JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers Thanksgiving events for a family friendly holiday, West Texas Style. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
The scenic JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa has some Thanksgiving getaway programs coming up. The family owned and operated, 13,000-acre Texas Hill Country retreat invites families and loved ones to give thanks with outdoor experiences, world-class Texas BBQ, and the chance to make long-lasting memories. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2022)
Their programming and offers are as follows:
A Hill Country Thanksgiving Feast: On Thanksgiving (November 24), the JL Bar Ranch will host a family-style dinner featuring traditional Texas ranch favorites with sophisticated flair. Resort guests and locals alike can select from three separate seatings at 11a.m., 1p.m. and 4:30p.m. for their Thanksgiving feast, featuring a Chef-attended carving station with smoked turkey, sage butter basted roast turkey, and rosemary and garlic sirloin; crowd-pleasing and decadent buffet featuring over a dozen sides like bourbon orange glazed ham, sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble, roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts with applewood smoked bacon; an assortment of festive holiday desserts; and more. Price: $59.95 (guest rate); $79.95 (non-resort guest); half-off for kids 12 and under.
Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the crisp November weather with the resort’s robust outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding to 3D archery.
Laid-Back R&R: Book a seasonal spa treatment at The Spa at JL Bar for the ultimate relaxation during the holiday. Fall spa specials include an Appe Body Scrub, Autumn Massage, Harvest Facial, and Fall Foliage Mani-Pedi.
A Multi-Gen Villa Escape: The stunning Archer’s Nest Villais an ultra-private retreat within the Ranch: this beautiful ranch home has 7 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a swimming pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen & BBQ pavilion, home theater and more (private chef and butler options are available).
Take Care of Holiday Shopping Early: Stop by JL Bar Ranch’s General Store to tackle holiday shopping before the seasonal rush, with JL Bar coolers, apparel, hunting gear, and more.
Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez will curate a special four-course meal for the holiday and San Antonio musician Azul Barrientos will perform during the ticketed dinner. Photo: Carriqui Botana Platter, by Jody Horton, used with permission.
Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce that Carriqui will be honoring those who have passed with a specially curated ticketed dinner on Wednesday, November 2 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. for Día de los Muertos. The event will include a four-course meal curated by Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez and a guided musical performance from beloved local talent, Azul Barrientos. (Carriqui, 2022)
The experience includes welcome cocktails and appetizers beginning at 6p.m. and dinner beginning at 7p.m. The four-course meal includes squash blossom and kale salad with watermelon, confit fish tamal wrapped in banana leaf, beef short rib barbacoa with calabaza, and a tequila lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust and marigolds.
Availability for the dinner is limited. Tickets are available for $150 each through Tock. Complimentary valet, 20% gratuity, and the welcome cocktail are included in the price per ticket. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Wednesday, November 2 Welcome cocktails and appetizers: 6p.m. Four-Course Dinner: 7p.m. – 9p.m.
Carriqui 239 E Grayson St. San Antonio, TX 78215
Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck Hospitality concepts include Best Quality Daughter, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Carriqui, Food Hall at Bottling Dept., Ladino, and Stable Hall (coming 2023). Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.
Olympic and World Champion Gold Medalist Bode Miller will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) will host its 25th Anniversary Luncheon from 11:30a.m. to 1p.m. on Thursday, October 27, at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. For 25 years, the CBCST has provided critical support services for grieving children. This year’s event commemorates that milestone and will feature guest speaker Bode Miller, an Olympic and World Championship gold medalist in alpine skiing, who has personally experienced the tragic loss of a child. (Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, 2022)
Bode Miller and his wife, former pro beach volleyball player Morgan Beck, are parents to eight children. In 2018, they suffered devastating loss after the tragic drowning of their 19-month-old daughter, Emeline. Miller will host a question-and-answer session during the luncheon, sharing his message of resilience and hope.
During the luncheon, attendees may purchase a limited edition necklace specifically designed for the CBCST by local jewelry artist, Lee Ann Jones, as part of her #ShareYourSparkle line. Featuring a lone Fresh Water Pearl and signature Diamond Fairy Dust Bead on a delicate gold chain, the necklace will sell for $500. One hundred dollars from each sale will be donated directly back to the CBCST.
“We are thankful to observe 25 years of helping San Antonio and South Texas youth who have had to grapple with unimaginable heartache. It has been a privilege to be trusted by families from all socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities in helping them navigate the uncertainty of grief. This annual luncheon allows us to acknowledge our years of service with the community that has done so much for us.” – CBCST Executive Director Marian Sokol
Tables of eight and individual tickets are still available and may be purchased online.
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas’ mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, CBCST wholeheartedly devotes itself to addressing the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. CBCST believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Their goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of their grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.
Share Your Sparkle necklace by Lee Ann Jones. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters will be held on Sunday October 9, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, will host another Cosmic Night on October 9. This ongoing monthly series takes place whenever a full moon lands each month and will return for October’s hunter’s moon, which will be the first full moon of fall. October’s unique full moon has been nicknamed the hunter’s moon because, traditionally, it is the time of year when hunters start collecting food for the winter. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)
Hotel guests and the public can enjoy live music, insight from a tarot card reader, and a specialty cocktail paired with a cosmic coaster. The cosmic coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and conclude with a positive affirmation. The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s skyline.
Taco Cabana celebrates National Taco Day with unlimited $1 bean and cheese tacos and announces the return of bean and cheese Halloween Coupon Booklets. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
This October, Taco Cabana will celebrate the season with the return of its beloved limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets featuring five FREE bean and cheese tacos – available for purchase starting Saturday, October 1, 2022 – as well as special one-day-only offers for National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
Beginning Saturday, October 1, 2022, Taco Cabana will bring back its annual, limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets available for purchase at all Texas Taco Cabana locations for just $2. Each booklet includes five coupons for a FREE TC bean and cheese taco. This year, all proceeds from the booklet sales will be donated to Apraxia Kids, a national nonprofit partner of Taco Cabana whose mission aims to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with Apraxia of speech. The booklets will be available for purchase in-restaurant through Monday, October 31, 2022, while supplies last, and coupons must be redeemed by Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
“The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Booklets have become a tradition at Taco Cabana and something that so many of our loyal guests ask for and look forward to each year. We’re so happy to bring them back once again for 2022. This year, we’re even more pleased to announce that our partner, Apraxia Kids, will receive 100% of all proceeds.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer.
In celebration of National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy unlimited $1 classic bean and cheese tacos and unlimited $12 classic bean and cheese dozen taco boxes for one-day-only at all Texas Taco Cabana locations while supplies last.
“Like Cinco de Mayo, National Taco Day means so much to Brand Taco Cabana,” continued Camacho. “We wanted to celebrate not only the day, but celebrate our iconic bean and cheese taco as well. It’s the perfect taco at a fantastic price for the special day.”
For guests who are looking to indulge in Taco Cabana’s other delectable offerings, Taco Cabana’s all-new Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork menu options are also available at all Texas locations and are the perfect addition to any Taco Day celebration. Guests 21 years of age or older can complement their taco order with one of TC’s 12 refreshing margarita options available for $3 each all day, every day with flavors ranging from dragon fruit and mango to coconut and classic lime and strawberry.
$1 bean and cheese tacos and $12 bean and cheese dozen taco boxes 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 or ordering online. Halloween Coupon Booklets must be purchased in-store.
Taco Cabana is also pleased to announce that it is a Straight Flush sponsor of the upcoming Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Casino Night on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in San Antonio. Eva’s Heroes is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual special needs by providing an inclusive setting built on four tenets: interact, grow, learn and love. Casino Night is one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
“Community involvement has always played an important role at Brand TC and we’ve been actively engaged as partners with San Antonio-based Eva’s Heroes for some time now,” shared Camacho. “They have always held a special place in our Taco Cabana hearts. We’re proud to be their partners.”
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, 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, delivery and catering. As of September 26, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fall into the festive season at Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.
As summer fades and the leaves start to turn, Austin’s charming Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection welcomes fall and winter with new immersive seasonal programming, inspiring culinary creations, and excitement for the festive season. The Estate will honor its Texas roots by bringing native Texan artisans, musicians, and flavors to ATX this autumn and beyond. The captivating city is a must-visit for the remainder of 2022. It will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Austin City Limits and more for travelers to step outside their comfort zones and enjoy the cultural hub that is Austin. (Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)
These are some of the season’s highlights:
Taste of Auberge: Saison Hospitality: San Francisco’s Michelin-starred group Saison Hospitality brings innovative culinary activations on November 4 + 5. Locally curated seasonal Southern flavors will unite with upscale preparations of seasonal California dining for this exclusive culinary partnership. The guest series from Saison Hospitality’s Chef Brian Limoges and Executive Sous Chef Adam Gale (Saison) and Commodore Perry Estate’s Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson and Executive Pastry Chef Susana Querejazu will invite guests to honor collaboration in the kitchen with a private nine-course dinner at Lutie’s, as well as a fermenting workshop for all experience levels.
Game Day at The Estate: Every Friday on UT home game weekends, the Estate celebrates with visiting designer pop-up shops, interactive wine tasting events, local Austin musical performances, and guest bartending talent from local favorites and beyond. Friends and family can gather on game day for the resort’s delicious Saturday Brunch at the Mansion, complete with lawn games and pre-game drink specials, such as mimosa bars, shaken carajillos, local beer buckets, and more. For away games, the Estate’s Living Room becomes an extension of guests’ own, with TVs displaying the game paired with creative cocktails and delectable snacks.
A Very Texas Holiday Season: Guests can kick off the holidays with the annual festive lighting of the Mansion spectacular with a custom commissioned work from the Dallas-based conceptual artistic duo Anderson + Kincaid. Then, indulge in decadent Holiday Panettone, a collaboration with world-renowned Houston-based baker Roy Shvartzapel and Executive Pastry Chef Susan Querejazu, or give the ultimate gift by having Evan Voyles design a custom, hand-crafted neon piece for loved ones. The Larder Shop will curate a selection of culinary gifts by Chef Bradley Nicholson and Chef Susana Querejazu, allowing guests to bring a bit of the Estate home.
Taco Cabana’s new location now open at Babcock/Wurzbach is a new, contemporary restaurant conversion design. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
In celebration of Taco Cabana’s 44th birthday on September 21, 2022, TC has announced the opening of its newest San Antonio, Texas location at 2403 Babcock Road (Babcock/Wurzbach). With the opening on Monday September 19, TC is proud to introduce an all-new prototype design for its latest restaurant conversion and opening in its hometown of San Antonio. The new restaurant features a modernized exterior design, updated color scheme, elevated décor elements including a dynamic lighting package, traditional TC designs, a prominent never-before-seen external Branding marquee, and more; all while remaining true to Taco Cabana’s Brand heritage. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
“It’s an exciting time for Taco Cabana,” said Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’ve been working on a new modern TC conversion prototype design for more than a year now. It was important for us to retain TC heritage and tradition with our signature pink color, the use of papel and our iconic TC logo oval. To launch the design in our hometown of San Antonio and celebrate our birthday at the same time is such a great moment for the Brand.”
In addition to its popular menu of extensive Tex-Mex offerings and 12-flavor Margarita Headquarters, TC’s latest location will feature the return of Taco Cabana’s beloved salsa bar and new external branding featuring a cleaner pink TC logo oval. TC’s conversion design was done in partnership with Hospitality Design Group led by Robert L. Herbage. Kamron Loyd led the construction for the conversion design.
“We’re so proud to be celebrating our 44th birthday and honoring our TC heritage with this restaurant conversion opening.” – Anil Yadav, Taco Cabana’s CEO.
The Babcock/Wurzbach location is now open for dine-in daily from 6a.m. to 10p.m.; for drive-thru Monday through Thursday from 6a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6a.m. to 2a.m.; with Happy Hour offerings from Sunday through Thursday from 4p.m. to 7p.m.
“This new conversion prototype design is just the beginning for Taco Cabana as we concentrate on our future,” added Yadav. “We look forward to bringing more TC innovation, creativity and surprises to our guests, including a new ground-up restaurant prototype design in 2023.”
TC’s menu offerings can be enjoyed in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via drive-thru or mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, 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, delivery and catering. As of September 19, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Fest is a family friendly celebration that celebrates flannel and pumpkin spice season. Photo: Big Cedar Lodge, used with permission.
The award-winning wilderness resort Big Cedar Lodge is kicking off its annual Cedar Fest celebration featuring pumpkin patches, hayrides, spooky corn mazes, and so much more. As the leaves turn and you reach for that extra sweater for a cozy fall season, there is no better place to celebrate the season in the Midwest than at Big Cedar Lodge. (Big Cedar Lodge, 2022)
Below are some of the festive activities available for both guests and locals between September 18 through October 31.
Fall Festivals: Enjoy some good old fashioned fun with a guided tram ride to Big Cedar’s pumpkin patch, where participants can decorate pumpkins, paint pottery, enjoy tie dye and face painting, ride a mechanical bull by day; and roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a movie on the lawn by night.
Ozark’s Lost Soul Maze: Get lost in Big Cedar’s iconic, 3,700-square-foot maze that has haunted ghosts and spooky spirits of the Ozarks’ past. Keep an eye out for spiders, skeletons, spooks, and more.
Fall Chuckwagon Tour:Back in the beauty of the Ozarks with a relaxing evening tram ride and history tour, a piping hot bowl of soup or chili, and a glass of wine or beer for the adults.
Show your Fall Flair: Celebrate your artistic side with instructor-led Fall Wreath Making ($65 per wreath, families and groups welcome) and Fall Centerpiece Building ($65 per centerpiece). Guests can take home their masterpiece to display for the season.
Fall Golf Getaway: Big Cedar Lodge boasts one of the leading resort golf portfolios in the country, and there is no better time to tee off than Fall. Enjoy the watercolor foliage on Payne’s Valley, the first Tiger Woods-designed public course, or the award-winning Ozarks National.
For even more Fall Fun, the nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is inviting locals and visitors alike to explore the park’s 10,000 acres covered in magnificent fall foliage; and America’s #1 aquarium, Wonders of Wildlife, is hosting spooky and festive activities including the Out to Sea Shark Feeding, Yarn Pumpkin Crafting, a Halloween Bash Teen Night including a scavenger hunt and mini Fall Festival, and a Bat Bonanza event.
Pearl celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Viva Dieciséis, a month long celebration with special programming, retail specials, and more. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce its programming for Hispanic Heritage Month, this September 15 – October 15, starting with a big Viva Dieciséis at Pearl celebration and continuing throughout the month with events, specials, a mural designed by artist Martha Martinez, and more throughout the property. (Pearl, 2022)
“With our rich history and connection to Mexico, Dieciséis is an important celebration and part of the Texas experience. As a central gathering place for San Antonio and people from all over the world, we are happy that the Pearl community can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the Latinx experience across many nationalities.” – Pearl CEO Mesha Millsap
Viva Dieciséis at Pearl – Friday, September 16
To celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Pearl will host a free event featuring a variety of mariachi groups that will play throughout the property including Trio Canteres de Mi Tierra, Las Coronelas and Mariachi Azteca with a guest appearance from Mateo Lopez, the world’s youngest Mariachi. The Viva Dieciséis festivities will also include a traditional grito by Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio Ruben Minutti Zanatta as well as loteria games and a grito contest in partnership with the Mexican Consulate and H-E-B.
The full event schedule is as follows:
5p.m. – Mariachi Festival kicks off at the shade structure (in front of Southerleigh)
5p.m. – Burbank High School mariachi group to perform at Parkito (next to Local Coffee)
5:30p.m. – Loteria games and guitar painting by the Mexican Consulate
6p.m. – Harris Middle School mariachi group to perform at Parkito
6p.m. – Stilt walkers from Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center perform
6:45p.m. – Grito by Consul General of Mexico and Grito contest takes place under the shade structure
6:45p.m. – Las Coronelas to perform at the shade structure
7p.m. – Trio Canteres de Mi Tierra to perform throughout the grounds
7p.m. – Mariachi Azteca to perform under the shade structure with guest Mateo Lopez
The mural, created by Martha Martinez of MM Creative, in collaboration with Servin and Don Mos, celebrates the San Antonio community’s rich cultural history. “Cultura, Orgullo and Corazón – are words that describe San Antonio, its people and its spirit. As a majority Latino community, we celebrate our community all year round,” says Martinez.
Retail Specials
Throughout Pearl during Hispanic Heritage Month, visitors and shoppers can find special deals, displays, pop-ups and more that honor our Hispanic community. Dos Carolinas, known for its beautiful guayabera shirts, will host a 15-20% off sale from September 15 through September 24. Curio and Larder at Hotel Emma will feature Latinx makers at their store with Larder hosting a 17HERNÁN mole event on September 17. Hotel Emma will also host a series of tastings featuring Latinx goods for guests of the hotel.
Feliz Modern Pop is planning to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with displays featuring Latinx makers and brands. The featured artists at Feliz Modern Pop will include designer Mario Diaz, jewelry maker Natazia Renee, artist Natalie Trinidad, artist Rafael Gonzales Jr, and artist Eva Sanchez. Brands like Very That, Miradela and Mi Dulce Vida will also be featured at the store throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Rancho Diaz will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with displays throughout the store that introduce shoppers to the people behind the brands they carry. Throughout the month they will feature artist Hailey Marmolejo and brands like Del Alma Imports, and Tex Mex Dance Party.
Culinary Celebrations
Restaurants across Pearl will be celebrating with specialty cocktails, unique new dishes, music, and more. Jazz, TX will host a Salsa night with Jose Amador and NATIAO Latin Jazz on September 17 at 7:30p.m. Boiler House will debut a new mezcal margarita with jalapeño and cilantro called “The San Antonian” in celebration of the city’s vibrant blend of cultures. Chilaquil in the Bottling Department is bringing mole chilaquiles to the menu for Dieciséis and will offer free aguas frescas with purchase throughout the month.
La Gloria will be offering several new specials as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations:
Chiles en Nogada – traditional poblano chile stuffed with picadillo meat with fruit, topped with walnut-based cream sauce, pomegranate seeds, and parsley
Bandera Elote – shaved in a cup or cob, topped with chili powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro to resemble the Mexican flag
Bandera Margarita – frozen margarita with pickle chamoy at the bottom and strawberry at the top, garnished with salt or chili, a lime and a Mexican flag toothpick
As part of their Dieciséis celebration on September 16, La Gloria will feature the aforementioned menu items in addition to live entertainment all evening, a cantarito satellite bar and a Herradura tequila flight special.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection is having several events this long Labor Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection is celebrating the beginning of the end of hot summer days with a weekend full of music, Longhorn football and lots of delicious sips and bites. (Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)
Holiday weekend highlights:
KUTX Presents Walker Lukens (Friday, September 2): Guests can kick off the holiday weekend with a performance at the Estate’s historic Chapel with Walker Lukens, in partnership with Austin public radio station 98.9 FM KUTX, home to the Austin Music Experience. This is the first in a five-part series, each performance will help raise funds in support of HAAM Day.
Gameday Brunch at the Estate (Saturday, September 3): Wake up and gather with friends and family on game day for the resort’s delicious Saturday brunch at the Mansion, complete with lawn games and pre-game drink specials, such as mimosa bars, shaken carajillos, local beer buckets, and more.
Prometheus Pizza Pop-Up (Sunday, September 4): Fredericksburg pizza phenoms, Prometheus Pizza, is coming to the Estate for an all-day pizza party this Labor Day Weekend. Relax and indulge in a variety of their delicious pies – with classic pizza parlor creations from Chef Bradley and Chef Susana, such as garlic knots, the perfect Caesar salad and tasty cannoli. Members also have the option to do takeaway (pizza and wine only).
SA Examiner 