North Star Mall hosts 14th Annual Canstruction Design/Build Competition

matador — ‘The Ban of Hunger’ won first place for Best Original Design at last year’s competition. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This September, North Star Mall will host the 14th Annual Canstruction® design/build competition, one of the San Antonio Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month events to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief. From Monday, September 9, through Sunday, September 21, massive structures built using cans of food by the city’s most noted architecture, engineering and contracting firms will be on public display at North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro. (North Star Mall, 2019)

Two competitors in last year’s local contest took home awards from the International Citywide Competition. Out of more than 1,000 entries submitted worldwide, Alamo Architects and Turner Construction won first place for “Best Original Design” for “The Ban of Hunger,” which featured a bigger than life matador standing behind his cape which appeared to be in motion. Luna Middleman Architects took home fourth place for “Structural Ingenuity” with their creation, “El Luchador Mask.” Just as its title suggests, the structure was a massive mask reminiscent of those worn by the famed Mexican wrestlers.

San Antonio’s 14th annual Canstruction® competition is part of an international drive to expand public awareness of the hunger crisis worldwide. Canstruction® combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry. It also showcases the talents of local design and construction industry professionals and the students they mentor.

Seven teams representing the San Antonio chapters of The American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration are given 12 hours on Sunday, September 8 to defy expectations, logic and gravity as they assemble amazing sculptures using approximately 30,000 cans of food. The sculptures remain on display throughout North Star Mall’s common areas during mall hours through Saturday, September 21.

The following day the supersized masterpieces will be judged at the Canopener awards ceremony attended by industry professionals and special guests. Teams will vie for award categories in Structural Ingenuity; Best Use of Labels; Best Meal; Juror’s Favorite; Best Use of the Color Orange; and two Honorable Mentions. Cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award to be announced on September 22, voting details on site at North Star.

The competing teams include: RVK Architects with Lundy & Franke Engineering and F.A. Nunnelly General Contractors; Alamo Architects with Turner Construction; RS&H Architecture, Engineering & Consulting; Rogers O’Brien Construction; and The Art Institute of San Antonio. Two teams of architecture students from the AIAS Chapters of San Antonio College and UTSA are being sponsored by Broadway Bank.

The public is encouraged to donate canned food at a simultaneous food drive within the mall at participating retailers. All canned goods used to create the unconventional art exhibits at North Star Mall will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank at the close of the competition. Over the last decade, Canstruction® has donated more than 472,095 pounds of food. As the major supplier of food for the hungry in Southwest Texas, the San Antonio Food Bank helps provide food for about 58,000 individuals each week through a network of more than 530 partner agencies within a 16-county service area. Every donation, every SA Goes Orange for Hunger campaign button worn and every means of public outreach helps to fight hunger and feed hope.

Skinny Dip Margaritas at Hopdoddy Burger Bar

hopdoddyskinnydip — Enjoy $5 Skinny Dip Margaritas all weekend long at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

Take a break from the heat and enjoy $5 Skinny Dip Margaritas at Hopdoddy Burger Bar all weekend long. This special is happening at all locations. The margarita features a 7oz. Coronita dunked into a goblet of frozen margarita with a black lava salt rim. The $5 Skinny Dip will be available starting Friday August 2 through Sunday August 4 from open to close. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. 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.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

Culinaria Restaurant Weeks – COVER 3

cover3food — COVER 3 will be participating in this year’s Restaurant Weeks scheduled for August. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.

Culinaria was created to highlight San Antonio’s passion for food and to spotlight the city as a premiere food and wine destination. In the beginning, it was just a weekend of food and wine on the Riverwalk. Now it has expanded to include events as diverse a food competition and a barbeque extravaganza. Restaurant Weeks gives visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that embody the Boerne, New Braunfels and San Antonio dining experience. Scheduled for August 10 through August 24, COVER 3 is one of the participating restaurants and have released their menu for the occasion. (COVER 3, 2019)

Upscale sports bar and restaurant COVER 3 will be offering a special $15 lunch menu and $35 dinner menu throughout Culinaria Restaurant Weeks at its Stone Oak location.

Lunch: Available from 11a.m. to 3p.m.
First Course:

Culinaria Salad with mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes and feta cheese with oregano vinaigrette
Summer Vegetable Bruschetta with zucchini, corn, heirloom tomatoes and roasted garlic-herb spread on multigrain bread
Onion Soup broiled with crisp croutons, Swiss and provolone cheese
Soup of the Day

Entrée:

Summer Green Salad with grilled salmon mixed greens, kale, cucumber, grilled zucchini, avocado and feta with cilantro-arugula pesto
Korean-Style Pork Tacos: marinated pork shoulder, applewood smoked bacon and cabbage in warm flour tortillas, served with ginger-scallion rice
Little Italy Burger with fresh mozzarella, pancetta and basil with herb and garlic tomato aioli, served with parmesan fries or COVER 3 slaw
Mongolian Chicken Sandwich: crispy fried chicken, hoisin glaze, Chinese mustard slaw and wasabi mayo, served with parmesan fries or COVER 3 slaw
Tortilla-Crusted Crab Cakes with applewood smoked bacon, southwestern maque choux and remoulade

Sweet Treat:

Choice of lemon or strawberry sorbet

Dinner: Available from 3p.m. to close
First Course:

Crab Cake with applewood smoked bacon, southwestern maque choux and remoulade
Summer Green Salad with mixed greens, kale, cucumber, zucchini, avocado and feta with cilantro-arugula pesto
Culinaria Salad with mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes and feta cheese with oregano vinaigrette
Onion Soup broiled with crisp croutons, Swiss, and provolone cheese
Soup of the Day

Entrée:

Grilled Salmon with grilled summer vegetables, herbed couscous and sriracha carrot purée
Korean-Style Pork Bowl with marinated pork shoulder, applewood smoked bacon, cabbage and scallion-ginger rice with gochujang sauce
Lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine with seared shrimp, roasted garlic, spinach, zucchini and pesto cream
Cilantro Pesto Chicken: shredded dark meat with honey chipotle glaze, black beans, rice, cilantro pesto and cotija
Summer Vegetable Enchiladas with zucchini, corn, heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese and spicy carrot sauce, served with southwestern fried rice topped with black beans

Dessert:

Angel food cake with fresh berries, mixed berry coulis, whipped cream and lemon zest
Chef’s selection

COVER 3 San Antonio
1806 N 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248

Twang announces Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix

twangmichelada — Twang’s new michelada cocktail mix will be available in August. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd. announces the launch of its first-ever liquid product, Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix, to be available starting in August 2019. The formula is 85% juice-based and is made with all-natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice and no preservatives or corn syrup. This premium product is a top-shelf option for consumers and retailers looking for an authentic, south of the border, Mexican cultural beer drinking experience. (Twang, 2019)

Twang’s new high-quality mix can be used to quickly and conveniently create the perfect michelada, the popular beer cocktail that is native to Mexico, well regarded in Texas, and quickly gaining fans throughout the United States. The prepared mix works best with Mexican beers and domestic lagers and is commonly referred to as a milder version of its American cousin, the Bloody Mary. A michelada, known in Mexico as a “cerveza preparada,” is often made with beer, lime juice, sauce, spices, tomato juice and chili peppers. It is typically served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. Twang’s michelada mix takes out all of the guesswork and hassle by having already created a perfectly balanced blend.

The package design for Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix features classic calaveras (skeletons) Mexican art, which gained fame during the Mexican Revolution and has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Bottles range in size and price, including $5.99 to $6.99 for a 16 oz. glass bottle and $8.99 to $10.99 for a 32 oz. glass bottle, ideal options for at home gatherings, bars and restaurants. There is also a small plastic bottle that is a perfect single-serve option and will range in price from $1.99 to $2.49 and will be available at convenience, liquor and select grocery stores.

Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix provides consumers with an authentic Mexican recipe, produced in Texas, that allows at-home bartenders to garnish the drink, based on personal preferences and create their own customized version. While originally created to be combined with beer, the mix has versatile uses and can also be mixed with a variety of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages to create a delicious, spirit-free cocktail. The rollout of Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix in Texas is slated for the beginning of August and will be available in stores such as Spec’s. Aside from Texas, Twang has future plans to launch in the Southwest sometime in 2020.

“We’ve been perfecting this formula for quite some time but with our 33-year reputation on the line, we wanted to make sure we got it right. We’re excited to provide fans with this unique, convenient michelada mix inspired by our family’s favorite recipe.”- Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer for Twang

National Watermelon Day in San Antonio

This Saturday August 3 is National Watermelon Day and area restaurants are offering food and beverage offerings around San Antonio which showcase everyone’s favorite melon fruit. (EVO Entertainment, Twang, The Esquire Tavern, 2019)

EVO Entertainment Group
Watermelon Margarita
The watermelon rita is available behind the bar at EVO’s family-owned and operated Schertz, Kyle and San Marcos locations. The margarita is made with patrón barrel select, triple sec, agave, fresh watermelon and squeezed lime juice. ($9). Grab the rita before hitting EVO’s movie theatre or pair it with bowling and arcades.

Evo Entertainment
Schertz 18658 I-35
Schertz, TX 78154

Twang
Austin Eastciders Watermelon Cider with Twang-A-Rita Sangrita
Twang is a San Antonio-based family company with products available in 45 states nationwide and Amazon. One of Twang’s brands, Twang-A-Rita, is a line of tasty salts and seasonings designed to easily add flavor to drinks and upgrade beverages into cocktail bar status. Twang’s cocktail rimming blends are made with ingredients like kosher salt, real spices and cane sugar; try Twang-A-Rita Sangrita to take any watermelon drink up a notch, like Austin Eastciders’ new Watermelon cider.

Recipe:
3.5 oz Watermelon Eastciders
.5 oz fresh squeezed lime
Rim with Twang-A-Rita Sangrita

Esquire Tavern
Heirloom Tomato Salad with watermelon
Located along the San Antonio River Walk, wanderers will find the historic Esquire Tavern, a place that touts the longest bar in Texas, and where patrons can fill up on an Heirloom Tomato Salad which is made with watermelon, feta cheese, dill, basil and cucumber vinaigrette. ($13)

The Esquire Tavern
155 East Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

The Boys on Amazon video

Garth Ennis is a comics writer best known for the Vertigo series Preacher and most recently in the news because of his work with The Boys comic series. The Boys is an American comic book series written by Garth Ennis and co-created, designed and illustrated by Darick Robertson and set between 2006 through 2008 in a world where superheroes exist. Developed by Eric Kripke , the creator of the television shows Supernatural, Revolution and Timeless, it was adapted into a superhero black comedy web series and premiered on Friday July 26 on Amazon video. It stars Karl Urban, Elizabeth Shue, Jennifer Esposito, Simon Pegg and Ann Cusack.

According to Wikipedia, in the universe of The Boys, most of the superheroes are corrupted by their celebrity status and often engage in reckless behavior, compromising the safety of the world. The story follows a small clandestine CIA squad informally known as “The Boys,” which is led by Butcher and consists of Mother’s Milk, the Frenchman, the Female and new addition “Wee” Hughie Campbell. They are charged with monitoring the superhero community, often leading to gruesome confrontations and dreadful results. A sub-plot centers around Annie “Starlight” January, a young and naïve superhero who joins the Seven, the most prestigious and corrupted superhero group in the world and The Boys’ most powerful enemies.

Back to school tax free weekend at San Marcos Premium Outlets

sanmarcosoutlets — San Marcos Premium Outlets will have extended hours during the Texas Sales Tax Holiday from August 9 through August 11.

Another school year is around the corner and it is time for the Texas Sales Tax Holiday. San Marcos Premium Outlets invites area residents and visitors to enjoy extended hours and great deals during tax-free weekend. (San Marcos Premium Outlets, 2019)

San Marcos Premium Outlets is pleased to offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase back-to-school necessities without paying sales tax on qualifying items in accordance with the Texas Sales Tax Holiday. The 3-day sales tax break begins on Friday, August 9 and ends on Sunday, August 11. During this period, retailers will not be required to collect state and local sales use tax on most footwear, clothing, backpacks and school supplies priced less than $100.

Before hitting the mall, shoppers can check out even more savings by visiting the Simon Retailer Showcase online where coupons and other retailer deals await.

Not sure what clothes are school uniform approved? Stop by Simon Guest Services at either property for a list of school requirements, which stores to find the appropriate attire and which stores have the best deals.

Extended Hours at San Marcos Premium Outlets
Friday, August 9 – 9a.m. to 10p.m.
Saturday, August 10 – 9a.m. to 10p.m.
Sunday, August 11 – 10a.m. to 7p.m.
* Department store hours may vary

Customers who spend $450 at select stores can visit Guest Services, located in the Food Court, from Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11, during center hours, and receive a free lunch tote.

San Marcos Premium Outlets
3939 I-35 South
San Marcos, TX 78666

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

Weekends were made for family fun and there are still plenty of chances to catch Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical’ in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opened July 12 to much acclaim and runs through Sunday August 11. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258.

‘Matilda The Musical’ begins with a large group of spoiled children at a birthday party singing “Miracle” and delighted about how special they are, as their parents shower them with praise and attention. At the same time, a clueless and nine-months pregnant Mrs. Wormwood (Briane Green) is at the hospital and even though she insists she must travel to Paris for a dancing competition, she gives birth to a baby girl. Mr. Wormwood (Robby Vance) is disappointed that it is a girl and that is how Matilda’s (Taylor Paige Henderson) mistreatment at the hands of her family begins. Five years later, an unhappy Matilda lives with her family and to cope with the constant verbal abuse, she gets even by playing pranks on them.“Naughty” Her situation does not change once she goes to school due to the cruel and child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Shane Glenn Vickers) but she finds an ally in her teacher Miss Honey (Madison Genovese). At first it seems like Matilda will never have her happy ending but when her family has to leave town, Mr. Wormwood agrees to let her stay with Miss Honey and finally acknowledges her as a girl.

This version of the story of Matilda is darker than what most people, who are fans of the movie, are used to. The cast of children do an admirable job alongside the adults and Taylor Paige Henderson, as Matilda, is especially talented in the role. Note: Audrey Anne Davis plays Matilda on alternating days. An honorable mention goes to Shane Glenn Vickers for his portrayal of the heartless and mean Miss Trunchbull. Show highlights are when the company performs “When I Grow Up” as the children ponder about their adult lives and “Revolting Children” as the defiant children swear to continue to fight for their rights. One of the funniest musical numbers is “Loud” when Miss Honey visits the Wormwoods to get them to put Matilda in an advanced class and Mrs. Wormwood and Rudolpho (Luis Garcia Jr.) insist on rehearsing their dance number instead. Overall, ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the charming story of an underestimated little girl who uses her imagination and sharp mind to take a stand and change her own destiny. It appeals to audiences of all ages and is filled with humor, laughter and heart. A definite must-see production for the entire family.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar introduces new menu items

hopdoddyimpossible — The Impossible Cheesesteak is one of the new burgers on the Hopdoddy Burger Bar menu. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

Award-winning burger joint, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, announced today the debut of its new menu, revamped just in time for the dog days of summer. Furthering its fanatical focus on sourcing and serving high-quality ingredients, the nationally renowned restaurant group has created a variety of new menu items that combine familiar ingredients in unfamiliar ways. The recently refreshed menu features new burgers, hearty salads, added vegetarian options and cold drinks at all 32 locations throughout seven states. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

This refreshed menu raises the burger bar with additional twists on the humble hamburger. The new menu will still offer tried-and-true favorites, like the Good Night/Good Cause Burger, El Diablo, the Thunderbird, the Magic Shroom burger and more. It now has added a few new items, like the Ahi Cali Club, featuring a sushi-grade tuna patty with steakhouse bacon, avocado, cilantro dijonnaise, and basil pesto; and the Impossible Cheesesteak, with an Impossible patty made entirely of plants topped with Provolone & Swiss, seared peppers and onions, field mushrooms, 78,000 Island and yellow mustard. New salads include Thai Beef Kale and Poblano Ranch Turkey Cobb.

Hopdoddy is also launching new drinks. Perfect to beat that midsummer heat, Hopdoddy now offers Strawberry Margaritas; Berry Gin Fizz—with Prairie Organic Gin, blackberry, cardamom, lime, and bubbles; Grapefruit Spritz with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Anew Rosé, and rhubarb; Rum Punch with Plantation Dark Rum, Cointreau, lime, Angostura; and more.

“We’re excited to showcase the new items to our fans across the country. We listen to what they want, and respond with creative options. Our guests have come to expect a level of greatness from our cuisine, and these latest additions are sure to exceed their expectations.”- Jeff Chandler, Hopdoddy CEO

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

Dark Star Pictures acquires rights to The Prey

Dark Star Pictures has announced today that it has acquired North American rights to action thriller The Prey. The company is planning an October theatrical release followed by VOD and DVD release. The film has excited audiences and critics at festivals including Busan International Film Festival 2018, BFI London Film Festival 2018, Hawaii Film Festival 2018, Night Visions and most recently Fantasia Film Festival 2019. (Dark Star Pictures, 2019)

Loosely based on Richard Connell’s story of survival and adventure “The Most Dangerous Game,” The Prey comes from writer/director Jimmy Henderson and the team behind genre festival hit Jailbreak. Undercover Chinese cop Xin (newcomer Gu Shangwei), is on a secret international mission when a surprise raid puts him in a remote Cambodian jungle prison that plays by its own rules. Ruthless warden (Vithaya Pansringarm of Only God Forgives) sells prisoners as human prey for rich hunters looking for thrills in the jungle. After years of hunting down ruthless criminals, Xin suddenly finds himself running for his life. If Xin manages to survive this sadistic game, he will walk out of the jungle the same way he came in: as a free man. If Xin fails, he is just another hunting trophy.

Theatrical openings will include Los Angeles, New York, and more to be announced. The deal was negotiated by Dark Star President Michael Repsch and Pip Ngo of XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers.

DIRECTOR: Jimmy Henderson (Jailbreak)
WRITTEN BY: Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller
CAST: Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nophand Boonyai, Vithaya Panringarm (Only God Forgives), Gu Shang Wei

Distributed by LA-based Dark Star Pictures.

RT: 93 minutes; Color; Language: Cambodian and Chinese with English subtitles; Rating: Not Rated

“The Prey is an exceptionally fun, high strung action film that is exhilarating from start to finish. But what really drew us to the film was the societal context – specifically the look at how class systems can be taken to the extreme, which could not be more relevant in our society today.” – Michael Repsch

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