Mardi Gras treats at La Panaderia

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La Panaderia has the colorful King Cake for Mardi Gras. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission. 

With Fat Tuesday, March 5, around the corner, it is time to indulge in fun, traditional treats such as the colorful King Cake. San-Antonio-based restaurant/bakery, La Panadería is run by Mexican brothers José and David Cáceres who have always, and will always, continue to embrace bread cultura (culture). (La Panadería, 2019)

La Panadería is already known to provide San Antonians with their tortas, conchas, pan dulce and Rosca De Reyes fix all year long. For the first time ever, the bakery will be preparing a San Antonio spin on New Orleans’ traditional purple, green and gold colored King Cake. La Panadería’s ‘King Cake Rosca’ is their original Rosca de Reyes recipe with a twist: the sweet cake is covered with bright Mardi Gras-colored icing, sprinkles and filled with chocolate chips inside. For those who wish to fill up for Fat Tuesday, the special cake is available now through mid-March.

8305 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 375-6746

301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 592-6264

Celebrate Mardi Gras and Karneval at Krause’s Café

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Celebrate Mardi Gras the German way at Krause’s Café. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission. 

Krause’s Café and Biergarten in New Braunfels is celebrating Mardi Gras and Karneval by hosting Krause’s Karneval. Experience Cologne, Germany’s traditional Karneval, with six days of events leading up to Mardi Gras. Guests can expect six days of live music, traditional German fare and libations, stein holding competitions and more. There is still time to catch the celebrations. (Krause’s Café, 2019)

Inspired by the Cologne Carnival in Germany (Kölner Karneval) which is famous for lively street parties and parades, costumes, candy and flower throwing and plenty of bier in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday – the Krause’s Karneval will follow suit, replicating this popular German Carnival – New Braunfels style.

During the Rose Monday parade in Cologne, it is not uncommon to see party-goers warming up with Glühwein (hot-spiced wine) or drinking German bier from Hofbrau to Warsteine. Krause’s will be making Glühwein throughout Mardi Gras and the biergarten’s 70+ taps, including these German favorites, will be supplying the libations.

German dishes created by Chef Jeremy ‘Boomer’ Acuna will include the Solm’s Platter which pays homage to the German founder of the town or the new Indianola Platter, both great for large Mardi Gras party-goers. Locals who want to get in their Fat Tuesday indulgences in can expect Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, kartoffel poppers and select food and drink specials.

Saturday, March 2
7p.m. – Tapping of the keg
7p.m. to 10p.m. – live music by AlpenMusikanten
8:30p.m. – Masskrugstemmen competition

Sunday, March 3
4p.m. to 6p.m. – March Dachshund Races and Humane Society of New Braunfels adoption event. Watch dachshunds race their way to the finish line on the turf patio. Dog dress up is encouraged because Krause’s awards trophies for Best Costume, Cutest Pup and Best Trick at every race – no registration required.

Monday, March 4
3p.m. to 6p.m. – Pups & Pints Happy Hour featuring Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas, Texas Husky Rescue, Barking Bad Bakery, and New Braunfels Puppy Playland.

Fat Tuesday, March 5
6p.m. to 9p.m. – live music by Honky Tonk Saints
Food and drink specials like Shiner Beer

Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Texas Independence

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Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Texas Independence with style. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, recently announced its plans to celebrate Texas Independence Day in three big ways: The Bourbon Takeover of Texas – a five-day culinary event leading up to March 2, Texas Independence Day; The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl – a statewide bartender contest; and Liberations & Libations – an authentically Texan day party at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2019)

The Bourbon Takeover of Texas consists of five days of more than 50 distinguished bars and restaurants across the state featuring culinary and mixological specials that include Garrison Brothers’ Small Batch Bourbon. These limited-time offerings will be available at select establishments in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio from Sunday, February 24 through Saturday, March 2. The Garrison Brothers team will visit every participating location to taste, critique, examine and enjoy each cocktail, considering its potential for advancement to the second round of The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl, a statewide, high-stakes bartender competition with a $10,000 cash prize. The $10,000 cash prize will be paid out by Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501(c)3 public charity founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018.

Liberations & Libations will be a more localized celebration of Texas Independence. Taking place in the heart of downtown Austin at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, the day party is scheduled to take place from 7:30a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Texas-born businesses will showcase their hand-crafted products while Texas chefs and beverage-makers serve bourbon-infused brunch bites in the spacious ballroom. Tasting wristbands will be available for $25 and will include eight food and drink tickets. The party will take a brief recess from noon until 3p.m. and will kick off again with a happy hour from 3p.m. to 6p.m. Afternoon attractions include passed bourbon-infused bites by Chef Bryan Gibson, a roaming “redneck mariachi” duo and a silent auction benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. A live auction will also be held at 5p.m. for an entire barrel of the award-winning Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon.

“Texas Independence Day…. also commemorates the day we released our very first batch of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon back in 2010. In keeping with tradition, we’ve released the current year’s vintage on this holiday every year since. This year we’re going all out, and we hope you celebrate with us at one of our three major events throughout Texas. Salud.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery

National Margarita Day is Friday February 22

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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

Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar has been celebrating all week with drinks specials.

Fast Eddie’s San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX

7616 Culebra Rd #103
San Antonio, TX

502 Embassy Oaks
San Antonio, TX

11221 Perrin Beitel
San Antonio, TX

Valentine’s Day cocktail recipes from Twang

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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.

Pearl to host Valentine’s Day edition of Sound Cream Sunset Sessions

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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 to host Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration

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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

Valentine’s Day specials from San Antonio restaurants

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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:

• Blueberry Mouse
• Tres Chocolates Mouse
• Tequila Tres Leches
• Baby Cheese Cake
• Raspberry Heart
• Flan Napolitano

Valentine’s Day packages at Hiatus Spa+ Retreat

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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

Super Bowl with Shake Shack San Antonio

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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