Bakery Lorraine launches new fall menu

Bakery Lorraine’s Greek yogurt parfait. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Now that fall is in full swing, Bakery Lorraine has a new fall menu with fall flavor options ranging from sweet to savory, so there is something for everyone. Halloween pastries will be available from October 28 through October 31 only. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

Fall 2021 pastries:
• Pastries:
o Orange Cranberry Muffin ($4) – Gluten friendly and baked to a fluffy perfection
o Chocolate Pear Tart ($6) – Vanilla poached pears baked in a rich, chocolate cream
o Fig Frangipane Tart ($6) – Fresh figs baked in almond cream
o Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip muffin ($4) – Gluten friendly and baked to a fluffy perfection
o Seasonal Fruit Tart ($6) – Crisp tart shell filled with vanilla mascarpone cream and topped with fresh seasonal fruit
o Fall flavored macarons – Caramel apple, pistachio, earl grey, raspberry, mesquite honey, pumpkin spice, and dark chocolate cassis
• Cakes:
o Cassis Elderflower Cake slice ($6) – Layers of an almond sponge cake, cassis mousse, and cassis gelee topped with a mini dark chocolate cassis macaron and blackberry
o Phantom of the Opera cake slice ($6) – Layers of spiced almond sponge cake, pumpkin buttercream, chocolate ganache and spiced bourbon syrup
o Cheesecake ($6) – Classic cheesecake on a gingersnap crust and topped with seasonal fruit

Halloween pastries available Thursday October 28 – Sunday October 31
• Black Cat tart ($6) – Chocolate mousse tart with vanilla filling
• Lemon Mummy Tart ($6) – Lemon curd topped with meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
• Chocolate Caramel Tart ($6) – Caramel filling topped with chocolate ganache
• Voodoo Doll gingerbread cookie ($5) – Gingerbread cookie dipped in a rich dark chocolate
• Ghost Moonpie ($5) – Homemade graham cookies with a honey marshmallow filling dipped in a white chocolate

Fall all-day menu items:
• Almond Croissant – Bakery Lorraine’s popular Almond Croissant is twice-baked, creating a buttery and flaky crust, filled with almond cream and topped with sliced almonds
• Cinnamon Roll – Bakery Lorraine’s iconic Cinnamon Roll topped with a sweet honey glaze is available all day
• Greek yogurt parfait – House made granola, seasonal fruits, honey
• Fall French toast – Toffee sauce, banana, pecans, maple syrup
• Rice and beets bowl – Short grain rice, forbidden rice, beets, tofu, kale, ginger vinaigrette, mushrooms, cilantro
• Turkish eggs – Herbed yogurt, *poached eggs, Aleppo butter, toasted sourdough
• Salmon on everything croissant – Caper and dill cream cheese, smoked salmon, pickled red onions, sunflower sprouts
• Chicken salad Veronique on croissant – Herbed dressing, red grapes, pecans, savoy slaw

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain Northside.

Halloween events and specials in San Antonio

The fan-favorite Pumpkin Spiked Milkshake is back this month at EVO Entertainment this month. Photo: EVO Entertainment, used with permission.

This Halloween season, some San Antonio businesses are offering special events, specials, recipes, and more to help San Antonians celebrate the spooky season. (San Antonio Museum of Art, Taco Cabana, EVO Entertainment, Bakery Lorraine, Twang 2021)

San Antonio Museum of Art
Families can enjoy the San Antonio Museum of Art in a new way by trick-or-treating throughout the museum on Sunday, October 31 from 10a.m. – 5p.m. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes as they explore the museum’s galleries. Swords, scepters, weapons, wands, and full-face masks will not be permitted.

Taco Cabana
This Halloween season, Taco Cabana is celebrating with the return of its popular Bean and Cheese taco coupon booklets. For a limited time and while supplies last, guests can purchase the booklets for $2 each at any Taco Cabana location. Each booklet will include five coupons for a free TC classic Bean and Cheese taco, and the $2 donation from each booklet sold will directly benefit local food banks. Offer is valid until October 31 and coupons are redeemable through November 30, 2021.

EVO Entertainment
Austin, Schertz, New Braunfels and San Marcos locations
On Saturday, October 30, families can check out “Pumpkins & Popcorn” at EVO locations featuring a specialty screening of Scoob! at 11a.m. Tickets to the event include a wooden pumpkin, painting and decorating supplies, and a popcorn and candy snack bag. Limited tickets are available for purchase here.

Kyle, Schertz and San Marcos locations
On Wednesday, October 20 EVO’s Kyle, Schertz and Springtown locations will host the annual Drunken Pumpkin Parties. Guests will each get a large pumpkin, carving tools and stencils, a snack bag and hidden prizes while they enjoy a screening of the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus. This event is 18+ and costumes are encouraged. Tickets are available here.

Throughout the month of October, select EVO locations will also be serving themed cocktails perfect for spooky season. “The Symbiote” is a strawberry margarita with a black salted rim created in honor of the highly-anticipated film Venom: Let There Be Carnage and will be available through October 31. The fan-favorite Pumpkin Spiked Milkshake is also making a return this fall, made with vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spiced Irish Cream. A non-alcoholic version of the milkshake is also available.

Bakery Lorraine
Beginning Thursday, October 28 and through the end of the month, Bakery Lorraine will be offering a special Halloween menu at both Austin and San Antonio locations. The menu will include a black cat tart for $6 made of chocolate mousse with a vanilla filling, a lemon mummy tart for $6 made of lemon curd topped with meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes, a chocolate caramel tart for $6 made of a caramel filling topped with chocolate ganache, a phantom of opera cake slice for $6 layered with pumpkin spice sponge cake and buttercream topped in a rich dark chocolate glaze, a voodoo doll gingerbread cookie for $5 made of gingerbread cookie dipped in a rich dark chocolate, and a ghost moon pie for $5 made of homemade graham cookies with a honey marshmallow filling dipped in a white chocolate. 

Twang
In the spirit of celebrating Halloween on October 31, family-owned salts and seasonings company, Twang, has a themed cocktail to enjoy at home using their Twang-A-Rita Nectarberry. The cocktail is appropriately named Witch’s Brew and is composed of 2 oz. cinnamon liqueur, 3/4 pomegranate syrup, 3oz. apple cider, and topped with champagne for a single serving. If wanting to celebrate with a bigger group, their punch recipe is composed of 16 oz. cinnamon liqueur, 6oz. pomegranate syrup, 24oz. apple cider, and 1 full 750ml bottle of champagne. Recipe courtesy of  Aaron Peña, Owner of Amor Eterno and Squeezebox in San Antonio, Texas.

Bakery Lorraine’s ghost moon pie and voodoo doll gingerbread cookie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine celebrates National Honey Month with new macaron

Bakery Lorraine’s Honey Macaron. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

September is National Honey Month and to celebrate the fuzzy pollinators that gift us with such lovely treats, San Antonio & Austin based Bakery Lorraine is partnering with the National Honey Board. As part of this partnership, the beloved bakery is debuting a limited time Mesquite Honey Macaron that will be available during National Honey Month and throughout the fall. The special macaron is filled with a mesquite honey buttercream and fresh honey. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

The new macaron is not Bakery Lorraine’s first venture into the world of honey. The bakery’s indulgent cinnamon rolls are glazed with honey from Gretchen Bee Ranch and their Canelés are also created using beeswax in the molds to help give the pastry a shiny exterior. Educational materials from the National Honey Board will be available at Bakery Lorraine locations throughout the month. The Mesquite Honey Macaron, Cinnamon Roll and Canelé are available at all Bakery Lorraine locations. During the month of September, at Bakery Lorraine’s Pearl location, the proceeds from the bakery’s Earl Grey Macaron will be donated to the Landa Gardens Conservancy.

Bakery Lorraine celebrates anniversary and National Prosecco Day

Bakery Lorraine is celebrating ten years in business. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

In honor of National Prosecco Day and the bakery’s 10th anniversary this Friday August 13, Bakery Lorraine is running a fun special to celebrate. Bakery Lorraine is celebrating in elegant fashion with a “Prosecco and Macaron Happy Hour”– $6 glasses of prosecco all day while supplies last + each glass comes with a complimentary macaron of the guest’s choosing. The special is available at Bakery Lorraine’s Pearl and Rim locations in San Antonio and the Domain Northside location in Austin only on Friday, August 13, during regular business hours. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog named it one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain Northside.

 

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Father’s Day specials and gift ideas in San Antonio

Bakery Lorraine’s Tobacco Bourbon Macarons. Photo: Halee Holland, used with permission.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, local businesses have special offerings and specials for the big holiday. (Twang, Bakery Lorraine, The Jerk Shack, Hopscotch, EVO Entertainment, La Panaderia, Peeler Farms Wagyu, Lone Star Beer, San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

Twang
Twang, the San Antonio based makers of seasonings, beer salts, cocktail mixes and more, is making Father’s Day gifting easy with the creation of its Father’s Day Buckets.
The package includes:
o Beer Salt Bucket
o Beer Salt Bandana
o Beer Salt Hat
o 2 Beer Salt Pint Glasses
o 2 Camo Holster Koozies
o 1 Pickle Beer Salt Bottle
o 1 Lemon-Lime Beer Salt Bottle
o 1 Lime Beer Salt Bottle

The Father’s Day bucket will retail for $29.99 online on Twang’s site while supplies last. Orders over $40 are eligible for free shipping. This is a limited quantity item.

Bakery Lorraine
In honor of Father’s Day, Bakery Lorraine will offer Tobacco Bourbon Macarons available only on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 at all Bakery Lorraine locations. The Tobacco Bourbon Macaron is made with steeped loose leaf tobacco from Club Humidor that enhances the tobacco flavor. The limited time macarons are available at all Bakery Lorraine locations in Austin and San Antonio. The macarons sell individually for $2.65, in a six pack for $13, or a 12 pack for $26.

The Jerk Shack
The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a Father’s Day gathering. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos, and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Orders can be placed prior to Father’s Day as the Jerk Shack will be closed for the holiday. Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

Hopscotch
In celebration of Father’s Day (June 20), Hopscotch is recognizing dads for all their hard work. Dads can use the code PARENTSROCK at checkout to receive 20% off their ticket order for the gallery every Sunday in June. Dads can also enjoy live music from Brass Tacs, complimentary Pop Rocks candy and drink specials on June 20. The 20% off tickets offer is valid on Sundays in June of 2021 only.

EVO Entertainment
In honor of Father’s Day on June 20, 2021, EVO will offer 25% off pitchers of beer at EVO’s Schertz, Kyle, and Springtown locations, as well as 25% off bowling games; discount is valid through in-store and online purchase. Offer is valid on Father’s Day only.

La Panadería
With a recently opened third location in La Cantera Heights, La Panaderia is serving up brunch all over San Antonio this Father’s Day. Treat dad to a delicious brunch and try one of the quirky new croissants – “The Elvis” made with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas and bacon. The new La Cantera Heights location also serves up boozy coffee and mimosa kits!

Peeler Farms Wagyu
Peeler Farms Wagyu offers the finest in local, ethical and delectable Wagyu cuts that are both tender and flavorful. Load dad up with greatest meats for his grill this Father’s Day.

Lone Star Beer: High Desert Days
For beer-loving dads, Lone Star Brewing just released the latest in its culture series, High Desert Days. The new beer is meant to celebrate and embody the spirit and taste of Texas’ Big Bend region and is a smooth, wheat-style beer with an ABV of 4.6% brewed in the Hill Country of Austin with the finest ingredients Texas has to offer. The beer is brewed with white wheat and Pilsen malt and then finished with hibiscus and agave nectar. High Desert Days has a unique-to-Texas flavor that provides a crisp and refreshing taste with sweet honey-like notes from the agave and tart, herbal, almost cranberry-like flavor from the hibiscus. Grab a six-pack or two this year by using Lone Star’s beer finder tool on its website.

San Antonio Museum of Art
This Father’s Day, treat dad to an annual membership to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA). Featuring latest exhibitions such as Movie Metal and America’s Impressionism, there is something for every art lover to enjoy.

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Bakery Lorraine celebrates Pride Month with cookies for a cause

Bakery Lorraine launches specialty cookie in observance of Pride Month with a portion of all proceeds contributed to local LGBTQ+ organization. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine, a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop, will offer a rainbow-colored cookie in celebration of Pride Month. They will be joining forces with San Antonio-based LGBTQ+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Thrive Youth Center, an organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting Friday, June 4, and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.50. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin for dine-in or to go. This June Thrive Youth Center aims to raise over $20,000 for its organization. Meeting this goal will allow the organization to accommodate the growing numbers of youth entering their shelter, assist with housing programs, provide funding for increased staffing needs and supply necessary items for LGBTQ+ youth.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

Thrive Youth Center’s mission is to provide a safe, effective, and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth in San Antonio and Austin, so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. Thrive has 10 beds at their emergency shelter located on Haven for Hope’s campus, and are now in the third year of housing young adults in their own apartments for up to a year through a federal government grant. Thrive Youth Center has served over 200 young adults in 2019 alone.

Mother’s Day gift ideas from San Antonio businesses

The Flower Box from Bakery Lorraine and The Vintage Bouquet. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and local businesses in San Antonio are offering a variety of ways to help celebrate moms. Dazzle her with delicious desserts or spoil her with breakfast in bed with a savory quiche from Bakery Lorraine or new croissant creation from La Panaderia. Let Mom explore her creative side while she wanders through the mesmerizing art installations at Hopscotch (20% off the regular ticket price for parents) and the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Below are a few more gift ideas that any mother would be thrilled to get on her special day. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, San Antonio Museum of Art, La Panaderia, Hopscotch, Boiler House, Botika, Feliz Modern POP, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, Niche at Pearl, Ten Thousand Villages, 2021)

Bakery Lorraine
This Mother’s Day, Bakery Lorraine will offer several specials that are sure to please moms. From flower boxes to fruit tarts, Bakery Lorraine and their partner, The Vintage Bouquet, are sure to have the perfect gift for Mom.

The Flower Box includes an assortment of six Parisian macarons that include raspberry, pistachio, and Almond Joy flavors ($35) and is decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of flowers and includes twelve macarons, including raspberry, pistachio, blueberry violet, and Almond Joy flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages.

Treat mom to a special breakfast in bed with Bakery Lorraine’s savory quiches. Quiche options include the traditional Quiche Lorraine filled with bacon, gruyere, and caramelized onions and the Veggie Quiche which includes leeks, Swiss chard, and gruyere. The large quiche is available for $40, serves up to eight people and is packed cold for reheating at home.

For moms with a sweet tooth, shoppers can gift Bakery Lorraine’s fresh fruit tart. This delicious fruit tart is filled with a creamy vanilla mascarpone and topped with fresh fruit. Fruit varies based on season and availability. The large fruit tart is available for $26.

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pre-orders will start now and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, May 5, by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, May 8 or Sunday, May 9 between 9a.m. and 5p.m. at all locations.

EVO Entertainment
EVO is hosting the ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch with special screenings of none other than “Mamma Mia!” so grab your fellow Dancing Queens and a feather boa for this one. The special brunch menu includes a refreshing sangria with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, mimosas, Bloody Marys, pulled pork hash, chicken and waffles, and more. Tickets for this event are available at Schertz, Springtown, Kyle, and Belterra locations and can be purchased online. 

San Antonio Museum of Art
Spend the day exploring the vast collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art or purchase a membership so she can enjoy the Museum’s offerings year-round, and spoil her with a trip to the shop, because The San Antonio Museum of Art Shop has a curated list of unique and local gifts sure to impress. Shop the full collection online. 

La Panadería
Breakfast in bed is nice, but brunch at La Panaderia is nicer. With a recently opened third location in La Cantera Heights, La Panaderia is serving up brunch all over the Alamo City. Treat mom to a delicious brunch and try one of the quirky new croissants – “The Elvis” made with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. Brunch to-go is also an option, complete with a mimosa kit so mom does not miss out on the fun. Do not forget a bag of pan dulce for the road.

Hopscotch
Show Mom how much she rocks at Hopscotch. On Sunday May 9 and Sunday June 20, the immersive interactive art exhibit will offer 20% off gallery tickets for parents. Hopscotch will also feature live music from SA Brass Tacs, drink specials, and complimentary Pop Rocks.

Boiler House
On Sunday, May 9, Boiler House will offer a special chef-curated brunch menu from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Menu offerings are available online and on Boiler House’s social media pages. Menu prices range from $15 to $30 for an entrée.

Botika
Treat Mom to a much-needed glass of bubbly. Botika at Pearl will offer one free glass of champagne for all mothers. Reservations are highly encouraged and menu prices range between $15-$45. Botika serves inventive takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America.

Feliz Modern POP
Feliz Modern POP will offer Mom 15% off one item. Surprise Mom with a one-of-a-kind gift and enjoy the 15% percent off as well. Shop online or in-store.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
Upgrade Mom’s operating system with The Mom 2.0 – two hours of well-deserved me-time. This spa package includes The Comeback Massage and The One & Only Pedicure. Treat Mom to some much-needed rest and relaxation. The Mom 2.0 is available for $165 (typically a $190 value). Book online now. 

Niche at Pearl
Join designer Nilgun Derman at Niche for a special mother-daughter maker session. Learn how to make kokedama, a unique Japanese planting technique that uses moss and twine to create sculptural plant art. The maker event is free and will be held at Niche at Pearl on Saturday, May 8 from 1p.m. to p.m. See full event details available online. 

Ten Thousand Villages
Feel good about that Mother’s day purchase by shopping at Ten Thousand Villages. Ten Thousand Villages at Pearl offers ethically-sourced global gifts and handcrafted products from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. This Mother’s Day they are offering 205 on any purchase of $50 or more.

 

Easter offerings from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine will be offering several Easter treats. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Easter is right around the corner, and whether you are planning a socially distant picnic or a small gathering with family, these San Antonio favorites can help make your celebration memorable. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, Twang, 2021)

Bakery Lorraine – This year Bakery Lorraine will offer a festive Easter themed dessert box. This box is available for $28 and includes the following treats:

  • 2 Egg shaped Moonpies
  • 1 Chocolate Nest Tart
  • 1 Bunny Tart
  • 1 Lemon Blueberry Tart

Bakery Lorraine will also offer a delightfully decorated spring themed Carrot Cake for $65. Both items are only available by pre-ordering through Bakery Lorraine’s website under the “Custom Orders” tab. The last day to place an order is Wednesday, 3/31 by noon. Items are available for pickup on Saturday 4/3 and Sunday 4/4 starting at 9a.m. at all Bakery Lorraine locations. Bakery Lorraine will continue to offer its signature Easter treats for in-store or online pickup on Friday 4/2 through Sunday 4/4 at all locations until items sell out. Items include:

  • Egg shaped Moonpies $4
  • Chocolate Nest Tart $6
  • Bunny Tart $6
  • Lemon Blueberry Tart $6

EVO Entertainment – EVO will be hosting Easter-themed pajama pancake parties at the Schertz, Springtown, Belterra and Kyle locations on Saturday, April 3 at 9:30a.m. Kids can enjoy screenings of the festive movie, “Hop” while chowing down on a stack of pancakes from EVO’s specialty menu, which includes Classic, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake pancakes. Tickets will be available online.

Recipes from Twang Partners

Wow your friends and family with these light and fresh appetizers/sides from Twang.

Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll

Ingredients:

  • 1 avocado
  • ¼ of cream cheese block (4 oz.)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tsp of lime juice
  • 3 tbsp. of pine nuts
  • 1 tbsp. of ZAS Chili Lime (and a dash for garnish)
  • 1 cucumber
  • Mandolin or potato peeler

Preparation:

  • Toss all ingredients (except cucumber) in a blender or food processor. Or if you want to be traditional do it by hand, finely mince garlic and mash ingredients together with a fork until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit in a refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  • Use a mandolin or potato peeler to cut long thin strips from the cucumber. Be sure to leave the skin for pretty color.
  • Take a cucumber strip and spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture along the length of the strip. A little goes a long way so be mindful. Make sure the spread goes all the way to the end so that it sticks once rolled.
  • Roll it up! No toothpicks needed. Sprinkle on a dash of ZAS Chili Lime Seasoning to give it more presentation.

Tamarind Tomatillo Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of watermelon, chopped bite sized
  • 8 strawberries, chopped bite sized
  • 1 cup of tomatillos, chopped bite sized
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp. of fresh lime juice
  • ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning

Preparation:

  • Put watermelon, strawberries, tomatillo, and onions in a bowl and gently toss.
  • Drizzle olive oil and lime juice and gently toss once more.
  • Sprinkle on ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning and serve immediately

Valentine’s Day offers from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine’s Flower Box for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, whether enjoying a romantic night in, a Galentine’s Day get-together, or more of a ‘treat yourself’ day, local businesses are offering ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor, socially distanced picnic, The Jerk Shack is offering heart-shaped boxes of tacos, and Twang is offering up unique cocktail recipes to make at home and more. (San Antonio Museum of Art, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, La Panaderia, The Jerk Shack, Twang, 2021)

San Antonio Museum of Art
A Heartfelt SAMA Valentine’s Day – The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering couples and Galentine’s Day pals a private escape. The exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience includes a private dining experience catered by Tre Trattoria with optional alcoholic beverages. Guests will have VIP access to an after-hours, self-guided tour through the galleries and be able to create a small artful token with their loved ones. Tickets are $155 for a 2-person party are $235 for a 4-person party, with discounts for members.

Bakery Lorraine
Dessert Boxes and Bouquet Packages – This year Bakery Lorraine is partnering with The Vintage Bouquet to create an enchanting Flower Box and a romantic Bouquet. The Flower Box includes an assortment of Parisian macarons (9 pack) that include chocolate, grapefruit, and Almond Joy flavors ($38) and is delicately decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of dreamy flowers and includes twelve macarons, including chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and grapefruit flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages. The Dessert Box comes tied with bakers twine and a heart-shaped tag. This package includes a 3 pack of lavender shortbread heart-shaped cookies, a heart-shaped Moonpie, a raspberry chocolate tart, and a raspberry rose Japonaise ($26). Customers will be able to add a 375ml bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut champagne for $24. Champagne additions are available at all locations except the Bakery Lorraine at the Medical Center.

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Preorders started on Tuesday, January 26 and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, February 10 by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14.

EVO Entertainment
“Beer My Valentine” – This year, EVO Entertainment Springtown is hosting a socially distanced, seven course Valentine’s dinner with beer pairings for each course from local San Marcos brewery, Middleton. The event will be 21+ with a maximum of 40 guests to maintain social distancing guidelines. Each ticket will be $50, and groups will be capped at 4.

Valentine’s Day Date Night Package – EVO will once again be offering the ultimate date night packages in store at Kyle, Schertz, Springtown and Belterra locations on Sunday, February 14. For $60, couples can enjoy a bottle of champagne or house wine, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. After dinner, couples can stay to catch a movie, show off their bowling skills, or explore the state-of-the-art gaming centers.

La Panaderia
Mimosa Kit for Take-Away – La Panaderia’s mimosa kits are perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. They are also perfect for Galentine’s brunches and singles. The kit comes with a bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice, and it pairs perfectly with a box of La Panaderia’s signature pan dulce.

Strawberry Heart Mousse – In addition to the traditional pan dulce classics, La Panaderia is bringing back the delectable Strawberry Heart Mousse this Valentine’s Day. The treat is made of a rich, vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux and coated with a red chocolate mirror glaze. Spread a little love and sweetness by giving a loved one La Panaderia’s Strawberry Heart Mousse.

The Jerk Shack
Heart-Shaped Box Filled with Jerk Chicken Tacos – The popular Caribbean restaurant is offering the key to anyone’s heart this Valentine’s Day – a heart-shaped box full of jerk chicken (or pork) and tortillas. The special boxes will be available for preorder prior to Valentine’s Day in person at the restaurant or online. Please note, the Jerk Shack will be closed on Sunday, February 14. The boxes include six tortillas, 16 oz. of jerk chicken or jerk pork, pineapple habanero slaw, pico and an avocado cremé sauce. The boxes feed two people and will be sold for $20.

Twang
At Home Cocktail Recipes
See below for two curated cocktails courtesy of Twang that are perfect Valentine’s libations to make at home. Recipes courtesy of Aaron Peña, owner/bartender of the Squeezebox in San Antonio.

Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
• 1 oz. green apple liqueur
• 1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Vodka
• 4 oz. cranberry juice
• Orange wedge, for garnish

Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
2. Pour the liqueur and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice
3. Top with cranberry juice and stir
4. Garnish with orange wedge

Galentine’s Day with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Directions:
1. Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
3. Garnish with lemon wedge

 

Festive holiday offerings from all around San Antonio

La Panaderia’s personal size Christmas pies. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

This holiday season, most people will be staying home and getting creative with holiday shopping. Whether celebrating with family or alone, local businesses are making it easy for San Antonio residents to celebrate the festive season. EVO Entertainment’s Movie Night Holiday Box will provide the ultimate home theater experience and La Panaderia and Bakery Lorraine are offering a variety of delectable treats sure to boost anyone’s holiday cheer. See below for a full list of Christmas offerings in the Alamo City this year. (Pearl, 2020)

Pearl and its Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with holiday gifts from regional producers and family farms that are perfect for gifting. Holiday shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting NOW through December 15 for pick up, or through December 18 for shipping (select boxes are available for shipping). Orders can be placed at Pearl Farmers Market and a full menu is available online.

Bakery Lorraine will offer a selection of festive desserts perfect for sharing. Offerings include their Apple Cranberry Pie made with a unique fusion of fresh ingredients and perfectly dusted with Christmas spice. A twist on the classic apple pie, the Dutch Apple Pie is made with four types of fresh apples and topped with a delicately crafted apple assortment and their legendary Whiskey Pecan Pie is made with a kick of Jack Daniels No. 7 Whiskey. All holiday pies are available for $26. The yearly treat, Buche De Noel ($48), is handcrafted with edible whimsical art that changes yearly and features a fluffy vanilla mousse, cherries, and a dreamy chocolate sponge cake saturated in a special kirsch syrup. 

All items can be pre ordered in-store or online. The last day to place a pre-order will be Friday, December 18 for Christmas Eve pickup. The Buche De Noel is available for pickup from December 12 through 31. Items will be available for pre-order at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin.

EVO Entertainment is offering a Movie Night Holiday Gift Box this holiday season for those missing the movie-going experience. The box will provide movie lovers with everything needed to create the perfect movie viewing experience at home: two limited-edition EVO tumblers, two boxes of classic candies and a large bag of movie theater popcorn. The Movie Night box is $24.99 and is available online or in store.

La Panaderia will once again be offering their traditional holiday pies this season and will include family size or personal size of the Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Mixed Berry pies.  The Apple Croissant, the pan dulce holiday favorite, is available now for purchase for $5 online and in-store and the Christmas pies will be available for pre-order beginning December 15 through December 23 at select prices.  Pies may be picked up prior to Christmas Day.

For the first time, La Panaderia will be serving gooey and delicious s’mores cookies. The scratch-made chocolate cookies are packed with chocolate chunks and toasted marshmallows. The unique Christmas cookies come in a package of 6 for $18 and can be pre-ordered starting December 15.

La Panaderia is also offering Mimosa Kits to take home this year. The kit comes with a 750 ml bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice for $36.  Mimosa Kits are available for curbside pickup or dine-in.

Later this month, guests can pre-order the traditional pan dulce, Rosca de Reyes, starting on Tuesday December 29 in preparation for Epiphany Day on January 6, 2021.  Guests will have the option to purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.50, a six-pack of small Rosca de Reyes for $24, or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24.

The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Christmas gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Orders can be placed prior to Christmas Eve as the Jerk Shack will be closed for the holidays. Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

“After a rollercoaster year, it is important now more than ever to support local businesses, and in turn for businesses like us to continue to do our part to bring joy to the San Antonio community. La Panadería was built on tradition, so it is always an honor for us when guests choose to share our seasonal items with their families and make us part of their own family traditions.” – David Caceres, La Panaderia co-founder