Twin Liquors is having specials for Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day festivities. Photo: google
Let Twin Liquors be your one-stop-shop when it comes to all things Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day festivities this year. Available for pick up in-store or delivery to your door, Twin Liquorshas you covered. (Twin Liquors, 2022)
A number of wines + spirits will be discounted for Valentine’s Day from February 3 through February 14, 2022. With complimentary gift wrapping, you can have your gift delivered right to your special someone. Additionally, from February 7 through February 12, save on bottles of spirits for your Super Bowl party to celebrate the biggest sports event of the year. Run out of drinks during the game? No need to miss a play or commercial thanks to Twin Liquors’ delivery service. For more information, please visit Twin Liquors or follow along on social media @TwinLiquors.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful, “home-grown,” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
WB Liquors & Wine Representatives John Herrmann, Owner & CEO and Vanessa Munson, Vice President with Home For Our Troops Representatives Matthew Murphy, Corporate Partnership Manager, and Bill Ivey, Executive Director and Marine Corporal Travis Echols, HFOT 2017 recipient and New Braunfels resident.
WB Liquors & Wine, a San Antonio family-owned company, recently hosted a check ceremony, presenting its 2021 WB Cares program fundraising efforts to Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), with the final amount revealed to be $152,000. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2022)
This year’s fundraiser was strong, surpassing the $100,000 mark with this final push for donations. HFOT is a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives.
This year’s fundraising efforts will go to building a home for Texas veteran Marine Corporal Raymond D. Hennagir IIIwho was severely injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion while serving on his second deployment in Iraq. The blast resulted in the loss of both his legs and several fingers on his left hand. Last summer, Hennagir competed at the highest-level winning silver as part of USA’s Wheelchair Rugby team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
WB Liquors & Wine has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business, the brand specializes in convenient locations and a great variety of liquor, beer and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service. As of October 2021, WB Liquors & Wine operates 59 locations across Texas, which includes 34 WB Liquors & Wine stores and 25 WB Liquor stores adjacent to COSTCO.
The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat in downtown San Antonio. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
This year for Valentine’s Day, couples are seeking romantic weekend getaways for a change of scenery that is still close to home. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner reservation or planning a sweet staycation, these three Lone Star State destinations are offering the perfect getaways for couples. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Thompson San Antonio, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | SONORA, TX Located on 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking an off-grid getaway this Valentine’s Day. From relaxation at JL Bar’s spa to outdoor excursions on horseback or ATVs, couples can choose their own adventure while visiting the ranch. JL Bar also offers wine tastings with the property’s resident Sommelier, outdoor games, an infinity pool and hot tub with unrivaled sunset views, shooting instruction, romantic outdoor dining, and more. For added seclusion, each of JL Bar’s 32 luxury accommodations boasts a private patio. With Valentine’s Day on a Monday this year, guests can extend their romantic weekend and receive a fourth night freewhen booking a three-night stay.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk | SAN ANTONIO, TX Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk– capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city and this year, promises to be the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night at landmark restaurant Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, including a Valentine’s Day menu, rose table décor, and special entertainment. The enchanting rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters,which floats high above the River Walk, is going all out with a “Love Stinks”-themed singles vibe Monday – Thursday leading up to Valentine’s Day. Events include pre-fixe menu, live entertainment and a Sexology Pop-Up on January 29, and February 5 and 12. On Superbowl Sunday, February 13, The Moon’s Daughters will be hosting a Thompson Tailgate, with grilled menu items and large format drinks. Guests can also book the Thompson San Antonio SpaSpatastic Room Package, which includes champagne, a $100 spa credit and a spa retail amenity item. Lastly, the hotel is offering a new Thompson Temptation Room Package, which includes a bottle of prosecco delivered to the room, a special amenity from San Antonio’s Sexology Institute, and a late 2p.m. check out on Sundays.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | AUSTIN, TX With intimate spaces tucked throughout the historic property, Commodore Perry Estate offers the perfect retreat for a Valentine’s Day filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind charm and romantic moments. The resort has special offerings for the holiday, from private couples yoga classes and gourmet fireside s’mores on the Estate grounds, to a ‘crafting your own vintage Valentine’ experience, perfect for families, featuring snacks, beverages and a wide selection of art supplies. Couples can also arrange a romantic picnic on the lawn, featuring a cozy blanket made for lounging and a basket filled with chilled Champagne and a selection of gourmet bites. Feel the warm embrace of romance in the Mansion’s oval library. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, the luxury resort will have a lush Valentine’s floral installation in the sophisticated library that offers the ideal backdrop to snap some instant photos of your romantic moments together. Reserve your experience and savor floral-inspired cocktails paired with a selection of canapes and bite-sized sweet treats.
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.
Walmart and the National Hispanic Institute are partnering to provide tuition scholarships. Photo: National Hispanic Institute.
The National Hispanic Institute (NHI), a nonprofit organization providing leadership education to top-performing Latino high school students across the United States and throughout the Americas, is partnering with Walmart to provide tuition scholarships for a select number of students from Oklahoma and Texas to attend a 2022 Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session program. (Walmart, 2022)
The program will host 200 top academic students in a weeklong leadership experience on the campus of Austin College in Sherman, Texas, on July 10-17, 2022. The $20,000 in scholarship money from Walmart — $10,000 for Oklahoma students and $10,000 for Texas students — will provide tuition support.
The LDZ program, launched in 1983, is designed to inspire civic engagement and develop public policy skills. The eight-day immersive program, hosted in coordination with universities, uses a format in which participants declare candidacies and run for offices in executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and work to propose and enact legislation while developing personal and community identity through a series of exercises that culminate in the three-day legislative session.
Through NHI’s signature community equity building approach, students form communities, develop constituencies, and craft strategies to leverage strengths and capacities.
“The LDZ experience prompts a personal transformation whereby students feel competent, in control of their life direction, valued in the eyes of others and engaged in adding equity and worth to their community. It nurtures young minds to engage in proactive solutions as a lifelong process.” – Gloria de Leon, NHI co-founder and architect of the LDZ experience.
“Walmart is excited to sponsor this important program and the work that NHI is going to develop future Latino leaders. As an alum, I can tell you first hand that the LDZ program has an established track record of engaging high school students and inspiring them toward greater civic engagement, and we want to enable students to experience this transformative program through this scholarship fund.” – Ivan Jaime, Director of State and Local Government Relations for Walmart in Oklahoma and Texas.
Current Oklahoma and Texas college-bound high school sophomores and juniors with an 88/100 or 3.2/4.0 grade point average are encouraged to apply. Scholarships will support a portion of the LDZ program’s tuition cost — $995 for the full week, including meals, housing, and tuition. A special committee of NHI alumni and community members in Oklahoma is working on additional fundraising if students need assistance with the balance and transportation arrangements.
Students are encouraged to promptly submit their online applicationto the National Hispanic Institute for the Texas LDZ. Select “Walmart Scholarship Candidate” if you are from Oklahoma or Texas to be considered for the award. Students must apply with a $25 application fee for consideration.
Students who cannot attend this program due to conflicts in dates may apply to alternate LDZ sites as well, and depending on funding, may be considered for this award. The first round of admissions will be accepted beginning February 4, 2022, and conclude once the program has reached capacity in mid-March.
The National Hispanic Institute was founded in 1979 to establish an institutional presence in Latino community life, with an organized strategy to prepare the next generation of leaders. NHI researches emergent leadership in youth, and guides them to envision their value beyond the attainment of college degrees and careers into the realm of community leadership.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island. Photo: Sandra Cruz
It has been a busy couple of months so I have not had a chance to explore much, but last month while at South Padre Island for an art walk, we decided to have lunch nearby. Determined to have Mexican food, we drove around until we came upon a colorful sign advertising Doña Carmen’s Restaurant. It was odd because it was the first time we noticed this restaurant but decided to take a chance. Since then, Doña Carmen’s Restaurant opened a location in Los Fresnos and we recently had breakfast there. During our visit, they were only open until 4p.m. but we suggested they stay open later because like us, some people like to go out for dinner. I am so happy that now the Los Fresnos location is open until 9p.m. so we can go there for dinner one of these days after work.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island This location has a Doña Carmen life-sized cartoon cardboard cutout by the front door to greet guests. As soon as you enter, the welcoming sights and smells of a Mexican restaurant beckon you to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes. I thought I was only going to have one or two options, being that I do not eat meat in all its forms and it is rare to have more than one option at restaurants. Much to my surprise, the menu is extensive and I had trouble deciding what to order. I opted for the Entomatadas. The plate consists of four, yes, four entomatadas, rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. The serving size is generous and the tomato sauce is made from scratch. The food tastes homemade, just as I had hoped. I ordered a jamaica flavored “agua fresca” and it comes served in a personal sized pitcher so it was much more than I could finish there. It is so delicious and thankfully I was able to take the rest of it to go. The hubbs went with the Bistek Ranchero, which also comes with rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. I cannot stress enough how impressed we are with the quality of the food. Everything is fresh and made to order. Our only complaint is that they charge extra ($1.99 each) for additional flour tortillas. Other than that, it was a lovely visit. The wait staff is efficient and friendly.
#4 – 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101 South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 484-2314 Business hours: Open every day 7a.m. to 4p.m.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #5 – Los Fresnos Saturday mornings call for breakfast on the go. We got there bright and early since they open at 7a.m. After we ordered our coffee, the server brought over a small bowl filled with animal crackers to complement the coffee. What an original idea! We finished those before our breakfast dishes arrived. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos with eggs topped with cheese and it comes with refried beans and lettuce and tomatoes, which is weird because it is breakfast. Again, the serving size is more than enough and the flavors are undeniably homemade. The hubbs had the Huevos Divorciados, over easy, and they come with a side of bacon, refried beans and fried tortilla bits topped with salsa and shredded cheese.
#5 – 407 W Ocean Blvd, Suite A Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 254-2402 Business hours: Saturday 7a.m. to 3p.m. Sunday Closed Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 9p.m.
Suffice it to say, we will definitely eat at Doña Carmen’s Restaurant again, whether at the South Padre location or the Los Fresnos one. The ambiance is friendly, the customer service is excellent and the food is authentic and tastes homemade, “just like grandma used to make.” The quality of the food is certainly not “fast food” grade and anyone looking for a hearty Mexican meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, will be in for a delightful treat. So stop by next time and treat your taste buds to a “fiesta,” or better yet, treat the family out for a fabulous meal. They will thank you for it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Price range: $ – $$
MenuHuevos DivorciadosChilaquiles RojosBistek RancheroCoffee with animal crackersLos Fresnos location South Padre Island location EntomatadasDoña Carmen’s Restaurants
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antoniois searching for San Antonio’s most talented dancers, gymnasts, actors, performing artists and special needs artists ages 3-19 as they host auditions for ‘Aladdin’ on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Young artists will have a chance to train with the best of the best in San Antonio and perform in this spectacular professional level production at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. This spring production marks the first time CBSA has brought ‘Aladdin’ to the stage and it promises to be an extraordinary experience for all. (The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)
Genies are not the only ones who can make wishes come true. The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA), has been in the business of wish-granting for almost seven years, turning young performers’ dreams of taking center stage into a reality. This year, the company is holding open auditions for Aladdin 2022 at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, January 22, from 12:30p.m. to 5p.m. All dancers, gymnasts, actors, and performing artists ages 3-19, including those with special needs, are invited to register for an audition time online.All performers will be cast in roles that highlight and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to soar—–no magic carpet required.
‘Aladdin 2022’ is a brand-new production for CBSA, and it promises to be filled with all the magical sights and sounds that fans of the original have come to know and love. Taking place at the Majestic Theater, on May 6 and 7, this world-class production will have something for the whole family. From spectacular digital and physical scenery to grand special effects, live music, and interactive elements, it will expose audience members to a whole new world.
‘Aladdin 2022’ offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best from Master Ballet Teachers to the most talented local choreographers. They will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina, and founder of CBSA. Bessler, who has earned the Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award for the past seven consecutive years, is world-renowned for discovering and cultivating young, local talent. Under her guidance, these elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the performing arts world.
Awards and accolades aside, what sets CBSA apart is that it is the only professional-level dance company in Texas to offer lead roles to dancers as young as eight-years-old. Designed to bridge the gap between young students and professional dancers, it serves as a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career, pointing their toes in the right direction.
Dance Center of San Antonio 126 W. Rector, Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78216
The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions highlighting San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.
The new Cabana Salad is now available at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabana invites guests to start the year off right with their new Cabana Salad. The Cabana Salad features romaine lettuce, black beans, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips for $3.79. Back by popular guest demand, a side of Salsa Ranch dressing accompanies the new Cabana Salad; guests may add grilled chicken fajita for an additional $2. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
For guests looking for a more classic TC option, look no further than Taco Cabana’s signature Cabana Bowls™. Available starting at $5.59, these delicious crispy tortilla shell bowls are filled with the guest’s choice of protein, rice, refried beans, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, and will satisfy any Taco Cabana craving. Guests can choose from a variety of offerings including Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita, Shredded Chicken, and Ground Beef. Taco Cabana also offers a Beyond Meat bowl for those who prefer a vegetarian-friendly option. There’s no better complement to Taco Cabana’s bowls than one of their signature $2 margaritas served all day, every day.
In addition to the return of Salsa Ranch, 2022 at TC kicks off with new Jalapeño Salsa and the return of Salsa Fuego, each perfect for dipping and topping any TC favorite. The three salsas join current favorite Salsa Roja and are available upon request
Taco Cabana’s Cabana Bowls™ and Cabana Salads 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 Cabanaonline.
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 $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of January 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
The acquisition establishes EVO Entertainment Group as largest operator of cinema-entertainment centers in the country. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group
EVO Entertainment Group (“EVO”) and ShowBiz Cinemas (“ShowBiz”), two leading innovators in motion picture entertainment, announced this week that they have closed a transaction under which EVO has acquired 100% of the stock of Showbiz Cinemas in an all-cash deal. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)
“Today is a monumental moment for our company and our industry. This transaction establishes EVO as the country’s largest operator of cinema-entertainment centers and paves the way for accelerated progress and innovation within a new era of cinema.” – Mitch Roberts, Founder and CEO of EVO Entertainment Group and 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
Kevin Mitchell, CEO & Founder of Showbiz Cinemas, along with Mitch Roberts represent multiple generations in the cinema business. Their pioneering of cinema entertainment centers has been a smashing success. Kevin Mitchell reflected, “It is a wonderful time to entrust the company I started to a fourth-generation motion picture exhibitor and family member, because Showbiz Cinemas just had an all-time record-breaking holiday season! I am confident that Mitch’s leadership and Marbella’s capital strength will ensure a long and successful run for Showbiz, and I now look forward to exploring new ventures both in and out of the entertainment industry.”
The combined enterprise will provide dynamic and multi-faceted entertainment experiences to over eight million patrons annually in 16 venues with 148 screens, 108 bowling lanes, 9 full-service restaurants & bars, a 3,000-capacity live music venue, and over 30,000 combined square feet of gaming and attractions across four states, including Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. EVO’s expansion will continue into 2022 with additional venues currently under construction and expected to open in the coming months. The acquisition marks the first major move in the partnership between EVO and Marbella Interests, the Austin, Texas-based family office of Formentera Partners founder and former Parsley Energy founder and CEO, Bryan Sheffield.
EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.
Founded in 2007 by exhibition industry veteran Kevin Mitchell, ShowBiz Cinemas is an independently owned and operated entertainment operator offering bowling, movies, games, food, and more across nine entertainment venues with 89 screens and 70 bowling lanes across Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Wyoming.
Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup Limited Batch #2. Photo: google
Whataburger is introducing a brand-new product that is sure to spice things up: Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Limited Batch #2. This limited batch ketchup gets its distinctive flavor from a combination of Whataburger’s signature Fancy Ketchup recipe, a hot sauce made from arbol and piquin peppers and a blend of signature spices, offering a fresh take on the Whataburger Spicy Ketchup fans already know and love. (Whataburger, 2022)
The Buffalo Ranch line-up, featuring the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Salad,is also back for a limited timealongside the fan-favorite Dr Pepper Shake.For night owls and early birds who cannot get enough of the Breakfast Burger, Whataburger will continue to offer this menu item during breakfast hours for those craving a hearty meal. All items are available now while supplies last, and prices vary by market.
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.
SA Examiner 