New and returning Fiesta items, like the Fiesta Croissant, will be available March 28 through April 13 at all La Panadería locations. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
In celebration of Fiesta taking place from March 31, 2022 through April 10, 2022, La Panadería will bring back last year’s best-seller, the Fiesta Croissant, in addition to two new colorful menu items. From March 28, 2022 through April 13, 2022, guests will be able to enjoy the delicious Fiesta Croissant, filled with fresh strawberries and whipped mascarpone cream and topped with bright, Fiesta-themed icing. Always innovating, the bakery-cafe will also unveil Fiesta-themed Orejas and the brand-new 24-Carat Champagne Cheesecake topped with real 24-carat gold leaves. The rich, creamy cheesecake is infused with champagne and topped with edible gold leaf. (La Panadería, 2022)
To purchase these limited-time Fiesta items, visit any of La Panadería’s three locations or order online from March 28, 2022 through April 13, 2022.
Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian, and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has three locations in San Antonio, Texas.
“The San Antonio community supports La Panadería every day, so we want to do our part in celebrating them with these specialty items. Fiesta is all about the bright colors and celebration of culture, and our pan dulce perfectly reflects that.” – La Panadería co-founder and head panadero, David Caceres.
The Leprechaun Margarita will be available from March 11 through March 30, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabana diners are in luck this month, because from March 11, 2022 through March 30, 2022, guests can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a signature Leprechaun Margarita for just $3 at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. The festive green margarita is a refreshing blend of Taco Cabana’s frozen Mango and Blue Curaçao margaritas, which creates its signature green color. Guests can pair this holiday beverage with their favorite menu items to create the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day meal. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
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, delivery and catering. As of March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
The Shrimp Tampico offerings and new Taco Cabana burritos are available now. The new Tres Leches Cake will be available starting March 9, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Arriving just in time for the Lenten season, Taco Cabanais offering a Shrimp Tampicotaco and Shrimp Tampico quesadillas for a limited time. Launched on Wednesday March 2, 2022, guests can now enjoy the Shrimp Tampico taco for $3.79, a small Shrimp Tampico quesadilla for $6.49 or a large quesadilla for $9.49. The delectable shrimp dishes are marinated in ancho spice, sauteed with garlic, lime and cilantro, and served with a side of pineapple chipotle salsa. TC’s Shrimp Tampico options are available at all Texas TC locations. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
In addition to Shrimp Tampico, guests can now also enjoy all of their favorite flavors in new TC burritos – available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting at $3.19. Guests can choose from a wide variety of flavors such as Bean & Cheese, Bacon and Egg, Chorizo and Egg, Chicken or Steak Fajita, Ground Beef, and many more.
TC guests can also indulge in Taco Cabana’s new Tres Leches cake. Launching Wednesday, March 9, 2022, guests can enjoy TC’s take on the traditional sweet sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk for just $2.99.
Taco Cabana’s Shrimp Tampico taco and quesadillas, burritos, and Tres Leches cake can be ordered 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 online.
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, delivery and catering. As of March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Birds, Bees & Butterflies will take place at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort over a two month period starting March 1, 2022. Photo: Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, used with permission.
Learn about Texas birds, bees, butterflies, and the plant life that support them during a two month-long special event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort from March 1 through April 30, 2022. With 100 family-friendly activities, Birds, Bees & Butterflies will shine a light on education and conservation through hands-on activities and fascinating presentations. (Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, 2022)
With 100% volunteer participation from local and regional experts, associations, and businesses, nearly all activities are free to overnight guests. The general public is welcome to pay a day-use park fee to access the nature park during these activities and enjoy other amenities like the nature trails and private lakefront.
Activities include six different themed nature walks, two synchronized group butterfly releases, numerous photo safaris, seed planting for pollinators, several nature crafts, watching an observational beehive, building, and flying butterfly kites (did you know the wind is a pollinator?), and an interactive bird beak buffet to demonstrate how different birds use their beaks.
Presentation topics include landscaping to promote pollinators, the relationship between deer management and bird habitat, monarch butterflies 101, the life of the hive, “hoo’s” in your neighborhood, rethink your landscape, what are native plants, intro to bees in Texas, and the Hives for Heroes a program empowering Veterans as they transition away from a life of service through beekeeping and honeybee conservation. In addition, the day-use park fee for veterans is a reduced fee.
Photo safaris promise to be popular activities as they combine the popular hobbies of nature photography and wildlife. The hive dive experience is restricted to beginner and intermediate beekeepers wearing a full beekeeper’s outfit. The opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional is invaluable as new-bees grow their skills. Several bee observation hives will be available for viewing to the public, along with Q&A with bee experts.
The Big Sit is a semi-competitive international group birding activity started in 1992 by a New Haven, CT, birding club. Participants observe and document birds from within a 50 ft. circle and report their findings through eBird, a free app. Three respected local birders will lead the Canyon of the Eagles team on Monday, April 18, from 7a.m. to 9a.m. and 4p.m. to 7p.m. People with and without birding experience are all welcome – this is an excellent introduction to the camaraderie and fun of birdwatching.
Another highlight of Birds, Bees & Butterflies, held on April 30, the final day of the two month-long special event, is the City-Nature Challenge. This is a Texas Parks and Wildlife program encouraging folks to get out and enjoy nature while documenting what they see through the use of the free iNaturalist app. This friendly competition pits regions in Texas against one another.
There will be two synchronized releases of butterflies into nature in honor of loved ones, hopes, dreams, and wishes on Monday, March 14 (reserve via email by March 3) and Saturday, April 16 (reserve via email by April 4). Both releases will be from 1p.m to 2p.m. with reservations available by email. Butterflies are $5 each. Participants are encouraged to linger and watch the butterflies find their way into nature.
Special thanks to Highland Lakes Master Gardeners, Marble Falls Master Naturalists, Capital Area Master Naturalists, Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society, All Things Wild Rehabilitation, AgriLife for Burnet County, Texas Beekeepers Association, Hives for Heroes, Texas A&M Beekeeping Program, University of Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife, McKane Apiary Service & Bee Removal, Woodlynns Farm, Luedecke Photography, and Fain’s Honey.
Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort is a 940-acre nature park located in the Texas Hill Country. It is home to 16 miles of groomed nature trails, three miles of private lakefront on Lake Buchanan, the Eagle Eye Observatory, and Overlook Restaurant. Located within the Edwards Plateau region, the park is the nesting ground for Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireo, and American Bald Eagle. To learn more about the programs and to book reservations for guestrooms, RV sites, and tent campsites, please visit Canyon of the Eagles online.
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.
Ambler at Hotel Contessa announces food and beverage programming to celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
Hotel Contessa is excited to announce a host of programming to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22. To celebrate the holiday accordingly, the hotel will extend the celebration throughout the week with various specials and events throughout that week at the hotel’s restaurant Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)
The programming is as follows:
National Margarita Day Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 22, 2022 starting at 4p.m. On National Margarita Day, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will offer four unique twists on the traditional margarita for $8 during happy hour in the restaurant’s bar lounge between 4p.m. and 7p.m.
The cocktails include: • Fire in the Sky – Casamigos Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, smoked paprika, and bell peppers • Knocking on Desert’s Door – Desert Door Sotol, Chareau, prickly pear and citrus, garnished with lime and mint • Misty Step – Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Santa Teresa 1976 rum, Benedictine, pineapple, and bitters • Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Corralejo Reposado tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, and Ambler bitters
***The bar’s regular hours are 12p.m. (noon) to 12a.m.
Margarita Making Class – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6p.m.
Continuing the celebration of National Margarita Day throughout the week, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will be offering a margarita making class with its new beverage director, Brandon Vela. The class kicks off at 6p.m. at Hotel Contessa’s third floor terrace overlooking the San Antonio River. Participants will learn the proper techniques and make their own margarita while enjoying light bites from Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. Guests will also receive a 20% discount toward a meal at the restaurant. The cost of the class is $45 per person and tickets for the class are available here.
Casamigos Tequila Dinner – February 24, 2022 at 6p.m.
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special five course dinner featuring Casamigos tequila and mezcal. The ticketed dinner is limited to 50 guests and tickets are $125 a person, which includes the cost of dinner, gratuity, tax, and valet parking at Hotel Contessa. Tickets for the dinner are available here.
See below for the dinner menu featuring unique cocktails made with, and inspired by, Casamigos tequila.
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.
Sound Cream Airstream will transform Pearl’s Park Bar for a night of song dedications. Photo: Sound Cream Airstream, used with permission.
Pearl and Park Barat the Food Hall at Bottling Department are excited to welcome Sound Cream Airstream back to the park for their first ever “Galentine’s Day” set with Southtown Vinyl. Sound Cream Airstream is an “all-in-one mobile discotheque” that puts on a dance party and DJ showcase. Guests can visit the DJ booth and dedicate songs of love to all their gal pals or that special someone. Pearl’s “Amor” wall is also set up for a fun photo opportunity to memorialize the night. The event is free to attend. (Pearl, 2022)
Enjoy treats from San Antonio’s first food hall, The Bottling Department, which includes the restaurants Fletcher’s Hamburgers, Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and Kineapple. The Food Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tableside delivery and option to use QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables.
Sunday, February 13, 2022 4p.m. – 7:30p.m.
Pearl Park 312 Pearl Parkway 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.
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.
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
SA Examiner 