Make your New Year’s Eve celebration festive with a champagne combo package from WB Liquors & Wine. Photo: google
From Wednesday, December 29 through Friday, December 31, WB Liquors & Wine will be offering a promotional champagne combo package of Moet & Chandon Imperial, 750ML, and a 4 pack of stemless champagne glasses at $65. The promotional special will be available at all WB Liquors & Wine locations. WB Liquors & Wine stores will be open regular hours from 10a.m. to 9p.m. It will be closed on New Year’s Day. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)
For more than fifty years, WB Liquors has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions. As a family-owned business, we began with a simple desire: to help customers make the good times even better with convenient locations and an extensive variety of liquor, beer, and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service you would expect from a neighborhood store. Today, that simple vision still defines our business and it is what keeps our customers coming back.
La Panadería’s Rosca de Reyes will be available through January 7, 2022. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
As we look ahead to the New Year, one thing that remains constant is La Panadería’s pride and dedication to sharing “Bread Cultura” with residents and tourists to San Antonio, Texas. Beginning December 27, 2021, La Panadería will offer their traditional Rosca de Reyes in celebration of the holiday season and Epiphany Day on January 6, 2022. (La Panadería, 2021)
The Rosca de Reyes pan dulce features flavors including orange and guava with chocolate and vanilla butter crust and topped with cherries. In Hispanic culture, it is tradition to hide a plastic baby figurine inside of the Rosca de Reyes to symbolize baby Jesus. Every year on Epiphany Day, families and friends then gather together to celebrate Día de los Reyes Day (or Epiphany Day) by cutting a slice of the Rosca. La Panadería offers the plastic baby separately so families can enjoy the fun of hiding it within their pan dulce at home.
Guests can purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.00 or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24.00. Rosca de Reyes can be pre-ordered online starting December 27, 2021 and bought in store from January 3, 2022 through January 7, 2022.
In philanthropic news:
Thanks to the community’s support during the month of October and their Pink Concha initiative, La Panaderia was able to donate nearly $3,000 to the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation.
It is a cause near and dear to founder David and Jose Caceres after losing their mother to breast cancer. After the success of the Pink Concha initiative, the brothers are looking forward to a continued partnership and collaboration with the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness for breast cancer research in San Antonio throughout the year.
Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch on Sunday December 26, 2021. Photo: Naco 210, used with permission.
To help guests get over the strain of the holidays, Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch all day on Sunday, December 26 from 8a.m. until closing at 6p.m. The Naco team will be serving up pozole, tamales Oaxaqueños, special chilaquiles, and more, in addition to Mexican fruit punch and cafe canela, a cinnamon infused coffee. Pricing is based on a la carte items. (Naco 210, 2021)
The restaurant, an extension of the popular Naco Mexican Eatery food truck, just opened its first brick and mortar location earlier this month at Los Patios. The menu at Naco 210 includes all the food truck fan-favorites, but also includes all-day chilaquiles, a selection of breakfast egg benedicts made with traditional Mexican toppings including huitlacoche and Naco’s Mexican brisket, Mexican-inspired croissants with options like guava and cheese, all-natural aguas frescas, and more.
Holiday Hangover Brunch at Naco 210 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop San Antonio, TX 78217
New Year’s resolutions meant to better yourself. Photo: google
The year is almost over and a new year on the horizon means people are looking forward to new beginnings. Making New Year’s resolutions is one way to greet the new year and improve your life. Some of the most popular include getting in shape, getting organized, and finding a better job. In the spirit of new beginnings, I wanted to look into unconventional resolutions, while shining the light on some of the tried and true ones that are worth mentioning.
Better fitness This often includes a combination of getting in shape and losing weight. One way to help you stick to an exercise routine is to have a workout friend. Another is to find an activity you enjoy, otherwise you will get bored and lose interest. I am particular to roller skating and riding my bike. Accountability is important to help you stay on track of your wellness goals and fitness technology like Fitbit is fast becoming the norm. While exercising is important for improved health, you will get better results if you combine it with cutting calories – it is all about moderation.
Live life to its fullest This does not necessarily mean making major life changes, but rather enjoying the life you already have. Do not wait for special occasions to give someone a gift. Celebrate the small moments. Create your own opportunities by taking action instead of waiting for life to come to you. When all else fails, make a bucket list. Carpe diem!
Accept change Life is full of changes; it is inevitable. It is what helps us grow because we become exposed to new ideas and experiences that come along the way. Embrace life’s little surprises and strive to think positively about changes. When life throws me a curveball, I just say to myself “Plot twist,” and move on.
Be kind to yourself Do not be so hard on yourself, we are not meant to be perfect. Let go of what you cannot control and try to get past what hurt you in the past, including heartbreaks, disappointments, and anger. Stop trying to please everyone and learn to say ‘no’ to make room for more important matters in your life.
Be empathic Try to see life through other people’s eyes. When we only see our own perspective, we tend to be judgmental and close-minded. Like my father always told us while we were growing up, “if everyone were the same, this world would be a very boring place.”
Better money management To help you make better financial decisions, consider setting a budget and looking for ways to cut costs or make extra money. This includes everything from selling your unwanted possessions to consignment shops to buying from thrift stores. It is surprising the excellent deals you can find at Goodwill. Remember that just because something is on sale it does not mean you have to buy it.
Give back to your community Depending on how much time you have to give, consider taking time out to volunteer. It does not take much to practice random acts of kindness and make someone’s day. Donating to charity organizations makes you feel better and is an excellent way to declutter your home. Nonprofit organizations that support your skills or values are always appreciative of your time and money.
Manage your stress Stress management and reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can do wonders for your nervous system. To keep yourself focused, practice mindfulness – the state of being in the present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Know your limits This is especially true during a major life event like moving to a new home, whether across town or across the country. We do not always have to do everything ourselves. To make moving easier and less stressful, consider hiring movers to handle the load. If you are in the Dallas area, consider Youngstars Moving & Delivery.
Youngstars Moving & Delivery specializes in local and long distance moving. The company is made up of movers with years of experience in the moving industry and pride themselves in competitive prices and above all, customer satisfaction. Moving can be a pain and their goal is to make your move as painless as possible. They are committed to providing service of the highest quality, paying particular attention to working efficiently while keeping the lines of communication with clients clear and concise. Their mission is simple: to provide high-quality services in a timely manner. Their team caters to each project’s specific needs to ensure excellence. If all you need is movers to do the heavy work, Moving & Delivery has labor movers in Dallas. Fee includes tools and dollies. There is a two hour minimum charge. Packages range from one mover for $45 an hour to 6 movers for $210 an hour, whatever it takes to get the job done.
Youngstars Moving & Delivery, for all your moving needs. Photo: Youngstars Moving & Delivery, used with permission.Youngstars Moving & Delivery offers residential and commercial moving services. Photo: Youngstars Moving & Delivery, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine’s gingerbread men. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission
For the month of December, Bakery Lorraine is adding new items such as a hazelnut tart and rum cake in addition to the classic gingerbread man, Buche de Noel, and apple pie options. No masterpiece is made instantly, so their specialty desserts require at least a 72 hour advance notice. Available for takeout to share with family and friends at home, you can check for their availability and order online or you can call a location directly to place an order. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
December 2021 Menu:
Redberry Tart – Vanilla mascarpone filling with fresh raspberry
Chocolate Caramel Tart – Caramel filling topped with a chocolate ganache and mini chocolate macaron
Gingerbread Man – Spicy gingerbread cookie dipped in dark chocolate
Sacher Torte Cake
Opera Cake
Red Velvet Cake – Layered with a light cream cheese frosting
BUCHE DE NOEL (Available December 13 – 31) for $48 – Black forest Christmas log: Tart cherries, vanilla mousse, chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup *mushrooms may vary*
Apple Cranberry Pie for $26
Dutch Apple Pie for $26
Whiskey Pecan Pie for $26
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Mariachi Herencia de México’s new mariachi take on ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Latin GRAMMY®-nominated group of young Mexican-American musicians ring in the holiday season with a new mariachi take on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Mariachi Herencia de México, composed of both male and female musicians from Chicago, recreate the Andy Williams Christmas classic with a fresh and modern sound that is sure to leave you filled with holiday cheer. It is available now on all music platforms. (Mariachi Herencia de México, 2021)
“We’re excited to release our own version of this Christmas classic. It’s the perfect track for everyone’s holiday playlist. We made the track for everyone to enjoy, no matter where you’re from or how old you are, everyone loves Christmas.” – Ruben Núñez, lead vocalist and trumpet player for the band
Composed by Eddie Pola and George Wyle, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” was originally recorded and released in 1963 by pop singer Andy Williams. For this version, Mariachi Herencia de México collaborated once again with the band’s musical director Rigoberto Alfaro ( Latin GRAMMY® winning producer), one of the most revered and innovative composers of the mariachi genre credited for his work with the likes of Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, Rocio Durcal, Alejandro Fernandez just to mention a few.
“Maestro Alfaro wrote a beautiful arrangement that combines references from traditional mariachi music, with the timeless pop sound of the original recording. The song has such a happy and uplifting vibe, which is exactly what we wanted to share with our fans this Christmas season.” – Melanie Juárez, lead vocalist and guitar player for the band
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” features a beautiful duet, a fusion of both male and female voices, with lead vocals from both Núñez and Juárez.
“It’s a masterpiece. This is mariachi music at its most sophisticated and most modernistic. It’s almost the antithesis of folklore, almost futuristic. Maybe 20 or 30 years from now, all groups will sound like this, I don’t know. But it is state-of-the-art.” – Jonathan Clark, a mariachi expert and historian
Mariachi Herencia de México was formed in Chicago and is composed of eighteen young musicians between 17 and 22 years old. The Latin GRAMMY-nominated band has released four highly acclaimed studio albums with chart-topping debuts on both the Billboard and the iTunes Latin Albums charts, defying a music industry trend and pointing to a revival in recorded mariachi music.
“In every recording, this group proves their commitment to Mexican music. These young musicians understand the essence of our music. They have an important role to play in helping to preserve mariachi music with new generations.” – Cesar Maldonado, the band’s Director and Founder.
To celebrate the Christmas season, Mariachi Herencia de México embarks on a special holiday tour titled “A Very Merry Christmas” on December 17, 18 and 19, 2021 at Chicago’s Thalia Hall and the Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets are on sale now.
Signed to IMG Artists, a major international talent agency, Mariachi Herencia de México has toured throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The band has performed alongside major artists like Lila Downs, Aida Cuevas, Los Lobos, Pedro Fernández, and Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán, demonstrating that this group of young musicians has the talent, training and bravado to hold their own with the best in the world.
The Home for the Holidays Special Event Series at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Last Sunday November 28, the UTRGV School of Music and Patron of the Arts returned to the stage at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville for their Home for the Holidays series. During this free event, the community enjoyed musical performances by the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra, the UTRGV Wind Orchestra, and the UTRGV Master Chorale.
The night of holiday music began with a pre-concert music in the lobby by the UTRGV Trombone Choir to entertain the audience until the auditorium doors opened. The night’s first half of the concert series consisted of the UTRGV Master Chorale singing This Endris Night and What Sweeter Music, the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra performing holiday classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Stille Nacht. The intermission entertainment came courtesy of the UTRGV Horn Choir and for the second half of the evening’s performances, the UTRGV Master Chorale and UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed such classics as Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song and the UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed The Polar Express and The Bells of Christmas, among other holiday favorites. The audience participation portion was a holiday sing along with the UTRGV Master Chorale and Wind Symphony of Deck the Hall, Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The UTRGV Jazz Combo kept the momentum going in the lobby with a post-concert performance.
The UTRGV School of Music successfully kicked off the post-Thanksgiving holiday season with a wonderfully nostalgic night of music. Everyone from the musicians to the singers brought a much needed magical night of music for the community to enjoy. They performed to a nearly packed auditorium and all the night’s performances were delightful and deserve the spotlight just as much as the athletes. Hopefully, there will be more such concerts in the near future.
Patron of the Arts is the performance and membership series of the UTRGV School of Music that has provided Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors with excellent artistic programs for over 35 years. The program was created in 1984 in Brownsville, Texas, to provide the community and students with opportunities for learning and enrichment by attending live events by professional guest musicians as well as visual artists. Patron of the Arts was also intended to provide a venue for faculty and student performances to highlight the considerable talent we have in the Rio Grande Valley. (Patron of the Arts, 2021)
UTRGV Trombone ChoirUTRGV Symphony OrchestraUTRGV Horn ChoirUTRGV Jazz Combo
The Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas adds western fun to the holidays. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Everyone knows that in Texas, the real Santa wears a cowboy hat and boots and thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, everyone can meet him. Enjoy the holidays in a Western way at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas unfolding 10a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday December 5, 2021. With the Briscoe brimming with holiday cheer, Cowboy Christmas fun is included with general museum admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission at the Briscoe, as do active duty members of the military, making the museum a terrific spot for local families to add to their holiday plans. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)
Cowboy Christmas features a day of family fun exploring the museum with holiday crafts, hot cocoa, and cookies. A special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt will lead you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection and there will be Christmas crafts and coloring sheets to enjoy onsite or take home. Of course, a stroll through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden is the perfect path to enjoy the River Walk and all of its holiday beauty.
Family activities during Cowboy Christmas include making ornaments with a nod to Mexican and Latino influence on the West. The Briscoe’s fall exhibition spotlights vaqueros and the birthplace of the modern cowboy through almost sixty images from celebrated photographer Werner Segarra in Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Contemporary Photography of the Northern Mexican Cowboy. Making its United States debut at the Briscoe, the exhibition details the vaqueros’ profound influence on the American West. Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo invites audiences to peer into the world of the Norteño Cowboys, not as a casual tourist, but as an intimate observer. The exhibition is open to the public through January 24, 2022.
For everyone looking to fill their gift lists, the Museum Store is offering special deals during Cowboy Christmas, including 10% off all holiday, home décor, and gifts for men, women and children. From Western-themed wine stoppers that make the perfect hostess gift, a serape bib for the most stylish San Antonio babies and fantastic story books that take young readers on Western adventures to sterling silver cufflinks and jewelry that will add sparkle to every holiday occasion, make sure to do your holiday shopping at the Briscoe. A great find to fill your wish list: a platter that is TV-famous. Currently featured in Paramount’s television show, “Yellowstone,” add a fantastic Christmas platter from True West to your holiday table this year.
Something sure to be popular in Cowboy Claus’ bag of gifts this year: gift memberships to the Briscoe. Share the wide open spaces of the West – and all of the art, heritage and programming of Briscoe – with someone special on your gift list by giving them a museum membership. Holiday deals on Friend, Duo and Family memberships are available through December 31. With $10 off of regular museum membership pricing and packaged with a gift-wrapped ornament, Cowboy Claus’ elves will be snapping these up for all of the good cowboys and cowgirls this year.
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.
Twang has gift ideas and cocktail mix recipes perfect for the holiday season. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Twang is a manufacturer of premium flavored salts, seasonings, cocktail mixes and more based in Texas. This year, Twang is sharing several festive holiday cocktail recipes and gift giving suggestions to make holiday preparations easy. (Twang, 2021)
The company’s line of products make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike and can be shipped nationwide. See below for holiday-themed cocktails from Twang that can be made at home and a list of Twang’s products and where they can be purchased, including some Amazon Prime options for quick shipping.
Place Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime on a small plate. Rim glasses with simple syrup then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
Pour Deep Eddy Cranberry in a champagne flute, then pour cranberry juice and top with champagne.
Serve immediately. Garnish with cranberries. Enjoy wildly!
Gift ideas:
Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix – Twang’s michelada mix formula is 85% juice-based and uses all natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice, and no preservatives or corn syrup. The mix comes in three flavors: Classic, Spicy and Pickle. The Spicy Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix includes notes of serrano peppers and extra hot sauce to give it an additional kick, while the Pickle Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix is made with real dill and cucumber to give it an authentic pickle flavor.
Beer Salt – Inspired by the Mexican trend of salting the rim of beer bottles, cans, or glasses, the Twang family helped bring the trend to the US in the 1980s. Now anyone can add a little kick or extra flavoring to their favorite brew. Twang offers beer salt in Lemon Lime, Michelada, Pickle and Lime flavors.
Twang-a-Rita – Twang-A-Rita is a line of premium cocktail rimmer blends for cocktail enthusiasts who desire a uniquely flavored, resealable and authentic product. The product is available in the following flavors: Classic, Citrusplash, Sunrise Spice, Nectarberry, Unwind Lime, Paloma Love and Safari Spice.
Twangerz – Twangerz are bold, flavorful, granular blends that can be eaten by themselves as a treat or topped on an assortment of fun food and snacks. The seasoning is available in Lemon Lime, Chile Lime, Mango Chile, Pickle Punch, Hot Pickle, Sriracha, Clamato Chili-Lime, and Lime flavors.
Whataburger’s Snowman and Santa inflatables. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
It is that time of the year again – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here, and everyone is searching for the best gifts and even better deals. Luckily, Whataburger has them covered with new holiday items and the Whataweek of Deals. (Whataburger, 2021)
Whataburger is bringing big holiday cheer this year with the new Whataburger inflatables including a Snowman and Santa – both ready to adorn a front yard. Plus, break out the newest Whataburger holiday sweater with a design featuring Santa in his sleigh gliding over a Whataburger winter landscape. Need to bundle up even more? Fans can elevate their holiday look with matching socks and his and her beanies to complete the outfit.
Whataburger’s Whataweek of Deals include:
Wednesday November 24: 20% off all apparel Friday November 26: 20% off stocking stuffer category purchase Monday November 29: coupon for a free Whataburger, redeemable in restaurant, is included with every order of the Burger and Fries Brxlz Set.
The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
SA Examiner 