Whataburger delivered on childhood dreams for a selected group of fans. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
As a year, 2020 has been more Scrooge than Santa, more coal than cookies, more “no, no, no!” than “Ho, Ho, Ho!” But for some of Whataburger’s biggest fans, it was the year that their childhood wishes came true. Whataburger asked fans across its social channels “What’s the one thing you asked Santa for but never got?” Then, Whataburger surprised 15 lucky fans across the United States from Arizona to Florida with their childhood dream gifts. These included retro game consoles, action figures, model cars, Legos, light sabers and more. Santa even hand-delivered gifts to two lucky fans in his orange hot-rod sleigh, a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe. His gift bad also included their favorite Whataburger meals and Whataburger-For-A Year gift basket. (Whataburger, 2020)
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 800 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
Plaza San Saba at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Ring in the New Year with a Great Gatsby inspired New Year’s Eve Celebration at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Come dressed as a flapper or don a tweed jacket, vest, and bow tie to bid adieu to 2020 in 1920s style. The New Year’s package includes resort room accommodations, New Year’s dinner for two at SweetFire Kitchen and a midnight toast presented by Moët & Chandon. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)
SweetFire Kitchen will be serving a southern style three course meal with old-world flair. After dinner, enjoy live piano music by Ken Brown in the resort lobby overlooking Plaza San Saba. Then, at the stroke of midnight raise your glasses and toast in the New Year provided by Moët & Chandon. Your ride home is the elevator to your floor and room.
The New Year’s Eve package for two is $399. For reservations, call 210-558-6500 and mention promo code SOIREE. Space is limited, social distancing and masks are required.
The Resort strives to provide the safest and cleanest environment to our guests and to our associates, as much as possible. The Resort has teamed up with safety, engineering and chemical partners, consultants, and adopted recommendations from the CDC in the development of their CLEAN TOUCH initiative.
For a complete list of New Year’s Eve offerings and to review the resort’s Clean Touch initiative, visit La Cantera Resort & Spa online.
La Panaderia’s Rosca de Reyes. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.
La Panadería continues to share their traditions and bread cultura with San Antonio residents. Starting on Tuesday, December 29, La Panadería will begin selling their traditional Rosca de Reyes for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021. (La Panadería, 2020)
The sweet bread features orange and guava flavors with chocolate and vanilla butter crust and cherries, and in Mexican culture, it is tradition to hide a plastic baby to symbolize baby Jesus. Whoever finds the baby traditionally must throw a party on February 2 for family and friends, though this year they might just oversee sending the Zoom link for a virtual party. As not everyone is familiar with the tradition, La Panadería includes the baby separately so people can hide them on their own.
Guests will have the option to purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.50, a six-pack of small Rosca de Reyes for $24, or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24. Rosca de Reyes can be preordered online starting December 29, 2020.
Pluckers Wing Bar is hosting two nights of Christmas-themed trivia nights. Photo: Melissa; Skorpil, used with permission.
This month, Texas’ favorite wing restaurant, Pluckers Wing Bar, will be hosting two virtual Christmas-themed trivia nights on Sunday, December 20 and Wednesday, December 23, 2020. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2020)
Christmas-themed family trivia game night
On Sunday, December 20 beginning at 6p.m., Pluckers’ weekly Sunday Family Trivia Game Night will return on Facebook Live for three rounds of Christmas-themed trivia and fun physical challenges, both kid-friendly. Pair with a Pluckers’ family meal pack and you are sure to have a safe and fun night with the kids.
Christmas-themed trivia
On Wednesday, December 23 beginning at 7:30p.m., participants can access the Christmas-themed live stream trivia on Facebook Live. Round up your team for an evening featuring 10 questions in each round: sports, nerd, movie lines, movie quotes, name that tune, random, and more. Guests can complete the form to participate and all participants will receive a freebie menu item on their next order, just for playing. Just submit your entry before the start of the following week’s trivia night to receive your coupon code in your confirmation email. The order must be $30 or more to qualify.
Big Day of Play: Winter Wonderland is this Saturday, December 12 at The DoSeum. Photo: The DoSeum.
On Saturday, December 12, The DoSeum celebrates the Holiday Season with Big Day of Play: Winter Wonderland when families will spend the whole day embracing curiosity and wonder. This holiday themed day-long celebration will bring hands-on and minds-on fun to the entire family. Activities are focused on STEM, the arts, and literacy and will inspire everyone to learn through play. Families will enjoy learning about holiday traditions from around the globe and learning about the science of ice and snow. The DoSeum’s Winter Wonderland is set to be the coolest activity in town. (The DoSeum, 2020)
The event is free with a General Admission ticket purchase and includes admission to the DoSeum’s special exhibit Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage, an art and science exhibition that explores the successes of those who think outside the box when faced with the challenges of dyslexia. The exhibition defines some of the tools and resources for identification, intervention, and pathways to success. Activities for the day include: Cool Science: Unfrozen, Ice Mountain Excavation, Bamboo Brush Artistry, Microscope Décor, and Buche De Noël Cake Decorating. Guests who would like to attend the Buche Noël Cake Decorating during Winter Wonderland need to RSVP for the preferred time.
The DoSeum, San Antonio’s museum for kids, is one of the leading children’s museums in the nation; a place where children learn by doing. The DoSeum offers innovative exhibits and experiences to get children excited about concepts in science, math, art, and literacy and encourages them to take the excitement into the world. The DoSeum is a 501 c3-non-profit organization.
H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing will be this Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the AT&T Center. Photo: google
Because of the pandemic, after 28 years of putting on their annual Feast of Sharing dinners for San Antonio, H-E-B is changing their way of setting the table for families this year. H-E-B is donating 10,800 H-E-B Meal Simple holiday dinners, along with 40,000 pounds of fresh produce, to add to the San Antonio Food Bank’s upcoming mega distribution at the AT&T Center on Tuesday December 15, 2020. H-E-B also will have more than 200 H-E-B Partner volunteers to help distribute the food to the expected 2,000 households that morning. There is still time to pre-register for Tuesday’s distribution which will be held at the AT&T Center at 9a.m. sharp. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
In addition to H-E-B, other partners are joining in to bring additional holiday cheer to families. Those partners, anchored by Spurs Give and Spurs Sports & Entertainment include: Frost Bank, Valero, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, EVO Entertainment, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Silver Eagle Beverages, Jack Daniel’s, and Décor IQ. Non-food items being donated by these generous companies include gift cards, water bottles, gas cards, coloring books, crayons, candy canes and chocolate candies, blankets, masks, children’s books, movie passes, and vouchers to illumiNight: A Magical Drive-Thru Experience.
H-E-B has been a longtime and critical partner to the Food Bank’s mission of setting the table for those facing hunger. Along with its year-round support of hunger relief organizations, H-E-B supports San Antonio Food Bank through several company initiatives such as the H-E-B Help End Hunger donation campaign, which raises funds for local food banks in Texas, and large-scale donations during National Hunger Action Month in September.
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
With sales of $28 billion, H-E-B operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 115th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 120,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities.
“The pandemic has seen thousands more hurting in our community. Imagine the anxiety the holidays bring, and then add on top of it not having food. It breaks your heart. H-E-B bring both hope and meal ingredients to our hurting neighbors, and we could not be more grateful.” – Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank
Pluckers Christmas Bundle. Photo: Pluckers Wing Bar, used with permission.
Pluckers Wing Bar is having a Holiday Gift Card Promo and a Christmas Bundle offer perfect for gift giving season. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2020)
Now through Christmas Eve, when a guest purchases an e-gift card of $25 or more, 20% will be added free to the purchaser’s e-gift card account on January 1, 2021. When a guest purchases a physical gift card of $30 or more, 10% will be added free to the purchaser’s physical gift card on January 1, 2021.
For the devoted Pluckers’ fan, there is the Pluckers Christmas Bundle, valued at $45 and includes the following below items. When purchasing a Christmas Bundle, add a sauce bottle of your choice to your cart and get it FREE.
Ugly Christmas Stocking
Ugly Christmas Sweater Shirt
Button Pack (6-count)
Chicken Wing Keychain
Chicken Wing Socks
Bumper Sticker
Choice of Sauce Bottle (FREE with purchase of Christmas Bundle)
La Panaderia’s personal size Christmas pies. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.
This holiday season, most people will be staying home and getting creative with holiday shopping. Whether celebrating with family or alone, local businesses are making it easy for San Antonio residents to celebrate the festive season. EVO Entertainment’s Movie Night Holiday Box will provide the ultimate home theater experience and La Panaderia and Bakery Lorraine are offering a variety of delectable treats sure to boost anyone’s holiday cheer. See below for a full list of Christmas offerings in the Alamo City this year. (Pearl, 2020)
Pearl and its Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with holiday gifts from regional producers and family farms that are perfect for gifting. Holiday shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting NOW through December 15 for pick up, or through December 18 for shipping (select boxes are available for shipping). Orders can be placed at Pearl Farmers Market and a full menu is available online.
Bakery Lorraine will offer a selection of festive desserts perfect for sharing. Offerings include their Apple Cranberry Pie made with a unique fusion of fresh ingredients and perfectly dusted with Christmas spice. A twist on the classic apple pie, the Dutch Apple Pie is made with four types of fresh apples and topped with a delicately crafted apple assortment and their legendary Whiskey Pecan Pie is made with a kick of Jack Daniels No. 7 Whiskey. All holiday pies are available for $26. The yearly treat, Buche De Noel ($48), is handcrafted with edible whimsical art that changes yearly and features a fluffy vanilla mousse, cherries, and a dreamy chocolate sponge cake saturated in a special kirsch syrup.
All items can be pre ordered in-store or online. The last day to place a pre-order will be Friday, December 18 for Christmas Eve pickup. The Buche De Noel is available for pickup from December 12 through 31. Items will be available for pre-order at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin.
EVO Entertainment is offering a Movie Night Holiday Gift Box this holiday season for those missing the movie-going experience. The box will provide movie lovers with everything needed to create the perfect movie viewing experience at home: two limited-edition EVO tumblers, two boxes of classic candies and a large bag of movie theater popcorn. The Movie Night box is $24.99 and is available online or in store.
La Panaderiawill once again be offering their traditional holiday pies this season and will include family size or personal size of the Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Mixed Berry pies. The Apple Croissant, the pan dulce holiday favorite, is available now for purchase for $5 online and in-store and the Christmas pies will be available for pre-order beginning December 15 through December 23 at select prices. Pies may be picked up prior to Christmas Day.
For the first time, La Panaderia will be serving gooey and delicious s’mores cookies. The scratch-made chocolate cookies are packed with chocolate chunks and toasted marshmallows. The unique Christmas cookies come in a package of 6 for $18 and can be pre-ordered starting December 15.
La Panaderia is also offering Mimosa Kits to take home this year. The kit comes with a 750 ml bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice for $36. Mimosa Kits are available for curbside pickup or dine-in.
Later this month, guests can pre-order the traditional pan dulce, Rosca de Reyes, starting on Tuesday December 29 in preparation for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021. Guests will have the option to purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.50, a six-pack of small Rosca de Reyes for $24, or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24.
The Jerk Shack’sfamily packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Christmas gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Orders can be placed prior to Christmas Eve as the Jerk Shack will be closed for the holidays. Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)
“After a rollercoaster year, it is important now more than ever to support local businesses, and in turn for businesses like us to continue to do our part to bring joy to the San Antonio community. La Panadería was built on tradition, so it is always an honor for us when guests choose to share our seasonal items with their families and make us part of their own family traditions.” – David Caceres, La Panaderia co-founder
Taco Cabana’s catering options include enchilada casseroles and individually packaged Taco Boxes. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.
This holiday season let Taco Cabana ease the stress of meal preparation with a wide variety of catering options featuring all of Taco Cabana’s favorites. Guests can now order Taco Cabana’s new 24-pack Enchilada Casserole, individually packaged Taco Boxes, and other delicious TC menu options as part of TC Holiday catering. Catering packages are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Taco Cabana, 2020)
As a special incentive, any Taco Cabana guest placing catering orders for pick-up or delivery through December 31, 2020 by calling 1-855-4-MYTACO, or online using code M05328, will receive a 15% discount off their order if placed by Friday, December 18, 2020.
The 24-pack Enchilada Casserole is the latest addition to Taco Cabana Catering and is the perfect easy-to-serve addition to any holiday season. Guests can enjoy the Enchilada Casserole for $89.99. The casserole is topped with the guest’s choice of two sauces, including Queso, Ranchero, Green, Suiza, Sour Cream or Tex-Mex. Each casserole is served with Taco Cabana’s signature refried beans, rice, pico de gallo and salsa roja. The TC catering menu is available online. Catering is available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas.
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 November 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 144 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.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents a feel-good virtual fundraiser for the whole family. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.
The holidays would not be the same without Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday tale ‘The Nutcracker.’ This is why the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is keeping the tradition alive, but in a safe and socially distanced way with an interactive virtual fundraiser that offers fun for the entire family. It is set to take place virtually Friday, December 18 at 7p.m., and Saturday, December 19 at 2p.m. and 7p.m. and then again Friday, December 25 at 7p.m. and Saturday, December 26 at 2p.m. and 7p.m. The fairytale comes to life with a full-length production featuring dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, award-winning dancers, and a talented array of young performers (including special needs artists) in a variety of disciplines. This year’s interpretation will have a 2020 twist with masks and Zoom family gatherings integrated into the storyline. So put on your holiday PJs, throw a log on the fire, grab a cup of cocoa, and prepare to be enchanted as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen and more, dance their way into your living room—and into your hearts. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2020)
To sweeten the tradition, Bird Bakery will be providing cookie decorating kits designed for boys and girls featuring six of their mouthwatering cookies in the shapes of ballet slippers, ballerinas and, of course, Nutcrackers, along with three tubes of their special Royal Icing in blue, pink and white for creating your culinary masterpiece. Need inspiration? The piping pros at Bird Bakery will offer a cookie decorating tutorial during intermission to guide you through the process of creating the perfect cookie. Bird will also offer sandwich platters for both children and adults that include chips and their famous Monster cookies as well as a Cupcake for a Cause topped with an iced ballet slipper from December 7-13. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this decadent dessert will go to CBSA.
Tickets for this special event start at $50 with tax-deductible sponsorship packages ranging from $100 to $10,000 depending on the package and can be purchased online where viewers can also find Bird Bakery order and pickup deadlines. All sponsorships of $100 and up include at least one link to the showtime of choice plus a Bird Bakery cookie decorating set. Cookie decorating sets and sandwich platters are also available to purchase a la carte.
The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3 whose mission is to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.
“We are thrilled to bring the tradition of the Nutcracker home for the holidays. This year more than ever, families are searching for ways to focus on the silver linings and create memorable moments at home. We hope this interactive experience will make the holidays that much richer.” – Vanessa Bessler, CBSA Founder.
SA Examiner 