Category: Holiday themed events

Celebrate National Drink a Beer Day this Monday September 28

Local businesses have ways to celebrate National Drink a Beer Day this Monday September 28. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

This Monday September 28 is National Drink a Beer Day and nowadays it is more important than ever to celebrate the little things. Local favorites are offering ways to partake in the holiday, whether at home or safely out on the town. (EVO Entertainment, Twang, Lone Star Brewing, Southerleigh, 2020)

EVO Entertainment

EVO’s Schertz location is the place to grab a brew and have some socially distanced fun. The movie theater and entertainment complex offers a wide variety of local, craft, and domestic beers for guests to enjoy, including flights to sip from while patrons bowl or catch a film. EVO is dedicated to operating safely to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; safety procedures are available online.

Twang

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.” In addition to their wide array of beer salts, Twang also recently launched a premium Michelada mix ideal for mixing with Mexican-style lagers. The Michelada mix is available at HEBs throughout Texas and on Twang online. 

Das Bier Y’all 

Lone Star Brewing recently announced the latest seasonal beer in the beloved family of Lone Star Beers: Das Bier Y’all – The New Taste of Classic Texas. Das Bier Y’all is a classic German-style kölsch with a peachy twist, brewed to honor the German heritage of the Lone Star State and its enduring cultural influence that remains prevalent in Texas today. The beer is now available for purchase in select locations throughout Texas for a limited time through early Spring 2021. Das Bier Y’all will be available throughout Texas, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $7.99. Beer lovers can use Lone Star’s beer finder to find a store selling nearest to them. 

Southerleigh

Located in the former brewhouse of the Pearl Brewery, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery has been credited with bringing brewing back to Pearl. In addition to rich, indulgent dishes highlighting the best of Texan and Gulf Coast flavors, Southerleigh offers brews made in house. Southerleigh’s drafts are unique and perfect for celebrating a holiday dedicated to drinking beer.

Pumpkin Spice Roundup – chefs create locally made pumpkin treats

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea from Bao’d Up. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Local chefs celebrate Autumn by taking pumpkin spice season to a whole new level. Get cozy and check out some of these locally-made pumpkin spice creations. (Bao’d Up, EVO Entertainment Group, Bakery Lorraine, 2020)

The Pumpkin Pie Bao is made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pecans all inside a Chinese pumpkin steamed bun. Bao buns are known for being light, fluffy and soft. The filling inside this bao is reminiscent of a freshly-baked pumpkin pie. Ting Lin, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Bao’d Up, is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who is passionate about adapting traditional Chinese dishes like bao to the American palate in interesting and fun ways. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea is a new favorite fall drink. The creamy iced treat is perfect for a crisp fall day. Shaken with pumpkin syrup and spices, this boba tea is the perfect marriage of Chinese and American favorites, which just happens to be Bao’d Up’s specialty. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Bao’d Up is a minority-owned Chinese chain with four locations in and around the Austin area. The concept specializes in Bao or Baozi, which is a famous food category in many Asian countries. Bao’d Up uses a variety of different fillings and experiment with new ways of cooking the bao. Co-founded by tech entrepreneur Alex Wu and Chef Ting Lin, the first location opened in Central Austin’s Mueller Aldrich district on July 25, 2017. The restaurant quickly became popular for its fast-casual business model and technology-driven service platforms, including contact-free food lockers.

EVO Entertainment’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake has returned to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake was the result of a collaborative effort from EVO’s culinary team that returns each fall to the delight of customers. The boozy shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake is available for $8.50. 

EVO Entertainment Group® is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator comprised of a number of innovative brands including EVO® Entertainment, EVO® Cinemas, and EVO® Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO® has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest-growing independent cinema circuits in the country. EVO® Entertainment Group currently employs over 1,000 team members and entertains nearly 3 million guests annually.

San Antonio’s nationally-recognized Bakery Lorraine just released their pumpkin spice macaron for Fall 2020. The shell of the macarons are seasoned with a house-made pumpkin spice blend and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds. Between the shells is an irresistible cream cheese buttercream that makes the macarons reminiscent of a pumpkin roulade. The fall-time treat will be available at all four locations of Bakery Lorraine, which stretch across both Austin and San Antonio.  

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 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.

EVO Entertainment Group’s Fall programming and promotional offers

EVO Entertainment Group’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake returns Monday September 7, 2020. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group is kicking off the Fall season early with exciting new promotions and screening opportunities. Throughout September, guests can enjoy limited-time promotions such as the return of EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake as well as buy one, get one cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day. In addition, guests can celebrate National Video Game Day with all-day game play deals, as well as enjoy private film screening and on-screen gaming with private theater rentals. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2020)

EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake Returns – Beginning Monday, September 7, 2020, EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake will return to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake will be available for $8.50.  

National Video Game Day – Saturday, September 12, 2020 – In celebration of National Video Game Day, guests can enjoy unlimited all-day video game play for only $10 at all participating EVO locations.

National Cheeseburger Day – Friday, September 18, 2020 – In honor of National Cheeseburger Day, EVO is offering a buy one, get one free burger deal for all EVO Elevate members at EVO Schertz, Kyle, Springtown and Belterra when purchased through the EVO app.

EVO Film Fest with Jason Faunt & Michael Copon – The EVO Film Fest returns with back-to-back, in-theater events at EVO Belterra (Friday, September 18, 2020) and EVO Schertz (Saturday, September 19, 2020). The special event will feature a screening of Power Rangers Time Force and will be hosted by Power Rangers stars Jason Faunt and Michael Copon. A Q&A session will take place following the conclusion of the movie. Tickets are available online for $15.

Grub & Game Combos – Launching Friday, September 25, EVO Entertainment will be offering a special Grub & Game promotion, pairing select entrees from the EVO Cafe with EVO game cards at a discounted rate. Combinations include: Entree + $10 game card for $15.99 and Entree + $20 game card for $24.99. Entree offerings include Classic Burger, Chicken Tenders, Honey Sriracha Tacos, Chicken and Waffles, Pesto Chicken Flatbread, Philly Cheese steak, 10” Pepperoni Pizza, Fried Shrimp Basket, Classic Caesar with Shrimp or Chicken or Pulled Pork Nachos.

Game on the Big Screen – Available at EVO Springtown and EVO Belterra, guests can instantly book a theater (Belterra) or Flex Room (Springtown) to play video games using their own gaming console for two hours for $54.99.

Private Film Screenings – Now available at all EVO locations, guests are now able to book a private auditorium for up to 20 guests to enjoy a private screening of classic films (i.e. The Goonies, Space Jam, Jurassic Park) for $75, or new releases like The New Mutants, Tenet and others for $165. 

Celebrate National Dollar Day at Taco Cabana

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The iconic Taco Cabana bean and cheese taco will be $1 this National Dollar Day at participating locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission. 

This weekend, in celebration of National Dollar Day, Taco Cabana will offer its popular bean and cheese tacos for only $1. This offer is valid on Saturday, August 8, 2020 only. Guests can enjoy Taco Cabana’s iconic bean and cheese taco, without any limit on the number purchased, by using code Codedollarbc. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

In conjunction with Tax Free Weekend this Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9,

Taco Cabana is also offering $5 off any purchase of $10 or more by using code Codetxfreewk.  Offer excludes purchase of alcohol or gift cards.

Guests age 21 years or older are encouraged to pair their $1 bean and cheese taco or Tax Free Weekend purchases with one of Taco Cabana’s 12 signature $2 margarita flavor options. Join the fun of MargaritaPalooza with flavors such as Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Blue Curacao, Mangonada, Watermelon, and others. Guests have the option to add chamoy to their margaritas at no additional cost and Jose Cuervo tequila is available for a $2 additional cost.

Taco Cabana continues to sell Lime, Strawberry and Mango margaritas on-the-rocks by the gallon to-go for $34.99 and Blue Curacao for $36.99. Starting Saturday, August 8, guests can make their margarita gallon purchase a Jose Cuervo gallon for an additional $14.

These offers are valid at all Texas locations in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio and are available via online ordering, drive-thru, curbside pick-up and delivery.  Alcohol delivery is only available in San Antonio. Dine-in service is not available at this time. Offers cannot be combined.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, 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 and drive-thru windows. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 146 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

Watermelon-inspired cocktails to celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3

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EVO Entertainment’s Patron margarita. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This Monday August 3 is National Watermelon Day and EVO Entertainment and Taco Cabana have watermelon-inspired cocktails to help customers celebrate accordingly. (EVO Entertainment, Taco Cabana, 2020)

EVO Entertainment – Watermelon Margarita

  • EVO Entertainment is making it easy to celebrate safely. Their Watermelon Margarita, made with EVO’s signature EVO Patron Barrel Select Tequila, Triple Sec, agave, fresh watermelon and fresh lime is the perfect treat to enjoy as you take in a socially distant movie in one of their theaters or enjoy one of their drive-in movies. This refreshing margarita is a great addition to any film.

Taco Cabana – $2 Watermelon Margarita

  • As part of Taco Cabana’s MargaritaPalooza, the popular San Antonio-based chain is offering 12 flavors of $2 margaritas, including one of their most popular – Watermelon. The beverage, perfect for celebrating National Watermelon Day, is available for drive-thru and curbside pickup throughout participating locations in Texas. The margaritas are also available for delivery in San Antonio.

Grilled Watermelon Margarita featuring Twang

If you are keeping your distance at home, or just feel like doing something a little extra when it comes to your next Margarita, check out this Grilled Watermelon Margarita by Aaron Pena, owner/bartender at The Squeezebox in San Antonio, TX. (Twang, 2020)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh grilled fruit – we used grilled Watermelon
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed Lime Juice
  • ¾ ounce Agave syrup – adjust to your taste
  • 2 ounces Blanco Tequila
  • 1 cup of Ice

Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients to blender on high speed
  • Rim glass with Twang-A-Rita Sunrise spice or your favorite Twang salt.
  • Pour into your rimmed glassware and enjoy!

See step-by-step tutorial.

Taco Cabana announces new MargaritaPalooza

tacocabanamargaritas
Taco Cabana’s MargaritaPalooza starts Friday, July 3. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission. 

Taco Cabana is excited to announce the launch of MargaritaPalooza. Beginning Friday, July 3, the popular restaurant chain will feature 12 margarita flavors that will be available for purchase all day and every day at participating Texas locations in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso. Margaritas will be available for dine-in, pick-up and drive-thru with food purchase. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

The 12 flavors include:

  • Lime
  • Strawberry
  • Mango
  • Blue Curacao
  • Passion Fruit
  • MojitoRita
  • Frosé
  • Prickly Pear
  • Dr Pepper
  • Mangonada
  • Watermelon
  • Star-Spangled Banner (a patriotic-themed blend of lime, strawberry and blue curacao)

Guests will have the option to add chamoy to their margaritas at no additional cost.

Taco Cabana continues to sell Lime, Strawberry and Mango margaritas on-the-rocks by the gallon to-go for $34.99 and Blue Curacao for $36.99. This weekend only, guests can purchase any two gallons of Lime, Strawberry, Mango or Blue Curacao flavors for $60.

Starting July 1, members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program can also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase, including any of the new margaritas. Additional details regarding delivery in select markets, curbside pick-up and upcoming new menu items will follow in the coming weeks.

“Taco Cabana has always been the go-to place in Texas for great margaritas. We’re excited about these new flavors and all for just $2 each. Order online for convenient pick-up or in-person at our front counter to-go or via the drive-thru. We welcome everyone to join us for MargaritaPalooza at TC…come be a part of the fiesta.” – Rich Stockinger, Fiesta Restaurant Group President and CEO

Fourth of July food deals in San Antonio

croissant
La Panaderia’s festive red white and blue croissant. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission. 

Update:
Due to the sharp increase of COVID-19 cases in San Antonio, the San Antonio Museum of Art made the decision to postpone this weekend’s family day to Sunday, August 2. In an attempt to keep staff, volunteers, vendors and visitors safe, the San Antonio Museum of Art is choosing to hold off on the event for the time being.

More Fourth of July deals:
Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery will offer drink specials at their outdoor oyster bar near Pearl Park. Pearl patrons can stop by to get $1 off the famous house punch, frosé and canned wines. (Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, 2020)

La Panaderia will offer a festive red, white and blue croissant. This fun twist on their original croissant is filled with strawberries and cream and topped with red and blue frosting. This colorful croissant will only be available on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. The star-spangled treat will be available to order online and at all La Panaderia locations. (La Panaderia, 2020)

Willie Nelson’s iconic 4th of July Picnic to air as concert film

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Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic will air as epic hybrid concert film. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This year, Luck Productions is bringing Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic to the people: part Picnics past, part what is to come and all in the spirit of the Picnic’s storied history. On Saturday July 4 starting at 3:30pm Central, fans will be able to enjoy interviews with characters from the Picnic’s past and see new, live performances from their favorite Luck Family artists. (Luck Productions, 2020)

Luck Productions was set to host the 47th annual event, welcoming the Picnic back to its hill country home, and while friends and family will not be crowding into Willie’s Luck, TX, ranch this summer, the man himself will be performing alongside his band from his nearby recording facility, Pedernales Studios. In addition to Willie, performers will include the likes of Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley, Margo Price, Steve Earle and Kurt Vile. Tickets for digital admission are $35 ahead of the event and $45 day-of-show are available online.

This July 4th, the Picnic will kick off with a Prime Cuts episode with Chef Scott Roberts of Salt Lick BBQ and special guest Ray Benson, followed by live-streamed performances from Luck’s Saloon and Chapel stages before leading into a 90-minute concert film segment. The film will feature remote performances from Picnic artists, an all-star house band curated by The Texas Gentlemen’s Beau Bedford, featuring Charlie Sexton, John Michael Schoepf, and Josh Blue, and interviews and Picnic memories stitched in throughout. Additionally, SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse will broadcast the 90 minute stream to subscribers.

Tickets to the event grant access to highly curated food and beverage delivery packages from Assembly Kitchen, Austin Food and Wine Alliance grant recipients, and Sourced Craft Cocktails. One dollar from each ticket sold will support The Luck Reunion Fund, managed by the Austin Community Foundation, directly benefiting five designated organizations. Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and Karbach Love Street will also be matching donations. Beneficiaries for this event include All Together ATX, Six Square, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, SIMS Foundation, and Central Texas Foodbank.

Performances will include Willie Nelson & Family , Asleep At The Wheel, Charley Crockett, Devon Gilfillian, John Doe, Johnny Bush, Kinky Friedman, Kurt Vile, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Matthew Houck (Phosphorescent), The McCrary Sisters, Particle Kid, Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Shakey Graves, Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, The Peterson Brothers, Vincent Neil Emerson and Ziggy Marley.

“Our goal with the 2020 Picnic is to bring it back to what it was—in the only way we can during these times. We were set to host this year’s event at Luck, to welcome the Picnic back to its hill country home. The Picnic is really one of a kind, it has always been scrappy. Cars on fire. Mass arrests. You name it…it happened at the Picnic.” – Ellee Fletcher Durniak, co-founder of Luck Productions

 

Local businesses offering Fourth of July deals

bakerylorrainejuly4
Pre-orders start today for Fourth of July pies from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission. 

With the Fourth of July around the corner, several businesses around the San Antonio area are offering special deals to help celebrate in style. Whether food or entertainment, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, San Antonio Museum of Art and La Panaderia have something for everyone.

Bakery Lorraine:
This Fourth of July, Bakery Lorraine will have their famous Apple pie made with five different apple varieties and donning a lattice decor this holiday season. A new decadent, Chocolate Creme pie will also be available along with their traditional Buttermilk pie topped with fresh berries. This will make the perfect addition to any socially-distanced barbecue, virtual or home celebration. Pies are $26 each and available for pre-order starting on Thursday, June 25. Pre-orders can be done online or by calling the desired store. All pie orders must be placed by Tuesday, June 30, at midnight. Pickup in-store Friday (7/3) or Saturday (7/4). Available at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin. (Bakery Lorraine, 2020)

EVO Entertainment:
In celebration of Independence Day, EVO Entertainment will be offering their play on a buy-one-get-one special, where guests can get a free game card equaling their food & beverages purchases at EVO. For example, if a guest spends $20 in refreshments, they are eligible for a free $20 game card to play arcade style games with opportunities to win prizes. There is no cap on how much they can spend or receive for this Fourth of July special. The offer is valid on July 4, 2020 and is available at participating EVO locations in Schertz and Kyle. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, EVO operates under strict protocols to keep guests and staff safe, including the sanitation of high-contact surfaces every 30 minutes. (EVO Entertainment, 2020)

San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA):
On Sunday, July 5 from Noon to 3p.m., the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will host its Family Day See + Do, a free event for SAISD students and their families. A perfect addition to the holiday weekend, families will have an opportunity to meet Pegasus and other mythical animals as they explore the realms of fantasy in this no-contact, physically distanced family day. Families will have the opportunity to invent their own magical animal and draw it on scratch art paper, sculpt a multi-headed hydra and enjoy a self-paced scavenger hunt. The Family Day See + Do has been generously underwritten by the Charity Ball Association of San Antonio and the Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Association. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2020)

La Panaderia:
The popular San Antonio bakery will be open to visitors this Fourth of July at both locations so guests can stop in and treat themselves to decadent pan dulce while taking a break from the heat. Guests can also enjoy signature menu items at each restaurant such as the La Panaderia Patty Melt, a unique twist on the Texas favorite. (La Panaderia, 2020)

La Cantera Resort & Spa chefs shares Mother’s Day recipes

lacanteracorn
Fiesta Corn by Chef Gio Silva, Chef de Cuisine, Grille 254. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Even though La Cantera Resort & Spa will not be open for Mother’s Day this year, their Chefs are sharing some recipes anyone can make at home. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

Fiesta Corn Recipe by Chef Gio Silva – Chef de Cuisine, Grille 254
Ingredients:
4 pieces of corn on the cob
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp. Valentina hot sauce
1 pinch of salt to taste
1 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
½ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco
1 tbsp. Tajin or chili powder
1 lime cut in wedges

Directions: Simmer the corn in water for about 30 min or until soft, or grill if you prefer. Mix the rest of ingredients, except the cheese and tajin/chili powder. When corn is done cooking, allow to cool down. Either slice the kernels or leave the cob whole. Mix or cover the corn with the Valentina/mayo mix. Sprinkle with cheese and Tajin.

Goldfish Cheddar Mac and Cheese by Chef Robert Carr – Executive Chef, La Cantera Resort & Spa
Goldfish add a nice crunch to creamy macaroni and cheese, while a mild poblano pepper gives the dish an earthy richness without being too hot for the kids. If you do not want to cook and dice the bacon, bacon bits will work.
Ingredients:
½ cup of shredded cheddar
1 roasted and diced poblano chili pepper
½ cup bacon
1 cup crushed cheddar Goldfish

Directions: Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions. Mix in ¼ cup of the cheddar, ½ cup of the crushed goldfish and the pepper. Top with ¼ cup of cheddar followed by the remaining ½ cup of goldfish and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Champagne Margaritas by Chef Gabriela Hinojosa – Chef de Cuisine, SweetFire Kitchen
Champagne Margaritas are so fresh and satisfying and easily adaptable with different fruit purees and garnishes.
Ingredients to yield 1 pitcher:
6oz. lime juice
4oz. orange juice
4oz. tequila
1/4 cup sugar
1 bottle (750ml) Champagne
Ice

Directions: Stir the sugar with the lime and orange juices to dissolve. Add the tequila and fill the pitcher with ice. Pour the Champagne over the ice and stir. Serve in Champagne glasses with a slice of fresh mango or orange wheel.