Category: Community news

Taco Cabana announces partnership with national nonprofit Apraxia Kids

Partnership will launch on May 14, 2022 on Apraxia Awareness Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana recently announced a partnership with national nonprofit Apraxia Kids that will kick off on Apraxia Awareness Day – Saturday, May 14, 2022. That Saturday, a portion of the proceeds from each chips and queso sold at Texas Taco Cabana locations will be donated to Apraxia Kids. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to communicate verbally. Children with the diagnosis generally have a good understanding of language and know what they want to say; however, they have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech. Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with Apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families, fostering community engagement and outreach and investing in the future through advocacy and research. 

“As someone with a personal connection to apraxia, I fully understand the challenges that are presented to the child and the family as they face this disorder every day,” said Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho. “‘Together We Are’ is part of the Apraxia Kids branding, and those powerful words have such meaning to all apraxia families. We’re each searching for support and education, sharing stories and challenges, seeking answers and solutions. I couldn’t be more proud to partner the Taco Cabana family with Apraxia Kids.”      

The Taco Cabana and Apraxia Kids partnership will remain an ongoing effort for Brand TC. Additional details about upcoming fundraisers and promotions will be available at later dates as they develop, and individual donations can be made to the organization.

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, burritos, tacos, 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 May 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families; facilitating community engagement and outreach; and investing in the future through advocacy and research. Since our inception in 2000, Apraxia Kids has provided support to thousands  of families  and  professionals. We envision  a world where every child with apraxia of speech reaches their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment. We believe that every child deserves a voice.

Photo: Apraxia Kids, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa offers special rates for educators during May

Hotel Contessa announces special rates for teachers and educators during the month of May. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

To celebrate teachers for all they do, Hotel Contessa is offering a special 10% discount to faculty and staff of all levels at educational institutions who book a stay at the hotel in the month of May. Educators can call the hotel at (210) 229-9222 or book online using the promo code: TEACH. Proof of faculty ID is required at check in to redeem the offer. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Hotel Contessa is also offering a special 25% discount for educators who book a stay in advance. The offer is valid from now until May 15, 2022 for stays between June 1 and September 30, 2022. Blackout dates apply. Educators can call the hotel at (210) 229-9222 or book online using the promo code: Educator. Proof of faculty ID is required at check in to redeem the offer.

Additionally, teachers will receive a free appetizer with purchase of an entrée at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails during Teacher Appreciation Week (Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 6). Proof of faculty ID is required to receive the discount.

The 10% teacher appreciation rate is available throughout the month of May.
The 25% early booking rate is available now through May 15, 2022.
Specials at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails are available during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6).

Hotel Contessa
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Ford’s all new electric truck to make San Antonio debut at Pearl

Ford’s 2022 F-150 Lightning. Ford’s team will be onsite with F-150 Lightning trucks and guests will have the opportunity to be driven around a test track. Photo: Ford, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to welcome Ford to the property as they debut their first electric pick-up truck, the 2022 F-150 Lightning®. The Ford team will be onsite at Pearl starting Wednesday, May 4 at 3p.m. for a limited time as they showcase the all-new electric truck, its features made possible by electrification and its smart digital technologies. On select dates, Ford will have professional drivers giving rides to individuals around a special circuit at Pearl. (Ford, 2022)

Ford will begin their activations onsite at Pearl beginning on Wednesday, May 4.
Rides with professional drivers on the test track as follows:
• Wednesday, May 4 from 3p.m. to 8p.m.
• Thursday, May 5 from 3p.m. to 8p.m.
• Friday, May 6 from 12p.m. to 6p.m.
• Saturday, May 7 from 9a.m. to 8p.m.
• Sunday, May 8 from 9a.m. to 6p.m.

Ford’s activations will take place throughout the property (312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215), including the Cellars Pavilion, Pearl Park and Pearl Parkito. The rides will be located in the parking lot behind Best Quality Daughter (602 Avenue A, 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.

Sip margaritas and support Mexican-owned tequila this Cinco de Mayo

The Banderita Flight cocktail at FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar is made with LALO blanco tequila, a Mexican-owned, Mexican-founded tequila brand. (Photo: LALO Spirits, used with permission.

In the United States, more people consume tequila on Cinco de Mayo than on any other day of the year. LALO (a Mexican-owned tequila brand founded by Don Julio’s grandson) is celebrating the day with specialty cocktails at several bars and restaurants throughout San Antonio on Thursday. (LALO Spirits, 2022)

On Thursday, May 5, FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar (18740 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258) will serve a Banderita Flight — three mini cocktails made with LALO blanco tequila and served in shades of green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag. Flavors include a melon-lime margarita with citrus salt, ranch water with sea salt, and a strawberry hibiscus margarita with a tajin rim.

Screaming Goat Yard & Tap (4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070) will be featuring LALO Ranch Waters, Palomas, and Perfect Margaritas. There will also be a LALO rep on site pouring taste of the popular blanco tequila from 6p.m. to 8p.m.

All three locations of La Fogata are featuring four special cocktails made with LALO throughout the month of May.

Fresca Margarita – LALO Blanco, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Sweet n’ sour, Fresh lime

Chispa Margarita – LALO Blanco, Triple sec, Fresh lime juice

Paloma – LALO Blanco, Fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, topped with sparkling mineral water

Ranch Water – LALO Blanco, fresh lime juice, top with sparkling mineral water over ice with salted rim

Ácenar on the Riverwalk (146 E. Houston St. San Antonio, Texas 78205) will serve a special cocktail called La Flaca, a skinny margarita made with LALO.

LALO is available for purchase at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout San Antonio. It is also available online with direct shipping.

LALO is named after co-founder and maestro tequilero Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the grandson of Don Julio González of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Lalo continues the legacy of his father and grandfather with a bold new approach to perfecting blanco tequila. After nearly a decade in the industry seeing tequila follow many different trends, he and founding partner David R. Carballido sought to return tequila to its honest roots with a truly pure blanco tequila, without barrels or additives.

Each batch of LALO is 100% pure. It is made with wisdom passed down through generations of tequileros using the finest agave, handpicked from the Jalisco Highlands, cooked using a traditional process, and distilled only twice to maintain the agave’s integrity. The sole ingredients are fully-matured agave, a proprietary Champagne yeast, and deep well water, honoring the complex essence of the agave. 

What began as a small, private batch for friends and family in Guadalajara turned into a tequila high in demand for its taste and purity. LALO is not intended as a special occasion tequila, it is intended to make any occasion special.

 

Celebrate mom at Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection. Photo: google

Create a memorable spring retreat this Mother’s Day at Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin, Texas. The storied resort-style hotel is unveiling new guest experiences for the upcoming holiday, providing countless ways to rest, reconnect and celebrate Mom. (Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

Mother’s Day at the Estate:

Throughout the weekend, guests are invited to discover The Furtuna Pop-Up Spa Suite, where Mom can be treated to a luxurious Furtuna Skin Deluxe Facial or enjoy integrative wellness experiences led by Caitlin Fennessy of Peach House ATX.

Spend Sunday celebrating mom with a special Mother’s Day Brunch at the Mansion. Indulge in a decadent dining experience complete with a selection of Chef Bradley’s savory dishes and Chef Susana’s pastries. Families can also visit the Mansion lawn where ATX favorite Gypsy Floral’s signature flower bar is perched for the weekend. Here, they can create the perfect bouquet for mom using a selection of their luscious blooms. Finally, enjoy a special Kentucky Derby watch party in the Garden Nook on Saturday, featuring mint juleps and Derby-inspired bites.

Mother’s Day specials from Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Treat mom to a relaxation experience with specials from Hiatus Spa + Retreat. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Give your mom the relaxing Mother’s Day she has always dreamed of with Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s spa specials. This year, Hiatus will be offering a Mother’s Day Gift Bundle featuring Hiatus Everyday products plus two spa packages that will ensure mom gets a Spa-cial day including the Silence Is Golden and The Big Chill. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat,2022)

Silence is Golden

This wonderful deal includes the following: Pick any two essential services for $198. Wherever you are, you can ensure your mom gets a Spa-cial day. (2 hours, $198 | $240 value)

The Big Chill

Hiatus’ 90-minute Signature Massage followed by a super-charged plant peel in The 29 Again Facial will help you hit refresh on that inner glow. We second that emotion. (2.5 hours, $265 | $330 value)

Mother’s Day Gift Bundle

Buy any three Hiatus Everyday products and receive a free Hiatus Gift Cylinder ($10 Value). Available for purchase in-spa only from April 12 – May 15 and excludes any lip products. Use this bundle to get your mom something small, something special, something for her.

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 5000’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 environmentally-friendly 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.

Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month at San Antonio Museum of Art

Celebrate with a Family Day on Sunday May 1, 2022. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) invites families to celebrate the first day of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month with Chinese Lion Dancers, gallery games, special performances, and delicious food during Family Day on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

Admission to the fun-filled experience at SAMA is free for residents of Bexar County between 10a.m.–12p.m., and children ages 12 and under are always free. Activities will begin with an opening ceremony.

Scheduled Performances:  

  • Remarks and Opening Ceremony I 11a.m.
  • Chinese Fan Dancers I 11:20a.m.
  • Vietnamese Association Dancers I 11:40a.m.
  • Lion Dancers I Noon and 2p.m.
  • Dragon Dancers I 12:30p.m. and 1:30p.m. 
  • Mao Dance I 1p.m.
  • Hawaiian Dancers | 2:30p.m.

Throughout the day, SAMA will offer an array of activities including mock porcelain painting and expressive mask creation; Japanese, Chinese, and Oceania Gallery Games; and interactive calligraphy demonstrations. Visitors who work up an appetite can head to the Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant and Bakery and Aloha Kitchen food trucks, which will be serving up authentic flavors onsite. 

The Spa at Hotel Contessa announces reopening

In addition to new innovative treatments, the Spa at Hotel Contessa will also begin offering monthly yoga and sound bowl services. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

The Spa at Hotel Contessa is excited to announce its official reopening after being closed for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and renovations to the space. The reopening comes with revitalized spaces, new spa products and technologies, and unique new services to help guests relax and reenergize. The spa is now open for bookings. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

The Spa at Hotel Contessa features four treatment rooms, retail space where guests can purchase various products, and a relaxation room to enjoy before and after treatments. The spa also hosts various jewelry pop-ups from local and regional designers. The hotel’s spa is open for guests of the hotel as well as outside visitors. 

“We are thrilled to reopen the spa with the new renovations and services that we’ve worked on over the last two years. We’ve curated unique, high quality, luxury treatments to help our clients relax and rejuvenate during their time with us and we’re looking forward to having visitors back in the spa.” – Spa Director Gigi Guiette.

The Spa at Hotel Contessa is now working with Shankara, an organic and cruelty-free skincare company. Shankara’s products are created using the Ayurvedic approach, the theory that the five elements (water, fire, earth, air and space) are integral to general health and wellness. Air denotes the concept of movement in the universe, fire represents energy, water represents cohesion and fluidity, earth is structure and solidity and space allows all of the other elements to unfold out of consciousness. New massage treatments now available at the Spa at Hotel Contessa featuring Shankara products include:

  • Energizing Journey (Earth) – an 80 minute service promoting stress release, balance, rejuvenation, refreshment, refinement and energy
  • Waves of Beauty Journey (Water) – an 80 minute service promoting nurturing, comfort, refinement and energy
  • Desert Journey (Fire) – an 80 minute soothing service promoting refreshment, rejuvenation and purification 
  • Tranquility Journey (Air) – an 80 minute service promoting nurturing, comfort, balance and grounding
  • Chakra Balancing Journey (Space) – an 80 minute service promoting nurturing, comfort and balance

Additional new body treatments at the spa include:

  • Detox Body Wrap Treatment ($160) – a purifying, refining, lymphatic and circulatory support treatment followed by a cellulite wrap and head and foot massage. This treatment utilizes spirulina, yucca root and honey powder that purifies, invigorates, naturally moisturizes, and smoothes the skin.
  • Detoxifying Mud Massage ($160) – a thermogenic mud that supplements skin’s moisture balance, revitalizes fatigued skin and combats free radicals. The treatment utilizes a peppermint antioxidant that soothes and heals the skin while combating free radicals and supplying vitamin A and C to the body.
  • Citrus Body Glow ($160) – A treatment utilizing red plum, mango, coconut, arnica and St. John’s wort oils that assist in healing and maintaining hydration.
  • Cupping ($155) – A therapeutic cupping treatment that involves placing warm cups on the skin. A vacuum is made when the air inside the cup becomes warm, this loosens the connective tissue and improves blood flow. As a result, a cupping massage helps stimulate healing.

New facial treatments include:

  • Gua Sha Glow ($150) – a 50 minute facial that lifts and brightens skin and stimulates lymphatic flow 
  • The Redness Stops Here ($150) – a 50 minute service that calms sensitive skin, hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines 
  • Bye-Bye Breakouts ($150) – a 50 minute clarifying and toning facial that promotes healthy cell renewal 
  • Gentleman’s Facial ($150) – a 50 minute exfoliating, double cleansing and hydrating treatment 
  • Royal Beauty Hydrafacials including services like:
    • Cleanse & Peel ($275) – 50 minutes 
    • Elasticity & Firmness ($300) – 50 minutes 
    • Brightening & Restoring ($300) – 50 minutes 
    • Possible add-ons include:
      • Lymphatic therapy ($30)
      • Light Therapy ($30)

The Spa at Hotel Contessa will also start offering sound bowl sessions on the hotel’s rooftop pool deck. Adaptive therapeutic yoga teacher, Caitlyn Garrison, will lead the sessions using sound and vibration to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Sound bowl sessions are free and open to the public while space allows. The hotel is also now offering weekly Sunday morning yoga sessions on the rooftop pool deck with instructor Shari Lindsay. To reserve their spots for the sound bowl sessions and/or yoga, hotel guests and visitors can call the spa directly at (210) 298-8038. Both events are free to attend. Additional information about events at the spa is available online. 

The Spa at Hotel Contessa will also continue to offer general services like the Swedish Massage, Stone Massage and the Mother to Be Massage. The Spa at Hotel Contessa is located on the rooftop level of the hotel at 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205. To book treatments at the spa click here.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar 4/20 holiday special

Hopdoddy margaritas. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar is ready for 4/20 this year. The nationally recognized burger bar wants to celebrate the holiday by offering some unique menu items for a limited time only. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2022)

Burger and pizza lovers can satisfy their cravings with the Hopdoddy Pizza Supreme Burger – a Certified Piedmontese beef patty under yet another patty made of house-made, fried mozzarella and red chili flakes, all topped with sauteed peppers, onions, pomodoro sauce, and a sausage mushroom oregano mayonnaise. Not enough? Enjoy it with the restaurant’s Garlic Bread Fries, which are hand-cut and tossed with fresh garlic and parmesan cheese, then down it all with Hopdoddy’s Creamsicle Shake made with Orange Crush and vanilla custard. 

The best part: Get free delivery with the purchase of all three items, which will only be available on 4/20 while supplies last. All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any Hopdoddy location or online for pickup.  

Hopdoddy’s Happy Hour just came back in time for spring and summer.

HOPDODDY HOPPY HOUR:

Monday – Friday from 3p.m. – 6p.m.

All Hopdoddy Locations: 

Menu Options: (Dine-in)

  • $5 Schooners
  • Any draft beer
  • House margaritas (frozen or on the rocks)
  • Draft cocktails (paloma, mule, and seasonal options)
  • $5 Happy Hour Food
    • House Fries (Hand-cut Chipperbeck Sharable)
    • New Pretzels and Beer Cheese

Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Spa for a Cause during Earth Month

Hiatus Spa + Retreat will raffle off nine “Change Your Life HydraFacials” with proceeds benefitting charity: water. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning Texas day spa with eight locations across the state, is delighted to announce their Spa For A Cause campaign to celebrate Earth month now taking place through April 30, 2022. Each Hiatus Spa location will be raffling off one of their most popular HydraFacial services with 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to millions of people around the world. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)

Hiatus will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win one of the nine raffled “Change Your Life HydraFacials” valued at $265 with all proceeds from ticket sales directly going toward charity: water. The Change Your Life HydraFacial® is the ultimate treatment that includes all the luxurious essentials of the HydraFacial System while balancing performance and relaxation. Guests can purchase one raffle ticket for $5 or five raffle tickets for $20 either in-spa at any of the eight locations or online here. Guests can also find the Hiatus Earth Month campaign on charity: water by searching here.

Hiatus will also offer their seasonal Epic Retreat, The Brazen Bee, featuring a sparkling citrus and honey foot soak, followed by a gentle coconut and sugar foot scrub to exfoliate and purify your skin. Available in Tips + Toes and Body Treatments. Cap it off with a sparkling Bee’s Knees cocktail and walk out feeling bold and refreshed. 

Hiatus strives to be Earth-friendly year-round and has made the environment a cornerstone of its business philosophy—from initial build-out to ongoing initiatives, 100 percent wind-powered energy, post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink, no-bottled-water policy, and VOC-free paint finishes, when available.

Longtime friends Sheila Garrison, Kristin Heaton Peabody, and Bill Garrison founded Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Dallas in 2007. Since the spa’s inception, Hiatus has received numerous accolades, including the Innovate Award, International Spa Association – 2013, Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies 2012 – 2020, American Spa Magazine – Favorite Day Spa 2016, D Magazine’s Best of Big D 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 – Best Spa, San Antonio Magazine’s – Best Spa 2021 and 2022 and Fort Worth Magazine’s Best Massage – 2021. Hiatus has eight successful locations in Dallas, Austin, Plano, San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, and Frisco, along with the signature product line Hiatus Everyday.