Category: Holiday themed events

Sip margaritas and support Mexican-owned tequila this Cinco de Mayo

The Banderita Flight cocktail at FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar is made with LALO blanco tequila, a Mexican-owned, Mexican-founded tequila brand. (Photo: LALO Spirits, used with permission.

In the United States, more people consume tequila on Cinco de Mayo than on any other day of the year. LALO (a Mexican-owned tequila brand founded by Don Julio’s grandson) is celebrating the day with specialty cocktails at several bars and restaurants throughout San Antonio on Thursday. (LALO Spirits, 2022)

On Thursday, May 5, FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar (18740 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258) will serve a Banderita Flight — three mini cocktails made with LALO blanco tequila and served in shades of green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag. Flavors include a melon-lime margarita with citrus salt, ranch water with sea salt, and a strawberry hibiscus margarita with a tajin rim.

Screaming Goat Yard & Tap (4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070) will be featuring LALO Ranch Waters, Palomas, and Perfect Margaritas. There will also be a LALO rep on site pouring taste of the popular blanco tequila from 6p.m. to 8p.m.

All three locations of La Fogata are featuring four special cocktails made with LALO throughout the month of May.

Fresca Margarita – LALO Blanco, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Sweet n’ sour, Fresh lime

Chispa Margarita – LALO Blanco, Triple sec, Fresh lime juice

Paloma – LALO Blanco, Fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, topped with sparkling mineral water

Ranch Water – LALO Blanco, fresh lime juice, top with sparkling mineral water over ice with salted rim

Ácenar on the Riverwalk (146 E. Houston St. San Antonio, Texas 78205) will serve a special cocktail called La Flaca, a skinny margarita made with LALO.

LALO is available for purchase at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout San Antonio. It is also available online with direct shipping.

LALO is named after co-founder and maestro tequilero Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the grandson of Don Julio González of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Lalo continues the legacy of his father and grandfather with a bold new approach to perfecting blanco tequila. After nearly a decade in the industry seeing tequila follow many different trends, he and founding partner David R. Carballido sought to return tequila to its honest roots with a truly pure blanco tequila, without barrels or additives.

Each batch of LALO is 100% pure. It is made with wisdom passed down through generations of tequileros using the finest agave, handpicked from the Jalisco Highlands, cooked using a traditional process, and distilled only twice to maintain the agave’s integrity. The sole ingredients are fully-matured agave, a proprietary Champagne yeast, and deep well water, honoring the complex essence of the agave. 

What began as a small, private batch for friends and family in Guadalajara turned into a tequila high in demand for its taste and purity. LALO is not intended as a special occasion tequila, it is intended to make any occasion special.

 

Celebrate Mother’s Day at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

Celebrate Mother’s Day at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa with Brunch, Bluebonnets, and more. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate mom than with a Texas Hill Country brunch at the stunning, 13,000-acre JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora Texas? (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2022)

Families can treat mom to a delectable brunch on The Ranch on Sunday, May 8, with two exclusive seating options at 11:30a.m. and 1:30p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too!). For $39.95 and $19.95 for children, guests will be treated by JL Bar’s expert culinary team with a special menu of signatures dishes including Balsamic Glazed Grilled Steak, Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Loin, Roasted Heirloom Carrots and Asparagus, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. There will also be two action stations for guests to enjoy – a full Seafood Bar and Chef Attended Savory Crepe Station.

For those staying for the weekend, there is an activity for every type of mom. From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, spa treatments, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, families can make new memories at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. Additionally, for those moms following the annual Bluebonnet blooms in the stunning Texas Hill Country, JL Bar’s grounds also offer rolling acres of oak trees and wild grasses to spot local wildlife and bluebonnets in their prime.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with these San Antonio favorites

Bakery Lorraine’s fruit tart. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

With Mother’s Day coming up on May 8, do not miss a chance to surprise and delight Mom this year with unique flavors and specials from favorite spots in San Antonio. Local businesses are offering several ways to help celebrate moms through delicious desserts, gorgeous bouquets and some much needed Spa treatments. See below for ways to celebrate Mother’s day with Bakery Lorraine and Hotel Contessa. (Bakery Lorraine, Hotel Contessa, 2022)

This Mother’s Day Bakery Lorraine will offer several specials that are sure to capture mom’s heart. From flower boxes to rose scented desserts, Bakery Lorraine and their partner, Emma Lily Flowers, are sure to have the perfect gift for Mom. 

  • The Flower Box: The Flower Box includes an assortment of six Parisian macarons that include raspberry, pistachio, and triple vanilla ($35) and is decorated with fresh flowers. There are no substitutions for this package.
  • The Petite Bouquet: The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of flowers and includes twelve macarons, including raspberry, pistachio, blueberry violet, and triple vanilla flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for this package.
  • Quiches: 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 a quick reheat at home for only 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees in the oven.
  • Special Desserts: For moms with a sweet tooth, shoppers can gift Bakery Lorraine’s special desserts. Their large fruit tart ($32) is filled with a creamy vanilla mascarpone and topped with fresh fruit. Fruit varies based on season and availability. Add a flower scent effect to the gift of dessert with Japonaise, a rose scented vanilla cream swirled with raspberry jam in between two macaron shells with fresh raspberries. Give mom a literal heart with Bakery Lorraine’s Strawberry Pop Hearts, a grownup version of the classic pop-tart treat shaped into a heart, or Heart Shaped Moon Pies, rich chocolate shortbreads with honey marshmallow and dipped in white coating chocolate. 

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, May 4, by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday May 7 or Sunday May 8 between 9a.m. to 5p.m. at all locations.

The newly renovated Spa at Hotel Contessa, located at the rooftop level of the hotel, is offering luxurious deals to take advantage of this Mother’s Day for some much welcomed pampering. 

Always on the Go Mom Package

  • $90.00 (gratuity included)
  • 30 min Reflexology (applies different amounts of pressure to the feet, which has shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, pain and improve the general well-being)
  • Scalp Massage
  • Glass of Champagne 

Pamper Mom Package 

  • $200.00 (gratuity included)
  • 50 min Custom Facial OR Massage
  • Lavender Scalp Massage
  • Aromatic Steam Towel Treatment
  • Glass of Champagne 

Super Mom Package

  • $500.00 (gratuity included)
  • 50 min Custom Massage
  • 50 min Custom Facial
  • Complimentary enhancement included
  • Glass of Champagne and Individual Cheese Board tray following service

Guests can purchase the above packages by calling the spa at 210-298-8038 between now and end of day on Sunday, May 8.

While enjoying spa services at the hotel, some added perks include the spa’s various jewelry pop-ups from local and regional designers. The unique jewelry designs are sure to catch Mom’s eye for a complete Mother’s Day experience to have her feeling special. Select skincare products can also be purchased for a chance to turn any home bathroom into a hotel spa.

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Upcoming events at EVO Cinemas

EVO Entertainment Group will be hosting several events in May. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

For anyone who misses watching cartoons in his/her pajamas, EVO Entertainment is hosting an Adult PJ Party featuring a special screening of the beloved animated film Spirited Away on May 4, 2022 at 7p.m. at select EVO locations. The screening will be accompanied by a specialty munchie menu featuring Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders, the Dagwood Burger, Philly Cheese Tater Tots, and Buffalo Chicken Tacos, so guests are encouraged to wear their comfiest pajamas and stuff their faces during this flashback film. Screenings will take place at EVO’s Schertz, Kyle, Belterra Village, and Springtown locations at 7p.m. Tickets for these one-night-only screenings are on sale now and can be purchased here. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)

In Spirited Away, during her family’s move to the suburbs, a sullen 10 year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts. Guests are invited to join in her adventure during these limited-time showings.

This May, EVO Entertainment Group also celebrates community caretakers with free movie screenings for teachers and nurses during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 – May 6, 2022) and National Nurses Week (May 9 – 12, 2022). Teachers will be required to show proof of a school ID and nurses will be required to show proof of a medical ID at time of purchase. This complimentary offer is redeemable in-story only at the box office or concierge counter.

Additionally, in honor of Mother’s Day (May 8, 2022) EVO Entertainment Group is providing a $10 bonus card with the purchase of a $50 digital gift card purchased between May 1 – May 8, 2022. Digital gift cards are redeemable at any EVO Entertainment location. Only (1) $10 gift card will be awarded for each increment of $50 purchased in gift cards, up to $500. Guests are limited to the purchase of (5) gift cards per customer, per day.

Free Screenings for Teacher Appreciation Week – May 2 – May 5, 2022
Free Screenings for National Nurses Week – May 9 – May 12, 2022
Mother’s Day Gift Card BOGO – May 1 – May 8, 2022

The Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week offers are valid for all EVO Entertainment and ShowBiz locations. Digital gift cards are redeemable at all EVO Entertainment locations.

Studio restrictions will apply to the Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week offers; free screenings cannot be applied to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness screenings. Only one free ticket per person per day with valid ID may be redeemed. VIP Pods are not included in this offer. EVX and SDX are included in this promotion.

EVO Entertainment Group® is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator comprised of a number of 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. EVO® Entertainment Group currently employs over 1,000 team members and entertains nearly 3 million guests annually.

Celebrate mom at Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection. Photo: google

Create a memorable spring retreat this Mother’s Day at Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin, Texas. The storied resort-style hotel is unveiling new guest experiences for the upcoming holiday, providing countless ways to rest, reconnect and celebrate Mom. (Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

Mother’s Day at the Estate:

Throughout the weekend, guests are invited to discover The Furtuna Pop-Up Spa Suite, where Mom can be treated to a luxurious Furtuna Skin Deluxe Facial or enjoy integrative wellness experiences led by Caitlin Fennessy of Peach House ATX.

Spend Sunday celebrating mom with a special Mother’s Day Brunch at the Mansion. Indulge in a decadent dining experience complete with a selection of Chef Bradley’s savory dishes and Chef Susana’s pastries. Families can also visit the Mansion lawn where ATX favorite Gypsy Floral’s signature flower bar is perched for the weekend. Here, they can create the perfect bouquet for mom using a selection of their luscious blooms. Finally, enjoy a special Kentucky Derby watch party in the Garden Nook on Saturday, featuring mint juleps and Derby-inspired bites.

Mother’s Day specials from Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Treat mom to a relaxation experience with specials from Hiatus Spa + Retreat. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Give your mom the relaxing Mother’s Day she has always dreamed of with Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s spa specials. This year, Hiatus will be offering a Mother’s Day Gift Bundle featuring Hiatus Everyday products plus two spa packages that will ensure mom gets a Spa-cial day including the Silence Is Golden and The Big Chill. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat,2022)

Silence is Golden

This wonderful deal includes the following: Pick any two essential services for $198. Wherever you are, you can ensure your mom gets a Spa-cial day. (2 hours, $198 | $240 value)

The Big Chill

Hiatus’ 90-minute Signature Massage followed by a super-charged plant peel in The 29 Again Facial will help you hit refresh on that inner glow. We second that emotion. (2.5 hours, $265 | $330 value)

Mother’s Day Gift Bundle

Buy any three Hiatus Everyday products and receive a free Hiatus Gift Cylinder ($10 Value). Available for purchase in-spa only from April 12 – May 15 and excludes any lip products. Use this bundle to get your mom something small, something special, something for her.

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 5000’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 environmentally-friendly 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.

Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month at San Antonio Museum of Art

Celebrate with a Family Day on Sunday May 1, 2022. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) invites families to celebrate the first day of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month with Chinese Lion Dancers, gallery games, special performances, and delicious food during Family Day on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

Admission to the fun-filled experience at SAMA is free for residents of Bexar County between 10a.m.–12p.m., and children ages 12 and under are always free. Activities will begin with an opening ceremony.

Scheduled Performances:  

  • Remarks and Opening Ceremony I 11a.m.
  • Chinese Fan Dancers I 11:20a.m.
  • Vietnamese Association Dancers I 11:40a.m.
  • Lion Dancers I Noon and 2p.m.
  • Dragon Dancers I 12:30p.m. and 1:30p.m. 
  • Mao Dance I 1p.m.
  • Hawaiian Dancers | 2:30p.m.

Throughout the day, SAMA will offer an array of activities including mock porcelain painting and expressive mask creation; Japanese, Chinese, and Oceania Gallery Games; and interactive calligraphy demonstrations. Visitors who work up an appetite can head to the Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant and Bakery and Aloha Kitchen food trucks, which will be serving up authentic flavors onsite. 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tajín margaritas at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana’s $4 Tajín Margaritas will be available starting May 5, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

On Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5, 2022, Taco Cabana will launch a new partnership with Tajín, introducing a $4 Tajín Margarita available at all Texas locations while supplies last. Taco Cabana will also offer Tajín Mild Hot Sauce at TC’s Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

“We couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Tajín. What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with a new Taco Cabana signature Tajín margarita – the first of several Taco Cabana and Tajín items, both food and beverage, that we hope to introduce in the coming months.”- Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho

TC guests who order the Tajín margarita will also receive an additional .35 ounce bottle of Tajín seasoning while supplies last. Guests can add more Tajín to their margarita or use the Tajín on any of their other TC favorites.

New breakfast taco and burrito options like Potato & Bacon, Potato & Bean, Potato & Chorizo and Chorizo & Bean starting at $1.59 also join the TC Breakfast menu just in time for Cinco de Mayo and summer at TC. Queso Blanco enchiladas starting at just $6.39 continue as well, and guests can now enjoy Queso Blanco paired with 3-pack chicken flautas or TC’s house-made tortilla chips. 

Tajín margaritas will be available starting Thursday, May 5, 2022 through the month of May while supplies last. New breakfast tacos and burritos and Queso Blanco with 3-pack flautas or tortilla chips available starting Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

Tajín Margaritas, Queso Blanco enchiladas, 3-pack flautas, chips and queso and breakfast tacos are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.

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, burritos, tacos, freshly-made 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 April 20, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Easter specials and items from San Antonio restaurants

Bakery Lorraine’s Chocolate Nest Tart. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

As Easter approaches, two of San Antonio’s beloved restaurants are offering holiday deals and special offers. (Bakery Lorraine, The Jerk Shack, 2022)

Bakery Lorraine – Multiple locations
Bakery Lorraine will begin offering special Easter themed pastries and baked goods at their locations. Guests can pre-order their items online now. The last day for pre-order is Wednesday, April 13 at noon. Orders can be picked up on Saturday, April 16 or Sunday, April 17 during business hours.

Their Easter menu includes:
General Pastries: Lemon Cake, Opera Cake, Cheesecake, Lemon Blueberry Frangipane Tart, Seasonal Fruit Tart

Bunny Tart, $6
White chocolate mascarpone mousse and strawberry centers on dark chocolate shortbread

Chick Tart, $6
Tangy lime mousse on vanilla cake (still pending the jam it will sit on, blueberry or strawberry)

Easter Moonpies, $4
Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched between house made graham crackers

Chocolate Nest Tart, $6
Salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache in a vanilla pastry shell topped with chocolate eggs nested in chocolate phyllo

7” Carrot Cake, $65
Made with pineapple, coconut, walnuts and generously layered with cream cheese frosting
*The Carrot Cakes are available for pre-order only.

The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151
San Antonio, TX 78251

The Jerk Shack is offering family packs to make Easter prep easy. The family packs include 14 pieces of Fried or Jerk Chicken, or Mixed Chicken for a $3 add on, choice of 3 shareable sides, and an order of plantains. Family packs are available for $65. The Jerk Shack’s hours on Sunday are 11a.m. to 4p.m. Orders can be placed online for drive-through pickup or can be ordered in store.

Easter Brunch at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serves up Easter brunch at Hotel Contessa with specially curated apps, entrees, bubbles, and more. Photo: Jessica Giesey & Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, located inside Hotel Contessa, is excited to announce that they will be hosting Easter brunch next Sunday, April 17 from 7a.m. to 3p.m. Ambler has curated delectable apps, entrées, bubbles, and more for the arrival of Spring this Easter. The brunch will be available for all guests to reserve a table online here or by contacting the restaurant at (210) 229-9222. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Full brunch menu below.

Appetizers include the following:

  • Greek Yogurt Parfait – topped with mixed berries and grist mill pecan granola
  • Deviled Eggs – contains bacon, cheddar, and green onions
  • Crab and Guacamole – incorporates charred onions and peppers
  • Avocado Toast – comes with a pickled egg and Fresno chilis 
  • Sliced Pineapples and Berries

Brunch entrées consist of the following:

  • Farm Fresh Eggs – served with your choice of house potatoes or fresh cut fruit and berries
  • Eggs Contessa – poached eggs with Canadian bacon, an English muffin, and green chili mornay sauce
  • The Alamo Omelet – chicken apple sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and queso fresco 
  • The Texan Omelet – smoked bacon, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, and fire-roasted tomato salsa 
  • Egg White Frittata – spinach, asparagus, and pico de gallo
  • Steak and Eggs – 6oz. filet mignon and over easy eggs
  • Lobster Benedict – poached eggs, Canadian bacon, butter-braised lobster, and lemon hollandaise

Griddle options are between the following:

  • Cinnamon French Toast & Pork Belly – includes pickled Fresnos and maple butter
  • Buttermilk Pancakes – topped with fresh berries and maple syrup
  • Belgian Waffle – topped with berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup
  • Breakfast Burger – includes a sunny side up egg, bacon, brioche bun, and a side of fries
  • Beef Short Rib Hash – made with a sunny side up egg, avocado, and fingerling potatoes
  • Chicken & Waffle – made with buttermilk chicken and cinnamon butter maple syrup

Ambler will also be highlighting their tableside mimosa kit for only $42. The mimosa will consist of La Marca prosecco and choice of two juices from options of orange, grapefruit, pineapple, blood orange, and watermelon. Additional bubbles and drinks include the following items: 

  • French 77 – La Marca prosecco, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and cold-pressed lemon juice
  • Strawberry Beret – strawberry-infused aperol, La Marca prosecco, and Icelandic sparkling water
  • Espresso Martini – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, caffe del fuego, and espresso syrup
  • What’s Up Doc – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, carrot juice, pineapple-ginger syrup, and lemon

Ambler Texas Kitchen & Cocktails
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 229-9222