Valentine’s Day specials in San Antonio

raspberryrose — Bakery Lorraine’s Raspberry Rose Japonaise are among the Valentine’s Days specials that will be available throughout San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and for anyone looking for ideas to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, the following is a guide of events and specials that local businesses will offer guests. More details are available online. (Giant Noise, 2017)

Boiler House – will have specialty menu items and regular dinner items served on Valentine’s Day. Dinner hours are 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bakery Lorraine – will have special pastries available on Valentine’s Day and throughout the month of February including: Heart Shaped Pop Tarts, Heart Shaped Moonpies, Raspberry Rose Japonaise and Specialty Macaroons. There will also be tuxedo macarons which are chocolate dipped strawberry macarons designed like a strawberry tuxedo for $3 each. Bakery hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Paramour – will be having a Valentine’s Day special event, “Catch Flights, not Feelings” that includes chocolate flights paired with a curated cocktail. Options include: First – Chocolate covered cherries paired with The Sands Cocktail. Second – Dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt paired with House Barrel Aged Old Fashioned. Third – White chocolate and mixed nuts paired with Paramour’s Carajillo; Licor 43, Mezcal, Coffee, Fresh Cream. Paramour will also be offering special champagne bottles for purchase. Each bottle purchased includes a free charcuterie board. There will also be additional split bottles of champagne without charcuterie boards for $75. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Hotel Contessa – the hotel’s restaurant, Las Ramblas, will be offering a Valentine’s Day dinner for $55 per person. Reservations are required between 5 p.m. – 9 .m. The hotel is offering a SUITEheart Special: a gorgeous suite, bottle of sparkling wine, breakfast for two in Las Ramblas and a late checkout time. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Jazz, TX – will be offering a special Italian themed performance with Frank Sinatra tunes by Doc Watkins and Johnny P and an Italian cuisine prix fixe 3 course meal during dinner on Valentine’s Day for $150 per couple, limited to 40 couples. Seating is at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Southerleigh – will be offering dinner specials off the regular dinner menu for couples on Valentine’s Day. They will also be offering complimentary his and her matching beer glassware to cheer to a romantic evening. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Frank – will be offering special $12 El Libre wines by the bottle. Options include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. All day on Valentine’s Day, by appointment, Frank’s owner Daniel Northcutt will be on site to marry loved ones who want to tie the knot in the repurposed Methodist church. Call ahead of time at 210.265.5292. Business hours are 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Additional Whataburger sauces at H-E-B

whataburgerketchup — H-E-B stores will now carry Whataburger’s Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounze Spicy Ketchup. Photo courtesy of Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger fans will be pleased to hear that Whataburger and H-E-B are releasing Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup at H-E-B stores. Customers will now have a new flavor and two long-time fan favorites in a new size. The new Signature Sauces include: Buffalo Sauce – The flavor of the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich lives on this sauce. It is tasty and buttery and has just the right touch of heat for home-cooked meals. 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup – Originally launched at H-E-B in 2013 in 20-ounce bottles, Whataburger’s Fancy Ketchup now comes in a larger 40-ounce size. On the Facebook fan page, fans have described the condiment as “life-changing,” “best on the planet” and “ketchup of the gods.” 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup – First introduced as a limited-time offer in 2011, Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup was added to H-E-B shelves in 20-ounce bottles and made permanently available in all restaurants in 2013. This jalapeño-infused condiment with a taste bigger than Texas is a fan favorite that combines sweet and spicy flavors. (Whataburger, 2017)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

CIA Bakery Café returns to Pearl

20160311_091608 The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio recently announced the return of the popular CIA Bakery Café to Pearl. For nine weeks starting on Monday February 13 and running until Wednesday April 12 the pop-up café will offer a variety of signature sweet and savory bakery items, new creations, specialty coffee and tea and daily aguas frescas. This pop up Bakery Café was created to give visitors an exciting dining experience while giving students the experience of working in a bakery. It is the most important course for the CIA baking and pastry arts majors graduating in April with their AAS degrees. Students will work in both the front and back of house at the café under the direction of Chef Dubernard, Chef Patrick Clark and Instructor Amandy Carranza. (CIA Bakery Café, 2017)

Business hours will be Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch from 8a.m. to 2p.m. and will have patio and interior seating. The menu will rotate and will feature house-made soups, salads, sandwiches and lunch specials. Pastry selections will include house-made pastries, bagels, breakfast breads, cookies, breads and desserts. Favorite dishes return, including the Chocolate XS Cake, Opera, Alfajores and White Chocolate Banana Tarts, along with the “Best Breakfast Sandwich Ever” and a reincarnation of the House-Cured Bacon Mac and Cheese. New items for this year include Chocolate Truffles and select healthy items.

The Culinary Institute of America was founded in 1946 as is the world’s premiere culinary college. It is an independent, not for profit facility that offers associates degrees in the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Students can also earn bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary science and applied food studies. With campuses in New York, California, Texas and Singapore it trains thousands of students that are bound for the foodservice and hospitality industry.

CIA Bakery Café
312 Pearl Pkwy, Ste 2102 – entrance located off Karnes Street
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6464

Shop local for Valentine’s Day at Pearl

vday17 — Shop local for Valentine’s Day at Pearl. Photo: google.com

February is the month of love and the boutiques and at Pearl have put together a handy shopping guide to make it easier to shop for a Valentine’s Day gift. Starting with special deals at this week’s First Thursday, shoppers are encouraged to shop local at Pearl and give thoughtful and unique gifts from local businesses. (Pearl, 2017)

Gift ideas for women:
The Tiny Finch – Choose from a variety of small art prints, each hand signed and printed on 100% cotton rag paper.
Lick Honest Ice Creams – Pick up the Foxwares bowl and wooden ice cream spoons to create the perfect set.
Curio at Hotel Emma – The 14K pave double heart necklace makes a memorable gift.
Ten Thousand Villages – Give the gift that keeps on giving by purchasing jewelry and supporting makers in developing countries.
Larder – Indulge in a gift basket filled with wine, chocolate and body products.
Adelante – Stock up on jewelry for the trendy girl.
Niche – Get the latest from the Niche Spring 2017 collection. The Cabana dress in red is a flirty and fun addition to any wardrobe.
LeeLee – The Adina Reyter 14K pave necklace is a must have.
Bakery Lorraine – Satisfy any sweet tooth with delicious macarons from the bakery.
Bike World – A bicycle rental is the perfect gift for adventurous couples. Rentals are rent one get one half off.
The Synergy Studio – Violet love headbands for women who love to get fit.

Gift ideas for men:
The Sporting District – Mckittrick’s Fine Goods candle “Shut The Blinds” is made from the finest soy wax and scented with delicious oils.
Leighelena – exotic Santa Fe Stoneworks knife or stunning onyx, coral and natural wood liner lock knife with clip.
Local Coffee – The Murago from Katanga, Burundi, Merit Light Gray Sweatshirt and Hario V60 Dripper are perfect for the coffee lover.
High Street Wine Co. – Enjoy the Terra Valentine Cabernet from Napa Valley; a big, bold red wine that brings power and elegance to any occasion.
Dos Carolinas – Purchase a special Valentine’s guayabera for the one you love.

Gift ideas for children:
Roo & Me – Choose from an assortment of clothing and gifts.
The Twig Book Shop – Choose from a variety of cards or books about love.

Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

First Thursday at Pearl

pearlnewpic — The next First Thursday at Pearl on February 2 will include specials just in time for Valentine’s Day. Photo courtesy of Pearl, used with permission.

First Thursday at Pearl was created to give guests an evening of family fun and shopping deals. The next First Thursday is this Thursday February 2 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Pearl kicks off the month of love as guests will be able to take advantage of in-store specials at Pearl’s boutiques and enjoy live music by National Standard. (Pearl, 2017)

Exclusive specials for this month’s First Thursday include:
Cured – there will be a “Roses & Chocolate” demo. The bar will present a sample of a Rose Pedal Cocktail while the kitchen will do a demo on chocolates and how to decorate with them.
Leighelena – guests will be able to enjoy complimentary Rosé from 5 to 7 p.m.
Niche – there will be an artist reception with Barbara Natoli Witt. Guests can enjoy wine and sweet treats, meet the artist and view the current collection.
Roo & Me – there will be a 50% off sale to make room for new spring merchandise. Tiff’s Treats and champagne will also be offered.
Twig – guests have a variety of books and cards to choose from.
Ten Thousand Villages – specials include 25% off all handcrafted jewelry and select Valentine’s gifts.
Curio – Gifts include a variety of Valentine’s themed merchandise.

Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

New exhibitions at Artpace

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. With the new year Artpace is proud to present a series of special exhibitions and events. Michelle Grabner, Spring 2017 Residency Guest Curator, has selected three artists from the Texas Open Call list to showcase their work for the Spring 2017 Hudson Showroom. The exhibition is titled Did You Ever See Such A Thing As A Drawing Of A Muchness? and will include artists Natasha Bowdoin, Harold Mendez and Rodrigo Valenzuela. It will be on exhibit from January 26 through April 30, 2017. Doors open at 6p.m. and admission is free and open to the public with complimentary drinks and appetizers on the Artpace Rooftop. (Artpace, 2017)

The gallery space formerly known as Window Works has been renamed Main Space for its location in downtown San Antonio and will showcase local artists. The first exhibit on this new space will feature San Antonio artist Benjamin McVey who will relocate his studio for the exhibition titled Open and will be on display from January 26 through April 30, 2017.

Artpace is a non-profit contemporary art organization that includes residencies, exhibitions and educational and community programs. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 N Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Cook Like a Texan Feast at Pearl Stable

The December issue of Texas Monthly is devoted to essential cooking techniques every Texan needs to know and on Sunday February 26 from 6p.m. to 10p.m. it will come to life during Texas Monthly’s ‘Cook Like a Texan Feast’ at the Pearl Stable. It will be a culinary road trip featuring acclaimed Texas talent and will include a walk around tasting by renowned local chefs paired with interactive art, craft cocktails, beer and wine and a multi course seated dinner by master chefs. There will also be live music and a magical dessert presentation under the stars. Tickets to this event are now on sale, are priced at $145 and may be purchased online. (Texas Monthly, 2017)

This culinary journey will be hosted by Texas Monthly’s recently appointed Executive Vice President and Editor in Chief Tim Taliaferro and celebrated Restaurant Editor Patricia Sharpe. There will be a Q&A with the chefs and talent including: award-winning chefs Jeff Balfour of Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, John Brand of Supper at Hotel Emma, Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria, Jeremy Mandrell and Anne Ng of Bakery Lorraine, Hugo Ortega of Hugo’s, Rene Ortiz of Launderette, Jesse Perez from Central Market and Tim Rattray of The Granary ‘Cue & Brew. Guests will also enjoy interactive art by international contemporary artist Cruz Ortiz, live music by artist Doc Watkins, owner of Jazz, TX, and an Infiniti lounge.

The evening will begin with a walk around tasting reception from 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. featuring Jeff Balfour, John Brand, Jesse Perez and Tim Rattray. Artist Cruz Ortiz will have his artwork and screen-printing on display. Outdoor live music will be by Doc Watkins. The feast will be from 7:30p.m to 9p.m. and is a special seated dinner and will include cuisine by Johnny Hernandez, Hugo Ortega and Rene Ortiz. Indoor music will be by Doc Watkins. The evening will end with a grand finale from 9p.m. to 10p.m and will be a magical dessert presentation from Jeremy Mandrell and Anne Ng of Bakery Lorraine.

Pearl Stable
312 Pearl Pkwy #2
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-953

Blues singer Marcia Ball at Jazz,TX

Marcia Ball is a Texas-born, Louisiana raised pianist, vocalist and songwriter and is now touring in support of her sixth Alligator Records CD ‘The Tattooed Lady and the Alligator Man.’ On Wednesday February 1 she is bringing her tour to Jazz, TX, the Pearl’s newest upscale jazz venue. Her musical style is described as groove-laden New Orleans R&B heart-wrenching ballads and driving Gulf Coast blues. She has five Grammy Award nominations and received the 2014 Blues Music Award (BMA) for the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year. In 2010 she was inducted into the Gulf Coast Hall of Fame and into the Louisiana Music Hall of fame in 2012. Show time is from 8:30p.m to 11:30p.m. and tickets are $35 and available online. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Jazz, TX is owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guests can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6, Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Dinner with Argentinian winery at Nao Latin Gastro Bar

Nao Latin Gastro Bar is a student-staffed restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America located at the Pearl. The menu features Latin American dishes rooted in tradition but reinvented using a variety of ingredients and techniques and includes seasonal and progressive Latin food. Next month the restaurant will host an exclusive dinner and educational seminar with vineyard director Thibaut Delmotte of legendary Argentinian winery Bodega Colomé. This five course dinner will feature dishes prepared by Chef de Cuisine John Carpenter and will be paired with unique wines from the Salta region of Argentina. Before the dinner there will be a short seminar on the winemaking philosophy of Bodega Colomé. This will all take place on Wednesday February 1 at 6:30p.m. at a price of $125 per person. Space is limited so reservations are required and may be done via OpenTable. (Nao Latin Gastro Bar, 2017)

The dinner consists of the following: Reception – Tuna with passion fruit, pomegranate seeds and serrano paired with Amalaya White Blend 2015, Salta Argentina. First Course – Charred baby carrots with goat cheese, tamarind and arugula paired with Colomé Torrontes 2015, Salta Argentina. Second Course -Crispy pork belly with ají panca, green apple and pickled tiny vegetables paired with Amalaya Red Blend 2015, Salta Argentina. Third Course – Seared scallop with ajo blanco, charred grapes, cucumber and toasted almond paired with Colomé Malbec ‘Autentico’ 2015, Salta Argentina. Fourth Course – Beef tenderloin with celery root, roasted cippolini onions, peas and Malbec glaze paired with Colomé Altura Maxima Malbec 2013, Salta Argentina. Fifth Course – Red wine-poached pear with caramelized white chocolate, pistachio and coriander whipped cream.

Nao Latin Gastro Bar
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6484

Theater review: ‘Fool for Love’

foolforlovepic — Damon C Mentzer and Holly Clifford star in ‘Fool for Love’ now playing at the Cellar Theater. Photo by Daniel Baumer, used with permission.

The setting at the Cellar Theater is small and intimate and it makes an ideal location for Sam Shepard’s ‘Fool for Love.’ A dark and gloomy motel room complete with run down furniture sets the mood for the somber story. The cast is small but they deliver big as the story of two former lovers unfolds in a motel in the desert. It includes Damon C Mentzer as Eddie, Holly Clifford as May, Bill Gundry as the Old Man and Michael Zaiontz as Martin.

Right from the start it becomes clear that this couple has seen their share of drama. May wants to go on with her life without Eddie and now has a job and on the night that he shows up, a date with a man named Martin. Eddie has other plans, as he has tracked her down and traveled for days to convince her to leave with him and settle down in Wyoming. They have bonded over the years and want to be together but they are doomed to keep repeating their destructive patterns. When Martin shows up to pick up May he finds himself stuck in the middle. Throughout the play the Old Man sits to the side and talks to May and Eddie and comments on each character and about himself. It is later revealed that the Old Man has a scandalous connection to both of them and is the reason May is hesitant about her relationship with Eddie. At the end Eddie leaves without May, May packs her suitcase and leaves alone and Martin is left in the motel room too confused to do anything but just stand there looking out the window.

‘Fool for Love’ is an intense production and the combination of the setting and the story creates an almost voyeuristic atmosphere. The focus is on the night’s confrontation rather than a developing story and the past plays a major role because it comes back to haunt their present. Mentzer and Clifford work well together and their onstage chemistry is believable. Zaiontz does an excellent job as the confused and clueless Martin and Gundry as the Old Man ties it all together with his emotional and regretful performance. It is a show not to be missed but it should be noted that it contains adult language and content and may not be suitable for everyone.

‘Fool for Love’ is now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio’s Cellar Theater through Sunday February 5, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices range from $12 – $42 and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258.

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