Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.
This Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31, Hopdoddy will donate a percentage of proceeds from all menu items purchased to the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a charity that provides support to families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy Seals. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)
Established in 2011, the SEAL Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Austin, TX. The Foundation was founded by SEALS is run by SEALS, and supports the brave men of the U.S. Navy SEALS Teams by providing educational assistance for SEALS and their families and other charitable causes benefitting the SEAL community.
All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or online for curbside or pickup.
In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy Burger Bar pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s favorite community charitable organizations.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country has activities planned for the long Memorial Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Memorial Day is right around the corner, and JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering an exciting weekend full of festivities and outdoor-driven activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From concerts in the private indoor/outdoor FBO hangar to special holiday dining options, Memorial Day Weekend with JL Bar will kick off summer on a high note. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Across the resort’s 13,000 sprawling acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, guests will be able to take part in:
Music & Memories: On Saturday, May 29, Shenandoah will be performing a live concert at JL Bar’s Private FBO Hanger in honor of the men and women who gave their lives serving our Country. The concert is fully open to the public with general admission tickets available for $75 and VIP Tables available for $1200. Additionally, Hotel guests can upgrade to a table for just $480. Tables will be exclusively roped off near the front of the stage and can seat up to 8 people. The concert doors open at 6:30p.m. and Shenandoah takes the stage at 9p.m.
Firework Food: JL Bar’s Chef Sergio has curated a special menu for dinner on Saturday, May 29. For only 32.95/adults and $12.95/kids, guests can indulge in a few of his signature dishes – southern style catfish and shrimp, fried country potatoes, and more. The resort will also offer a brunch from 11a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Stay Awhile: The stunning Hill Country resort is offering an exclusive Memorial Day weekend rate starting at $499/night – book 3 nights and guests can receive their 4th night free. Holiday stays can be booked online or by calling 855-414-3337.. Resort guests will also receive free general admission tickets to the concert.
Hill Country Adventures: On top of all the holiday activities, the resort will be offering outdoor experiences including horseback riding and a horse psychology experience, off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting.
Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
This year, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will once again participate in Blue Star Museums — a national collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the U.S. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, SAMA will offer active duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves and their families, free general admission into the Museum. This summer, visitors to SAMA can explore new and current exhibitions on view, including Movie Metal (on view through June 20, 2021) and America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution (on view starting June 11, 2021) as well as SAMA’s collection of works. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
Upcoming events include a virtual wine event and a Memorial Day sale. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.
On Wednesday June 2, Twin Liquors will be hosting a virtual wine event with international man of winemaking, Nick Goldschmidt, as he guides viewers through a tasting of his wines from New Zealand, to Argentina, to California. Born in New Zealand, Nick Goldschmidt has been making wine in both hemispheres for nearly forty years; first corporately, and now for his own Goldschmidt Vineyards brands, since 1998. Nick is hands-on from vine to bottle, and has a deep passion for single-vineyard Cabernet. You will often find him in the vineyard pruning vines or in the cellars crushing and racking his top wines. To register for the free event, please visit the link here. (Twin Liquors, 2021)
Additionally, beginning next week on May 24, Twin Liquors will be offering its annual Memorial Day sales which features specials on spirits and wine. The special promo will run through May 31. For more information on specific sale items, visit Twin Liquors online.
Be sure to also check out Twin Liquors newly launched Spring into Summer Entertaining Guide designed to provide advice on hosting this spring season. Whether “Entertaining at Home” means having a few friends over for dinner or inviting your closest friends to a backyard get-together, Twin Liquors has you covered with everything you need. Featuring new spring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairings, and tips for hosting this spring, the entertaining guide has something for everyone.
May 24 – May 31: Memorial Day Sale June 2: Around the World with Nick Goldschmidt, Virtual Wine Event (6p.m. CT)
Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. Twin Liquors will continue to offer online ordering for in-store pickup and/or delivery in all stores.
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 and well-respected 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.
Spoil mom this Mother’s Day with a Texas Hill Country Brunch at The JL Bar, Ranch, Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 9, 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, 2021)
Families can treat mom to a blissful brunch on The Ranch on Sunday, May 9, with two exclusive seatings between 10a.m. to 2p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too!). For $39.95 and $12.95 for children, guests and locals will be treated to a special menu of signatures dishes from their expert culinary team. There will be two reservations from 10a.m. to 11:30a.m. and 12:30p.m. to 2p.m. with limited seating for both.
For those staying for the weekend, there’s 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
The horse psychology experience is led by the working ranch and resort’s equine experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Béïque. Guests can learn about horse psychology, the basics of horse behavior, and how to be comfortable around horses; for example, guests will learn that a round pen makes it easier to train horses as well as techniques for optimal upkeep and engagement. This experience provides a deeper appreciation for the majestic animals as well as a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in Texas Hill Country ranch culture. Guests and locals can partake in this special one-hour course for as low as $50 and gain a deeper understanding and comfort level when interacting with horses.
The horse psychology experience is one of the many services guests can enjoy at The JL Bar, Ranch, Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In her book ‘Tears of Change,’ Debbie Monteggia portrays human emotions as an opportunity for personal growth. Photo: amazon
Debbie Monteggia is an interior designer turned author. Diagnosed with acute anxiety, she turned her condition into an opportunity to live an authentic life, pursue her passion for writing, and inspire other people through her poems. Throughout her journey in life Debbie has recognized the depth, diversity, and power of emotions. She understands how important it is to honor all emotions and not to suppress or ignore the more challenging or fearful ones. These are the ones that will transition you into your joy once you move through them. All your experiences are necessary to get you through your life lessons. Her book “Tears of Change” is a collection of unique poems and quotes that take the reader on a cathartic journey through life’s everyday emotions— sorrow, acceptance, loss, renewal, pain, and joy. It emerged from the author’s own tears of sadness and despair, and carried her through subsequent tears of joy, grace, and gratitude. (Black Château, 2021)
With its heartfelt message and beautiful illustrations, “Tears of Change” makes the perfect Mother’s Day gift and the kind of book that finds a permanent and cherished home on the coffee table. The poetry collection provides a roadmap for navigating inner and outer challenges and turning them into opportunities for personal growth.
Debbie hopes that some of her poetry will touch readers’ hearts and bring them to a place of appreciation and peace. Most importantly, she hopes that her work will reveal to the reader the depth, diversity, and power of emotions and help them understand how important it is to honor all emotions. She is passionate about expressing her voice through poetry and hopes that that one or many of the poems included in “Tears of Change” will inspire readers to take a leap in expressing all their emotions, so they might reach a deeper place of love and gratitude within themselves.
The Flower Box from Bakery Lorraine and The Vintage Bouquet. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and local businesses in San Antonio are offering a variety of ways to help celebrate moms. Dazzle her with delicious desserts or spoil her with breakfast in bed with a savory quiche from Bakery Lorraine or new croissant creation from La Panaderia. Let Mom explore her creative side while she wanders through the mesmerizing art installations at Hopscotch (20% off the regular ticket price for parents) and the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Below are a few more gift ideas that any mother would be thrilled to get on her special day. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, San Antonio Museum of Art, La Panaderia, Hopscotch, Boiler House, Botika, Feliz Modern POP, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, Niche at Pearl, Ten Thousand Villages, 2021)
Bakery Lorraine This Mother’s Day, Bakery Lorraine will offer several specials that are sure to please moms. From flower boxes to fruit tarts, Bakery Lorraine and their partner, The Vintage Bouquet, are sure to have the perfect gift for Mom.
The Flower Box includes an assortment of six Parisian macarons that include raspberry, pistachio, and Almond Joy flavors ($35) and is decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of flowers and includes twelve macarons, including raspberry, pistachio, blueberry violet, and Almond Joy flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages.
Treat mom to a special breakfast in bed with Bakery Lorraine’s savory quiches. Quiche options include the traditional Quiche Lorraine filled with bacon, gruyere, and caramelized onions and the Veggie Quiche which includes leeks, Swiss chard, and gruyere. The large quiche is available for $40, serves up to eight people and is packed cold for reheating at home.
For moms with a sweet tooth, shoppers can gift Bakery Lorraine’s fresh fruit tart. This delicious fruit tart is filled with a creamy vanilla mascarpone and topped with fresh fruit. Fruit varies based on season and availability. The large fruit tart is available for $26.
Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pre-orders will start now and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, May 5, by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, May 8 or Sunday, May 9 between 9a.m. and 5p.m. at all locations.
EVO Entertainment EVO is hosting the ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch with special screenings of none other than “Mamma Mia!” so grab your fellow Dancing Queens and a feather boa for this one. The special brunch menu includes a refreshing sangria with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, mimosas, Bloody Marys, pulled pork hash, chicken and waffles, and more. Tickets for this event are available at Schertz, Springtown, Kyle, and Belterra locations and can be purchased online.
San Antonio Museum of Art Spend the day exploring the vast collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art or purchase a membership so she can enjoy the Museum’s offerings year-round, and spoil her with a trip to the shop, because The San Antonio Museum of Art Shop has a curated list of unique and local gifts sure to impress. Shop the full collection online.
La Panadería Breakfast in bed is nice, but brunch at La Panaderia is nicer. With a recently opened third location in La Cantera Heights, La Panaderia is serving up brunch all over the Alamo City. Treat mom to a delicious brunch and try one of the quirky new croissants – “The Elvis” made with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. Brunch to-go is also an option, complete with a mimosa kit so mom does not miss out on the fun. Do not forget a bag of pan dulce for the road.
Hopscotch Show Mom how much she rocks at Hopscotch. On Sunday May 9 and Sunday June 20, the immersive interactive art exhibit will offer 20% off gallery tickets for parents. Hopscotch will also feature live music from SA Brass Tacs, drink specials, and complimentary Pop Rocks.
Boiler House On Sunday, May 9, Boiler House will offer a special chef-curated brunch menu from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Menu offerings are available online and on Boiler House’s social media pages. Menu prices range from $15 to $30 for an entrée.
Botika Treat Mom to a much-needed glass of bubbly. Botika at Pearl will offer one free glass of champagne for all mothers. Reservations are highly encouraged and menu prices range between $15-$45. Botika serves inventive takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America.
Feliz Modern POP Feliz Modern POP will offer Mom 15% off one item. Surprise Mom with a one-of-a-kind gift and enjoy the 15% percent off as well. Shop online or in-store.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat Upgrade Mom’s operating system with The Mom 2.0 – two hours of well-deserved me-time. This spa package includes The Comeback Massage and The One & Only Pedicure. Treat Mom to some much-needed rest and relaxation. The Mom 2.0 is available for $165 (typically a $190 value). Book online now.
Niche at Pearl Join designer Nilgun Derman at Niche for a special mother-daughter maker session. Learn how to make kokedama, a unique Japanese planting technique that uses moss and twine to create sculptural plant art. The maker event is free and will be held at Niche at Pearl on Saturday, May 8 from 1p.m. to p.m. See full event details available online.
Ten Thousand Villages Feel good about that Mother’s day purchase by shopping at Ten Thousand Villages. Ten Thousand Villages at Pearl offers ethically-sourced global gifts and handcrafted products from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. This Mother’s Day they are offering 205 on any purchase of $50 or more.
Pluckers Club and Pluckers Club Lite Members are eligible for a free meal for mom on Mother’s Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Pluckers Wing Bar invites all moms to join them for a special dine-in treat on Sunday, May 9. Pluckers will be offering a free meal (up to a $19 value) to moms that are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members themselves or come with a guest that has a membership. This special will be available for dine-in only. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)
Known for their perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for watching sports, the iconic Pluckers menu includes fan favorites, such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Additionally, Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.
Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the limited-time margarita, ‘La Bandera’ at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Launching May 5, 2021, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Cabana invites TC and MargaritaPalooza fans to celebrate the holiday with the limited-time “La Bandera” Margarita. The “La Bandera” Margarita is layered with Lime, Strawberry, Mango, and Blue Curacao flavors and will be available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas for $3. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Also launching on May 5, 2021, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy a limited-time food bundle featuring a half-order of Taco Cabana’s Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99.
Taco Cabana will continue its signature MargaritaPalooza with 12 other margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including its three classic margarita flavors Lime, Strawberry and Mango. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:
Pineapple Jalapeño
Dragonfruit
Pickle
Violet
Orange
Pistachio
Orange Cream
Chili Lime Cucumber
Pineapple Banana
*Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.
TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.
“Every year, Cinco de Mayo is always a big celebration for Taco Cabana, guests and team members included. This year we combined MargaritaPalooza and the launch of the new ‘La Bandera’ margarita with Cinco de Mayo to make it even more of a celebration. We invite everyone to include TC in their Cinco de Mayo plans whether it be dine-in, takeout or delivery.” – Rich Stockinger, President and CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana is also creating a series of short videos entitled “In The Kitchen With Taco Cabana,” led by TC corporate chefs, Sergio Remolina and Chelsea Lietz. Each video speaks about a TC favorite, brought home and given a “unique twist” in the kitchen. Something to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration, or any celebration, slightly more festive with Taco Cabana as your partner. These videos will be available online on Friday, April 30 and will also be featured across TC’s social media.
All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
Las Hermanas García, ‘Pobre Tierra Mia.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Days before ‘International Earth Day’ (April 22), Las Hermanas García, two young singers from Guerrero’s Costa Chica, at just 19 and 20 years old, express with music and lyrics their concern for the destruction of the planet by singing a ‘Chilean’ song entitled ‘Pobre Tierra Mia’ in traditional music from their region. The video for ‘Pobre Tierra Mia’ was filmed in a dumpster near their village to highlight the destruction brought about by consumerism. (Vesper Public Relations, 2021)
For the new single to have an impact, they decided to record the video in an illegal dumpster, a place that symbolizes both ecological neglect and the uncontrolled use of plastics. These young women want the current generation, of which they are both a part of, and future ones, to continue to enjoy the beauty of the coast. Las Hermanas García asked their father Mariano García, a poet and musician, to write both the lyrics and music of ‘Pobre Tierra Mia.’
Celia and Laura García, known as Las Hermanas García, are native to Ometepec Guerrero, Mexico, where there is almost no access to recording studios, stages, or music schools. Despite this, the talented duo has been able to attract the attention of a worldwide audience with their interpretation of boleros and ‘Chileans,’ music native to Guerrero and Oaxaca. These artists have performed on prestigious stages in Mexico and Europe and have received millions of visits to their YouTube channel and other renowned music platforms.
Due to the popularity in their region of boleros with romantic lyrics, Laura and Celia began singing in public at an early age. The duo is reminiscent of the famous classics of the 40s, 50s, and 60s performed by popular artists such as Alvaro Carrillo and Indalecio Ramírez. Las Hermanas García represent the Costa Chica and their success is bringing countless optimism to their region. Songs such as ‘Qué Sepan Todos’ and ‘Sabor A Mi’ both sung in ‘Amuzgo,’ their father’s native language, have received more than 6 million views on Spotify.
SA Examiner 