Brenda’s Creations is an art studio located in the Little Shops at Wonderland of the America’s mall on Fredericksburg Rd.  Aside from being an art studio, the proprietor, Brenda, provides art lessons and painting parties.  The painting parties can be for birthdays, showers, office parties or just a time to get together with friends.  There are also monthly themed public painting parties where anyone can attend for a $25 fee with locations subject to change.  Brenda provides all the supplies and all guests have to do is show up, relax and have fun.

Last night’s September painting party was held at Wonderland Mall and it had a fall theme. The group in attendance was small and that provided those in attendance with the extra attention.  Everything was set up as a classroom layout with the teacher’s easel at the front stage with an overhead light to highlight the work in progress.  The atmosphere was light and relaxed and there was little pressure to do a perfect painting.  Fall props, including plastic flowers and leaves were scattered around the table for guests to create their own scenery to paint.  Brenda guided them in a step by step demonstration of each stage of a painting including the first layer that covers the canvas completely to get rid of all the white and create a base.  From there the basic shapes are painted then those shapes are completed with shades, highlights and shadows.  The finished product was different for everyone since, this being art, it is open to the individual’s interpretation.

Overall, the night’s experience was relaxed and entertaining.  As a teacher, Brenda is approachable and patient with those who have little to no painting experience.  She is not patronizing or in any way intimidating and that makes it easy to ask questions or ask for help.  This is an excellent way to get some art therapy and interact with others who have the same interests.  Next month being October the theme is going to be a Halloween based painting and should be interesting.  The details will be posted at the studio and around Wonderland Mall.

Starting tomorrow Saturday September 10 Botika will now be serving lunch on Saturdays only from 11:30a.m. to 2p.m. followed by happy hour from 2p.m. to 5p.m. New lunch hours will be announced at a later time. The lunch menu is seasonal and includes different specials each Saturday. (Botika, 2016)

Appetizers
Bon Lai Salad ($7) – Cucumber, green papaya, carrots, lime, toasted nuts, Thai basil, mint
Solterito ($7) – Fava beans, choclo, fresh cheese, rocoto dressing, parsley, red onion
Tuna Roll Acevichado ($11) – Nori, tuna salad, cucumber, avocado, crispy noodles, Nikkei tiger’s milk dipping sauce
Ceviche Carretillero ($11) – Restaurant’s selection of seafood, bibb lettuce, choclo and potato causa
Chicken Ginger and Shitake Buns ($10) – Hoisin, green onion, mint, daikon, and carrot pickle
Chicken and Veggies Eggrolls ($7) – Rice glass noodles, ginger-citrus dipping sauce

Mains
Beef Yakitori Teriyaki ($11) – Over steamed rice, furikakke and sesame seeds
Tacu Tacu A Lo Pobre ($12) – Red beans and rice “cake,” pork katsu, fried egg, sweet plantain emulsion
Arroz Chaufa Verde ($10) – Crispy tofu, broccoli, bok choy, edamame, kale, green beans
Pulpo Al Olivo ($11) – Baby octopus, Botija olive mayonnaise, fried yucca, tomato and arugula salad
Huancaina Cream Noodles ($10) – Creamy Aji Amarillo sauce, parmesan, sweety drop peppers, sesame seeds salsa criolla

Sides
Steamed White Rice with furikakke ($5)
Vegetable Stir Fry with siyao sauce and peanuts ($7)

Sweets
Sorbets ($6) – chef selection of three Amazonian fruits house made sorbets, mocha rice cakes and ginger lace toile

Botika is one of the newest restaurants at the Pearl and it is described as a Peruvian-Asian restaurant. It features “Chifa,” Chinese-Peruvian and “Nikkei,” Japanese-Peruvian cuisines as well as new takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America. The bar offers classic cocktails and a wide variety of sakes, rums, piscos and cachaças. The layout includes a sushi-ceviche bar, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor dining space. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 5p.m. to 10p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday late night from 11p.m. to 2a.m.

Botika
303 Pearl Pkwy #111
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 670-7684

The new season of The Classic Theatre is in full swing and it is off to a good start with ‘The House on Mango Street.’  It opened last Friday to a nearly full house and it is generating positive feedback.  Based on Sandra Cisneros’ book and adapted by Amy Ludwig it tells the story of Esperanza Cordero.  She is a Latina growing up in a rough neighborhood in Chicago and the play follows a year in her life told in flashbacks.  The young Esperanza (Bella Villarreal) and the adult version of herself (Gypsy Pantoja) narrate the story.

It opens as the Cordero family is excitedly moving into their new home. They are filled with expectations but find reality much harsher than they thought.  The house is small and run down and the door has to be pushed in order for it to open.  As she privately aches for a real house she introduces the different people in the neighborhood that make her life both interesting and heartbreaking.  This includes Lucy and Rachel, sisters from Texas, and Sally, who uses boys as an escape from her abusive father.  For every dark storyline there are joyous ones filled with child-like delight.  For example, when Esperanza and her friends go on a joyride on a bicycle they just bought and when she and her friends are learning how to walk on heels.

‘The House on Mango Street’ is a splendid combination of heart and humor and is proof that quality live theater is alive and well in San Antonio. The talented cast portrays several characters and effortlessly switches between them.  Gypsy Pantoja and Bella Villarreal are strong leads but Bella should be commended for a job well done even though on opening night she relied on her script cleverly disguised in a book.  The dramatic role is demanding but she delivers a strong performance.  It runs until Sunday September 25 at The Classic Theatre with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students.  They may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.

Tony Cointreau was born into a life of wealth and privilege as a member of the French Cointreau liqueur family. He was surrounded by the rich and famous and he himself had his own successful singing career. Despite all this he felt he needed more out of life. Eventually his search led him to Calcutta and Mother Teresa after which he spent twelve years as a volunteer in her hospices in New York and Calcutta. He spent his days helping numerous people through the process of dying and she became a mentor and a dear friend. Today marks the release of his new book “A Gift of Love: Lessons Learned From My Work and Friendship with Mother Teresa” where he chronicles his experiences and lessons learned while caring for those who for one reason or another had no one and nowhere else to go.

In the Foreword, Tony Cointreau delves into what compelled him to do his volunteer work. It began in 1979 when he saw a magazine photograph of one of Mother Teresa’s volunteers carrying a dying man in his arms. It was not a religious calling but rather an urge he had to comfort those who were dying. His work took him deep into a world filled with drugs, poverty and crime during the worst of the AIDS crisis. When people heard about what he was doing they kept asking him for advice. They had someone in their life who was facing death and wanted to know what they could do for them in their last days. The book is divided into sixteen chapters with such titles as “Never Assume Anything,” “Doing Whatever You Have to Do” and “Unconditional Love.” The one that stands out the most is Chapter 7 “Helping Each Other” because in it the author writes about how everyday people have the ability to encourage others even while they themselves are facing their own crisis.

“A Gift of Love” by Tony Cointreau is a poignant account of one man’s courageous journey to help those facing their last days. Eventually everyone will have to either be a caregiver or know someone who is a caregiver or facing his or her last days. This may be a small book but it is filled with heartfelt stories and useful advice. The subject matter may be difficult but it pulls the reader in with the compassion that flows from its pages. It is an excellent read for anyone looking to gain perspective and empathy and especially recommended for caregivers and nurses. Now that Mother Teresa has been in the spotlight in the last few days this is the perfect book to read to learn about her work with the dying.

*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.

On Tuesday August 30 Botika launched its new happy hour scheduled for Monday through Saturday from 3p.m. to 6p.m. with seating limited to the bar and sushi bar area for happy hour prices. The menu includes House empanadas with spicy aji for $5, Chicken and Veggie eggrolls with ginger-citrus sauce for $5, Tuna Tartar with crispy rice crackers for $5 and Japanese peanuts for $4. The drink menu includes draft beer for $5, Botika selected wine for $5, Sake by the glass for $5 and select spirit of the day for $5. (Botika, 2016)

Botika is one of the newest restaurants at the Pearl and it’s described as a Peruvian-Asian restaurant. It features “Chifa,” Chinese-Peruvian and “Nikkei,” Japanese-Peruvian cuisines as well as new takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America. The bar offers classic cocktails and a wide variety of sakes, rums, piscos and cachaças. The layout includes a sushi-ceviche bar, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor dining space. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 5p.m. to 10p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday late night from 11p.m. to 2a.m.

Botika
303 Pearl Pkwy #111
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 670-7684

This Friday September 2 is opening night of ‘The House on Mango Street’ at The Classic Theatre. This marks the beginning of Season 9 and promises to be an exciting one. ‘The House on Mango Street’ was adapted from Sandra Cisneros’ book by Amy Ludwig. It tells the story of Esperanza Cordero whose neighborhood is one of harsh realities and harsh beauties. She is determined to “say goodbye” to her impoverished neighborhood by turning to a life on the streets. Major themes include her quest for a better life and the promise she makes to come back for those she left behind. Esperanza is a young Latina coming into her power and finding out what she will become. It runs from Friday September 2 through Sunday September 25, 2016. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.

The Classic Theatre dedicates this production to John Igo, a San Antonio legend and a dedicated patron of the arts. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students. They may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Season passes are also available and each includes 4 tickets to any show in the season line up. Tickets may be used for one show or throughout the season, using each ticket separately. Prices start at $90 with discount passes available for seniors, military and educators. On opening night guests can enjoy complimentary champagne and mango paletas. Following the Sunday September 18 show at 3p.m. Dr Patricia Portales, a San Antonio College English professor of Mexican American Literature, will facilitate a community conversation on ‘The House on Mango Street.’ (The Classic Theatre, 2016)

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

Nao Latin Gastro Bar is The Culinary Institute of America’s signature restaurant and next month it will host an exclusive dinner and educational seminar with vineyard director Luis Reginato of legendary winery Catena Zapata. This event is set for Thursday September 8 at 6:30p.m. Before the dinner Luis Reginato will host a short educational seminar on the winemaking philosophy of Catena Zapata. It will be followed by a five course dinner with dishes prepared by Executive Chef Zach Garza paired with some of the best wines from the Mendoza region of Argentina and will be poured by Luis Reginato. (Nao Latin Gastro Bar, 2016)

The menu for the evening will be as follows: Reception – Argentinian Empanadas paired with Catena Chardonnay 2014 – Mendoza. First course – Pumpkin Gnocchi paired with Catena Alta Chardonnay 2013 – Mendoza. Second course – Seafood Stew paired with Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2011 – Mendoza. Third course – Mixed Grill of Lamb, Beef, Chorizo, Blood Sausage, Sweetbreads, Grilled Onions, Peppers and Chimichurri paired with Nicolás Catena Zapata Red 2010 – Mendoza. Fourth course – Selection of cheeses paired with Catena Alta Malbec 2013 – Mendoza. Fifth course – Alfajores and Dulce de Leche – Coconut Ice Cream. The price for this dinner is $100 per person not including tax and gratuity. There are a limited number of seats available and reservations can be made by calling Nao Latin Gastro Bar.

Nao – Latin Gastro Bar
The Culinary Institute of America
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6484

Naomi Schaefer Riley is a weekly columnist for the New York Post and a former Wall Street Journal editor. She is known for her writings centered on the topics of higher education, religion, philanthropy and culture. Her work has appeared in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and the Boston Globe. Previous books include “Got Religion?” and “’Til Faith Do Us Part: How Interfaith Marriage is Transforming America,” which was named an editor’s pick by the New York Times Book Review. In her latest, “The New Trail of Tears: How Washington Is Destroying American Indians,” she explores the topic of the tragic plight of the American Indian.

History tells of the devastating effects of white settlers on Indian communities but that is not where the story ends. In “The New Trail of Tears,” the author writes about how American Indians have the highest rates of poverty of any racial group and that they are plagued by suicide and gang violence. According to her, this stems from an effort to ease the “white guilt” which has resulted in lack of economic opportunities, lack of education and lack of equal protection under the law. This heavily notated book is divided into three parts: “The False Promise of Sovereignty,” “White people call it nepotism. We call it kinship” and “Who Will Stand Up for Civil Rights?” Chapter 5: “Equal Protection” stands out when the author proposes that “If Americans owe something to Indians, it’s surely the basic protections we afford all Americans.”

Naomi Schaefer Riley has written an eye-opening account of what life is really like in reservations. Even though she starts off in the introduction by blaming modern liberalism she redeems herself by proposing solutions. Over the years the government has been uselessly throwing money at the problem when all they need is the autonomy, the education and the legal protections to help themselves. The subject of mascots comes up and it puts things into perspective: the problems American Indians face will not be made worse by the image of an Indian on a football team’s jersey. The material may be difficult to read but it is a subject that must be addressed. It is recommended for readers who are interested in the history of American Indians that goes beyond history books.

*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.

Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony Award® winning production of ‘Cabaret’ returns to San Antonio in October. It will be playing at the Majestic Theatre from Tuesday October 25 through Sunday October 30 for eight performances only. Tickets go on sale this Friday August 26 at 10a.m. Performances are at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices start at $30 and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2016)

Roundabout Theatre Company is a not-for-profit company that is committed to producing the highest quality theater with the finest artists. This marks the 50th anniversary season of the critically acclaimed and award winning theater. Their production of ‘Cabaret’ opened in Broadway in 1998 and won four Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a musical. It is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. It is set in the infamous Kit Kat Klub where Emcee Sally Bowles and the rest of the ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd and to leave their troubles outside. Memorable songs include “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” It features the original Broadway direction by Sam Mendes and original co-direction and choreography by Rob Marshall.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Last weekend was the premiere of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Evita’ at the Woodlawn Theatre.  Eva Perón was the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón.  ‘Evita’ chronicles her true life story from childhood, rise to power, charity work and death.  She rose from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady and became one of the most powerful women in the world.  Even though she was loved by the general public it was her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health that made her life a tragic one.

The story begins in a cinema in Buenos Aires as the press secretary announces Evita’s death.  The atmosphere turns somber as the company sings “Requiem” and the city is in mourning.  One of the perks of seeing a show at the Woodlawn is the creativity that brings the show to the audience.  In this case the mourners pour through the theater from the audience and the casket is carried down the center aisle.  This makes it feel like the audience is present at the funeral. The cynical narrator Che, portrayed by Travis Treviño, takes over on “Oh, What a Circus” to notate the hysteria sweeping the nation following her death.  His performance gives the role the authority it needs to keep the story going.  Lauren Wertz-James’ turn as Evita is just as striking and does the character justice.

There were some sound issues at Saturday’s performance but hopefully they were fixed in time for this weekend.  Musical standouts include “A New Argentina” when Juan Perón is elected president and it ends Act I with a ‘power to the people’ feel.  As soon as Act II began the audience grew quiet and the anticipation grew on the heels of the iconic “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and it did not disappoint; neither did the gorgeous dress that Wertz-James wore for the scene.  There is no dialogue but the singing and dancing are excellent and when combined with the costumes and settings the result is a must see musical. ‘Evita’ runs until Sunday September 11 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  Tickets range from $17 to $26 and are available online.