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Festival time in Texas!
by Maxine Sommers
Do your interests run to festivals with wine, food and excitement?
If so, San Antonio, Texas, provides a wonderful assortment of exotic and authentic Texas festival experiences ... enough to fulfill your every wish. You ask for it- San Antonio has it. I include two of the most popular below.
Consider the annual San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival- this year's date: November 7-11, 2007. This four-day festival showcases a wide array of fascinating restaurants, cantinas and pubs along with their talented chefs. An expansive variety of foods are offered with each chef striving to capture a magic formula with a timeless appeal while serving creative and imaginative cuisine. From the first glass of champagne with your breakfast in the morning until the last after-dinner Brandy in the evening, the New World Wine and Food Festival is one spectacular extravaganza. Plan on dieting when you return home. For information: www.nwwff.org.
San Antonio in April is one long FIESTA! Make your reservation far in advance since "Fiesta San Antonio" is a H.U.G.E. event. The celebration goes on for ten days and includes: fabulous fire works' displays, carnivals, spectacular sporting events, entertainment of all kinds, marvelous ethnic feasts (all of which offer foods that are absolutely fit-to-die-for,) art exhibits, colorful parades with marchers strutting down the streets or gliding on boats down the river. This fabulous celebration brings three-million participants to San Antonio from around the world- all of whom enjoy more than one hundred terrific events. Fiesta San Antonio is an experience extraordinaire ... if you are in Texas in April this is where you should be! For information: 1-210-227-5191.
In between your Festival activities, the famous River Walk is a must-see all year around. The "Paseo del Rio" is a little over two miles in length (the river flows through the downtown area) and to add to the beauty the river banks are lined with cottonwood trees and lush green foliage. The water-way passes by a string of shops, restaurants and hotels. If your feet are on strike from too much walking, jump into a River Taxi. You can board these slick little boats from various locations along the river and ride from one end to the other. Or if you would like to rent a boat for a party you can do that too-it's your choice! For information: 1-210-244-5700.
Speaking of fun: the Market Square (El Mercado) is an exciting place to visit. At almost any time of day or evening it is alive with energetic visitors walking, talking and eating. El Mercado has 32 shops with 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza.
While there are a variety of restaurants at this location, Mi Tierra Café and Bakery holds its own as "the" place to dine. Always busy, this establishment is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week as they serve their authentic hotsy-totsy Mexican food. When the restaurant is full the noise level of the patter of running feet and the twanging guitar music of the Mexican musicians are much in evidence. Conversation is difficult but diners don't complain since they are too busy enjoying their meal.
A typical breakfast selection is: Huevos Rancheros- two eggs topped with Ranchero Sauce accompanied by bacon, ham, pork chops or pork patties, refried beans, breakfast potatoes and tortillas. Oh my, I enjoyed the symphony of marvelous tastes but listening carefully as I ate I'm sure I heard my arteries clog. How about lunch, you ask? Here's one of their favorites: The Monterrey Special consists of Cabrito- tender young baked Goat with guacamole, cheese enchiladas, rice and refried beans. Granted if you are not a Texan you may have a problem getting past the thought of actually eating a young goat. Live a little and think of it as an adventurous gastronomical event.
A visit to the city is not complete until you visit the vintage Little Rhein Steak House- it provides not only a charming ambience with its' wonderful meals but the building (constructed in 1847) is rich historically. The U.S. Department of Interior lists this venerable establishment in the National Registry of Historical Places. For many years this monument to survival has held a place of honor on the picturesque River Walk. The structure has been used for many things through the last one hundred and sixty years such as: a German saloon, a museum, a boarding house, and even a hangout for desperados. The food is superior and serious steak lovers will feel at home here with U.S.D.A. Prime Strip Loin, Prime Ribeye, Prime Porterhouse or a Filet Mignon awaiting your pleasure. For information: 1 (210) 225-1212.
Interested in dining high-in-the-sky? The Tower of the Americas offers a stunning wide-range view of the city from it's tallest point because it is perched on top a seven hundred and fifty foot tower. Visitors take a breathtaking trip up, up, up in glass-walled elevators to dine in the revolving Eyes Over Texas restaurant. Visitors can also go up to the observation deck to look down on the bustling city or go into the lounge to enjoy a tall Texas drink. It's exciting to view the city from great heights but for those timid souls who are staunch believers in keeping their feet on the ground, a ground-level café awaits you along with a retail shop for die-hard shoppers. For information: www.toweroftheamericas.com.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, St. Joseph's Catholic Church (at 623 E. Commerce Street) is often described as the "gem" in the heart of downtown San Antonio. It is housed in a simple, small but beautiful historic building which-after 139 years- continues to impress visitors and local residents alike. This place of worship was founded in 1868, by a group of German Catholics and quickly became a thriving parish. As years went on the building began to fall into disrepair until a complete renovation was completed in 1999. The church was painted, the pews restored, new carpets and an altar designed and hand-carved to blend with the ornate baroque back-ground were installed. The stunning beauty of the little church has returned. Today this haven continues to be a magnet for people in the downtown area who need a peaceful place for prayer and contemplation.
Have you visited the Alamo? The Alamo is always a must see for first time visitors and history buffs. Located in the heart of the city, this spot continues to fascinate people as they are taken back in time to March 6, 1838, when one hundred and eighty-nine brave defenders died defending the fort after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. The Chapel and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. The Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel- the museum contains mementos and relics from the Republic of Texas, it also provides narration on the fall of the Alamo. Contact: www.thealamo.org.
If you require a hotel consider the Marriott Rivercenter, it offers eighty-six luxurious suites and nine hundred and fifteen guest rooms, all of which have the finest service. For information: 1 (210) 223-1000.
All of the above plus a bodacious brand of Texas hospitality will guarantee you an enjoyable San Antonio visit in this awesome bit of the old Southwest.
Do your interests run to festivals with wine, food and excitement?
If so, San Antonio, Texas, provides a wonderful assortment of exotic and authentic Texas festival experiences ... enough to fulfill your every wish. You ask for it- San Antonio has it. I include two of the most popular below.
Consider the annual San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival- this year's date: November 7-11, 2007. This four-day festival showcases a wide array of fascinating restaurants, cantinas and pubs along with their talented chefs. An expansive variety of foods are offered with each chef striving to capture a magic formula with a timeless appeal while serving creative and imaginative cuisine. From the first glass of champagne with your breakfast in the morning until the last after-dinner Brandy in the evening, the New World Wine and Food Festival is one spectacular extravaganza. Plan on dieting when you return home. For information: www.nwwff.org.
San Antonio in April is one long FIESTA! Make your reservation far in advance since "Fiesta San Antonio" is a H.U.G.E. event. The celebration goes on for ten days and includes: fabulous fire works' displays, carnivals, spectacular sporting events, entertainment of all kinds, marvelous ethnic feasts (all of which offer foods that are absolutely fit-to-die-for,) art exhibits, colorful parades with marchers strutting down the streets or gliding on boats down the river. This fabulous celebration brings three-million participants to San Antonio from around the world- all of whom enjoy more than one hundred terrific events. Fiesta San Antonio is an experience extraordinaire ... if you are in Texas in April this is where you should be! For information: 1-210-227-5191.In between your Festival activities, the famous River Walk is a must-see all year around. The "Paseo del Rio" is a little over two miles in length (the river flows through the downtown area) and to add to the beauty the river banks are lined with cottonwood trees and lush green foliage. The water-way passes by a string of shops, restaurants and hotels. If your feet are on strike from too much walking, jump into a River Taxi. You can board these slick little boats from various locations along the river and ride from one end to the other. Or if you would like to rent a boat for a party you can do that too-it's your choice! For information: 1-210-244-5700.
Speaking of fun: the Market Square (El Mercado) is an exciting place to visit. At almost any time of day or evening it is alive with energetic visitors walking, talking and eating. El Mercado has 32 shops with 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza.
While there are a variety of restaurants at this location, Mi Tierra Café and Bakery holds its own as "the" place to dine. Always busy, this establishment is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week as they serve their authentic hotsy-totsy Mexican food. When the restaurant is full the noise level of the patter of running feet and the twanging guitar music of the Mexican musicians are much in evidence. Conversation is difficult but diners don't complain since they are too busy enjoying their meal.A typical breakfast selection is: Huevos Rancheros- two eggs topped with Ranchero Sauce accompanied by bacon, ham, pork chops or pork patties, refried beans, breakfast potatoes and tortillas. Oh my, I enjoyed the symphony of marvelous tastes but listening carefully as I ate I'm sure I heard my arteries clog. How about lunch, you ask? Here's one of their favorites: The Monterrey Special consists of Cabrito- tender young baked Goat with guacamole, cheese enchiladas, rice and refried beans. Granted if you are not a Texan you may have a problem getting past the thought of actually eating a young goat. Live a little and think of it as an adventurous gastronomical event.
A visit to the city is not complete until you visit the vintage Little Rhein Steak House- it provides not only a charming ambience with its' wonderful meals but the building (constructed in 1847) is rich historically. The U.S. Department of Interior lists this venerable establishment in the National Registry of Historical Places. For many years this monument to survival has held a place of honor on the picturesque River Walk. The structure has been used for many things through the last one hundred and sixty years such as: a German saloon, a museum, a boarding house, and even a hangout for desperados. The food is superior and serious steak lovers will feel at home here with U.S.D.A. Prime Strip Loin, Prime Ribeye, Prime Porterhouse or a Filet Mignon awaiting your pleasure. For information: 1 (210) 225-1212.
Interested in dining high-in-the-sky? The Tower of the Americas offers a stunning wide-range view of the city from it's tallest point because it is perched on top a seven hundred and fifty foot tower. Visitors take a breathtaking trip up, up, up in glass-walled elevators to dine in the revolving Eyes Over Texas restaurant. Visitors can also go up to the observation deck to look down on the bustling city or go into the lounge to enjoy a tall Texas drink. It's exciting to view the city from great heights but for those timid souls who are staunch believers in keeping their feet on the ground, a ground-level café awaits you along with a retail shop for die-hard shoppers. For information: www.toweroftheamericas.com.In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, St. Joseph's Catholic Church (at 623 E. Commerce Street) is often described as the "gem" in the heart of downtown San Antonio. It is housed in a simple, small but beautiful historic building which-after 139 years- continues to impress visitors and local residents alike. This place of worship was founded in 1868, by a group of German Catholics and quickly became a thriving parish. As years went on the building began to fall into disrepair until a complete renovation was completed in 1999. The church was painted, the pews restored, new carpets and an altar designed and hand-carved to blend with the ornate baroque back-ground were installed. The stunning beauty of the little church has returned. Today this haven continues to be a magnet for people in the downtown area who need a peaceful place for prayer and contemplation.
Have you visited the Alamo? The Alamo is always a must see for first time visitors and history buffs. Located in the heart of the city, this spot continues to fascinate people as they are taken back in time to March 6, 1838, when one hundred and eighty-nine brave defenders died defending the fort after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. The Chapel and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. The Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel- the museum contains mementos and relics from the Republic of Texas, it also provides narration on the fall of the Alamo. Contact: www.thealamo.org.If you require a hotel consider the Marriott Rivercenter, it offers eighty-six luxurious suites and nine hundred and fifteen guest rooms, all of which have the finest service. For information: 1 (210) 223-1000.All of the above plus a bodacious brand of Texas hospitality will guarantee you an enjoyable San Antonio visit in this awesome bit of the old Southwest.
