Best Quality Daughter to host fundraiser for reproductive rights

Best Quality Daughter is partnering with New Orleans’ Turkey and the Wolf to host Good Trouble in Little China on September 11, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Best Quality Daughter is excited to announce that they will be hosting a house party, Good Trouble in Little China, to raise funds for reproductive rights in Texas and Louisiana. Guest Chef Mason Hereford from Turkey and the Wolf in New Orleans joins Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobertin for a special menu at Best Quality Daughter for one night only on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. The party and fundraising event will benefit Planned Parenthood South Texas and Lift Louisiana with proceeds being split 50/50. This is not a seated dinner, so unfortunately dietary restrictions and food allergies are unable to be accommodated. (Best Quality Daughter, 2022)

Three dishes are being curated by both Chef Hereford, a recent Iron Chef alum, and Chef Dobertin, along with house made cocktails. Chef Hereford’s menu includes collard melts and deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin, while Chef Dobertin’s items include wagyu scallion pancake sandwiches and chorizo and egg dumplings. Drinks served will include house cocktails such as Aide and Abet and Purple Texas, along with a beer from Kunstler Brewing called The Morning After Pils.

Tickets are available for a donation of $150 through Eventbrite and include drinks and food. Guests must be 21+ to attend. 

Good Trouble in Little China is sponsored by Annie’s Petite Treats, Back Bar Project, El Dorado Rum, Farm to Table, Kunstler Brewing, Mezcal Amaras, Peeler Farms, Potluck Hospitality, Rambler Sparkling Water, Jamie Stolarski and Sarah Fox.

Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215

Best Quality Daughter is a restaurant by Chef Jennifer Dobbertin that opened at Pearl in November of 2020. Pioneering New Asian-American Cuisine, the restaurant experience is a reflection of Dobbertin’s travels and the comfort food of her youth as a second-generation Chinese American. A warm, fun, and gorgeous environment serves as a culinary beacon to locals and travelers alike.

September events at San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This September, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is packed with “can’t miss” events including an Author Talk and book signing, a Japanese Art-inspired lecture, and the highly-anticipated reopening of SAMA’s Latin American Popular Art Gallery. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

On Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 6p.m. to 7p.m., visitors can head to the John L. Santikos Auditorium at SAMA for an evening with Anne Elise Urrutia, (SOLD OUT) author of ‘Miraflores: San Antonio’s Mexican Garden of Memory.’ This lecture and book signing will explore SAMA’s Urrutia Arch; its relationship to Dr. Aureliano Urrutia’s historic garden, Miraflores; and the arch’s artists, origins, symbolism, and significance to the city. Her book is available at the Museum Shop for attendees hoping to snag a last minute copy. This free admission, or pay as you wish program, will also be live streamed via Zoom.

The second weekend of September kicks off with the long-awaited return of SAMA’s Latin American Popular Art Gallery, reopening on Friday, September 9, 2022. Formerly known as the Folk Art collection, this internationally recognized gallery is an unmatched experience unique to SAMA. Dr. Lucia Abramovich Sanchez, Associate Curator of Latin American Art, will speak on the reimagined collection with special remarks at 11a.m, with coffee and light bites available from 10a.m. to Noon. The gallery is included in general admission to SAMA. 

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, functionality and sculpture collide at the John L. Santikos Auditorium at SAMA with Listening to Bamboo: An Unrivaled Japanese Art Form. From 6p.m. to 7p.m., Robert T. Coffland, one of the world’s leading experts on Japanese bamboo, will trace the development of this specialized medium and guide guests on a journey to find where practicality became artistry. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. 

The California Honeydrops’ new album Soft Spot

The California Honeydrops let loose in the studio for new album Soft Spot, due out October 7, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In their fourteenth year together, bay-area soul/R&B favorites The California Honeydrops hits the post-lockdown ground running. Tour dates and festivals returned, including the Honeydrops’ first headlining show at Red Rocks, and, much to the delight of the band and fans alike, the group returned to the recording studio to lay down a new full-length album. The Honeydrops are sharing the very first taste of their upcoming release Soft Spot—out October 7, 2022. (The California Honeydrops, 2022)

The first single “Takin’ My Time” kicks off with a slinky groove that the Honeydrops are known for, having made a career out of their signature blend of Bay Area R&B, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second line. With tasty horn-section interjections dancing around well-timed background vocals, “Takin’ My Time” embodies exactly what guitarist, trumpeter, and lead singer Lech Wierzynkski wanted to channel with the song’s lyrical content—as he describes, “Slow down, erase your social media, smoke some weed, watch the sunset, get out of the rat race.” 

The Honeydrops have come a long way since Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Beaullieu started busking in an Oakland subway station, but the band has stayed true to that organic, street-level feel. Listening to Lech sing, it can be a surprise that he was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised by Polish political refugees. He learned his vocal stylings from contraband American recordings of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and later at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California. With the additions of Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass, they’ve built a powerful full-band sound to support Wierzynski’s vocals.

Fans can listen to “Takin’ My Time” now and pre-order or pre-save Soft Spot ahead of its October 7 release.

Soft Spot track list:
Honey and Butter
Gonna Be Alright
Nothing at All
I Miss You Baby, Pt. 1
Tumblin’
Takin’ My Time
The Unicorn
Soft Spot
In Your Arms
Lil Bit of Love
Sneakin’ into Heaven
I Miss You Baby, Pt. 2

Catch The California Honeydrops On Tour:
September 9 – St. Helena, CA – Charles Krug Winery
September 10 – San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Gathering
September 11 – Perris, CA – Same Same But Different Festival 2022
September 19 – Buena Vista, CO – Ivy Ballroom at Surf Hotel
September 20 – Crested Butte, CO – Center for the Arts
September 22 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House
September 24 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
October 14 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
October 16 – Flagstaff, AZ – Yucca North
October 18 – Durango, CO – Animas City Theatre
October 19 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf
October 21 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
October 22 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads
October 23 – St. Louis, MO – The Big Top
October 25 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
October 26 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
October 27 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
October 29 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Annex
October 30 – Ferndale, MI – Magic Bag
October 31 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Brewery
November 2 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
November 3 – Portland, ME – Aura
November 5 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
November 6 – Boston, MA – Royale Boston
November 8 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
November 9 – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre
November 11 – Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater
November 12 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
November 13 – Highlands, NC – Highlands Food and Wine Festival 2022
January 15-22, 2023 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sandy Beaches Cruise 2023

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Jonathan Terrell releases new single from new EP

Jonathan Terrell welcomes you to his home state on new single ‘Texas’ from his new EP A Couple, 2,3. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“To be from Texas means to be a good neighbor and to be a good friend to that neighbor,” says Austin-based recording artist Jonathan Terrell. His new single “Texas,” out now on Range Music, reads like a postcard and acts as an open invitation to anybody wanting to visit the great state of country music, barbeque and Willie Nelson. Written by Terrell and Jess Carson of Midland, “Texas” is a ‘come as you are’ anthem for all walks of life. (Jonathan Terrell, 2022)

Terrell recently released the music video for “Texas,” in partnership with Desert Door Texas Sotol’s Unreleased music series, which supports local Texas artists. Raised Rowdy premiered the single as well, calling it, “velvet-warm with a healthy dose of soul.” Produced by Beau Bedford at Dallas’s beloved Modern Electric Studios, like the rest of A Couple, 2, 3, “Texas” is available to stream or purchase. Fans can also pre-save or pre-order A Couple, 2, 3 ahead of its September 9 release via Range Music.

Terrell will be supporting wildly popular country trio Midland on a string of U.S. dates starting where he will also be performing as part of their touring band.

A Couple, 2, 3 track list:
Samantha
I Know
Paint By Lightning
Texas
Place Out Back
Better For You

With his new EP, A Couple 2, 3, the singer-songwriter now signed to Range Music has translated his philosophy into a staggeringly coherent, funny, heartbreaking, and gorgeous project. Highlighted by brilliant singles like “Better For You,” which comes alongside a self-directed video with frequent collaborator Shakey Graves onboard as a producer, it is clear that two decades into this game, Terrell is firmly in his prime. There is a bravery in Terrell’s storytelling on this new project that only comes from repetition and honing the craft. The way he owns these songs—honors the stories he tells with joy and bravado—comes from his tenacious work ethic; all those days on the road, engaging in musical conversations with his fans to figure out what works best.

Catch Jonathan Terrell on tour:
September 8 – Cheyenne, WY – Outlaw Saloon w/ William Clark Green
September 10 – Billings, MT – Pub Station w/ William Clark Green
September 11 – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry w/ William Clark Green
September 15 – Spokane, WA – Lucky You Lounge w/ William Clark Green
September 16 – Portland, OR – Ponderosa Lounge w/ William Clark Green
September 17 – Medford, OR – The Rocky Tonk Saloon w/ William Clark Green
September 20 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern w/ William Clark Green
September 21 – Boise, ID – The Olympic w/ William Clark Green
October 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union w/ Midland
October 22 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks w/ Midland
November 12 – Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center w/ Midland
November 16 – Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker Theatre w/ Midland
December 7 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage w/ William Clark Green
December 8 – Richmond, V – The Broadberry w/ William Clark Green
December 9 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater w/ William Clark Green
December 10 – Worchester, MA – Off The Rails w/ William Clark Green

 

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Female-founded Après Hours launches ready to drink espresso martini

Two PR executives turned co-founders create canned cocktail brand with built-in grant program that supports women entrepreneurs. Photo: Chase Hall, used with permission.

Despite the explosion of canned cocktail offerings in recent years, Nicole Craven and Alexis Smith found themselves waiting for their favorite libation — the espresso martini —  to appear in a convenient, ready-to-drink format. After months of waiting, hoping someone else might bring their vision to life, the two publicists quit their agency jobs to pursue a profit-promising gap in an already booming market, and Après Hours was born. (Après Hours, 2022)

Après Hours is a new line of ready-to-drink, canned espresso martinis designed for a gluten-free, dairy-free lifestyle. The brand officially launched in Dallas on August 1 is now available in select liquor stores throughout the city and online with nationwide shipping to 39 states.

“We’ve always preferred our espresso martinis with tequila instead of vodka, which is where we got the idea to use agave-wine as our base,” says co-founder Nicole Craven. “It gives the entire cocktail a smoother, rounder flavor and allows us to be sold in grocery stores as well as liquor stores.”

Après Hours is available in three gluten-free and dairy-free flavors — Salted Caramel, Classic, and Vanilla. Each 12-ounce can is 10% alc/vol and contains 40 mg of Colombian caffeine, slightly less than a standard shot of espresso.

However, building a business was not as easy as balancing a beverage. Craven and Smith ran into multiple roadblocks along the way, especially with funding. These initial difficulties made the sudden success and warm reception of Après Hours by Dallas shoppers even sweeter. Their first run sold out the day it hit store shelves. According to a recent study by BevAlc Insights, less than 2% of companies with an RTD offering are owned by women. Hence Après Hours’ tagline, “It’s time to shake things up.” 

“We wanted to honor the tradition and craft of bartending while communicating a greater message to aspiring female entrepreneurs,”  says Craven. “We’re so proud of the work we’ve done to build this brand and we hope to inspire other women and girls to do the same. That’s why we’ve established our “Après Hours Grant Program” to help fund female-founded start up businesses.

The goal of the program is to streamline the fundraising process for women and girls to create businesses of their own. Applications will be accepted via the Après Hours website beginning in September 2022.

Après Hours is currently available in bars, restaurants and liquor stores across the Dallas area, including POGOs, Dallas Fine Wine and Spirits, Roots Market, Uptown Liquor, Monticello Liquor, Cafe Duro, Castle Spirits, Lucky’s Liquor, Buddy’s Booze, Jerry’s Liquor and Biagio Wine and Spirits. Retail prices range from $13.99 per 4-pack to $55 per 12-pack.

Founded by two female marketers turned entrepreneurs, Après Hours is a Dallas-based spirits and lifestyle brand born from Nicole Craven and Alexis Smith’s obsession with espresso martinis and a lack of the classic caffeine-infused cocktail in the ready-to-drink spirits industry. As female community leaders who are always on the go, Smith and Craven developed a sophisticated yet convenient canned espresso martini cocktail that combines daytime fuel with a wind-down buzz, perfect for any after hour activity. Providing the pick-me-up needed to take on the day or night, Après Hours is available in three dairy-and-gluten free flavors: Classic, Salted Caramel and Vanilla. Après Hours and its social club seek to create a culture that empowers change, encourages women to break boundaries and levels the male-dominated playing field to change the dynamics of drinking overall.

The Squeezebox announces inaugural Fajita Lounge Showdown

The Inaugural ‘Fajita Lounge Showdown’ will feature five local chefs competing for the ‘Best Fajita Taco’ title. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.

The Squeezebox is excited to announce its inaugural “Fajita Lounge Showdown” featuring five local chefs competing head-to-head for the title of “Best Fajita Tacos” in San Antonio. All summer long The Squeezebox has been throwing Sunday carne asadas that have become the popular Fajita Lounge adored by all its fans with free fajita tacos for all customers, hosted by Chefs Aaron Peña, Matt Garcia and Jake Gonzales. This event will take place on Sunday, September 4, 2022 and door open at 8p.m. (The Squeezebox, 2022)

To commemorate the Labor Day holiday weekend, a competition will take place with five local chefs featuring their best take on the fajita taco. With a $10 cover at the door, tacos will be free for all on a first come, first served basis and will feature the following chefs:

  • Kenny Loo of Golden Kirin Restaurant  
  • Sergio Flores of La Tortuga Cocina Latina 
  • Eddie Barrera of Sijang Korean Corn Dogs  
  • Rory Torres of Crispy Bao Gang
  • Steve Lopez 

In addition to traditional fajita tacos, a “wildcard protein delicacy” will also be provided to test out the chefs’ creativity. The chefs will compete for a grand prize of $500, with Peña, Garcia and Gonzales as the judges. Live music by local favorite The Texases will keep the party going as well as music by DJ Plata. The Texases will play at 9:30p.m. This event will have a $10 cover per person at the door, must be 21 or older. 

The Squeezebox
2806 N St Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78212

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Aurora: A Novel’ by David Koepp

‘Aurora’ is the new novel by David Koepp. Photo: Amazon

David Koepp is a celebrated American screenwriter who has written more than two dozen feature films in a wide variety of genres, including the first two Jurassic Park films, Death Becomes Her, Carlito’s Way, The Paper, Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man, Panic Room, War of the Worlds, Angels and Demons, Inferno, and Kimi. Some of the films he has both written and directed are Stir of Echoes, Secret Window, Ghost Town, and Premium Rush, the latter two co-written with John Kamps. Koepp is also the author of the novel “Cold Storage.” In his new book “Aurora: A Novel,” a worldwide cataclysm plays out in the lives of one complicated Midwestern family. It will soon be a major motion picture from Netflix and Academy-Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow. (Amazon, 2022)

“Aurora” – In Aurora, Illinois, Aubrey Wheeler is just trying to get by after her semi-criminal ex-husband split, leaving behind his unruly teenage son. Then the lights go out—not just in Aurora but across the globe. A solar storm has knocked out power almost everywhere. Suddenly, all problems are local, very local, and Aubrey must assume the mantle of fierce protector of her suburban neighborhood. Across the country lives Aubrey’s estranged brother, Thom. A fantastically wealthy, neurotically over-prepared Silicon Valley CEO, he plans to ride out the crisis in a gilded desert bunker he built for maximum comfort and security. But the complicated history between the siblings is far from over, and what feels like the end of the world is just the beginning of several long-overdue reckonings—which not everyone will survive . Aurora is suspenseful storytelling—both large scale and small—at its finest.

New movie release: Movers Ultimate

Movers Ultimate is available to rent on digital platforms. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The feature length bromantic comedy about movers you have been waiting for is here. Watch those valuable glasses. Tape up that heavy box. Do not forget to pass on details to the new address. Movers Ultimate is now available to stream. (Movers Ultimate, 2022)

Movers Ultimate is written and directed by Ben Rood and stars Shawn Knox, Chaney Morrow, Sé Marie, Annalese Poorman, Andy J. Carlson, and Grant Kennedy Lewis. It is the story of two best friends who must get off work in time to make it to their 10-year high school reunion and reconnect with the girls who got away. And yes, they are being careful not to break the China.

In the tradition of Waiting and Superbad, Movers Ultimate is now available to rent or buy on digital platforms: Google Play, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and YouTube.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Taco Rumble returns to San Antonio

Taco Rumble returns to San Antonio with Texas Throwdown this September. Photo: Texas Wood & Fine Alliance, used with permission.

An all-star crew of Texas’ best taqueros and chefs will clash Thursday, September 15, 7:30p.m. -10p.m. as Taco Rumble returns to the Alamo City. Tickets for the sell-out fundraiser are on sale now for $75. Proceeds benefit the South Texas culinary community through the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) vibrant grant program. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2022)

This year, the sizzling competition will take over the picturesque grounds of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Conveniently located downtown, the museum graces the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. 

Expanding on last year’s San Antonio vs. Austin battle, taco talent from across Texas will be turning up the heat in celebration of one of Texas’ most beloved dishes.

Firing up the comal will be:

  • Chef Thomas Bille — Belly of the Beast (Houston)
  • Chef Victoria Elizondo — Cochinita & Co. (Houston)
  • Chef Rick Lopez — La Condesa (Austin)
  • Chef Julio Paz — Fairmont Austin
  • Chefs Jacob Gonzales & Matt Garcia — The Fajita Lounge
  • Chef James Moore — Full Belly Café + Bar
  • Chef Nicola Blaque — The Jerk Shack
  • Chef Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall — Milpa
  • Chef Tony Ibarra — La Mina (Dallas)
  • Chef James Ballentine — Ninja Pig (Austin, 2021 Texas Food & Wine Alliance grant recipient)
  • Chef Carlos Gonzalez — Panfila Cantina
  • Chef Ceasar Zepeda — Sangria on the Burg
  • Chef Paul Morales — Tacos Cucuy
  • Taquero Daniel Cobos — Vaquero Taquero (Austin)

“We are delighted to showcase some of San Antonio’s finest chefs and welcome stellar culinary talent from across the state. Guests can expect traditional and unconventional takes on the dish that Texas does best.” – Texas Food & Wine Alliance Communications Director Brandon Watson.

In addition to showcasing the best in taco craftsmanship, Taco Rumble will feature sweet treats, an impressive selection of wines, craft beer, and premium spirits tastings. The Alliance will announce more chefs in the upcoming weeks.

The Taco Rumble VIP experience includes access to the Casa Noble lounge at Tre Trattoria and early entry at 7p.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and exclusive bites from celebrity chef Jason Dady paired with Casa Noble’s award-winning tequila portfolio — including the new ultra-premium offering Marqués de Casa Noble. A skillful blend of 21 añejos and extra añejos, Marqués de Casa Noble is meticulously crafted from start to finish for an unrivaled taste.

The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and limited passes are available. Tickets are expected to sell quickly and are available for online purchase now. 

Taco Rumble is a signature fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for entrepreneurs and nonprofits focused on culinary innovation and community giveback. 

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.

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Celebrate Labor Day at Commodore Perry Estate

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection is having several events this long Labor Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection is celebrating the beginning of the end of hot summer days with a weekend full of music, Longhorn football and lots of delicious sips and bites. (Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

Holiday weekend highlights:

  • KUTX Presents Walker Lukens (Friday, September 2): Guests can kick off the holiday weekend with a performance at the Estate’s historic Chapel with Walker Lukens, in partnership with Austin public radio station 98.9 FM KUTX, home to the Austin Music Experience. This is the first in a five-part series, each performance will help raise funds in support of HAAM Day.
  • Gameday Brunch at the Estate (Saturday, September 3): Wake up and gather with friends and family on game day for the resort’s delicious Saturday brunch at the Mansion, complete with lawn games and pre-game drink specials, such as mimosa bars, shaken carajillos, local beer buckets, and more.
  • Prometheus Pizza Pop-Up (Sunday, September 4): Fredericksburg pizza phenoms, Prometheus Pizza, is coming to the Estate for an all-day pizza party this Labor Day Weekend. Relax and indulge in a variety of their delicious pies – with classic pizza parlor creations from Chef Bradley and Chef Susana, such as garlic knots, the perfect Caesar salad and tasty cannoli. Members also have the option to do takeaway (pizza and wine only).