Hotel Contessa announces programming to celebrate the Margarita

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.

  •  Welcome Cocktail – Aloe, It’s Ambler – Casamigos mezcal, Chareau and lemon
  • First Course
    • Scallop Ceviche – grapefruit, lime, blood orange juice and habanero syrup 
    • Featured Cocktail – Pineapple Express
      • Casamigo Blanco, Casamigo Anejo, Ancho Reyes, citrus, serrano and bitters
  • Second Course
    • Grilled octopus – grilled octopus, frisee lettuce, roasted pears, toasted almonds, watermelon radish and roasted pear vinaigrette
    • Featured Cocktail – Another Sour
      • Casamigo Reposado, citrus, egg white and Texas bitters
  • Third Course
    • Al Pastor Taco – deconstructed with blue cornmeal cake, avocado crema and pickled red onions 
    • Featured Cocktail – Call Me Kiwi
      • Casamigos Blanco, kiwi, pineapple, citrus
  • Fourth Course
    • 6oz Filet – pozole bath filet, fried red peppers, pozole broth and crispy plantains
    • Featured Cocktail – George Clooney lost in the Rio Grande
      • Casamigos Reposado, grapefruit cordial and bitters
  • Fifth Course: 
    • Salted chocolate flan with a tequila caramel
    • Featured Cocktail – Mama’s Mexican Hot Coco
      • Casamigos Anejo, caffee del fuego and orange

Taco Cabana’s Nacho Bar catering for game day weekend

Taco Cabana’s Nacho Bar feeds up to ten people. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is 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 returns to Pearl for special Galentine’s themed night

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 Bar at 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.

Valentine’s Day activities at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

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.

San Antonio area Valentine’s Day specials and events

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

18658 IH-35N
Schertz, Texas 78154

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iFLY presents Valentine’s Day flight package

iFLY’s Valentine’s Day offer runs through February 20, 2022. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a unique, special “Love is in the Air” package, featuring four flights and two videos for two flyers, which will run from February 4 to February 20. Packages are available for purchase online at iflyworld.com/valentines-day/ and can be redeemed at participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving locations. iFLY is dedicating the month of February to bringing loved ones together for a unique, nontraditional Valentine’s Day experience that will take love to new heights. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2022)

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 athletes or in the best shape of their lives. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying safe and fun for everyone.

Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by making a tremendous 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.

Prices vary per iFLY location. Offer available at participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving locations, excluding iFLY Detroit.

Twin Liquors’ specials for Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl

Twin Liquors is having specials for Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day festivities. Photo: google

Let Twin Liquors be your one-stop-shop when it comes to all things Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day festivities this year. Available for pick up in-store or delivery to your door, Twin Liquors has you covered. (Twin Liquors, 2022)

A number of wines + spirits will be discounted for Valentine’s Day from February 3 through February 14, 2022. With complimentary gift wrapping, you can have your gift delivered right to your special someone. Additionally, from February 7 through February 12, save on bottles of spirits for your Super Bowl party to celebrate the biggest sports event of the year. Run out of drinks during the game? No need to miss a play or commercial thanks to Twin Liquors’ delivery service. For more information, please visit Twin Liquors or follow along on social media @TwinLiquors. 

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful, “home-grown,” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a luxury Texas retreat

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat in downtown San Antonio. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, couples are seeking romantic weekend getaways for a change of scenery that is still close to home. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner reservation or planning a sweet staycation, these three Lone Star State destinations are offering the perfect getaways for couples. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Thompson San Antonio, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | SONORA, TX
Located on 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking an off-grid getaway this Valentine’s Day. From relaxation at JL Bar’s spa to outdoor excursions on horseback or ATVs, couples can choose their own adventure while visiting the ranch. JL Bar also offers wine tastings with the property’s resident Sommelier, outdoor games, an infinity pool and hot tub with unrivaled sunset views, shooting instruction, romantic outdoor dining, and more. For added seclusion, each of JL Bar’s 32 luxury accommodations boasts a private patio. With Valentine’s Day on a Monday this year, guests can extend their romantic weekend and receive a fourth night free when booking a three-night stay.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk– capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city and this year, promises to be the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night at landmark restaurant Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, including a Valentine’s Day menu, rose table décor, and special entertainment. The enchanting rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, which floats high above the River Walk, is going all out with a “Love Stinks”-themed singles vibe Monday – Thursday leading up to Valentine’s Day. Events include pre-fixe menu, live entertainment and a Sexology Pop-Up on January 29, and February 5 and 12. On Superbowl Sunday, February 13, The Moon’s Daughters will be hosting a Thompson Tailgate, with grilled menu items and large format drinks. Guests can also book the Thompson San Antonio Spa Spatastic Room Package, which includes champagne, a $100 spa credit and a spa retail amenity item. Lastly, the hotel is offering a new Thompson Temptation Room Package, which includes a bottle of prosecco delivered to the room, a special amenity from San Antonio’s Sexology Institute, and a late 2p.m. check out on Sundays.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | AUSTIN, TX
With intimate spaces tucked throughout the historic property, Commodore Perry Estate offers the perfect retreat for a Valentine’s Day filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind charm and romantic moments. The resort has special offerings for the holiday, from private couples yoga classes and gourmet fireside s’mores on the Estate grounds, to a ‘crafting your own vintage Valentine’ experience, perfect for families, featuring snacks, beverages and a wide selection of art supplies. Couples can also arrange a romantic picnic on the lawn, featuring a cozy blanket made for lounging and a basket filled with chilled Champagne and a selection of gourmet bites. Feel the warm embrace of romance in the Mansion’s oval library. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, the luxury resort will have a lush Valentine’s floral installation in the sophisticated library that offers the ideal backdrop to snap some instant photos of your romantic moments together. Reserve your experience and savor floral-inspired cocktails paired with a selection of canapes and bite-sized sweet treats.

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Valentine’s Day spa packages from Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Spa packages from Hiatus Spa + Retreat make an excellent Valentine’s Day gift. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

With Valentine’s Day coming up next month, award-winning Texas day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat has 2022 Valentine’s Day spa packages available to gift loved ones, or yourself, this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)

Valentine’s Day Gift Card In-Spa Promo
Buy a $250 gift card for $200.

Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you. ($179, $220 value)

The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Sparkler Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing, and forever ours. ($348.99, $420 value)

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle. 

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with free popcorn at EVO Entertainment

National Popcorn Day is Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Photo: google

EVO Entertainment is celebrating National Popcorn Day by giving away free popcorn on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at all EVO locations in Texas (with the exception of Fritztown). Guests can snag their complimentary popcorn during standard hours of operation before catching films like Spider-Man: No Way Home or while enjoying EVO’s state-of-the-art gaming centers. Quantities are limited to one regular-sized bag per customer with no bottomless refills and the purchase of a movie ticket is not required. (EVO Entertainment, 2022)

EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.

Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.