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.
Bring the family together for a thrilling and unique Spring Break activity. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
For families looking for something new to do during Spring Break this year, iFLY Indoor Skydivingis a thrilling and unique activity to incorporate into plans whether you add it to your vacation itinerary or you are planning to visit your local tunnel as a fun outing. With locations across the U.S., iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. 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. (iFLY, 2022)
The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by making an 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.
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 US. 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. iFLY is the world technology leader and operator of body flight experiences and provides potential franchisees with robust and vetted tools and processes ranging from retail location selection to consumer operating models.
Guests can visit the student run cafe pop up at Savor from now until April 12, 2022. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) San Antonio campus is excited to bring back its popular Bakery Café. Savor, CIA’s Modern American restaurant at Pearl, is hosting the pop-up bakery from now until April 12. Under the direction of Certified Master Baker Alain Dubernard, Chef Brian Krellenstein, and Hospitality and Service Management Instructor Angel Gonzalez, students in the college’s capstone course of Baking and Pastry Arts major will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world retail bakery and restaurant setting by operating both the front and back-of-house. Savor will transform into a pop-up café for breakfast and lunch, serving a range of fresh dishes Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 1:30p.m. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2022)
Breakfast offerings include items like brioche French toast, house made croissant egg sandwiches, a roasted beef culotte potato hash with an over easy egg and a creamy pecorino polenta with sautéed mushrooms and soft poached eggs. Lunch will include items like homemade salads and sandwiches such as the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Blend Patty Melt, Grilled Vegetable Panini and Café BLT with grilled challah. Delectable pastries and cookies like the Walnut Orange Cranberry Scone, Manchego Guava Empanada, Alfajor Dulce de Leche and more will also be available for purchase.
Savor 200 East Grayson Street, Suite #117 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.
Teatro Audaz presents Mariachi Girl this March 4-13. Photo: Teatro Audaz
Teatro Audaz is proud to present its first-ever mainstage musical of Mariachi Girl, an uplifting bilingual production about reaching one’s dreams. Just in time for Fiesta, the production will feature live Mariachi music for every performance, from March 4-13, by San Antonio’s popular Mariachi Azteca de América. (Teatro Audaz, 2022)
Written by playwright Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, Mariachi Girl features vibrant original mariachi music and lyrics by Héctor Martinez Morales. The March 12 performance will include a special “talkback” with the audience by Schroeder-Arce, the cast, and director. The March 12 performance will also be American Sign Language Interpreted with the help of interpreter Robert Cardoza for attendees and their families who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“We are proud to feature an all Latinx cast and diverse crew for this special production of Mariachi Girl. Teatro’s mission is to produce, showcase and respect the stories of our cultura and we believe this production does so.” – Laura T Garza, Executive Artistic Director, Teatro Audaz San Antonio.
“Through its authentic music, colorful staging and lights, Mariachi Girl is a beautiful celebration of Mexican-American culture, San Antonio’s culture. We invite Teatro Audaz fans to bring the entire family and join us for this uplifting bilingual family drama about reaching for your dreams while still challenging long-held cultural traditions.” – Director JoJanie Moreno.
Mariachi Girl: Ten-year-old Carmencita dreams of being a mariachi singer and one day joining in performance with her father. However, her father clings to a long-held family tradition of male-only mariachis. When Carmencita’s teacher offers her a book about a female mariachi, everything changes for “Cita” as she sees a possibility of her dream becoming a reality. Can she celebrate her own heritage and expand her father’s view of the world?
Weekend performances will be held from March 4-13 with Friday and Saturday showings at 7:30p.m. and Sunday showings at 2p.m. Performances will be held at the Public Theatre of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at 800 West Ashby Place. COVID-19 safety protocols will be put in place with mandatory mask wearing, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing with seating capacity maxed at 50 percent.
For tickets, visit Teatro Audaz. Pre-sale tickets start at $20 with discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Early entrance VIP tickets are $25. The presale will end at 11:59p.m. on February 25, 2022.
Regular price tickets start at $25 with discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Early entrance VIP tickets are $30.
Mariachi Girl is sponsored by LaMarque Enterprises.
Cast and Crew Mariachi Girl features performances by Michelle Bortoni (Carmen), Jessica Arenas (Mrs. Parker), Lucero Garcia (Carmencita), Esai Gomez (Danny), and Gino Rivera (Luis).
The production team includes JoJanie S. Moreno (Director), Isabel DeLaCerda (Assistant Director), Gino Rivera (Music Director), Karen Arredondo (Scenic Designer), Larry Martinez (Lighting Designer), Stephen Gamez (Sound Board Operator) Ixchel Cueller (Costume Designer), Michael Randolph (Sound Design/Board Operator), Axa Soria (Stage Manager), Madissyn Zapata (Assistant Stage Manager).
Teatro Audaz is dedicated to exploring the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and displaying the creative talents of our artists. We aim to highlight the stories of, and serve the artists that we feel are most under-represented, including all BIPOC, LGBTQ, women, refugees, and immigrants.
Dr Pepper has contributed to the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
The Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship programlaunched in December 2021 with a commitment to help college, university and not-for-profit vocational school students achieve their dreams. To enhance Whataburger’s $500,000 commitment, Dr Pepperhas contributed an additional $100,000 to the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program. A new total of $600,000 in scholarship funding is available and will be awarded to 120 students across Whataburger’s footprint. (Whataburger, 2022)
The first year’s scholarships will be awarded to Black and other racial minority students as part of a $1,000,000 commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. The applications for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship is Monday February 28, 2022.
Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
Taco Cabana’s Nacho Bar feeds up to ten people. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabanais celebrating Big Game Weekend with the ultimate game day spread – customizable Nacho Bar catering. Available for pre-order now, each Nacho Bar can feed up to 10 persons and include fresh corn tortilla chips, refried beans, queso, guacamole, salsa roja, pico de gallo, jalapeño slices, sour cream and a choice of protein. Guests can select from classic bean & cheese for $79.99, ground beef or chicken fajita for $99.99, steak fajita, mixed fajita or even Beyond Meat for $109.99. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
Catering orders available now for Big Game Weekend, February 11-13, 2022. Orders can be placed online or calling 1-855-4MY-TACO.For more information on Taco Cabana’s catering options, visit them online or call 1-855-4MY-Taco.
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 and delivery. As of February 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
The Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Let romance take root in the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden during the museum’s “Sips and Sounds of the West” series on Friday, February 11. With live music, dinner and dancing under the stars, kick up your heels with your Valentine or grab your posse and enjoy a night out with friends surrounded by the beauty of the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery that create the perfect getaway on the banks of the River Walk. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with music, drinks, and food until 8:30p.m. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)
Sips and Sounds of the West features singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Clint Tomerlin, with fantastic food truck fare available from Benjie’s Munch. Tickets are $5 per person for museum members, $15 per person for non-members, and include two free beer/soda/water tickets, with beer generously provided by Ranger Creek Brewery. Adding a sweet note for Valentine’s, each ticket also includes a complimentary chocolate covered strawberry.
Guests can also partake in the Briscoe’s annual tradition of penning a Pony Express Love Letter to be hand delivered by the museum as a tip of the hat to the historic horse-mounted riders mail delivery system. This year, the museum will be hand delivering letters to local frontline and healthcare workers. Guests can also pen a mad-lib to show their love to their honey or their friends. In addition to Sips and Sounds, visitors can stop by the museum during regular hours to craft letters of encouragement, thanks and support for our healthcare heroes, February 4 through 13.
The museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit. With the lights of downtown in the background, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. If weather conditions turn frosty, the event will overlook the River Walk from the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion.
The Briscoe’s collection of Western art and artifacts highlights the stories of the West through visual art. Collection highlights include Santa Anna’s sword, works by Frederic Remington, Pancho Villa’s last known saddle, a fantastic Alamo diorama and artifacts, contemporary and historic paintings and sculptures, as well as cowboy and Native American relics, weapons and photography. The museum is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.
Hopdoddy’s margaritas. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar has an exciting offer for the Super Bowl this year. Instead of a burger, the nationally recognized burger bar will celebrate the championship game by offering something new for a limited time only. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2022)
From Wednesday, February 9 through Sunday, February 13, guests can enjoy a Hopdoddy Kernel Tender Bucket, a delicious order of ten hand-breaded crispy chicken tenders served with a pound of hand-cut fries. The tenders come in interesting flavors like the Nashville Hot, Buffalo Blue, Garlic Parmesan, or Honey Mustard. To top it all, you also get your choice of a Hopdoddy side sauce, like the Chipotle Aioli, Truffle Aioli, and more.
If you prefer a drink as you watch the Super Bowl from home, try Hopdoddy’s Roadie — a half-gallon bag of frozen house margarita made with fresh, hand-squeezed juice — so you can enjoy and easily celebrate with friends.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar has options for people dining in or celebrating from home this year given the gradual recovery from the pandemic.
Celebrating at Hopdoddy-
Available in-restaurant only and only on February 22, National Margarita Day, Hopdoddy is offering 5 oz. tasters of the Doble Fina Margarita, a drink with silver tequila, triple sec made in-house, and lime juice served with a salted rim. Hopdoddy has even more options to choose from in-house or from the to-go bar, like the classic Strawberry Margarita or the Big Larry.
Celebrating at Home –
Try Hopdoddy’s new Roadie, the Cran-Hibiscus — a half-gallon bag of frozen, hard lemonade with cranberry and hibiscus flavor. This frozen, 64 oz. to-go option is enough to share with a whole party.
La Panadería’s Red Velvet Cruffin. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, San Antonio area businesses are having specials and events for that special day. These events and specials include romantic dinners, themed brunches, irresistible desserts, and gift ideas to plan a memorable Valentine’s Day. Below is a list of exciting Valentine’s Day offerings in San Antonio. (Bakery Lorraine, Pearl, Naco 210, Hotel Contessa, La Panadería, EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)
Valentine’s Day Specials & Events:
Bakery Lorraine For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at their San Antonio and Austin Locations. The sweets include Red tart, Red Velvet Cake, Caramel Tart, Heart Moonpie, Pop heart, Japonaise, and Cherry Tart. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Mother Flower Design in San Antonio, who will have a popup set up at each San Antonio location on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. In addition to their popup, guests can purchase a 12pk of macarons with a petite bouquet from Mother Flower Design for only $60. Pre-orders are now available and can be ordered online through Tuesday, February 8.
306 Pearl Pkwy, #110 San Antonio, TX 78215
Pearl Dance the night away with loved ones as SoundCream Airstream returns to Pearl for a special Galentine’s Day edition. Enjoy a night of dedications with The Rolling Disco, including music by Southtown Vinyl. Dedicate a tune for a free and family-friendly activity where you can explore Pearl’s many shops to find unique artisan gifts for your loved ones. Pearl will also have an Amor wall for fun photo opportunities to memorialize the night, including the chance to purchase Amor merch by Feliz Modern Pop’s popup cart situated by the wall on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday February 13. Sunday, February 13 from 4p.m. – 7:30p.m.
312 Pearl Parkway San Antonio, TX 78215
Naco 210 At their new Los Patios location, Naco will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a full weekend of picture perfect brunch items perfect for a Galentine’s celebration. Their brunch specials include strawberries & chamoy Mexican shaved ice ($6), pitaya & orange mimosa mocktail ($5), fresas con crema & Mexican vanilla cake ($5), hart of pork opus quesadillas (chicharron prensado and octopus) ($6), pink shrimp Chilaquiles ($12), and strawberry fields salad ($7). Friday, February 11 – Sunday, February 13
2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop San Antonio, TX 78217
Hotel Contessa Situated by San Antonio’s Riverwalk, Hotel Contessa’s dining restaurant, Ambler, will be serving a three course pre-fixe dinner in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Romance is not lacking within this menu, it includes starter of lobster amuse, receive the first course option between roasted beet carpaccio and creamy corn & lemongrass soup, choose an entrées of grilled filet mignon, seared gulf snapper and scampi prawns, or vegetarian risotto, and finally finish off the night with red velvet mousse cake or a chocolate tiramisu tart. The pre-fixe menu is $75 per person, with the option of including romance flight pairings at $45 per person. The options are Cupid’s Delight (French 75, Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial, Moet & Chandon Imperial, Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial) and Lover’s Delight (Boulevardier, Woodinville Rye Whiskey, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Port Finished). Reserve your table online now. Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14 for dinner hours 306 W Market St San Antonio, TX 78205
La Panadería La Panadería is once again the best place in town for Valentine’s Day treats. The signature Strawberry Mousse Hearts will be available for pre-order and in-stores for a limited time. The heart-shaped treat is a rich vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux coated with a festive red chocolate mirror glaze. If that is not enough, guests can also indulge in the Red Velvet Cruffin and a 5-pack of the deliciously gooey S’Mores Cookies. Whether celebrating with a significant other, Galentine friends, or treating yourself to a self-care day, La Panadería has all the pan dulce and brunch offerings you could want. February 4 – February 15
8305 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
301 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205
17030 Fiesta Texas Dr. Suite 105 San Antonio, TX 78256
EVO Entertainment Group This Valentine’s Day, EVO Entertainment is the ultimate date night spot. On February 14 only, EVO Entertainment’s Schertz location will offer a free 30-minute game card with the purchase of a bowling lane reservation. Couples can enjoy the state-of-the-art bowling alley while indulging in cocktails and food from the scratch-made kitchen before exploring the wide range of arcade games available. Monday, February 14
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.
SA Examiner 