Book review: ‘Lulu’s Kitchen’ by Lucy Buffett

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‘LuLu’ Kitchen’ is Lucy Buffett’s most recent cookbook. Photo: google

Lucy Anne Buffett, known mostly as LuLu and Jimmy Buffett’s younger sister, is a former personal chef who has cooked for high profile clients from coast to coast. She has two restaurant locations and her first cookbook, formerly known as “Crazy Sista Cooking” has been reprinted as “LuLu’s Kitchen: A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life.” It has been updated with a new introduction and new photography and includes authentic family recipes from her Alabama and Florida destination restaurants.

“LuLu’s Kitchen” is Lucy Buffett’s culinary guide to classic Southern coastal cuisine and contains more than 120 signature recipes. A note on the revised edition starts it off and is followed by a word by both Jimmy Buffett and LuLu. Recipe sections include: Gumbo Love & Other Deep South Soups, Sassy Salads, Sandwiches & Such, Perfect Sauces & Salad Dressings, Sweet Things, Child’s Play, Life Is Good Grits and Party Favors. Sprinkled in between recipes and cooking tips are family stories and the stories behind some of the author’s favorite recipes. This part cook book, part autobiography is filled with interesting stories, pictures and cooking tips.

Cookbooks come and go but this one stands out because it is more than just recipes. In the section titled LuLu Food Philosophy, LuLu writes about her love of cooking what she has learned throughout the years about cooking and life. It is a charming book that is easy to read and the recipes are simple enough for anyone to try. The author’s voice is friendly and the overall tone of the book is relaxed, much like the coastal food she writes about. It is recommended for fans of well-developed cookbooks and readers who appreciated multi-dimensional books.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

Fest of Tails at McAllister Park

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The 11th annual Fest of Tails Kite Festival and Dog Fair will be this Saturday March 18 at McAllister Park. Photo: google

The 11th annual Fest of Tails Kite Festival and Dog Fair, presented by H-E-B will take place this Saturday March 18 at McAllister Park from 9a.m. to 4p.m. near the Wurzbach Parkway entrance. This event is free and all kite and dog enthusiasts and spectators are welcome to attend. It will feature food and live music, arts and crafts, dogs of all sizes and breeds and a sky full of kites. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chair to watch the kite show. Those wishing to participate in the community kite flying exhibition may bring their favorite kite or purchase one onsite. Weather permitting there will be hot air balloon rides from 9a.m. to 11:30a.m. for $5 for children and $10 for adults. There will also be a dog contest and pooch parade. Presented by Sprint, categories will be “Best Dressed Dog,” “Most Resembles Owner” and “Best In Show.” There is no entry fee but competitors are encouraged to participate in the Fest of Tails Pooch Parade. Registration may be one online.

McAllister Park
13102 Jones-Maltsberger Rd
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 207-7275

Consejo Shooting Stars Poker Tournament at Paramour

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On Saturday April 8 Paramour will be hosting the Consejo Shooting Stars Poker Tournament. Photo courtesy of Paramour, used with permission.

This year for Fiesta, Paramour and Martin Phipps will be hosting the Consejo Shooting Stars Poker Tournament, an official Rey Feo event. This event will benefit the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. Rey Feo 69, Fred Reyes will be onsite. It is set for Saturday April 8 from 11a.m. to 6p.m. with check at 11a.m. and cards up at 12p.m. The cost for participants will be $200 if purchased in advance and $250 if purchased at the door on the day of the event. Anyone interested in participating may register online. All donations will include lunch, select cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and 10,000 playing chips. Participants may purchase an additional 10,000 playing chips for $100. Table sponsorships are also available. The event is free and open to those not participating and food and drinks will be available for purchase. (Paramour, 2017.

Paramour
102 9th St, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 775-2343

Book review: ‘Welcome to the Symphony’ by Carolyn Sloan

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‘Welcome to the Symphony’ by Carolyn Sloan is a children’s book that introduces readers to the world of classical music.  Photo: amazon

Carolyn Sloan is a native New Yorker and a music educator at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York. She is also a songwriter and musician and has been writing music for theater, television and children. As an author she has written ‘Finding Your Voice: A Practical and Spiritual Approach to Singing and Living.’  Her new book is ‘Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No.’ It is illustrated by James Williamson, an illustrator, designer and artist whose work has appeared in The New York Times and numerous children’s books.

‘Welcome to the Symphony’ is an illustrated book targeted for children ages four to eight and uses Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, one of the most popular musical pieces, to introduce young children to the world of classical music. It is an interactive picture book with a panel of 19 sound buttons that readers press when prompted during the narrative and takes them from the tuning of the orchestra to the end of the first movement. They can learn the basics of classical music including the definition of a symphony and conductor. From there they are immersed in the different aspects of music which includes melody, harmony, tempo and theme and the different type of instruments in a symphony.

This is an excellent book to introduce to young children who are becoming interested in classical music. It is informative and straight to the point and suitable for anyone who wants to learn about the different instruments, the background of each and the specific sounds they make. Even adults can benefit from it to learn the basics of classical music. It is recommended for parents looking to introduce their children to music in general and for anyone who appreciates musical instruments.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

Austin Food + Wine Festival in April

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The sixth annual Austin Food + Wine Festival will take place April 28 – 30, 2017. Photo: Sandra Cruz

The sixth annual Austin Food + Wine Festival returns in April for three days of tastings and food demonstrations featuring local talent and celebrity culinary stars. It all takes place from Friday April 28 through Sunday April 30, 2017. Festival sponsors include FOOD & WINE, Republic National Distributing, Barilla, Toyota and KitchenAid.  A full list of participating chefs and beverage talent, detailed festival information and ticket information is available online and all attendees must be 21 and older. (Austin Food + Wine Festival, 2017)

The All-In ticket is $625 per person and includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access, access to over 40 culinary demos and beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions, access to the Fire Pits, all-day access to the Grand Taste Pavilion including the Chef Showcase, access to a special Sunday Gospel Brunch by The Warrior Gospel Band, Tim Love’s Hands-On Grilling Demo access for Saturday or Sunday and entrance to evening events including Friday night’s Lone Star Nights and Saturday night’s Rock Your Taco.

The Weekender ticket is $250 per person and includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access, access to over 40 culinary demos and beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions, access to the Fire Pits, all-day access to the Grand Taste Pavilion including the Chef Showcase and a special Sunday Gospel Brunch by The Warrior Gospel Band.

There will also be a contest/giveaway in which one lucky winner will get to join award-winning chef and author Hugh Acheson on stage during his cooking demo as his Sous Chef.  Prizes include an Austin Food + Wine Festival apron, a signed copy of his “A New Turn In The South” cookbook and an opportunity to assist Hugh, a world-renowned chef, restaurateur and James Beard award-winning cookbook author, while getting the ultimate hands-on lesson.  Information on this unique opportunity is available online.

Auditorium Shores
800 W Riverside Dr
Austin, TX
(512) 974-6700

‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ at the Pearl Studio

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The Magik Theatre will be performing ‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ at the Pearl Studio. Photo: google

There is a theater event coming up for families who are wanting to introduce the littlest members of the family to the theater. The Magik Theatre will be performing ‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ at the Pearl Studio thanks to a grant from Whataburger. Performances will be on Saturdays from March 11 through April 1 at 10a.m. Tickets are $12 for ages one and older and children under one are free. Space is limited so reservations are suggested. Tickets and detailed information is available online. (The Magik Theatre, 2017)

‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ is a production of Theatre for the Very Young and is designed to be a gentle introduction to theater for children ages zero to five. It uses music, art and hands on sensory experiences in a toddler friendly atmosphere. The Magik Theatre’s ‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ has delighted and inspired toddlers, young children and their parents everywhere.  The audience gets to watch Brother and Sister Bear experience a full year of seasons. The bears see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to join in the action using a small bag of props that help create the magical interactive moments.

‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ stars John Stillwaggon as Brother Bear and Carolyn Dellinger as Sister Bear. It is written by Janet Stanford and Kathryn Chase Bryer with music by Katie Chambers. Originally developed by Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland, it is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences.

Pearl Studio
Inside the Full Goods Building
200 E Grayson, Ste 115
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

Growls & Growlers at Southerleigh

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Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery is hosting its first ‘Growls & Growlers’ pet adoption event on Saturday April 1, 2017.  Photo: Sandra Cruz

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery is celebrating its 2nd anniversary and is partnering with Talk About It! SA, the Animal No-Kill program of the San Antonio Area Foundation to host the first annual ‘Growls and Growlers’ event on Saturday April 1 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. This pet adoption event will feature local animal rescue and pet resource organizations that will have about 50 dogs available for adoption and informational pet care advice. This event is free and open to the public and all organization’s adoption regulations and fees will apply. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2017)

Participating local organizations will include San Antonio Pets Alive!, San Antonio Humane Society, Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue and Rehabilitation, Animal Defense League, Missy’s Haven, Kriser’s Natural Pet, Pawderosa Ranch and SpaySA. Pawderosa Ranch will be providing complimentary gift cards to anyone who adopts during this event. To celebrate its anniversary Southerleigh will be offering beer specials all day, including pints for $5, 32oz beer growlers for $8 and 64oz beer growlers for $14 with 20% of proceeds going to all participating nonprofit pet organizations.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson, Ste 120
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 455-5701

Free admission to San Antonio Museum of Art for Spring Break

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The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering free general admission on Tuesday March 14, 2017.  Photo: google

Spring break is coming up soon and the San Antonio Museum of Art is making it easy for families to spend time together. On Tuesday March 14 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. the Museum is having free general admission with planned fun activities throughout the day. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2017)

Guests will be able to take part in Pattern Palooza, a festival of art activities with painting, drawing and collage from noon to 4p.m. Children can spin records and learn more about digital music with the AM Project Bass Bus, an arts and digital program for children. At 5:30p.m. there will be a guided tour of the exhibition Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Aboriginal Art where visitors can learn more about Aboriginal people’s culture and art. There is a $10 surcharge for adults 18 years and up to see this exhibition. Local artist Terry Ybanez will be in the Museum galleries from 6p.m. to 8p.m. and guests will be able to join in the fun and sketch along with him for $10. To finish off the day there will be a sundown screening of Rabbit-Proof Fence (PG), a 2002 Australian drama film about the Stolen Generation. Throughout the day guests will be able to enjoy food from on-site food trucks including Cajun specialties from Cajun on da Geaux, tacos from Hot Burras and festival food from Drake’s Fun Food Truck.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100

Twin Liquors Celebrates Texas Fest

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Twin Liquors will be hosting a Grand Event this Thursday March 9, 2017. Photo: google

This month Texas celebrates its independence and to help celebrate Twin Liquors is hosting Texas Fest. Texas Fest celebrates home-grown spirits, wines, beers and ciders with Grand Events, Texas Twin Deals, a Texas wine sale and more. On Thursday March 9 from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m. Twin Liquors will be hosting a Grand Event at its San Antonio Marketplace location. It will feature meet and greet with several brands and is free and open to the public but participants must be 21 and older. (Twin Liquors, 2017)

Brands scheduled to appear are as follows but the list is subject to change:

  • Deep Eddy Orange
  • Yellow Rose Whiskey, Houston Ferris
  • Garrison Brothers Bourbon, Blender Samantha Olvera
  • Treaty Oak Bourbon
  • Waterloo Gin
  • Herman Marshal Rye, Founders Marshal/Louis
  • Martine Honeysuckle Liqueur, Founder Dee Kelleher
  • Texas Ranger & Rebecca Creek Whiskey, Brad Baldwin
  • Banner Whiskey & Vodka, Logan Simpson
  • Pedernales Wines, Fredrick Osterberg
  • Cinco Vodka & Searsucker Gin, Trey Azar

Twin Liquors Marketplace San Antonio
12955 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 403-2322

No Kid Hungry Dinner at Hotel Emma


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Hotel Emma to host first No Kid Hungry Dinner on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo: Sandra Cruz

On Sunday May 21 Chef John Brand and Executive Pastry Chef Jenn Riesmann of Hotel Emma will host the first ever San Antonio No Kid Hungry Dinner at Hotel Emma. Presented by Citi, this event will pair the two chefs along with a team of guest chefs to create a special multi-course dinner to benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America. Individual tickets are available for purchase at $175 per person and packages and table hosting opportunities begin at $2,500.  For additional information and to purchase tickets please visit No Kid Hungry online. (Hotel Emma, 2017)

This event will feature renowned guest chefs Ned Elliott of Foreign & Domestic in Austin, Ben Ford of Ford’s Filling Station in Los Angeles, Michael Paley of South Congress Hotel in Austin and Ryan Lachaine of Riel in Houston along with guest speaker Ruth Riley, general manager for the San Antonio Stars. There will be a cocktail reception at 6p.m. followed by a seated multi-course dinner and live auction at 7p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of one of a kind luxury, culinary and travel items. Proceeds from the event will benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in Texas and across the country.

No Kid Hungry is a campaign of the national nonprofit Share Our Strength whose mission is to end childhood hunger. They do this by connecting kids to accessible, effective nutrition programs, building partnerships and advocating for policy changes needed to achieve these goals. Since the campaign’s launch, No Kid Hungry and its partners have connected kids struggling with hunger to more than 500 million meals.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78715
(210) 448-8300