San Antonio’s Pearl announces new line of merchandise

Pearl announces the launch of ‘Pearl Goods’ – a new line of original merchandise inspired by Pearl’s archives. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce Pearl Goods – a limited line of merchandise, which draws inspiration from Pearl’s archives and long history in San Antonio. Pearl merchandise will be available online starting Thursday, June 24, and will be available for in-person purchase at Pearl Weekend Markets beginning Saturday, June 26. (Pearl Goods, 2021)

Pearl Goods showcases limited-edition merchandise for the first time in Pearl’s history. Drawing inspiration from Pearl’s history, vintage slogans, logos, and imagery are reproduced to pay homage to Pearl as an iconic part of San Antonio culture. When the brewery was acquired in 2002 it came with a wealth of breweriana that became the bedrock of the archival collection. In 2016, Pearl acquired an additional 2,000 items from former Pearl Brewery employee Mr. Charlie Staats, who amassed an extensive personal collection of Pearl promotional items that spanned its eras. All merchandise featured in Pearl Goods are inspired by Pearl’s archival holdings. Pearl partnered with Helms Workshop to design Pearl Goods merchandise.

“Pearl Goods have been years in the making. It is a way for us to share the brand’s rich history and essentially open up our archives to the public.” – Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.

For more information, pricing and a full list of items available for purchase visit Pearl’s website. Pearl merchandise items are available online and can be purchased at Pearl’s Weekend Markets on Saturdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and Sundays from 10a.m. to 2p.m.

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.

New retail concept Rancho Diaz to open at Pearl this August

Local favorite gift shop Feliz Modern announces new retail concept. Photo: Laura Alexandra, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce the addition of a new retail concept opening in August 2021, Rancho Diaz. Created by Feliz Modern owners, Ginger and Mario Diaz, Rancho Diaz is a high-end eclectic edit of vintage and modern pieces that nod to a desert modern aesthetic for foodies and home decor enthusiasts. The shop will feature a rotating curation of products and designs that will appeal to locals and tourists alike. (Rancho Diaz, 2021)

The Diaz’ latest endeavor combines their design backgrounds with their love for all things Mexico and Texas, with a definite nod to the flavor of their beloved hometown. Rancho Diaz will encompass 1,600 square feet of retail space and will feature small batch vintage finds mixed with newer replicas, including home decor, kitchenware, textiles, table linens, personal handmade accessories, gifts, plants, local art, and more. Rancho Diaz will be a one-stop shop for decor, special kitchen products, at-home entertaining, and dinner parties.

Patrons can expect a shop that feels like home, featuring warm woods and with one foot planted in San Antonio and the other in markets around Mexico and the world. The shop will also feature guest pop-ups that will rotate and highlight different makers and foodie-inspired finds throughout the year.

Owners Ginger and Mario Diaz started Feliz Modern in 2017 as a brick and mortar shop in San Antonio. Feliz Modern quickly became a local favorite for bringing local art to a wider audience, opening Feliz Modern POP at Pearl in 2019. The couple’s new concept, Rancho Diaz, will be located in the Pearl at 303 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78215, in the space formerly occupied by Leighelena. An exact opening date will be announced soon. For more information, visit Rancho Diaz online and follow along on social media

“Rancho Diaz is based on what Mario and I have in our 1930’s home, and what we dream about putting into a desert modern home someday… The style is West without being Western, with a heavy dose of our favorite handmade pieces from Mexico and around the world. Mario is a huge foodie and home chef, and we are excited about adding that aspect to this shop since it’s located in such a food-centric place like the Pearl.” – Rancho Diaz Co-Owner Ginger Diaz.

Rancho Diaz

First impression: Raw Xocolat

Raw Xocolatl in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

I love weekends because I get to explore not only my town but the surrounding cities in the hopes of finding new and interesting places to shop or eat, especially if it is a small, locally owned business. Sunday I headed over to Brownsville to check out a new, at least to me, health food store/chocolate shop. From what I understand, Raw Xocolat has been around for some time, selling their goods online and in farmers markets but they recently got a brick and mortar in Brownsville. I am in constant search for healthier food options and when my nephew recently pointed this one out to me, I could not wait to try it. I mean, chocolate, raw goods, healthy snack options, this place was calling my name.

It was not hard to find and luckily there was no waiting because, again, I prefer to do my shopping early in the day. I was not sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw tables for dine-in and a menu that offers drinks and pastries, along with their chocolate products. The interior is brightly lit and beautifully decorated with a combination of chocolates and coffee bean products, coffee mugs, and other knickknacks. The black and white color palette gives it an aura of elegance and sophistication. I was already hooked and decided to try a sampling of several items.

From comments on social media, I knew that their Aztek Gold beverage is one of their best sellers, so I ordered mine on ice with almond milk. I am not thrilled that there is a .75 extra charge for the almond milk but for now that is not important. This drink is their version of Golden Milk, an Indian beverage that is hyped for its healing, anti-inflammatory properties due in part to the curcumin found in turmeric. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat conditions such as breathing problems, joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and more. The other spices it contains are ginger and cinnamon, both of which are also known for their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits. My husband ordered it hot with regular milk. I was not disappointed at all. It is so delicious, whether iced or hot.

I needed something to eat with my Aztec Gold so I ordered two of their tamales: the bean and cheese and the (vegan) jack fruit with red peppers. For dessert, I ordered two Madeleines, two macarons (French pastries), a chocolate biscotti, and a 2oz. vegan white chocolate Matcha spread for use at home. Everything is reasonable priced, so I ended up spending $23.82, not including the tip afterwards. That is not too bad because everything is so delicious and I am definitely coming back for more. I have found my go-to place for scrumptious chocolates and treats, and of course, those vegan tamales alone are worth a return trip.

The vegan white chocolate Matcha spread, Madeleines, macarons, chocolate biscotti, and hot Aztek Gold. Photo: Sandra Cruz

A big thank you to the staff and owner Jesse who took the time to talk to me and patiently answered my questions about this family-owned business. According to them, their recent ‘soft opening’ was a success and business is going well. Everyone is so courteous and attentive so if you come in and are unsure what to order, they take the time to explain their products. It is rare to have a shop in Brownsville that sells these types of quality products, so do yourself and your taste buds a favor and shop small, shop local. Your community will thank you and so will Raw Xocolat.

Business hours:
Monday – Friday 9a.m. to 8p.m.
Saturday 10a.m. – 8p.m.
Sunday 10a.m. – 8p.m.

Raw Xocolat
500 E. Morrison Rd. Ste. H
Brownsville, TX 78526

Raw Xocolat

San Antonio Museum of Art launches monthly art and makers market

San Antonio Museum of Art to launch ‘Museum Market’ in June 2021. Photo: google

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is excited to announce the launch of Museum Market, a monthly market kicking off Saturday, June 12, 2021. Produced in partnership with the Southtown Market Co., the Museum Market will feature a variety of products from local artists, designers, collectors, bakers, and other local makers. The market will be an ongoing effort held on SAMA’s campus in the Sculpture Garden the second Saturday of each month and will operate from 10a.m. to 3p.m. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

The goal of the Museum Market is to continue to connect the downtown San Antonio and Museum Reach communities with local makers from the Alamo City while supporting small businesses and encouraging market-goers to shop local. Confirmed vendors for the first SAMA Saturday Museum Market include:

• Beesweetology – Local honey
• Trinity – Pop art and jewelry
• Be Kind Rewind – Unisex vintage clothing
• Republic Bakery – Baked goods
• Hazel Laine Studio – Pop art apparel
• Relyt.co – Health and beauty goods
• La Familia Lorenzo – Fine art
• Sundown Vintage – Handpicked vintage clothing
• Trinket Armor – Gold plated jewelry and hats

“We’ve had great success with our holiday market and we’re delighted to extend it to a year-round market. Our campus has always been a place for our community to get together, and we hope that the market will bring new people to our campus. It’s a great way to enjoy the neighborhood and to spend the day on the Museum Reach.” – Emily Sano, the San Antonio Museum of Art Co-Interim Director.

The Museum Market will offer seasonal items and a rotation of new and ongoing vendors each month. For more information on SAMA’s monthly market, visit SAMA’s website. To apply to participate in the market as a vendor, contact Southtown Market.

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

San Antonio Museum of Art

Recent trip to Port Isabel/South Padre Island

Living so close to South Padre Island, we have visited often in the past few months. Last Friday we wanted to have lunch at my favorite vegan restaurant at the island, Veggie Del Sol, but were sadly disappointed. The night before they sustained damage to their restaurant and were not open yet because they were still cleaning up. We were not about to stick around “just in case,”….we were hungry! So instead we headed back to Port Isabel; there was bound to be somewhere interesting to eat.

We ended up at the Causeway Bar & Grill. Before committing to it, I had to peruse the menu just to make sure they had at least one meatless option for me. Turns out they do. So I ordered the Vegetarian Nachos as an appetizer and the Quesadilla (meatless) as an entrée. They have a black-bean patty burger, but I was not feeling it. My husband ordered the Hey Chancho burger. The food was satisfactory, but the wine was way overpriced at $9 a glass. It was a decent enough visit so we will probably be back.

Rarely do we have dessert, but I noticed an ice-cream parlor afterwards, so we chanced it – Davey Jones Ice Cream Locker. It is a small place, but there are plenty of options. I wanted something sweet, but not too sweet, so I got a cup of cherry ice cream. On the way out, I also got the butter pecan fudge. It comes in these cute little boxes to take home. Again, overpriced, but decent. I guess that is to be expected when you go to a tourist town.

It was time to walk off all the calories we just ate, so we walked over to the nearby shops. There are more than plenty of shopping opportunities but we ended up at The Cat’s Meow Vintage Emporium & Gourmet Shop. They have raw honey, hand-made soaps, unique vintage items, and over 80 vendors. It was so much fun browsing through all the cool home décor items, but I ended up not buying anything. Not this time around, anyway.

We went during the week, so there were not too many people around, the ones we saw in Port Isabel were socially distanced and wearing masks. This was not the case at the island. Most of the tourist spots were packed in, like the boat tours, and not too many people were wearing masks. Looks like we will have to wait a while longer before we go sight seeing there.

Pearl announces re-opening of Farmers Market and Food Hall

pearlfarmersmarketopen — The Farmers Market will re-open this Saturday June 6. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Pearl continues its dedication to small businesses and farmers by updating its response to COVID-19 and announcing re-openings. Pearl Farmers Market will reopen on Saturdays only from 9a.m. to 1p.m. starting on June 6. The Bottling Department, Pearl’s food hall, will reopen its dining room at 50% capacity beginning on June 9. The hours of operation for the Bottling Department restaurants and bar will be Tuesday through Sunday 11:30a.m. to 8p.m. (Pearl, 2020)

To accommodate the overwhelming response to curbside pickup in the wake of COVID-19, Pearl will also continue to offer its Farmers Market curbside service. Farmers Market Headquarters will be located next to Bike World in the former Can Recycling Building, located at 300 E. Grayson St., Suite 100.

Guests can continue to order online. All online market orders must be submitted by Tuesday at midnight for pickup on Friday. Curbside pickup is available from 3p.m. to 7p.m. on Fridays and the pickup location will move to the Farmers Market Headquarters space starting on June 12. The last pickup from the Pearl Stable will be on June 5. Upon arrival, guests can follow the signs to the curbside location and Pearl representatives will be on hand to deliver bags to vehicles.

The Saturday Farmers Market will move from Pearl Park to the parking lot area by Green Vegetarian Cuisine, 200 E. Grayson St., until further notice. The Farmers Market will serve as an open air grocery store. Currently there are no tables or sitting areas available to avoid congregating and eating or sampling in the market footprint will not be permitted.

Pearl has committed to the following Farmers Market pledge to maintain the safety and health of its employees, visitors and residents:

Farmers Market at Pearl

Vendors will wear masks
Make hand sanitizer/hand washing stations available to employees and guests
Vendors will handle all products; guests are asked to point to product and avoid touching
Post the Pearl Pledge in high traffic areas to remind everyone of best hygiene practices

Farmers Market Guests
Please approach Farmers Market like you would a grocery store:

Wear a mask
Maintain at least six feet distance from individuals not in your household
While shopping, refrain from consuming food and drink
Wash or sanitize hands upon entering the market area and between vendor interactions
For the time being, leave furry friend(s) at home

“Our local producers and farmers market team were able to quickly pivot in the wake of COVID-19. The overwhelming response to curbside pick-up has prompted us to invest in a new Farmers Market Headquarters that will enable us to continue this service alongside the careful reopening of the market to the public. We are excited to continue to support our local producers and community with this new endeavor.” – Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.

Twin Liquors returns to regular business hours

twinliquors20 — Starting Friday May 22, Twin Liquors all liquors locations return to regular business hours. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Twin Liquors recently announced that beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 22, all locations will return to regular business hours: 10a.m. to 9p.m. The Texas based liquor store had previously modified the store hours due to COVID-19. While hours are reverting back to normal, Twin Liquors is committed to the safety of their team members and community. With online ordering available in 90+ stores and enhanced in-store safety guidelines, Twin Liquors will continue its mission of customer service making shopping easy, accessible and safe for Texas. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

As a reminder, Plexiglas “sneeze-guards” have been placed in all Twin Liquors locations for protection between the cash register and counter as well as safety signage and social distancing markers. The staff uses gloves and protective gear and is actively disinfecting the store on a regular basis. All locations are continuing to limit the number of people in the store at one time. Shopping in groups of more than 2 will not be allowed at this time.

To find a Twin Liquors near you, visit Twin Liquors online. Customers are encouraged to shop online or via the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. For step-by-step videos, please visit Twin Liquors and Sigel’s.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas company. With a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement, Twin Liquors currently operates 85+ neighborhood stores across central, south, and southeast Texas.

Twin Liquors enhances safety guidelines

twinliquorssocialdistance — Twin Liquors has installed social distancing markers in an effort to keep customers safe. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors, committed to its team members and community, has been working on enhanced guidelines to ensure the safety of all customers and staff members. Over the last three weeks, Twin Liquors has expanded to over 40 stores to offer delivery and in-store pick-up in addition to implementing extra safety precautions and preparedness in every store across Texas. All Twin Liquors locations will remain open Monday through Saturday with modified hours from 11a.m. to 8p.m. (Twin Liquors, 2020)

Other safety measures include Plexiglas “sneeze-guards” for protection between the cash register and counter; safety signage, social distancing markers and reduced hours and the use of gloves and protective gear. The staff is also actively disinfecting the store on a regular basis.

The Texas-based family-owned liquor store has also expanded the online process. Originally providing delivery and online ordering for 12 locations, Twin Liquors is now offering e-commerce with delivery and in-store pick-up to 40+ stores varying by city, county and store location. Twin Liquors is currently serving most areas in Austin, Austin Metro, San Marcos and San Antonio; select areas of Houston; and select areas of Dallas (through Twin Liquors’ Sigel’s brand). This week, Twin Liquors also launched e-commerce to Georgetown, Killeen, New Braunfels, Temple, Victoria and Waco.

To shop with Twin Liquors, please visit the link here. To shop Sigel’s in Dallas, please use the link here. Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. For a step-by-step video on how the ordering process can be done, please visit the links provided here – Twin Liquors and Sigel’s.

“Twin Liquors is committed to our team members and our communities. We are working diligently during this challenging time to balance the needs of the community and our staff while navigating through this uncertainty together. With that, we are continually updating safety procedures and are expanding e-commerce capabilities daily.” – David Jabour, president of Twin Liquors.

Pearl announces new pop-up: Nave Coyote

Pearl is excited to present Nave Coyote, the third pop-up in the Diehlman Building. As the brainchild of designers Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada, Nave Coyote will showcase a compilation of hand-selected contemporary designs from Guadalajara, Mexico, Moncada’s hometown. Glassford and Moncada curated a vibrant collection of fashion, jewelry, leather goods, tabletop designs, furniture and lighting items that vary from practical to extravagant. This showcase will introduce San Antonio to the booming contemporary design scene in Mexico. (Pearl, 2019)

Designers Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada kick-started their careers in 1990 after falling in love with the talent they found in Mexico. The duo formed Glassford Moncada in 2016, a design alliance and workshop in Guadalajara with a Tex-Mex perspective. Their pop up in the Diehlman Building will have items that were exclusively selected for the Pearl and will be available for a limited time; from Friday November 29 through Monday January 6. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Diehlman Building
200 E. Grayson Street, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78215

Fall pop-up series at the Pearl

mironcrosbyboots — Miron Crosby, a boot brand from Dallas, will be one of the pop-up events coming up at the Pearl. Photo: Miron Crosby, used with permission.

Pearl is thrilled to announce three new pop-up experiences coming to Pearl’s Dielmann Building this fall. The series will feature curated brands made in San Antonio and Dallas and offer locals another unique shopping opportunity as each will occupy the space for about a month. (Pearl, 2019)

The Dielmann Building, formerly the Il Sogno space, will host retails shops Miron Crosby, Period Modern and a contemporary design studio by Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada. Miron Crosby, a bespoke boot brand from Dallas, will take over the space, followed by Period Modern, a brand offering hand-selected vintage and authentic Danish mid-century furniture. The pop-up series will close with a contemporary Mexican design showcase of vibrant fashion, jewelry, textiles, leather goods and furniture from Guadalajara-based Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada.

The pop-up schedule at Pearl includes:

Miron Crosby – September 12 through October 12 open from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Sisters Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means are the force behind Miron Crosby, a bespoke boot brand with a flagship store in Dallas’ Highland Park Village. Miron Crosby is inspired by the sisters’ experiences of growing up on their family’s West Texas cattle ranch and later living and working in New York City. Their artisanal boots for women, men and children are hand-lasted in Texas by Rios of Mercedes, a 160-year-old manufacturer and cousins of the Means sisters. Their line features the iconic tall cowboy boot, the popular shorty and the novel midi-boot.

Period Modern – October 15 through November 24

Period Modern hand selects mid-century modern classics with pieces by Harry Bertoia, Finn Juhl, Adrian Pearsall, Hans Wegner, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, George Nelson and Vladimir Kagan. Artwork showcased at Period Modern includes many mid-century artists and several local artists.

Hello Diseño Mexico – November 29 through January 9

Guadalajara-based Peter Glassford and Isabel Moncada will showcase contemporary Mexican design with a vibrant mix of fashion, jewelry, tabletop, leather goods, and furniture. The pop-up will introduce San Antonio to the booming contemporary design scene in Guadalajara, which is well known to the world but underexposed in San Antonio.

“Pearl loves collaborating with unique brands that reference regional sensibilities. We’re excited to utilize the space to showcase small businesses and expand our retail footprint.”- Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s chief marketing officer

The Dielmann Building
200 E Grayson St, Ste 100
San Antonio, TX 78215

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