Jack H Bailey was an American author known for his critically acclaimed novels “The Number Two Man” and “The Icarus Complex.”  He was an annual participant in the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition which is sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  His newest book is “Orchard: A Novel,” a historical fiction novel based on the life of Albert Edward Horsley, best known by the pseudonym Harry Orchard.  Orchard was a miner and assassin convicted of the 1905 assassination of former Idaho Governor Frank Steuneberg.  Bailey is descended from gold miners and grew up in and around the locales frequented by Harry Orchard.  He became interested in the life of Harry Orchard while living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the site of a labor strike where Orchard was known to be involved.

“Orchard: A Novel” is set in the year 1899 when Harry Orchard is a member of the Western Federation of Miners.  The Western Federation of Miners was a radical labor union known for its militancy in the mines of the western United States and British Columbia.  He is paid to kill men who have become a problem for the union.  Even though he is a killer he is well liked by his peers and the ladies.  By the time he is finally arrested by the legendary Pinkerton Charles Siringo he has killed nineteen men in Colorado and Idaho.  The story ends with his confession in which he implicates three leaders of the Western Federation of Miners: Charles Moyer, William Haywood and Charles Pettibone.

The author does an excellent job of shedding light on a subject and time period that is seldom talked about.  Life at the turn of the nineteenth century was difficult for those involved in mine work.  Harry Orchard is a well developed and multidimensional character.  Even though he is a hired killer he is also well liked by some of the townspeople, some even going out of their way to help him when he is injured in a shootout.  He becomes an anti hero of sorts when he tries to help Amy, a local woman, and her brother and is upset when she gets killed.  The action is fast paced and easy to follow.  “Orchard: A Novel” is recommended for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in labor union history.

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

Ingram Park Mall is an indoor shopping mall serving Northwest and Central San Antonio. It features more than 150 stores including department stores, specialty stores and a food court. There are some changes coming to Ingram Park this month as the retailer announced the addition of new stores and updates to existing ones. (Ingram Park Mall, 2016)

Opening in early August Las Quesadillas is bringing a taste of Mexico to the food court. It specializes in quesadillas and guests can choose from a wide selection of meats and toppings. PLAYlive Nation will open in mid-August on the lower level in front of Dillard’s. This gaming lounge is a completely immersive experience for gamers of all ages and types and the goals is to provide them with a clean, safe and cool atmosphere. It will offer a variety of gaming related activities, products and services including E-Sports, tournaments, birthday parties and more. Box Lunch is also scheduled for a mid-August opening and will be located outside of Bealls. It is a gift and novelty retailer with a cause. For every $10 shoppers spend a meal will be donated to a person in need.

Cricket will be relocating to the lower level Dillard’s wing and is scheduled to open in early August. The wireless provider prides itself in providing customers with the best wireless plans and services at the best prices with no contracts or hidden fees. The new space will offer a wide assortment of cell phones including the latest Android phone. MEOW is known for carrying an assortment of Hello Kitty products, as well as a wide selection of specialty gifts, toys and school supplies. It will be relocating to the lower level across from Image and will reopen in early August. Animatrix is a one stop shop for all things anime including posters, clothing, Pokémon merchandise and more. It is moving to the upper level of the Dillard’s wing and will open in mid-August.

Ingram Park Mall
6301 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 523-1228

With every mass shooting or act of terrorism comes the inevitable makeshift memorial. While they are meant to memorialize and mourn the victims there is more to them than meets the eye.  Harriet F Senie is the author of several books and articles on public art and co-founder of the international organization Public Art Dialogue.  She is also Director of the M.A. Program in Art History and Art Museum Studies at City College, City University of New York and teaches at the CUNY Graduate Center.  Previous books include “Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy” and “The Titled Arc Controversy: Dangerous Precedent?”  In her newest book “Memorials to Shattered Myths: Vietnam to 9/11” the author explores the subject of memorials from makeshift roadside memorials to national ones like the Oklahoma City and Columbine memorials.

“Memorials to Shattered Myths” by Harriet F Seine begins with an introduction of the subject of memorials and how they came about.  She writes that in the beginning there were no set precedents in the United States in regards to what types of memorials should be used to commemorate political rules, military leaders and war victories.  This also became an issue after the terrorist attacks in Oklahoma City, the World Trade Center and the Columbine shootings. The main difference is that the latter focuses on the victims more than the events.  She also describes the subject of specific chapters and what they cover.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is covered in Chapter 1 including information on the design and background on designer Maya Ying Lin.  Chapter 2 titled ‘Immediate Memorials: Mourning in Protest’ covers cemeteries, roadside memorials, celebrity displays and tributes to deaths in the street, workplace and schools.  It also explains the meaning of objects left at memorial sites.  Chapter 4 ‘Columbine: The Power of Denial’ stands out because it considers the point of view of the shooter.  According to reporter Jeff Kass, school shooters commit their crimes as a type of revenge against the social order.  In his suicide note, Eric Harris, one of the shooters, wrote ‘You need to face the fact that this comes as a result of YOUR CHOICES…You taught these kids not to accept what is different.’  What they all have in common is that after each one of these tragedies come the vigils, memorials, marches and protests for more effective gun control laws.

Overall Harriet F Senie has written a well researched book about memorials complete with ‘Notes’ and ‘Bibliography’ sections as well as an Index for quick references.  Her background is in art and therefore she writes about the art aspect of these memorials which is a different but interesting angle.  It is recommended for readers who are interested in history, art and memorials of all kinds.   The language is easy to understand and the subject keeps readers interested way beyond the first chapter.  They just might find it interesting to read that immediate memorials are a kind of performance art because anyone can participate.

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

There is still a chance to catch a show at The Cellar Theater and support local theater. The Cellar Theater’s 2015-2016 season at The Playhouse San Antonio is coming to an end with Nilo Cruz’ ‘Two Sisters and a Piano.’ It opens tomorrow Friday July 29 and runs until Sunday August 21 with show times Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices range from $12 to $30 and are available t the box office or online. Other rates include children under 12 for $12, military members with ID for $23, seniors age 60 and older for $23 and students with ID for $15. There is a special rate for groups of ten or more.

‘Two Sisters and a Piano’ is set in Cuba in 1991 during the Pan-American Games in Havana and while the Russians are pulling out of Cuba. It is a tumultuous time as the government is redoubling its efforts to enforce its harsh social and political ideology. The result is a severe crack down on artists and writers thought to be inciting dissent. This is the story of two sisters, Maria Celia, a novelist, and Sofia, a pianist, who are serving time under house arrest. Before they were imprisoned for writing in support of Perestroika they were popular in Havana’s social and intellectual circles. To complicate matters the lieutenant assigned to their case becomes infatuated with Maria Celia whose writing he has been reading. (The Cellar Theater, 2016)

The cast includes Maria Ibarra as Maria Celia, Ailyn Duran as Sofia, Victor Treviño as Lt Portuondo and Paul Ramos as Victor. It is directed by Omar Leos. The creative team includes Ryan DeRoos (Scenic Design), Angela Hoeffler (Costumer), Pat Smith (Lighting Design) and original music by Darrin Newhardt. The performance on Friday August 6 will include a talkback session with the director and the cast. The bar will stay open late for the occasion.

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

The new season of Broadway in San Antonio is almost here and coming up first is ‘The Sound of Music’ from Tuesday September 13 through Sunday September 18 at the Majestic Theatre. Tickets are now on sale for this brand new production which is directed by three-time Tony Award® and will make its San Antonio premiere with eight performances only as part of the 2016-2017 season of North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio. Performance times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787) and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre box office. Majestic Theatre box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday hours vary. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2016)

‘The Sound of Music’ is based Maria von Trapp’s memoir “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” and is set in Austria in 1938. It tells the story of Maria who takes a job as a governess to a large family while she decides if she wants to become a nun. She eventually falls in love with the children and their widowed father Captain von Trapp. The Captain opposes the Nazis so when he is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy he and Maria flee Austria with the children. Ben Davis will play Captain Georg von Trapp, Melody Betts will play The Mother Abess with Merwin Ford as Max Detweiler, Teri Hansen as Elsa Schraeder, Austin Colby as Rolf, Paige Silvester as Liesl and Kerstin Anderson as Maria Rainer. It features the popular songs “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and the title song “The Sound of Music.” Music is by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The original Broadway production opened in 1959 and won five Tony Awards® including Best Musical.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210)226-5700

The Summer Beer Talk Series continues at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery at the Pearl tomorrow Wednesday July 13, 2016. It all takes place at the lush patio right outside of Southerleigh’s main entrance where brew-master Les Locke will be hosting this informational session. Topics will include Southerleigh’s beers of the month and how they pair with food along with a small tasting to wrap up the session. Travis E Poling, co-author of ‘Alamo City Beer’ and co-founder of San Antonio Beer Week, will be the special guest for the evening. Signed versions of his book will be available for purchase. Southerleigh’s Executive Chef Jeff Balfour will be serving Texas-style guajillo roasted pig with rice, beans and jalapeno cornbread with a Southerleigh branded beer glass available for free refills throughout the session for $20. The beer glass is a takeaway gift for guests. These sessions are free and open to the public on a first come, first serve basis every second Wednesday of the month from 5:30p.m. to 7p.m. with the next one coming up on Wednesday August 10, 2016. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2016)

With up to twenty different beers on tap Southerleigh offers a rotating array of original recipe, craft batch beers from Brewer Les Locke. These include ales, IPAs and unique porters such as Conjunction Curry Porter, an English porter brought to life with mustard seed, turmeric, fenugreek, cumin, curry powders and black pepper and Southerleigh Gold, a traditional Dortmunder style lager. Southerleigh is the first brewery at Pearl since 2001 and has a 15-barrel brew house, six serving tank and a firkin/wood barrel-aging program. It is a 7,900-square foot dining facility with multiple seating options including bar seating, patio seating and a private dining room that can seat up to twenty people. The private dining in the north dining room seats up to seventy five people with the capacity to host parties of up to two hundred people.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery is located at 136 East Grayson, Ste 120 in San Antonio, Tx.

 

Nao Latin Gastro Bar is a student-staffed restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America located at the Pearl. Students do the cooking to get real life restaurant experience while under the supervision of instructors. The Culinary Institute is now offering a new summer lunch menu with Chef-Instructor Justin Ward Monday through Friday from 11a.m to 1:30p.m. It includes new dishes, popular items from the last menu and a few old favorites. The dinner menu will still be professionally staffed and led by Executive Chef Zach Garza.(Nao – Latin Gastro Bar, 2016)

The lunch menu includes small plates like the Chicken Tortilla Soup with avocado, queso fresco and lime and Grilled Octopus with Botija olives, baby arugula, purple potatoes, smoked lemon vinaigrette and roasted garlic mayo. The Jicama Tacos with green mango slaw, avocado and chamoy sauce is also on the menu. The larger plates include Sauteed Fish with sweet spicy vegetable relish, crisp plantains and avocado puree and Choripan with grilled chorizo sauce, grilled red onions, chimichurri and toasted baguette. It also includes the seasonal Salad Bowl with mixed greens, almonds, snow peas, apple, strawberries, cucumber, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, charred beets, queso fresco and orange-cumin vinaigrette.

Starting this month Nao will also have Tuesday dinner specials from 5:30p.m. to 9p.m. that will pay homage to different Latin American regions. The ‘Martes Es Fiesta’ specials will consist of one to two rustic, iconic dishes served family style to provide the true experience of Latin cuisine and service. The featured regions for the next four months include: July – The Caribbean; August – Andes Region, including Ecuador and Colombia; September – Mexico; October – El Sur, including Uruguay, Argentina and Chile and November – Central America.

Nao Latin Gastro Bar is located at 312  Pearl Parkway at the Pearl grounds.

 

 

There is now a new restaurant at Pearl headed by Chef Geronimo Lopez. Botika is a Peruvian-Asian restaurant and it officially opened on Tuesday July 5, 2016. It features “Chifa,” Chinese-Peruvian and “Nikkei,” Japanese-Peruvian cuisines as well as new takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America. The bar offers classic cocktails and a wide variety of sakes, rums, piscos and cachaças. The layout includes a sushi-ceviche bar, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor dining space. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 5p.m. to 11p.m. Extended hours, lunch service and late night dining options will be announced in the upcoming months. (Botika, 2016)

The food menu includes picaderas like Tuna Tartare & Chifles, PorkJowl Steamed Buns and Duck Confit & Potato Salteñas. Guests can also enjoy ceviches and tiraditos, like the Al Tumbo, deep-fried ceviche with tamarillo lechede tigre. Sushi rolls include the Costa Roll with shrimp, crispy rice noodles and sweet ají sauce and the Sweet Plantain Uramaki Roll with green onion, Neufchatel cheese and spicy ‘crispies.’ Wok selections are led by the savory beef Lomo Saltado and the crispy pork belly Chaufa rice dish. The cocktail menu includes a variety of sakes, rums, piscos, and cachaças. Cocktail selections include the Batucada made with cachaça, lime, sugar and angostura, Güenazo Cooler made with sake, canton, yuzu, lime and mint, and Piscolero 101 made with pisco, chicha morada, lemon and tonic.

According to his biography, Chef Geronimo Lopez is a native of Venezuela and has more than twenty years experience as a chef in six countries. Throughout his career he has worked as a sous chef, executive chef and has had management positions in restaurants and hotels in France and Venezuela. Most recently he was the Executive chef and Instructor of Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio. He was also the opening executive chef in the college’s Nao restaurant.

Botika
303 Pearl Pkwy #111
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 951-9393

First Thursday at Pearl was created to give guests an evening of family fun and shopping deals. The next First Thursday is tomorrow, July 7, 2016 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. This month the Independence Day celebration continues as guests celebrate all things red, white and blue with exclusive specials and at Pearl’s boutiques and restaurants. Bike World is taking 10% off any regular priced lights or locks in stock from 5p.m. to 7p.m. and giving guests a chance to test ride a bike. Cured’s own Chef William Rivera will be doing an Apple Pie making demonstration and manager Robert Rodriguez will offer an apple cider tasting to compliment the demonstration. Roo & Me will have a 50% off sale from select items only. There will also be cookies from Tiffs Treats and champagne for guests. Live music will be courtesy of Lucas Jack. (Pearl, 2016)

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