Celebrate Mardi Gras the German way at Krause’s Café. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.
Krause’s Café and Biergarten in New Braunfels is celebrating Mardi Gras and Karneval by hosting Krause’s Karneval. Experience Cologne, Germany’s traditional Karneval, with six days of events leading up to Mardi Gras. Guests can expect six days of live music, traditional German fare and libations, stein holding competitions and more. There is still time to catch the celebrations. (Krause’s Café, 2019)
Inspired by the Cologne Carnival in Germany (Kölner Karneval) which is famous for lively street parties and parades, costumes, candy and flower throwing and plenty of bier in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday – the Krause’s Karneval will follow suit, replicating this popular German Carnival – New Braunfels style.
During the Rose Monday parade in Cologne, it is not uncommon to see party-goers warming up with Glühwein (hot-spiced wine) or drinking German bier from Hofbrau to Warsteine. Krause’s will be making Glühwein throughout Mardi Gras and the biergarten’s 70+ taps, including these German favorites, will be supplying the libations.
German dishes created by Chef Jeremy ‘Boomer’ Acuna will include the Solm’s Platter which pays homage to the German founder of the town or the new Indianola Platter, both great for large Mardi Gras party-goers. Locals who want to get in their Fat Tuesday indulgences in can expect Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, kartoffel poppers and select food and drink specials.
Saturday, March 2
7p.m. – Tapping of the keg
7p.m. to 10p.m. – live music by AlpenMusikanten
8:30p.m. – Masskrugstemmen competition
Sunday, March 3
4p.m. to 6p.m. – March Dachshund Races and Humane Society of New Braunfels adoption event. Watch dachshunds race their way to the finish line on the turf patio. Dog dress up is encouraged because Krause’s awards trophies for Best Costume, Cutest Pup and Best Trick at every race – no registration required.
Monday, March 4
3p.m. to 6p.m. – Pups & Pints Happy Hour featuring Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas, Texas Husky Rescue, Barking Bad Bakery, and New Braunfels Puppy Playland.
Fat Tuesday, March 5
6p.m. to 9p.m. – live music by Honky Tonk Saints
Food and drink specials like Shiner Beer
Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2019-2020 season includes such hits as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Elf The Musical,’ Photo: Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their upcoming 2019-2020 season, including the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and Cellar Theater. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)
The Russell Hill Rogers Theater September 13 through October 13 – ‘Mary Poppins’
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Based on one of the most popular Disney movie of all time, this is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. With a little bit of magic, Mary and Bert remind all of us that anything can happen if you let it.
November 22 through December 22 – ‘Elf The Musical’
Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. This modern-day holiday classic reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
January 31 through February 23 – ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
A distant heir to a family fortune, Monty sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm and a dash of murder while falling in love. Non-stop laughs will see the doomed heirs meet their end in the most creative and side-splitting ways. Based on the novel ‘Israel Rank’ by Roy Horniman.
March 27 through April 19 – ‘Bright Star’
A refreshingly hopeful tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1940s American South. Alice meets a young soldier that awakens her longing for the child she once lost. An uplifting journey holds you tight in its grasp with deep emotion and beautiful melodies. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
May 15 through June 7 – ‘Amelie’
An extraordinary young woman lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. We learn that to find happiness we have to risk everything and say what is in our hearts. Amelie, the imaginative dreamer, finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner.
July 10 through August 9 – ‘Into the Woods’
Everyone’s favorite storybook characters are intertwined for a timeless story played out in a magical world. The enchanting and touching collection of fables are set to one of the most dynamic scores ever written. The result is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
Cellar Theater October 18 through November 17 – ‘First Date’
A casual drink at a restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Delightful and unexpected twists, supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, sing and dance Aaron and Casey through ice-breakers, appetizers and a potential dating disaster. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
December 27 through January 19 – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog. Under suspicion, he is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. This profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colors and lights takes us on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon.
February 28 through March 22 – ‘Admissions’
The head of an admissions department and the Headmaster at a prep school are fighting to diversify the student body. Personal ambition collides with progressive values when their son sets his sights on an Ivy League university. This controversial drama explodes the ideals and contradictions of liberal white America. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
April 24 through May 10 – ‘Lonely Planet’
Jody stays in his map store all the time. Carl has been bringing chairs into Jody’s store and leaving them there. Through their interaction, the two realize how grateful they are to have such a strong lasting friendship. This compassionate play reveals friendship and fear in the age of AIDS. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
June 12 through June 28 – ‘More Better Beautiful’
Alice Pring wakes with no recollection of the prior night and finds a stranger, that has an identical twin, asleep in her living room. Elements of noir and romance show the secrets we keep, the lies we tell and the people who accept us in spite of our mistakes. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
August 14 through August 30 – ‘Fade’
Lucia, a young writer, quickly becomes friends with a studio janitor named Abel. As they share stories, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV script. Fade is a play about class, race, and how status does not change who you are at your core. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
Twin Liquors’ Dollar Sale starts Thursday February 28. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.
Twin Liquors, Central Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, is pleased to announce its Winter 2019 Dollar Sale, offering incredible deals on wine and spirits. The Dollar Sale will take place at all 85 plus Twin Liquors locations from Thursday February 28 to Saturday March 2. To locate the store nearest you, visit Twin Liquors online. (Twin Liquors, 2019)
Twin Liquors’ Dollar Sale will feature incredible savings on wine and spirits 750 ml and larger. Some exclusions apply. Prices will drop down to the absolute lowest plus a dollar. Shoppers can look forward to rock bottom prices on collectible wines, rare whiskies and popular spirits. Shoppers can look forward to deals such as Jameson Casksmates IPA for only $26.17, instead of the normal price of $33.99 or Herradura Silver Tequila at only $41.99 instead of $32.85.
In celebration of the sale, Deep Eddy Vodka will be on-site at four Marketplace locations, including Austin’s Hancock and South Lamar Marketplaces and the San Antonio and College Station Marketplaces starting at 10a.m. on Thursday, February 28. They will be providing complimentary bloody Marys and breakfast tacos.
This year’s Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run will be on Saturday March 16. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
Coming up next month is the Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run, a 3.1-mile trek through The Shops at La Cantera with the scenic hill country as a backdrop, which makes for a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other run in Texas. All 5K Wine & Beer Run participants will be able to enjoy a post-run celebration that promotes healthy lifestyle including delicious eats, irresistible drinks, wine and beer tastings, activities, shopping and more. (Culinaria, 2019)
Scheduled for Saturday, March 16, the pre-race festivities will begin at 7a.m. with the race starting at 8a.m. The cost ranges from $40 to $55. This event is open to all types of runners, including teams with a minimum of 10 participants. For more information or to register visit Culinaria online.
Friends, family members and visitors can enjoy the race day reception by purchasing a Race Reception ticket. Tickets are $20 for ages seven and up to take part in the after party and enjoy the food and festivities after the conclusion of the race. Not into running? Sign up to be a volunteer and enjoy a different side of race day. Packet Pick-Up is a must for registered participants in the Culinaria 5k; as that is where they will receive the bib, timing chip and t-shirt. Anyone who is not registered, or running is welcome to register at Packet Pick-Up, space available. Check Culinaria for time and location. This is an event that runners and non-runners alike will enjoy – so toast to a race well ran and dig in with Culinaria.
As a non-profit organization, Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.
The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Pkwy.
San Antonio, TX 78256
Pluckers Wing Bar now has Wednesday night Live Team Trivia at their Selma location. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
Last week Pluckers Wing Bar launched their popular Wednesday night Live Team Trivia at their Selma location. Every Wednesday, Pluckers will feature trivia starting at 7:30p.m. and the winning team will receive a Pluckers gift card. The evening will feature 10 questions in each round: sports, nerd, movie lines, movie quotes, name that tune, random and more. During Wednesday’s Live Team Trivia, guests will also be able to enjoy specials such as $6.75 34 oz. Mother Pluckers Mugs of Miller Lite and other specials. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)
Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 23 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 23 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. 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.”
Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154
‘The Hidden Worlds’ by Sandra Ingerman and Katherine Wood is an interesting look at friendship and magic. Courtesy photo: used with permission.
Sandra Ingerman is an award-winning author of twelve books, including ‘Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self,’ ‘Medicine for the Earth’ and ‘The Book of Ceremony: Shamanic Wisdom for Invoking the Sacred into Everyday Life.’ She is also a renowned teacher on shamanic journeying, healing and using spiritual methods to reverse environmental pollution. Katherine Wood taught reading and writing to middle and high school students for 31 years. She is a shamanic practitioner and teacher as well as an avid reader, writer and journeyer who loves to travel in both ordinary reality and in the hidden worlds. They are co-authors of ‘The Hidden Worlds,’ a novel for young readers about four middle school students who work together for a common purpose even though they are completely different people.
The protagonists in ‘The Hidden Worlds’ are middle school aged students. It begins with a look into Isaiah’s life, complete with home and school drama. Then come Magda, the popular soccer star whose goal in life is to get a soccer scholarship for college, George, the quiet boy who is frequently bullied because he requires “special services” and Rose, the Chinese girl who is always angry and gets into trouble for fighting. One day, they are playing near the forest when they come across several dead birds and are compelled to work together and find out what is poisoning and killing off the wildlife. They get together and brain storm in shared dreams, where they each find their power animal: Isaiah has a great grizzly bear, George an octopus, Rose a giraffe and Magda a black panther. Their dreams lead to real life adventures when they discover a toxic waste plant illegally disposing of poisons. Strangers in the beginning, their friendships grow as they work together with their Power Animals to close down the plant.
Isaiah, George, Rose and Magda are normal middle schoolers who are dramatically different but have similar interests that bring them together as they work for a common cause – the environment. In ‘The Hidden Worlds,’ shamanism is introduced in a nonchalant way when they need guidance and feel no one can help them when they desperately want to make a difference. Wikipedia defines Shamanism as “a practice that involves reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with the spirit world and channel those transcendental energies into this world.” The chapters are short and the story is easy to read and understand. It may be a small book, but it touches on important topics such as bullies and the importance of standing up for yourself, school drama, puberty, environmental concerns and shamanism. Stand out chapters include Chapter 16: Organizing, which explains how cause and effect works when the environment is concerned and Chapter 13: Journeying – it explains what journeying means and the kids learn what the Hidden Worlds are and how shamans help people communicate with spirits. Aside from having the usual teen drama such as school, family life and personal issues, ‘The Hidden Worlds’ also touches on magic, spirit guides, power animals and journeying. It is recommended for readers of any age with an interest in these topics and who have an open mind and are willing to discover new ways of seeing the world.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Mexican rock band Zoé’ will perform at the Aztec Theatre on Tuesday February 26. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
After earning a GRAMMY® in the category of ‘Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album’ for their album ‘Aztlan,’ Zoé, one of the most acclaimed Mexican rock bands of the past several decades, kicked off their 2019 U.S. tour this month. Canadian bands Metric and July Talk will join them for the majority of the concerts, which kick off this one of a kind multicultural tour that only a band with Zoé’s sound can pull. They will be playing at the Aztec Theatre on Tuesday February 26. Other Texas dates include February 28 at the Revention Music Center in Houston, TX, March 1 at the Southside Ballroom in Dallas, TX and March 2 at the Moody Theatre in Austin – (Metric & Zoé). (Zoé, 2019)
During Zoé’s 20th anniversary tour in 2018, the internationally popular rock band performed ‘sold out’ concerts in Los Angeles, Anaheim, New York, Chicago, Rosemont, Dallas, Houston, El Paso, Denver, San Francisco, San Diego and Riverside. At the renowned Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, the band received a special recognition by YouTube for reaching more than a million channel subscribers.
Zoé’s current GRAMMY® award winning sixth studio album titled ‘Aztlán’ was inspired by the mythical birthplace of the Mexica people who would later come to rule the Aztec Empire. The album incorporates psychedelic rock, synth pop, indie rock and classic rock en español influences and explores the universal themes of identity, technology, social-consciousness and love in the modern world.
‘Aztlán’ has since achieved gold status, with more than thirty thousand copies sold in Mexico and a Latin Grammy nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Rock Album.’ The album has also been streamed more than one hundred million times. Zoé topped the charts of music videos and downloads with the release of the album’s first single “Azul”, which they repeated with the release of their other two singles “Hielo” and “No Hay Mal Que Dure.” Eleven of its tracks reached the Top 200 of Spotify, a first for a band from Mexico, and the album continued to top physical and digital sales lists afterwards for several consecutive weeks.
“The title of the album, Aztlán, is a reference to our people. It is an invitation to discover the beauty and richness of our culture and look inward so we can recover that Mexican dignity and pride.” – front man Leon Larregui.
Aztec Theatre
104 N Saint Marys St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 812-4355
Garrison Brothers Distillery celebrates Texas Independence with style. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, recently announced its plans to celebrate Texas Independence Day in three big ways: The Bourbon Takeover of Texas – a five-day culinary event leading up to March 2, Texas Independence Day; The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl – a statewide bartender contest; and Liberations & Libations – an authentically Texan day party at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2019)
The Bourbon Takeover of Texas consists of five days of more than 50 distinguished bars and restaurants across the state featuring culinary and mixological specials that include Garrison Brothers’ Small Batch Bourbon. These limited-time offerings will be available at select establishments in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio from Sunday, February 24 through Saturday, March 2. The Garrison Brothers team will visit every participating location to taste, critique, examine and enjoy each cocktail, considering its potential for advancement to the second round of The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl, a statewide, high-stakes bartender competition with a $10,000 cash prize. The $10,000 cash prize will be paid out by Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501(c)3 public charity founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018.
Liberations & Libations will be a more localized celebration of Texas Independence. Taking place in the heart of downtown Austin at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, the day party is scheduled to take place from 7:30a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Texas-born businesses will showcase their hand-crafted products while Texas chefs and beverage-makers serve bourbon-infused brunch bites in the spacious ballroom. Tasting wristbands will be available for $25 and will include eight food and drink tickets. The party will take a brief recess from noon until 3p.m. and will kick off again with a happy hour from 3p.m. to 6p.m. Afternoon attractions include passed bourbon-infused bites by Chef Bryan Gibson, a roaming “redneck mariachi” duo and a silent auction benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. A live auction will also be held at 5p.m. for an entire barrel of the award-winning Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon.
“Texas Independence Day…. also commemorates the day we released our very first batch of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon back in 2010. In keeping with tradition, we’ve released the current year’s vintage on this holiday every year since. This year we’re going all out, and we hope you celebrate with us at one of our three major events throughout Texas. Salud.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery
San Antonio Burger Week starts Friday February 22. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
San Antonio Burger Week starts tomorrow Friday February 22 and runs until Sunday March 2 and will feature $5 burgers from San Antonio’s most delicious restaurants. From gourmet blends to off-menu specialties, this event pays tribute to the great American burger. Benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank, the idea is to get people to embrace the food and culture of San Antonio while getting them out to eat, drink and try new places. There will also be a Burger Passport that participants can get stamped at participating restaurants. Those who collect at least four stamps can be eligible for a special grand prize drawing. (San Antonio Burger Week)
Two of San Antonio favorites are participating:
COVER 3 in San Antonio has a brand new, specially designed burger, the French Onion Truffle Burger. It is made with a 1/2 lb Angus beef patty and topped with caramelized onions, roasted garlic and herb truffle aioli, gruyere cheese and crispy onions on a brioche bun. The burger costs just $5 and customers can also purchase a discounted Budweiser for $3 along with the purchase of COVER 3’s French Onion Truffle Burger. A portion of proceeds from each French Onion Truffle Burger sold at COVER 3 will go on to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. This burger is only available during San Antonio Burger week, so interested patrons are encouraged to act fast and try this delicious burger before it is gone. (COVER 3, 2019)
COVER 3
1806 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 479-9700
Shake Shack will be featuring their signature ShackMeister Burger for $5. The ShackMeister Burger includes a cheeseburger with fried ShackMeister shallots and topped with ShackSauce on a toasted Martin’s Potato Bun. (Shake Shack, 2019)
Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770
Hopddody Burger Bar will have drinks specials to help celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hopddody BurgerBar, used with permission.
National Margarita Day is this Friday February 22 and here are two ways to celebrate in San Antonio. (Hopddody Burger Bar, Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar, 2019)
Celebrate National Margarita Day this Friday with Hopddody Burger Bar specials. On Friday, Hopdoddy will be offering $2 Little Larry (Mini-Classic Frozen Margarita Topped with Grand Marnier) and $5 Classic Frozen Margaritas (Gold Tequila, Fresh Citrus Juices, Triple Sec, Black Lava Salt Rim, Served Icy & Delicious) all day. The Austin-based burger chain has a total of 31 locations in seven states.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337
SA Examiner 