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Copa Wine Bar: A San Antonio Wine Bar

Enjoy a glass of wine at Copa Wine Bar, a local venue in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio that grew out of the owner’s former business, Wines Etc. This San Antonio wine bar offers an expansive list of wine varietals from around the world, plus some flavorful tapas to go along with them.

Whether your taste in wine runs to Prosecco from Spain, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington state, or Pinot Noir from California, you’re sure to find something delightful at Copa. Pair your glass or bottle with a tasty small plate like Fire Roasted Chevre with crostini, Hummus San Antonio with warm toasted pita, or Albondigas – meatballs simmered in wine demi-glace. A meat or cheese plate is always a good choice for sharing at the table. Panini, Pommes Frites – crispy, Belgian-style fries, and Pizzettes – small, hand-tossed pizzas, are also on the menu.

Copa Wine Bar
19141 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 495-2672
www.thecopawinebar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/copa-wine-bar-san-antonio

La Cabana: Stop By This Cibolo Eatery for Mexican Fare and Margs

La Cabana is a well-known Mexican restaurant in the Universal City area that is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner out. While it doesn’t serve the usual Tex-Mex fare that many similar nearby eateries offer, it does boast a large selection of Mexican-American dishes, like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas.

While many local residents consider this a great lunch or dinner option, La Cabana also offers an impressive full bar that creates zany cocktails, such as the slushy margaritas with an ice-cold beer bottle tipped inside. Stop by for a $3 margarita during the weekday happy hour, or just take advantage of the everyday low prices at this local favorite.

Inside, La Cabana looks a bit like a log cabin, with exposed wooden beams and an A-frame style. The colorful flags and banners give it a Mexican touch that’s fun and festive.

La Cabana
170 Buffalo Place
Cibolo, TX 78108
(210) 658-6600
www.yelp.com/biz/la-cabana-cibolo

4 Home Coffeemakers So Beautiful, They Double as Decor

If you’re a coffee fan who takes the home brew very seriously, you’re likely always on the hunt for new kinds of coffeemakers. These four tried-and-true options are longtime favorites of coffee lovers around the world, and best of all, they’re just as beautiful as they are functional.

  1. The French Press. The class French press is a favorite for more than just the delicious coffee it produces. With its tall, cylindrical shape, elegant handle and its plunger at the top, this simple coffeemaker is also one of the most attractive. Modern versions come in stainless steel styles, geometric shapes and even eye-catching colors.
  2. The Pour-Over. Many high-class cafes are adding pour-over brews to their menus, and you can create the same strong cup of coffee at home with an affordable pour-over dripper. These feature a triangular shape that fits a special filter right inside, and they’re often made of natural ceramic.
  3. The Turkish Coffee Pot. Brass Turkish coffee pots look very elegant, and their long, angled handles are decorated with ornate designs that add an eclectic look to your stovetop.
  4. The Stovetop Espresso Maker. Even the cappuccino fan can get in on the decorative coffeemaker action. Stainless steel stovetop espresso makers are common throughout European households, and they look truly charming sitting on your stove.

The Best Coffeemakers [Real Simple]
10 Pretty Coffeemakers for the Perfect Cup [Refinery 29]
10 Museum-Worthy Coffee Designs for Your Kitchen [Thrillist]

Pull On Your Cowboy Boots, Hit the Dance Floor at Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma

The next time you’re planning a night out with friends, experience a truly Texan evening at the historic Blue Bonnet Palace. This modern honky tonk features a spacious stage, a large dance floor, and a full-service bar churning out fine spirits and ice cold beers all night long. Here, local and nationally touring acts take the stage, and you’ll always find the dance floor filled with folks two-stepping the night away.

The Blue Bonnet Palace is open 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For a complete calendar of upcoming concerts and events, visit the Blue Bonnet Palace website. The bar can also be rented out for private parties and events!

Blue Bonnet Palace
17630 Lookout Road
Selma, TX 78154
www.bluebonnetpalace.com

Sink Your Teeth Into a Made-From-Scratch Cupcake at Claire’s Sweet Treats

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a wedding, or simply a midday break, Claire’s Sweet Treats always has something sweet and tasty for any occasion. This local bakery is run by a Universal City family with a passion for all things dessert, and in the short time that the bakery has been open, it’s amassed a loyal following of customers.

Everything at Claire’s Sweet Treats is made from scratch using high-quality ingredients, and you’ll even find items for gluten-free and diabetic diets. There are custom cakes and specialty cupcakes for birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and other special occasions, as well as more modern specialty cupcakes that many people choose in lieu of a cake. For breakfast, Claire’s offers pastries, scones, and cinnamon rolls, or if you prefer something savory, you’ll even find sausage kolaches baked fresh on site.

With a turnaround of just 24 hours, Claire’s Sweet Treats can meet any dessert request for any occasion.

Claire’s Sweet Treats
18408 FM 2252
Bracken, TX, US, 78266
(210) 651-0719
www.clairessweettreats.com

Find All of Your Asian Fare Favorites at Noy’s Bistro

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh, flavorful sushi or an order of spicy curry, you’ll find all kinds of popular Asian dishes at Noy’s Bistro in Universal City. The menu at Noy’s Bistro includes everything from pad Thai and cashew chicken to longtime favorites like General Tso’s chicken, as well as green, red and panang curries. If you’re in the mood for sushi, you’ll also find a long list of creative rolls and fresh sashimi options made with premium fish. There is beer and wine available for of-age guests, and people of all ages will enjoy the boba teas made in a variety of natural flavors.

With its open, modern style and its numerous tables scattered throughout the large dining room, this is the perfect place for dinner with a group.

Noy’s Bistro closes between lunch and dinner, so be sure to check the hours before planning a visit!

Noy’s Bistro
976 Coronado Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 637-5100
www.noysbistro.com

Hosting a Party at Avana Grove? Check Out These Handy Portion Planning Guides!

One of the hardest parts about planning a party is deciding how much food to prepare. It’s every host’s fear to imagine running out of appetizers, but it’s just as frustrating when you’re left with way too many leftovers! Before your next gathering, check out these helpful tips for portion planning and avoid these entertaining mishaps.

  • Consider this: on average, a guest will drink between three and four drinks every four hours or so. You might also want to keep in mind that a standard bottle of wine equals four to six glasses, while a two-liter of soda equals about 10 glasses.
  • For appetizers, imagine that each person will eat approximately five per hour. If you’re serving only appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, add two or three to that number.
  • For your main course, choose things like meat and vegetables to make it easy to dole out portions. If you’re serving something like stir-fry or pasta, imagine that the average person will eat approximately a four-ounce serving.
  • Once you get to dessert, it’s safe to assume that each person will have only one piece — although it’s always smart to get a few extras just in case.

How to Estimate the Food You Need for Your Memorial Day Picnic, Barbecue, or Pool Party [Delish]
How to Calculate the Amount of Food You Need for a Party [Livestrong]
Food & Beverage Quantities to Order [Planning Helper]

Get to Know Some Furry Friends at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

If you’re an animal lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply a Universal City resident looking to get to know the area, you’ll love visiting Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. This incredible wild animal zoo is home to some of the most exotic animals on the planet, including beautiful zebras, giant ostriches, and majestic giraffes.

Unlike a traditional zoo, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch contains a paved road that winds its way through the zoo, enabling the animals to come up to your car to eat out of your hand. You’ll receive a bag of food pellets with your admission, and because the friendly animals are so used to visiting with people, you’ll be able to pet and feed them right out your window!

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For a complete list of admission prices, visit the ranch’s website.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
San Antonio, TX 78266
(830) 438-7400
www.WildlifeRanchTexas.com

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends February 29th, 2016. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

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