Hiatus Spa + Retreat has four packages available for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.
This year for Valentine’s Day, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has four spa packages available. These include The Greatest Love of All, The Love Everlasting, The Unforgettable, and the Take the Romance Home. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)
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. 2 hours $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 our spa lifestyle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit to use toward products or other services as our 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 you glowing, and forever ours. 4 hours, $349 | $287 H-Circle
Take The Romance Home – Give both you and your sweetheart what you really need – some space. Pick between two 90-minute Essential Services and relax simultaneously, from separate rooms. Then take a special package with you complete with champagne, a sweet treat, and a Hiatus Everyday Aroma Oil to experience Hiatus at home. $350 | h-circle $239
Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry with eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.
The next Canciones will be Friday February 28. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.
This February, Pearl will host a special Valentine’s Day SoundCream night and bring back the live music series, Canciones. Pearl will also continue free weekly fitness sessions open to the public guided by Pilates Platinum. (Pearl, 2020)
SoundCream “I Dedicate…”- Friday February 14 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park
Dance the night away with loved ones as SoundCream Airstream returns to Pearl Park for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Sunset Sessions with DJ JJ Lopez. Enjoy love songs and dedicate a tune to that special someone. Free and family-friendly. The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area will be on site to provide voter registration services and Susan G. Komen San Antonio will be on site to raise awareness of its work in the community.
Canciones: Love Songs – Friday February 28 from 7:30p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park
Pearl’s live music series returns during the month of love with a free concert by the Texicana Mamas. The powerhouse trio is made up of three of the state’s most celebrated Latina musicians—Tish Hinojosa, Stephanie Urbina Jones and Patricia Vonne. The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area will also be on site to provide voter registration services and Susan G. Komen San Antonio will be on site to raise awareness of its work in the community.
Fitness at Pearl
Pearl is thrilled to continue free community workout classes led by local fitness providers every Tuesday evening. Throughout the year, partners will include Pilates Platinum, Smart Barre, Nomadik Yoga, Dance Fitness with Mau Garcia, and Joy Ride. The February schedule is:
Tuesday, February 4 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
Tuesday, February 11 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
Tuesday, February 18 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
Tuesday, February 25 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
“It’s the Month of Love and we are excited to offer San Antonians a place to gather and celebrate one another while enjoying music at Pearl Park. Our weekly fitness classes are also a fun way to spend time with friends and family while getting a good workout.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer of Pearl.
Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260
Couples can enter to win a Whatawedding this Valentine’s Day. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Attention die-hard Whataburger fans: the fast food chain announced last week that from now until Sunday February 2, couples can enter to win the chance to tie the knot or renew their vows on Valentine’s Day at a Whataburger restaurant in six cities across Texas with all costs covered, excluding travel. As an added bonus, one of these couples will also receive a cash prize of $5,000 for a dream honeymoon. (Whataburger, 2020)
Cities where couples can win a Whataburger wedding or renewal ceremony:
San Antonio
College Station
Corpus Christi
Houston
Grand Prairie
Fort Worth
The ultimate Whatawedding includes:
Whataburger meal (couples get to order their favorite off the menu)
Photographer
Select number of guests
Orange and white decorations
Officiant
The winning couple in Corpus Christi will receive all of the above plus an upgraded floral package and video package. A select number of couples will receive a renewal ceremony at each location that includes the Whatawedding details. To enter, couples can visit Whataburger online and fill out the request form which includes name, phone number, email, their preferred city, whether they are looking to get married or renew their vows, picture of the couple and a 500 word of less essay on their love story and why they want to get married at Whataburger.
Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is Thursday February 14 and nothing goes better with romance than cocktail drinks. These last-minute recipes from the good folks at Twang guarantee that anyone can create colorful cocktails with red and pink hues in the comfort of their own homes. They include various regional spirits like Deep Eddy Vodka, Seer Sucker Gin and Dulce Vida Tequila. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in Texas. Twang’s product lines include Twang-A-Rita, Beer Salt and more designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores and online. (Twang, 2019)
Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
• 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
Raspberry Gin Fizz with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
• ½ cup fresh raspberries
• ½ oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. Seersucker Original Southern Style Gin
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• Topo Chico Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle raspberries in lime juice
3. Add gin and simple syrup and half a cup of ice and shake
4. Strain into a rocks glass and top with Topo Chico.
5. Garnish with lime wedge.
Galentine’s Day Pink Drink with Twang-A-Rita Citrusplash Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrusplash
• 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 Citrusplash
2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec and tequila. Stir to combine.
3. Garnish with lemon wedge.
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
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:
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
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.
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.’
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.
SA Examiner 