New Year’s Eve holiday specials and menus

southerleighsign — Southerleigh is one area restaurant having a special New Year’s Eve menu. Photo: Nick Simonite, used with permission.

Still need plans for the long New Year’s Eve holiday? Area restaurants have special menus and events planned to help guests usher in the new year. (Hotel Emma, Hotel Contessa, Boiler House, Southerleigh, Esquire Tavern, Rosella at the Rand, Krause’s Café, Pinch Boil House, 2017)

Hotel Emma will offer special holiday themed menu items on New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth and Supper.
New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth
San Antonians are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth, Hotel Emma’s bar and club room. Guests will be able to enjoy Latin jazz music by local icon Henry Brun and his international trio. A $20 cover fee will include champagne toast and party favors. Price: $20 Time: 9p.m. to 2a.m.
New Year’s Eve Special at Supper
Supper will open its doors during New Year’s Eve and will be welcoming guests and locals to dine in and ring in the new year. Please call the restaurant at (210)448-8351 for reservations. Hours: 11a.m. to 3p.m. and 5p.m. to 10p.m.

Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Sunday, New Year’s Eve. Reservations are required for New Year’s Eve dinner, $55/person, $25/children ages 8-13 and children 7 and under eat free.

Boiler House will be serving holiday themed cocktails and dinner items on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. to close. The restaurant will also have their regular lunch menu along with special brunch items on New Year’s Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. New Year’s Eve Cocktail items include: Gingerbread Martini for $14 and Hot Buttered Texas Rum for $12. New Year’s Eve Dish items include: Lemon Chive Crabcake for $15, Calamari Piccata for $21, Roast Leg of Lamb for $29 and Eggnog Pound Cake for $8. New Year’s Day Brunch items include: Green Chile Pulled Pork, Poached Eggs & Popcorn Grits, Hangover Hash, BLT Mac & Egg and Barbacoa Sando.

Southerleigh will have specialty items for New Year’s Eve brunch and dinner. Southerleigh’s hours on New Year’s Eve are from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and will be closed on New Year’s Day. Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include House Cured and Braised Country Ham, Creamed Field Peas, Flash Fried Collards and Eggs Over Easy. Dinner hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will include Slow Roasted Pork Shank, Hoppin John, Black Garlic spiked Spinach, Dijon Glace and Whole Fried Gulf Flounder, Creamy Crystal Butter, House Fries and South Texas Slaw. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne to ring in the new year at 12 a.m.

Esquire Tavern will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with dinner reservations and sparkling wine to toast at midnight. There will be live music and more.

Rosella at The Rand will be serving regular Sunday brunch on New Year’s Eve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant will then open the same evening for a FREE New Year’s Eve party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rosella at the Rand will be open for New Year’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Krause’s Cafe will have a self-serve Hot Chocolate bar, Bloody Mary bar and free black eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Restaurant hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will be celebrating the new year with a Munich Platter – A pork shank stands atop of mashed potatoes, chicken schnitzel, red cabbage, sauerkraut, assorted sausage, crisp pork belly and a side of Dunkel Sauce.

Pinch Boil House and Bia Bar will be hosting a crawfish boil with a Boil & Brews on New Year’s Eve, Eve, Saturday December 30 from 12p.m. to 3p.m. Guests can enjoy boiled crawfish or crab legs, shrimp and other seafood items. There will also be a DJ and cold beer.

Christmas Day feast at SweetFire Kitchen

sweetfiremenu — SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort and Spa is having a Christmas Day Feast. Photo: SweetFire Kitchen, used with permission.

SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort and Spa is having its annual Christmas Day feast on Monday December 25 from 11a.m. to 8p.m. Price is $65 for adults, $25 for children 5 to 12 and free for children under 4. Reservations can be online or by calling (210) 558-2479. (SweetFire Kitchen, 2017)

Some of the menu offerings include:
Raw Bar: Steamed snow crab, Gulf oysters on the half shell, Old Bay poached Gulf Shrimp, Chipotle cocktail sauce, mignonette and lemon aioli.

Cheese and Charcuterie: Selection of local and house made cheeses, venison terrine, tasso, duck ham and pork rillettes, pickled vegetables, grain mustard, sour apple chutney, candied walnuts and wildfire honey, assorted breads and crackers.

Salads: Winter greens, roasted pear, dates and citrus vinaigrette, Belgian endive, shaved fennel, grapefruit, feta and truffle vinaigrette, quinoa and kale, “marcona” pinenut, butternut squash and dried cranberries, slow roasted beets, candied pecans, salted ricotta and mache.

Carving station: Apple cider sliced turkey breast with cranberry sauce and giblet gravy, salt baked prime rib with creamed horseradish, IPA au jus, honey siracha glazed pork tenderloin with apple mostarda.

Action station: Made to order risotto, wild mushrooms, show braised lamb shank.

Side dishes: Lobster bisque, whipped potatoes, braised white beans, caramelized carrots, stone oven roasted Brussel sprouts, brocco-flower gratin.

From the Bakeshop:
Action Station: Flaming pears, golden raisins, spiced cider ice cream and ginger bread, carrot and pecan cake, pistachio chocolate cake, roasted apples panna cotta, chocolate mousse cups, cream puffs, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate ganache Yule log, green tea Tiramisu, assorted Christmas cookies, warm sticky toffee pudding and maple pecan chocolate tarts.

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 beers.

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

Christmas specials in San Antonio

hotelcontessafood — Hotel Contessa is one area business offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Christmas is fast approaching and for anyone looking for dining out options, area restaurants are having menu specials and special offers. (Hotel Emma, Bakery Lorraine, Boiler House, Hotel Contessa, Esquire Tavern, Downstairs, Rosella, Twang, 2017)

Hotel Emma will offer special holiday themed menu items Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day at Supper. On Christmas Eve Supper will have a Whole Bronzino grilled and stuffed with braised fennel, crab and lemon on toasted cauliflower puree with herb salad for dinner from 5p.m. to 10p.m. On Christmas Day Supper will have Cider and Spiced Roasted Porkloin with Apple Marmalade, Pickled Mustard, Blistered Beens and Almonds, Parmesan and Rosemary Potato Gratin for lunch and dinner. Lunch hours are 12p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner hours are 5p.m. to 10p.m.

Bakery Lorraine has an assortment of different holiday themed desserts throughout the holiday season such as chocolate covered gingerbread men, ornament moon pies and more. Customers may place and pick up orders of specialty large pies and seasonal macaroons. Large pies, 9” are $26 and Macaroon holiday flavor packs are $12 for a 6 pack or $20 for a 12 pack with flavors like eggnog, hot cocoa, cinnamon, peppermint, and angel food. Christmas Eve hours are from 7a.m. to 6p.m. and the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.

Boiler House will be serving holiday themed cocktails and dinner items on Christmas Eve from 5p.m. to close. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day. Cocktail items include Gingerbread Martini for $14, Hot Buttered Texas Rum for $12 and dish items include Lemon Chive Crabcake for $15 – Sweet pepper relish, achiote aioli, sunny quail egg; Calamari Piccata for $21 – Pan roasted calamari, charred tomato concasse, capers, rapini and arugula; Roast Leg of Lamb for $29 – Pappardelle, roasted garlic, mustard greens, pan jus, parmesan and Eggnog Pound Cake for $8 – Candied fruit, cocoa nibs

Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Sunday, Christmas Eve and a holiday brunch on Monday, December 25th from 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Reservations required for Christmas Day brunch, $55/person, $25/children ages 8-13 and children 7 and under eat free.

Downstairs at Esquire and Esquire Tavern will be serving aged Egg Nog. Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio and based on recipes dating back to the 1700s. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar, and eggs and is spiced with a bit of cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.

Rosella at The Rand will be serving a White Chocolate Peppermint Latte throughout the holiday season for only $4.75. The restaurant will be serving brunch on Christmas Eve from 9a.m. to 3p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.

Twang is offering “The Beer Lover Party Buckets” for this holiday season. Both party buckets will retail online for $39 each with free shipping. Bucket 1 (Texas Themed) includes 1 Texas Themed Twang Beer Salt T- Shirt, 2 Holster Koozies that carry Twang Beer Salt, 8 Beer Salt Longnecks, 1 Twang Beer Salt Steel Bottle Opener, 2 Beer Salt Drink Glasses and 1 Twang Beer Salt branded bucket to keep drinks cool. Bucket 2 includes 1 Twang T- Shirt, 2 Holster Koozies that carry Twang Beer Salt, 8 Beer Salt Longnecks, 1 Twang Beer Salt Steel Bottle Opener, 2 Beer Salt Drink Glasses and 1 Twang Beer Salt bucket to keep drinks cool.

Festivus for the Rest of Us at Pinch Boil House

pinchfacade — On Saturday December 23, Pinch Boil House and Bia Bar will host a special Festivus for the Rest of Us event. Photo: Pinch Boil House and Bia Bar, used with permission.

Not into all the Christmas drama? How about Festivus? For those who are not into Christmas, Pinch Boil House & Bia Bar will host a special Festivus for the Rest of Us event. Festivus is a non-commercial holiday celebration, as depicted on Seinfeld, that occurs on December 23 and includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength” and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles.” This Saturday, December 23, Pinch will feature a Seinfeld-inspired menu with items like black & white cookies, savory muffin tops, soup and more. The restaurant will also have fun, classic Festivus activities and even a Festivus pole. (Pinch Boil House & Bia Bar, 2017)

Pinch Boil House & Bia Bar features and encourages communal dining with its family-style food and promotes a lively atmosphere reminiscent to a crawfish boil experience. It was originally formed as pop-up crawfish boil to support a fun environment for families and communities to enjoy food deeply rooted in Asian culture.

Pinch Boil House & Bia Bar
124 N Main Ave
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 971-7774

Theater review: ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at the Classic Theatre

santalanddiariespic — This is the last weekend to catch John Stillwagon as Crumpet the Elf on ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes the holiday cheer and the same Christmas shows as last year. Thankfully, for anyone looking for something different ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. This one-man show is based on NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experiences working as an elf in Macy’s Santaland display during the holiday rush. John Stillwagon returns as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Bart Roush directing. The show is written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. There is still one weekend left to enjoy this cult classic with shows on December 15, 16 and 17. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at (210) 589-8450.

The show begins as Sedaris’ character ponders how he got to the point of considering applying for a job as a Macy’s elf. He comes into town looking to become an actor but now he is running out of money and is ‘$20 away from walking dogs’ so he applies for and is called in for an interview. What follows is nothing short of hysterical. He disappears offstage for a couple of minutes and comes back in full elf costume to share his shame and continue his story. His colorful descriptions of the selection process and eventual training give way to his impressions of everyone from co-workers to clueless tourists who do not speak the language but got railroaded into the Santa line. Some of the funnier moments include when he is so frustrated with the job that he muses that ‘Santa’ must be an anagram for ‘Satan’ and his portrayal of over controlling parents.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ is a must see comical and sometimes irreverent behind the scenes look at life at Santa’s village. John Stillwagon’s performance is lively and energetic and he manages to get the audience to sympathize with his plight. As a bonus, anyone familiar with One Life to Live will find his bit about the show especially funny. This show is not to be missed, especially for anyone looking for an unconventional way to celebrate the holidays. On opening night, the audience consisted of adults of all ages, proving that it appeals to a wide audience, but it must be said that it contains adult language in case some find that questionable.

Disclaimer: Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language.

Holiday happenings at Pearl

pearlholidays — This week Pearl has different activities planned to get visitors in the holiday spirit. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

This week at Pearl there are numerous holiday activities to get visitors into the holiday spirit. From the festive scenery to holiday entertainment, food specials, shopping and live music, there is something for everyone.

The featured designer brands at Popmarte this week are India Hicks, Snake Hawk Press, Mignonne Gavigan, Lambillotte, La Marée Swimwear, Uwila Warrior, Dawnson + Hellmann and Cheree Berry Paper. Popmarte is a rotating, multi-brand retail store open for a limited time through December 23.

On Tuesday, December 12 – Northwest Hills Baptist Church will be caroling at 7p.m. at Parkito.

The Holiday Night Market will take place on Thursday December 14 from 4p.m. to 8p.m. This week it features Farmers Market vendors, craft vendors, live music and holiday activities. Guests will be able to pick up tamales and other traditional goodies like chocolates and sweets and gifts including handmade soaps to artisan goat cheese and gourmet dog treats.

Holiday Canciones is set for Thursday, December 14 beginning at 6p.m. This is a a four-part music series that takes place as part of the Pearl Holiday Night Market and features popular Texas music genres with a holiday twist. This week’s ‘Blue Christmas’ showcases rising Texas blues star, Dylan Bishop with a performance of classic blues and Christmas tunes mixed with his authentic and well-groomed playing style. During the evening event, patrons can experience a special outdoor bar by Bottling Department. All female Mariachi group Las Coronelas will also perform at Parkito.

Pearl
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Popmarte pop-up store at Pearl

Popmarte, now open for a limited time at the Pearl, offers customers a wide selection of gifts for the holiday season. Photo: Popmarte, used with permission.

Pearl is making it easier for customers to do some holiday shopping this season. Popmarte, a rotating, multi-brand pop-up retails store, is now open at the Pearl grounds until December 23. Curated by fashion industry veterans Nina McCandless and Ashley Clauss, it is a 1,200 square-foot retail space which features a wide selection of goods from local, regional and national designers in the fashion, accessories, home, beauty, kids, tech, travel and lifestyle space. Each week, five to seven select brands will have their own shop-in-shop within the overall space offering newness and excitement for the consumer throughout this holiday season. (Popmarte, 2017)

Participating national and local brands include Mignonne Gavigan, Dawson+Hellman, Cruz Ortiz and Snake Hawk Press, Rica Bath and Body, Mimilore, Bib & Sola, Uwila Warrior, Angelina Mata’s new line Sonsuz, La Maree, Boyd’s of Texas, Mi Cocina of Ubi-Ind Denim and more.

Popmarte
110 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215

Holiday fun with Christmas Light Fest

Christmas Light Fest is open from now until December 31. Photo: Christmas Light Fest, used with permission.

The holidays are well under way and so is the annual light show at Don Strange Ranch in Boerne. From now until December 31, visitors can enjoy Christmas Light Fest and its two million twinkling lights, hayrides and holiday fun. Opened nightly, this holiday extravaganza takes place on a picturesque ranchland and features tunnels of twinkling lights and holiday displays along a two-mile path and Santa’s Village, a rustic barn filled with holiday flavors and activities. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 6p.m. to 9p.m. while Friday and Saturday nights, as well as holidays, feature an extra hour, from 6p.m. to 10p.m. (Christmas Light Fest, 2017)

Santa will be visiting each weekend before Christmas, December 8-10, December 15-17 and December 21-24. Wednesday nights visitors can enjoy free cookies with Santa on December 6, 13 and 20. Decorate cookies, play games and stroll through even more lights for perfect picture opportunities and fun. Santa’s Village is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a variety of holiday flavors including s’mores, coffee, hot chocolate, kettle corn, sausage on a stick and more while doing some shopping and helping to feed Santa’s Longhorns. After all, in Texas Santa needs more than reindeer to pull his sleigh.

There are two ways to enjoy Christmas Light Fest: drive through the festive displays in a vehicle or ranch-style, catching a hayride to tour the lights. Tickets are $27 per vehicle to tour the ranch, or $15 per person for a hayride. To ensure availability, hayrides should be purchased in advance online. Onsite parking is free. Vehicle passes and hayride tickets are available online. Private hayrides are available by reservation.

This year, there are more displays and twinkling surprises, more family fun and a walk-through light displays. Visitors can support Christmas Light Fest’s food drive for the San Antonio Food Bank by donating non-perishable food and canned goods. For every donation, Christmas Light Fest will take $2 off a vehicle pass or $4 during the week, from Sunday through Thursday.

Don Strange Ranch
103 Waring Welfare Rd
Boerne, TX 78006

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre

‘The Santaland Diaries’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday December 8, 2017. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre’s Second Series opens ‘The Santaland Diaries’ next week. This one-man show is based on the true chronicles of NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. In this cult classic he talks about some of his odd experiences during the height of the holiday crunch. John Stillwagon returns as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Bart Roush directing. The show is written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. It opens on Friday December 8 with subsequent show dates on December 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Tickets are $25 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Group rates are available. There will be a complimentary eggnog reception on opening night Friday December 8. Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language and the secret of Santa is exposed.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers holiday packages

The holidays are in full swing and so is holiday shopping. For anyone looking for gift ideas for others or themselves, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, located at the Pearl, is offering hard to resist gift packages. These include monthly retreats and holiday packages. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2017)

Monthly retreats are 80 minutes long and price ranges from $195 for non-members to $139 for H-Circle members.
November retreat – Creme Brûlée
Begins with a full-body brown sugar scrub exfoliation followed by a wrap in a steamy cocoon with caramel and vanilla aromas and a cool stone face massage. A refreshing rinse under the Vichy shower washes away any remaining glaze before the sweet finish of a warm vanilla and shea butter massage. Toast with a crème brut cooler to finish.
December retreat- Magi
Comforting aromas of ginger, cinnamon and clove and a snowfall of powdered Sea Salt create a delectably warm exfoliating masque. Rinse in a full-body Vichy shower, then enjoy a tension-melting massage, followed by a final drizzle with essences of Frankincense and Myrrh. It all ends with a warm cup of mulled wine flavored with cranberry, holiday spices and accented with Gold leaf.

Holiday Packages
The Merry & Bright – 2 or more hours – $179
Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Body Glow or The Body Wrap.

The Mistletoe Kiss – 3 hours, $319
Start with a reinvigorating Monthly Retreat and after a cocktail, settle in for The Best Facial Ever.

The Peace, Love, & Joy – 3.5 hours, $269
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.

Let It Glow! Let It Glow! Let It Glow! – 2 + hours, $239
The Body Glow, The Spotlight Massage (30 minutes) and The Sparkler Facial (60 minutes) will combine their magical powers for a rosy glow to fight off even the chilliest winter days.

The Warm & Cozy – 3 hours, $219
The Hot Stone Massage (90 minutes) is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi for some serious self-care, feel-good me-time.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

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Category: Holiday themed events