Hopddody Burger Bar will have drinks specials to help celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hopddody BurgerBar, used with permission.
National Margarita Day is this Friday February 22 and here are two ways to celebrate in San Antonio. (Hopddody Burger Bar, Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar, 2019)
Celebrate National Margarita Day this Friday with Hopddody Burger Bar specials. On Friday, Hopdoddy will be offering $2 Little Larry (Mini-Classic Frozen Margarita Topped with Grand Marnier) and $5 Classic Frozen Margaritas (Gold Tequila, Fresh Citrus Juices, Triple Sec, Black Lava Salt Rim, Served Icy & Delicious) all day. The Austin-based burger chain has a total of 31 locations in seven states.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337
Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is Thursday February 14 and nothing goes better with romance than cocktail drinks. These last-minute recipes from the good folks at Twang guarantee that anyone can create colorful cocktails with red and pink hues in the comfort of their own homes. They include various regional spirits like Deep Eddy Vodka, Seer Sucker Gin and Dulce Vida Tequila. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in Texas. Twang’s product lines include Twang-A-Rita, Beer Salt and more designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores and online. (Twang, 2019)
Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
• 1 oz green apple liqueur
• 1 oz Deep Eddy Peach Vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• Orange wedge, for garnish Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
2. Pour the liqueur and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice
3. Top with cranberry juice and stir
4. Garnish with orange wedge
Raspberry Gin Fizz with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
• ½ cup fresh raspberries
• ½ oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. Seersucker Original Southern Style Gin
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• Topo Chico Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle raspberries in lime juice
3. Add gin and simple syrup and half a cup of ice and shake
4. Strain into a rocks glass and top with Topo Chico.
5. Garnish with lime wedge.
Galentine’s Day Pink Drink with Twang-A-Rita Citrusplash Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrusplash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec Directions:
1. Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrusplash
2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec and tequila. Stir to combine.
3. Garnish with lemon wedge.
Sound Cream Airstream returns this Thursday, Valentine’s Day with DJ JJ Lopez. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce that Sound Cream Airstream is returning for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Sound Cream Sunset Sessions. On Thursday, February 14 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m., DJ JJ Lopez will spin ‘Love Songs and Dedications’ throughout the evening to celebrate the holiday devoted to romance. Sound Cream Sunset Sessions is a dance party and DJ showcase, featuring every genre from Cuban salsa to House, mixed by locals and guest DJs from across the country. This event is free and open to the public. (Pearl, 2019)
Sweethearts, families and friends are invited to enjoy an evening on the lawn listening to their favorite love songs by DJ JJ Lopez. The featured artist grew up in a conjunto-loving family but got into music in 1989 when he started seeing DJs at dance clubs in Corpus Christi. He became a club DJ in 1995 and traveled the world checking out DJ culture and dance music scenes. He went through the music business program at San Antonio College and was a DJ on SAC’s KSYM.
Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
Pluckers Wing Bar’s Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration is this Thursday February 14. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
Pluckers Wing Bar is excited to announce the return of their infamous Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration, which features $1 Bud Lights and 75-cent wings all night on Thursday, February 14 at all Texas locations. (Pluckers, 2019)
The Pluckers menu includes their trademark wings paired with signature sauces such as Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, Spicy Ranch and 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.
The Pluckers app is now available on iTunes and Google Play – a treat for current and aspiring Pluckers club members. Members can now ditch the Pluckers Club card and explore more ways than ever to earn points and keep up with the latest specials, events and competitions.
Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154
Bakery Lorraine has Valentine’s Day pastries any valentine would love. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, local businesses are offering special deals to make the day memorable, including Bakery Lorraine, Culinary Institute of America Bakery Café, Davila’s BBQ, Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at Esquire Tavern, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar and La Panaderia. (2019)
Bakery Lorraine
For someone looking to spoil their loved one with sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday. From Thursday, February 14th through Sunday, February 17th, Bakery Lorraine will have Valentine’s Day themed sweets at their San Antonio and Austin Locations.
• Strawberry Pop Hearts
• Raspberry Rose Japonaise
• Red Fruit Tart (topped with all raspberries)
• Heart Moonpies (chocolate shortbread with a house made marshmallow filling dipped in chocolate)
• Grapefruit Tiramisu (available now through 2/17)
• Chocolate Turtle Tart (available now through 2/17)
• Red Velvet Cake (available now through 2/17)
• Lemon Cake (available now through 2/17)
Culinary Institute of America Bakery Café
The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio Campus started its annual pop-up bakery just in time for Valentine’s Day. The pop-up runs from January 28 through April 11 in the new Savor space. The bakery will offer sweet treats like alfajores, traditional shortbread cookies with a dulce de leche filling that are popular throughout Latin America for $3.50, in addition to other traditional sweets that are perfect to pick up for loved ones.
Davila’s BBQ
Will host a steak dinner for two on Valentine’s Day from 4p.m. to 9p.m. Although steak is not typically on the dinner menu, Davila’s BBQ will offer two steaks from a local vendor, grilled with mesquite wood along with a loaded baked potato and grilled vegetables for $29.99. There will be additional sides and dessert available for purchase.
Esquire Tavern & Downstairs at Esquire Tavern
This Valentine’s Day, The Esquire Tavern & Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern will welcome guests into a flower-filled space and will offer a $20 discount on all bottles of wine, including Downstairs at Esquire’s expertly curated Champagne list.
Krause’s Café and Biergarten Krause’s Café and Biergarten in New Braunfels is celebrating Valentine’s Day with shopping, a special dinner and live music. Visit the pavilion for Krause’s Valentine’s Market on February 14 where guests swinging by the market can shop for their sweethearts. Krause’s Café in partnership with Seekatz Opera House is also hosting You, Your Loved One, and Kinky – a three-course dinner with Sliced Roast Sirloin Beef as the main. This Valentine’s Day dinner features other homemade food from Krause’s, like buttermilk pie for dessert and entertainment from well-known country musician, Kinky Friedman.
Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
Will host a pre-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner on Thursday, February 14th. Reservations will be required for the Dinner with pricing at $45 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will consist of three courses with options that include, but not limited to, House Smoked Salmon with wild onion capers, dill and seed toast, a Cauliflower Soup with crispy kale and valley lemons and Fried Chicken with green garlic, grilled bok choy with crispy rice. Dessert will be included with a Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart and Vanilla Semifreddo on the menu. Meadow has also partnered with Hayward Gaude Photography for Valentine’s Day and they will be offering discounts on couple photography sessions while supplies last.
For those that wish to celebrate Galentine’s Day or do not have time to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, Meadow will host two additional pre-fixe dinners on Tuesday, February 12th and Wednesday, February 13th. Pricing for the pre-fixe menu is at $35 per person plus tax and gratuity with an optional $15 wine pairing. The early Valentine’s Day menu will consist of two courses with options like Arugula Salad with shaved root vegetables, persimmon vinaigrette and Texas Chevre Cheese, Dean + Peeler New York Strip with sweet potato croquette, kale and black garlic. Dessert will be includes a Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart and Vanilla Semifreddo on the menu.
La Panaderia La Panaderia will offer a select dessert special, Con Amor, February 11 through 17 for $6.50. Con Amor can pair perfectly with a beverage including a mimosa, rosé, or champagne (prices on beverages vary). La Panaderia will also be offering the following desserts in addition to its Raspberry Hearts that are available for a limited time only:
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has several packages perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for anyone looking for gift ideas, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering hard to resist gift packages. Located at the Pearl, these include monthly retreats and packages for a significant other or for themselves. Either way, anyone is sure to appreciate a day at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)
The Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you.
$179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)
The Love Everlasting
Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle, the spa lifestyle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit* as a gift.
$69/month on credit card
The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours, Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave guests glowing. Four hours.
$349 | $287 H-Circle ($410 value)
The Sweethearts’ Retreat
Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with a house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter. Surprises await the happy couple, too.
75 minutes, $325 per couple | $249 H-Circle
February Monthly Retreat: “Ambrosia”
The Nectar of the Gods inspired our February’s seductive Monthly Retreat – Ambrosia. After a full body exfoliation ritual, skin is treated with a nourishing mask of Rose Powder, Geranium and sweet Tangerine essences. Once the gentle rain of the Vichy comes to a close, a light treatment of herbal moisturizing tonic is massage into the skin. It all ends with a relaxing Rose Water Cocktail.
80 minutes, $195 | H-Circle members $139
Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355
Shake Shack has specials deals to make Super Bowl parties to make parties easier to host. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.
Shake Shack knows that hosting a big party is a lot of work and they are excited to announce that for the 2019 Super Bowl they will be offering $5 off every $20 spent. Guests can start placing their orders the morning of Sunday, February 3 just in time to kick-off Super Bowl Sunday. The offer is redeemable online only using promo code GOBOSTON + GOLA – root for your team by picking which code to use. The promotion is available at ALL Shacks except for those in ballparks, stadiums, and airports and valid only on February 3. (Shake Shack, 2019)
Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. It is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs, 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal.
Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770
Spicy Street Corn Dip recipe courtesy of Twang. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Twang has recipes perfect for Super Bowl Sunday that make snacks tasty and easy for hosts/hostesses to prepare or for guests bring for Super Bowl watch parties. Watching the Super Bowl goes hand in hand with snacking and Twang, the family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts and sugars based in San Antonio, makes seasonings designed to spruce up favorite snacks. ZAS! is a super seasoning line of blends that enhance the natural flavor of food and each is inspired by flavors from around the world. ZAS! is sure to add an extra kick to salsas and dips and take Super Bowl snacking to the next level. ZAS! is available for purchase online and through Amazon. (Twang, 2019)
Spicy Street Corn Dip
Ingredients:
3 ears of corn
2 T butter, melted
1 T ZAS! Chili Lime
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
4 oz. Cotija cheese (or queso fresco), crumbled
½ cup sour cream
2 T hot sauce
½ cup red onion, diced
1 T jalapeno, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ea. Lime juice
Cilantro and crema for garnish, if desired.
Instructions:
1. Cook corn as desired (grill, roast, boil, etc.). Cut the kernels off the cob and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add butter, ZAS! Chili Lime, cream cheese, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, cotija cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, red onion, jalapeno, garlic and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes and garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of crema, if desired.
Tip: Serve warm with tortilla chips.
ZAS! Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese
In this dish, creamy cheese and roasted hatch complement each other to turn a classic dish into a new favorite.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb. uncooked elbow pasta
• 4 tbsp. butter melted
• 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
• 8 oz can hatch chilis
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cup Whole milk
• 2 cup Sharp cheddar Cheese grated
• 2 cup Mild Cheddar cheese grated
• 2 cup Colby jack cheese grated
• 4 tsp ZAS! Hatch Chile Super Seasoning
Instructions:
1.Set oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to box until al dente.
2.In a small bowl toss together melted butter, bread crumbs and 2 tsp ZAS! Hatch Chile Super Seasoning and set aside.
3.In a medium saucepan melt 3 tbsp. butter. Add flour and whisk until roux paste forms. Slowly add milk and whisk until slight boil begins.
4.Remove milk mixture from heat, add in all three cheeses and 2 tsp ZAS! Hatch Chile Super Seasoning. Stir until melted.
5.In large bowl pour cheese mixture over cooked drained pasta and stir until combined.
6.Spray a 9X13 cooking pan and fill with macaroni. Sprinkle panko bread crumb mixture on top.
7.Bake for 15 minutes then broil for 2-3. Serve immediately.
Pluckers is now taking orders for Super Bowl party food. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
With the Super Bowl coming up February 3, hosting a viewing party is hard work. Why not let Pluckers do all the cooking so everyone can relax and enjoy the big game in style? Beginning Sunday, January 27, Pluckers will be taking pre-orders for their entire menu for Game Day at ALL Texas locations. Orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and all pre-orders will be taken online. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)
Pluckers has all the great wing flavors, in addition to a few unique ones such as:
• Dr. Pepper
• Manganero: Mango + Habanero
• Ginger Peach Sriracha
• Spicy Mandarin
• Gochujang: a savory and sweet Korean BBQ sauce
Pluckers will begin accepting reservations on January 27 for guests who want to watch the game in-store at any Texas location. Reservations will be available for $10 per seat and guests must reserve the entire table. Guests can call their desired location to make a reservation which will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
The New Year’s Day Brunch at COVER 3 includes the Migas, among other delicious selections. Photo: Kirsten Kaiser, used with permission.
Christmas has come and gone and with the new year around the corner, San Antonians are looking for things to do on New Year’s Eve and New Years Day. Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar, Hotel Emma’s Sternewirth, The Esquire Tavern, Downstairs at The Esquire, COVER 3 and Pluckers Wing Bar have special events planned for anyone looking to celebrate in style. From parties the night before to New Year’s Day brunch, there is something for everyone. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar, Hotel Emma’s Sternewirth, The Esquire Tavern, Downstairs at The Esquire, COVER 3, Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)
Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Barwill host a pre-fixe New Year’s Eve Dinner on Monday, December 31 from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Reservations will be required for the dinner with pricing at $65 per person plus tax and gratuity. A wine pairing option is available for an additional $35. The dinner menu will consist of five courses with options that include Dean + Peeler Beef Carpaccio with pickled cauliflower, red onion and salsa verde, Texas Citrus Salad with arugula and crispy shallots, Gulf Coast Flounder with Barton Springs Mill barely, grill kale and champagne caper butter, Chocolate Ganache Tart with Texas pecan crumble and dried cherry puree and more.
Hotel Emma’sSternewirth will have a New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in the New Year with style. The party will kick off at 9p.m. and run until 2a.m. A classic black and white theme will be set for the night and guests are encouraged to dress accordingly. There will be a $25 cover that includes festive party favors and an evening of live Latin Jazz by Henry Brun. Guests who have booked rooms receive two complimentary admissions per room.
The Esquire Tavern & Downstairs at The Esquire will be ringing in 2019 on New Year’s Eve in style with a complimentary sparkling wine toast at midnight and offering $20 off of all bottles of sparkling wine for the night, including Downstairs’ extensive grower Champagne list. Reservations are available and recommended for both venues.
COVER 3 invites patrons to celebrate the first day of 2019 with their classic brunch. From 11a.m.to 3p.m. on Tuesday January 1, guests can enjoy select brunch items including Chilaquiles, Migas, Green Chile Beef Breakfast Enchiladas and Chicken Tinga Breakfast Enchiladas. Brunch will also feature COVER 3’s beloved U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar. The Bubbles Bar is a standalone station featuring four make-your-own mimosa options with cranberry, orange, grapefruit, peach nectar and pomegranate flavors as well as fresh fruit and juices; the Bloody Mary Bar offers a selection of mixes and condiments ranging from Applewood Smoked Bacon, House-Pickled Veggies, Jalapeños, Stuffed Olives and more.
Pluckers Wing Bar has a new way to celebrate New Year’s resolutions and is excited to announce the first ever Anti-Resolution event taking place on January 1 through January 6 at all locations. The Anti-Resolution specials include 50% off desserts and $1 addition on price for salads. The extra dollar will be donated to the Firefly Fund, a Texas nonprofit with a primary goal to finance the acceleration of research needed to find a cure for Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1). NPC1 is a rare disease that is estimated to affect only 1 in 150,000 people. NPC1 belongs to a larger group of more than 50 disorders known as lysosomal storage disorders. Patients with the disease are unable to make functional NPC1 protein which results in cell death and leads to irreversible organ damage, including brain damage.
SA Examiner 