Category: Community news

Mother’s Day gift ideas from San Antonio businesses

The Flower Box from Bakery Lorraine and The Vintage Bouquet. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and local businesses in San Antonio are offering a variety of ways to help celebrate moms. Dazzle her with delicious desserts or spoil her with breakfast in bed with a savory quiche from Bakery Lorraine or new croissant creation from La Panaderia. Let Mom explore her creative side while she wanders through the mesmerizing art installations at Hopscotch (20% off the regular ticket price for parents) and the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Below are a few more gift ideas that any mother would be thrilled to get on her special day. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, San Antonio Museum of Art, La Panaderia, Hopscotch, Boiler House, Botika, Feliz Modern POP, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, Niche at Pearl, Ten Thousand Villages, 2021)

Bakery Lorraine
This Mother’s Day, Bakery Lorraine will offer several specials that are sure to please moms. From flower boxes to fruit tarts, Bakery Lorraine and their partner, The Vintage Bouquet, are sure to have the perfect gift for Mom.

The Flower Box includes an assortment of six Parisian macarons that include raspberry, pistachio, and Almond Joy flavors ($35) and is decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of flowers and includes twelve macarons, including raspberry, pistachio, blueberry violet, and Almond Joy flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages.

Treat mom to a special breakfast in bed with Bakery Lorraine’s savory quiches. Quiche options include the traditional Quiche Lorraine filled with bacon, gruyere, and caramelized onions and the Veggie Quiche which includes leeks, Swiss chard, and gruyere. The large quiche is available for $40, serves up to eight people and is packed cold for reheating at home.

For moms with a sweet tooth, shoppers can gift Bakery Lorraine’s fresh fruit tart. This delicious fruit tart is filled with a creamy vanilla mascarpone and topped with fresh fruit. Fruit varies based on season and availability. The large fruit tart is available for $26.

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pre-orders will start now and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, May 5, by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, May 8 or Sunday, May 9 between 9a.m. and 5p.m. at all locations.

EVO Entertainment
EVO is hosting the ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch with special screenings of none other than “Mamma Mia!” so grab your fellow Dancing Queens and a feather boa for this one. The special brunch menu includes a refreshing sangria with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, mimosas, Bloody Marys, pulled pork hash, chicken and waffles, and more. Tickets for this event are available at Schertz, Springtown, Kyle, and Belterra locations and can be purchased online. 

San Antonio Museum of Art
Spend the day exploring the vast collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art or purchase a membership so she can enjoy the Museum’s offerings year-round, and spoil her with a trip to the shop, because The San Antonio Museum of Art Shop has a curated list of unique and local gifts sure to impress. Shop the full collection online. 

La Panadería
Breakfast in bed is nice, but brunch at La Panaderia is nicer. With a recently opened third location in La Cantera Heights, La Panaderia is serving up brunch all over the Alamo City. Treat mom to a delicious brunch and try one of the quirky new croissants – “The Elvis” made with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. Brunch to-go is also an option, complete with a mimosa kit so mom does not miss out on the fun. Do not forget a bag of pan dulce for the road.

Hopscotch
Show Mom how much she rocks at Hopscotch. On Sunday May 9 and Sunday June 20, the immersive interactive art exhibit will offer 20% off gallery tickets for parents. Hopscotch will also feature live music from SA Brass Tacs, drink specials, and complimentary Pop Rocks.

Boiler House
On Sunday, May 9, Boiler House will offer a special chef-curated brunch menu from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Menu offerings are available online and on Boiler House’s social media pages. Menu prices range from $15 to $30 for an entrée.

Botika
Treat Mom to a much-needed glass of bubbly. Botika at Pearl will offer one free glass of champagne for all mothers. Reservations are highly encouraged and menu prices range between $15-$45. Botika serves inventive takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America.

Feliz Modern POP
Feliz Modern POP will offer Mom 15% off one item. Surprise Mom with a one-of-a-kind gift and enjoy the 15% percent off as well. Shop online or in-store.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
Upgrade Mom’s operating system with The Mom 2.0 – two hours of well-deserved me-time. This spa package includes The Comeback Massage and The One & Only Pedicure. Treat Mom to some much-needed rest and relaxation. The Mom 2.0 is available for $165 (typically a $190 value). Book online now. 

Niche at Pearl
Join designer Nilgun Derman at Niche for a special mother-daughter maker session. Learn how to make kokedama, a unique Japanese planting technique that uses moss and twine to create sculptural plant art. The maker event is free and will be held at Niche at Pearl on Saturday, May 8 from 1p.m. to p.m. See full event details available online. 

Ten Thousand Villages
Feel good about that Mother’s day purchase by shopping at Ten Thousand Villages. Ten Thousand Villages at Pearl offers ethically-sourced global gifts and handcrafted products from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. This Mother’s Day they are offering 205 on any purchase of $50 or more.

 

Mother’s Day deals at Pluckers Wing Bar

Pluckers Club and Pluckers Club Lite Members are eligible for a free meal for mom on Mother’s Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Pluckers Wing Bar invites all moms to join them for a special dine-in treat on Sunday, May 9. Pluckers will be offering a free meal (up to a $19 value) to moms that are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members themselves or come with a guest that has a membership. This special will be available for dine-in only. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Known for their perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for watching sports, the iconic Pluckers menu includes fan favorites, such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Additionally, Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.

 

Taco Cabana introduces ‘La Bandera’ margarita

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the limited-time margarita, ‘La Bandera’ at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching May 5, 2021, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Cabana invites TC and MargaritaPalooza fans to celebrate the holiday with the limited-time “La Bandera” Margarita. The “La Bandera” Margarita is layered with Lime, Strawberry, Mango, and Blue Curacao flavors and will be available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas for $3. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Also launching on May 5, 2021, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy a limited-time food bundle featuring a half-order of Taco Cabana’s Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99.

Taco Cabana will continue its signature MargaritaPalooza with 12 other margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including its three classic margarita flavors Lime, Strawberry and Mango. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:

  • Pineapple Jalapeño 
  • Dragonfruit 
  • Pickle
  • Violet
  • Orange
  • Pistachio 
  • Orange Cream
  • Chili Lime Cucumber
  • Pineapple Banana

*Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.

TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.

“Every year, Cinco de Mayo is always a big celebration for Taco Cabana, guests and team members included. This year we combined MargaritaPalooza and the launch of the new ‘La Bandera’ margarita with Cinco de Mayo to make it even more of a celebration. We invite everyone to include TC in their Cinco de Mayo plans whether it be dine-in, takeout or delivery.” – Rich Stockinger, President and CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is also creating a series of short videos entitled “In The Kitchen With Taco Cabana,” led by TC corporate chefs, Sergio Remolina and Chelsea Lietz. Each video speaks about a TC favorite, brought home and given a “unique twist” in the kitchen.  Something to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration, or any celebration, slightly more festive with Taco Cabana as your partner. These videos will be available online on Friday, April 30 and will also be featured across TC’s social media. 

All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

 

The Children’s Ballet returns with ‘Swan Lake’ at the Tobin Center

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents Swan Lake. Photo: The Children’s Theatre of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is set to make a splash with the production of the iconic classic ‘Swan Lake’ brought to life by the award-winning Artistic Director and Founder Vanessa Bessler. With nationally and internationally acclaimed dancers ranging in age from 3 to 21, viewers can see the future of ballet spinning into shape right before their eyes at the Tobin Center this May. Performances will be Friday, May 21 at 7p.m. and Saturday May 22 at 2p.m. and 7p.m. Tickets are available online. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2021)

‘Swan Lake’ tells the love story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a beautiful swan princess. The fairytale comes to life with a full-length production featuring dazzling costumes custom made in Moscow, integrated multimedia scenery, and a talented array of over 140 award-winning classical dancers, gifted special needs artists, and many other exceptional young children rounding out the talented ensemble cast.

Critically acclaimed Hungarian-born principal dancer Mate Szentes will accompany the young dancers as Prince Siegfried. Known for his “bold attacks” and “glittering technique” by art critics, Szentes receives invitations to perform worldwide from Vienna to Japan. He works with world-renowned choreographers such as Ma Cong, Val Caniparoli, Mariana Oliveira, Melissa Barak, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, among many others, and danced as a company artist around the world, as well as a principal dancer for the Richmond Ballet. He is a permanent guest principal dancer with the American Contemporary Ballet and Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet. He was invited to participate in the very prestigious National Choreographers Initiative in 2016 and 2018. Since 2016 he has choreographed original works showcased in Richmond, San Diego and New Mexico.

The dancers will perform the ballet using choreography based on the revival of the production created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov that was first staged for the Imperial Ballet in 1895 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. To add to the majesty of the production, they will be wearing beautiful, elaborate costumes created by a leading costume maker in Russia whose work can be seen at the top theatres around the world.

“Swan Lake is the most celebrated ballet in the world and one of the most challenging and beautiful to perform,” says six-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award Winner and Children’s Ballet Director Vanessa Bessler. “Many of our dancers have received scholarships and acceptance to attend the best academies in the world and gained international acclaim from the most elite competitions in ballet since they last performed Swan Lake several years ago. We can’t wait to return to the theatre and celebrate Tchaikovsky’s largest and most acclaimed masterpiece. They are ready and excited to take to the stage once again.”

The Children’s Ballet continues to enforce extensive safety protocols to include both virtual and limited capacity in-person rehearsals, screenings, masks, gloves, long sleeves, social distancing, and much more. As a result, the organization has been Covid free since reopening its doors on May 23, 2020. The Tobin Center leads the charge on safety precautions that have allowed the arts and entertainment to continue by enforcing strict safety initiatives, limited capacity, and mask mandates that exceed both federal and state requirements.

Ballet and performing arts lovers, parents, grandparents and children of all ages will not want to miss this breathtaking performance by some of San Antonio’s most prestigious rising artists.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing 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.

Frida Kahlo Oasis at San Antonio Botanical Garden

The Frida Kahlo Oasis will open on Saturday May 8, 2021. Photo: San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden, in partnership with the Museo Frida Kahlo, have created a world-class exhibition celebrating Frida Kahlo and her deep connection with plants and the natural world. Frida Kahlo Oasis opens on Saturday May 8 and will be on view until Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Opening weekend activities on May 8-9 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. will feature exhibition tours, Frida-inspired hands-on activities, cash bar and food prepared by Jason Dady, and more.  (San Antonio Botanical Garden, 2021)

The Botanical Garden invites you to immerse yourself in the lush green sanctuary of the exhibition which features a one-of-a-kind stylized version of Casa Azul, Kahlo’s iconic blue home.  Discover the tropical and native plants that Kahlo loved, iconic landmarks, and Mexican Arte Popular – monumental animals that profoundly influenced her timeless art. Exhibit is included with Garden admission and membership.

The exhibition’s Casa Azul garden will occupy a 2,100 square food space nestled in the heart of the Botanical Garden, shaded by giant oak trees, and overflowing with Mexican native plants, and a mixture of tropical foliage and desert plants, including elephant ears, bougainvillea, agave, and marigolds. Visitors are invited to explore the famous landmarks of Kahlo’s garden at Casa Azul such as the pyramid that displayed Diego Rivera’s pre-Columbian artifacts collection, the frog-themed fountain, and Kahlo’s desk and easel. The exhibition will also feature six monumental animals specially sighted throughout the lush garden grounds – a Dog, Monkey, Deer, Butterfly, Parrot, and Hummingbird – which often appear in Kahlo’s artworks, as a testimonial to her passion for Mexican Arte Popular.

The Botanical Garden will offer a variety of Frida Kahlo and Mexican inspired programs to engage visitors along with the exhibition.  These include special curated tours, art history lectures, culinary and cocktail workshops, and adult and family events.

Donate a book on National Book Day at MAX’s Wine Dive

Donate a brand-new children’s book and receive a complimentary dessert. Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, used with permission.

Celebrate National Book Day with MAX’s Wine Dive, located in Quarry Village, all day on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11a.m. to 9p.m. MAX’s Wine Dive is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio by encouraging guests to bring in brand-new children’s books on National Book Day, which will be donated to the nonprofit dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment that promotes education, health and character development. (MAX’s Wine Dive, 2021)

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio keeps children safe after school and throughout the summer by providing a positive environment where they can learn, play, and grow. Club membership focuses on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership programs that target developmental needs, ensuring every child graduates high school on time with a plan for the future.  

“With a motto like “Together We Will Get Through This,” how could the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio not be a perfect match for MAX’s Wine Dive?” said General Manager Ande McBay. “Our team here believes the same thing – from the pandemic to shutdowns to natural disasters and shortages, together, we’ll get through whatever comes next. So, this National Book Day, we’re committed to instilling that sense of togetherness in the next generation by supporting with something that the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio need the most – new books, games, and puzzles,” added McBay.

With the purchase of an entrée, guests who donate a new children’s book, can indulge in popular MAX’s Wine Dive desserts like the white cherry chip cast iron cookie served with vanilla gelato, flourless chocolate torte, or MAX’s seasonal bread pudding with vanilla gelato, complimentary. Satisfy your sweet tooth while helping the local San Antonio community on National Book Day.    

MAX’s Wine Dive – Quarry Village

340 East Basse Road, Suite 101

San Antonio, Texas 78209  

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe Western Art Museum has membership packages perfect for Mother’s Day. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

This year, celebrate mom by lassoing the perfect gift this Mother’s Day:  the wide open spaces of the West. Let mom get away from it all and head West whenever she likes with a membership to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, where she can soak in art and beauty all year long. The Briscoe is offering Mother’s Day membership specials paired with fantastic gifts from the Museum Store to make Mother’s Day gift-giving a breeze. All mothers receive free museum admission on Mother’s Day, the perfect way to surprise mom with her gift. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

Now through Mother’s Day, save 30-40% off select membership packages that include a year-long membership to the museum along with gifts for mom to enjoy. The membership specials may be ordered online with gift pickup from the Briscoe’s Museum Store. Package options include:

  • “Lone Ranger” Individual Membership: Allow mom to escape to the museum on her own with an individual membership, along with a Cacti garden tea towel and dish set from the Briscoe’s Museum Store, $65.
  • “Roam on the Range” Duo Membership: A membership for two that allows mom to share the beauty of the West and the museum’s events with a guest, along with a Cacti garden tea towel and dish set, a Votivo red currant travel candle, and a Bee Bella lip balm from the Museum Store, $85.
  • “The Whole Posse” Family Membership: Museum admission for two adults and all children/grandchildren under 18, as well as a Cacti garden tea towel and dish set, a Votivo red currant travel candle, a Bee Bella lip balm, and the book “The Texas Ranch Sisterhood:  Portraits of Women Working the Land” from the Museum Store, $100.

Each gift membership provides unlimited access to the Briscoe’s unforgettable exhibitions, lectures, and community events for a full year. Memberships are instrumental in helping the museum preserve and present the art, history, and culture of the American West. Memberships are tax-deductible. Full membership benefits are available online.

Spend Mother’s Day exploring the Briscoe, where the talent, skill, and nuanced storytelling of Western women is showcased in its collections and exhibitions. Through May 9, enjoy the scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans and classic cowboys, stunning wildlife and a strong representation of Western women featured in the Night of Artists 20th Anniversary Exhibition and Sale. Night of Artists features the best contemporary Western artists in the country, including a wide range of women artists. If you are looking to step up your Mother’s Day gift, some works in Night of Artists are available for purchase. 

For more stories of Western women, stroll the Briscoe’s Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers:  Women of the West Gallery. Highlighting works that feature Western women and those created by women artists, the gallery includes both a mixture of art about women and by women artists. The diverse stories represented include Native American women from diverse cultures, working the land, as well as Hispanic women promoting the culture and legacy of Mexico; immigrant women looking for new and better opportunities; freed women forming colonies; and women ranchers reclaiming the West.

An oasis of Western beauty just off San Antonio’s River Walk, the Briscoe campus features 32 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life. From the McNutt Sculpture Garden to the museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, the Briscoe’s collection spans 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and a fantastic Museum Store, providing art, culture, history, and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online. The museum is operating with health and safety protocols that require both staff and guests to wear masks.

Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Taco Cabana

The giveaway’s Grand Prize Winner will receive a private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana invites its fans to share why their #MamaNeedsMargaritas on their social media platforms to enter for a chance to win one of 12 great prizes. The #MamaNeedsMargaritas social media giveaway will run through May 10, 2021, and up to 12 winners will be selected and notified on May 12, 2021. To enter, participants must post a photo or video to Facebook or Instagram showing why “mama needs margaritas,” and tagging @TacoCabana and #MamaNeedsMargaritas and #Sweepstakes in their post. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Entrants into the #MamaNeedsMargaritas giveaway must follow the official Taco Cabana Facebook page and Instagram account. Submissions must be posted using one or both methods of entry between April 19, 2021 and May 10, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. CST. Multiple entries are permitted per person, but do not increase the participant’s chances of winning the giveaway prizes. 

Prizes for #MamaNeedsMargaritas include:

  • (1) Grand Prize Winner 
    • The grand prize winner will receive (1) private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit, featuring an all-inclusive home catering/fiesta for up to 50 guests. *Offer is valid in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas only; residents from El Paso will receive (1) private TC experience for 50 at a designated El Paso Taco Cabana location.
  • (1) Second Place Winner 
    • The second place winner will receive (1) private ZOOM kitchen tutorial led by Taco Cabana’s Corporate Chefs showcasing the creation of a fantastic Tex-Mex meal at home using many Taco Cabana items as the foundation. All ingredients for the meal will be supplied by Taco Cabana and delivered to the winner prior to the ZOOM tutorial date.
  • (10) Third Place Winners
    • Up to (10) winners will receive Taco Cabana $50 gift cards.

In addition to the giveaway, guests can enjoy a special Mother’s Day food bundle featuring a half-order of TC Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99. Taco Cabana will also continue MargaritaPalooza with 12 margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including the featured Violet margarita that any “mama” is sure to love. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:

  • Pineapple Jalapeno 
  • Dragonfruit 
  • Pickle
  • Violet
  • Orange
  • Pistachio 
  • Orange Cream
  • Chili Lime Cucumber
  • Pineapple Banana

Taco Cabana also offers its three classic margarita flavors for $2, including Lime, Strawberry and Mango. *Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. 

All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Recent trip to Port Isabel/South Padre Island

South Padre Island. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Living so close to South Padre Island, we have visited often in the past few months.  Last Friday we wanted to have lunch at my favorite vegan restaurant at the island, Veggie Del Sol, but were sadly disappointed. The night before they sustained damage to their restaurant and were not open yet because they were still cleaning up. We were not about to stick around “just in case,”….we were hungry! So instead we headed back to Port Isabel; there was bound to be somewhere interesting to eat.

We ended up at the Causeway Bar & Grill. Before committing to it, I had to peruse the menu just to make sure they had at least one meatless option for me. Turns out they do. So I ordered the Vegetarian Nachos as an appetizer and the Quesadilla (meatless) as an entrée. They have a black-bean patty burger, but I was not feeling it. My husband ordered the Hey Chancho burger. The food was satisfactory, but the wine was way overpriced at $9 a glass. It was a decent enough visit so we will probably be back.

Rarely do we have dessert, but I noticed an ice-cream parlor afterwards, so we chanced it – Davey Jones Ice Cream Locker. It is a small place, but there are plenty of options. I wanted something sweet, but not too sweet, so I got a cup of cherry ice cream. On the way out, I also got the butter pecan fudge. It comes in these cute little boxes to take home. Again, overpriced, but decent. I guess that is to be expected when you go to a tourist town.

It was time to walk off all the calories we just ate, so we walked over to the nearby shops. There are more than plenty of shopping opportunities but we ended up at The Cat’s Meow Vintage Emporium & Gourmet Shop. They have raw honey, hand-made soaps, unique vintage items, and over 80 vendors. It was so much fun browsing through all the cool home décor items, but I ended up not buying anything. Not this time around, anyway.

We went during the week, so there were not too many people around, the ones we saw in Port Isabel were socially distanced and wearing masks. This was not the case at the island.  Most of the tourist spots were packed in, like the boat tours, and not too many people were wearing masks. Looks like we will have to wait a while longer before we go sight seeing there.

Willie Nelson and Luck presents first annual cannabis convention

Luck Summit: Planting the Seed will benefit HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project. Photo: google

Willie Nelson and Luck Presents are proud to announce the first annual cannabis convention, Luck Summit: Planting the Seed which benefits HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project. Hosted by Nathanial Rateliff, the multi-day virtual summit seeks to destigmatize, educate, and promote cannabis culture in an informative and entertaining way. During the summit, Luck and fellow cannabis-advocate partners will showcase the cannabis plant through its many lenses including history, science, entertainment, and culture. In addition to panel discussions and keynote speakers, attendees will be treated to musical collaborations, comedy sketches, cooking demonstrations, health-focused activities, and more.  (IV-PR, 2021)

Team Luck is also pleased to announce a partnership with HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project, an organization that informs, registers and turns out voters who are interested in cannabis policy. “Willie Nelson is a music and cannabis icon, so of course we’re thrilled to partner,” says Sam D’Arcangelo, Director of HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project. “Texas and the rest of the United States are sitting at a cannabis crossroads right now. There’s no better time to celebrate how far we’ve come and have a conversation about where cannabis legalization goes from here.” All ticket proceeds from the summit will be donated to the Voter Project to aid in their efforts. 

The summit will hold space for honest, stripped down dialogue between industry veterans, casual connoisseurs, activists, artists, and everyone in between. Have something to say or questions about the benefits and opportunities surrounding hemp and cannabis as a commodity, and as medicine? This summit is for you. The discussion docket includes civil discourse, building community, legalization through policy amendments, science, de-stigmatization, hemp and cannabis as commodity products and cash crops, taxation that aids the economy, decriminalization and pathways toward freeing non-violent offenders for cannabis convictions, de-stigmatizing cannabis in industries weary of engaging, cannabis history and prohibition, and so much more. The mission of the Luck Summit is to create a community discussion around destigmatizing, decriminalizing, and legalizing hemp and cannabis in the state of Texas and beyond. 

Planting the Seed is a donation-based ticketed summit raising money for HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project. To register or for more information on the High Holidays, please visit them online. 

Planting the Seed is the marque event of Luck’s “High Holidays,” a 9 day celebration of the cannabis plant and its many benefits which begins on 4/20 and ends on Willie’s birthday, 4/29. Additionally, Luck Presents is petitioning the Biden Administration and Congress to make 4/20 to 4/29 the “High Holidays” in honor of the cannabis industry, and to celebrate Willie’s birthday. Sign the petition here.

Luck Presents is a rogue cultural collective headquartered in Willie Nelson’s Luck, TX. Anchored by its flagship event, the annual Luck Reunion, Luck Presents creates experiences that embrace our past while cultivating new traditions in American roots culture. 

HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project informs, registers, and turns out voters who want to see cannabis policy move forward. We believe cannabis reform is a unique issue with the power to turn large numbers of people into active participants in our democracy.

“I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?” – Willie Nelson