Category: Community news

Three Star Bar to open in San Antonio this summer

Three Star Bar, a new bar and restaurant by Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon, and Rob Gourlay, will open in San Antonio in July 2021. Photo: Three Star Bar, used with permission.

Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon, and notable San Antonio bartender Rob Gourlay are excited to announce a new restaurant and bar, Three Star Bar, set to open in San Antonio this July. The new 7,000 square foot eatery will feature deli-inspired cuisine and comfort food in addition to boasting a full bar with a focus on high quality whiskey and local brews. Three Star Bar will seat approximately 140 people and will be located at 521 E Grayson St. in San Antonio, across from Hello Paradise and in the Government Hill district. (Three Star Bar, 2021)

Three Star Bar will have a welcoming atmosphere with nods to vintage food and drink memorabilia. The menu will offer appetizers like whiskey and maple glazed meatballs, deviled eggs, and borracho bean hummus, while the main entrées include a variety of fresh sandwiches filled with pork, meatballs, cured beef, and more. The cocktail menu will offer a variety of spirits but focus on high quality whiskeys, local brews, a selection of wines, and more. A full menu and opening date for Three Star Bar will be announced at a later date.

Three Star Bar is the latest restaurant and bar concept by Jeret Peña, who owns the Boulevardier Group, Hello Paradise, and is involved in the cocktail programs at Esquire Tavern, House of Má, Hugman’s Oasis and more. Peña is the co-owner and beverage director at Three Star Bar, while co-owner Rob Gourlay serves as general manager and Josh Calderon takes the helm of the kitchen as the chef/culinary director and co-owner.

Chef Calderon previously ran the kitchen at Cookhouse as Executive Chef and managed Bud’s Southern Rotisserie in San Antonio after moving back to the city from California, where he served as the Executive Chef for the Belcampo Group. Calderon received his certification at The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio campus and later earned his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from The Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park campus in New York.

“We’re really excited to open Three Star Bar. It’s a really casual concept that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The food and beverage menus are relaxed, but still use high-end ingredients.” – Co-Owner Jeret Peña

Three Star Bar is a deli-inspired restaurant and bar in San Antonio, TX, by cocktail enthusiast and Boulevardier Group Owner Jeret Peña, Chef Josh Calderon and General Manager Rob Gourlay. The restaurant and bar is located just north of downtown San Antonio and offers casual dining with deli-inspired cuisine and comfort food in addition to boasting a full bar with a focus on high quality whiskey and local brews.

iFLY hosts STEM field trip for Deerpark Middle School students

NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez inside the iFly tunnel during the STEM field trip. Photo: Pryor Films, used with permission.

On Friday, May 21, iFLY Indoor Skydiving hosted a STEM field trip for Deerpark Middle School, a local Title I school, at the Austin tunnel with special guest Daniel Suárez, NASCAR driver from Monterrey, Mexico, and iFLY National STEM Education Director Michelle Brumley, co-sponsored by Trackhouse Racing Team. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2021)

iFLY Austin hosted 60 students from Deerpark Middle School for a STEM-specific field trip delivered by Brumley that featured an interactive presentation, including a physics demonstration in the wind tunnel, experimental STEM activities, safety training, flight time for each student, and a guest appearance by NASCAR driver Suárez. Suárez suited up and took flight inside the iFLY tunnel as part of the STEM presentation. Deerpark Middle School students were able to meet NASCAR driver Suárez—piloting the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro throughout 2021—sponsored by iFLY.

Trackhouse Racing Team is planning to launch a racing-themed STEM curriculum within the SLAM! (Sports Leadership Arts and Management) inner-city charter schools, community organizations, and youth groups to inspire those who want to pursue STEM careers. GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar and co-owner of Trackhouse Racing Pitbull and founder/co-owner of Trackhouse Racing Justin Marks plan to amplify the sport’s influence around the world by impacting the lives of the underrepresented and creating a movement of positivity and possibility using the platform and excitement of sports and music. 

iFLY STEM field trips are built to increase awareness of exciting STEM careers and how STEM can be used in the real world. Students get fired up about math and physics when they see it come to life in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel. iFLY’s highly trained STEM educators guide students through an immersive, hands-on experience before defying gravity when they actually fly. In fact, iFLY STEM curriculum aligns with both national and state-specific education standards while making STEM exciting and fun. 

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 an athlete or in the best shape of their life. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying fun for everyone.

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 81 facilities operating worldwide with 36 wholly-owned in North America. 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 makes the dream of flight a reality by giving their customers “wings” in a safe and reliable environment.

The Trackhouse Racing team enters its inaugural season with an integrated technical and operational partnership with championship-winning Richard Childress Racing. The alliance delivers Trackhouse Racing full support from Chevrolet in all vehicular and engine development.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Memorial Day deals that give back

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.

This Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31, Hopdoddy will donate a percentage of proceeds from all menu items purchased to the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a charity that provides support to families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy Seals. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

Established in 2011, the SEAL Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Austin, TX. The Foundation was founded by SEALS is run by SEALS, and supports the brave men of the U.S. Navy SEALS Teams by providing educational assistance for SEALS and their families and other charitable causes benefitting the SEAL community.

All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or online for curbside or pickup.

In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy Burger Bar pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s favorite community charitable organizations.

Memorial day activities at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country has activities planned for the long Memorial Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering an exciting weekend full of festivities and outdoor-driven activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From concerts in the private indoor/outdoor FBO hangar to special holiday dining options, Memorial Day Weekend with JL Bar will kick off summer on a high note. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Across the resort’s 13,000 sprawling acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, guests will be able to take part in: 

Music & Memories: On Saturday, May 29, Shenandoah will be performing a live concert at JL Bar’s Private FBO Hanger in honor of the men and women who gave their lives serving our Country. The concert is fully open to the public with general admission tickets available for $75 and VIP Tables available for $1200. Additionally, Hotel guests can upgrade to a table for just $480. Tables will be exclusively roped off near the front of the stage and can seat up to 8 people. The concert doors open at 6:30p.m. and Shenandoah takes the stage at 9p.m.

Firework Food: JL Bar’s Chef Sergio has curated a special menu for dinner on Saturday, May 29. For only 32.95/adults and $12.95/kids, guests can indulge in a few of his signature dishes – southern style catfish and shrimp, fried country potatoes, and more. The resort will also offer a brunch from 11a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

Stay Awhile: The stunning Hill Country resort is offering an exclusive Memorial Day weekend rate starting at $499/night – book 3 nights and guests can receive their 4th night free. Holiday stays can be booked online or by calling 855-414-3337.. Resort guests will also receive free general admission tickets to the concert.

Hill Country Adventures: On top of all the holiday activities, the resort will be offering outdoor experiences including horseback riding and a horse psychology experience, off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting.

 

San Antonio Museum of Art honors military personnel with free admission

Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

This year, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will once again participate in Blue Star Museums — a national collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the U.S. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, SAMA will offer active duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves and their families, free general admission into the Museum. This summer, visitors to SAMA can explore new and current exhibitions on view, including Movie Metal (on view through June 20, 2021) and America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution (on view starting June 11, 2021) as well as SAMA’s collection of works. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

 

Peeler Farms presents ‘Music Fare’

Peeler Farms presents ‘Music Fare’ featuring Robert Ellis and Gordy Quist. Photo: google

On Saturday, June 5, Peeler Farms will present “Music Fare,” an outdoor, limited capacity live performance by singer-songwriter Robert Ellis and Band of Heathens’ Gordy Quist at Peeler Farms in Floresville, TX. Tickets are now on sale online for $100 each, which includes the live performance and a meal prepared by Peeler Farms. This performance marks the first of a three-performance series of live shows that will be presented by and at Peeler Farms this summer. (Peeler Farms, 2021)

The performance will take place at Peeler Farms, located at 3007 FM539, Floresville, TX 78114 on Saturday, June 5. Gates will open at 6p.m. and performances will begin around 7p.m. A catered meal by Peeler Farms is included in the cost of the ticket and will feature Peeler Farms Wagyu Brisket Flautas, Peeler Farms Wagyu Steak Tacos with homemade corn tortillas, chimichurri with queso fresco, Mexican potato salad, and Orobianco Water Buffalo Gelato for dessert. Alcohol will not be available for purchase onsite, but guests 21 years of age or older are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages and coolers, if desired.

Peeler Farms
3007 FM 539
Floresville, TX 78114

Texas Book Festival announces hybrid format for 2021 Festival

The 26th annual Texas Book Festival in October will consist of virtual events and in-person activities. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.

Texas Book Festival is excited to announce that the 26th annual Texas Book Festival will take place October 25 through October 31 as a hybrid event. Starting Monday, October 25, virtual sessions will lead up to the Festival Weekend on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol and along Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. The Festival will include a diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent of all ages. (Texas Book Festival, 2021)

The 2020 all Virtual Festival featured more than 175 authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, artists, and thought leaders including Matthew McConaughey, Dean Koontz, and Erin Brockovich. The annual First Edition Literary Gala was held virtually and raised more than $600,000 to fund all the nonprofit organization’s literary and literacy programs.

In 2021, book enthusiasts can look forward to the return of everything they love about the Texas Book Festival, including a terrific author lineup, timely and thoughtful panel topics, food trucks, a Saturday evening Lit Crawl, and more.

The 2021 Texas Teen Book Festival will also take place during the hybrid Festival, featuring conversations with acclaimed Young Adult authors. The annual First Edition Literary Gala will take place Friday, October 29 as an in-person celebration featuring some of literature’s brightest stars and storytellers, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Guests can attend sessions in the outdoor tents and are welcome to visit the in-person and virtual Exhibitor Marketplace, which features book publishers big and small, university presses, booksellers, independent authors, and a wide variety of items for the literary shopper.

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s hybrid Texas Book Festival will take place from October 25 through October 31, with virtual events October 25 – 28 and the Festival Weekend taking place on the grounds of the Texas Capitol October 30 – 31, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and children’s activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.

“Festival-goers have shared with us how eager they are to see us return downtown, safety permitting. And now, encouraged by growing vaccination numbers and only after many conversations with authors, publishers, attendees, partners, other event organizations, and the City of Austin, we’re eager as well. We’ll never abandon what we learned about virtual, though—readers told us they enjoyed that too. Stepping into the hybrid space provides everyone the opportunity to participate in a big, vibrant, diverse Festival program, virtually or in-person.” – Literary Director Matthew Patin.

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Open call for restaurants – Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)

For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.

“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten presents The Alex Meixner Band

The Alex Meixner Band will perform on May 27, 28 and 29. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Due to popular demand, Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to add an additional night of music by nationally acclaimed musician and polka music favorite, The Alex Meixner Band, on Saturday, May 29 (the May 27 and 28 shows are almost sold out). Doors open at 5p.m. with The Lederhosen Junkies as the opening act and Alex Meixner will take thehttp://www.krausecafe.comstage at 7p.m. Locals are encouraged to come and enjoy the squeezebox sounds of The Alex Meixner Band while enjoying classic German favorites with a New Braunfels twist, such as Krause’s Bavarian Pretzel and Texas Schnitzel. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or through Eventbrite. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)

Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, and a leading advocate of polka music. Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz, and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast, resulting in sold-out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S. Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 7813

Krause’s Café & Biergarten, a New Braunfels historic restaurant, opened in 1938 and honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 70 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 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.

Horse Psychology Experience at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Tx. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

To offer its guests an immersive look at the life on a West Texas ranch, the luxury JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, TX has introduced a one-of-a-kind Horse Psychology Experience for guests and locals. Before you can find true harmony and develop rapport with a horse, it is best to try and understand the nature of a horse—and this experience does just that. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Led by the working ranch and resort’s equine experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Béïque, guests can learn about horse psychology, the basics of horse behavior, and how to be comfortable around horses; for example, guests will learn that a round pen makes it easier to train horses as well as techniques for optimal upkeep and engagement. This provides a deeper appreciation for the majestic animals as well as a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in Texas Hill Country ranch culture. 

In addition to JL Bar’s classic horseback riding excursions across the property’s sprawling 13,000 acres and Cowboy Cookout adventures alongside their 32 luxurious accommodations and top-notch spa, the Horse Psychology Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience that belongs on any traveler’s bucket list. Guests and locals can partake in this special one-hour course for as low as $50 and gain a deeper understanding and comfort level when interacting with horses.  

Here are some frequently asked questions about the program and answers by JL Bar’s equine expert Jon Joseph:

Horse Psychology + Equine Program:

  • What inspired the JL Bar team to introduce the Horse Psychology experience to guests?
    • Jon/Sydney wanted to change guests minds and teach them “why horses do what they do.” For example, understanding the history of horses, the body language of a horse, herd mentality of horse and why some are leaders and some are followers, etc.
  • What are a few examples of how guests can interact with a horse by going off their body language and emotions to train them? What are a few things guests learn during the horse psychology experience (i.e. round pen, how to approach, etc.)? Can you explain why round pen is better for training?
    • When guests arrive, Jon likes the horses to be the calm and allow guests to approach them. To get here, he has the horses go in the round pen and run laps to get in exercise, etc. Once that’s done he gives them a signal to follow him and stand next to him while interacting with guests. During this time, the horses know it’s their break to be calm, be loved on, and no need to be scared of the guests. If they leave his side and start acting crazy, they know they will have to do the round pen again.
    • Round pen is best to use because if the pen has corners the horse will typically end up staying in the corner with their backside facing you. They will not run around or express interest with humans.
  • How many horses are on property? Can you share any of their personalities, guest favorites, recent additions, etc.? What kinds of horses are on property?
    • There are 8 horses that guests can ride (all ex-show horses), 2 horses in training that are not in front of guests yet, and 2 babies (1 born on the Ranch in last March).
    • Chexamillion is a fan favorite among guests, he is in retirement mode from a successful show career and is very calm and good with all guest types.
  • Outside of the horse psychology experience and horseback riding excursions, are there any other ways that guests can interact with the horses during their stay?
    • Guests can partake in a “Horse Meet & Greet.” JL Bar has noticed it is typically younger or older guests that come and participate. Guests can come love on the horses and take pictures with them. JL Bar is currently building a new barn and once it is ready guests will be able to help take care of the horses by brushing them, help feeding them, etc.
Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.