First Friday for First-timers

Casbeers @ 1150 S Alamo St San Antonio, TX 78210

First Friday is a must in San Antonio. It is held on the first Friday of every month in the historical King William District. All of the art galleries along South Alamo Street are open, there’s lots of live music, street vendors with everything imaginable – always a great time to be had. If you haven’t been before, mark your calendars. The next one is October 2, 2009.

The most important thing you need to know about going to First Friday is that parking is hard to find so come early. There are two free parking lots on Durango Street but they fill up fast. Also try finding parking along the streets intersecting South Alamo Street. After you have parked your car, reward yourself with a margarita at Rosario’s at S. Alamo and S. St. Mary Street. Best margaritas in town and the only way to kick off a First Friday.

What to do next? Gallery hop of course! Make your way to Blue Star Arts Complex via Garcia Art Glass,the
Robert Hughes Gallery, El Sol Studios, and check out all the artisan stands lining Alamo Street as well.

I bet you’re hungry by now. Southtown has some great eats! We love Oloroso, Azuca, China Latina, Tito’s, and the food at Blue Star are all great eats! You also can’t pass up the gordita stands, a real San Antonio treat! You might want to think about eating early – the restaurants will get super-packed.

Now for the drinks! Beethoven Maennerchor is a longtime San Antonio tradition. The architect of our 1906 hotel, Leo M.J. Deilmann, was a member! Great place for some good German brews and live music too! Casbeers at the Church is also a great place for beers and music. They have a lovely outdoor patio that is perfect for people watching. Of course, Blue Star makes their very own beer, has a restaurant, and there are several art galleries at the complex.

Finish the night out at La Tuna on Probandt Street, the place will be hopping! They have a great biergarten, it’s a great place to meet up with friends, and a stone’s throw from the Blue Star Arts Complex. See you out there this Friday!

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Downtown’s Best Kept Secrets

If you are a travel hound, then you know the best travel tips are from the locals! Throw out that travel guide you just got at the book store and ask the locals where they like to eat, hear live music, see some great art, etc. You can avoid the cheesy tourist traps, the overrated restaurants, and experience the real charm of the city.

Here are our favorite Downtown/Southtown picks:

Jim Cullum’s Landing
Best Place for Jazz
If blaring Jazz is on the itinerary, The Landing is the place for you. Located on the Riverwalk level of the Hyatt Regency, this jazz bar has really made a name for itself. The Jim Cullum Jazz Band, America’s world renown premier 7-piece Classic Jazz ensemble, plays Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 9:00 PM and is featured on it’s own NPR radio series “Riverwalk Jazz”.
123 Losoya St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 223-7266

Dolores Del Rio
Dinner and a Show
One thing about eating out on the Riverwalk is that most places have less than average food. Hate to say it, but it’s true. You really have to know where to go. A local favorite many people don’t know about (because it’s hard to find!) is Delores Del Rio located on the Riverwalk near the St. Mary Street bridge. They have great Italian food and live music and belly dancing. They are known for having a fun, entertaining atmosphere – and the food is delicious. Simple dishes with super fresh ingredients!
106 River Walk St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 222-9998

Garcia Art Glass
Taller de Vidro Soplado
Gini Garcia’s art gallery is simply a blast to visit. She has truly unique pieces in beautiful, vibrant colors. Everything is hand blown by her and her staff of glass artisans. Garcia opened the gallery in 1998 and has art work featured all over the world. My favorite are the glass chandeliers! They also do glass blowing demonstrations so you can see how these beautiful art works are put together. She has two locations:
715 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 354-4681
123 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 223-1400

Gordita Stand in El Mercado
Puro San Antonio
If you’ve ever seen Anthony Bourdain’s show ‘No Reservations’ then you know the best local eats are street food, preferably from a stand or cart. San Antonio’s best street fare is the Gordita, made fresh right in front of you. Head towards Market Square and right past the big restaurants for one of these local favorites and top it off with a “Mexican Coke” or some Horchata. Can’t beat it.
514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207

La Tuna
Grill and Watering Hole
It’s not just our favorite, La Tuna was recently named one of the best bars in America in Esquire magazine. It was the only place in San Antonio to make the list. They have great food and serve everything from nachos to steaks and excellent hamburger. Lamb Sandwich isn’t bad either! They also have a beergarten – San Antonio style. It’s a great place to meet up with friends and to make new ones. Always a good time to be had at La Tuna.
100 Probandt, San Antonio, TX 78204-1740
(210) 212-5727

Schilo’s Delicatessen
Downtown Deli, German Style
Schilo’s has been a true downtown establishment since 1917. They are famous for their Reubens, their split-pea soup and homemade root beer. And they serve a great breakfast as well! Potato Pancakes are a favorite among our guests.
424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 223-6692

The Sandbar Fish House & Market
A Step Above
If you are in the mood for something special, you must go here. It’s a small seafood eatery next door to it’s sister restaurant, Andrew Weissman’s Le Reve. The staff is excellent. The food is to die for. It’s located on a quiet corner away from the tourist-laden part of downtown in the Exchange Building. You’ve never had seafood quite like this. I really cannot say enough good things about this place. Just go. You won’t be disappointed.
152 E Pecan St, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 222-2426

If we forgot one or you didn’t see your favorite, please leave a comment and let us know!

Events in September

September 10
DOS EQUIS Pachanga del Rio

Ticket holders enjoy sampling culinary offerings from 20 participating River Walk establishments from 5:00pm until 8:30pm. Then, all party-goers are encouraged to go to the Post-Party @ The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum located @ 318 E. Houston Street (8:45pm-11pm) where drawings will be conducted throughout the evening for great prizes and live music will top off Pachanga del Rio, “The Taste of the River Walk.” Tickets available through the Paseo del Rio Association offices. Tickets will go on sale after June 15, 2009
When: Thursday
Where: Along the River
Admission: Ticket prices – $25 before, $30 day of event
Contact: Project Director
Phone: 210-227-4262
Fax: 210-212-7602

September 11, 12, 13
Madame Butterfly

Puccini’s most famous and ravishing score will fill the opera house and your heart. Madama Butterfly is a tender love story with a tragic ending. A young Japanese geisha falls in love with a young American Lieutenant who abandons her without knowing that she is pregnant. Pinkerton returns three years later, with an American wife on hand. Upon his request, Butterfly selflessly gives him the child. One of the most tragic endings of all time.

September 15th
Scenic Loop Cafe Wine Tasting

We invite you to come on vacation with us to the sunny shores of California. Our Late Summer Vacation Wine Tasting will tour the Monterey, Lodi, Mendocino and Amador County wine regions of California.

This exclusive social event encourages all guests to meet, mingle and enjoy! Beach and resort attire is totally acceptable for this casual event.

Wine expert Frank Batchelor, WD3 Wines, is showcasing five wines to include two reds, one white and two sparkling.

Each guest will be served all the wines and our chef will prepare appetizers to compliment the wine selections of the evening.

All inclusive price per person is $18.

RSVP:
Call: 210-687-1818
Email: lori@scenicloopcafe.com

September 26
Kavitha
Arathi School of Indian Dance presents “Kavitha”, an expression through dance, depicting the exquisite emotions captured in poetry by Rabindranath Tagore, W.B. Yeats, Maya Angelou, and Pablo Neruda. The audience will enjoy a wide spectrum of dances including Classical and Folk Dances from India, Flamenco, and African Dance. Arathi School will collaborate with the African Drumming and Dance Group from the City of San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department and The Academy of Dance Arts.

Kavitha, an expression through dance, depicts the exquisite emotions captured in poetry by Rabindranath Tagore, W.B. Yeats, Maya Angelou, and Pablo Neruda. Follow the joyous excursions of the innocent child dancing in the wind and on the seashore of endless worlds; as she blossoms into the yearning of her lover who shall not part from her beloved not for a day, not for a second; to the torments of the caged soul yearning for freedom; and to the one who seeks freedom from the dreary desert sands of dead habits.

Proceeds will benefit the new dance program
UTSA, Department of Music, College of Liberal & Fine Arts
Co-sponsored by Gemini Ink

Never before has San Antonio experienced world poetry composed to Indian music and presented in a dance form that is ancient and timeless!

September Music Events at Sam’s Burger Joint:

Thur 9/10: The Band Of Heathens CD Release Party w/The Trishas (Americana) doors @8, All Ages, $9 presale, $12 at door

Mon 9/14: Swing Nite w/Lil’ Bit & The Customatics! Doors at 7 pm, free dance lessons provided by SASDS from 7-8. Band kicks off around 8:30. DJ Java Jive spins throughout the breaks. All Ages, $6 cover.

Thur 9/17: Scott H. Biram (Honky Tonk/Truck Drivin’/One Man Band) doors @8, All Ages, $8 presale, $10 at door

Fri 9/18: 4th Annual SA Feral Cat Coalition Music & Silent Auction Benefit w/Ledaswan, The Swindles, Puppy Jet & Pinata Protest
Doors @ 7, All Ages, $5 cover http://www.myspace.com/safccfriends

Mon 9/21: Swing Nite w/The Doug Moreland Show (Honky Tonk/Western Swing) doors @7, dance lessons provided by SASDS from 7-8, Band @8:30, DJ Java Jive spins on the breaks, All Ages, $6 cover

What should Luke be for Halloween?

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