Category: Holiday themed events

Cinco De Mayo Cocktails

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‘Batman of Mexico’ at Downstairs at Esquire. Photo: Kody Melton, used with permission.

With Cinco De Mayo right around the corner, some cocktail bars choose to celebrate the holiday by incorporating the rich influence of Mexican spirits into their cocktail menus. Three of those are in San Antonio, a city known for its Mexican influence in food and drinks, and include Downstairs at Esquire, Esquire Tavern and El Mirador. Beverage Director Houston Eaves helps lead a beverage program that thoughtfully creates cocktails in ways that both utilize Mexican ingredients in a playful way while others reflect and pay homage to the rich Mexican history associated with San Antonio. In honor of Cinco De Mayo, here are some recipes, each with a clever story or character inspiring them. (Downstairs at Esquire, Esquire Tavern, El Mirador, 2018)

‘BATMAN OF MEXICO’ AT DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Named for Dr. Rodrigo Medellín, a Mexican Conservationist and Ecologist known as the ‘Batman of Mexico’ for his academic work studying bats. Dr. Medellín is co-founder of the Bat-Friendly Tequila & Mezcal Program, which is studying the relationship between agaves and their main pollinator, bats. This program looks at how the Tequila industry can help impact populations of migrating bats by allowing a portion of their plants to flower each year.

Ingredients:
2 oz. Siembra Valles High Proof Blanco Tequila
.75 oz. Fresh corn/chile syrup
.75 oz. Key Lime juice
Shake ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with sal de chapulín. Garnish with Bat Signal.

‘TEXECUTIONER’ AT ESQUIRE TAVERN
Named after Texas politician Rick Perry, Wahaka’s brazen espadín serves as an herbal fortitude for this memorable mix. Crafted in 2011 by bartender Houston Eaves during his time at ranch-like restaurant Contigo in Austin, the recipe traveled down to San Antonio’s historic Esquire Tavern after he relocated to the Alamo City a year later. Thanks to its savvy balance of snappy grapefruit and sweet Cocchi Americano, the drink has endured as a menu staple at both bars. Drink it served up or on a large ice cube and watch for the punchy mezcal to soften as the honeysuckle and orange notes of Cocchi weave throughout.

Ingredients:
3⁄4 oz. Wahaka Espadín mezcal
3⁄4 oz. Xtabentún
3⁄4 oz. Cocchi Aperitivo Americano
3⁄4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
GRAPEFRUIT TWIST, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass. Express the oil from a grapefruit swath over the top of the drink for aromatics and garnish with grapefruit twist.

‘EL CHAVO’ AT EL MIRADOR
Created by El Mirador bartender John Cox and inspired by popular 80s Mexican TV show “El Chavo del Ocho”, the El Chavo cocktail stirs up reminiscent feelings of the show centered around the adventures and tribulations of the title character—a poor orphan nicknamed “El Chavo.” When ordering the drink during happy hour, patrons at El Mirador can often find the bartender playing this show on TV.

Ingredients:
1oz Paranubes Oaxacan Rum
0.5oz Cimarrón Reposado Tequila
0.5oz Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao
0.5oz Fresh Key Lime Juice
0.25oz Cinnamon Syrup
1 barspoon Condensed Milk
Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a half-Chapulín salt rim.

SweetFire Kitchen Easter Feast

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SweetFire Kitchen is having an Easter Feast on Sunday April 1.  Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.

Next up on the calendar is Easter and SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa is having an Easter Feast on Sunday April 1 for $65 for adults and $26 for children. Reservations are available through open table or by calling (210) 558-2479. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2018)

SweetFire Kitchen is located on the lobby level of La Cantera Resort & Spa and features an open-air style kitchen. Guests can enjoy home style cuisine and signature dishes and a full-service bar with unique craft cocktails, an extensive wine list and draught beers.

Menu includes:
Raw Bar
Calamari salad, olives, Meyer lemon & dill
Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell, cucumber- vodka mignonette
Cajun rubbed poached shrimp, chipotle cocktail sauce
Cheese & Charcuturie
House cured meats & Texas cheeses
Spiced lavosh, seasonal jams & local honey
Salad Table
Artisanal greens, spring vegetables & assorted dressings
Braised duck & quinoa salad, celery, fennel & citrus
Baby romaine, brown butter croutons, roasted tomatoes & roasted garlic dressing
Beet & potato salad, pickled mustard seed & tarragon
Grilled spring vegetable antipasto, fava bean hummus & crostini
SFK Specialties
Apple wood smoked bacon
Chicken apple sausage
Pork sausage
Scrambled eggs, chives & roasted tomatoes
Roasted Yukon gold potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers & Smoked paprika
Sautéed BBQ shrimp, Jalapeno sausage & cheese grits
Grilled Texas squash, leeks & blistered tomatoes
Roasted heirloom carrots & English peas, cardamom butter
Action stations
Made to order pancakes
Blueberries, chocolate chips, Oreo pieces, butter, whipped cream
Chocolate sauce, caramel, maple syrup
Made to order omelets & eggs
Carving Station
Garlic & herb rubbed Prime Rib, horseradish cream & Au jus
Porchetta, bourbon-apple mostarda
From the Bakeshop
Display of house made breads & pastries
Assorted verrines
Milk chocolate mousse cake
Texas orange cheesecake
Pistachio financier, hazelnut streusel
Cream puffs strawberry, raspberry
Olive oil and mascarpone cream cake
Chocolate almond tarts
Easter sugar cookies
Carrot cake carrot macaroons
Action station
Orange crepes hazelnut cream filling mandarin orange ice cream

SweetFire Kitchen
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Easter Specials in San Antonio

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Bakery Lorraine is one local restaurant having Easter specials.  Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Easter is right around the corner and local restaurants will be having Easter specials and brunch ideas for those who opt to eat out. Whether it is special Easter pastries, drinks specials or brunch, there is something for everyone. (Bakery Lorraine, Boiler House, Southerleigh, Rosella at the Rand, Twang, 2018)

Easter specials include:
Bakery Lorraine will offer special Easter egg moon pies, carrot cake and bunny heads made with white chocolate mousse and strawberry compote. Hours: 7a.m. – 8p.m.

Boiler House will have Easter Brunch specials including carrot oatmeal pancakes, cast iron rabbit bread pudding, Lobster Cobb, cured salmon patty melt and a country ham Benedict. They will also have brunch favorites such as the “David Lee Roth” Krispy Kreme Burger, Hangover Hash and Green Chili Pork and Eggs. Hours: 10a.m. – 10p.m.

Southerleigh will celebrate Easter Sunday with delicious drink specials including specialty mimosas, Micheladas and various brewed beers. Hours: 10a.m. – 4p.m.

Rosella at the Rand will offer a “Live Jazz Easter Brunch” from 9a.m. – 3p.m. The Brunch menu includes, Chicken and Waffles, Tom’s Huevos Rancheros, Chicken Biscuits and gravy and more. For beverages, the full bar will be serving mimosas, Bloody Marys and Micheladas. Rosella’s newest location, Rossella at the Garden will also be offering the same Easter Brunch menu from 9a.m. – 3p.m. Rosella on E Jones Ave will be open serving breakfast from 8a.m. – 3p.m.

For those planning on celebrating Easter Sunday at home with family and friends, Twang has some delicious recipes. These include: Michelada Deviled Eggs: Traditional deviled eggs with a twist of Michelada inspired flavor by using Twang’s Michelada Beer Salt; Sugar Cookie Balls: A sweet and easy no-bake dessert perfect for Easter festivities using Twang’s Cafe Zuca vanilla sugar and Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: A unique appetizer for guests to enjoy before the egg scavenger hunt.

Whataburger 2018 Fiesta Medal

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The Whataburger 2018 Fiesta medal is available for purchase online. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Fiesta is right around the corner in San Antonio and the medals have already started to show up around town. Yesterday at the second annual Fiesta Pop Up Store, Whataburger fans got a chance to buy an official Whataburger 2018 Fiesta medal before they went on sale to the public. Coinciding with San Antonio’s Tricentennial and all the history that comes with it, Whataburger’s Fiesta medal pays homage to the classics. The medal features a Whataburger No. 2 with crispy fries, decorated with glitter, and an ice-cold drink, all in bold, festive colors. They are $9.99 each and are available online but there are only a limited number available and they have been known to sell out. (Whataburger, 2018)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

St Patrick’s Day at Rosella at the Rand

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Rosella at the Rand will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day event where guests can celebrate the day with special drinks like the Leatherneck. Photo: Rosella at the Rand, used with permission.

This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday and for anyone looking for a place to celebrate, Rosella at the Rand  will be hosting a St. Paddy’s ‘Kegs and Eggs’ party on March 17 from 9a.m. to 12a.m. Sponsored by Jameson Whiskey, this themed party will feature late breakfast, Irish Whisky specials and more. (Rosella at the Rand, 2018)

The swanky downtown restaurant will be serving up breakfast foods until 4p.m. including ‘egg’cellent favorites such as the Open-Faced Buttermilk Biscuit with house-made pork sausage and over-easy eggs. Their all-day St. Paddy’s drink specials will taje center stage at the fully equipped bar. Throughout the day, classic Irish libations will round out the party, including kegs of Guinness draft beer, specials on whiskey flight shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Rosella’s take on Irish Coffee, made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, Demerara sugar, freshly brewed Rosella coffee and freshly whipped cream.

Jameson Whiskey, the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, will join Rosella to offer whiskey flight tasting boards, giveaway swag and more. Rosella’s Bar Manager, Jesse Torres, has created a fun off-menu green cocktail called Leatherneck containing Jameson, Blue Curaçao and lime juice and will be exclusively available during the St. Patrick’s Day party.

Any Rosella guest attending will receive complimentary three-hour parking validation at the Rand Parking Garage. Bustin’ Loose Saturday DJ Night will take over the evening for entertainment from 9p.m. to 12a.m.

Rosella at the Rand is a one-off concept situated at the Historic Rand Building in downtown San Antonio. Features that set this location apart include later hours and dinner service with menu options from hot sandwiches to small plates. Equipped with a full bar, the café offers a selection of house-crafted cocktails, a wine and beer program and a special boozy brunch menu. Hours of operation are 7a.m. to 10p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7a.m. to 12a.m. Friday, 7a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday and 9a.m. to 3p.m. Sunday.

Rosella Coffee
114 E Houston St, at Soledad in the Rand Building
San Antonio, TX 78205

DIY ideas for National Margarita Day

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DIY ideas for National Margarita Day. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Thursday February 22 is National Margarita Day and for anyone looking for some last-minute DIY cocktail ideas, Twang is sharing a twist on the typical margarita and a recipe using their products. Anyone can use these ideas to create their own cocktail in the comfort of their own home. 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, all 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, 2018)

Orange Pomegranate Margarita:
1 oz. pomegranate juice
1 oz. orange juice
.5 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz Tequila Blanco
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz light agave syrup
Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar Salt

Prepare the glass. Drag a cut lime around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim in Twang-A-Rita GOLD salt. Make the drink. Combine ice, agave, pomegranate, orange and lime juice with the tequila and Cointreau in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and then pour into chilled, ice-filled glass or mason jar.

Margarita Con Twang:
Ice cubes
3 oz tequila
2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 to 1 teaspoon orange liqueur
1 tablespoon Lime-salt-sugar
2 tablespoons of Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime Salt

Rim a glass with Twang-A-Rita Lime Salt and set aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up. Place Lime-salt-sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks mason jar or wine glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain margarita into the glass.

Special Lent menu at Whataburger

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For those observing the Lenten season, Whataburger has a special menu.  Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

The Lenten season is here and for those who opt to go meatless on Fridays, Whataburger is offering customers the Whatacatch fish sandwich and Whatacatch dinner to accommodate and provide more ways for our customers to enjoy their meals “just like they like it.” (Whataburger, 2018)

The Whatacatch sandwich includes a wild-caught Alaskan Pollock fish fillet with southern-style cornmeal breading, served on a toasted four-inch bun, accompanied with crisp lettuce and topped off with Whataburger’s original tartar sauce. The Whatacatch dinner includes two all-white fish fillets, French fries and Whataburger’s tartar sauce.

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

National Margarita Day on February 22

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The Prickly Pear Margarita at Hotel Contessa. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Thursday February 22 is National Margarita Day and San Antonio has plenty of places to get a margarita, whether authentic or creative. When it comes to downtown, Downstairs at the Esquire is the place for a simple, traditional, tequila-forward margarita and at the Cork Bar at the beautiful Hotel Contessa, guests can try their prickly pear margarita. At the Pearl, the house cocktails at Sternewirth at Hotel Emma include La Babia Margarita and Pony Tricks. For those in New Braunfels, Krause’s Café features margaritas on tap featuring fresh citrus and served on the rocks. (The Esquire Tavern, Pearl, Krause’s Café, 2018)

Rosella at the Rand is the recently-opened restaurant with a full bar that is livening up downtown San Antonio. They are celebrating by offering a special, off-menu cocktail called The Rosella Margarita ($9) on February 22. The signature recipe below was created by Jesse Torres, Bar Manager at Rosella at the Rand.

The Rosella Margarita:
1 oz Cimarron Tequila Blanco
1/2 oz Arette Tequila Reposado
3/4 oz Combier
3/4 oz Lime Juice
1/4 oz Simple Syrup

Shake well with ice and serve either up or on the rocks in chilled, salt-rimmed glasses. Express the oils of an orange over the drink and garnish with a lime wedge.

Valentine’s Day recipe from Chef Steve McHugh

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Chef Steve McHugh of Cured. Photo: Cured, used with permission.

Most people prefer to eat out for Valentine’s Day, but for those brave enough to cook a homemade meal for their sweetheart, recipes can be a hassle to find. Whether for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, Beef Loving Texans asked Chef Steve McHugh of Cured to share his favorite romantic meal to make at home, Hanger Steak with Chili Pequin au Poivre. (Cured, 2018)

Chili Pequin Au Poivre Sauce
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots
2 oz. bourbon
4 Tbsp. pickled chili pequin
2 cups veal stock or broth
1 Tbsp. stoneground mustard
1 Tsp ground black pepper
3 cups heavy cream
½ Tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar

Carrot & Arugula Salad
1 lb. baby carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
½ lb. arugula
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 individual grapefruits
Salt and pepper to taste

Hanger Steak
3 lbs. Hanger Steak, salt and pepper to taste

Add the olive oil to a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat and let heat for 1 minute. Add the shallots and sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the bourbon; add the chili pequins and sauté for 1 minute (be careful not to breath in the fumes from the peppers). Add the veal stock and reduce until one-third remains. Add the mustard, black pepper and heavy cream and reduce by another third. Finish with the salt and sugar.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Blanch the carrots until tender, about 1.5 minutes. Strain carrots and allow them to cool. Segment the grapefruit over a bowl to catch the juices. Keep the segments and juice separate (You should have about 4 Tbsp. of juice when complete). Mix the olive oil with the grapefruit juice to create your vinaigrette. Mix the arugula, carrots and grapefruit segments and dress with vinaigrette.

Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak to the desired temperature (I prefer medium-rare). Allow the steak to rest for 4 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak against the grain and enjoy with the salad and sauce.

‘Month of Love’ returns to Pearl this February

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The Vintage Bouquet Bar is just one business at the Pearl helping customers celebrate the ‘Month of Love’ with special deals. Photo: The Vintage Bouquet Bar, used with permission.

During the month of February, Pearl is celebrating all things love with their ‘Month of Love’ celebration. This will consist of romantic programming that includes sweet shopping and dining specials at the onsite restaurants and retailers and romantic live music. Hiatus Spa + Retreat, The Granary ‘Cue and Brew and more are offering specials throughout the romantic weekend. Pearl is encouraging all guests to interact via social media posts using the hashtag #PearlLoves throughout the month. (Pearl, 2018)

Special Events:
Enjoy all day happy hour every Monday at Bottling Department. During February, The Bar at Bottling Department will have handcrafted mimosas, specialty sangrias, local beer and wines carefully selected by the team at High Street Wine Co.

Sweethearts Dance will bring the community together for an evening of dancing at Pearl Studio on Friday February 9 from 5p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring DJ Steven Lee Moya.

Salsa Night at The Stable invites salsa pros and beginners to come to Pearl Stable on Friday, February 17 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. with music by Jose Amador and NATIAO Latin Jazz.

The music series Canciones; Love Songs returns to Pearl Park on Friday, February 23 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with live music from Tje Austin & Alyson Alonzo.

Sound Cream returns to Pearl Park on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14 from 6p.m.to 9p.m. SoundCream Airstream will host DJ JJ Lopez with his own take on all things love-inspired music.

Hotel Emma has an exclusive Valentine’s package for patrons staying throughout the month. Hotel guests can use code MLOVE to receive a special room rate and receive complimentary chocolates including a box of four regional truffles and a half bottle of Miravel rose upon arrival.

Shopping
Customers can assemble an extra special flower bouquet at The Vintage Bouquet Bar, the flower and gift boutique that consists of full service floral customization. Selections include florals, fillers, greenery and arrangement style for a personalized piece perfect for any Valentine. The limited-edition style created for Valentine’s Day is called the “Yours & Mine” arrangement which sells for $150 and lux blooms styled two unique ways to complement their accompanying dark gray or light cream copper bottom ceramic vases.  They also have classes where guests can learn the art of floral design with a hands-on, relaxing experience on how to build and create signature whimsical arrangements. Each class arrangement will be uniquely styled and color palette oriented and will change from week to week.

Adelante Boutique has new, lightweight sweaters in stock by Wooden Ships, which make dressing for the occasion effortless.

Dos Carolinas is selling Valentine’s Day robes to make gift-giving super easy. Be Mine and Hug Me “Bathrobe Love” bathrobes are seersucker and one-size fits all. Perfect for gift giving to a loved one, these robes will make anyone want to lounge the day away.

Leighelena has handmade gifts including a boxed steak knife collection by Claude Dozorme for Laguiole and a woven glass bead and sterling silver necklace, handmade by Claudia Fajardo.

Niche will be selling cute little stone wear gift hearts and dishes as well as “kiss” scarves.

Dine and Drink
The Granary ‘Cue and Brew is offering a three-course pre-fixe dinner on Valentine’s Day from 5:30p.m. to 10p.m. for $55 per person, plus tip and tax. Each guest will choose a Welcome, Savor and Stay Courses from a specially selected menu for the evening including items such as Smoked Pork Belly, Barbecued Duck Breast, Buttermilk Chess Pie and more. Select wine and sparkling options will be featured during the evening. Reservations are not required, but strongly suggested and may be made online. The Granary also has a new seasonal beer on tap, ideal for chocolate lovers: Imperial Mocha Stout.

High Street Wine Co. will be celebrating Pearl’s ‘Month of Love’ with two unique wine flights that will run through the entire month. The first flight, ‘Riddle Me This,’ will be an exploration into the major styles of sparkling wine made by the Champagne Method. The second flight, ‘Liquid Dessert,’ has three different dessert wines that are distinctly different. Each flight will be paired with a small treat alongside, and discounts will apply to those who order in ‘pairs.’