Farm to Market

I had a great weekend. On Saturday morning, I went to the Pearl Farmer's Market that I referred to on Friday. It was a terribly muggy, hot morning, but that didn't stop the crowd from gathering downtown to attend the Grand Opening.

Fruits, veggies and meats galore - the Market was filled with beautiful colors and activity. There were only about 20 or so vendors, and many of them had run out of their supplies within the first 30 minutes!


Chef Andrew Weissman and his colleague, Luca, were on hand to do a cooking demonstration. Weissman is in the final stages of opening one of his newest spots, Il Sogno (The Dream), in the Full Goods building (immediately adjacent to the Farmer's Market). Opening is currently slated for June. (Now those are two guys that have got it going on - handsome, successful, charming, intelligent and both have beautiful families. Their beautiful wives are both customers at my store.)


I'd say that the Pearl organizers have some structural challenges to work through. The flow didn't move in a natural direction and it was so crowded that people were uncomfortable and complaining. For a first time execution, though, I'm not sure that they could've done it any differently. There are just too many variables that are difficult to predict without a trial and error grace period.

This was also my first glance at the River Improvement project. They had just filled the spot with water, so things are really coming together.


If Saturday was any indication of the future growth of this endeavor, it is well on its way. This entire project is going to do wonders for the Alamo City.

Local Harvest

For those of us who have grown up in San Antonio, we know that the Pearl Brewery has been a landmark building for 125+ years. Though it stopped producing beer in 2001, it's now famous sign and beautiful buildings have remained a part of downtown's landscape.

Image via Wikipedia

In 2002, it was acquired by Silver Ventures and thus began its transformation. The Pearl Stables (an event hall), the Aveda Institute and Texas Farm to Table were among the first businesses to go into the compound, followed by Melissa Guerra, one of the newest tenants. There are several other exciting things happening down there - the San Antonio River Improvements project, new restaurants, office and residential space, The Culinary Institute - but I will have to save these other treasures for a separate post and focus on the task at hand! (There's simply too many exciting things to discuss...)

The reason I write today is to let you know about the Pearl Farmer's Market. The Grand Opening is this Saturday, May 16th (tomorrow) from 9 am until 1:00 pm and it's going to be incredible.


I've only been to a handful of Farmer's Markets in my lifetime, so I'm definitely not an expert on this subject. However, I can say that the concept for this one is really cool. All vendors plant, raise and harvest all of their goods, so you can be sure that it's the real, downhome thing. Even more impressive? All vendors must come from within 150 mile radius of San Antonio. That's means its all local. (As a small business owner, I believe that supporting your local vendors is a great way to give back to your community.)

In addition to plenty of things such as fresh produce, potted herbs, baked goods, fish and meats, there will be a cooking demonstration by one of San Antonio's true gems, Andrew Weismann, the star chef from Le Reve, Bigz, and Sandbar. Local band, Emory Quinn, or EQ as they are called by their fans, will also perform. Finally, you can even purchase a ticket for a seat at MesAllegre, the chef's table where all meals are prepared using items pulled directly from the market.

From here on out, there will be a Farmer's Market every Saturday - come rain, shine, snow or sleet. Put this on your calendar. This is not to be missed.

Renowned Artist Appearance @ Saks Fifth Avenue

One of my favorite American artists from my generation is Waddy Armstrong and these days, it appears as though I'm not alone. After all, it was his artwork that inspired the Saks Fifth Avenue 2009 Mother's Day Catalogue. (I mean, I feel like I know a celebrity.)


If you've seen any of Waddy's pieces, you will surely agree that they are both organic and modern in a most fashionable manner. He paints a botanical series using "hybridizing" - a term he coined to mean "the creation of visual elements from different plants and trees that are combined within a single composition." His works draw inspiration from the pure beauty of nature, but include a modern interpretation of what is real. It's natural - say - with a twist.

[Click image for larger view]

Waddy grew up in San Antonio, but attended the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design in 1999. He's moved around a bit (his past includes a stint in New York), but returned to Texas to settle down a few years ago.

He and his family now call San Antonio home (again), but Waddy is anything but "settled down." In addition to meeting the demands of various galleries, art shows and individual collectors across the country, he's also drummed up a steady corporate following. The new Hyatt Hotel in downtown San Antonio is one of many businesses lucky enough to have some of his paintings.

As a friend (and a fan), I can tell you that Waddy is not only a seriously talented artist, but also an incredibly nice guy. Don't you love seeing friends and acquaintances enjoy such great success in their lives? I sure do. (Well done, friend.)

Waddy will make a special appearance today (May 9) at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Antonio. Join the celebration from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. (If you are lucky, maybe he'll even give you an autograph.)

A Lofty Vision

We, in San Antonio, are flooded by tacky strip centers. You know the type. They are the ones that boast the huge chains that are too often associated with "America."

Now don't get me wrong. While I'm as big of a Target fan/shopper as the next Joe, I am NOT married to the development that occurs around most Targets. The centers feel dismal. They tend to be too big and over-developed and there is always an endless amount of concrete. It feeds into one of the things I don't like about our country: excess. And as a small business owner, it's hard to watch those kinds of things popping up all over the place.

So you can imagine my surprise when I came across something in a strip center just west of the airport that actually caught my eye: Aloft.

photo courtesy of Aloft Hotels

A Starwood property, Aloft is W Hotels sister chain that answers the call for high design and low cost. And, based on looks alone, it's pleasantly ... well, cool.

Though we weren't able to see a room - they were at 100% occupancy - we took a few shots of the lobby, bar and outside seating area. Take a look.

Like most Ws, Aloft feels contemporary, youthful and intelligent. There is a sophisticated drinking bar on one side of the lobby, and a healthy, clean snack bar on the other side. There are two seating areas and a pool table inside, and a small pool with two different seating areas outside.

In addition, it has some of the extra amenities that some of the other chains of this type lack: a small gym, wireless internet, flat screen TVs in all rooms, and "emergency" supplies like a small Etch-A-Sketch and a game of CandyLand. The best part? The price is right. Rates start at $130.

Upon entering the hotel, the staff greeted us with a friendly, "Aloha." Apparently, this is a part of their marketing strategy (it's included in some of their promotional materials). I could do without this part, but the rest felt right on. I would definitely stay here.

Alofts are popping up all over the place (a second one in downtown San Antonio is scheduled to open in April 2011) and it looks like they are expanding all over the world - and fast. This is going to be an interesting development to watch.

Pictures above are of Aloft San Antonio Airport: 838 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 541-8881

An Egg-Cellent Idea

Cascarones have been a tradition of Fiesta since long before I was a child. Made of hollowed eggs filled with confetti, they are cracked on other people's heads as a fun (and often surprising) gesture. They are (usually) a fantastic and glorious treat for both 'cracker' and 'recipient.'

For such a small object, the cascarone evokes a huge affect. They are usually around when some sort of celebration is going on, so times are happy.

In San Antonio, cascarones are readily available on street corners, in shops and in local grocery stores starting around Easter time and going through Fiesta (the end of April). If you aren't lucky enough to be in South Texas during that time, you can easily make your own.

I'm sorry that I don't have visual directions to accompany this post, but the steps are very straightforward (albeit a bit messy). If you don't have access to a prepacked egg dye kit, you can easily make your own egg dye. See below for what else you'll need to get started.

Battle of the Blooms

Today is the Battle of Flowers Parade. The first one was held in 1836 in commemoration of the fallen soldiers at the Battle of the Alamo and the tradition is still going strong. Schools, banks and offices throughout San Antonio close so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the day's festivities. There are a variety of participants: high school bands, musicians, members of community organizations, local celebrities, politicians and, of course, Fiesta royalty. It is a fun-filled, family-oriented event.

This is a great place to don a festive outfit. However, because of the hot sun and usually high humidity level, a fashionable and weather-appropriate ensemble can be challenging. Here's what I might put together (sunscreen and hat included).


1. VaVa Voom @ Galeana; 2. blogger's hat; 3. sunglasses @ Target; 4. SIGG water bottle; 5. sunscreen; 6. Belle by Siegerson Morrison @ LeeLee; 7. blogger's bag

Arts Fair and Charreada

While I'm not one for large and dense crowds, there are a few events that I don't like to miss. The first is the Fiesta Arts Fair sponsored by the Southwest School of Art and Craft (SWSAC). The second is the Charreada.

Fiesta Arts Fair

The SWSAC is a nationally recognized institution specializing in arts education. Courses are offered to adults and children in a number of different areas including ceramics, bookmaking, photography and many other specialties.

The Fiesta Arts Fair is only one of the several beautiful events that the SWSAC sponsors. Artists from all over the country and region are invited to showcase their works on the SWSAC grounds (a place that is a work of art in and of itself). When I say "invited," I mean that the artists are selected by a juried panel.

This is an event that has grown steadily during the last 36 years. According to their website, "San Antonio's Fiesta Arts Fair was named one of America's Top Ten Art Fairs and Festivals (coming in at #7, to be exact) by the national magazine, American Style."

One of my favorite parts this year was the Children's Art Garden (perhaps that because my little guy is 6 years old - the perfect age to enjoy this hands-on experience). There were a number of different craft stations where kids (and adults) could create their masterpieces. Clay sculptures, stained glass, monoprints, face painting, beading and quilling, metal repousse, art pots and Fiesta crowns were all part of the fun.

Let me just say... for all of you crafsters out there (me included), this was heaven!

The Charreada

The Asociacion de Charros de San Antonio hosts their annual Fiesta Charreada during the two Sundays of Fiesta. A charreada is what gringos often call a "Mexican Rodeo," but I suspect those who really know their stuff would say it goes much deeper than that. Seeped in Mexican art, tradition and culture, its roots date back to the time when the Spaniards first arrived in the Americas. It wasn't until the 1970s, though, when the Charreada was recognized as an official event in the US.

The event I attended began with a procession on horseback of the flags (American and Mexican). This is followed by an introduction of all of the participants on horseback. All are dressed in traditional costume and mariachi music plays in the background. It is a visual feast for the eyes and ears.



According to Wikipedia, a typical charreada consists of 9 events for men and 1 event for women. We only stayed for a few of the events (our younger companions were getting tired), but my favorite is the side saddle performance by the women. In this instance, a team of 8 or so young ladies created a number of different formations and patterns. Admittedly, its not their skill that is most impressive to me (though they are clearly highly skilled), but rather their costumes that I can't stop photographing. Their skirts flounce, their ribbons flow, their hats tip and their whips crack. It is is a breathtaking site.

Fiesta San Antonio

Everyone who has grown up in and around San Antonio knows about Fiesta. An 11-day event held every year in April, it's South Texas' answer to Mardi Gras. Parades, art fairs, food booths, music, cascarones, Kings and Queens - all of these elements (and more) come together to create what has to be one of the nation's greatest examples of a really great citywide festival.

I'll be posting information and pictures regarding a variety of events throughout the week. They will, by no means, be inclusive of every event, party or parade. The postings are only indicative of what I'm attending, where I'm going, what I'm seeing, etc. There is PLENTY more going on!