My Hidden San Antonio

Bath Junkie

2010-08-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

I walk into a shop, one of the new ones across from the Quarry. It is nestled among several storefronts that promise to treat my body from head to toe. Why would this one stand out?

Well, for one thing, I have a generous coupon, thanks to Living Social, my new coupon addiction. That, and Groupon. I can spend $35 at Bath Junkie, and I only paid $15 for the certificate.

When I visit a new store, I like to walk the perimeter, browsing the items, and then coming back up the center. I don't choose anything until I've seen it all. So, I start here. I pick up a container of white bath salts. Ok, I am a self-described bath junkie. I'm sure the scent will take me away to some vanilla-infused paradise with just one whiff. I unscrew the container, ready to inhale my little vacation. And I smell - nothing. Not a thing. Not a bit of vanilla. Not a hint of marshmallowy goodness. Not even peppermint to awaken my senses. What else could white smell like?

I am disappointed. I put it back, and walk to another counter. Shampoos and lotions. I pick up a container - it is empty. I pick up another one - empty. Ok, other than The Container Store, where do you go to buy empty items?

At the very end of the store, I see row upon row of little colored vials - two hundred of them. Aha. I think I'm getting the picture. This reminds me of the time I was in Egypt in a perfume shop, where I could customize a scent under the tutelage of ancient secret keepers.

"Welcome to Bath Junkie", said the perky clerk. "It's like Build-a-Bear for the Bath!" Surely, she did not come up with this line. No doubt, it was passed along in a corporate memo during training.

Yet, as I start to understand the concept, there is no more apt description. It is, indeed, like Build-a-Bear for the bath. The containers are empty because they are waiting for your opinion, your seal, your signature on your products.

"Let me show you." She's going to make me a convert yet.

She walks me over to a contemporary glass sink, and pours warm water over my hands from stainless steel carafe. I choose from three pre-made scents, and she massages my hands with a body scrub. She explains all its benefits, and has me convinced at "shaving". Anything to make that a better experience.

I'm becoming a believer. This is a one stop shop to coordinate your body scrub, body wash, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body oils, household cleaning products, and yes, even your pet products! How luxurious. I think of my bath experience that morning. I washed my hair in citrus-scented shampoo and conditioner. I washed with lavender soap. I rubbed on cellulite cream that smelled like, well, cellulite cream. I finished my newly shaved legs with coconut/mango lotion that I bought in Hawai'i. I must have walked out of the bathroom like someone - someone that had not been to Bath Junkie.

Ok, so given the prices, I may not be a regular. However, now I know that if I want to smell like a waft of floating almonds (my all-time favorite flavor), I have only to buy all of my products from Bath Junkie.

Bath Junkie
350 E. Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78206
210-824-7837
www.bathjunkie.com

Kate's Frosting

2010-07-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Purses and cupcakes and scarves, oh, my!

Dorothy won't be nostalgic for Oz when she steps into Kate's Frosting, a recent San Antonio favorite.

Nestled along quiet Main Street in Monte Vista, Kate's Frosting is a colorful oasis hidden inside a plain storefront.

Girls might be immediately drawn to the goodies on the right - boutique accessories of all sorts. Children might like the back room made of chalkboards. But one look forward will reveal that the real goodies are located straight ahead - the cupcake counter.

Chocolate and vanilla play the leading roles, but they are joined by a regular cast of Carrot Cake, Ruby Slipper (red velvet), strawberry and lemon. Depending on the day of your attendance, you might find such guest stars as Lucky 7UP (soaked in 7UP with a lemon-lime frosting), Pina Colada (tropical pineapple coconut), or the shocking Margarita - complete with a straw!

Kate also adds a twist on a Texas Favorite, Big Red.

Cupcake parties and cupcake catering are other services that bring sweetness to a whole new level.

The young entrepreneur followed her dreams of owning a store that sells cupcakes by opening the shop in 2007. Word-of-mouth enthusiasm prompted her to open an Alamo Heights location, Cupcake Cabin, tucked in a secret little corner across from Caimbridge Elementary.

One bite, and you will be a regular.

Kate's Frosting
2518 N. Main
210-248-9809
www.katesfrosting.net

Pearl Farmer's Market

2009-12-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Whenever I think of Rome, I don't think of the Vatican or the Colesseum or anything else that might spring to most people's minds. I think back to when I was eight years old, on my second of what would be three trips (so far) to the Eternal City.

My most vivid memory is walking out of the convent hotel on the Piazza Farnese, through a narrow cobblestone street, passing the bakery with the to-die-for chocolate eclairs, and suddenly entering the wide and colorful Campo di Fiori.

Resplendent with colored awnings shading stalls, it is a stunning and intoxicating Farmer's Market. The flowers, the fruit, the vegetables, the nuts, the honey, make the Campo di Fiori the peacock of the city. My dream is to take my children to Rome someday, and I often browse apartment rental sites, always searching for something on the Campo.

Last year in Boston, I encountered a city market that bore the closet domestic resemblance to the Campo that I have ever seen. Lancaster, Pennsylvania's market brought its own German touch and I always looked forward to the pot pie and the apple dumplings that could be found there.

This morning, I attended the Pearl Farmer's Market for the first time. While it's not quite a rival for the Italian one, it is by far the best market that I have seen in San Antonio. Located alongside Highway 281 and encompassed by the reclaimed and restored industrial setting of Pearl Brewery, this market brings life and color into the space.

Immediately I bought Dandy Tangerines, was tempted by purple cauliflower, and inhaled the scent of the handmade lavender/lemon soaps. I purchased olive oil that was so fresh that it was bottled just last week at Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard near Elmendorf. I was warmed by the hot chocolate. And, I got to surprise my husband with some delicious bison jerky.

Prices were almost all better than what I would find at HEB, and I was buying directly from the growers. The granola crowd was all out, dogs in tow, and it felt like a special community waiting to invite me in.

Held every Saturday at 9am, the Pearl Farmer's Market often features cooking demonstrations from area chefs, is a stone's throw from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and just steps from the Riverwalk.

Today, the market featured a holiday addition - there were stalls with jewelry markers, fabric painters, a glass blower, and live music. Last month, the Annual Herb Festival was moved to this location, and no doubt many other events will enhance the market throughout the year.

However, whether there is a special event planned or not, the Pearl Farmer's Market is special all on its own, and well worth a visit. Or several.

Pearl Farmer's Market
200 East Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215

San Antonio Riverwalk Expansion

2009-09-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

East meets West.

This phrase is usually meant to point out two contrasting entities that are blended into a harmony.

Nowhere is this more literal than in the city of Istanbul. First Byzantium, then Constantinople, Istanbul has been a global crossroads for nearly all of the civilized history of the world.

Rob and I honeymooned in this exotic city twelve years ago. I can still smell the spices of the Iskender kabobs, remember the alabaster bathrooms of the Dolmabahce Palace, and hear the prayers sung from the minarets of the mosques. But my very, very favorite memory of Istanbul was riding on a boat on the Bosporus River. You see, Istanbul lies on two continents. Half of the city is in Europe, and half of the city is in Asia.

East meets West. This contrast, this blending of cultures was so apparent as we sailed along. To my left, Europe. To my right, Asia. Fascinating.

Contrasts are captivating to me, and they follow my life. I enjoyed sitting on the remote banks of the Susquehanna River when I lived in Pennsylvania, and yet I was equally comfortable walking down 5th Avenue in New York City. I love homes where colored walls meet crisp, white trim. My iPod will play Mozart, followed by U2.

So, I was pleasantly surprised today when we discovered a new contrast in San Antonio - the Riverwalk Expansion.

Now, contrast is not new to San Antonio, which is part of why I like it. The flair of the Mexican culture blends with the rigidity of the German culture. (I'm German, so I can say that.) The historic Alamo stands in the shadow of the towering buildings of the modern age.

The Riverwalk is perhaps the biggest contract. Locals meet tourists. The serenity of the river is mixed with the liveliness of the restaurants.

Today, we drove to Pearl Brewery and parked near the start of the main part of the expansion. I was just looking forward to a nice walk with my family. But, I walked away with an even deeper love of my city.

The first sound you hear is the rushing of water. A wide waterfall borders a circular area, meant for river taxis to do their turn-arounds. As you walk on, the river narrows just a bit, and resembles what you know of the original Riverwalk - sidewalks on either side.

But, the comparisons stop there. This part of the Riverwalk is quiet, a haven for cyclists and walkers. Tourists are not stopping to read menus and look for directions. This is the local's Riverwalk.

The first contrast that is apparent to me is the newness and crispness of this expansion, surrounded by the older, industrial part of San Antonio. Staring with the Pearl Brewery - itself, a reincarnation, the River is flanked by a parking lot of semi trucks, backs of commercial buildings, windows broken on abandoned buildings. But, instead of being ugly, the scene is one of harmony between nature and industry. It is the mix of the guts of the city with the spirit of the city.

As we turn the corner, we see see a concrete, fairytale-like grotto, with yet another waterfall. We sit on a bench, and feel like we are in a cave. This is the $3.5 million project of local artist Carlos Cortes, a favorite of mine. His work can also be seen at La Cantera - the tree-like tables outside of the food court, and the Easter Island heads at the playground, as well as the bus stop outside of Central Market and many other places in the city.

He has outdone himself with the grotto.

The next art project is a school of colorful sunfish under the freeway. Hung by cables, and illuminated from within at night, the fish give the feel of being under the water, at one with nature. This is an amazing feat for a highway overpass. I love the contrast and the surprise.

A little further down, we we encounter a tunnel of sound, playing the music of birds in a rainforest, and another underpass full of color and mirror-like strips. We walk past the San Antonio Museum of Art, the home of indoor art, surrounded by outdoor art.

The kids are getting tired at this point, so we end our walk near the locks. I convince them to sit and wait for the river taxis to come by so that we can watch them in the "boat elevators". Twenty minutes later, not one, but TWO boats came by and entered the locks at the same time. As one boat descended slowly and headed towards downtown, another one rose towards us and made its way back to the Pearl Brewery.

And, so did we.

Our afternoon was a wonder of sights, sounds, contrasts, and an even deeper pride for our city. With the San Antonio Riverwalk Expansion, this city is embracing art and nature, and making an even bigger place for itself on the map. I look forward to coming back soon and discovering more.

Click here to learn about taking a River Taxi ride.

Flour Power Cafe

2009-09-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for anything promising bright colors and a cheery time. I still love coloring books and jawbreakers.

So, I was intrigued when a multi-colored, hippie-fonted sign went up on Huebner advertising the Flour Power Cafe and Bakery.

It's one of those places that I've been meaning to try, but my life as a working mom of four has limited my free time. Today, though, I was having some mommy time with Mary Teresa (4), and decided to take her to lunch.

I had intended to get there early, before the lunch rush. I have learned the hard way that fellow diners don't always appreciate the antics of little ones, so this is the prime time for me to dine. However, a layover at Bed, Bath, and Beyond got me there right at noon. I braced myself for the lunch crowds.

They never showed up.

Flour Power Cafe, painted every color of the rainbow, was sadly lacking customers.

Only the third ones there, we chose a table by the window. Mary Teresa was excited about ordering a pizza and playing tic-tac-toe. I had fun looking at the extensive menu, and I can say truthfully that I have rarely had so much trouble deciding on my order. There were so many choices, and they looked delicious.

Leaning towards the salmon burger (yum!), I switched last minute to the muffuletta, in tribute to my visits to New Orleans. I also ordered a mango peach smoothie.

Much later, (I think they may have been growing the peaches and curing the salami), our lunch came out. What they lacked in timing, they made up for in taste and in friendliness.

The bread of the muffuletta was intoxicating, and the smoothie was fresh and delicious. The homemade potato salad had lovely chunks of hard-boiled eggs, and was not overpowered by mayonnaise, as many potato salads are.

Besides offering yummy lunches, Flour Power Cafe serves breakfast, does catering, and makes made-to-order cakes and desserts. In addition, they host birthday parties where your budding chef can invite their friends, don an apron, and make pizza and cupcakes.

In my opinion, Flour Power Cafe has a few kinks to work out, but I recommend giving them a chance. I plan to go back soon and try that salmon burger. And, then again later, to work my way through the menu.

Note: There are two coupons for Flour Power Cafe in the new addition of the Entertainment Book. One coupon is good for $5 off of a $20 order, and another is for Buy One Get One Free entress.

Flour Power Cafe
11703 Huebner, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78230
210-694-9288

Click here for the Flour Power Cafe website, featuring their menu and custom cake selections!

Bygones on Broadway

2009-09-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

It took ten years of marriage and six moves for my husband and I to finally furnish a place that we could call home.

We started with the standard newlywed furniture. A white couch from his parents, tables from The Bombay Company, a bed from my childhood, and various items from Ikea to fill in the blanks.

All this time, we watched HGTV, gathered ideas, and tried to define our style. When we moved into our permnent home, we were ready to get to work.

We knew that we wanted our home to reflect our love of Texas, while being tasteful. Texas decor can definitely be over the top.

I drove all over San Antonio, kids in tow, waiting to be inspired.

Inspiration struck at an unusual store called Anteks on San Pedro. They were going out of business, and were advertising big sales.

Wandering around rustic wood pieces and wrought iron accessories, I found it - a round, five-foot diameter ottoman in various patterns of authentic longhorn hide. It was stunning. A definite conversation piece.

Rob loved it as much as I did, and we made the unthinkable splurge on this item with which we would build our whole Living Room/Dining Room around.

The ottoman set back our furniture budget, and sat alone - literally alone, in the large room for about a year. But boy, was it that conversation piece! Everyone that came in loved it, and it became the place that I would sit and visit with friends since the only other choice was, well, the floor.

The ottoman sparked many nice chats, so it got me to thinking - why not fill the room with conversation pieces? I think that in the world of interior design, this technically means having a piece that stands out among the rest, and to overdo it would be gaudy. I didn't want to go in that direction, but I wanted every piece to be well-thought out.

Our second piece was inspired by a table at StoneWerks in Stone Oak. I go to dinner once a month with six other friends, and with the size of our group, conversations often get split between the sides of the table. But, at StoneWerks, we were seated at a square table. Everyone could see each other easily, and it allowed the conversation to be more unified.

Could I reproduce this effect?

I looked high and low for a square table, but I could never find out. Rectangles, ovals and circles had the corner on the table market. A circle would have served the same purpose, but it wouldn't have fit in with my desire to do something unique.

I finally found a table that I liked at Monterrey Furniture. Rustic Mexican pine, very sturdy legs - it was great. And, it was a rectangle. They often advertised their ability to make custom furniture, so I asked them if they could take that table and make it into a square. No problem.

Several weeks later, I had my massive square table in my Dining Room. It fit like a glove. And for these years since, it has been as much a conversation piece as the ottoman.

We filled in here and there - a red couch and red slipper chairs, a trunk as a coffee table, a sisal rug to pull it together, and a Pottery Barn chandelier that made it look like there were candles flickering above our heads. All of the pieces have been received a lot of comments. Another favorite is a wall of pictures that I have, which I first saw on an episode of "Divine Design" with Candace Olsen. They were perfectly hung (I cheated with a template!), and filled with family photos that I had ordrered in a sepia tone. Click here to see the frame display.

I was excited that this major area of our home was finally coming together.

But, there was one gaping, empty spot.

The dining room table hadn't taken up all of the space, and I knew that a sideboard would be the perfect addition. Again, I looked high and low., but I only found mass-produced items that wouldn't work with my ecletic theme.

And then, I walked into Bygones on Broadway.

Owned by a mother and daughter, Bygones (now also with a location in Castle Hills) is a furniture consignment store with the highest of standards. Located near Alamo Heights, it attracts customers with unique pieces of good quality.

I had been before, but usually just to browse, without a particular piece in mind. I was getting desperate in my search for a sideboard, though, and decided to try it out.

As soon as I walked in, it was there, as if it were waiting for me. Just the right length, just the right height. Dark wood to contrast with my light pine table. Panels on the doors, distressed and tastefully touched with a brush of turquoise.

I was in love.

My mother-in-law was with us, and saw the possibilities for it as well. But, I didnt want to buy the piece without Rob having seen it. It wasn't cheap, but it was perfect. What would he say?

For a few days, I tried to get him to go to the store with me, but it didn't work out. I got really worried that it would be gone. Being a one-of-a-kind kind of piece, I knew that I would never find it again, and that nothing else would work in that space as well as it did.

Mother-in-law to the rescue! She saw my anguish and decided to make things easy - she would get it for us as a Christmas present! I was so happy! I called the store immediately, and a few days later, it was sitting in our home. Rob loved it and agreed that it was the ideal piece for the space.

Now, our home is fully furnished, but I still stop into the two Bygones locations frequently. If you love interior design, it is a haven away from the cookie-cutter stores. It is a spark for your imagination as you look around and piece rooms together in your head. Now that my mother-in-law has moved to San Antonio, she also drank the Bygones Kool-Aid, and has begun furnishining her house almost exclusively from it.

She's not quite done, though, so I see more shopping expeditions in our future. I will just have to sacrifice myself and go with her. So she won't be lonely. Yes, that's right.

Note: For more of a flea-market feel in the world of consignment, try the nearby store, Off My Rocker, located off of Olmos Circle.

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Bygones on Broadway
3615 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-828-1424

Bygones of Castle Hills
2211 NW Military Highway #107
San Antonio, TX 78213
210-348-1919

IHOP Cafe

2009-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

The place was Denver. The time was 2am, Christmas morning in the late 1980s.

While the world was asleep, dreaming of sugarplums, two families walked down the aisle of a marble-clad downtown church. The choir had just completed the "Hallelujah" chorus. Thousands of lights sparkled on towering Christmas trees. The children were getting hungry.

They were adorned in all of their Christmas finery - the mothers in fur, the girls in patent leather shoes. The boys had ties, loosened and unkepmt after a long Midnight Mass. The fathers smelled of incense, as they had served at the altar and been surrounded by the sweet, prayerful smoke for the past two hours.

The families walked outside into the dark, bitter cold, and the mothers pulled their furs around their bodies a little tighter. Holding the smaller children's hands, they walked across the deserted street to the parking lot.

No one was ready to go home to sleep. Perhaps the children thought that they would get a glimpse of Santa. Perhaps they were lured by the promise of pancakes.

This was the Christmas of my childhood.

One particular year, we made plans with another family to go to the International House of Pancakes after Midnight Mass. I was excited for so many reasons - the promise of presents in the morning, the thrill of being dressed up at a pancake restaurant, but most especially, because the cute altar boy that I not-so-secretly liked was going with us.

The steep, orange roof of the restaurant was dwarfed by a five-story abandoned factory next door. We walked into the International House of Pancakes (no one called it IHOP then), and stood out among the few customers that were dining at this desolate hour. A haze of stale cigarette smoke hovered, and a discontent waitress resented that she was there.

You've come a long way, baby.......

The pancake house of my youth bears no resemblence to the IHOP of today. And, the IHOP of tomorrow bears no resemblence of the IHOP of today.

When we think of this iconic eatery, we think of crowded tables, smiley-faced pancakes, and children all over.

But not the IHOP Cafe. This is the Starbucks of pancakes.

The IHOP Cafe, located at NW Military and West in Castle Hills, opened just recently, and is the pilot location for the whole country. That's right, the only one in the world is right here in San Antonio.

The IHOP Cafe is clean, fresh, and has a contemporary neighborhood vibe. Small, but bright, this is an ideal place to meet a friend for a casual breakfast.

The reduced menu still has hearty offerings, smoothies, and coffee. Your order is taken at a counter, and you wait in a shiny red seat for your order to be ready.

Inexpensive and quick, and equipped with free Wi-Fi, this is an experiment that is sure to succeed in our era of troubled economy and hurried pace.

We may just see one on every corner in upcoming years, just like a certain behemoth coffee house. Aren't we lucky to get to try it out first?

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IHOP Cafe
Click here to visit the IHOP Cafe Website!
2195 Northwest Military Highway
San Antonio, TX 78213
210-524-9960

Dough

2009-08-29T02:46:00.000-07:00

This week, I travelled to Italy and back in a matter of hours. Twice.

Ok, not really, but I thought I did.

And you can, too.

This week, I finally went to the much-talked-about restaurant, Dough, located in Castle Hills, south of 410.

I had wanted to try Dough for quite some time, but my Italian husband is a pizza snob, and wasn't interested in trying it unless a fellow Paesan recommended it.

Being of Italian heritage myself, I hope that my unequivocal endorsement will be enough.

You know you're near Dough when you approach and see the very full parking lot. That's always a good sign. Another good sign, literally, is the Zagat rating sticker posted on the front window.

But, my favorite is the restaurant's boast that it is the only restaurant in San Antonio to be certified by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture as an authentic Pizzeria Napoletana. Wow. It's the real deal. There was even a ceremony in June.

There are strict requirements to be a Pizzeria Napoletana, specifically, the use of particular ingredients and methods.

Dough makes its own mozzarella, hand-tosses the dough, grows its own herb garden, and gets its produce from local farmers. Oh, yes - the tomatoes were red, red, red, and very juicy. Perfecto!

My adventures at Dough started on Wednesday. I had lunch with my friend, Catherine, who is married to an Italian as well. We ordered and split Burrata Caprese and an arugula and prosciutto pizza. Now, caprese salad is one of my all-time favorite foods - buffalo mozzarella with tomates and basil. It reminds me of our weekly lunches with my in-laws when we lived in San Francisco.

But, THIS caprese salad was unlike anything I've ever had, and I am spoiled for life. This homemade mozzarella was creamy, and was layered with marscapone (the same cheese used in tiramisu), ricotta, and truffle oil.

One bite, and I could hear angels singing in my head. I wanted to eat the whole thing, but it would have been poor etiquette and a hit to my waistline.

The pizza was equally stunning - the taste and smell literally made me close my eyes and feel like I was in the Piazza Navona.

I was so impressed that I bought a gift certificate for my parents, called them on the spot and said, "You have dinner plans tonight."

My dad - a non-Italian, but we'll forgive him for that, has been to Rome over twenty times, speaks the language better than any of us, and is about to lead a tour group to Italy.

Would it pass his test?

My parents decided to order the same food that I had earlier in the day, and they were not disappointed. They also enriched the experience with Pellegrino with lemon, cappuccino, and tiramisu, all of which they raved about.

My dad marked his exuberance for the cappuccino so completely, that the manager thought the waiter had written out his own comment card. Coming by to investigate, the owner introduced himself to my parents, and got into a discussion about Italy and food. (My two favorite subjects, by the way.)

As a treat, Doug Horn (see where the name "DougH" comes from?) gave my parents a 15 minute tour of the restaurant - during the busy dinner rush! He showed them why his cappucciono is so authentic, demonstrated how they make the bread every day, let them see the three-and-an-half ton oven from Naples, and sent them on their way with a large loaf of fresh bread.

Generously, they brought half of it to me, and just the scent of it transported me to the motherland.

Two days later, I was back, introducing it to other friends, and I expect to go back to Italy, er, Dough, again soon.

I'm just glad that I don't have to fly over water to get there.
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Dough
6989 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-979-6565
Visit Dough's Website!

Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, closed for siesta, and open for dinner - "until the fresh mozzarella runs out"

Taco Taco

2009-08-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

As a child, my favorite pizza came from Little Caesar's. Perhaps it was the cute Roman character, or the fact that I was mesmerized with the fact that you could only pick up your pizza order, and not eat it on the premises.

Or, maybe I loved it because they named it twice. Little Julius Caesar grunted out: "Pizza, Pizza".

This is the thought behind Taco Taco in San Antonio. It's so good, they named it twice.

I am embarrassed to admit that the first time that I heard of Taco Taco, Rob and I were watching the Food Network. They were doing a special on the best foods around the country. Bon Appetit magazine and Food TV rated Taco Taco as the best, uh... tacos in the country. I was so excited, just as I always am when my hometown gets some recognition.

And, ok, it's not a big shock. The best tacos are in San Antonio. It's not as if they revealed that the best shrimp gumbo can be found in Boise or that the best winery is in Orlando.

So, intrepid explorers that we are, we headed to Taco Taco the very next day.

Located at McCullough and Hildebrand, near Monte Vista, we almost missed the modest, white building. Parking was scarce. The door to the restaurant was plastered with magazine articles and various kudos from all over, hailing the almighty Taco Taco. We got excited.

Like the parking lot, space was limited, and seats were full. It looked as if fifty people in this room would be a very tight squeeze. People from all backgrounds were there. Gardeners in jeans and men in high-power suits sat at tables next to each other, speaking the same language - TACO.

We got a seat rather quickly and started perusing the menu.

Not surprisingly, considering that we are ordering tacos, the menu was very inexpensive. But, $1.39 for a meal? That was unexpected. So, we supposed that we had to order several to fill up.

We were so wrong. We ordered several tacos and quickly realized that we would have to loosen our belts. This is no Taco Bell Super Value Menu-sized taco. This is for real.

Everything that we tried was excellent - the famous El Nortena, the chorizo, the bacon and egg. Not one disappointed. We could see why this had garnered so much notoriety.

It was not until my second visit, though, that I really fell in love. I ordered a potato, egg, and salsa taco, and my mom ordred the carne guisada. Oh, the carne guisada. (Angels singing) I quickly coveted my mom's taco, and like any good mom, she offered to split it with me, insisting that she couldn't finish it herself. (Yeah, right.) After that tender meat, perfect gravy, and melt-in-your mouth tortilla, I am now ruined, and cannot ever order carne guisada anywhere else. Nor, will I be likely to be able to order anything BUT carne guisada when I visit Taco Taco again.

Which, of couse, I will, and soon. I am now a missionary for Taco Taco, and will be spreading the word to my friends often. They just have to take me with them.

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Taco Taco
Visit Taco Taco's Website!
145 E. Hildebrand
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-822-9533
Hours: 7am to 2pm every day

Marburger Orchard

2009-05-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have a history with ripe strawberries.

In 7th grade, I was in a production of "Oliver!" I had the largest role that I'd ever had - the understudy of the character "Bet". Alas, the girl playing that role made it to every performance, so all of my time on stage was in my chorus role.

During the Second Act, I was a strawberry seller. I sang the lyrics, "Ripe strawberries, ripe" throughout the "Who Will Buy" song.

For the last performance, I decided to go to authenticity.

Instead of the platic prop strawberries, I brought fresh strawberries for my basket. It's not as if the audience would know the difference, but I would.

After the show, I put the strawberries in a bag, along with my costume and other props, and focused my attention on cast parties and program-signings.

A week later, I was cleaning my room, and found my bag. I realized by the smushy red goo in the bottom that I had forgotten to clean out the strawberries. They leaked through the bag, and onto the carpet, leaving a permanent red stain.

The rest of the story involves scissors, a vacuum, a chair, and some deception on my part. My parents never discovered the hole in the carpet, and I long since confessed it to my priest.

Needless to say, ripe strawberries, although delicious, certainly bring back memories.

I'm creating new strawberry memories, though, thanks to Marburger Orchard in Fredericksburg.

About an hour from San Antonio, Marburger Orchard is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs. At various times of year, you can pick peaches, blackberries, tomatoes, summer vegetables, and strawberries.

We came out first thing in the morning in order to get there when they open at 9. We wanted to beat the heat and the crowds. If you go after lunchtime, you might not find anything worth picking. We learned, too, that if you call to make an appointment, the owner might open up for you as early as 7.

The owner gave us a demonstration on strawberry picking - what to look for, and the proper way to pick them. He gave us STRICT instructions not to walk on the black tarps covering the berries, and we learned from someone else that this kind of violation will send him into Soup-Nazi status, like the character on "Seinfeld".

We each took a strawberry container, and headed out to the fields. For two glorious hours, our eyes were keenly focused on any sign of bright red. Further inspection would tell us if a berry was large enough and ripe enough to make the cut. It became an addiction - we kept saying that we were done, but we'd see ONE MORE worth picking, and then ONE MORE, and then just ONE MORE. Well, a half hour of "one mores", and we had another half-basket!

We couldn't get out with with just the berries, though. When we went to check out, our wallets lost out to homemade honey, strawberry preserves, peach amaretto preserves, and more.

What a wonderful day it was. We have pounds and pounds of strawberries to eat and share, and my kids got to learn that strawberries don't come from the grocery store.

Best of all, I have a new memory when I think of "ripe strawberries".

Note: Always check the Marburger website before going. They are very honest about the status of the fruit and vegetables. For example, after a recent hail storm, they basically said that it wasn't worth coming out.

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Marburger Orchard
559 Kuhlmann Road
Fredericksburg, TX
830-997-9433
Visit Marburger's Website!

Fralo's - The Art of Pizza

2009-05-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

You say tomato, I say toMAHto.

You say potato, I say poTAHto.

You say Fralo, I say FrAHlo.

However you say it, I say, it's good pizza.

Fralo's has been creating pizza buzz in Leon Springs for a few years now, rivaling the buzz that Rudy's BBQ has long monopolized on that little stretch of low-lying road.

I went there yesterday for the first time, armed with a gift certificate, my four children, and my aunt.

The weather forecast predicted 97 degrees and humidity, but the Pizza gods must have been smiling on us. We quickly decided on an outdoor table, anxious to eke out any hours of bearable San Antonio heat.

The staff was minimal over the lunchhour, and we learned that it is at dinnertime that you can hardly find a table. In laid-back Hill Country style, they eventually took our order, but it was with a hearty friendliness that made me feel like I had been there a dozen times over.

We decided to try several items, although one pizza would have easily served two adults and four Munchkins. I ordered off of the Specialty menu - a barbeque chicken pizza. It wasn't an easy, choice, though, because there were some great, artistic choices. I was intrigued by the "Spanako" - a Greek-sounding pizza that included lamb, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and Feta Cheese. Their "cheese" pizza was quite gourmet, too - it featured a blend of mozzarella, provolone, feta, parmasean, and gorgonzola.

My children, being normal kids, weren't so high-falutin'. And, being normal, they argued over what to order. Cheese or pepperoni. Thankfully, Fralo's averted World War III by letting me order a half cheese/half pepperoni pizza. We might want to ship them to the United Nations.

My aunt, always healthy, (save for the occasional relapse into a chocolate addiction that we share), chose the Margherita Pizza with cheese, spinach, and basil - on wheat crust. And, Texans, please understand that despite the homophonic relationship to our favorite tequila drink, a Margherita pizza gets its roots in Italy. It was named for Queen Margherita, and decorated in the colors of the flag of Italy - red, white, and green.

It took nearly half an hour for the pizzas to come out, but it was well-worth the wait. One bite, and I knew that I was in Pizza Heaven.

Halfway through our meal, a guy came out with a place of pizza rolls. We visited with him for awhile, and learned that he was from Austin. He was bringing his artsy Austin vibe with him and was trying to add his creations to the menu. He wanted our opinion on what he'd whipped up - pizza rolls with sausage, pepperoni, and cheese. I don't know what else he added to it, but it was very savory. When we hinted that we wouldn't be opposed to a second tasting, he happily brought us another batch. He told us about the variations that he was trying, and my aunt gave him advice on a vegetarian possibility.

We ordered plenty with the intention of leftovers. Three slices and two pizza rolls later, I still had a little bit left to take home. Hey, I'm a nursing mom, and I need my calories!

Fralo's isn't cheap - for that for to the Domino's that is just down the street. But, if you're looking for great atmosphere, live music in the evening, creative pizza, and a great time, stick with Fralo's. You'll be back, and you won't care how it's pronounced.

Note: If you sign up at www.woai.com, you will often get alerts for a gift certificate program. In this case, I was able to buy two $25 gift certificates for Fralo's for $25. They arrived within a few days. You cannot use the certificates for the same visit, but it's still a great deal. These go FAST - when you get the email alert, sign up right away. There are a limited number, and always for different restaurants.

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Fralo's - The Art of Pizza
23651 IH 10 West
San Antonio, TX 78257
210-698-6116

Visit Fralo's Website!

El Mercado/La Margarita

2009-01-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

The circle of life is not more apparent than when you take your own child to somewhere that you went as a child.

This happened to me yesterday. I thought it would make me feel old, but instead, it gave me that warm/fuzzy feeling.

We went down to Milam Park for an event, and parked outside El Mercado. One of my daughters spotted a bright pink building caddy-corner to us. I explained that it was the Smithsonian Museum called Museo Alamdea. She didn't really care what it contained - she was just fascinated that there was such a thing as a bright pink building.

We went over, and found that admission was free, although they do ask for a small donation.

The museum is the ONLY one sponsored by the Smithsonian outside of Washington, DC, and I was proud that it was located in our own San Antonio.

Our stomachs were empty, so we made just a quick tour of the museum, and will have to come back with more time.

Just outside of Museo Alameda lies El Mercado.

When I was growing up, we came to San Antonio every year to visit family, and I ALWAYS asked to visit El Mercado, or "The Mexican Market". I loved the colors and the music. My husband and I realized that it had been FIVE years since we had been here - and the kids were all too young to remember it. It struck me that my two oldest ones were just the age that I was when I fell in love with the magic of the market.

The Mexican Market is the largest of its kind outside of Mexico. On one side, you will find a long, green building full of stalls with pottery, purses, clothing, and other items that compete with any rainbow for display of color.

To the other side, there are several restaurants, including La Margarita, and the famous Mi Tierra. In between is an outdoor walkway only for pedestrians. There are more vendors selling hats, blankets, and artwork here. Peruvian wind music plays in the background, and several fountains add a steady, calming untertone. It reminds me a bit of the French Quarter in New Orleans, but with a San Antonio flair.

There is a lot to take in, especially for a child.

We chose to eat at La Margarita. We arrived around 4, and were able to be seated right away. Although it had been a long time since we'd visited, my husband and I remembered that we loved their tomatillo chicken enchiladas.

As with any Mexican restaurant, we were first served chips and salsa. However, not all are created equal. Rob and I agreed that this salsa was FANTASTIC. We quickly ate through it all, and discovered that once you stop, the heat of the salsa settles in, and you no longer have taste buds. We quickly ran through our water and had to ask for more. But, we also asked for more salsa. (I think there is no better way to stay hydrated than to consume a bit of spicy salsa in San Antonio - you will be drinking hoards of water after that.)

We found the enchiladas to be every bit as good as we'd remembered, although our ability to taste them was somewhat hindered after the salsa. That's ok - the portions were HUGE, and we brought some home for lunch today.

We also love La Margarita for the mariachis. It adds to the ambiance. If they play at your table, tip them a few dollars. If they play across the room, you will still enjoy the music, but will also be able to hear your conversation.

When we left, having some homemade pecan pralines in our to-go bag, we discovered a huge line to get in. This is typical. We ran into a friend who had an out-of-town guest. Obviously, she was well-aware that this is one of the best places you can take company if you want to give them an authentic San Antonio meal.

Temporarily, our daughters felt like they were on vacation. Nostalgically, (my dictionary says that's not a word), I remembered the wonder I felt at El Mercado, and was happy to be sharing that.

Definitely, we will be back. And we won't wait another five years.

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La Margarita
120 Produce Row, 227-7140
Visit La Margarita's Website!

Smithsonian Museo Alameda
101 South Santa Rosa, 299-4300
Visit the Alameda's Website!

Market Square (El Mercado)
Visit the Market Square Website!

Mi Tierra Restaurant and Bakery - open 24 hours a day!
Visit the Mi Tierra Website!

Lackland Air Show

2009-01-13T09:42:00.001-08:00

When we bought our home, I should have been impressed with the layout, the location, the condition, the details. After all, I am a Realtor - I know what to look for in a home and an investment.

But, no. When I found out that it had built-in surround sound speakers, I was ready to sign.

One of my favorite things about going to the movies - especially an IMAX - is the loud thumping that takes place in your heart during an action scene. To recreate this at home was something that I was looking forward to. The sub-woofer that I installed hasn't disappointed me.

However, the BEST place to experience that all-encompassing thunder in your body, the kind that makes your insides shake, is the Lackland Air Show.

Held once a year, usually around Veteran's Day, this festival is held in order to promote military pride and recruit new members. Or, to just delight my ears, but I don't think they're doing it for my benefit.

It's free and open to the public.

All around, you will see all kinds of helicoptors, jets, and cargo planes, from all eras of our military history in the air. You can go inside many of these. I am most blown away by the cargo planes - the cavernous inside is impressive. I strap myself to a seat on the side and take it all in.

There is lots of food and memorabilia to go around, but the real attraction is above you. This year, demonstrations were held by a an F-16 Falcon, a P-40 Warhawk, an F-22 Raptor, and other planes that I would not know the names of unless I looked them up.

Some of these fly solo, and some in formation.

There is also a program called "Tora, Tora, Tora", which is a recreation of the bombing at Pearl Harbor. My 9-year-old daughter, who is literally paralyzed with fear at July 4 fireworks, was mesmerized with this show, bombings and all. Vintage planes zoom, turn, roll, bomb, fight.

The final show, and the main reason for coming are the Blue Angels. Showing off the air power of the Navy, these are the jets that create the sonic music of my soul. They challenge everything we think of in an aircraft, flying upside-down and performing death-defying stunts. It is most magnificent when they fly together in formation, coming as close as 18 inches away from each other. At those kinds of speeds.

This is an event for all ages. We were there with my 2-year-old niece, up to my 90-year old retired Air Force grandfather. It was touching to see him there with all four of his great-grandchildren, passing along his love of flying to the little ones.

This is a new family tradition for us. Will it be yours?

Visit the Airshow Website!

(Note: Arrive early and bring folding chairs! You are in for an all-day show, and you will appreciate having something to sit on. There is plenty of parking, but it is quite a hike to the grounds. Shuttles are available for free.)

Central Market Cooking Class

2009-01-13T06:10:00.001-08:00

Sometimes, it feels good to think that you're in on a little secret.

Like watching a little-known film, and feeling that it spoke just to you.

Or discovering a new artist before anyone else has.

For years, I have shopped at the remarkable Central Market on Broadway, totally unaware that there was a third floor.

Now I know, and I'm going to let you in on the secret.

Ok, it's not really a secret. But, I don't think it's widely known outside of the Alamo Heights set.

Near the registers, there is a plain stairway, leading to offices for Central Market Associates. It is obvious that the public doesn't generally go up there - it is more confined and more dingy than the spacious downstairs. An employee had to direct me to another stairway past that second level to reach my destination.

When I arrived on the third floor, I knew that I was somewhere special. The hallway was lined with bouquets and gift baskets, recently assembled, and waiting for their debut on the shopping floor. They were full of color and life and treats. But, that wasn't where I was ultimately heading.

I walked past the display to an area that had little lunch tables in a big, bright space. Nearby was a sign-in desk - just what I was looking for.

I had arrived for my first Central Market Cooking Class.

I didn't know what to expect. In fact, I've never taken any kind of cooking class. I just learned to cook at the side of my mother, and under the tutelage of my patient husband, who endured some not-so delicious meals as I experimented with this and that.

I think he was looking forward to me taking the class.

I signed up for this particular one, because they were focusing on Turkish cooking. A big fan of ancient history and Middle Eastern culture, Rob and I honeymooned nearly 12 years ago in Turkey, and have always wanted to return. Four kids later, that's a pricey aspiration, so I was happy to spend $55 and recreate the trip in 2 1/2 hours on Broadway, two stories above the best grocery store in town.

The cooking class room was like a dream. To my left was a giant wall of windows that overlooked the store's produce and wine sections. If that doesn't get you in the mood for cooking and creativity, I don't know what would.

In the middle were two long rows of tables - enough to seat about 20 people. Small enough to make it intimate. To my right is where the magic happened. A fully-stocked kitchen complete with a six burner gas stovetop, preparation tables, a wall full of accessories, and best of all - bowls full of prep work, already completed.

Above us was a large, angled mirror, so that from any seat, you could have a bird's eye view of what the chef was doing. To the either side of the kitchen, there were television sets that were focused, respectively, on the stovetop and the countertop.

I had what might have been considered the worst seat in the house, and yet my visibility was still excellent.

I felt like I was on the set of a Food Network show.

The class started on time, which was a good thing, because there was lots on our agenda - Turkish Rose Ravioli, Turkish delight, hummus, walnut-stuffed figs, and strong coffee.

You can't say that Central Market doesn't go for authenticity. The instructor was a charming woman named Ozlem, who was raised in Ankara and Istanbul. Her warmth and enthusiasm for sharing her culture immediately brought me back to the wonderful times we had visiting her country - the crossroads of East and West, situated on both Europe and Asia.

Ozlem passionately rolled out fillo dough, lovingly rolled lamb, parsley, and onion into cigar shapes, expertly frothed coffee, and enthusiastically prepared our dessert.

I think my favorite discovery is that I like figs. She taught us to make a syrup of water, sugar, and cloves, and soak walnut-stuffed dried figs in them. Then, she served them with a dollop of marscapone cheese, and garnished it with ground pistachios.

Ozlem also wove Turkish geography and history into her presentation, giving well-rounded instruction on the culture, beyond just the food.

I could go on and on about this particular class, but considering that she is moving to London in April, this one won't be available any longer.

So, let me tell you what you can expect from any Central Market cooking class.

You will have a qualified, authentic instructor. You will receive handouts with the recipes and a glossary of terms. You will be served by assistants as if you were at a restaurant, and given tea, water, and samples of everything that is cooked. You will forget about everything outside of that little room for hours, and be immersed in the art of cooking.

If you go often enough, you may find camaraderie with the other students, but this not really a social venue.

Upon paying for the class, you receive a punch card. After ten visits, you will receive $40 off of your next class. Alternatively, if you volunteer twice to be a server and assistant, you will receive a $40 credit off of a future class.

I left the class with a full stomach and a happy heart. I found that there was a shower in the restroom, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could talk them into letting me move in. It would certainly be a lovely home for a foodie.

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Central Market
4821 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-368-8600
Visit the Central Market Website!

(Note: If you are on the Central Market mailing list, you will receive great coupons in the mail and information about upcoming classes. Not all of the classes are mailed out - for a complete list, visit the website.)

Magnolia Pancake Haus

2008-10-29T04:33:00.001-07:00

Some years ago, Rob and I were in New York City, and in the mood for an authentic deli experience.

We were walking near Radio City Music Hall at the time. We came upon two delis next to each other. One had a very long line, and one had no line at all.

Ravishingly hungry, I headed toward the one that would have a table right away.

Rob wisely steered me away, though.

"Look at all the locals at this one. It must be good if everyone is lining up to go here."

I saw his point, and we joined the throngs of New Yorkers waiting to eat at the Blue Flowers Deli.

Rob's point was further proven when we got a table more quickly than we expected, and we were treated to a mile-high, mouthwatering pastrami sandwich, a fruit bar with blueberries the size of baseballs (slight exaggeration!), and a front-row seat of daily New York life.

This was early in our marriage, and since then, I have been a subscriber to Rob's belief that for good food, go where it's busy.

Nowhere in my travels have I seen this proven to the same degree as our Big Apple experience, than in our own San Antonio.

Magnolia Pancake Haus - darling with its black and white awning reminicient of a European restaurant - is seemingly out of place in a so-so strip mall next to a Laser Quest. But the telltale sign that there is something special there are all of the people waiting on the front porch to get in.

On the weekend, getting a seat may easily take you an hour. Weekdays in the late morning are a more ideal time to come. However, even on the weekend, you will wait as your appetite grows, and you won't mind, knowing that you are making room for just one more pancake....

When you finally get in, the inside is as charming as the outside. The waitstaff hustles and the patrons are buzzing with light conversation.

At last, you are seated, and settle in to reading the menu the way you might dive into a much-loved novel.

Do I order a big stack of their famous buttermilk pancakes? Or, do I choose a gourmet omlette, knowing that I can order a side of pancakes instead of toast? Do I wait an extra fifteen minutes for them to make the German Munchener Apfel Pfannekuchen, an apple pancake delight that is like having dessert for breakfast?

Personally, my eyes usually wander to the omlette page - eggs AND pancakes, the best of both worlds. I fall into my old bad habit - going with my favorite stand-by, rather than try something else. At Magnolia Haus, my favorite is the Bodega Bay Omlette - it has applewood smoked bacon, arugula, goat cheese, and is drizzled with creme fraiche. One bite makes me think that I am back in San Francisco, and that stepping outside would lead me to a view of the foggy Golden Gate Bridge.

But, back to reality. Even the freshly squeezed orange juice added to my bill will remind me that I am in San Antonio, where the prices are more friendly to families than in the Bay Area, the reason that we moved here in the first place.

I am not alone in my praise for this Alamo City favorite. Texas Highways Magazine rated it "the best breakfast in Texas", and added, "Retire the trophy, these guys are the champs." They've also won nearly every "Best Breakfast" award possible locally.

My opinion of the breakfast here can be summed up by saying this: when I go somewhere, I am often inspired to write about it. I soak in the ambiance, collect details in my mind, and bring it home to my readers. I've been visiting the Magnolia Haus frequently, and have been intending to write about it. However, when I go there, I am so wrapped up in the deliciousness of the meal, that I am blinded to the details going on around me. This is why I haven't updated my blog in months, and thank you to the many people that have been asking for more!

All I can answer is that I have known that Magnolia Haus deserved to be the next place written about, but it's taken me this long to force myself to focus my attention away from my plate.

I hope that endorsement, along with the masses of people waiting on the porch on weekend mornings, will entice you to try it, and make it your own new favorite.

Magnolia Pancake Haus
606 Embassy Oak, San Antonio
210-496-0828
Visit the Magnolia Pancake Haus Website! (Log on just to enjoy reading the online menu!)

Forbidden Gardens - Katy, TX

2008-05-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

The misty air gave us a solemn feeling as we walked over the Bridge of Turtles towards the majestic red gates. We were about to enter a secret world - the Forbidden Gardens.

It's too bad that my blog doesn't have sound effects. This is where you would play the sound of a screeching vinyl record bringing you back to reality.

Our day driving towards Houston was very Texan, not very majestic. We passed a buffalo ranch outside of Seguin, Frank's truck restaurant in Schulenberg, and miles and miles of farms and ranches. The approach to Katy was a bit more cosmopolitan as we drove past the Katy Mills shopping center.

The Mapquest directions told us to turn on Grand Ave., one of the last exits before entering the Houston suburbs. We passed some road construction and some cookie-cutter neighborhoods, barely missing the quick driveway for our destination.

I don't remember where I first heard of the Forbidden Gardens, but being the field-trip hunter that I am, it was always on my list. I won't be in China any time soon that I know of, so this is the closest we could get.

The timing worked very well. My 9-year-old was just studying ancient China in her history lessons, and the Beijing Olympics are nipping at our heels. I always try to make current events and school studies relevant and tangible for my children, so this accomplished both.

The sky threatened a deluge, and my guidebook warned us that the Forbidden Gardens would close at the first sign of rain. We hurried past that bridge of turtles, much to the disappointment of my kids, but I was determined at 1:10 to talk my way into the 1pm tour and do what we could to miss the rain.

Whew! They let us in, but reiterated that if it rained, the tour would end, and we would not be refunded.

We rushed past two bald lion-like sculptures and entered the area that I was most excited to see - the terracotta soldiers.

Discovered in 1974, the real terracotta soldiers in China are loosely called the "Eighth Wonder of the World", and the title would not be far off. 6000 life-sized soldiers, each different from one another, were sculpted to protect the emperor in the 3rd Century BC.

Here in Katy, all 6000 soldiers were recreated at a 1/3 scale. It seemed that as far as the eye could see, these soldiers graced and protected the Texas fields. It was a spectacular sight, and would have been worth the admission and the drive all by themselves.

But our guide had more in store for us. We left the soldiers and visited a room full of ancient Chineses weaponry, learning that it was considered cowardly to wear a helmet in battle.

Our walk took us next to yet another wonder - a complete recreation of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

In real life, the Forbidden City is a gated sanctuary that is over 17 miles long, and would take seven hours to walk end-to-end. This must be the most elaborate palace grounds ever built. We towered over the city, seeing it from our bird's-eye view and watched as soldiers guarded, unichs served, concubines groomed, and children studied.

The skies broke just as we entered the shelter of this covered replica, and the blowing rain all around us added to the serious ambiance of the place. Trapped by the storm, we spent more time than usual with these miniature residents. We got to hear in more depth the tales of the beautifully-named highlights in the city - the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Preserving Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and on and on. Wow! The ancient Chinese could be modern-day spindoctors.

The rain subsided just long enough for us to run across the courtyard into the room of Chinese architecture. We saw exhibits modeling the brilliance of the structures, but were most impressed with their version of a security system. They would put cages of crickets outside all four corners of their homes. The crickets would perpetually chirp. However, if someone approached, the crickets would get quiet, and the family would know that there was someone outside that part of the house. Fascinating!

Our final walk took us by a wedding carriage and to a table laid out with an emperor's feast. We discovered that it was an honor to eat the emperor's half-eaten leftoveres, and the men would eat just bear's feet for weeks hoping that it would make them more likely to produce sons.

The rain pounded us again, and the kindly staff pulled out their umbrellas and walked us back to the safety of our cars. We were again in modern Texas, a bit culture-shocked, a bit more educated, and a bit more grateful for living in 2008.

When we watch the summer Olympics, they will surely feature the Forbidden City in their festivities. We can't say we've been there, but we've been to the next best thing.
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Forbidden Gardens
23500 Franz Road, Katy, TX 77493
281-347-8000
Visit the Forbidden Gardens Website!

San Antonio Zoo

2008-03-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!"

Dorothy unknowingly started a litany of the menegarie of wildlife found at our beloved San Antonio Zoo.

I fell in love with the zoo when I was a child. I have pictures of me with my Aunt Missy sitting under orange umbrellas near the hippo habitat when I was not much bigger than the Madagascan lemurs across the way. My children think those pictures are sooooo old. However, the zoo pre-dates my birth by 62 years.

Stared in 1914, the zoo grew from just a few animals donated by Colonel George Brackenridge, to the habitats and educational centers that encompass it today. Over 3500 animals, representing 750 species, call it home.

Enthusiasm for the zoo is wild, no pun intended. Every time I go, there is something new to discover. Last year, my daughters were enthralled with the free-flying butterflies, and a few days ago, they discovered that amphibians are "Toadally" terrific. This new exhibit made them realize that there is a spectrum of the croaking creatures beyond the ones that visit our backyard pond in the spring.

Enough with the alliteration.

The newest feature of the zoo is the "Africa" exhibit, which is near completion. It expands the previous habitats for the elephants, zebras, giraffes, and ostrich.

Besides all of the special displays, the kids delight in all the old favorites - the fish, the monkeys, the jaguar, the komodo dragon, etc.

There's so much to learn from taking the time to read the signs. We've studied the continents through going to the zoo and finding on a map where each animal came from. We've learned that flamingos get their pink color from the shrimp that they eat, and that bats are nocturnal creatures. We came face-to-face with a giant anaconda on our last visit. My nine-year-old daughter read that it was a carnivore. "Although today, it's an herbivore", she said, "because it's a Friday in Lent." Ha, ha, I suppose you can even create Catholic humor at the zoo!

I love that they have made an air-conditioned spot for the little ones, called the Tiny Tot Nature Spot. You can find it about halfway through the zoo, and it is such a respite on our hot Texas days. The first steps to the spot are over a lily pad, which leads to an aquarium tunnel where some of the fish are as big as the children! Later, you encounter a turtle pond, and then go inside where even more fun awaits the kids. The first room features animal toys, a puppet theater, and a ticket stand. The second room has a "fishing" hole. Then, you move on to what appears to be underground earthworm tunnels. The kids are one with the bugs as they crawl through and come face to face with tarantulas and other critters. At the end, they can tunnel up and mingle with a field of groundhogs.

The indoor part also features clean bathrooms, and even has a room with rocking chairs for nursing moms!

Back outside, a mini-petting zoo features roosters and goats, and hand sanitizer. A tot-sized water park is another great hot-weather spot.

My favorite thing about the zoo, though, it its size. I have seen a lot of zoos in a lot of cities, and have visited the remarkable San Diego Zoo several times. As fantasic as the S.D. Zoo is, it is too large to take in in one day, is quite expensive, and is a stroller nightmare as you have to navigate many hills.

The San Antonio Zoo, in comparison, can be completed in about four hours. A perfect day there features going through half of it, stopping in the Tiny Tot are for some down time, walking through some more of the zoo, and finishing it off with an ice cream.

A great value for families is their season pass. At only $60 per family, you will discover over and over the treasure that has been in San Antonio for 94 years.
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San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary's St.
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-734-7184
Visit the San Antonio Zoo Website!
Please visit the website for an online coupon, and more information about classes for children - EdZoocation.

Gourmet Burger Grill

2008-02-17T19:50:00.001-08:00

What's in a name? Or, rather, what's in a nickname?

A nickname indicates familiarity, or affection.

I've had a lifelong disdain for the makeover that my grandmother gave my name. Christened "Camille Elizabeth", a parental decision which I have always appreciated, my grandmother called me "Cammie Liz". I had to let her get away with it. But just anyone else try it, and watch out!

It was important to name my children nickname-free names: Claire, Gina. Our third is Mary Teresa, at the insistance of my husband. I love her name, but I find even myself calling her "M.T.", and I could probably make up a hundred more nicknames from those two words if I had to.

Nicknames are not all bad, though. They can be a sign of affection. My sister and I, both born in the wrong decade, have shortened Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra to a simple "Dean and Frank". She and I know immediately know who were talking about when we talk about Frank. Then, we break into a can-can chorus of "New York, New York".

Such is the case with the Gourmet Burger Grill. Although it is aptly named, in our appreciation for this fantastic new San Antonio restaurant, we've nicknamed it simply, "GBG". A dangerous thing to do when talking to someone who hasn't been there - such a vague moniker could mean anything - "Care to eat at Garbage Bin Gunk tonight, anyone?"

Thankfully, the GBG we know and love is exactly the opposite.

It is certainly gourmet - Angus beef, sweet-potato fries, twenty-six sauces, thirteen kinds of cheese. Oh, yes, they carry American and cheddar, but have you ever asked for a lettuce-wrapped burger with feta cheese and basil garlic aioli? Or, a tropical burger with mango avocado salsa? Well, you could ask for it at GBG.

But, traditionalists, have no fear - a regular, old-fashioned bacon cheeseburger is a main menu staple.

I almost always skip the menu, though, and just look at the specials board. This is where the owner becomes an artist, continually creating something new and tempting. Yesterday, I didn't hesitate when I saw the word "Caprese" on the board. My delicious burger came with buffalo mozzerella, tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar.

The only speciality I haven't seen yet is an unusual Maui staple, which is a cheeseburger with an egg fried on top of it. But, if I were inclined to order it, the owner would, no doubt, whip one up for me.

The restaurant is small, and always busy, but the staff seems to have a special talent for magically rearranging tables to accomodate everyone.

Hurry to try what will soon become a San Antonio favorite. GBG has everything going for it - quality, selection, affordability, creativity, and it could no doubt become the flagship for a major new brand. Come say that you ate at the original.

(Update - May 2008 - We just celebrated Mother's Day at GBG, and they didn't charge any moms to eat! They are going to do the same with Father's Day - dads get a free hamburger. They will be doing something similar for veterans later in the year, but I do not have a date yet. I will keep you posted.)
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Gourmet Burger Grill
18414 US Hwy 281 N Suite 116 @ The Legacy ,San Antonio, Texas. 78259
Tel.(210) 545 3800 Fax. (210) 545-5529
Visit the Gourmet Burger Grill Website!

Scholastic Warehouse

2008-01-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

If you ask a child what they think they will find in Heaven, you might hear answers like "Disneyland", "cotton candy", or "puppies."

Aside from the obvious spiritual aspects of Eternal Life, I hope that Heaven has copious chocolate and books.

I fulfilled my chocolate dreams by having lived for several years near Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the air smells of cocoa and the streetlamps are kiss-shaped.

However, it is in San Antonio that my book dreams have been answered.

The Scholastic Warehouse on Perrin Creek is Book Heaven.

Think back to when you were in school, and the teacher would pass out those newspaper-like flyers with book lists. My mom would let me pick two each time, and I had such a hard time narrowing down my choices. I was the kid that chose to go the library at recess. (Sister Charles Marie was concerned that I might have a life of crime in my future, merely because I tore through the entire Nancy Drew collection in record time. Why didn't she think I was destined to become a detective?)

I'll never forget the first time I walked into the Scholastic Warehouse. It is literally a working warehouse, complete with concrete floors, cinder-block walls, with exposed pipes and industrial lights in the ceiling. If it has central air or heating, you wouldn't know it, because it is cold in the winter, and hot in the summer, especially as the loading dock garage doors are usually open.

But who needs ambiance when before your eyes are countless rows of books, nearly floor to ceiling, and overflowing into carts and bins?

There must be a secret system known only to employees because a book about Spiderman can be found next to a cookbook, which is next to a pop-up book about Tutankhamun, which is next to a Clifford-the-Big-Red-Dog paperback. It almost confuses my German sense of order, but instead I love the necessity of walking down each aisle, looking at every single book to find what I want.

And, oh, do I want them all! I don't believe in being materialistic, but I do make an exception in regards to books. After all, books are the gateway to new life, new civilization, allow you to boldly go where no man has gone before.

I'm confusing that with an old "Star Trek" episode I watched last night. But, the point is the same. Books, in my opinion, are an experience, not a collection of items.

The catch to the Scholastic Warehouse is that it is only open to the public several times a year, and even then, they have restrictions. The sales are open to teachers, homeschoolers, and other people directly involved in the education of children. Admittedly, they have a fairly loose definition of this, but if you are interested in going, and cannot claim one of the catagories, you can sign up as a volunteer, and thus have access to the sale.

The sales are fantastic. Every book is at least 50% off, and sometimes much more. There is usually a clearance section where the prices are even better. One time, the had a sale where you could load up an HEB-sized plastic bag with as many books as possible, and only pay a dollar.

Although the majority of books relate to children, there are definitely selections for an older crowd. Cookbooks, self-help books, novels, history books, etc. can be found on many shelves if you have the time and patience to walk through the hallowed halls slowly and methodically.

I never walk out of there without several boxes taking up room in the cart, and a sudden lightness to my wallet.

I'm looking around my house, trying to figure out where we can add more bookshelves.

Scholastic Warehouse
4646 Perrin Creek
San Antonio, TX
800-633-4270
Visit the Scholastic Bookfair Website!
(Register for a Fast Pass, which expidites your payment on-site, and give you a $10 coupon off of purchases of $50 or more.)

Goliad

2008-01-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

You might argue that Goliad, being at least two hours from the Alamo City, does not belong in a blog called "My Hidden San Antonio". However, as I told several people where we were going today, only to be met by blank stares, I think we can safely consider it "hidden". And, considering its historic relationship to the battle at the Alamo, we can certainly see the link to San Antonio.

I was reminded today of our many childhood roadtrips when my parents called us this morning to see if we'd like to go to Goliad. This is Texas History in real life, rather than a textbook, and we jumped at the chance to take our daughters.

The road to Goliad is uneventful - the land is flat, and a dull, wintry brown. My daughters brought books to read, and my parents tried to convince me of the marvels of Global Positioning technology. I'm proficient on my compter, could program my VCR back when they existed, set up our home's surround sound system, and love my iPod immensely. I just haven't made the jump to a GPS from the tactile satisfaction of a good map as my traveling companion. However, as I was the guest and a passenger, I tolerated "Sophie" (their nickname for it, meaning "wisdom") for the duration. I will admit that she got us there without error, monitored our speed, calculated our estimated arrival time, washed the dishes, served us coffee.....oh, not those last few.

Like many small towns in both Texas and elsewhere, the entrance to Goliad is quiet and somewhat non-descript. Then, a large, proud sign appears, pointing the way to the historic district.

The historic district in Goliad is charming. In the middle of the square towers a breathtaking county courthouse made of stone and trimmed in red and green. Multiple turrets make it visible from far away. To its side stands an impressive tree, famous for hanging the county's criminals once upon a time. In fact, the tree is the square's claim to fame, being the namesake of several businesses around it.....The Hanging Tree Antiques, the Hanging Tree Restaurant, etc.

We opted for a later lunch and drove around the corner to the historic state park. The entrance hints of what lies ahead, as the stone pillars, ornamented with Texas stars, welcome you. To your right is a gleaming white mission church, Espiritu Santo. This is where, in 1749, Spanish missionaries lived and worked among the native people, evangelizing as they went along.

A little further down the road is a another white structure, this one much smaller, much more humble. It is the birthplace of Ignacio Zaragosa, a general in the Mexican Army, and the leader of the battle for which "Cinco De Mayo" is celebrated. (I just had to backspace while spelling that - at first, I typed "Di Maio", which is our last name, prounced the same. Habit, I suppose. People have suggested that we name a dog "Cinco", but our children have named our two canine companions Kate and Sugar. Alas, no historical significance there.)

Just across from that is the structure that most people drive to Goliad for - The Presidio La Bahia. The name means "The Fort of the Bay", and one look around will make you question where the water is. A video inside will inform you that Spanish originally established the fort in 1721 at Lavaca Bay, but moved inland when it didn't meet their needs.

The first site is a chapel, resplendent with a floor-to-ceiling mural of the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary. But this is most definitely a fort, not a mission. The perimeter is marked by a vast stone wall, the corners rounded by watchtowers and canon holes. There are also smaller holes interspersed throughout the walls, presumably for rifles. Our daughters made a game of finding all of the rifle holes. My husband, the Marine, was just happy that they were taking interest in something other than dolls and stuffed animals.

There were some rooms, many with beautiful wooden beams. Heavy wooden doors were decorated with copper accents, green from the touch of time. On the walls are two flags - one with a canon, meant to taunt the enemy, saying "Come and get it." The other has a red arm, used by the Texans to indicate that they would rather give up their right arm than live under the dictatorship of Santa Anna any longer.

Many events occured at the presido between the Spanish settlement, and the Texas occupation of the fort. In the 1770s, the Spanish sent their army from the fort to the Gulf to fight the British and assist the colonists in the American Revolution.

The name of the town was changed in 1829 from "La Bahia" to "Goliad", as an attempt at an anagram of a Father Hidalgo in the Mexican Revolution, as the Mexicans now claimed the area.

In 1835, the Texans stormed the fort and took it as their own. In the chapel, 92 citizens signed the first Texas Declaration of Independence, and flew the Lone Star flag for the first time.

Perhaps now, it is most well known for the day of March 27, 1836 when Col. James Walker Fannin and 341 of his men were captured and subsequently massacred by General Santa Anna. "Remember Goliad" joined the cry of "Remember the Alamo", and the United States took notice.

Today, the Presidio is run by the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, and Mass is celebrated in the chapel every Sunday evening. It is recognized as the only completely restored Spanish fort in the Western Hemisphere.

History may overwhelm the mind, but the stomach can't be fed on musings of the past. Hungry, we drove the short distance back to the historic square, and chose between the two restaurants available. We selected The Hanging Tree (surprise, surprise). Open for only a month, this eatery was a real find. The building had most recently housed a Dollar Store, but now was made elegant by white triple dental mouldings, cranberry-colored walls, and white beadboard all around. The decor was equaled only by the service. Our waitress could not have been more helpful. The meal was very affordable - the kids menu was only $2.99, which is much less than what I have seen elsewhere.

We all wavered over the daily special - beef stew in a bread bowl, or blackened catfish, but the stew won out with 3 of us ordering it, and 1 ordering the catfish. The girls ordered chicken fingers (a childhood staple), and grilled cheese. This grilled cheese was open-faced on French bread - mighty gourmet for a little mouth. Surprised that our 7-year-old was actually torn between the proposed sides of salad, green beans, or French fries, the waitress brought ALL of them out to her, thus giving us more to sample.

It was all wonderful. The beef stew was perfect, the meat just falling apart at your touch. The broth saturated the bread bowl, and reminded me of what we used to order at Boudin's when we lived in San Francisco. We agreed that this was actually better than the Bay Area's famous menu item.

We left after meeting the owner, complimenting the cook, and taking a look at the old pictures of the town, hung on the walls. We wished that The Hanging Tree had a branch (no pun intended) in San Antonio. We would be frequent patrons.

We drove back, feeling a "good tired", content with full bellies, and entertained by the belated Christmas songs that our 3 year old was singing. "Sophie" led the way, accomodated our detours around traffic, and almost won me over. Almost.

Visit the Goliad Chamber of Commerce Website!

Rudy's Barbecue (Leon Springs)

2007-12-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

As I am married to a man that never says no to a pile of brisket, I have tried my share of barbecue joints over the years. I'm convinced that the wrong place to eat this Texas favorite is in a restaurant that serves it up on a plate, with a fork and knife close by.

If good barbecue can be judged by atmophere and lack of place settings, Rudy's barbecue in Leon Springs must be the best.

Rudy's is the first barbecue place that I remember visiting. We drove from Denver once a year to visit our San Antonio relatives, and no trip was complete without visiting Rudy's. This was when anything north of 1604 and I10 was considered "the country", and you certainly didn't find Ducati dealerships and Sonic fast food along the way. There was nothing convenient about going, so the journey up the interstate was for the sole purpose of visiting this Brisket Mecca.

Driving up to the glorified shack that Rudy's is, you pass several fuel pumps, and become a believer that the smell of gasoline and meat is an essential component to authentic barbecue. You are a little concerned by their sign, claiming that they are "The Worst BBQ in Texas." However, your eyes tell a different story as you see a line far out of the building, even hours after lunchtime.

You join the line, inhaling the smoky, spicy air. All around you are people of every class and every race sharing an insatiable hunger for meat. Who knew that Leon Springs, Texas, could be a mini United Nations? I think it is safe to say that the small town will not host any PETA conventions anytime soon, though.

A map is hung atop the doorway, with pins showcasing where all their visitors are from. There is not a state in this great country that is not represented by a barbecue-eating visitor. To the right, you see plastic cups with plastic forks and knives. Only when you look up do you realize that there are no napkins here. That would be too dainty. No, at Rudy's, you must clean up with solid, sturdy paper towels, being distributed by the same kind of metal dispensers that you have only seen in restrooms. Being December, the dispenser is covered in snowman wrapping paper.

You've studied every detail, observed every ravenous diner, and finally enter The Room - this is where all the magic happens. Once inside, you are hit with the intensity of heat and smoke and noise as workers cook and cut and serve. It is chaotic, but exciting. You have a bit more time in line to deliberate over creamed corn, corn slaw, potatoes, etc. And that's just the sides. The meat line offers brisket, turkey, ribs, sausage, and more.

You pick a drink from the icy tubs, and make your selection. You order is thrown into a plastic box and lined with pages of shiny, waxy paper sheets. Later, when you are looking for plates, you realize that these ARE your plates. The Chinet salesman may want to consider a housecall.

Slices of white bread are pulled out of a bag, and placed with your food as you move along the assembly line to the registers. A military ID card will get you an extra 10% off, and a sincere "thank you" for your service.

Your next decision is where to eat. It is tempting to sit outside and enjoy the weather, but flies are trying to be diners, too, and you choose the indoors.

Deja vu hits as you look at the tables inside and remember your school cafeteria days. You will not be sitting privately with your party here - no, this is one big happy family. Pull up a metal folding chair, and make some friends.

Everyone digs in, putting meat and sides on their paper, adding sauce, swigging root beer. Conversation is temporarily stunted, as everyone is occupied with the tender and savory food in front of them. The only words you might speak or hear are, "Does anyone have more napkins?"

The walls are worth looking at. They proudly point out water stains, and indicate the years and the floods that created each mark. A sign reminds you to mind your manners, saying, "You're mother isn't here, so clean up after yourself."

(Today, in fact, my mother was with me, but I ended up clearing away my own trash, anyway. I guess she didn't read the sign.)

If you're not full, a near impossibility, you are tempted with Bluebell ice cream desserts and locally made peanut brittle.

When you're finished, you exit Rudy's with a smile on your face, a lump in your belly, and the echo of a friendly "Good-bye" from the cashier in your head. The screen door of this humble 78-year-old building slams behind you, and you see the million dollar mansions of the Dominion on the hill in front of you.

This is the glory of Texas, and the glory of Rudy's - the intersection of the spectrum of people, as they speak together the common language of barbecue.

Visit Rudy's Website!
210-698-2141

NOTE: If you are facing Rudy's, look to your right. You will see a small, white-stone building with an Alamo-arch facade. This was once the home of the original Macaroni Grill. Now with locations nation-wide, this little building started it all. I used to come here with my family to enjoy the delicious pasta and the opera-singing waitstaff. A major flood just a few years ago sealed its fate, and now you can only enjoy Macaroni's in one of their many chains. Rudy's is now a chain, too, with branches in Texas and the Southwest. The Rudy's at Leon Springs is the original, and still the best.

Brindle's Gelato

2007-12-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

I've decided that the best thing about having children is the food.

How else, as an adult, can you indulge in the comfort of Kraft macaroni and cheese without looking over your shoulder to see if anyone's watching? At least if the kids have been eating it, you can finish off what's left in the pot and claim that you had to finish it because it would be wrong to waste it.

Kids are a good excuse to have Oreos in my pantry, or to get a candy at the bank.

Having children is very convenient when you go out for ice cream. There are so many flavors to choose from. I would like to ask the person behind the counter for a zillon samples, but I might start an angry riot with the people behind me. However, when you have children, everyone orders something different, and you get to try a bit of them all. The more children, the better - all the more flavors to sample.

I've never met a carton of Baskin Robbins Rocky Road that I didn't like, but I have to say that Brindle's, an independent gelato shop located at Huebner and I10, has turned my head. A favorite of our family for several years now, Brindle's has over two hundred tempting choices. Only about forty are available at any given time, but I asked them once for the list of all the flavors, and it was quite impressive.

Have you ever tasted avocado ice cream? Cucumber sorbet? Habenero gelato? I didn't think so.

Ok, neither have I. For being the adventurous eater that I generally am, I have not yet brought myself to go into such uncharted territory, but I feel oh-so-sophisticated for even entering such a progressive establishment.

I have, however, enjoyed cake batter ice cream, and amaretto gelato, along with many more traditional offerings. I've sampled the bright blue lollipop flavor that my daughters love. I suspect they really like this one because it comes with lollipop chunks nestled in the ice cream, and they must think that this is somehow a loophole to my ONE DESSERT policy. That, or they like the unnatural colors that their tongues turn in to.

If two hundred flavors were not enough to make a non-committal person shake in their boots, Brindle's offers sugar cones, waffle cones, waffle bowls, chocolate cones, chocolate-dipped cones, chocolate-dipped-AND-sprinkled cones, and an array of toppings that I won't even begin to get in to. Whew!

The atmosphere at Brindle's evokes a local coffee shop hangout. It is colorful and quirky, and attracts people of all ages to sit and visit, and make new friends. I once met an old man there, sitting alone with his book and his ice cream. He complimented my girls, and we engaged in an hour-long conversation where I learned about his life and his history. Talking with him became the cherry on the top of the outing. Good thing, because I hadn't ordered a cherry on top of my gelato.

When the weather is nice, especially in the evenings, the outside tables become coveted as a post-movie theater crowd wanders over and blends with the artsy types coming from the bookstore next door.

As I write this, my husband is getting ready to wrap our pipes, as we might hit freezing tonight, and yet the thought of a cup of Brindle's gelato still sounds good.

I am being kept warm, next to my frosty window, by my youngest daughter, who just crawled into my lap and fell asleep. This was just after she told me that I am "sparkly", which I can only attribute to the eyeshadow that I have not yet washed off.

As she slumbers here, so cozy, so peaceful, so beautiful, I think that after all, THIS is the best thing about having children. But the food is still a close second.

Brindle's: 11255 Huebner Road 210-641-5222.

HINT: Ask for the frequent-user card. You will get a punch for each cone that you purchase, except for the children's portions. After 12, you will get a free one.

The Majestic Majestic

2007-12-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

In today's world of non-stop entertainment, hi-tech prowess, and up-the-ante graphics, we are hard pressed to discover anything that stops us in our tracks and takes our breath away.

Look no further. The Majestic Theater in San Antonio lives up to its name, and all of the synonyms that my thesaurus can handle - lofty, stately, exalted, regal, illustrious, sublime, extraordinary, towering, overwhelming, awe-inspiring.

Anticipation builds as you turn on to Houston Street. Unless you are seeing a matinee, it is dark outside. Tonight, the mist makes the globe lights of the marquis bewitching.

The brick sidewalk leading to the theater bears the names of the many patrons that ponied up a total of $8 million dollars for the restoration and expansion of the 78-year-old theater. Later, you will want to look them up, and kiss their feet in thanks.

As you walk into the threshold, brick gives way to mosaic, and the tiny, colorful stones invite you into the enchantment that will grow with each step.

The Majestic reveals herself slowly, knowing that you won't be able to take the full impact all at once.

The wonder of the lobby would be enough, but theatergoers are streaming in through the intricately-carved, chocolate-colored doors, and your curiousity carries you through.

The mosaic floor has now transitioned into a tapestry floor, but by this time, your eyes are no longer with your feet.

The room buzzes as some people wander, some take their seats, some order a drink, and others pour over the evening's program. The air is thick with excitement.

Around you swirls elaborate scrollwork with shades of turquoise and burnt orange framed by gold. A glance at the low ceiling shows you that not one inch has been neglected. Stained glass and silver mini-domes adorn what you later learn is the bottom of the mezzanine section. As your eyes follow the lines of the ceiling, they lead you through the aisle, where you are suddenly struck with the beauty of the stage. Bordered by towering teal-and gold pillars on the side, and ornate carvings on the top, pulled together by a coat of arms in the center, you are now being lured deeper by the Majestic's beckoning finger.

"Come further," she says. "You have not seen all that I have to show you."

You follow, unable to resist the possibility that there is more.

You continue down the aisle, and are soon freed from the box that the mezzanine holds you in.

Suddenly, all of your sensory powers leave you to give strength to your eyes. You freeze for a moment, unable to move, unable to feel, unable to hear. Every bit of energy must be given to your vision, or else you will be unable to contain what is before you.

You are no longer in a theater. You are in an opulent Spanish palace courtyard. You turn a full 360 degrees, with a few pauses along the way. In front of you, you see in even more detail the splendor of the stage and proscenium. To your left and right, magnificent palace walls look down on you and strut their beauty. Nothing is humble. Each detail you take in flaunts its offerings to you, and each one is more spectacular than the last. Carvings, scrollwork, gilded surfaces, statues, doves, angels, Moorish arches, spindled balconies, and even a rare white peacock say, "Look at me! I am better than all the rest!" The presence of a peacock is fitting, for that is the proud animal that is most like the Majestic.

You glance towards the ceiling, looking for a little relief from all that there is to see. Oh, but the Majestic has saved the best for last.

"Ceiling" is such a common and repugnant name for such a wonder. It is colored shades of blue that are not found in any Crayola box, and it attempts to compete with God in the creation of an evening sky. Embedded lights twinkle for a starry effect and even clouds roll across hauntingly.

The mother-of-the-bride is not supposed to outshine her daughter. The Majestic, the body of the mother, takes none of this to heart as she boldly tells you that she is more splendid than the fruit of her womb, the stage.

The headliners, the shows, the symphonies that are born on her stage are temporarily exhilarating, but are no match for the commanding dowager. They fade and become distant and pleasant memories, but the Majestic captivates you, stays with you, and leaves you wanting more.

Did I mention that I saw a show last night? My apologies for making this an afterthought. Handel's "Messiah" was lovely, as good as the many shows that I've enjoyed in their Broadway offerings.

But come February 28, if anyone should ask me what my plans are for that afternoon, I won't be telling them that I'm going to go see "The Phantom of the Opera". I'll tell them, "I'm going to The Majestic."

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For a virtual tour and history of the theater, Visit the Majestic's Website!

Side note: If my descriptions seem over the top, it is because the Majestic IS over the top. I have been fortunate to see many theater productions in my life. As a past performer, I try to always get seats in the orchestra. I love seeing the actors' faces without binoculars, and to even see the sweat trickle down their faces. The acting and vocal abillity are everything to me. The Majestic is truly the only theater I've ever been in where I struggle with whether I should buy in the orchestra or mezzanine. The splendor of the theater is so great that it does indeed outshine whatever is on the stage. The best of both worlds is to sit in the mezzanine, and absorb the theater and stage all at once. Also - photos were taken from the Majestic website.

Toy Zone (NW Military)

2007-12-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

I love old movies. I have Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, and Doris Day Tivo-ed. My dream evening would be a frosty snow outside the window, a hearty fire keeping me warm, fluffy fleece pajamas, decadent hot chocolate in my mug, and a black-and-white movie on my television.

One of my favorites is "The Shop Around the Corner" with the unmatchable Jimmy Stewart. Years later, it was remade into "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. For once, a remake was at least as good as the original.

In the movie, Meg Ryan plays a small bookstore owner that is in danger of being put out of business by a behemoth Borders/Barnes and Noble megastore progeny. She is counting on the depth of her knowledge of children's books and her passion for literature to triumph over the glitz and prices offered elsewhere.

Her charming shop is the stuff that dreams are made of. But here in San Antonio, we have a toy store with all of the same enchanting features.

The store is a small wonderland packed with plastic animals, metal trains, colorful art supplies, and much more. They carry popular brands and unknown joys.

The owner of Toy Zone has been selling delights to children of all ages since 1985. You will not find a disinterested part-timer punching the clock here. Instead, expect to have a conversation with the owner as he helps you find just the right item for the person on your gift list.

Last year, an aunt bought my youngest a primary-colored button set that had pre-designed pictures for you to match your buttons to. I had never seen anything like it. She told me that she found it at Toy Zone, and that the gentleman had selected the Italian toy when she said that she wanted something for her 2 year old niece. My daughter has been enjoying it ever since.

A few days ago, we decided to buy a tricycle for that same daughter, now 3. She will surely grow out of it before too long, as she idolizes her big sisters and already wants to ride the two-wheeled bikes that they do. So, we wanted something that would last for a little while, but not break the bank. The shopkeeper showed us his wide selection of trikes, and helped us find a perfect model.

As we shopped, I noticed that he knew several of the customers by name, and remembered items that they had purchased in the past. He conspired with me as I hid a few items under a bag so that my children would not see the Christmas presents that I had chosen.

This level of customer service is a rare find in a day where the bottom line and hurried pace are Almighty. This is what you get when you come to someone who treats their job like a vocation.

And what vocation could be a more happy one than one where you make children and parents smile every day?

Perhaps the greatest proof to me that Toy Zone is a special little place, is that my daughters all cry "Toy Zone!" if we drive down NW Military, but I don't hear a peep when we pass Toys R Us.

Or maybe, it is just because their Webkinz rack is easier to find.

Toy Zone: 1003 NW Military, 78231 210-366-1300

Navarro Mexican Grill

2007-12-09T05:36:00.000-08:00

I love Mexican food. Every time I try a new Mexican restaurant, I order the cheese enchiladas. I'll diversify on a second visit, but somehow those red-colored tortillas and yellow cheddar cheese are my benchmark.

The reality is, however, that many Mexican restaurants are created equal. There might be a variation in atmosphere or a menu change here and there, but overall you can expect to find many of the same selections, all served with rice and refried beans on the side.

A few stand out in my mind for one reason or another - I like Karem's on Zarzamora, Mexican Manhattan downtown, La Fonda on New Braunfels, and Alamo Cafe on 281.

This past year, though, we have been frequent visitors to Navarro Mexican Grill, and it is head and shoulders above the rest.

Actually, it's an unfair competition. This would be like Lance Armstrong racing next to members of a tricycle derby.

Navarro's is located in a shopping center at the corner of Lockhill-Selma and West in Castle Hills. There have been a number of restaurants at this location over the years, but Navarro's has been here for awhile now, and I hope they're here to stay.

You walk up to the typical strip mall facade, but your first impressions are immediately changed when you step inside. The salsa music makes your feet start dancing even though you're trying just to walk. That's ok - the phenomenon is happening to everyone else, too.

You're welcomed as if you're family. The staff seems genuinely happy to see you. The general manager, Jose, comes out and visits with you, making sure that you feel at home. Although you order from a menu, one with lots of color pictures, I might add, you get the feeling as if you're in someone's home, and they are ready to whip up whatever you'd like to eat.

I suppose you're not truly just a guest when you have to pay at the end of the meal, but the prices make this easy on you. Most breakfast entrees are only $6. Breakfast here includes eggs benedict, a guacamole omelet, or traditional American fare of pancakes and eggs.

Lunch is fabulous, too. My favorite is a stuffed avocado with a choice of meat, and served with black beans and a Caesar salad. A Caesar salad in a Mexican restaurant? My husband must have been wishing on the right star.

Paella, innovative enchiladas, and stuffed poblano peppers entice you on the dinner menu, but what I mostly look forward to are the banana chingalingas - fried and sliced bananas served with vanilla ice cream. I really could just make a whole meal of this.

Stuffed, happy, and still with a lot of weight in your wallet, you leave Navarro's. Your feet are still dancing, and your heart is warmed by the new friends you've made in the waitstaff and the manager.

You're already thinking about what you're going to order next time.

Navarro Mexican Grill - 8055 West Ave, 210-366-0416

(Update: Sadly, Jose's father in California is very ill. Jose has closed Navarro's to move back to California to take care of him. We will miss the restaurant terribly, but we are keeping Jose and his father in our prayers.)

SAS Shoe Factory Tour

2007-12-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

I grew up with my parents wearing SAS shoes. They would travel frequently, and swore by them. My mother-in-law has the same addiction. I have always thought that they were meant for the people that had crossed over from the Fashion First/Comfort Second side of footware to Comfort First/Fashion Second side. I remember them being the shoes of choice of all of the nuns in my Catholic grade school.

Recently, my children have become fans of the show "How It's Made" on the Discovery Channel. We've watched factories turn out everything from jelly beans to hockey sticks to contact lenses. As I am always looking for a great new field trip for us, I thought a factory tour would be an interesting one.

I knew that SAS (standing for San Antonio Shoes) had a factory here, so I looked up times and booked a tour.

Although there are stores scattered around San Antonio, the factory is located on the south side of town, near I10 and Division. It is at the cross section of Zarzamora and New Laredo Highway.

As you drive into the parking lot, it feels like stepping into another world. A train station platform greets you as you park your car and walk toward the old-town-looking building.

Inside, you are met by a world from another time. My children love reading the "Little House on the Prairie" series, and it reminded me of that. It had a general store type of feeling, and sold everything from toffee candy to gardening books. Cat food dishes and keychains. An old fashioned ice cream parlor offered free soft serve to children and in another area, they were able to get popcorn for 5 cents. They marveled at the classic car in the middle of the floor, sitting right next to the giant stuffed bull that was next to the outhouse. If you think that it all sounds thrown together, than I'm not adequately communicating that all of this works like a tapestry of the past put together for your enjoyment.

And, among all of the many old fashioned delights, they sell......oh, yes, shoes! One section has men's shoes. As my husband browsed, he was greeted by an employee who ushered him over to a seat. The seat was the seat of a horse-and-buggy carriage. She measured him, pulled out her shoehorn, and put on the dressy loafers that he had been looking at. He really liked them, and bought them at $30 off the regular price. You see, the factory store here sells the "seconds", although honestly, I have yet to find a flaw.

Next to the men's, they sell children's shoes, and they make them on the spot. My kids enjoyed watching them sew the shoes together, and were disappointed that they didn't come in their size. They only go to size 10.

Then, we ventured to the women's side, which was sorted by size. There was also a world of purses and belts and accessories. The girls ate popcorn while I tried on some shoes. I was surprised that either the styles had been updated or that I'm venturing into that Comfort First side. I don't think so, though. The three-inch Mia sandals sitting in my closet don't exactly scream of coziness.

After selecting two pairs of sandals, we headed over to take our factory tour. We had pre-arranged this, although if you call the store (924-6562), they can tell you what their regular tour times are. There is no charge for the tour.

We boarded a shuttle bus, and were taken into what seemed like a real-life version of the "How It's Made" show. Everything was buzzing - people, sewing machines, racks of shoes being walked around the building. Every station was different. At one station, someone would be stretching the leather. At another, someone was cutting it. At another, someone was sewing it. Near the end, someone would be attaching it to the sole. At the end, the sharp-eyed quality control staff would check for the slightest imperfection.

I imagined that this is what the elves from the "Elves and the Shoemaker" story would look like as they cranked that footware out in the middle of the night.

What was pleasant to discover was that people seemed happy to be working there. There were signs filled with positive affirmations all around, and I never go the "sweat shop" feel that I would have expected from a factory.

I also liked that they said that everything is made in one of their four USA factories.

The tour lasted about 45 minutes, a perfect time for children's short attention spans.

I had once arranged a field trip for our homeschool group here, but my kids were sick on the scheduled day, so we missed it. The parents all said that they had a great time, though, and now I was able to see why.

So don't miss this hidden treasure in San Antonio!

*******************
SAS Shoe Factory
101 New Laredo Highway
San Antonio, TX 78224
210-924-6507
Visit the SAS Shoe Website!

Nordstrom Bistro (La Cantera)

2007-12-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

My first encounter with Nordstrom came in a college business class. We were talking about customer service, and the Nordstrom department store was held up as an excellent example. I learned that a man once returned car tires to Nordstrom, convinced that he had bought them there. In the spirit of customer service, they had obliged him.

It sounded outrageous to me at the time, but a recent check on Snopes revealed that the story is, in fact, true. Once upon a time, Nordstrom had begun occupying a building that was previously leased by a tire store. The confused man was insistent, and they granted his request.

While my own stories are not as dramatic, I have had some excellent experiences here. For example, when we lived in San Francisco, I treated myself to a very luxurious, plush robe. The people at Nordstrom offered to alter the long robe. They measured me, and promised to have it ready in a few days. I returned only to find that someone had accidentally put it back on the rack, where it was purchased by someone no doubt as vertically challenged as myself. In order to make it up to me, they refunded me the entire amount of the robe, and gave me a new one for free.

The value of the merchandise in just one store location is probably worth more than several small countries combined. However, they have several sales a year, and some good values can be had even year-round. Just last week, I bought a really cute Russian nesting doll shirt for one of my daughters for $6. I was thrilled. This was just minutes before going to the women's section upstairs where I passed a plain purple shirt that was - and I am being completely honest here - on SALE for $455. This was marked down from the regular price of $775. Wow! A savings of over $300! I can't believe I passed it up.

On the same trip, I met a woman in the dressing room who told me that she had just bought an $80 headband from the Chanel store. Ok....I usually get my daughters' headbands at HEB, but if you have the spare change, maybe a fabulous headband is worth that. But the funny thing is that she really didn't care about the headband. She had only bought the headband because she thinks the little Chanel paper merchandise bags are cute.

What??? Ok, I am obviously out of my league here. This would be analogous to me buying a filet mignon at the grocery store just to have the plastic HEB bag that it will be carried in.

But I digress. These are only some recent experiences I have had there.

The real reason that I frequent Nordstrom is for their upstairs Bistro.

Let me set the stage.

You walk into Nordstrom and into a gentle breeze of perfume near the cosmetics. Everyone greets you with happy and genuine smiles. It is a Silver Wonderland, with everything decorated in hues of the luminous color. In the background, you hear a jazzy tune on a piano. You discover, as you walk closer, that there is a live pianist in a tuxedo playing on a glossy black grand piano. You think for a moment that you are at some sort of royal ball. Then you see the escalator behind him, and your dream bursts as you realize that Buckingham Palace probably doesn't have an escalator.

He switches to an arrangement of "Piano Man" by Billy Joel, one of your favorites. As you glide up to the next level, you think of waitresses practicing politics and Davy, who's still in the Navy, and probably will be for life.

At the top, you see the designer section, but you turn the corner and head to the Bistro.

Ah - the Bistro. This is definitely a secret worth keeping. At lunchtime, a long line will wrap around the Junior's section, but in off-hours, you can easily get a table. The menu is full of salads and sandwiches as "designer" as the area that you have just passed through. The creme brulee looks tempting, but you must order lunch first.

My recent favorite has been the chicken/artichoke salad. It features romaine lettuce with grilled chicken, marinated artichokes, sweet red peppers, and pungent feta cheese. The combination is nothing short of divine. I'm thrilled when my husband wants to share entrees, because then I can have half the salad AND pick from one of the sandwiches. He favors the sliced sirloin on ciapatta bread with garlic aioli, and I like the rosemary ham and Swiss.

You order at a counter, which is great because it means that this already well-priced meal will be even less because there won't be a full tip involved. (As an ex-waitress, I am a generous tipper, so it is always a bit of a relief when we're in a less-than-full-tip kind of establishment.)

One person takes your order, another walks you to your table, and another brings you your drinks and meal. They all behave as if they could not possibly think of any better way to spend their day than serving you. Once again, you might be tempted to think that you are at a grand queenly affair, but a look out the window at the Six Flags Superman Ride brings you back down to earth.

My mother-in-law always orders hot tea. Her hot water is served in a little white teapot as the waiter brings out a copious assortment of exotic-sounding teas in a mahogany box.

The meal is finished off with a lovely treat of a soft peppermint stick covered in dark chocolate. This is definitely better than the crinkle-wrapped peppermints given out anywhere else. A waiter looking for a bit more of a tip might leave you with two per person, instead of one.

I hesitate to advertise this wonderful San Antonio secret, for fear that the tiny Nordstrom Bistro will be overrun with enthusiastic diners, but that wouldn't be in keeping with the theme of my blog, would it?

Visit the Nordstrom Bistro Website!

HINT: They sell some of their best salad dressings at the Bistro for $4.99. Try their Cherry Balsamic - it is out of this world, and I practically won't use anything else anymore.

Menger Hotel

2007-12-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

I played some word association with my 7-year-old daughter today.

I said "cat". She said "dog".
I said "book". She said "school".
I said "TV". She said "cartoons".

If you were to play this game with most people, and say "San Antonio" as the first word, most people would reply with "Alamo".

Not to take away from our famous icon, but just steps away from the Alamo lies another historic treasure, often overlooked by locals.

In the shadow of two towering Marriotts, and blocks away from the Westin and Holiday Inn, lies the Menger Hotel.

Here is what Wikipedia says about its history:

The Menger Hotel, located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, was built in 1859 (23 years after the fall of the adjacent Alamo). In 1898, Teddy Roosevelt used the bar to recruit Rough Riders which fought in Cuba in the Spanish-American War.
The Menger was San Antonio's most popular hotel in the 19th Century. O. Henry, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Mae West, Oscar Wilde and others were known to frequent the bar and hotel, which was periodically enlarged and remodelled to accommodate more guests.

In 1876, the first public demonstration of barbed wire ever was held outside the Menger and orders taken afterwards inside. In 1885, Richard King, the south Texas entrepreneur and founder of the King Ranch, died at the Menger.

The hotel also holds the unofficial title of "the most haunted hotel in Texas."

My daughters love to take the elevator up to the third floor when we visit in the hopes of seeing a ghost.

Last week, they thought they had seen one.....the player piano in the lobby was eerily pounding out notes, and mysteriously, the pedals were moving up and down.

But, I'm ahead of myself.

We have only stayed at the Menger once. A few years ago, my husband and I got a RARE overnight date, so we headed downtown. Our room overlooked the gardens of the Alamo. We were blocks away from the premier of the movie "The Alamo", and got to meet Billy Bob Thornton, Dennis Quaid, and Jason Patric.

Our regular visits to the Menger are to eat. This is what every San Antonio local should try sometime.

We turn right on Commerce from 281, and take another right just after the River Center Mall. The street is made charming by cobblestones and the boutique facade of the hotel. We continue around the next corner, and pull into the valet.

HINT: Valet parking is free at the Menger if you are eating there. It beats fighting traffic in the dark mall garage structure.

We drop off the car, and walk down a hallway lined with windows filled with historic artifacts. On our right is the old bar where Teddy Roosevelt gathered the Rough Riders. We see a picture of them at Camp Bullis. The bar is still open, and although we take a peek, it is not our destination.

As we continue, our daughters admire the wooden phone booths on the left. Pay phones - they are always deserted, as now everyone has cell phones. We realize that our daughters may never need to use a pay phone. I consider putting in two quarters just to let them try it out, but my family is hungry and we have a reservation.

We walk into the newer lobby. Newer is relative, because it still has the air of an elegant old European lobby. The oriental rugs are gigantic. The sitting areas are inviting. The shops on the right are filled with wonderous and sparkly items not usually found in a hotel hallway. It is here that our daughters think they have spotted the piano ghost. It is playing Christmas songs.

A walk through a wide hallway brings us into the original lobby. It is beautiful. When you look up, it is several stories tall, and topped by a stained-glass ceiling. The iron balconies on the differnent floors make it feel like the exterior of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Somewhere in the distance is the sound of a vacuum cleaner. In front of us, occupying a lot of volume in the space is a large Christmas tree. I touch it and see that it is fake, but the scent of evergreen is still permeating. I locate the source behind a Victorian couch, where the air freshener is being circulated by the air conditioner. It smells real, and it smells like Christmas. Then, it smells like cigars as we pass the humidor shop, then the stairway, and finally the dining room.

Our daughters like to pretend that they are early-nineteenth century girls, like the American Girl "Samantha" that they read about. They put on what we call "Menger Manners" and do their best to behave. It doesn't help that the FIRST table you encounter is the circular dessert table, where their manners are tested by their excitement over chocolate pudding and coconut cake.

We are led to our table, near a grand fireplace. Unfortunately, San Antonio is having 80 degree weather in DECEMBER, and the fireplace is vacant. A few feet away, it seems like spring, as we look out to the lush courtyard.

Being veterans now, and knowing that we will choose the buffet, we pick up plates right away. We know that it is one of the best values in town. $12.95 gets us a multi-course meal, tea or coffee, and dessert. Children 6-11 are $5.95.

We start at the salad table. I have a Caesar salad, but I'm quickly tempted by the marinated garbanzo beans mixed with bleu cheese. It doesn't disappoint - it is FABULOUS - and I make a second trip back. Fruit and cheese are a favorite of mine, too. The weather is too hot for soup, but I have enjoyed the tortilla soup in the past.

For my main meal, I bypass the turkey carving station and choose stuffed porkchops and tilapia and vegetables. I could choose a variety of sides - rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, etc., but my eyes have been set on that dessert display that made such a good impression. I choose pecan pie and toffee ice cream.

Feeling full and happy, we head back to the car.

By the way, the Menger is known for their mango ice cream, and I am embarrassed to say that I haven't tried it yet. It is not usually on their buffet table, and must be ordered separately.

However, maybe you can try it and post back here, letting us know how it is. Tell me, too, if you encounter any of those elusive ghosts.

Visit the Menger Hotel Website!

Tourist in My Own Town

2007-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Scene: It's still dark outside, a little too early to be getting up for school. And yet my mom is waking me up.

"Get up! We're going to Aspen today."

Although born in San Antonio, I grew up in Colorado. We explored much of the beautiful state in the sixteen years that we lived there - Central City, Glenwood Springs, the Garden of the Gods - and many more.

We were not a family of skiiers. My lone experience consisted of a push down a baby hill by a friend determined to make me love the sport.

We visited ski resorts in the late spring when tourism was dead, prices were cheap, and the weather was sunny. I couldn't tell you a thing about Breckenridge and Winterpark when they're covered in snow, but I could tell you about how they are as quaint towns in the off-season.

So, I knew a morning wake-up call to make the six-hour trek to Aspen was not because we were going to hit the slopes.

Instead, we were going to drive to the new Hard Rock Cafe for lunch.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my dad took a day off from work and we played hookie from school to eat a hamburger at a music memorabilia restaurant.

Leaving our obligations like that was not a frequent occurance. If it were, this particular day might not stand out in my mind the way it does. However, it illustrates my family's zest for life. I have inherited a passion for the experiences that life has to offer.

When, in my junior year, my dad got a new job in Pennsylvania, I was very upset about leaving. I had a boyfriend, active theater life, and was very involved in my high school. My parents knew that the only language they could speak to me was travel. I am the girl who will pour over an atlas for hours at a time and imagine the possibilities. They enticed me with promises of weekend trips to Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia. I was skeptical, but had no choice.

They followed through on their word, though. In no time at all, I think we visited half of the East Coast. I ate chocolate in Hershey. I fulfilled a childhood dream of seeing where Betsy Ross sewed the flag. I visited the Oval Office. I took in a bunch of shows on Broadway. I ate alligator in Baltimore. I reflected in Gettysburg.

This is what I crave in life - exploring, experiencing, savoring.

After living later in Northern Virginia and the San Francisco Bay Area, I now live with my husband and three daughters in my birth-town of San Antonio. I have brought my love for being a perpetual tourist, a constant traveler, a continual learner, to the Alamo City.

I hope you will check in with this blog frequently, and adventure with me.