Category: celebrations

Niche celebrates 25th anniversary with multiple events

Events include a fashion show, trunk shows, an in-store birthday party, stitching lessons, and more. Photo: Niche, used with permission.

Beloved local clothing store, Niche, is celebrating 25 years in business this spring and summer with multiple events from April through August. The fashion brand was founded in 1997 by mother/daughter team Nilgün and Ayse Derman. Niche’s flagship boutique is located at Pearl. In honor of the brand’s 25th anniversary, the clothing company will host sewing classes, trunk shows, a birthday party featuring special sales, a fashion show, and more. (Niche, 2022)

The Niche 25th Anniversary Fashion Show, scheduled for May 19, will be the highlight and largest event of the series, featuring an in-store fashion show with special discounts, a selfie wall, wine, cocktails, and gift bags for guests. Space is limited so guests are encouraged to reserve a spot through the Eventbrite link HERE.

“We are so excited to celebrate 25 years in business! People tell us that when they wear Niche, they can count on always getting compliments on their outfits,” said Niche Co-owner Ayse Derman. “Not only do we want you to feel good because you look good, but we pay attention to the cuts and the textiles so it also feels good to wear.” 

A full list of Niche’s 25th anniversary events include:

  • April 13, 2022: Stitch at Niche Sewing Workshop – Niche Store from 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.
    • The topic for this class is the Sashiko method of mending. Participants will learn basic hand sewing stitches used to mend and reinforce garments. Materials will be provided. RSVP via the Eventbrite link HERE, space is limited.
  • April 28 – 29, 2022 – Fall Trunk Show – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Browse and place advance orders for the Fall 2022 collection, delivered in July/August. Each Niche clothing item is locally designed and made with the majority of products used being sourced from environmentally responsible companies. This both helps reduce the shipping cost and remove unnecessary waste associated with fashion.
  • May 7, 2022 – Claudia Lobao Trunk Show – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 3p.m.
  • Meet the designer and shop the new collection from San Antonio based jewelry designer Claudia Lobao
  • May 14 – Pop-Up with La Coronita hats – Niche at Pearl store from 11a.m. – 3p.m.
    • Shop handmade and customizable hats from local company La Coronita. In store with owner Roma Villavicencio.
  • May 19, 2022 – 25th Anniversary Fashion Show – Niche Store from 6p.m. – 8p.m.
    • Niche will host an in store retrospective fashion show during an evening that includes special discounts, wine, cocktails, and gift bags for guests. Space is limited – to reserve your spot on the guest list visit HERE.
  • May 20 to 31, 2022 – 25th Anniversary Gallery – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 6p.m. Monday – Friday / 10a.m. to 6p.m. on Saturday / 11a.m. – 4p.m. on Sunday
    • Visit Niche for a gallery style retrospective of highlights from 25 years of Niche collections. Guests can also shop special reissues of some of the most beloved styles from seasons past. Garments will be on view during store hours, and open to the public.
  • June 9, 2022 – Swap + Shop – Niche Store Courtyard from 4p.m. – 7p.m.
    • Guests are invited to bring a new or gently worn Niche item from past collections and swap it with another Niche garment. Wine will be available for customers 21+.
  • June 15, 2022 – Stitch at Niche Sewing Workshop – Niche Store from 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. 
    • The topic for this class is the Sashiko method of mending. Participants will learn basic hand sewing stitches to be used to mend and reinforce garments. Materials will be provided. RSVP via the Eventbrite link HERE, as space is limited.
  • June 25, 2022 – Nilgün & Ayse’s Birthday Party – Niche Store from 10a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Celebrate the dynamic mother-daughter duo’s birthday and their 25 years in business. Guests will receive 25% off one clothing item and will be able to enjoy some sweets and bubbles.
  • August 18 – 19, 2022 – Sidewalk Sale – Pearl from 11a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Join Niche and additional Pearl retailers for a sidewalk sale. Niche will have some deep discounts for guests to take advantage of on these two dates. Subscribe to Pearl’s newsletter for more information closer to date plus additional event information here.

Niche is a modern apparel collection with rich textiles & textiles and distinctive architectural details. It is available in high-end boutiques across the country. Designer Nilgün Derman founded the brand in the mid-90s in a small cottage nestled in a “niche” of live oak trees in Castle Hills, Texas. What started as a small artwear group evolved into the ready-to-wear collection it is today. Nilgun, her daughter Ayse Derman, and their dedicated team continue to design and make the collection in Central Texas. The flagship boutique, Niche at Pearl is located at the Historic Pearl in San Antonio, Texas across the San Antonio River from company headquarters. The collection draws inspiration from this energetic district of culture and creativity in the Alamo City. Stitch at Niche, a curated fabric store & project space, is also located within the boutique where you can find unique DIY kits, gorgeous textiles by the yard, trims, interesting buttons and sewing thread.

Hotel Contessa announces Fiesta programming

Hotel Contessa announces River Parade tickets for sale, programming, food and drink specials, and more. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to announce its programming during Fiesta (March 31 – April 10) including river parade tickets and dinner tickets, free live music, specialty cocktails, and more. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Texas Cavaliers River Parade Tickets – The hotel will be selling ticket packages for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on April 4. Hotel Contessa is selling tickets for three different viewing areas at the hotel, including riverside seats, patio seating at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, and the hotel’s River Terrace. All have direct views of the River Walk and access to the parade. All tickets feature food and beverage options. To view and purchase the specific ticket packages see here.

Prefix Dinner during Texas Cavaliers River Parade – Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special prefix dinner during the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday, April 4, beginning at 7p.m. Guests will be treated to a three course dinner along with a carafe of cucumber margarita. Tickets are $150 a person and include direct access and views of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, dinner, carafe of margarita, gratuity, tax, and valet parking. Children have the option to choose from the kids menu. Guests have the option to purchase a table. Tables sit four and are $600.00. Tickets for the dinner are available here.

Live Music During Fiesta – Hotel Contessa will feature free live music in the hotel’s atrium on the River Walk level on Thursdays – Sundays throughout Fiesta. The public and hotel guests alike can enjoy dinner and drinks while taking in the sounds of Fiesta.

The live music schedule includes:

  • Thursday, March 31 – live mariachi music, stilt walkers, and folkloric dancers
  • Friday, April 1 – live mariachi music
  • Saturday, April 2 – Brandon Padier
  • Sunday, April 3 – Randy Cordero
  • Monday, April 4 – Michael Alanis 
  • Thursday, April 7 – live mariachi music, stilt walkers, and folkloric dancers
  • Friday, April 8 – live mariachi music
  • Saturday, April 9 – TBA
  • Sunday, April 10 – Weston Ripps

Specialty Fiesta-themed Cocktail Menu – Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will feature five curated cocktails from March 31 through April 15 to honor San Antonio’s favorite party. Representatives from Deep Eddy Vodka and Austin Cocktails will also be onsite throughout Fiesta to offer tastings to the public and hotel guests.

Hotel Contessa Fiesta Medals – Hotel Contessa will be selling its Fiesta medals for $10 at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails while inventory is available.

WB Liquors & Wine celebrates Fiesta with first ever Fiesta medal

WB Liquors & Wine is getting into the Fiesta season by launching their first Fiesta medal. Photo: google

This year, Fiesta San Antonio will take place from March 31 through April 10, 2022. To get into the spirit of the Fiesta celebration, WB Liquors & Wine is launching their first-ever Fiesta medal. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2022)

Fiesta medals will be sold at the following WB Liquor & Wine locations for $7.99:

· 9802 IH-10 West
· 3910 McCullough Suite 101
· 2910 Goliad
· 2809 E Main St. Suite A
· 706 East Main
· 1040 A Junction Hwy
· 102 S FM 1346 STE B1
· 301 10th St Suite 1
· 1809 Louise Lane Suite 100
· 5607 UTSA Blvd
· 1203 N FM 1604 E
· 15330 IH 35 Suite 100

WB Liquors has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business, we began with a simple desire: to help customers make the good times even better with convenient locations and an extensive variety of liquor, beer, and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service you would expect from a neighborhood store. Today, that simple vision still defines our business and it is what keeps our customers coming back.

 

Taco Cabana celebrates Fiesta 2022

Taco Cabana celebrates Fiesta 2022 with a signature Fiesta medal and new menu items, such as the Breakfast Bowls, which will be available starting March 30, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is celebrating the 2022 Fiesta season in San Antonio with a signature Fiesta medal and new menu items, including Breakfast Bowls, Queso Blanco Enchiladas, and the return of its popular menu combos. Launching March 30, 2022, guests can enjoy new Taco Cabana Breakfast Bowls filled with seasoned potatoes, refried beans, eggs, queso, pico de gallo and choice of meat, including chorizo for $3.79, bacon for $3.99, or TC’s all-new country sausage for $3.29. TC’s Breakfast Bowls are available for purchase at all Texas locations and are available only during breakfast hours. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

In addition to new items at breakfast, guests can also enjoy their favorite TC Enchiladas with new Queso Blanco, starting at just $6.39 and available now at all Texas locations. Guests can top their choice of perfectly-seasoned shredded chicken, ground beef, or cheese enchiladas with Queso Blanco, a harmonious blend of Monterey Jack, and white American cheese.

The convenience of TC’s signature combos returns to all Texas locations and are now available starting at just $5.89. Guests can choose one of eight different taco or burrito options, and each combo order comes complete with chips, queso, and a refreshing 20 oz. beverage. San Antonio and Austin guests can also enjoy a ninth option – a Carne Guisada taco combo.

TC lovers can also grab their 2022 Taco Cabana Fiesta medal for $5 at all participating locations in San Antonio. Guests can show their Alamo City pride and support for their favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in preparation for the long-awaited return of Fiesta.

Taco Cabana’s combos, Breakfast Bowls and Queso Blanco Enchiladas are available 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 Taco Cabana 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 March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas

Taco Cabana’s Fiesta 2022 medal. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Local semifinalists for James Beard Foundation Awards

David Caceres, Head Baker at La La Panadería, has been named a semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker.” Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

La Panadería and the Pearl are excited to announce that the following restaurants and chefs have been named semifinalists by the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. (Pearl, 2022)

Semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker” – David Caceres, Head Baker, La Panadería
Description: A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts who displays exceptional skill. Must consistently sell goods directly to the public, but does not need a brick-and-mortar presence and must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past three years.

Semifinalist for “Outstanding Wine Program” – High Street Wine. Co, Pearl
Description: A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine. Makes efforts to create and foster a diverse portfolio of wines and wine team members.

Semifinalist for “Best Chef: Texas” – Chef Steve McHugh, Cured, Pearl
Description: Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions. May be from any kind of dining establishment but must have been working as a chef in the region for at least three years.

Sound Cream Airstream returns to Pearl for special Galentine’s themed night

Sound Cream Airstream will transform Pearl’s Park Bar for a night of song dedications. Photo: Sound Cream Airstream, used with permission.

Pearl and Park Bar at the Food Hall at Bottling Department are excited to welcome Sound Cream Airstream back to the park for their first ever “Galentine’s Day” set with Southtown Vinyl. Sound Cream Airstream is an “all-in-one mobile discotheque” that puts on a dance party and DJ showcase. Guests can visit the DJ booth and dedicate songs of love to all their gal pals or that special someone. Pearl’s “Amor” wall is also set up for a fun photo opportunity to memorialize the night. The event is free to attend. (Pearl, 2022)

Enjoy treats from San Antonio’s first food hall, The Bottling Department, which includes the restaurants Fletcher’s Hamburgers, Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and Kineapple. The Food Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tableside delivery and option to use QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables.

Sunday, February 13, 2022
4p.m. – 7:30p.m.

Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it 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 community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

iFLY presents Valentine’s Day flight package

iFLY’s Valentine’s Day offer runs through February 20, 2022. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a unique, special “Love is in the Air” package, featuring four flights and two videos for two flyers, which will run from February 4 to February 20. Packages are available for purchase online at iflyworld.com/valentines-day/ and can be redeemed at participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving locations. iFLY is dedicating the month of February to bringing loved ones together for a unique, nontraditional Valentine’s Day experience that will take love to new heights. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2022)

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 do not 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.

Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by making a tremendous investment in new safety measures. In fact, iFLY’s wind tunnels have a fresh air advantage over other experiences. Advanced wind tunnel technology provides guests with clean air while flying by recirculating and refreshing the air from outside the iFLY facilities. Tested and proven, iFLY’s wind tunnels create an environment at least 10x fresher than the average store or gym when flying guests—even at slow wind speeds.

Prices vary per iFLY location. Offer available at participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving locations, excluding iFLY Detroit.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten’s upcoming events

Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels has exciting new collaborations, live music, themed dinners, farmers markets, and more coming up. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce some of the exciting events that they have coming up in 2022. In the new year, Krause’s will continue to host live performances by nationally, and internationally, renowned polka and folk acts in addition to amazing parties, themed dinners, Dachshund races, and more. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)

See below for a sampling of upcoming events:

Mollie B with Squeezebox and Ted Lange – February 4 – 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.

In 2022 Krause’s continues to provide its guests with world-class live musical performances. On February 4th, New Braunfels staple Terry Cavanagh will open for Polka Hall of Fame musicians Mollie B and Squeezebox with Ted Lange. Doors open at 4pm. 

Daddy Daughter Dinner – February 9 – 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.

Krause’s Café welcomes all father-daughter pairs to their Daddy Daughter Dinner. A dinner for two is available for $50, which includes a 14oz. ribeye, chicken tenders with “stuffed” mashed potatoes, and tableside s’mores for dessert. This special night also includes a performance from All Mixed Up Variety Band. Tickets are available here, with the option to include additional children’s tickets for larger families at $15 per child. 

The New Braunfels Farmers Market (Valentine’s Market) – February 9, 11, and 12

Visit the New Braunfels Farmers Market during the month of February and find local vendors located in the Krause’s Biergarten for a convenient shopping opportunity for Valentine’s Day. Guests can purchase one of a kind baked goods, flowers, chocolates, and many more local gifts to celebrate the Holiday. The schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, February 9th 5p.m. to 9p.m.
  • Friday, February 11th 4p.m. to 9p.m.
  • Saturday, February 12th 1p.m. to 4p.m.

Halfway to Oktoberfest & Masskrugstemmen Season Kickoff – March 11 to 13 

Join Krause’s in celebrating the beginning of the Masskrugstemmen season and begin the countdown to Oktoberfest. Pech & Schwefel will be joining Krause’s all the way from Austria to kick off the halfway point to Oktoberfest, in addition to returning in September for the official Oktoberfest celebrations.

Dachshund Race – March 20 – 2p.m. to 5p.m.

Krause’s is off to races with one of their most popular events. Guests can cheer on the racing pups at 2p.m. until approximately 5p.m. on March 20. Spectator tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite here for $5 (ages 12 and up), or you can choose to register your Dachshund and enter the race online. In addition to the race, Krause’s will be accepting food and supply donations for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed Dachshund as well as the race winner.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a Bierhalle and ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.

Valentine’s Day spa packages from Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Spa packages from Hiatus Spa + Retreat make an excellent Valentine’s Day gift. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

With Valentine’s Day coming up next month, award-winning Texas day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat has 2022 Valentine’s Day spa packages available to gift loved ones, or yourself, this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)

Valentine’s Day Gift Card In-Spa Promo
Buy a $250 gift card for $200.

Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you. ($179, $220 value)

The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Sparkler Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing, and forever ours. ($348.99, $420 value)

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle. 

Home for the Holidays special event series at TSC Performing Arts Center

The Home for the Holidays Special Event Series at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Last Sunday November 28, the UTRGV School of Music and Patron of the Arts returned to the stage at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville for their Home for the Holidays series. During this free event, the community enjoyed musical performances by the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra, the UTRGV Wind Orchestra, and the UTRGV Master Chorale.

The night of holiday music began with a pre-concert music in the lobby by the UTRGV Trombone Choir to entertain the audience until the auditorium doors opened. The night’s first half of the concert series consisted of the UTRGV Master Chorale singing This Endris Night and What Sweeter Music, the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra performing holiday classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Stille Nacht. The intermission entertainment came courtesy of the UTRGV Horn Choir and for the second half of the evening’s performances, the UTRGV Master Chorale and UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed such classics as Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song and the UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed The Polar Express and The Bells of Christmas, among other holiday favorites. The audience participation portion was a holiday sing along with the UTRGV Master Chorale and Wind Symphony of Deck the Hall, Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The UTRGV Jazz Combo kept the momentum going in the lobby with a post-concert performance.

The UTRGV School of Music successfully kicked off the post-Thanksgiving holiday season with a wonderfully nostalgic night of music. Everyone from the musicians to the singers brought a much needed magical night of music for the community to enjoy. They performed to a nearly packed auditorium and all the night’s performances were delightful and deserve the spotlight just as much as the athletes. Hopefully, there will be more such concerts in the near future.

Patron of the Arts is the performance and membership series of the UTRGV School of Music that has provided Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors with excellent artistic programs for over 35 years. The program was created in 1984 in Brownsville, Texas, to provide the community and students with opportunities for learning and enrichment by attending live events by professional guest musicians as well as visual artists. Patron of the Arts was also intended to provide a venue for faculty and student performances to highlight the considerable talent we have in the Rio Grande Valley. (Patron of the Arts, 2021)

UTRGV Trombone Choir
UTRGV Symphony Orchestra
UTRGV Horn Choir
UTRGV Jazz Combo