Twang launches new seasonal cocktail rimmer

Twang’s Twang-a-Rita Cranberry Cheer. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd., a San Antonio family-owned company known for its product line of premium salts and seasonings, is thrilled to announce a new seasonal margarita salt launched in partnership with Rancho La Gloria. Twang-a-rita Cranberry Cheer is available now exclusively at H-E-B for a limited time throughout the 2020 holiday season. (Twang, 2020)

The newest cocktail rimming blend includes ingredients reminiscent of holiday favorites like cranberry, cane sugar, salt, and natural orange flavors. Twang’s Cranberry Cheer was created to be paired with Rancho La Gloria’s new Spiced Cranberry Margarita Wine Cocktail but can complement a variety of seasonal cocktails. Twang-a-rita Cranberry Cheer comes in a six-ounce tub for the convenient rimming of margarita glasses. The new blend retails for $3.98 and is available exclusively at all H-E-B locations now through the end of the year. 

Cranberry Cheer is the latest addition to Twang’s line of premium Twang-a-rita cocktail rimmers. Other Twang-a-rita flavors include Paloma Love, Citrus Splash, Sunrise Spice, Nectarberry and Unwind Lime and are available year-round.  

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Michelada Mix, Twangerz, Twang-A- Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, and Cafe Zuca. Twang products are available in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country or online. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot registration

Registration is now live for the San Antonio Food Bank’s 10th annual Turkey Trot. Photo: google

This is the race that puts the “turkey” in Turkey Trot: the 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot. Registration is now live and walkers and runners are encouraged to sign up early. Presented by H-E-B, the 2020 event on Thanksgiving will be virtual due to the pandemic, so participants can walk/run the 5K from anywhere in the world on Thanksgiving Day. Every registration provides a turkey for someone in need in our community. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

Walkers and runners can receive a Turkey Trot tech running shirt, finisher’s medal, and more as part of their registration. They also can opt to provide more than the one turkey provided from their registration.  Walkers and racers will be asked to post their day-of photos in their social media platform of choice and tag the Food Bank (safoodbank) or hashtag the race (#turkeytrotsatx). Registration information is found online.

“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate. We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K (3.2miles or so) means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race. It could be huge. And it all benefits those facing hunger.” – Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

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.

Holiday Movies by Moonlight at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

Movies by Moonlight in the Garden will take place November 27 and 28. Photo: google

Movies by Moonlight is back at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Place) this month. Cozy up under the moonlight with family or friends for a magical holiday double feature at the Botanical Garden. Movies by Moonlight in the Garden features two family-friendly movies on the lawn, hot cocoa, s’mores, as well as movie-inspired drinks and food available for purchase. Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28 from 5p.m. – 10 p.m.  Prices: $15 adults ($13 members), $10 children ($8 members) (San Antonio Botanical Garden, 2020)

Guests are welcomed to bring low riding lawn chairs and blankets and are asked to follow all COVID-19 visitor guidelines during their visit at the Botanical Garden. Movies subject to change.

The Polar Express (G) 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. – On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

Elf (PG) 8p.m. – 10p.m. – After discovering he is human, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers three packages this holiday season

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has holiday gift packages. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

This holiday season, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has created the perfect packages to give loved ones a day of self-care. Spa packages include two-plus hours of one-of-a-kind experiences with The All About You, three of the most in-demand spa services in The Peace, Love, Joy, and more. Below is more information on this year’s holiday packages. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2020)

The Merry + Bright – Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway. 2+ hours, $179 (up to $220 value)

The Peace, Love, + Joy – Our three most in-demand services —The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial and The One & Only Mani-Pedi — are bundled up and tied with a bow, for your sugar plum. 3.5 hours, $259 ($320 value)

The All About You – Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with The You Dew You HydraFacial® and The Yours Truly Massage. We love this journey for you. 2+ hours, $329 ($380 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 real 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. 

County Line Community Band’s upcoming concert

The County Line Community Band will perform a free concert on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Photo: County Line Community Band, used with permission.

The County Line Community Band will perform a free “Thanksgiving Concert” this Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 3p.m.  This concert celebrates the many gift we have had during this difficult year and selections will include “Amazing Grace,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and a special tribute to veterans.  It will take place at the St Hedgwig City Park, 1346 FM 1518 St Hedwig, TX  78152 and will abide by strict “social distancing” rules.  The concert will be broadcast on short wave FM radio so attendees can listen to the music in their car while watching the band perform from the safety of their car.  Shakers Smoke Shack BBQ truck will be onsite for any attendees wishing to purchase food.  This concert is free and open to the public. (County Line Community Band, 2020)

The County Line Community Band is a versatile musical organization that uses the modern concert band repertoire and set up to entertain San Antonio and the surrounding communities.  This versatility allows the band to perform a variety of music in different genres.

Taco Cabana’s special offers for veterans and active duty military

Taco Cabana celebrates veterans and active military with special offers. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

To honor and show its gratitude for members of the armed services, Taco Cabana is inviting veterans and active military members to enjoy half-priced enchiladas this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at all locations in Texas. Veterans and active military members can order a two-enchilada or three-enchilada plate for 50% off the regular price. The popular Tex-Mex chain is offering its cheese enchiladas with a choice of six sauces and guests can choose to add shredded chicken, ground beef, chicken fajita or steak fajita as well. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Offer is valid Wednesday, November 11, 2020 only when ordered at the TC front counter or via the convenient TC drive-thru.  Not available through online ordering or the MYTC! App.  

In addition to the Veterans Day offer, Taco Cabana celebrates members of the US Military every day with a 20% discount (excluding alcohol and gift cards). Taco Cabana also celebrates Military Appreciation Day on the second Tuesday of every month where military personnel can enjoy a free shredded chicken taco or ground beef taco all day. 

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 Nov. 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.

Half price nachos at Taco Cabana for National Nacho Day

Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana this Friday, November 6, 2020. Taco Cabana guests can enjoy their favorite nachos at half price all day at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020) 

Taco Cabana nachos include Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajita and Kickin’ Grande Nachos. All nachos feature a variety of toppings to choose from, including queso, shredded cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole.

Orders can be placed online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.

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, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 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.

San Antonio’s Turkey Trot 2020 to go virtual this year

This year’s San Antonio Food Bank’s Turkey Trot will be virtual. Photo: google

It is time for the race that puts the “turkey” in Turkey Trot: the 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot, presented by H-E-B. This year, due to the pandemic, Turkey Trot has gone virtual, but this only means participants can run anywhere, anytime on Thanksgiving Day. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

Walkers and runners can receive a Turkey Trot tech running shirt, finisher’s medal and more as part of their registration. They also can opt to provide more than the one turkey provided from their registration. Registration is live and walkers and runners are encouraged to sign up early. The 2020 event on Thanksgiving will be virtual. Walk/run your 5K from anywhere in the world. Every registration provides a turkey for someone in need in our community. Registration information is available online.

Walkers and racers can post their day-of photos in their social media platform of choice and tag the Food Bank (safoodbank) or hashtag the race (#turkeytrotsatx).

“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate. We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K (3.2miles or so) means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race. It could be huge. And it all benefits those facing hunger.” – Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

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.

Veterans Day and First Responders Day freebies from Hopdoddy

Hopdoddy’s Classic Burger With Cheese. Photo: Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar, used with permission.

For National First Responders Day, on Wednesday, October 28, Hopdoddy Burger Bar at The Rim and The Vineyard are offering a free Classic Burger (with or without cheese) to all EMT, firefighters and police officers. First responders can show their badge or uniform to claim their free burger. This offer is redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2020)

For Veterans Day, on Wednesday, November 11,  Hopdoddy Burger Bar at The Rim and The Vineyard are offering a free Classic Burger (with or without cheese) to all Veterans and active military servicemembers. Qualified recipients can show their military ID or uniform to claim their free burger. This offer is redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone.

The Rim – 17623 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX  78257, (210) 434-2337

The Vineyard – 1301 North Loop 1604 W, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX  78258, (210) 728-3800

Pearl announces Fall 2020 events

Feliz Modern POP’s Maker Kits for Dia de los Muertos. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is proud to announce its virtual and campus-wide programming for fall 2020. The season will kick off with autumn activities to enjoy at home followed by a socially distant Día de los Muertos celebration featuring in-person and virtual altars. The fall festivities will continue with culinary content for Thanksgiving including curated curbside boxes available for purchase. (Pearl, 2020)

Farmers Market – Pearl will continue to host the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m and Sundays from 10a.m. to 2p.m. Safety measures remain in place, including mandatory masks for vendors and hand sanitizing/washing stations throughout the footprint. Guests have the option to use Pearl’s Farmers Market Curbside service on Fridays between 3p.m. and 7p.m. 

Pearl Farmers Market will feature pumpkins for purchase from Braune Farms so families can carve their own Halloween creations at home. The market will also offer Halloween themed goodie boxes available online starting on Friday, October 23. The market will host the 28th Annual Herb Market on Saturday, October 17 and will feature specialty herbs and other items. The herb of the year is Rubus. Though Fiesta was canceled this year, Pearl will honor the beloved tradition by selling Pearl and Pearl partner Fiesta medals through Farmers Market Curbside. Medals will be available to purchase online beginning October 30 through December 1.    

Fall – To celebrate fall harvest, Pearl will release a series of videos featuring Hotel Emma’s chef, John Brand. Brand will share his favorite pumpkin recipes using seasonal produce from Pearl Farmers Market’s regional producers and family farms. The videos will be released on Pearl Farmers Market social media pages on October 21 and 22. Pumpkin carving stencils will also be available at the Pearl Farmers Market to take home at no charge to be picked up on October 24, 25 and 31. Stencils available while supplies last. 

Día De Los Muertos – Pearl reimagines its annual Día De Los Muertos celebration, honoring loved ones who have passed, as a largely virtual experience. In addition to the onsite community altar, videos of altars at two offsite locations will be available to view on Pearl social media pages. Altars will be located at the Mexican Cultural Institute and at the Carver Community Cultural Center.

The Mexican Cultural Institute and the Consulate of Mexico in San Antonio, in partnership with the San Antonio-Mexico Friendship Council (SAMFCO), are proud to create an altar in honor of Manuel Felguérez, one of the earliest and most prominent proponents of abstract art in Mexico, who passed away this summer from COVID-19. In December 2019, Felguérez was recognized by the government of Mexico City as a figure of Living Cultural Heritage for a lifetime dedicated to the arts.

The Carver Community Cultural Center has invited local artist Kaldric Dow to create an altar dedicated to those who have lost their lives to social injustice. Pearl’s annual community altar will be on view at the Pearl Shade Structure from November 1 to 8. Masks will be required when visiting the altar. The altar will be created by Jon Hinojosa, Artistic Executive Director of SAY Sí, with help from SAY Sí alumni and staff. The theme of the altar is Amor y Esperanza (Love and Hope) and is dedicated to those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. The altar will consist of four levels and four sides, representing the four stages of life, the four points of the earth, the four seasons and the four mathematical points upon which the pyramids were built. SAY Sí is developing an interactive app where people can leave names of their loved ones in lieu of leaving physical mementos at the altar. 

The public can purchase Maker Kits from Feliz Modern POP beginning October 13. Options include a Catrina Collage by local artist Regina Moya or a Sugar Skull Piñata by Manola & Maria and Lua Bash. Kits include instructions and materials and how-to demos by the artists will be available on Pearl’s Facebook page on November 1.  

The Mexican Cultural Institute will have a booth at the Farmers Market on Sunday, November 1, where they will give out ceramic skull banks which kids can decorate at home. The Farmers Market information booth will be giving out marigolds. Banks and marigolds will be available while supplies last.

Azul Barrientos will round out the Día de los Muertos celebration with a special, online performance that commemorates the traditional Mexican holiday. The performance will be available to view on Pearl social media pages on November 2. Hotel Emma and La Gloria will each have altars on display and Pan de Muerto will be available at Hotel Emma to complete the socially distant celebrations at home.

Thanksgiving – Guests hoping to avoid crowded grocery stores this holiday season will be able to purchase everything needed for a Thanksgiving feast at Pearl Farmers Market Curbside. Products include a box with ingredients and recipe cards for a variety of Thanksgiving sides, turkey brining kits, pies and centerpieces. Thanksgiving products will be available for preorder starting November 1 through 21, with curbside pickup on November 24. There will be no curbside pickup the Friday following Thanksgiving.

“While we’ll miss being together for some of our most popular signature events, we will honor this time of year with special offerings through Farmers Market and new virtual programming and culinary content.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer