Pluckers is hosting a holiday lunch this Saturday for families of Boysville. Photo: Pluckers, used with permission.
In the spirit of the holiday season, local businesses often give back to the community by hosting events, volunteering and giving out gifts. Pluckers Wing Bar is excited to announce that they will spread holiday cheer by providing lunch for families from Boysville at the Pluckers Selma location on Saturday, December 22 at 12p.m. This year, employees from the Selma, San Marcos and Oak Hill locations will donate holiday gifts for children who attend the holiday lunch. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)
Boysville is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide a safe family environment for children in need by offering food, shelter, clothing, medical services and education services. Boysville is able to provide the basic necessities needed to make the child feel safe and comfortable and teach them to become an active part of society.
Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year, opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Pluckers is known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces. It has the perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for sports fans to keep up with their favorite sports teams and games. Offering 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” in 2017 and 2018 by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”
Pluckers San Antonio
14881 Interstate 35 N
Selma, TX 78154
Bakery Lorraine has gingerbread macarons available. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Area restaurants and bars are having Christmas specials to make the season merrier. More details are available online. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar, Bakery Lorraine, Krause’s Café, Supper at Hotel Emma, Esquire Tavern, 2018)
MEADOW NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY + BAR
This Sunday December 23 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. is the final Santa Brunch. It will feature holiday cocktails including hot toddies, bourbon eggnog, peppermint Irish coffee and cranberry mimosas that pair perfectly with brunch staples at Meadow. Parents can enjoy brunch while the kids enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus for pictures. There will also be sugar cookies for the kids to decorate while they wait. All images will be sent by email and can be used for holiday cards, printing and more. Images with Santa are free with a brunch reservation.
Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar will host a pre-fixe Christmas Eve Dinner on Monday, December 24 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Reservations will be required for Christmas Eve Dinner with pricing at $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will have several options that include Fried Chicken with braised greens, chow chow and hot sauce honey, Striped Bass with hoppin’ John, grilled bok choy and radish, Eight Layer Chocolate Cake with candied orange and Montenegro and more. There will also be a children’s menu available.
Meadow will have a full Christmas meal available for order. The meal feeds 10 people for $135 and includes a honey baked ham dinner, roasted Brussel sprouts with dried cherries and pecans, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, Texas mushroom gratin and Bread Box dinner rolls. Orders can be placed now until Thursday, December 20. Pick up will be Monday, December 24. Meadow will be closed on Christmas Day.
BAKERY LORRAINE
Will have pies, Buche de Noels and limited-edition holiday-themed macaron boxes available for order at all of their locations across the city and in Austin. Inside the Buche de Noels are a vanilla mousse, cherry compote and a chocolate sponge soaked with kirsch syrup. This is by special order only for $45 and are now available for pickup. The pies will be $26 each and customers are able to place orders now through Thursday, December 20. Pick up day will be Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve. There will be additional pies for sale that Wednesday on a first come first serve basis. Bakery Lorraine will also have newly released, house-made jams that make excellent stocking stuffers. They are priced at $6 each and flavors include Raspberry Hibiscus and Spiced Mango and Guava.
KRAUSE’S CAFE
Jolly ‘Krause Klaus’ will visit Krause’s Café throughout the month of December and prices for getting a picture taken with Santa are $10 and $5 for reprints. Bring the family and enjoy a German platter while getting Christmas photos done. Families can enjoy a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist, groups can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85). Krause’s Café also recently launched hot winter drinks for adults including a Hot Toddy, German Glühwein (mulled wine), Salted Caramel and Cream, Spiked Hot Chocolate and more. Homemade hot chocolate for the children is now available too.
SUPPER AT HOTEL EMMA
Will host a Christmas Eve dinner featuring a whole bronzino special, available from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Chef John Brand has curated an exclusive menu that highlights the silver-skinned, European fish. Holiday inspired sides will accompany the Bronzino, creating a unique Christmas Eve dish.
ESQUIRE TAVERN/DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio based upon a recipe which dates to the 1700s. It was common to prepare Egg Nog well in advance of consumption of holiday libations and this year’s Egg Nog was made in November. Esquire’s Egg Nog will have rested for a little over a month developing complexity before guests can get their hands on it, beginning on December 18 while supplies last and available at both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar and eggs and it is spiced with cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.
Esquire Tavern’s cocktail menu features other festive cocktail choices like a traditional Hot Toddy. A staple for cold weather and the holidays, Esquire’s Hot Toddy is $9; cozy up with the spirit of choice: apple brandy, bourbon whiskey, or esquire rum blend no. 9 with honey, lemon, allspice; served warm.
SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa is having its Christmas Day Feast on December 25. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.
Christmas Day is fast approaching and for those who prefer to eat out on the big day, SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa will be having a Christmas Day Feast on December 25 from 11a.m. to 8p.m. Price is $65 for adults, $26 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Reservations available through open table or by calling (210) 558-2479. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2018)
Christmas Day Feast Menu: Raw Bar
Crab claws
Gulf oysters on the half shell
Old Bay Poached Gulf Shrimp
Chipotle cocktail sauce, mignonette & lemon aioli
Cheese & Charcuterie
Selection of regional cheeses
House made & locally sourced cured meats
Pickled vegetables, Dark ale grain mustard, seasonal preserves
Candied pecans & Texas wildflower honey
Assorted breads & crackers
Salad Table
Spinach & frisee, pomegranate, butternut squash, feta cheese, molasses dressing
Local greens & charred endive, walnuts, green apples, parmesan, cider vinaigrette
Broccoli, country ham, cherry tomatoes, grilled onion, house ranch
Carving Station
Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast & turkey roulade, cranberry sauce & giblet gravy
Salt & Herb Crusted Prime Rib, creamed horseradish & au jus
Porchetta, fall fruit chutney
Twang products make fun holiday host or hostess gifts or easy stocking stuffers. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Twang, a family owned business based in San Antonio, is rooted in the Latin tradition of adding citrus and salt to food and beer; this drink ritual can be observed on the streets of Mexico and Texas. Gift ideas for the holiday season for cocktail enthusiasts and beer drinking friends include cocktail rimming blends to beer salt. Twang brands make for fun holiday host or hostess gifts, colorful party punch or easy stocking stuffers. (Twang, 2018)
Twang-A-Rita ($3.99 per bag) is a cocktail rimming blend made of cane sugar and kosher salt. Impress guests with festive winter cocktail recipes enhanced by Twang-a-Rita. Beer Salt ($12 for a 6 count) is a citrus-flavored salt used to dress the rim of longnecks and beer mugs. Twang’s products are the perfect stocking stuffers and conversation starters at Christmas parties or Secret Santa exchanges. Various Twang brands are sold in 46 states across the country and can be purchased online, on Amazon and in stores like H-E-B and Walmart.
Recipes: TWANG CRANBERRY MIMOSA
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
• Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
• Simple syrup
• 1-part Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka
• 2 parts cranberry juice
• 1-part brut champagne
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
1. Place Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime on a small plate. Rim glasses with simple syrup then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
2. Pour Deep Eddy Cranberry in a champagne flute, then pour cranberry juice and top with champagne.
3. Serve immediately. Garnish with cranberries.
TWANG WINTER MARGARITA
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
• 4 oz. coconut milk
• 2 oz. tequila
• ½ cup ice
• 2 oz. fresh orange juice
• 1 oz. cup Triple Sec
• Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
Instructions
1. Combine coconut milk, tequila, ice, orange juice and Triple Sec in a shaker. Blend until smooth.
2. Place Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around rims of glass and then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
3. Pour margarita into the glasses and enjoy.
Make gift giving easier with Hiatus Spa + Retreat. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
This holiday gift giving season, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has customized holiday packages and specials to cater to that special someone. From the Merry & Bright, to the Warm & Cozy, these spa deals are perfect for anyone who loves to be pampered. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)
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—to make it a special day. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
The Mistletoe Kiss
Right place, right time. Start with a reinvigorating Monthly Retreat and after a cocktail, settle in for The Best Facial Ever. 3 hours, $319 (value, $380)
The Peace, Love, & Joy
The 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. 3.5 hours, $269 ($320 value)
Let It Glow! Let It Glow! Let It Glow!
The Body Glow, The Spotlight Massage (30 minutes) and The Sparkler Facial (60 minutes) will combine their magical powers to warm anyone up and give them a rosy glow to fight off even the chilliest winter days. 2+ hours, $239 ($290 value)
The Warm & Cozy
The Hot Stone Massage (90 minutes) is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi for some serious self-care, feel-good me-time. A nap and a hot toddy? Score. 3 hours, $219 ($275 value)
Hiatus also has these four unique new services available:
• The Epic Mani-Pedi: Seasonal ingredients and a handcrafted polish exfoliate hands and feet; deep hydration renews dry soles and an extra massage with hot stone. Sparkly new nails – and bubbly – are the grand finale. It’s just that. Epic. (110 minutes $140; H-Circle $109)
• The Turkish Delight: Transports guests to a Turkish hammam. Includes alternating bowls of warm water, minty suds, a full-body clay mask, a drizzle of warm body oil and a head-to-toe massage. (80 minutes $175; H-Circle $129)
• The Perfect Body Lift: Lift body and soul with this anti-aging, micro-circulating treatment focused on cellulite deposits and less-than-tone skin. Helps stimulate, lift, tighten and revitalize the contouring areas of the body. (60 minute $155; H-Circle $119)
• Brow and Lash Love:
o Brow or Lash Tint ($30 | add-on $25)
o Brow and Lash Tint ($50 | add-on $40)
o H-Circle members receive 20% off
Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355
The Old West Christmas Light Fest is now open until December 30. Photo: Old West Christmas Light Fest, used with permission.
Old West Christmas Light Fest brings the holidays to life with drive-thru light displays and an Old West town filled with lights, music, food and fun and now it is at all-new location, Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Hwy 46 W in Boerne. Guests can enjoy dazzling lights, visit Santa, snap holiday photos and play games and other family friendly activities as Christmas Light Fest celebrates five years of bringing holiday magic to San Antonio and the Hill Country. (Old West Christmas Light Fest, 2018)
The 2018 event is open from 6p.m. to 10p.m., Thursday through Sunday evening until Sunday, December 16 and EVERY night December 20 to December 29 including Christmas Eve and Christmas night.
Spread throughout a 40-building Old West town brought to life with the magic of holiday lights, activities include drive-thru light displays, walk-around lights and experiences in a recreated Old West town, featuring a walk-through light tunnel, family games, a light maze for kids, a scavenger hunt, a mechanical bull ride, trampoline bungee jumping, cookie decorating, holiday movies, face painting, ornament decorating and more. There is live music every Saturday night and Santa is at his favorite ranch to hear holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Photos with Santa are free.
Tickets are available online and are $15 per adult and $10 per child ages four and older. Children under four are free. Tickets at the gate are $17 per adult and $12 per child (tax included). A Family 5-Pack is available online only for $49. Members of the military—active duty, guard, reserves and all retired service members—as well as first responders and their families receive a $5 discount throughout the holiday season. Guests who bring a nonperishable item to donate to the San Antonio Food Bank and receive $2 off their ticket. Season passes are also available for $45 per person. Onsite parking is free.
Old West Christmas Light Fest
Enchanted Springs Ranch (exit 540 off of I-10)
242 Hwy 46 W
Boerne, TX 78006
Pluckers Wing Bar’s infamous sauces are available for gift giving this holiday season. Photo: Pluckers, used with permission.
Pluckers Wing Bar recently launched their mobile application, now available on Google Play and iTunes, that allows Pluckers fans to order takeout, unlock new challenges and earn points. Just in time for the holidays, Pluckers Wing Bar is thrilled to announce that they will be running a holiday promotion through Christmas Eve on e-gift cards that can be purchased directly from the app or online, as well as physical gift cards available in-store. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2018)
e-Gift Cards:
When a guest purchases an e-Gift card of $25 or more, 20% will be gifted to the purchaser’s Pluckers card on January 1, 2019.
Physical Gift Cards:
When a guest purchases a physical gift card of $50 or more, 10% will be gifted to the purchaser’s physical gift card on January 1, 2019.
The Pluckers’ Club card, signature rewards program and membership, can be purchased on the app for just $20 — members can enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials, and more. The Pluckers Club (Lite) is free on iTunes and Google Play and will allow users to partake in the challenges but does not include the membership perks.
Pluckers Wing Bar’s infamous sauces are perfect for gifting. Known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces, Pluckers Wing Bar sells their most-popular sauces at all restaurants and online for $5.99 each.
Flavors include:
• Honey BBQ
• Spicy BBQ
• Baker’s Gold
• Buffalo: Hot, Medium, Mild
• Fire in the Hole
Pluckers Wing Bar is known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces. It has the perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for sports fans to keep up with their favorite sports teams and games. The iconic menu includes fan favorites like Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni – fried macaroni and cheese, the Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions and jalapeños, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich – fried chicken breast tossed in wing sauce topped with a choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Wings are available in bone, boneless or grilled and paired with signature sauces like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang and Spicy Mandarin.
Doc Watkins’ Big Band Holiday Classics Concert is this Sunday December 9 at Pearl Park. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to present Doc Watkins’ Big Band Holiday Classics Concert this Sunday December 9 at 7:30p.m. at Pearl Park. Guests are invited to experience Watkins and a stellar line-up of San Antonio musical talent for an evening of big band holiday classic songs. The performance recreates Doc’s soon-to-be released and much anticipate album Doc Watkins Christmas in Jazz, TX. Alongside members of the San Antonio Symphony, Doc sings Silver Bells, White Christmas and other classic holiday standards. This event is free and open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase at the Bottling Department. (Pearl, 2018)
As part of the holiday programming, starting Wednesday, December 5, Pearl celebrates the tradition of Christmas Caroling with choirs from several local schools and organizations including Lamar Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Northwest Hills Baptist Church (Kidz Music Club), San Antonio Chamber Choir, Chantez Nouvelle and more. The dates for Christmas Caroling include December 5, 11, 12, 17 and 18. Times vary, please check Pearl’s social media and website for more information. This event is also free and open to the public.
Celebrate National Repeal Day on Wednesday December 5 at Sternewirth at Hotel Emma. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.
National Repeal Day celebrates the Repeal of Prohibition, or the end of the great experiment, and the return of legal alcohol sales. This year, Repeal Day will be observed on Wednesday December 05, 2018. The Repeal of Prohibition in the United States was accomplished with the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 5, 1933. The Esquire Tavern and Hotel Emma will be holding events on Wednesday to commemorate the big day.
The Esquire Tavern is excited to invite all of San Antonio to party like it’s 1933 and celebrate the establishment’s 85th birthday at a timeless bash on Wednesday, December 5, the day recognized as ‘Repeal Day’ throughout history. To commemorate 85 years of providing downtown San Antonio with exquisite classic cocktails and delectable tavern food, the oldest bar on the Riverwalk will host an evening of revelry. Guests can expect entertainment including live music, a fortune teller, burlesque performances and plenty of the Esquire’s classic, prohibition-era cocktails like its famous Old-Fashioned. A variety of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be shared throughout the night. Reservations are encouraged and available for both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at The Esquire. (The Esquire Tavern, 2018)
Special guests include Stars and Garters Burlesque accompanied by live music from The Dirty River Dixie Band. Chef Brooke Smith’s full menu will be available until 11p.m., including Esquire favorites like the Chicken Chalupitas in addition to the recently updated seasonal menu featuring new items like her savory Artichoke Dip and Grits and Grillades. The mysterious Shaman-like, ‘Brujo Jerry’ will be inhabiting Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern for the evening to share his revelatory visions of the future. Patrons are encouraged to celebrate their right to drink alcohol and visit Downstairs for the best Grower Champagne list in town, paired with house-prepared charcuterie and oysters on the half-shell. Everyone is invited. The event is from 7p.m. to midnight and the entertainment begins at 8p.m.
The Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Hotel Emma is hosting a National Repeal Day event at Sternewirth from 6p.m. to 10p.m. The evening will feature drink specials and Jazz Age music by award-winning artist Henry Brun. The public is invited to toast the end of prohibition and celebrate the freedom to drink and be merry this holiday season. The staff will dress the part in era-appropriate attire for an authentic Roaring Twenties feel. New features include speedier drink service courtesy of a new service bar and a new mezzanine seating area, where there is space for every reveler. The event is free and open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)
The exclusive drink specials include:
• Gin Martini – Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters $8
• House Bubbles – $8
• Aviation – Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon $9
• Sazerac – Rye, Peychauds Bitters, Absinthe $9
Sternewirth Tavern & Club Room,
136 E. Grayson St.
San Antonio TX 78215
La Cantera Resort & Spa will host Gingerbread Decorating Parties to benefit SA YOUTH. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
La Cantera Resort & Spa is having Gingerbread Decorating Parties this month at the San Gabriel Meeting Room to benefit SA YOUTH and children and adults can both participate in this sweet event. La Cantera Resort will provide the home-made, ready to assemble house and resort Pastry Chefs will offer decorating tips while guests provide the creativity. These decorating parties are set for Thursday, December 6 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. and Saturdays, December 8, 15 and 22 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)
Gingerbread Houses are $50 each and may be reserved by calling (210) 558-2247 or emailing the recreation department. Ten dollars from every Gingerbread House purchased will benefit SA YOUTH. SA YOUTH’s mission is to develop the character, strengths, talents and skills of San Antonio’s high-risk urban youth through fun, safe experiences, positive learning environments and holistic programs that inspire everyone to fulfill their potential personally and in the community. More information holiday events is available online.
La Cantera Resort & Spa
San Gabriel Meeting Room
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500
SA Examiner 