s La Babia margarita which is usually given to Hotel Emma’s guests upon arrival. Boiler House has their version of a margarita made with local honey and orange bitters. Southerleigh has the citrusy Margarita Gose beer which has notes limes, oranges and tequila and is brewed in house. (Pearl, 2017)

The following are two margarita recipes featuring different Twang salts and seasonings.

Dirty Mextini
Ice
3oz anejo tequila
½oz olive brine
1 ½ oz fresh lime juice
1 ½ oz Cointreau
Splash of orange juice
TwangARita Gold Salt for rimming glass

  1. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
  2. Add in tequila, olive brine, lime juice and Cointreau. Shake vigorously for several seconds.
  3. Moisten rim of glass with lime wedge. Turn glass rim a few times in TwangARita Gold Salt.
  4. Strain martini into rimmed glass.
  5. Top with a splash of orange juice. Garnish and enjoy!

Burro Borracho, AKA Mexican Mule
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz grapefruit juice
1 oz orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
2 oz ginger beer
2 oz tequila
Ice
TwangARita Paloma Salt