OUTSIDE ’09
BY LESLIE FOLEY
Toasting the New Year is a blast with
this month’s Cocktail Conference and Restaurant Week. Catch the scoop on those fun happenings and the sizzle on new locations for Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Lion & Rose. We even help you get dressed for these occasions with details about Robert Graham’s
new fashion outlet. And we spotlight
giving back with Let’s Rodeo Ball and news about Ronald McDonald House Charities ground breaking.
Cheers!
It’s Happy Hour!
Now that you have recovered from the holidays, it’s time once again to imbibe at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, scheduled for Jan, 14-17. Named “One of the top three cocktail festivals in the country” by Fodor’s, the San Antonio Cocktail Conference ranks among the nation’s most dynamic gatherings for cocktail enthusiasts and professional mixologists. Over the course of four days, guests enjoy exclusive access to lectures and demonstrations with the industry’s top talent, as well as an impressive range of beverage tastings, paired dinners and cocktail-centric nightlife. Go to www.sanantoniococktailconference.com for classes, schedules and locations. Grab your tickets early for this adventure in cocktails, cuisine and cooking.
Restaurant Week Benefits Culinaria’s Urban Farm
Celebrate San Antonio by dining out Jan. 18-23. Participating restaurants will offer an array of prix fixe menus encompassing three-course lunch and/or dinner selections within two different pricing tiers. All participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit Culinaria’s Urban Farm. Coming to life in Spring of 2016, the Urban Farm is a strategic extension of Culinaria in the form of education and the homegrown effort of many passionate chefs, food professionals, farmers, volunteers, sponsors and a very enthusiastic staff. For meals ordered during San Antonio Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will donate $1 from each lunch menu and $2 from each dinner menu. Website: www.culinariasa.org or call 210-822-9555 for restaurant listings and locations.
Let’s Rodeo Ball
Let’s Rodeo Ball is one of the major fundraising events for the S.A.L.E. Scholarship Fund. This glitzy, upscale party features top entertainment, great food, dancing and fun, not just for fans of rodeo but for all of San Antonio. This year’s performers include Big & Rich, SA Lights and Gabe Garcia. Grab your boots and hat, and head over to Freeman Coliseum for a yee-haw of a time!
Let’s Rodeo Ball will be Saturday, January 16, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. Visit www.sarodeo.com for tickets and information.
2016 Joci Awards
Las Casas Performing Arts Scholarship Competition will be held Sunday, May 1, at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre; however, the deadline to submit an application is Friday, Feb. 5. Attention, all actors, singers, dancers and those Broadway-bound: This is your opportunity to shine and perhaps earn a scholarship. Visit www.lascasasfoundation.org for details, deadlines and award categories.
Hear the Sizzle?
That’s the sound of steaks sizzling in an 1800-degree broiler at the newest Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located at 17803 La Cantera Terrace. Since 1965, cooking steaks has been done that particular way, as in founder Ruth Fertel’s way. The restaurant held a pre-opening rehearsal dinner in mid-November and opened to the public the following week. I think all went well at the rehearsal, and guests made a donation to benefit charitable causes.
Robert Graham Fashion Outlet Opens
If you didn’t get everything on your holiday wish list, worry no more. The new Robert Graham retail fashion outlet has opened in The Shops at La Cantera. Collectors will have yet another location where they can find colorful offerings for both men and women. Bright colors, funky contrasting patterns, one-of-a-kind trims and stunning embroideries offer shoppers/collectors colorful wear recognizable as Robert Graham. See www.robertgraham.us for fashionistas.
Ronald’s Fourth House
Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio, Texas, Inc., broke ground in December for a fourth home to be built in the Medical Center area on Sid Katz Drive, a few steps from their second home. The 25,000-square-foot house will serve as a home-away-from-home for families who have a child undergoing treatment at a nearby medical facility.
New Location, New Look
The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub recently opened its fourth and newest location at The Rim, 17627 La Cantera Parkway. The 5,000-square-foot setting, owned by restaurateur Allen Tharp (who opened the first one in Alamo Heights in 2004), differs in design from all its other locations. “The focus will be a central bar in the middle of the restaurant with an impressive video wall, as well as the addition of two patios,” Tharp said. “We will also offer flexible seating to accommodate larger parties. Overall, it will have a more casual atmosphere to appeal to a younger demographic, offering a wider selection of European and craft beers from throughout the country.”
Other highlights of the new restaurant include a custom tap system serving 32 European and craft beers chilled at 32 degrees, a state-of-the-art video system for sports viewing, a shaded patio area and a patio with a fire pit, as well as a parking garage for customer convenience. Hours are 7 a.m.- 2 a.m. Monday-Sunday. Kitchen service is open until midnight daily. For more information, visit www.thelionandrose.com or call 210-798-5466.
