Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana this Friday, November 6, 2020. Taco Cabana guests can enjoy their favorite nachos at half price all day at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020)
Taco Cabana nachos include Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajita and Kickin’ Grande Nachos. All nachos feature a variety of toppings to choose from, including queso, shredded cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole.
Orders can be placed online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
‘No One Will Hear Your Screams’ by Thomas O’Callaghan is the third in the John Driscoll series.
New York City native and graduate of Richmond College, internationally acclaimed author Thomas O’Callaghan is a member of both the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers associations. His work has been translated for publication in Germany, Slovakia, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, China and Italy. “Bone Thief,” his debut novel, introduces NYPD Homicide Commander Lieutenant John W. Driscoll. “The Screaming Room,” is the second in the John Driscoll series and the third, “No One Will Hear Your Screams” was released on May 9, 2020. In “No One Will Hear Your Screams,” Lt. John Driscoll is on the case involving a sociopathic killer who is on the loose and murdering prostitutes in New York City.
“No One Will Hear Your Screams” is set in the dark and violent streets of New York City and begins as a woman helplessly calls out for help when she realizes that she is being held captive. Her head, wrists and ankles are bound with rope and when she lets out a “bestial scream,” there are only trees outside her grave, but they are “deaf to her howling. Indifferent to her plight.” That is where the book’s title comes into play and the serial killer, only known as Tilden, keeps killing prostitutes, embalming them alive. He claims to have been sexually abused as a child by this mother’s john, but that is only one of the reasons why he focuses on prostitutes; he is also viciously attacked by one in the present . Lieutenant Driscoll, together with Sergeant Margaret Aligante and Detective Cedric Thomlinson, who each have their own issues to deal with, team up to stop the killings and bring Tilden to justice. They stop the killings, but justice evades them because Tilden gets away too easily. He is taken down by ‘suicide by cop’ and does not get his due punishment. Even though they stop the killings, “The Lieutenant knew the public sighs of relief would be temporary because evil always metastases. So, closure eluded him.” He will always be haunted by his inadequacies to stop evil in general. It ends with Driscoll’s final thoughts on the matter: “Would he ever find reconciliation? He doubted he would.”
The most interesting characters are those who are flawed but still manage to help others. In “No One Will Hear Your Screams,” every character is damaged or flawed in some way, but the detectives are still out there, catching the bad guys. They might be temporarily distracted, but they have a goal, something to keep them grounded. In Driscoll’s case, he had a rough childhood and is still haunted by the loss of his wife and daughter on a regular basis and that is what makes him relatable. The third person point of view narrative gives the reader an insight into the characters’ minds. This is especially true with Tilden, who just before he is shot down, ponders: “If this was the end, and it appeared it was, he’d go out in a blast.” Aided by short chapters, the dialogue driven-action is fast paced and captivating. The character development is excellent all around, including Tilden’s traumatic childhood experiences, particularly in Catholic school, which is what partially fuels his violent tendencies. With descriptive language such as: “Tilden moaned as shards of metal bored through his lungs, ripped tears through his tendons, lacerated muscle, sliced thorough viscera, shattered bone,” it is easy to envision the goriest parts. Because of this, it is not for the squeamish, since some of the details are too graphic, especially his last victim, whom he intended to consume. Even though it is disappointing that the last victim was not saved in time, “No One Will Hear Your Screams” is an impressive work of crime fiction and is recommended for readers who appreciate the hauntingly darker side of storytelling.
“The relevance, Cedric, is in the motive. The ex-soldier confronts and kills his brother’s tormentors. Remember, nothing fuels murderous tenacity like revenge.” – NYPD Homicide Commander Lieutenant John W. Driscoll
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Intermittent Fasting for Dummies’ will be released on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.
Janet Bond Brill, PhD, RDN, FAND is a nationally recognized nutrition, health, and fitness expert and author of “Blood Pressure DOWN,” “Prevent a Second Heart Attack” and “Cholesterol Down.” She is a prolific writer with contributions to numerous scientific journals and lay publications worldwide and currently writes a column for Bottom Line Health, Inc. Dr. Janet believes whole-heartedly in the role that good nutrition and exercise play in the prevention of chronic disease and achieving optimal health. She teaches the importance of a healthy lifestyle and has helped thousands of people across the nation improve their health and wellbeing. In her new book “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies,” she explains how intermittent fasting can lead to a leaner, healthier and longer life and helps readers choose the fasting method that suits them better. It will be released on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 and is now available for pre-order on Amazon. (Black Château, 2020)
Intermittent fasting fascinates health and fitness seekers from all over the world. “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies” is a detailed guide that helps readers follow an intermittent fasting plan of their choice. It includes several variations of intermittent fasting; each one is outlined in a step-by-step plan that anyone can follow so readers can choose the style that works best for their lifestyle. Dr. Janet Bond Brill conveys the extraordinary health benefits of intermittent fasting, backed by science. People can achieve sustainable weight and fat loss, increase mental clarity and revitalize their energy levels. The book also provides tips to help readers ramp up their metabolism, reduce the risk of disease and supercharge their workout or diet programs. She makes a case for intermittent fasting as a safe practice that allows people to stop counting calories, weighing, measuring or denying themselves their favorite foods. Readers can start following one out of the five safe, effective and easy-to-follow methods that fits their individual lifestyle the best. It includes over 40 healthy and delicious nutritionist-approved recipes.
“Intermittent fasting isn’t a diet, but a pattern of eating. More specifically, it’s a lifestyle that you can sustain for a lifetime.” – Janet Bond Brill
The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Yanaguana celebration will take place November 21 and 22. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
November is Native American Heritage month and the Briscoe Western Art Museum is honoring the role that Native Americans played in shaping the American West with special events, exhibitions and family activities. The celebration spans both in-person events at the museum and activities to enjoy at home, as well as the museum’s annual Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration, which will be a virtual event for everyone to enjoy November 21 – 22. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)
Named in honor of the Payaya people who were indigenous to the San Antonio area, “Yanaguana” was the word they used to describe what is now known as San Antonio River. Yanaguana: Virtual Indian Arts Celebration is free to enjoy online.
This year’s virtual event offers a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Native American culture, with musical performances and dancing, as well as storytelling and artist demonstrations. The celebration pairs with a visit to the Briscoe, where everyone can enjoy VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art. Providing a modern view of Native American heritage from 15 contemporary Chickasaw artists, the traveling exhibition includes more than 55 artworks on display through January 18, 2021. The exhibition will be the main feature during Yanaguana, with both a virtual artists panel and the debut of the VISUAL VOICES virtual tour. Admission to VISUAL VOICES at the Briscoe is included with museum admission.
A traditional part of the Briscoe’s Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration is an array of children’s activities focused on Native American heritage. With the event going virtual this year, the Briscoe invites everyone to “Bring Home the Briscoe” throughout the month of November. Part of the museum’s popular Lil Partners children’s programming, “Bring Home the Briscoe” features Western Art activities and hands-on art, letting children join in the celebration. The activity boxes are available for purchase both online and from the Museum Store.
Families who visit the Briscoe will also enjoy the family guide that accompanies VISUAL VOICES, providing a fun exploration of the exhibit, as well as Chickasaw art and culture. The guide is available for free within the VISUAL VOICES exhibition.
Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration Schedule of Virtual Events
Saturday, November 21 – 10a.m. – Event Kick-Off and Blessing. Members of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation will open Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration with a blessing.
11a.m. – Virtual Missions Tour. Join the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions to experience San Antonio’s Missions in a new way through a guided virtual tour by lineal descendants of Mission San José de Aguayo, Mission Concepción de la Purísima, Mission San Francisco de la Espada and Mission San Juan Capistrano. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the missions were built in the mid-18th Century by members of the Pampopa, Payaya, Sanas, Maraquitas, Pamaques, Quijanes, Tocanes and other tribes of the San Antonio area.
1p.m. – Ledger Art Workshop with George Curtis Levi. Ledger Artist George Levi leads participants through a historical and creative journey centered on ledger art—Plains-style narrative drawing.
2p.m.- VISUAL VOICES Gallery Tour (Public Debut) – VISUAL VOICES program manager Laura Clark will lead a virtual tour of VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art.
3p.m. – Flute Performance by Tim Blueflint Ramel. Artist, educator and performer Tim Blueflint draws his creative and musical influence from the memories and stories shared by his family and those who have graced his life. As a self-taught musician and artist, Blueflint has shared his improvisational traditional music, art and memories as a featured performer at venues throughout Indian Country and beyond.
Sunday, November 22 – 10a.m. Silversmithing Demonstration with Shane Hendren. A member of the Indian Arts & Craft Association (IACA), an organization committed to promoting the integrity of materials, Hendren shares his expertise as a silversmith.
11a.m. – Huichol Art with Karla Saenz. Karla Saenz will be demonstrating the ancient art of Huichol Art. While Huichol art is a relatively wide umbrella term, it is most commonly thought to encompass the production of beaded and string art, which is always brightly colored and features symbols, animals and designs which are centuries old and of great significance to the Wixáritari people.
Noon – Storytelling with Amy Bluemel. A gifted storyteller and educator, Amy Bluemel’s appreciation for cultural awareness came early. As the great-granddaughter of Eastman Kaney, an original Dawes Commission enrollee, Bluemel, a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, often performs with the dance troupe Chikashsha Hithla during nationwide tours. She shares Chickasaw customs, and those of other southeastern tribes, with audiences of all ages.
1p.m. – Chickasaw Artist Board Panel Discussion. Join the Chickasaw Artist Board in a discussion about the VISUAL VOICES exhibition. Artists Joanna Underwood Blackburn, Kristen Dorsey, Margaret Roach Wheeler, Brent Greenwood, and Daniel Worcester will engage in a discussion of the show’s origins, the themes it is centered on and its significance for the Chickasaw Nation community.
2p.m. – Ty Defoe Dance Performance. Grammy-award winning performing artist and educator Ty Defoe (Oneida/Ojibwe) shares his culturally significant dance traditions through song, movement and storytelling.
The Native American Heritage “Bring Home the Briscoe” activity box includes many beautiful and diverse native groups of the West. Available for purchase through December 31, the box contains supplies to complete six different activities, plus a book and links to additional video content for added context. Activities include storytelling medallions, The Three Sisters, ledger art, mini canoe carving, basket weaving and pinch pots. The kits are ideal for children ages 6–12, making them perfect for keeping hands busy over Thanksgiving break. The kits are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. Available in the Museum Store, “Bring Home the Briscoe” can be ordered online with curbside pickup or shipping available.
Janet Evanovich’s new novel ‘Fortune and Glory’ will be released November 3, 2020. Photo: amazon
Over the last twenty-five years, Janet Evanovich has written twenty-three #1 The New York Times bestsellers in the Stephanie Plum series. In addition to the Plum novels, Janet has coauthored The New York Times’ bestselling Fox and O’Hare series, including “The Big Kahuna” with her son, Peter Evanovich, the Knight and Moon series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and the graphic novel, “Troublemaker” with her daughter, Alex Evanovich. In her new book “Fortune and Glory: A Novel,” Stephanie Plum is on the biggest case of her career as she and her Grandma Mazur search for her grandmother’s late husband’s treasure. It is the twenty-seventh Stephanie Plum novel and will be released tomorrow, Tuesday November 3, 2020.
In “Fortune and Glory,” when Stephanie’s beloved Grandma Mazur’s new husband died on their wedding night, the only thing he left her was a beat-up old easy chair and the keys to a life-changing fortune. But as Stephanie and Grandma Mazur search for Jimmy Rosolli’s treasure, they discover that they are not the only ones on the hunt. Two dangerous enemies from the past stand in their way, along with a new adversary who is even more formidable: Gabriela Rose, a dark-eyed beauty from Little Havana with a taste for designer clothes. She is also a soldier of fortune, a gourmet cook, an expert in firearms and mixed martial arts and someone who is about to give Stephanie a real run for her money.
Stephanie may be in over her head, but she has two things that Gabriela does not: an unbreakable bond with her family and a stubborn streak that will never let her quit. She will need both to survive because this search for “fortune and glory” will turn into a desperate race against time with more on the line than ever before. Because even as she searches for the treasure and fights to protect her Grandma Mazur, her own deepest feelings will be tested—as Stephanie could finally be forced to choose between Joe Morelli and Ranger.
Taco Cabana introduces Green Chile Brisket available in various menu items. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabana is bringing brisket back with the introduction of Green Chile Brisket. Launching Monday, November 2, 2020, Taco Cabana offers brisket in a new, delicious way. Taco Cabana took Texas’ favorite cut of beef and added its own twist – tender cuts of smoked brisket cooked in a green chile sauce, made with roasted jalapenos and tomatillo sauce. Fans of the iconic brand can enjoy Green Chile Brisket in a variety of platforms, including breakfast tacos ($2.29), tortas ($5.99), tacos ($3.49) and Cabana Bowls ($7.69) for a limited time. Green Chile Brisket will be available at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020)
Taco Cabana’s Green Chile Brisket is the latest addition to the restaurant chain’s fall menu, following the recent launch of Enchilada Fest and the addition of Taco Cabana’s seasonal margaritas and Caramel Apple Empanadas. Customers can order online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
This year’s San Antonio Food Bank’s Turkey Trot will be virtual. Photo: google
It is time for the race that puts the “turkey” in Turkey Trot: the 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot, presented by H-E-B. This year, due to the pandemic, Turkey Trot has gone virtual, but this only means participants can run anywhere, anytime on Thanksgiving Day. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
Walkers and runners can receive a Turkey Trot tech running shirt, finisher’s medal and more as part of their registration. They also can opt to provide more than the one turkey provided from their registration. Registration is live and walkers and runners are encouraged to sign up early. The 2020 event on Thanksgiving will be virtual. Walk/run your 5K from anywhere in the world. Every registration provides a turkey for someone in need in our community. Registration information is available online.
Walkers and racers can post their day-of photos in their social media platform of choice and tag the Food Bank (safoodbank) or hashtag the race (#turkeytrotsatx).
“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate. We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K (3.2miles or so) means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race. It could be huge. And it all benefits those facing hunger.” – Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
‘The Law of Innocence’ is Michael Connelly’s upcoming new Lincoln Lawyer novel. Photo: amazon
Michael Connelly is the bestselling author of over thirty novels and one work of nonfiction. With over eighty million copies of his books sold worldwide and translated into forty foreign languages, he is one of the most successful writers working today. A former newspaper reporter who worked the crime beat at the Los Angeles Times and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Connelly has won numerous awards for his journalism and his fiction. His first novel, “The Black Echo,” won the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1992. In 2002, Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the movie adaptation of Connelly’s 1998 novel, “Blood Work.” In March 2011, the movie adaptation of his #1 bestselling novel, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” hit theaters worldwide starring Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller. His most recent bestsellers include “Fair Warning,” “The Night Fire,” “The Burning Room” and “The Gods of Guilt.” Michael is the executive producer of BOSCH, an Amazon Studios original drama series based on his bestselling character Harry Bosch, starring Titus Welliver and streaming on Amazon Prime. His new book “The Law of Innocence (A Lincoln Lawyer Novel, Book 6)” will be released on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.
In “The Law of Innocence,” Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller must defend himself against murder charges. On the night he celebrates a big win, Mickey is pulled over by the police, who find the body of a former client in the trunk of his Lincoln. Haller is immediately charged with murder but cannot post the exorbitant $5 million bail slapped on him by a vindictive judge. He elects to represent himself and is forced to mount his defense from his jail cell in the Twin Towers Correctional Center in downtown Los Angeles. All the while, he needs to look over his shoulder because as an officer of the court he is an instant target and he makes few friends when he reveals a corruption plot within the jail. Haller knows he has been framed, whether by a new enemy or an old one. As his trusted team, including his half-brother, Harry Bosch, investigates, Haller must use all his skills in the courtroom to counter the damning evidence against him. Even if he can obtain a not-guilty verdict, Mickey understands that it will not be enough. In order to be truly exonerated, he must find out who really committed the murder and why. That is the law of innocence.
The 2021 San Antonio Book Festival will be an online event. Photo: San Antonio Book Festival, used with permission.
For the first time ever, the San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) will take place entirely online. Featuring three full days of free virtual programming, the 2021 Festival will run Friday April 9 through Sunday April 11. The festival will bring together thousands of readers and writers across Texas, the U.S., and beyond for engaging, enlightening and educational programming. Pending the pandemic numbers in 2021, the Festival could be somewhat hybrid with select in-person, socially distanced events, which will be announced at a later date. (San Antonio Book Festival, 2020)
SABF is a free, family-friendly event that showcases both first-time and established, prominent writers, introducing attendees to new and well-known literary talents and connecting them with their favorite authors. The 2021 Festival will feature more than 75 local, regional and national authors participating in virtual sessions, including programming for adults, young adults, middle-grade readers and children. All festival writers will be announced in early February 2021.
SABF will be using the online platform called Accelevents to run the festival, which gives each event a clear, high-quality look. Accelevents allows the Festival to offer book clubs, groups of friends and classes the opportunity to chat privately among themselves during an event. There is also a “networking” capability to mimic the in-person festival, where attendees can meet one another and talk about which events they’re attending and enjoying.
For the first time, locally owned and operated bookstore Nowhere Bookshop will be the Festival’s official bookseller, a change from Barnes & Noble in previous years. The Book Festival’s singular fundraiser, the Book Appétit Literary Feast, featuring novelist Amor Towles, has been rescheduled to April 8, 2021 and will also be held online.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and stay-at-home measures in the U.S., the San Antonio Book Festival has produced several online programs, including a virtual mini festival for kids and teens, in collaboration with The DoSeum and a handful of stand-alone author events. SABF is excited to continue providing additional online programming in the months leading up to and through the three-day virtual Festival, offering even more book discussions, author panels and interviews, bringing these inspiring conversations from celebrated and emerging writers into the homes of readers across Texas and the country.
The mission of the San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) is to unite readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries and literary culture. SABF was first presented in April 2013. Founding partners include the San Antonio Public Library, the Southwest School of Art, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and Texas Book Festival. This “Fiesta for the mind” is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, free and open to all.
“While the uncertainty of the coming months drove our decision, we are embracing the potential to reach a wider audience and elevate the Book Festival’s reputation on a national scale. Are we disappointed? Of course. It’s another year that we don’t get to celebrate books in person with our Festival friends. But the safety of our attendees, writers, moderators, and volunteers is our first priority. If we have to be virtual, we’re focusing on ways to make the online experience as close to the real thing as we can.” – Lilly Gonzalez, SABF’s executive director.
Taco Cabana has new $1 tacos and breakfast enchiladas available all day at San Antonio locations only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Taco Cabana is thrilled to announce the launch of four new $1 tacos and new breakfast enchilada items at all San Antonio locations starting Wednesday October 28, 2020. Taco Cabana guests can order the new breakfast enchiladas and $1 tacos all day, every day. (Taco Cabana, 2020)
The new $1 tacos include four different recipes, including Potato a la Mexicana (potatoes with pico de gallo), Potato Ranchero, Bean & Chorizo and Eggs a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with pico de gallo).
The new Breakfast Enchiladas feature a variety of flavor-filled builds, including two cheese enchiladas topped with guest’s choice of Tex-Mex or Ranchero Sauce and scrambled eggs or chorizo and eggs – each $4.49. Guests can add potatoes or refried beans for $4.79 or add potatoes and refried beans for $5.09.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
SA Examiner 