Celebrate Mother’s Day at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa with Brunch, Bluebonnets, and more. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate mom than with a Texas Hill Country brunch at the stunning, 13,000-acre JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora Texas? (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2022)
Families can treat mom to a delectable brunch on The Ranch on Sunday, May 8, with two exclusive seating options at 11:30a.m. and 1:30p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too!). For $39.95 and $19.95 for children, guests will be treated by JL Bar’s expert culinary team with a special menu of signatures dishes including Balsamic Glazed Grilled Steak, Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Loin, Roasted Heirloom Carrots and Asparagus, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. There will also be two action stations for guests to enjoy – a full Seafood Bar and Chef Attended Savory Crepe Station.
For those staying for the weekend, there is an activity for every type of mom. From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, spa treatments, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, families can make new memories at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. Additionally, for those moms following the annual Bluebonnet blooms in the stunning Texas Hill Country, JL Bar’s grounds also offer rolling acres of oak trees and wild grasses to spot local wildlife and bluebonnets in their prime.
Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.
For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)
Ticketsare $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):
WELCOME DRINKS Raki Cocktail
DIPS (served with warm pita) Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant Spiced green tahini Muhamarra Spicy whipped feta Hummus Schug, Amba
COLD MEZE Fennel/Pomelo salad Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil
HOT MEZE Saganaki- greek style fried cheese Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato
MAIN Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”) Fish Kebabs Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs
Hotel Emma at Pearl 136 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 448-8300
The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.
Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.
Colorado is an amazing vacation destination year-round, and summer is no exception. Auberge Resort Collection’s luxury Colorado properties are unveiling new, immersive seasonal activities and offerings; from Via Ferrata to Aspen Food & Wine. (Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)
Aspen Food & Wine x Hotel Jerome Epicurean Passport: Hotel Jerome is giving guests unprecedented access to one of the most exclusive cultural happenings in town, the highly anticipated Aspen Food & Wine Festival. With the Hotel Jerome Epicurean Passport**, guests receive insider access to an array of exclusive events and curated programming from June 16 -19, including:
○ Black on Black Dinner in the Garden
○ Black on Black After Party at Bad Harriet
○ La Grande Dame Lunch in the Garden
○ La Grande Dame Garden Lounge
○ Death & Co (TBC)
○ Bartender Bash at Bad Harriet
○ Casa Dragones Cocktail & Caviar Lounge
○ Madre Mezcal After-Hours Speakeasy
Theatre Aspen Summer Cabaret Series: This summer season, take in performances by top performers as Hotel Jerome’s Grand Ballroom transforms into a Summer Cabaret. Enjoy a seated chef’s dinner followed by a special Theatre Aspen production.
Aspen’s Hottest Speakeasy, Bad Harriet: Nestled beneath the historic Aspen Times building, discover Hotel Jerome’s newest bespoke cocktail experience, now featuring a refined menu of small bites and cocktails inspired by powerful women throughout history, the destination offers master alchemists and a lively, dynamic atmosphere.
Miron Crosby x Hotel Jerome, VIP Experience: Send a message of absolute adoration to the person you love most with a stay at Hotel Jerome and a pair of custom Miron Crosby boots. This summer season, the highly coveted bespoke cowboy boots from Highland Park Village, in Dallas, TX will walk the streets of Aspen, and Hotel Jerome guests will have the opportunity to engage in a truly unique experience. Pen a handwritten message that the Miron Crosby team transcribes onto leather for that special someone. The Miron Crosby message box will be waiting in the room with a bespoke invitation to bring their message to the (brand new) Miron Crosby studio for a private consultation to choose and customize their perfect boot, with the message sewn into the liner for the ultimate gift (and heirloom to treasure forever).
Private Fishing & Picnic: Gain access to the pristine and secluded wilderness of Telluride. Among the most naturally gifted stretches of the entire Dolores, Lightenburger Ranch is an angler’s dreamscape of spectacular fly fishing and picture book ambiance. Guests will enjoy a private fly fishing lesson followed by an exquisite picnic lunch prepared by the Madeline culinary team.
2nd Annual Alpine Cookout: Madeline Hotel & Residences invites epicureans to celebrate the spirit of Southwestern cuisine at Taste of Auberge: Annual Alpine Cookout at Madeline on July 2, 2022. The second annual event will draw visiting culinary icons, such as Salt Lake City celebrity Chef Viet Pham, Texas all-star Chef Dean Fearing, Phoenix famed chef Mark Tarbell, and Santa Fe legend Mark Kiffin, who will collaborate with Executive Chef Bill Greenwood on a mouthwatering menu, including Chef Pham’s famed Pretty Bird signature hot chicken sandwich.
Blues x Brews Multi-Course Dinner: The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Brewers Showcase will kick off in style on Thursday, September 15 at 6p.m. with an evening of brews, world-class fare and, of course, music. This culinary experience will pair six courses of curated, modern mountain cuisine from Executive Chef Bill Greenwood with unique craft beers and conversation with brewers. Stay tuned for the menu, brewery lineup and pour list, along with additional event information.
Madeline x RESET: The property has debuted an exclusive partnership with RESET Telluride, a private, ultra-luxury wellness and trekking retreat launching in May 2022.
○ Madeline x RESET Retreat: This first-of-its-kind private retreat combines ultra-luxury wellness with guided backcountry trekking in the stunning beauty of the San Juan mountains. Three personalized pathways empower every RESET guest to challenge and indulge in equal measure, while experiencing boundless hospitality, in the greatest outdoors. Break out of tired patterns and tap into your highest potential.
○ Madeline x RESET In-Room Meditation:Take a moment to unplug and recharge with a five-minute guided sleep meditation to promote a restful night in partnership with RESET.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be hosting several Fiesta events. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Fiesta is San Antonio’s annual festival and signature event that honors the memories of those lost at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Since 1819, Fiesta has celebrated the city’s rich and diverse culture. This year, join San Antonio from March 31 to April 10 in honoring the city’s vibrant history with music, parades, art, and exhibitions. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is the best place to stay for the celebration, not only because of its prime location on the River Walk and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade route, but because of its numerous events right on property. Join the hotel on March 31 for the Night in Thompson San Antonio Kick Off Party + Fiesta Medal Reveal at their rooftop restaurant and bar, The Moon’s Daughters. From 4p.m. to 6p.m., the enchanting lounge will have live entertainment from local favorite Mariachi Nuevo Estillo, Fresca Fiesta cocktails (the Thompson take on the Watermelon Fresca), and even a Fiesta Medal giveaway to the first 50 attendees. All proceeds from the specialty cocktail will go to B.I.G. LOVE Cancer Care. On Saturday, April 2, guests and residents of the hotel can enjoy the Cenote Pool Fiesta, with festive cocktails, delicious pool snacks, luxurious cabanas, and unmatched city views.
On April 6, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be hosting a special tasting of different spirits at their signature restaurant, Landrace.The Taste of Landrace will take place from 4:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. and will be accompanied by live entertainment from Mariachi Nuevo Estillo.
Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Tx. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Need some last minute Father’s Day gift ideas? Show Dad some love this Father’s Day and treat him to a weekend at the stunning, 13,000-acre JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora Texas. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Families can celebrate Dad with a gourmet brunch from JL Bar’s expert culinary team on Sunday, June 20, with two exclusive seatings between 10a.m. – 2p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too). For $39.95 and $12.95 for children, guests and locals will be treated to a special menu of signatures dishes including Brisket Eggs Benedict, Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak, and Chef Carved Mesquite Smoked Rack of Pork. There will be two reservations on The Ranch from 10a.m. – 11:30a.m. and 12:30p.m. – 2p.m. with limited seating for both.
For those lucky enough to stay for the weekend, there is an activity for every type of Father. From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a putting/chipping Green, and clay and skeet shooting, families will be able to make many memorable moments at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country has activities planned for the long Memorial Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Memorial Day is right around the corner, and JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering an exciting weekend full of festivities and outdoor-driven activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From concerts in the private indoor/outdoor FBO hangar to special holiday dining options, Memorial Day Weekend with JL Bar will kick off summer on a high note. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Across the resort’s 13,000 sprawling acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, guests will be able to take part in:
Music & Memories: On Saturday, May 29, Shenandoah will be performing a live concert at JL Bar’s Private FBO Hanger in honor of the men and women who gave their lives serving our Country. The concert is fully open to the public with general admission tickets available for $75 and VIP Tables available for $1200. Additionally, Hotel guests can upgrade to a table for just $480. Tables will be exclusively roped off near the front of the stage and can seat up to 8 people. The concert doors open at 6:30p.m. and Shenandoah takes the stage at 9p.m.
Firework Food: JL Bar’s Chef Sergio has curated a special menu for dinner on Saturday, May 29. For only 32.95/adults and $12.95/kids, guests can indulge in a few of his signature dishes – southern style catfish and shrimp, fried country potatoes, and more. The resort will also offer a brunch from 11a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Stay Awhile: The stunning Hill Country resort is offering an exclusive Memorial Day weekend rate starting at $499/night – book 3 nights and guests can receive their 4th night free. Holiday stays can be booked online or by calling 855-414-3337.. Resort guests will also receive free general admission tickets to the concert.
Hill Country Adventures: On top of all the holiday activities, the resort will be offering outdoor experiences including horseback riding and a horse psychology experience, off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting.
The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a luxurious yet rugged destination for a Texas Hill Country road trip. Photo: JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, used with permission.
With road trip travel continuing to gather steam in 2021, Americans have the unique opportunity to rediscover their own backyard. One stop to consider for an epic Texas road trip is the luxurious yet rugged JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa. (JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, 2021)
Nestled among the sloping hills of Sonora, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa offers unmatched luxury in the Texas Hill Country. The 32-room boutique resort just a few hours away from major Texas cities boasts standalone accommodations on the sprawling 13,000-acre property. With wide-open space and conveniently located near Texas Wine Country and the iconic Sonora Caverns – JL Bar is perfect for cross-country road-trippers looking to refuel and recharge. The resort is also ideal for those seeking an extended stay that immerses them in all things Texas with activities and amenities including:
Luxury Cabins & Cottages: The JL Bar Ranch boasts 16 standalone luxury cabins and 16 spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the new Archer’s Nest Villa, a stunning six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to 12 guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre. The resort also has “drive-up” style rooms with private golf carts available, perfect for a naturally distanced getaway.
Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate ‘safecation’ escape.
Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.
Relax & Recharge: To balance its outdoorsy and adventure programming, JL Bar Ranch guests can unwind and practice self-care at the property’s full-service spa, which offers luxurious massages and spa treatments alongside a full nail/salon menu.
La Cantera Resort & Spa’s adults only infinity pool, Topaz. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
La Cantera Resort & Spa has created two new packages, the Home Away From Home and Class Is Now In Session, tailor-made for remote workers and learners to get away from the ordinary routine of home life that has been all too familiar due to Covid-19. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)
With the Home Away From Home Package, you can move your office to La Cantera Resort & Spa. It is one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top resorts in the country and is set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio. After a good night’s sleep, jump start your workday with a cup of Lavazza coffee or tea at Henrietta’s Market, then set up your remote office in the comforts of your room, which is equipped with lightning fast Wi-Fi and a spacious work desk. Need a printer or to mail a package? Just text your dedicated personal assistant and they can take care of your business needs so you can focus on the important stuff, like deciding which La Cantera Zoom backdrop to use on your morning video chat. Swing by the gym or skip the workout and head to SweetFire Kitchen for lunch overlooking Plaza San Saba and then be ready to turn your ‘out of office’ on in time for happy hour at Primero Cantina and slip away to a poolside chaise at the adults only infinity-edge pool, Topaz.
The Home Away From Home package can be booked with code “WORKREMOTE” and includes:
Overnight accommodations complete with a spacious desk and complimentary Wi-Fi starting at $199/night
10a.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out
Cup of coffee or tea at Henrietta’s Market
Custom La Cantera Zoom backdrop bundle
Dedicated personal assistant available during business hours
SweetFire Kitchen lunch break
Primero Cantina happy hour, including chips and salsa and beverage of your choice
Take your virtual classroom to the Hill Country with the Class Is Now In Session package, which will start at $199 per night and includes:
Overnight accommodations complete with a spacious desk and complimentary Wi-Fi
10a.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out
Family breakfast at SweetFire Kitchen
Boxed lunch for the kids
Afternoon scavenger hunt
After-school ice cream treat
Both packages will be available for stays Sunday through Thursday, some restrictions may apply. Thirty-six dollar a day resort charge, taxes and parking are not included. Not valid with any other offer or for groups. Offer is based upon availability and subject to end without notice and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Paula Disbrowe will be at Hotel Emma’s Larder this Saturday for a book signing.
Hotel Emma is thrilled to welcome award-winning author, grilling expert, and Austinite Paula Disbrowe to help hotel guests and San Antonians get inspired to fire up something special on the grill. On Saturday, June 1 Paula will be at Larder signing copies of her newest book “Thank You for Smoking: Fun and Fearless Recipes Cooked with a Whiff of Wood Fire on Your Grill or Smoker.” The book signing will take place outside on Larder’s patio from 10a.m. to 1p.m. and is open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2019)
Featuring her own rendition of the sought-after Burnt Marshmallow & Toffee Rice Crispy Treats sold at Larder, guests are invited to get a signed copy of the book and sample the signature treats in the South Texas market.
In “Thank You for Smoking,” Paula Disbrowe shows home cooks how to elevate everyday meals with seductive, smoky flavors in this collection of 100 recipes for smoking meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, nuts, grains, pantry staples and even cocktails in as little as 30 minutes. After revealing just how easy it is to rig a gas or charcoal grill or use a backyard smoker to infuse everything with a smoky nuance, Disbrowe delivers a wide range of recipes easy enough for weeknight cooking. And because firing up dinner is best enjoyed with an adult beverage, this complete guide also helps readers set up their bar for modern smoke-kissed cocktails.
Larder at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215
La Cantera Resort & Spa now has a nature program that gives guests’ children the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Part of the Destination Hotels collection, La Cantera Resort & Spa announces the launch of Kids Club Naturalist Program benefitting San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. A picturesque Hill Country nature trail on the west side of La Cantera Resort & Spa is now a classroom where children can get an up-close and personal introduction to flora and fauna. Children will learn about the different trees, cactus, birds and native wildlife such as raccoons, armadillos, deer, wild pigs and possums, that share the 550-acre grounds of the resort. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)
The Kids Club Naturalist Program is designed for children ages four to twelve and is available to resort guests for $70 per child. Reservations can be done online or by phone at (855) 499-2960. A trained resort staff member will accompany eight to ten children on a quarter-mile tree-shaded nature trail for the start of a four-hour adventure. Children will have the opportunity to see deer, road runners, lizards, hummingbirds and more, and to walk among the cedar, oak and cactus on the trail. Young naturalists get a backpack with tools to support their adventure, such as a magnifying glass, notebook to log observations and a booklet with naturalist-themed puzzles and games.
Children enrolled in the daylong Kids Club Naturalist Program will scout animal tracks, observe and categorize trees and wildflowers and learn to identify different kinds of animal poop. They will do this under a curriculum co-developed with San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. For their partnership, La Cantera Resort & Spa will donate a portion of the registration fee to these non-profit organizations. Aly Wehde, Director of Recreation for La Cantera Resort & Spa, worked with educational staff from San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden on site as they developed the program.
On the trail, resort staff place molds of various animal tracks for children to discover (coyotes, rabbits, deer and more) just in case the critters that inhabit the grounds are a bit shy. Signs identify native Hill Country trees, flowers and plants. After the trail hike, children return to the Kids Club activity center for arts, crafts and educational exercises that complement the outdoor lessons.
While the kids are on their four-hour educational adventure, parents can relax at the adults-only infinity pool, take a few swings at one of the two world-class golf courses, be pampered with a signature treatment at Loma de Vida spa or sit and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail and sumptuous meal at one of the property’s fine restaurants.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with La Cantera Resort & Spa on nature programming that connects children to the plant world,” – Bob Brackman, Executive Director of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500
SA Examiner 