Category: Business News

Thompson Houston opens as a sophisticated urban destination

Marking the Thompson Hotels brand’s fourth property in Texas, the highly anticipated luxury lifestyle hotel is now open and welcoming guests. Panoramic Suite photo: Thompson Houston, used with permission.

Thompson Houston, Houston’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel, opened its doors this week and offers a distinctive guest experience with an edge that celebrates the individuality of Space City with an urban vibe overlooking the verdant Buffalo Bayou Park. Set against the backdrop of rare unobstructed views of downtown Houston’s skyline, the hotel captures the vibrancy of the city with an unapologetically stylish design signature to the brand, a stunning spa sanctuary, world-class dining, and elevated spaces perfect for weddings and events. (Murphy O’Brien, 2024)

Thompson Houston features 172 guestrooms, including 34 suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a residential feel designed to evoke the spirit of old Texas, with entirely custom-made furnishings and spacious en-suite bathrooms with marble vanities and custom wall treatments and tiling. 

Located on the seventh floor, the mid-century modern-styled lobby in the sky captures the spirit of Houston with an edgy spirit and sophisticated yet familiar contemporary design. Thompson Houston offers one of the city’s largest outdoor rooftops, with a custom-tiled infinity pool boarded by cabanas, and a 2,500-square-foot greenspace, both providing views of downtown and creating an idyllic setting for outdoor weddings and events.

An entire floor is dedicated to the full-service Thompson Spa at Thompson Houston, featuring six treatment suites with spa treatments on par with those of a world-class destination spa resort, combining ancestral tradition with scientific innovation. The spa offers indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, saunas, a salon, and a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center. A lineup of bespoke treatments are available to guests and locals, including massages, facials, body and hydration scrubs, men’s treatments, regenerative treatments, and more utilizing luxury products from Pietro Simone and Agent Nateur. Hotel guests also receive access to the EOS fitness center, just steps from the hotel. 

Further expanding Houston’s vibrant culinary offerings, Sol 7 is Thompson Houston’s signature all day dining restaurant located off the lobby, featuring rooftop seating where guests can enjoy creative cocktails and seasonal fare. Opening soon are two additional restaurants operated by TableOne Hospitality: Chardon, a French brasserie that will debut in summer 2024, and Buck 40, an upscale supper club slated to open in fall 2024. Additionally, Thompson Houston is home to the first brick-and-mortar outpost of local coffee company, Maven Coffee Company, offering specialty coffees, pastries, and coffee-based cocktails. Complementing these dining venues will be an additional collection of restaurants opening spring 2024 from acclaimed restaurant group Noble33 including Toca Madera, a modern Mexican steakhouse, and Meduza Mediterrania, an inventive Mediterranean dining experience.

Offering more than 17,000 square feet of meticulously designed flexible indoor and outdoor event space to accommodate groups of up to 800 people, Thompson Houston is the city’s newest destination for weddings, meetings, iconic galas, and social events. All venues showcase a residential feel, from intimate executive boardrooms to an 8,000-square-foot ballroom adorned with eclectic mesh chandeliers, brass accents and a private terrace and private entrance for large groups. Customizable breakout rooms and pre-function space also feature floor-to-ceiling windows with many rooms boasting private, wraparound outdoor terraces with views of the city.

The only hotel in Houston with a 160-acre park at its doorstep, Thompson Houston provides an urban respite with several open-air spaces and guest amenities encouraging wellness and outdoor exploration. Guests are welcome to explore the nearby trails on bike with complimentary Thompson Houston-branded Bluejay Electric Bicycles, and hydration stations are available on each floor in addition to daily newspapers, and complimentary fresh fruit.

Thompson Houston is conveniently located near world-class shopping at the Galleria, the stately River Oaks neighborhood, downtown Houston, the Museum District, professional sports venues at Minute Maid Park and Shell Energy Stadium, and is a 25-minute drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William Hobby Airport.

To provide World of Hyatt members even more rewards, World of Hyatt is offering them the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Thompson Houston, valid through May 31, 2024, as part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer. Additional participating hotels and their offer stay periods can be found online. No registration is required and members can earn on top of other offers.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit Thompson Houston or follow the hotel on Instagram. 

Taco Cabana launches Big Red Margarita, Fish Tacos and Chilaquiles Bowls

If you are a fan of Big Red, Taco Cabana is launching its Big Red Margarita. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce several new limited-time-only menu items hitting restaurants this month that fans will love. In February, Taco Cabana will introduce all new Fish Tacos, new Chilaquiles Bowls and a Margarita made with Big Red to all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Launching in time for the Lenten season, Taco Cabana will roll out its New Fish Tacos, made with wild caught, beer-battered Icelandic cod topped with a creamy pepper-limón sauce, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo. The fish tacos are available individually, as a taco plate and as a taco combo. The tacos will be available starting Wednesday, February 14 and will be on the menu through Easter.

Taco Cabana is also thrilled to introduce its all new Chilaquiles Bowls featuring crispy tortilla strips topped with scrambled eggs and the guest’s choice of ranchero or green sauces. The Chilaquiles Bowls are then topped off with sour cream and sprinkled with cotija cheese. Taco Cabana’s classic salsa verde recipe is also making its return to stores this month and will be available to-go and at the in-store salsa bars. The Chilaquiles Bowls will be available all day at Taco Cabana starting Wednesday, February 14 for a limited time only.

To round out February’s exciting new launches, Taco Cabana will introduce its newest Margarita featuring Big Red in time for National Margarita Day on February 22. Taco Cabana worked closely with the team at Keurig Dr Pepper to come up with an innovative way to mix Taco Cabana’s margaritas with Big Red in a way that blends and showcases the flavors that consumers love. Guests can purchase the Margarita featuring Big Red as a single serving, a margarita yard, or in gallon size. Guests can also get a limited time combo with two Barbacoa Tacos and the new margarita. All will be available starting Thursday, February 22 for a limited time only.

“We have a lot of great things happening at Taco Cabana this month. We’re so excited to bring even more awesome menu items to our customers! Our team has worked hard to create new and innovative items like the Margarita featuring Big Red, the Chilaquiles Bowls and of course the new Fish Tacos. We look forward to having our guests try them in our restaurants or wherever they choose to get them delivered.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

Taco Cabana’s menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana Chilaquiles Bowls. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sweets and special treats

Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with special offerings from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the big day, here are a couple of suggestions from Bakery Lorraine and iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Whether you like celebrating with something sweet or looking for something adventurous, unique, and special to do with a significant other or friends, read on for more details. (Bakery Lorraine, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2024)

Bakery Lorraine is adding an extra touch of romance to the big holiday. For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday available in-store at all locations.

The sweets include: 

  • Strawberry Pop Heart
  • Heart Moonpie
  • Japonaise
  • Berry Tart

In addition to themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is offering Valentine’s Day bouquets with macarons for pre-order now online until 12p.m. on Sunday, February 11. Pickup is on Valentine’s Day at the Bakery Lorraine location noted on the order.

For guests in San Antonio, Bakery Lorraine at Pearl will have a flower pop up tent from 4p.m. to 7p.m. on Valentine’s Day (February 14) with beautiful florals available for purchase.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE and a Boerne location.

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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that includes four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.

The exclusive package is available for purchase online and at iFLY tunnels from now through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/1/24 – 2/19/24) for flights to be redeemable.

iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Guests don’t need to be athletes or in the best shape of their lives. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying safe and fun for everyone. Prices vary per iFLY location.

Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales and operations of wind-tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind-tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide and close to 40 in the U.S. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving.

For a totally unique Valentine’s Day gift idea, consider iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
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Dive into Dry January with Twang’s Miche-Nada recipe

Twang’s Miche-Nada. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Dry January is a movement for anyone who drinks alcohol. Some people participate as a detox from their excessive drinking that happens over the holidays. Others use the beginning of the new year to kick-start healthy habits and routines. With Dry January in full swing, Twang, a Tex-Mex inspired, family-driven company founded in 1986, specializing in the creation of products with flavored salt, sugar, and spice blends is sharing a non-alcoholic drink recipe, better know as a mocktail.

For over 38 years Twang has been sharing its flavorful products and recipes with the world, and Dry January is no exception. Twang would like to share its vibrant “Miche-Nada” recipe – a spin on the classic Mexican beer cocktail, the michelada. (Twang, 2024)

Made with never ending flavor for all taste buds, Twang’s Miche-Nada can be made with classic, spicy, or pickle Twang Reserve Michelada Mix. Curated with a blend of all-natural ingredients, the michelada mix includes real lime juice, robust ancho chiles and organic Worcestershire sauce. Twang Rimming Salt completes the Miche-Nada and comes in flavors like lime, sunrise spice, nectarberry and more. Perfectly balanced and conveniently packaged for national shipping, the michelada mix comes in a 16oz bottle for only $7.00 while the rimming salts are only $4.00 each.

Twang Miche-Nada

Ingredients:

  • Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix (classic, spicy or pickle flavors)
  • Twang Rimming Salt (lime, sunrise spice, nectarberry and more flavors)
  • Ice
  • Sparkling water
  • Lime wedge

Directions:

  1. Rim your glass with choice of Twang’s Rimming Salt
  2. Add some ice to your glass
  3. Add choice of Twang Reserve Michelada Mix
  4. Add sparkling water
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge

Freight Fried Chicken opens at Pearl this Saturday

Freight Fried Chicken will be located in the food hall at the Bottling Department. Photo: A.J. Creative, used with permission.

Award-winning chef Nicola Blaque will open her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken, at the Food Hall at Bottling Department at Pearl on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Chef Blaque, whose fried chicken recipe has caught the attention of Eater, San Antonio Express-News and others on numerous occasions, created Freight Fried Chicken as a homage to the rich culinary history and traditions shared amongst Black Americans. Freight Fried Chicken draws its inspiration from black women in post Civil War America that sold fried chicken to rail passengers traveling through Gordonsville, VA. The women became known as Waiter Carriers and their chicken recipes would attract travelers who would go out of their way just to try the famous chicken. The sale of fried chicken allowed formerly enslaved women to support their households and create racial progress in a time fraught with dissension. (Freight Fried Chicken, 2024)

Freight Fried Chicken will use a dry batter for its chicken, which is similar in style to what was served by the Waiter Carriers. The chicken will also be served with biscuits, just like it was served on those trains so many years ago. Guests can also expect to see fried chicken tenders, a fried chicken sandwich, biscuits, mac ‘n’ cheese, seasoned fries, a vegetarian sandwich option, and more on the menu. Freight Fried Chicken’s bone-in chicken is halal and all of its batter is gluten free.

Opening date: Saturday, January 13, 2024
Hours will be 10a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday

The Food Hall at Bottling Department
312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6
San Antonio, TX 78215

Lattoia Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a restaurateur and chef based in San Antonio, Texas. Chef Blaque is the executive chef and owner of the Jerk Shack, a Jamaican-inspired restaurant in San Antonio. The restaurant offers fare like jerk chicken, braised oxtail and quickly became a staple after opening in 2018. She also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean concept at the popular Pearl district in San Antonio, in the summer of 2020, which is now being redeveloped into her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken.

In addition to running successful concepts that have been recognized by GQ, Eater and more, Chef Blaque is an Army Veteran, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, a private chef for members in the NBA, a wife and a mom. Having been born and raised in Jamaica until she was five years old, Chef Blaque is passionate about introducing people to the flavors of the Caribbean. Though she’ll be the first to tell you that the dishes she’s serving up aren’t always traditional Jamaican dishes, she’s passionate about infusing those flavors into cuisine her patrons know and love.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where the community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Dole kicks off a year of health and hunger relief initiatives

Dole is presenting sponsor of the ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ initiative targeting national fitness and wellness influencers in January 2024. Photo: Google

Dole Food Company has started a busy year of health, wellness, and hunger-relief initiatives by extending its partnership with No Kid Hungry, a campaign of Share Our Strength, committed to ending hunger and poverty, for a third consecutive year in 2024. The company’s alliance with the national nonprofit began in summer 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 when schools closed and millions more U.S. children were left facing hunger. (Dole Food Company, 2024)

Dole’s ongoing work with No Kid Hungry includes nutrition education, fundraising support, and at-retail initiatives to help the thirteen million kids in the U.S. who are living with hunger to have access to three healthy meals a day.

The produce leader is also the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, an influencer-based health and wellness fundraising initiative designed to rally the nation’s top fitness and nutrition experts to host health-related livestream classes and web-based instruction throughout January. In addition to sponsoring the program, Dole is encouraging its own partner bloggers and influencers to inspire their followers to get fit and give back in the New Year by donating to No Kid Hungry.

The renewed collaborations with No Kid Hungry are part of a milestone year for Dole that will include virtual health and wellness workshops, new brand ambassadors, dozens of new, produce-based recipes and local and national celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of DOLE® Bananas.

“We’ve been honored to work alongside No Kid Hungry over the past three years in their quest to ensure that every child in the U.S. gets the healthy food they need to thrive. While we’ve made some great strides together, there is still much work to do to fulfill both organizations’ goals of addressing hunger and food insecurity for children.” – William Goldfield, Dole Food Company’s director of corporate communications

“Access to healthy food unlocks so much opportunity for our nation’s kids. When kids have access to three meals a day, they can dream big and have a bright future. That’s why we’re so incredibly grateful to Dole and our other Get Fit partners, as well as the many fitness, health and wellness experts hosting ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ livestream classes this January to help raise awareness and funds to connect kids to the food they need. Together, we can get fit, give back and make sure kids across the country have access to the fuel they need to grow up healthy and strong.” – Carla Warner, senior director of Revenue Innovation at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign

Active in the health and wellness blogger and influencer space since 2009, Dole recruited several Get Fit for No Kid Hungry influencers participating in the 2022 and 2023 programs. The company is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort.

Dole plc

Dole plc, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education.

No Kid Hungry

No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.

Music community app connects artists everywhere

Touring musician Brandon Taj Hanick founded Indie Town and invites bands and artists to book better tours and strengthen their DIY communities at home and across the world. Photo: Google

After two decades of releasing albums and touring in the U.S. and Europe with bands King of Prussia, Future Lives, and more, Athens, Ga. songwriter Brandon Taj Hanick has co-founded Indie Town, the completely free, invite-only app that lets independent bands and artists easily find, connect and share with one another. (Indie Town, 2023)

Calling it “the first international DIY artist community,” Hanick co-founded the app to help bands and artists connect, book shows and tours together, and share their creations without the burden of repressive algorithms or pay-for-play schemes. 

Unlike existing social media platforms, Indie Town is exclusively built for musicians and artists. Featuring easy-to-create music and video players on profiles, the app lets artists search for community members by genre, location or name, listen to members’ music, check out photos and videos, send messages, and become friends.

“After touring and making albums for years, my friends and I knew there was something missing for DIY bands and artists: An easy way to meaningfully connect the people we’d meet on tour who are creating thriving, interesting music scenes,” said Hanick.

“Community is important to artists, but there wasn’t a digital indie town square,” he continued. “So we built a place to reflect the DIY spirit that drives creativity and creation through collaboration.”

Since Indie Town’s soft launch in November 2023, artists and music community members from all over the U.S. and 13 countries, including The U.K., Brazil, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Czech Republic, have joined the community.

Indie Town streamlines community-building by integrating music and video players from Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube and Soundcloud, so bands can easily create their profiles – which serve as mini-websites – in about 90 seconds.

Bands choose from genres like lo-fi, hip hop, glam or bedroom, plus 50 more. “Artist community” users include DIY venues, small labels, zines, videographers and studios, among others. 

What early members are saying:

“Indie Town will be transformative in helping bands alleviate some of the headaches of booking. It’s something we’ve needed for a long time and I’m stoked about what it will mean for touring musicians!” – Athens, Ga. songwriter/musician Annie Leeth

“Independent bands make our world more beautiful and weird, so we shouldn’t be forced to use artless, celebrity-obsessed platforms to connect with other artists. Indie Town is built for DIY artists, by DIY artists.” – Porto, Portugal songwriter/singer Vasco Batista (Big Summer)

Indie Town is available on the App Store, Android Store, and web. Interested artists can request an invite. 

 

 

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announces Pullman Market at Pearl

Pullman Market is a new 40,000 square market opening at Pearl in the spring of 2024. It will feature Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announced this month that Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, is slated to open at Pearl in San Antonio, Texas, in Spring 2024. The sprawling 40,000-square-foot market will feature four full-service restaurants, quick casual concepts, a robust wine and beer selection, Texas-based produce and specialties, and a seasonal bakery and fresh pasta program. Pullman Market will open in spring 2024 and will be located at 221 Newell Ave. Stay tuned for more details concerning opening date. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2023)

“We are excited to create a new, unique culinary experience that represents all of Texas for locals and travelers alike. Pullman Market is a place to celebrate all things food. You can grab a quick bite or stay a while at one of our restaurants. You can discover high-quality ingredients for dinner or grab something premade to make mealtime easy. Pullman is about creating easier relationships with local food and producers, a relationship that is often reserved for high-end restaurants or weekend farmers markets, and we are excited to share it with the community.” – Kevin Fink

Pullman Market will be located in Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms, Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge. 

Pullman Market is set to unveil four full-service restaurants, including Fife & Farro, a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in homemade pizza and pasta; Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico; Isidore, an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly; and Nicosi, created by award-winning Pastry Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 18 seats and a no-phone policy. In addition to the four restaurants, Pullman Market will offer a grocery featuring Texas-based produce and seasonal specialties along with casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, ice cream, tacos, sandwiches, ceviche, coffee and more. 

“Pullman Market is a wonderful complement to the vibrant culinary, retail, and cultural landscape that defines Pearl today. The success of our Pearl Farmers Market the past 14 years shows that our neighborhood supports local farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. With Pullman Market, we are excited to provide a space where residents and guests can connect to these experiences daily, in addition to our weekend Farmers Market.” – Mesha Milsap, Pearl CEO

Led by partners Kevin Fink, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Alicynn Fink, Berty Richter, and Rand Egbert, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group is a Texas-based restaurant group that manages seven renowned restaurant concepts including Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, Canje and Ezov in Austin as well as Ladino, located at Pearl in San Antonio. The team will also be partnering with Tom Schnuck, the son of the co-founder and co-manager of a restaurant group who also assisted and invested in young chefs to create many successful restaurants that collectively hold five Michelin stars.

Celebrate the holidays with foodie gifts and merchandise

Bakery Lorraine’s pecan pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

With the Holiday season upon us and people searching for gifts to give and ways to celebrate this year, nationally recognized pastry shop Bakery Lorraine, flavor factory Twang and the iconic Lone Star Beer have some gift ideas. (Bakery Lorraine, Twang, Lone Star Beer, 2023)

Bakery Lorraine offers delectable pastries perfect for any holiday gathering this season, including holiday pies and a traditional Bûche De Noël available for local pick up at all locations. Twang presents a festive stuffed stocking filled with cocktail, beer and seltzer salts and koozies that are available for national shipping while supplies last. Lone Star Beer offers limited time merch in partnership with Morgan Mercantile that’s available for national shipping.

Bakery Lorraine

Bakery Lorraine offers delectable holiday pies and traditional Bûche De Noël for pre-order from Monday, December 11 to Sunday, December 24. Items need to be pre-ordered with 72 hours notice to the desired pickup date through the custom order request page. The traditional Bûche De Noël is made with tart cherries, vanilla mousse, and chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup.

Each of Bakery Lorraine’s nine inch holiday pies serve between 8 – 10 people and can be ordered for pick up at all Bakery Lorraine locations.

Flavors include:

  • Whiskey Pecan – made with Jack Daniels No. 7
  • Dutch Apple – made using five varieties of apples and topped with a cinnamon streusel 
  • Apple Cranberry – made using a variety of apples similar to their Dutch Apple Pie but cranberries are added for a beautiful flavor and extra color and topped with Christmas spice

Price: 

  • Bûche De Noël – $48
  • Whiskey Pecan Pie – $28
  • Dutch Apple – $32
  • Apple Cranberry – $32

Twang

Twang offers their festive Twang Stuffed Stocking this holiday season while supplies last and available for national shipping. Customers can use the code “HOLIDAYCHEER” for 10% off stockings. Twang is a family owned manufacturer of premium flavored salts, seasonings, cocktail mixes and more based in Texas.

Packed with Twang favorites, the festive stocking includes:

  • 1 Twang Stocking
  • 2 Christmas Koozies
  • 4 Beer Salts (Lime, Lemon Lime, Cucumber Chile Lime & Grapefruit)
  • 1 Twang-A-Rita Rimming Salt (Chile Lime)
  • 1 Mango Chile Twangerz

Price: $20

Lone Star Beer

Lone Star Beer partners with Morgan Mercantile for the perfect Texan gift this holiday season. The national beer of Texas offers limited time merch for guests to order through its online shop beginning Thursday, December 7.

All items are available for national shipping, including:

  • Patch Rope Hat
  • Pennants
  • Diner Mug
  • Pin
  • Beanies
  • Trucker Hat
  • Hoodies
  • Crewnecks

 

 

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Picadas releases new variety pack with brand new flavor

The ready to drink Mexican beverage has been rapidly growing as it approaches its first year in the U.S. market. Photo: Picadas, used with permission.

Picadas, the first Mexican hard agua fresca, released a new variety pack of 12 cans with four different flavors, including a brand-new flavor, Piña (pineapple), which is found exclusively in the variety pack. The original flavors—Limonada, Mango and Guava—are included in the pack. Made from a family recipe, Picadas combines real fruit juice with alcohol from cane sugar to create a hard agua fresca that embodies the bold, authentic flavors of Mexico. (Picadas, 2023)

The Mexican ready-to-drink beverage was released in the United States in January 2023 to 200 H-E-B stores across Texas and, since then, has seen rapid growth. Picadas is now available at all H-E-B stores and has added multiple other retailers in Texas, including Buc-ee’s, Quick Trip in North Texas, and Total Wine.

Picadas was founded in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2021 by Hugo Martinez, a local who –– like everyone in Mexico –– grew up enjoying homemade aguas frescas with his family. Martinez was pursuing an MBA at Stanford when he became captivated by the ready-to-drink cocktail craze. Martinez began selling Picadas at mercados and local farmers’ markets in Monterrey. As the drink gained popularity and word began to spread around the country, Martinez formed strategic partnerships that got Picadas into stores like Vinoteca, H-E-B, Soriana, Chedraui, and other Mexican chains. Martinez partnered with Austin-based Redbud Brands to expand Picadas to its first U.S. market.

“I’m incredibly proud to see how Picadas has resonated with consumers. Based on the success of six-packs, we knew it was time to expand into the variety 12-pack. It is a testament to the strong appeal for Mexican products, embraced not only by Mexicans but by everyone in the U.S. We are thrilled to launch this new Piña flavor and variety pack to continue to offer more unique, authentic Mexican flavors to our customers.” – Hugo Martinez, founder of Picadas.

Picadas blends the juice in small batches, allowing it to retain a bold, fruit-forward flavor, with no need for artificial additives. The mixture is then sweetened with agave, and cane sugar alcohol is added. Every 12-ounce can contains 130 calories and 4.5% alcohol by volume. In addition to the newly released variety 12-pack, six-packs of individual flavors are available at all retail stores. Each pack is accompanied by an Individually portioned packet of spicy chili salt to place on the rim and enjoy with each sip. Six-packs retail for $10.99, and variety packs retail for $19.99.

Picadas is a ready-to-drink, hard Mexican agua fresca made with real fruit. The name Picadas comes from the word “piquete,” the Spanish slang for “spiked.” A packet of chili lime salt accompanies every pack of Picadas to enjoy on the rim in classic Mexican style. Picadas aims to showcase the vibrancy of Mexico with four distinctive flavors: Mango, Limonada, Guava, and Piña. Founded by Stanford Business School graduate Hugo Martinez, Picadas is the culmination of his quest for a drink that faithfully re-creates the taste he grew up with in Mexico.