By Leslie Foley
Party at the Pearl!
The Culinary Institute of America at San Antonio will celebrate 10 years at the Pearl by hosting a six-course celebration dinner at Nao Latin Gastro Bar on Friday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. Each course will be prepared by a chef with ties to the Center for Foods of the Americas and the CIA San Antonio campus, including Shelley Grieshaber (Pearl), Luis Morales (Humble House Foods), Susan Rigg (River Whey Creamery), Cynthia Stahl (Surlean Foods) and Crystal Rivas (formerly of Bakery Lorraine). Priced at $100 all inclsive, the dinner will feature beverage pairings, including a glass of sparkling wine to toast 10 years. Tickets will be available for purchase via OpenTable and www.naorestaurant.com.
Dine and Unwind for the San Antonio Food Bank
The popular Ancira Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram 2016 Live Music Series at The County Line that benefits the San Antonio Food Bank is back. New this year, full seating and dining will be available on the patio beginning each concert night at 6 p.m. through the end of the concert at 9:30 p.m. Happy hour will run indoors and outside the restaurant, from 3 to 9:30 p.m. on concert days. Performing on the restaurant’s open-air patio, the headliner goes on at 7:30 p.m. Concerts are held rain or shine, and don’t forget to bring an item or two for the Food Bank.
May 5 Sam Riggs
May 12 Mike Ryan Band
May 19 The Damn Quails
May 26 Band of Heathens
June 2 Ruby Jane
The County Line is at 10101 IH-10 West (between the Wurzbach and Huebner Road exits, near the Colonnade). Free parking is available at Hallmark College, less than one block away.
Motown The Musical
This musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and so many more. I have waited all year for this one, and it promises to rock the house with favs such as My Girl and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, plus 40 other smash hits that will leave you singing, clapping, dancing all night and begging for more. Don’t miss this run May 3-8 at the Majestic Theatre.
Also, look for Dorothy, Toto and the wicked witch during the run of The Wizard of Oz, May 31-June 5, at the Majestic … follow the yellow brick road for tickets and family fun!
Culinaria’s Got You Covered
Celebrate May 19-22 at Culinaria, Texas’ premier food and beverage nonprofit, with a mission to celebrate, educate and collaborate with partnering chefs, winemakers and bartenders. From dinners to burgers to boozy brunch to daytime luncheons and late night after-parties, attendees can expect more of their favorite events, chefs, beverages and entertainment. In addition to new events, the Culinaria Festival has a new host, the beautiful and freshly renovated La Cantera Resort on the cusp of the Texas Hill Country.
Favs include Becker Luncheon at the Becker Vineyard Lavender Haus on May 20 and Burgers BBQ and Beer on May 22. Try the new Tacos and Talk or Back to Bubbles. There is an event for everyone and every budget. Meet mixologists and chefs, sip and savor, mix your own cocktail, tour a winery — the list goes on and on, and you can too. Visit culinariasa.org for the details for specific events, times, cost and locations.
Cheap Eats and Tours
Our very own Hot Joy restaurant made Southern Living Magazine’s “South’s Best Cheap Eats” for the best budget bites for 10 bucks or less. A fusion of Asian and Texas best describes the culinary creations by chef Quealy Watson. Tater Tot Chaat is featured as a happy hour offering, a riff on street-food-style Indian –spiced potatoes. Check it out at www.hotjoysa.com. Keeping SA a foodie favorite!
Also in the same issue The South’s Best Girlfriend Getaways featured a Hill Country getaway in Fredericksburg. Becker Vineyards, Sugarberry Inn, Tres Lunas Resort, Hilmy Cellars and Pedernales Cellars were recommended for a girls’ gathering. Go to www.wineroad290.com for gal time.
Fiesta Noche Del Rio
Fiesta Noche del Rio is a seasonal outdoor performance featuring the songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina, California and Texas.
The show has been in operation since 1958, making it the oldest outdoor performance in the United States. Shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, from May 13-August 13, at 8:30 p.m. It is sponsored by Alamo Kiwanis Club’s Charities to raise funds for local children’s charities. Tickets: http://www.fiestanochesa.com/tickets.php.
For the Foodies
Smoke: The Restaurant opened its downtown location right before spring break to hungry fans eager to enjoy the barbecue-centric restaurant in the former site of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Sunset Station at 1170 E. Commerce St. The family-friendly menu is similar to that at the other restaurant across town.
Delicious Is at the Heart of New Bakery
D’lish Bakery at 2611 Wagon Wheel opened in mid-March and is busy serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A friend dined there and gave it a high five and told me about the delicious menu and not-to-miss desserts.
A quick glance at the menu revealed French toast soufflé, Creole jambalaya, meatloaf, lasagna and a chef’s daily entrée. Soups, salads, sandwiches, soda, smoothies and everything you crave are available at this new establishment. Catering is available also. Don’t leave without the “Giant Cookie,” cupcake or other sweet treat. 210-290-8722.
The Well
Dust off your boots and get ready to kick up your heels. The Well, San Antonio’s newest dining, drinking and dancing destination, is open! Staying true to old-fashioned Texas roots, The Well offers a full restaurant and bar menu inspired by iconic Texas flavors and traditions. The Well is a place for all to come and be welcomed, with a family-style atmosphere by day and a tried-and- true Texas dance hall into the night – there is something for all ages. It’s located at 5539 UTSA Blvd. Go ahead and dance the night away.
Flavors from North Pacific Coast of Mexico Find a Second Home
Palenque Grill has opened its second San Antonio location at 15900 La Cantera Parkway, serving soups, seafood, enchiladas, desserts and more with the flavors of the North Pacific Coast of Mexico, including Sinaloa, Sonora, North and South Baja California. Call 210-592-9534 for reservations.
M&N Interiorism
Everything you could possibly need to decorate or dream of for your home, business or hideaway can be found at 14359 Blanco Road. Unique items created by Mexican artisans, including lighting and lamps, side tables, pedestals, wall panels, fireplaces, and accessories, comprise the trove that can be found at this new design store. Outfit your bedroom, living room or the entire house. Visit www.mninteriorism.com for more information.
One of San Antonio’s “Mad Men” Wins Prestigious Ad Award
Al Aguilar has enjoyed a lifetime of advertising milestones, from selling a hesitant client on a simple slogan, “Go Spurs Go,” for the 1999 NBA playoffs campaign, to having his pioneering Hispanic advertising work showcased in the Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History in a 20-year exhibit.
CEO and co-founder of Creative Civilization, Aguilar was the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards in the advertising industry, the 2015 Silver Medal Award from the American Advertising Federation. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to advertising, creative excellence and the community of San Antonio.
The American Advertising Federation San Antonio Chapter plans a Springtime event to recognize Aguilar with the Silver Medal Award and pay tribute to one of San Antonio’s classic “Mad Men.”
Caliente Harley-Davidson Wins Silver Circle of Achievement Award
The San Antonio dealership earned the Silver Circle of Achievement Award for the Southwest market based on their motorcycle and related product sales performance, an evaluation of customer service and satisfaction, and various operational measures. Caliente Harley-Davidson, 7230 N.W. Loop 410 at Culebra Road, has been in business since 2006. The dealership previously earned the Bar & Shield Circle of Distinction Award for five consecutive years.
