Lifestyle Wanderlust the March 2018 issue

Sleep/Eat/Do San Antonio

Posted on January 1, 2018

1

HOTEL EMMA

Guests checking into this historic hotel located at Pearl are greeted in the Library with a complimentary La Babia margarita. Known for interplay with modern and historic elements, Roman and Williams juxtaposes refined and eclectic contemporary furniture and original artwork with the industrial architectural features of the interiors. The 146 guest rooms vary in size and furnishings—for example, Terrace Rooms have a private terrace with a fireplace, handmade tiles and a custom-made mesquite bench. All have a Hotel Emma Ice Box hidden in the armoire and stocked with local beer, farmers market provisions and margarita ingredients. BOOK: One of the seven suites on the top floor. Some are two stories. All feature dining areas, original stonework and vaulted ceilings.

2

HOTEL VALENCIA RIVERWALK

HOTEL VALENCIA RIVERWALK A $10 million renovation, which included a total redo of the bar and restaurant, landed the hotel in the No. 1 spot in San Antonio and No. 2 in Texas in the 2017 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for hotels. »Acclaimed designer Lauren Rottet used rustic woods, ironwork, and handcrafted tiles and textiles to create the Spanish colonial meets modern Mediterranean look. The sophisticated rooms and suites, some with balconies, have wood ebony credenzas, leather club chairs and plantation shutters. Luxurious touches include white Italian marble in the bathrooms and custommade beds with seven layers of Egyptian cotton linens.

3

BURGERTECA

“Alebrijes,” the colorful papier mâché figurines famous in Oaxaca, are the inspiration for the décor in chef Johnny Hernandez’s new burger joint, which features custom chairs, hand-forged chandeliers, and large slabs of wood for communal dining. Burgers are served on freshly baked yeast buns and enhanced with traditional Mexican toppings—chilies, spices, moles and queso—and flavors such as al pastor, pibil and chilaquiles. Oaxaqueña—an Angus beef patty dressed with mole negro, black bean spread, pickled onions, avocado, and queso fresco; or the Pacifica—seared tuna with chipotlelime mayo, cabbage slaw, sesame seeds, avocado and tomato. The in-house ice cream shop serves paletas (popsicles), raspas (shaved ice) and other frozen desserts.

4

DORREGO’S

Executive chef Anthony Mesa’s innovative Argentinian-inspired restaurant at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk serves up options for carnivores and vegetarians in a Spanish colonial setting. Smoked short rib ravioli, grilled prawns, quail meatballs and parrillada, a platter of grilled meats—chorizo, blood sausage, chilirubbed short ribs, Wagyu beef shoulder loin— are among the dishes drawing crowds. Flamed proveleta, Argentinian provolone that is set afire with tequila.

5

Common Currents

300 artists were each assigned one year of San Antonio’s history to develop for their work for this exhibition, which is presented chronologically through a variety of contemporary media across six venues.

6

San Antonio 1718: Art from Viceregal Mexico

This exhibit at the San Antonio Museum of Art celebrates the city’s Hispanic roots and cultural ties with Mexico. It features works by renowned New Spain 18th-century artists as well as pieces by unknown vernacular artists.

7

Pearl

In addition to being a culinary destination, Pearl is known for its shops, events and wellness services. Check out The Sporting District for quality clothing for the modern gentleman. Catch an author reading at The Twig Book Shop. Enjoy a signature hand and foot massage at the new Hiatus Spa and Retreat.

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