New Year’s Day brunch at COVER 3

cover3chilaquiles — COVER 3 will have a New Year’s Day brunch from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.

COVER 3 will be ringing in 2020 with a New Year’s Day brunch- featuring food and beverage options sure to kick off the new year on a delicious, and lucky, note. (COVER 3, 2019) From 11a.m. to 3p.m. on New Year’s Day, all COVER 3 locations will offer revelers:

COVER 3’s signature U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar
Select menu featuring COVER 3’s most popular brunch items like Migas, Chilaquiles, Green Chile Breakfast Tacos, Tinga Chicken Breakfast Enchiladas and Chili & Eggs
Special “Southern Charm” lucky plate featuring old-fashioned Southern good luck charms like picked-and-pressed pork “short rib” for prosperity, black eyed peas with andouille sausage for luck and braised kale greens for wealth for $15.95

New Year Brunch:
Migas – classic style migas with queso blanco, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, served with refried black beans
Chilaquiles – fried corn tortillas served with roasted tomato salsa, topped with queso blanco, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, two eggs, sliced avocado and pico, served with refried black beans
Green chile beef breakfast enchiladas – corn tortillas stacked with green chile beef, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, Poblano carne sauce, topped with fried eggs
Tinga chicken breakfast enchiladas – corn tortillas stacked with Tinga chicken, Jack and Cheddar cheeses and garlic chipotle sauce, topped with fried eggs, Poblanos and onions
Chili and Eggs – Matt’s chili topped with two eggs, avocado, Jack and Cheddar cheeses, Cotija, pico, cilantro and tortilla strips

COVER 3 is the leading high-end sports bar and has previously been named to CNN’s list of “101 of the best sports bars in the U.S” as well as the “Best Sports Bar in the Central Region” by Sports Illustrated. Each location has enough TVs to give guests multiple options regarding which TV near their table is the most comfortable for their viewing pleasure. Serving upscale food, craft cocktails and high-end wines, COVER 3 remains elegant and stylish while giving guests the feeling they are enjoying the Super Bowl in their own private box.

COVER 3 San Antonio
1806 N 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700

Pluckers Wing Bar to host Christmas Eve lunch for Boysville

pluckerslogo — Pluckers Wing Bar will host a Christmas Eve lunch for Boysville next week. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is excited to announce that they will spread holiday cheer by providing lunch for four families from Boysville at the Pluckers Selma location this Christmas Eve, Tuesday December 24 from 10a.m. to noon. This year, employees from the Selma, Landmark and San Marcos locations will donate holiday gifts for children. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

Boysville is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide a safe family environment for children in need by providing food, shelter, clothing, medical services and education services. Boysville is able to provide the basic necessities needed to make the child feel safe and comfortable and teach them to become an active member of society.

Pluckers San Antonio
14881 Interstate 35 N
Selma, TX 78154

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Theater review: ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ at the Majestic Theatre

After a successful opening night, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ continues this week at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday December 22. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he has always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. ‘Dear Evan Hanen’ is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Tickets start at $45 and are available online or at the box office. Showtimes Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ revolves around Evan Hansen (Stephen Christopher Anthony), a teenager with social anxiety whose therapist recommends he write letters to himself detailing what will be good about each new day. His mother Heidi (Jessica E. Sherman) suggests to him that one way to make friends at school is to ask people to sign his cast. On the other side of town, the Murphy family, consisting of Cynthia (Claire Rankin), Larry (Alessandro Costantini) and their children Zoe (Stephanie La Rochelle) and Connor (Noah Kieserman), start their day yelling at each other. Both mothers wonder how to best connect with their sons “Anybody Have a Map?” At school, Evan has a confrontation with Connor and Zoe, whom Evan has a crush on, apologizes for her brother’s behavior. He is left to ponder whether his destiny is to be an outcast and forever ignored “Waving Through a Window” and then writes himself a letter. In it, he mentions Zoe and after Connor accidentally finds it, he thinks Evan is making fun of him and storms out, taking the letter with him. A few days later, Connor kills himself and that letter is found in his pocket which leads Connor’s parents to think it is a suicide note. Evan lies and makes people believe he was best friends with Connor until one lies leads to others and it eventually becomes too big for him to handle.

The winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson and a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. A musical for the modern era, the setting consists mostly of digital screens displaying social media feeds that change with the story. Its universal themes of family, mental illness and teen suicide resonates with the mostly younger audience and even though there are numerous dark moments, it encourages an open dialogue. The fighting and yelling gets too loud towards the end but it serves to spotlight just how harmful and traumatic such moments can be for everyone involved. Stephen Christopher Anthony’s excellent portrayal of Evan is a sobering reminder of the natural human desire to fit in. Show highlights include Evan’s “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found” when Evan gives a heartfelt speech, which goes viral, about his loneliness and “friendship” with Connor. Overall, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is an inspiring musical about life, family, love, acceptance and the lies people tell in a desperate attempt to belong.

Bakery Lorraine introduces winter menu

blcheeseplate — Bakery Lorraine’s new winter menu includes the cheese plate. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

This holiday season, Bakery Lorraine introduces winter menu items perfect for the colder weather. These items include a new grilled cheese sandwich, a charcuterie plate, a croque madame sandwich and more. Bakery Lorraine is also inspiring holiday cheer with festive treats. The bakery is offering chocolate-covered gingerbread men and macaroons in multiple flavors including; Red Hot, Egg Nog, White Chocolate Peppermint, Angel Food, Hot Cocoa, Pistachio, Raspberry and Earl Grey. Customers can order in stores or online until December 19. (Macaroons: 6 for $13, 12 for $24, Special 20pk for $40) (Bakery Lorraine, 2019)

With locations at the Pearl and the Medical Center, Bakery Lorraine has rapidly become a San Antonio favorite and a nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracy blog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine offers handmade French pastries and macarons as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner items including its Greek Yogurt Parfait, the Quiche Lorraine, Turkey Pesto sandwich and an assortment of salads, soups and artisan sandwiches.

Bakery Lorraine
7338 Louis Pasteur Dr. Suite 201
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 303-0330

306 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 110
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 862-5582

17503 Cantera Pkwy #108
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 415-4066

2800 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 212-4453

11600 Rock Rose Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 300-0300

Hopdoddy raises $100K for charities nationwide

hopdoddygoodcauseburger — Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Goodnight/Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

As part of the Hopdoddy Burger Bar mission, aiming to do what is right includes giving back to the community. With each Goodnight / Good Cause burger sold, Hopdoddy donates a portion of the proceeds to local charitable organizations. This year, Hopdoddy is proud to announce that the restaurant raised more than $100K for charities in Texas, Arizona, California, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Colorado. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

Hopdoddy partnered on the Goodnight / Good Cause burger with the following charity organizations this year:

HAAM (Austin, TX)
Lone Star Paralysis (Austin, TX)
Millican Alliance (College Station, TX)
Make a Wish North Central Texas (Dallas, TX)
Periwinkle Foundation (Houston, TX)
Silver & Black Give Back (San Antonio, TX)
Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock (Phoenix, Arizona)
Surfrider Foundation (San Clemente, California)
Stax Music Academy (Memphis, TN)
W.O. Smith Music School (Nashville, TN)
Granville Community School, (Oklahoma City, OK)
Camp Courage (Denver, Colorado)

The Goodnight / Good Cause burger is available at all Hopdoddy locations and is made with Angus beef, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeños, caffeinated barbecue, Sassy Sauce, lettuce and tomato served on a fresh baked bun.

“As a team of some 1500+ team members, we at Hopdoddy are proud of the positive impact we make in our communities through our Goodnight / Good Cause partnerships. Since its inception in 2010 and with the continual support of our guests and team members, we have been able to contribute over $1,000,000 to local programs that do right. Hopdoddy remains steadfast in our commitment to ‘do right’ by continually evaluating the programs and people we support to ensure that we are truly living our mantra of ‘Best Today, Better Tomorrow’ and genuinely ‘doing right’ by those we are so fortunate to serve.” – Jeff Chandler, Hopdoddy CEO

Founded in Austin in 2010 by Guy Villavaso, Larry Foles and Chuck Smith, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. Hopdoddy stands out for its “from scratch” ethos and a menu that includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. They also offer vegetarian menu items, including the newly launched Impossible Cheesesteak. Alongside its burgers Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

Theater review: ‘Elf The Musical’ at The Public Theater

elfmusical — James R.Welch as Buddy the Elf in The Public Theater’s production of ‘Elf The Musical.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers auditorium is ‘Elf The Musical.’ Time is running out to catch this modern day holiday classic before it ends on Sunday December 22. ‘Elf The Musical’ is the story of Buddy the Elf who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $45 for adults, $35 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and students with ID and $20 for children aged 12 and under. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Education Night for Thursday December 19 is sold out.

‘Elf The Musical’ begins as Santa (Robert M. Moritz) sits down to watch TV after delivering presents only to discover that the football game he wanted to watch was recorded over. So instead, he decides to tell the audience the story of Buddy, the Elf. The story moves to the North Pole, where Buddy (James R. Welch), an oversized elf, is excited about another day working in Santa’s workshop. “Happy All the Time” At work, the shop manager (Kennith Andrew Patterson) informs the Elves that they must work harder this year because more and more humans do not believe in Santa and that Christmas spirit is what makes Santa’s sleigh fly. While on a break, Buddy finds out he is actually a human and, with Santa’s approval, goes to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs (Brandon R. Mace).

Buddy locates Walter but finds a less than enthusiastic father who is forced to take Buddy with him to work. Now wearing a business suit, Buddy’s curiosity and playfulness are a distraction and when he mistakenly shreds an important manuscript, Walter tells Buddy to get out of his life. He ends up at a Chinese restaurant with several other “Santas” and “Elves” on Christmas Eve who complain about Christmas and children. “Nobody Cares About Santa.” During this time, Buddy forgets that he should be out on a date with Jovie, a co-worker (Mariel Ardila) who is upset and waiting in front of the restaurant where they were supposed to meet. “Never Fall in Love.” Eventually, Buddy is accepted by his father, finds love with Jovie and decides not to return to the North Pole with Santa.

Elf is one of the most beloved Christmas movies and ‘Elf The Musical’ is a wonderful adaptation of the hit New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum. With a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin it brings the story of Buddy the Elf, who was raised among the elves in the North Pole, to life. The comedy and charming story translate well on stage and James R. Welch is the perfect choice to portray the loveable and innocent Buddy. Show highlights include “Happy All the Time” at the North Pole where the elves are happily working building toys and “Nobody Cares About Santa” when the different “Santas” complain about the state of Christmas. The bright and cheerful staging and costumes leaves little doubt that this is a Christmas musical and it is hard not to smile through the entire production. ‘Elf The Musical’ is a fun family friendly production and a must-see to celebrate the holiday season.

Pearl to host third annual holiday Posada on Wednesday

This Wednesday December 18 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl will host its third annual Posada, inspired by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas. Community members are invited to join the Posada and become pilgrims traveling by candlelight in a procession throughout the property, beginning at Pearl Park. (Pearl, 2019)

Las Posadas is a nine-day Christmas celebration in Mexico and Latin America, centered around the ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest to find lodging in Bethlehem. The evening includes live mariachi music, lotería, traditional Mexican bingo for children and traditional treats of buñuelos, tamales and Mexican hot chocolate provided by Ms. Chocolatier, Churro Star, La Hacienda, CIA and Panifico Bakery. This event is free and open to the public. Representatives from Mission Concepción and Father David Garcia will lead community members in a procession throughout the Pearl property followed by live music by Mariachi Mexica.

Pearl Campus
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

The Squeezebox to host Familia, Food & Oldies this Sunday

This Sunday December 15 at 6p.m., The Squeezebox will be hosting “Familia, Food & Oldies,” a holiday celebration. The event will include FREE cabrito tacos while supplies last and all the accompanying sides, prepared by local chef Teddy Liang. DJ Aaron Peña will be spinning oldies all night. Bar offerings include happy hour prices all night long as well as FREE Michelada upgrades by local family company Twang, featuring their recently launched Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix. (The Squeezebox, 2019)

Starting on Tuesday December 10, The Squeezebox is also launching Karaoke Nights hosted by local Karaoke DJ Nicki Martinez. Karaoke Nights will be every Tuesday from 10p.m. to 2a.m. and will include happy hour pricing at the bar all night long.

The Squeezebox
2806 N St Mary’s St
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 314-8845

Tickets for the 20th anniversary tour of ‘Rent’ go on sale Friday

rent20 — The 20th Anniversary Tour of ‘Rent’ returns to the Majestic Theatre in March and tickets go on sale Friday. Photo: Google

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio announces that due to popular demand, the 20^th anniversary tour of ‘Rent’ will return to San Antonio for five performances Friday May 1 through Sunday May 3, 2020 at the Majestic Theatre. Performance times are 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m., Sunday. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13 at 10a.m., start at $40 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly, call (210) 226-3333 to verify. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and is an inspiring musical about friends and artists struggling with addiction, poverty and most of all love. Winner of the Tony Award® for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling artists in New York’s Lower East Side. With its universal themes of love and hardships it has become a pop culture phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages. Its message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters.

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theater. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s ‘Rent’ continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. Based on original direction by Michael Greif, Evan Ensign re-stages the 20^th anniversary tour. Original Broadway creatives Marlies Yearby, Angela Wendt and Tim Weil are joined by Jonathan Spencer, Keith Caggiano, MiRi Park and Matthew E. Maraffi to make up the creative team for the tour.

Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-3333

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 36 at the Tobin Center

pechakucha19 — PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 36 will take place this Wednesday December 11. Photo: Jessica Giesey, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce the lineup for its Volume 36 edition, scheduled for Wednesday, December 11 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m. followed by presentations starting at 7:30p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2019)

Vol. 36 will feature a talented group of locals. The six presenters include:

Michael “Mikey” Nye, Photography & Audio Documentarian
Reggie De La Garza, Upholstery Sorceress
Robert Lopez Flynn, Native Texas Cotton Chopper
Missi Smith, Artist
Alyson Alonzo, Electronic RnB Producer/Singer
David Zamora Casas, Multi-disciplinary Contemporary Artist

Emcees for the evening include News 4 San Antonio anchor Randy Beamer as well as founder of the Rivard Report, Robert Rivard. The welcome reception will feature live music by Travis Buffkin and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online. PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. It hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1000 cities around the world.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
100 Auditorium Cir
San Antonio, TX 78205

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