Pearl to host Valentine’s Day edition of Sound Cream Sunset Sessions

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Sound Cream Airstream returns this Thursday, Valentine’s Day with DJ JJ Lopez. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission. 

Pearl is excited to announce that Sound Cream Airstream is returning for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Sound Cream Sunset Sessions. On Thursday, February 14 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m., DJ JJ Lopez will spin ‘Love Songs and Dedications’ throughout the evening to celebrate the holiday devoted to romance. Sound Cream Sunset Sessions is a dance party and DJ showcase, featuring every genre from Cuban salsa to House, mixed by locals and guest DJs from across the country. This event is free and open to the public. (Pearl, 2019)

Sweethearts, families and friends are invited to enjoy an evening on the lawn listening to their favorite love songs by DJ JJ Lopez. The featured artist grew up in a conjunto-loving family but got into music in 1989 when he started seeing DJs at dance clubs in Corpus Christi. He became a club DJ in 1995 and traveled the world checking out DJ culture and dance music scenes. He went through the music business program at San Antonio College and was a DJ on SAC’s KSYM.

Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Valentine’s Day specials from San Antonio restaurants

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Bakery Lorraine has Valentine’s Day pastries any valentine would love. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission. 

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, local businesses are offering special deals to make the day memorable, including Bakery Lorraine, Culinary Institute of America Bakery Café, Davila’s BBQ, Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at Esquire Tavern, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar and La Panaderia. (2019)

Bakery Lorraine
For someone looking to spoil their loved one with sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday. From Thursday, February 14th through Sunday, February 17th, Bakery Lorraine will have Valentine’s Day themed sweets at their San Antonio and Austin Locations.

• Strawberry Pop Hearts
• Raspberry Rose Japonaise
• Red Fruit Tart (topped with all raspberries)
• Heart Moonpies (chocolate shortbread with a house made marshmallow filling dipped in chocolate)
• Grapefruit Tiramisu (available now through 2/17)
• Chocolate Turtle Tart (available now through 2/17)
• Red Velvet Cake (available now through 2/17)
• Lemon Cake (available now through 2/17)

Culinary Institute of America Bakery Café
The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio Campus started its annual pop-up bakery just in time for Valentine’s Day. The pop-up runs from January 28 through April 11 in the new Savor space. The bakery will offer sweet treats like alfajores, traditional shortbread cookies with a dulce de leche filling that are popular throughout Latin America for $3.50, in addition to other traditional sweets that are perfect to pick up for loved ones.

Davila’s BBQ
Will host a steak dinner for two on Valentine’s Day from 4p.m. to 9p.m. Although steak is not typically on the dinner menu, Davila’s BBQ will offer two steaks from a local vendor, grilled with mesquite wood along with a loaded baked potato and grilled vegetables for $29.99. There will be additional sides and dessert available for purchase.

Esquire Tavern & Downstairs at Esquire Tavern
This Valentine’s Day, The Esquire Tavern & Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern will welcome guests into a flower-filled space and will offer a $20 discount on all bottles of wine, including Downstairs at Esquire’s expertly curated Champagne list.

Krause’s Café and Biergarten
Krause’s Café and Biergarten in New Braunfels is celebrating Valentine’s Day with shopping, a special dinner and live music. Visit the pavilion for Krause’s Valentine’s Market on February 14 where guests swinging by the market can shop for their sweethearts. Krause’s Café in partnership with Seekatz Opera House is also hosting You, Your Loved One, and Kinky – a three-course dinner with Sliced Roast Sirloin Beef as the main. This Valentine’s Day dinner features other homemade food from Krause’s, like buttermilk pie for dessert and entertainment from well-known country musician, Kinky Friedman.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
Will host a pre-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner on Thursday, February 14th. Reservations will be required for the Dinner with pricing at $45 per person plus tax and gratuity. The dinner menu will consist of three courses with options that include, but not limited to, House Smoked Salmon with wild onion capers, dill and seed toast, a Cauliflower Soup with crispy kale and valley lemons and Fried Chicken with green garlic, grilled bok choy with crispy rice. Dessert will be included with a Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart and Vanilla Semifreddo on the menu. Meadow has also partnered with Hayward Gaude Photography for Valentine’s Day and they will be offering discounts on couple photography sessions while supplies last.

For those that wish to celebrate Galentine’s Day or do not have time to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, Meadow will host two additional pre-fixe dinners on Tuesday, February 12th and Wednesday, February 13th. Pricing for the pre-fixe menu is at $35 per person plus tax and gratuity with an optional $15 wine pairing. The early Valentine’s Day menu will consist of two courses with options like Arugula Salad with shaved root vegetables, persimmon vinaigrette and Texas Chevre Cheese, Dean + Peeler New York Strip with sweet potato croquette, kale and black garlic. Dessert will be includes a Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart and Vanilla Semifreddo on the menu.

La Panaderia
La Panaderia will offer a select dessert special, Con Amor, February 11 through 17 for $6.50. Con Amor can pair perfectly with a beverage including a mimosa, rosé, or champagne (prices on beverages vary). La Panaderia will also be offering the following desserts in addition to its Raspberry Hearts that are available for a limited time only:

• Blueberry Mouse
• Tres Chocolates Mouse
• Tequila Tres Leches
• Baby Cheese Cake
• Raspberry Heart
• Flan Napolitano

Valentine’s Day packages at Hiatus Spa+ Retreat

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat has several packages perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for anyone looking for gift ideas, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering hard to resist gift packages. Located at the Pearl, these include monthly retreats and packages for a significant other or for themselves. Either way, anyone is sure to appreciate a day at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

The Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you.
$179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)

The Love Everlasting
Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle, the spa lifestyle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit* as a gift.
$69/month on credit card

The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours, Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave guests glowing. Four hours.
$349 | $287 H-Circle ($410 value)

The Sweethearts’ Retreat
Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with a house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter. Surprises await the happy couple, too.
75 minutes, $325 per couple | $249 H-Circle

February Monthly Retreat: “Ambrosia”
The Nectar of the Gods inspired our February’s seductive Monthly Retreat – Ambrosia. After a full body exfoliation ritual, skin is treated with a nourishing mask of Rose Powder, Geranium and sweet Tangerine essences. Once the gentle rain of the Vichy comes to a close, a light treatment of herbal moisturizing tonic is massage into the skin. It all ends with a relaxing Rose Water Cocktail.
80 minutes, $195 | H-Circle members $139

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Valentine’s Day recipe from Chef Steve McHugh

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Chef Steve McHugh of Cured. Photo: Cured, used with permission.

Most people prefer to eat out for Valentine’s Day, but for those brave enough to cook a homemade meal for their sweetheart, recipes can be a hassle to find. Whether for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, Beef Loving Texans asked Chef Steve McHugh of Cured to share his favorite romantic meal to make at home, Hanger Steak with Chili Pequin au Poivre. (Cured, 2018)

Chili Pequin Au Poivre Sauce
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots
2 oz. bourbon
4 Tbsp. pickled chili pequin
2 cups veal stock or broth
1 Tbsp. stoneground mustard
1 Tsp ground black pepper
3 cups heavy cream
½ Tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar

Carrot & Arugula Salad
1 lb. baby carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
½ lb. arugula
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 individual grapefruits
Salt and pepper to taste

Hanger Steak
3 lbs. Hanger Steak, salt and pepper to taste

Add the olive oil to a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat and let heat for 1 minute. Add the shallots and sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the bourbon; add the chili pequins and sauté for 1 minute (be careful not to breath in the fumes from the peppers). Add the veal stock and reduce until one-third remains. Add the mustard, black pepper and heavy cream and reduce by another third. Finish with the salt and sugar.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Blanch the carrots until tender, about 1.5 minutes. Strain carrots and allow them to cool. Segment the grapefruit over a bowl to catch the juices. Keep the segments and juice separate (You should have about 4 Tbsp. of juice when complete). Mix the olive oil with the grapefruit juice to create your vinaigrette. Mix the arugula, carrots and grapefruit segments and dress with vinaigrette.

Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak to the desired temperature (I prefer medium-rare). Allow the steak to rest for 4 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak against the grain and enjoy with the salad and sauce.

‘Month of Love’ returns to Pearl this February

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The Vintage Bouquet Bar is just one business at the Pearl helping customers celebrate the ‘Month of Love’ with special deals. Photo: The Vintage Bouquet Bar, used with permission.

During the month of February, Pearl is celebrating all things love with their ‘Month of Love’ celebration. This will consist of romantic programming that includes sweet shopping and dining specials at the onsite restaurants and retailers and romantic live music. Hiatus Spa + Retreat, The Granary ‘Cue and Brew and more are offering specials throughout the romantic weekend. Pearl is encouraging all guests to interact via social media posts using the hashtag #PearlLoves throughout the month. (Pearl, 2018)

Special Events:
Enjoy all day happy hour every Monday at Bottling Department. During February, The Bar at Bottling Department will have handcrafted mimosas, specialty sangrias, local beer and wines carefully selected by the team at High Street Wine Co.

Sweethearts Dance will bring the community together for an evening of dancing at Pearl Studio on Friday February 9 from 5p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring DJ Steven Lee Moya.

Salsa Night at The Stable invites salsa pros and beginners to come to Pearl Stable on Friday, February 17 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. with music by Jose Amador and NATIAO Latin Jazz.

The music series Canciones; Love Songs returns to Pearl Park on Friday, February 23 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with live music from Tje Austin & Alyson Alonzo.

Sound Cream returns to Pearl Park on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14 from 6p.m.to 9p.m. SoundCream Airstream will host DJ JJ Lopez with his own take on all things love-inspired music.

Hotel Emma has an exclusive Valentine’s package for patrons staying throughout the month. Hotel guests can use code MLOVE to receive a special room rate and receive complimentary chocolates including a box of four regional truffles and a half bottle of Miravel rose upon arrival.

Shopping
Customers can assemble an extra special flower bouquet at The Vintage Bouquet Bar, the flower and gift boutique that consists of full service floral customization. Selections include florals, fillers, greenery and arrangement style for a personalized piece perfect for any Valentine. The limited-edition style created for Valentine’s Day is called the “Yours & Mine” arrangement which sells for $150 and lux blooms styled two unique ways to complement their accompanying dark gray or light cream copper bottom ceramic vases.  They also have classes where guests can learn the art of floral design with a hands-on, relaxing experience on how to build and create signature whimsical arrangements. Each class arrangement will be uniquely styled and color palette oriented and will change from week to week.

Adelante Boutique has new, lightweight sweaters in stock by Wooden Ships, which make dressing for the occasion effortless.

Dos Carolinas is selling Valentine’s Day robes to make gift-giving super easy. Be Mine and Hug Me “Bathrobe Love” bathrobes are seersucker and one-size fits all. Perfect for gift giving to a loved one, these robes will make anyone want to lounge the day away.

Leighelena has handmade gifts including a boxed steak knife collection by Claude Dozorme for Laguiole and a woven glass bead and sterling silver necklace, handmade by Claudia Fajardo.

Niche will be selling cute little stone wear gift hearts and dishes as well as “kiss” scarves.

Dine and Drink
The Granary ‘Cue and Brew is offering a three-course pre-fixe dinner on Valentine’s Day from 5:30p.m. to 10p.m. for $55 per person, plus tip and tax. Each guest will choose a Welcome, Savor and Stay Courses from a specially selected menu for the evening including items such as Smoked Pork Belly, Barbecued Duck Breast, Buttermilk Chess Pie and more. Select wine and sparkling options will be featured during the evening. Reservations are not required, but strongly suggested and may be made online. The Granary also has a new seasonal beer on tap, ideal for chocolate lovers: Imperial Mocha Stout.

High Street Wine Co. will be celebrating Pearl’s ‘Month of Love’ with two unique wine flights that will run through the entire month. The first flight, ‘Riddle Me This,’ will be an exploration into the major styles of sparkling wine made by the Champagne Method. The second flight, ‘Liquid Dessert,’ has three different dessert wines that are distinctly different. Each flight will be paired with a small treat alongside, and discounts will apply to those who order in ‘pairs.’

Valentine’s Day specials

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Bakery Lorraine is offering holiday-themed menu items including the Raspberry Rose Japonaise.  Photo: Christina Coker, used with permission.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, local businesses are offering special deals to make the day extra special, including Bakery Lorraine, Hotel Contessa, Boiler House, Southerleigh, Cover 3, Downstairs at Esquire and Rosella at The Rim. (2018)

Bakery Lorraine will offer special holiday-themed menu items during the month of February including Strawberry Pop Hearts, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Cherry Pistachio Tart, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Chocolate Caramel Tart, Lavender Shortbread Hearts, Chocolate Pear Tart and Tuxedo Macarons.

Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day priced at $55 per person. They will also be offering two Texas wine tour packages for couples.

Boiler House will have a pre-fixe Valentine’s Day themed dinner menu and Whiskey Flights. The Dinner menu includes specialty items such as Maine Lobster – Jumbo Lump Crab, Artichoke Fondue, Baguette Toast, Caramelized; diver scallops – leek and butternut squash risotto, kefir lime butter, poached asparagus and Warm chocolate pecan pie – brown sugar bourbon ice cream. Whiskey Flight Offerings: Cupid’s Flight – Bulliet Rye, Bone Straight Bourbon, Angel’s Envy – $15, Baby Blue – Herman Marshall Rye, Balcones Baby Blue, Straight Edge -$20 and Ode to the Motherland – High West Double Rye, Treaty Oak Experiment, Ardbeg 10yr -$25

Southerleigh will celebrate Valentine’s Day with specially themed crafted drinks featuring beer shandies and wine drinks. For reservations, please call (210) 455-5701.

The Cover 3 Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu will feature four courses, including a dessert and each crafted to be enjoyed by two starting at 5p.m. The following day, February 15, also known as Single’s Awareness Day, COVER 3 will also offer the same prix-fixe menu after 5p.m. for those wishing to instead celebrate their independence. Women wishing to celebrate Galentine’s Day with their girlfriends on February 13 are welcome to visit COVER 3 anytime that Tuesday for half-priced bottles of wine that are being made available throughout the day. Dinner Items Include: Grilled Snapper Veracruz and Blackened Filet Mignon.

Esquire Tavern and Downstairs will be taking dinner reservations for couples. An assortment of expertly selected wines and spirits will be on the menu for the night. For reservations, please call 210-222-2521.

Rosella at the Rand will offer a $75 pre-fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day featuring unique, off menu items with wine pairings at an additional cost. The menu includes Surf & Turf – sous vide boneless short ribs and scallops, complete with rainbow carrots and pomegranate demi-glace; Fowl – cornish game hen, purple potato gratin, wilted spinach and chicken glace and more.

Valentine’s Day packages at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers Valentine’s Day packages for anyone on your gift giving list.  Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for anyone looking for gift ideas, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering hard to resist gift packages. Located at the Pearl, these include monthly retreats and packages for a significant other or for themselves. Either way, anyone is sure to appreciate a day at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)

The Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you.
$179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)

The Love Everlasting
Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit.
$69/month

The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours, Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing.
Four hours. $349 | $287 H-Circle ($410 value)

The Sweethearts’ Retreat
Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, then relax side-by-side in a couple’s massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter.
75 minutes, $325 per couple | $249 H-Circle

February Monthly Retreat: “Crush”
February’s lovely Retreat features a handmade body polish of crushed Himalayan Pink Salt, Hibiscus and Evening Primrose to gently exfoliate dry winter layers. After a refreshing Vichy rainfall, a skin-nourishing massage with rich Chinese Jasmine Body Butter will leave you feeling soft, supple and ready for a Hibiscus Champagne cocktail.
80 minutes, $195 | H-Circle members $139

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Sweethearts Dance at Pearl

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Sweethearts Dance is a family friendly Valentine’s Day celebration that will be held at the Pearl on Saturday February 18. Photo courtesy of Pearl, used with permission.

On Saturday February 18 there will be a family Valentine’s Day celebration at the Pearl Stable especially suited for the little ones. This family friendly celebration will take place from 5p.m. to 8p.m. and will feature music and dancing, love-themed arts and crafts, a photo booth, sweet and salty treats and a champagne bar for the adults. Tickets are available online and are priced at $25 for one adult and two children, $10 for each additional adult and $5 for each additional child. Children under two years old are free. To make the evening extra fun, fancy whimsical attire is recommended. (Pearl,2017)

Pearl Stable
307 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-9539

Valentine’s Day specials in San Antonio

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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.

Shop local for Valentine’s Day at Pearl

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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