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.
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
SA Examiner 