Holiday shopping deals around town

Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

This week, Black Friday ushers in the holiday shopping season and area businesses are offering special deals to their customers to help them get the most for their dollars. (Shake Shack, Pluckers Wing Bar, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

In celebration of Black Friday, Shake Shack will be running a Black FryDay promotion from November 27 through December 1. Each guest (for all order modes – in-Shack, App pick-up, or delivery order) will receive a scratch-off ticket in their bag for the chance to win a prize. The scratch off area is the first gondola and all cards will be a winner. Prizes include: Free burger with any $20+ order or free fries with any $15+ order on the Shack App, Free Delivery with any $15+ order through Grubhub or Free Shack for a year (aka a $2,500 gift card). This offer would be a great time to try one of Shake Shack’s holiday shakes: Christmas Cookie Shake, Chocolate Peppermint Shake and Coconut Snowball Shake – which are offered now through January 5.

- Christmas Cookie Shake: Sugar cookie frozen custard, topped with whipped cream, crumbled shortbread and holiday sprinkles.
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Chocolate custard, peppermint fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream and chocolate peppermint bark.
- Coconut Snowball Shake: Vanilla custard, coconut, marshmallow, topped with whipped cream, coconut and sprinkles.

Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering $10 Pluckers Club Memberships on Black Friday and 20%-off everything via the Pluckers Shop (excluding gift cards) on Cyber Monday. Pluckers Club members enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials and more. Pluckers club membership is now available through the app on iTunes and Google Play – a treat for current and aspiring members.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is running a special on their Bright and Early gift cards perfect for holiday gifting, stocking stuffers and to kick off the new year. Guests who purchase an online gift card valued at $125.00 get it for only $99.00. The limited time offer is valid through Friday, November 29. Hiatus Spa + Retreat is ringing in the holidays with the December monthly specials and holiday packages such as:

- - - 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, The Body Glow or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
    - The Peace, Love, & Joy: their 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, $269 ($320 value)

December Monthly Retreat: December in Manhattan
“Embrace the holiday frenzy with our take on December in Manhattan – inspired by the timeless cocktail. A gentle full-body exfoliation prepares you to be smothered in a warm masque of antioxidant-rich Black Cherries, spicy Nutmeg and luscious Bourbon Vanilla. Unwind with a deeply penetrating massage, letting the fragrant masque nurture your skin and inspire your senses. A final rinse under the Vichy shower leaves you soft, sultry and satisfied, ready to sip a heart-melting Manhattan made with housemade bourbon and Madagascar vanilla-infused cherries.” (80-minute service for $195)

PAWliday pet food campaign

daisycaresfooddrive — The PAWliday Pet Food Campaign is taking place through December 20. Photo: DaisyCares

Since 2009, DaisyCares has been helping feed pets of families in need through a partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. From now through Friday December 20, 2019, DaisyCares is hosting the “PAWliday Pet Food Campaign.” Five years ago, DaisyCares was only serving about 25,000 pets and 10,000 families. Now, DaisyCares serves over 76,000 pets and 29,000 families annually. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2019)

With the holidays fast approaching, DaisyCares is experiencing a higher than normal request for pet food. Now more than ever before, families are faced with tough decisions between putting food on the table or in the bowls of their pets. Programs like DaisyCares help ensure that pets receive the nourishment they need and stay in their family’s home where they belong. Along with food items, DaisyCares is also in need of supplies like new toys/accessories, potty pads and cat litter. Food drop off sites are located throughout the city and include Alamo Heights Pet Clinic, Amigo Animal Hospital and Babcock Hills Veterinary Hospital. A full list of these sites can be found online.

DaisyCares is a 501c3 non-profit organization that helps people care for animals by providing pet food, veterinary care, and animal welfare education to the community. These services help over 76,000 pets and 29,000 pet owners annually.

Alamo Heights’ annual holiday parade and Fun Run this Saturday

holidayparade19 — Alamo Heights will have its annual holiday parade this Saturday November 23. Photo: Google

Grande Communications is an award-winning locally based broadband communications company offering internet, TV and phone services. This weekend they are once again sponsoring the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 42nd annual Holiday Parade set for Saturday November 23. New to this year, the parade is changing routes and will feature a Fun Run. Both the Parade and Fun Run will begin at Alamo Heights High School, proceed across Broadway Street along Castano Avenue and end at the intersection of Alamo Heights Boulevard and Argo Avenue. (Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, 2019)

The Holiday Parade and Fun Run will bring together neighbors in the community for the city’s biggest annual get-together to help raise funds for the Elf Louise Christmas Project, a nonprofit charity that brings Christmas to children in need. This event features a scenic .9-Mile course with holiday cookie aid stations, water stations, a champagne first aid station and a holiday party at the end that would make Santa proud. Activities at the kid-friendly party following the Parade and Fun Run will include a Moon Bounce, music, food and more. Grande is the host of the after-Parade party and will be cooking up barbeque treats. Everyone is welcome to the after-party in the parking lot of the Alamo Heights Pool.

Several local companies and organizations across the city will be participating in the parade with their own floats. Last year’s parade held a crowd of over 1,500 and showcased 40 floats and other entrants. Previous parade participants have included several Girl Scout Troops, Girls on the Run, and the 2019 Fiesta Queen. Community members are encouraged to register for the Fun Run and attend the celebration following the parade. For more information and to register, please visit the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce online.

The Fun Run will start at 5:30p.m. and will be followed immediately by the parade. The starting point will be at the Alamo Heights High School (6900 Broadway St.) parking lot at the corner of E Castano Avenue and Broadway Street, and it ends at the intersection of Alamo Height Boulevard and Argo Avenue. The after-parade party will be in the parking lot of the Alamo Heights Pool. Registration is now open for the run.

San Antonio Food Bank helping veterans this holiday season

Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. In the United States, food insecurity affects one in nine people. Food insecurity is a social determinant of health, which are conditions in people’s environment that can affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. One in five households served by a local food bank has at least one member who has served in the U.S. military. To make an impact, the San Antonio Food Bank; Humana, a leading health and well-being company; and Conviva Care Centers have partnered on a food and fund drive benefitting military veterans from Veterans Day, November 11 through December 7, 2019. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2019)

As part of the “March Out Hunger” campaign, non-perishable food will be collected at locations throughout San Antonio, including: the Humana neighborhood location (950 S. General McMullen), the Humana office, and five Conviva Care Center locations. In addition to food donations, members of the community can provide monetary donations. Every $10 donation helps the San Antonio Food Bank provide 70 meals and can be done online.

The community is also invited to participate in a Ruck March at the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon during the 5K on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30a.m. In the military, soldiers carry a heavily-loaded rucksack, similar to a backpack, over a long distance. To bring awareness to food insecurity among our military and veteran community, participants will carry packs filled with non-perishable food donations and march the 5K route, delivering the food to the San Antonio Food Bank at the finish line. Those interested in marching should email Humana.

Donation stations:
Humana neighborhood location, 950 S. General McMullen, San Antonio, TX
Humana office, 8119 Datapoint Dr., San Antonio
Conviva – Guadalupe Care Center, 1314 Guadalupe St., Ste. 105, San Antonio
Conviva – DeLeon Care Center, 9727 Poteet Jourdanton Fwy., Ste. 108, San Antonio
Conviva – Greco Care Center, 4360 Greco Drive, San Antonio
Conviva – Legacy Place Care Center, 18414 US-281 North, Ste. 104, San Antonio
Conviva – Live Oak Care Center, 12602 Toepperwein Road, Ste. 100, San Antonio

Thanksgiving specials from Bakery Lorraine and La Panaderia

panaderiacroissants — La Panaderia’s Tequila Apple Pie Croissants. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Bakery Lorraine and La Panadería are making it easier than ever to make dessert the star of the big day with delicious pies and croissants for sale. (Bakery Lorraine, La Panadería, 2019)

Bakery Lorraine will have Thanksgiving pies available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Pies can be purchased for $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Sunday, November 24. Pick up day will be Wednesday, November 27, the day before Thanksgiving and pick up time will vary based on location. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Orders can be placed on the Bakery Lorraine website under the “store” tab. From there, customers can set their preferred pick up time and location.

Pie flavors include:
- Roasted In-House Pumpkin Pie
- Dutch Apple Pie
- Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie
- Apple Cranberry with Christmas Spice

La Panaderia is serving up their scrumptious Tequila Apple Pie Croissant this Thanksgiving. The unique pastry is made with a double baking technique and filled with caramelized apples and topped with a sweet crumble. The Tequila Apple Pie Croissant is a spin on the classic American dessert and a delicious blend of cultures.

Veterans Day specials at Hopdoddy

hopdoddyclassicburger — Hopdoddy Burger Bar has a special offer for veterans this Monday November 11. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

On Monday November 11, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is honoring all veterans with a special offer. At all Hopdoddy locations, Veterans and Active Military service will receive a free Classic Burger with Cheese with a valid Military ID or Proof of Service. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Vineyard
1301 North Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 728-3800

Veterans eat free at Pluckers Wing Bar this Veterans Day

pluckerslogo — Veterans and active-duty military eat free at Pluckers Wing Bar this Veterans Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal. With a valid military ID, guests can enjoy a complimentary entree, side, and a non-alcoholic beverage from Pluckers’ extensive menu (up to $15) when dining at the restaurant. This offer is valid all day on November 11 at all Pluckers locations. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

The Pluckers menu includes their trademark wings paired with signature sauces such as Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with unique flavors, like Fire in the Hole, Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin; appetizers like Fried Pickles and Holy Macaroni; great sandwiches and burgers, like the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and jalapeños; signature salads; and epic sides like waffle fries, macaroni and cheese, and homemade potato chips.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer 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” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Veterans Day with fundraiser

bourbonwhiskey — The 2019 Red, White and Bourbon will be this Saturday November 9. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery recently announced the 2019 edition of Red, White and Bourbon, a collaborative event aimed at raising funds for the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) and provides development funding for the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, a museum dedicated to telling the human story of WWII in the Pacific. Since 1971, the Foundation has built a well-established and respected institution, which annually welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, including 15,000 middle and high school students from across the state. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2019)

To observe Veterans Day and to honor those who have served, Garrison Brothers will partner with several neighboring businesses for a day-long celebration on Saturday, November 9. Distillery regular Mike Walsh will trumpet Reveille to kick off the event at 11a.m. and blow Taps at 4p.m. to conclude the event. Red White and Bourbon will take place at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas. Guests can enjoy bourbon barrel-aged craft beer from Family Business Beer Co., hamburgers from Fischer & Weiser, cold drinks from Coca Cola and a variety of red, white and rosé wines from William Chris Vineyards, Cicada Cellars, Calais Winery and Hye Meadow Winery. 100% of sales of beer, wine and food will go directly to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Habana Cowboy will also be on site with a mobile cigar lounge. Garrison Brothers would like to thank this year’s Red, White and Bourbon sponsors – Tecovas, Mercedes of Boerne and HEB.

Patrons can dip their own red, white, and blue wax bottles at the gift shop and a portion of proceeds from the sale of each bottle will also be donated to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The museum will also have living history displays set up showcasing WWII weapons and equipment.

Only 800 tickets are available (600 online, 200 at the distillery) and are priced as follows:

$20 for adults
$10 for kids (ages 3 to 12)
$10 for Admiral Nimitz Foundation members
$5 for veterans

“The National Museum of the Pacific War is a Texas treasure. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a distinguished neighbor in our sister city of Fredericksburg. We’re excited to partner with Mercedes Benz of Boerne and Family Business Beer Co. to present Red, White, and Bourbon. They share our passion for honoring and appreciating those who have served.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery.

Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635

Inaugural Catrinas on the River Parade

dayofdeadpic — San Antonio’s first-ever Día de Los Muertos celebration will kick off with the Catrinas on the River Parade on Friday. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Actress, producer, director and philanthropist Eva Longoria will celebrate Día de Los Muertos in San Antonio as the grand marshal of the Catrinas on the River Parade. San Antonio’s first-ever Día de Los Muertos river parade, Catrinas on the River will illuminate downtown San Antonio with the spirit of the Day of the Dead this Friday, November 1 from 7p.m to 8:30p.m. (Day of the Dead San Antonio, 2019)

A Screen Actors Guild Award winner and Golden Globe nominee, Longoria is not only known for her storied acting career, but for her commitment to charitable causes. Longoria is a champion of charities and organizations supporting Latinos and has been honored several times with American Latino Media Arts awards. She was selected in 2006 as ALMA’s “person of the year.”

Presented by Day of the Dead San Antonio and co-hosted by official parade partner Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, the Catrinas on the River Parade features more than 22 barges spotlighting local San Antonio organizations, special guests and dignitaries. Unlike anything before seen on the San Antonio River, 16 of the barges are trajineras, colorful barges that mirror the flat-bottom gondola-like trajineras seen in Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site south of Mexico City. San Antonio’s famous Go Rio barges will join the trajineras for a fabulous night on the river. Both Go Rio and the San Antonio River Walk Association are partners in the parade. Seat sales for the parade benefit the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to local children. KSAT12/ABC will air the Catrinas on the River Parade live on November 1, from 7p.m. to 10p.m. The three-hour live broadcast will feature the parade, the festival opening and family fun for everyone to enjoy.

Catrinas on the River features a Catrine and Catrina. The parade’s first-ever Catrine and Catrina are Dick Tips, Chairman and CEO of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries, and his wife, Kristin Tips, the President and Funeral Director of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries. Catrines and Catrinas, elegantly dressed smiling skeleton figures, are an essential part of Day of the Dead festivities. The Tips will be featured on a special barge during the parade.

The inaugural Day of the Dead San Antonio Festival will offer free admission across all three days of celebration, November 1 through November 3. Decorative characters and engaging activities featuring live music and performances, workshops, children’s activities and Mexican food, drinks and shopping are the highlights of this family-friendly event. On Saturday November 2 there will be a Celebrate Life 5K Run-Walk at Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries South. The race will be held entirely within the cemetery, allowing runners to connect with the spirits of those who have passed. La Villita will be filled again with festive celebration glowing throughout the evening. Then the event will conclude with an afternoon of family fun and remembrance on Sunday, November 3.

Arneson River Theater
418 Villita St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Pluckers Wing Bar to host Halloween themed events

pluckersdrink — Pluckers’ Psych Frog. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Halloween festivities are in full swing at Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant and Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating by hosting Halloween-themed events: Wednesday night Live Team Trivia on 10/30 and Thursday night Pluck Hunt on 10/31 at all locations. Guests get bonus points if they come dressed in Halloween costumes. (Pluckers, 2019)

Every Wednesday, Pluckers hosts Live Team Trivia starting at 7:30p.m. and the winning team will receive a Pluckers gift card. 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. During Wednesday’s Live Team Trivia, guests will also be able to enjoy specials such as $6.75 34 oz. Mother Pluckers Mugs of Miller Lite and other specials.

Every Thursday, Pluckers hosts Pluck Hunt starting at 9p.m., where guests can participate in a scavenger-hunt style game in their seat. The host will ask teams to complete fun challenges and search for objects on their phones. The top two scoring teams and one randomly chosen team get to roll the giant dice for gift card prizes.

Highest Roll = $100 gift card
2nd Highest Roll = $50 gift card
Random Participating Team = $25 gift card