5 Things You Have to Do This Week
Mon 11/25 Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor in 3D In a place all but forgotten to time and space, a war is waging that will shape the fates of civilizations—a war out of which stepped The Doctor. BBC America is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the world’s longest-running sci-fi series, Doctor Who, in…
Bye, BIN 555: Jason Dady clears room for Asian concept
A preview of the Umai menu (Courtesy Lauren Madrid) Fans of BIN 555 (555 W Bitters) might want to sit down for this one: You’ll have until the end of 2013 to fill up on your BIN 555 faves. The restaurant will close on December 31 and reopen at a later date as Umai Mi,…
Lunchtime Links: Seth Rogen and James Franco Spoof Kanye West’s ‘Bound 2’ Video, TX Government Employee Salaries, Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women,…
…Father John Misty’s Soundtrack for ‘The History of Caves’ + More
SAPD Officer Accused of Rape While On Duty Highlights Troubling Dept. Trend
courtesy SAPD Officer Jackie Len Neal was arrested and charged with felony sexual assault on Saturday morning for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman who he had pulled over on Friday night. The 40-year-old officer told the woman that her car had been reported stolen and then proceeded to pat down, grope and rape her after handcuffing her…
GoldieBlox Sues Beastie Boys, Beastie Boys Respond
You’ve probably seen the video: GoldieBlox, a company that manufactures engineering and construction toys for girls, did a parody of the Beastie Boys’ “Girls” and the commercial video went viral last week. In the rewritten lyrics, the song now has lines like “You think you know what we want–girls/Pink and pretty it’s girls/Just like the…
Thanksgiving Tips via Chef Jason Dady
Dady’s got you covered this Thanksgiving. Chef Jason Dady took time out of his very busy schedule (he did just announce the closing of BIN 555, which will be replaced by the Asian-inspired Umami Mi, more on this later), to answer reader- and staff-submitted questions on Thanksgiving. Learn how to brine, what stuffing to make…
10 Free Events Happening This Week, Nov. 25 – Dec. 1
1) “Batman” Screening Monday , Nov. 25, 7 p.m. Is there a better way to watch “Batman” than on the big screen? If you answered that with “definitely not” then this screening of “Batman” is for you. The Alamo Drafthouse will be hosting a free screening of “Batman” directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton,…
In Lt Gov Bid, Van de Putte Emphasizes Women’s Rights and Working-Class Families
“Texas deserves better. And that, my friends, is why mama ain’t happy,” said state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio) as she launched her official bid to run for Texas Lieutenant Governor. “Texas can do better than this.” Texas Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio) formally announces she’ll run for Lt. Gov. Photo…
Spurs City Episode 4: House Party
San Antonio Spurs (104) v. Boston Celtics (93) For Wednesday’s game we checked out a local house party. After all, the best place to watch the Spurs is at home on the couch with all the beers and snacks you can get your hands on, amirite? We made some friends and cheered on our Spurs…
Lunchtime Links: No Bake Pumpkin Crème Brulee Recipe, Texas Board of Education postpones approving biology textbooks (because evolution), Are Gluten and Carbs Wrecking Our Brains and Our Health?, ‘Girls’ Season 3 Trailer + More
1. Don’t Dress Your Age: Six Women Say No to Drab “A new TV documentary on Britain’s BBC4 has been tickling people’s fancies across the pond and stateside. “Fabulous Fashionistas” features six women of advanced years who share a love for style and a “screw that” attitude to the standard dictates of age.” (Senior Planet) 2.…
JFK Tells His Own Story Tonight on HBO
Today, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, we have yet another must-see video in his honor: HBO will be presenting JFK: In His Own Words, a unique 1988 film consisting of rare stock footage and home movies, all narrated by Kennedy himself. The 53-minute film will air tonight…
Shot of the Week: Cranberry Jell-O Shots
Classy cranberry vodka Jell-O shots via A Beautiful Mess Turns out there’s a really cute and classy way to ingest loads of holiday shots. We’re giving a tip of the hat this week to one of our favorite style blogs, “A Beautiful Mess.” The shot combines cranberry cocktail juice, cranberry Jell-O mix and orange vodka…
Minnie’s Tavern Now Serving Liquor
Weissman shared a photo of the lineup on his personal Twitter account. (Courtesy) Happy hours are about to get a littler neater. Minnie’s Tavern and Rye House has finally landed a liquor license! Patrons can expect to find what chef-owner Andrew Weissman called an aggressive pricing structure and call drinks, while encouraging patrons to drink…
Bonehead Quote of the Week: Young Conservatives of Texas on ‘Catch An Illegal Immigrant Game’
In an uproar that attracted national attention, the Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at The University of Texas at Austin, planned to host a ‘Catch An Illegal Immigrant’ game earlier this week, offering up a $25 gift card to any student who catches an “undocumented” immigrant, the Texas Tribune reported. YCT Chairman Lorenzo Garcia said…
Pre-Thanksgiving Dinners in the Mix for NAO, BIN 555 and Tre Trattoria
Before you make this, try a pre-Thanksgiving feast. Three of Chef Dady’s restaurants and NAO (312 Pearl Pkwy) are whipping up their versions of pre-Thanksgiving feasts. After the lighting of the Pearl tree, NAO is hosting “Gobble ‘Til You Wobble,” a late-night feast. The restaurant will serve the Latin version of classic dishes on November 27 from 10 p.m. to 2…
The Brooklynite Hosts Tacky Sweater Soiree
Here’s some inspiration. (Courtesy) OK, OK, It’s technically a holiday sweater party. Still, The Brooklynite (516 Brooklyn) is encouraging patrons to dust off their holiday sweaters (think reindeer, snowmen, SANTA!) on Wednesday, November 27 and take advantage of specials from 5 to 10 p.m. and the release of a brand new cocktail. The Too Tall…
Boiler House Hosts Adelbert’s Brewery for Pairing Dinner
Try some of the brewery’s favorites next Tuesday. (Courtesy) Need pre-pre-Thanksgiving plans? Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden (312 Pearl Parkway, Building 3) will host Austin’s Adelbert’s Brewery for a five-course beer pairing dinner on Tuesday, November 26 at 6 p.m. The menu includes: Baby Barbacoa Puffy Taco with beef heart and cheek with…
Banks Know How To Profit From Working Class Families And Here’s How
Banks are in business to make money. Shocker. Most people pick and choose which bank they would like to store their money based on fees however, what may not be common knowledge could potentially be costing folks’ a lot of money and more significantly, putting people in debt. Many banks use an abusive overdraft program…
10 Things You Have to Do This Weekend
Thu 11/21 Chris Sauter: “Doubt” The Known Universe: Constellation Frederick Sauter © Chris Sauter Chris Sauter from Walley Films on Vimeo. Local artist Chris Sauter’s work will be taking over the city in a multi-venue set of exhibits for the next three months. First up in the series of interrelated shows is “Doubt,” which employs…
Arcade Fire Unveils Gorgeous, 65 mm “Afterlife” Video
The Creators Project, an online arts channel by Intel and VICE, did it again: this time, it is Arcade Fire’s official video for “Afterlife,” a single off Reflektor, the band’s new album. The video was written and directed by Emily Kai Bock, who previously directed videos for Grimes (“Oblivion”) and Grizzly Bear (“Yet Again”). “I…
Institute of Chili Named Some of the Best Chili in the US by Food & Wine
The chili ranked best along with two other Texan restaurants. (Courtesy) More national attention is coming our way, this time via Food & Wine. The magazine published a list of best chili in the U.S. and the Institute of Chili made the cut along with two other Texan joints. Here’s what Food & Wine had…
Twerking in the Snow: Big Freedia and a Snow Machine at La Villita Are in San Antonio’s Forecast
The Current just announced the lineup for its first ever Snowball (Dec. 28) and we are totally losing it with excitement over Big Freedia coming to SA. Queen of Bounce and internationally recognized twerk ambassador Big Freedia has been getting crowds trill all over the country for years now, most recently at Fun Fun Fun…
Quarry Farmers and Ranchers Market Adds Vendors
The Quarry Farmers and Ranchers Market is beefing up its vendors. (Courtesy) The Quarry Farmers and Ranchers Market is adding a few more options this weekend. On the meatier side of things, Hudspeth River Ranch is bringing its lamb to the market; the family at Vintage Heart Farm is raising heritage pigs and bringing homemade…
Grocery Delivering Company Comes to San Antonio
Grocery delivering company comes for business.CF A UT student based grocery delivering company, Burpy, is spreading it’s wings to our wonderful city. Starting on November 25, the company will offer same day grocery delivery service to any address in San Antonio city limits for busy families, or those who just can’t go to the store.…
Restaurants Team Up for Typhoon Relief
Load up on these goodies for a good cause. Stop by Bakery Lorraine (511 E Grayson), Barbaro (2720 McCullough) and The Monterey (1127 S St Mary’s) on Thursday, November 21 and help raise funds for typhoon relief in the Philippines. A portion of the proceeds from the days sales will be donated to Gawad Kalinga…
SA Now a Leader in LGBT Municipal Equality Index
It looks like San Antonio is becoming a little more gay friendly. Creative Commons Images. In an annual review of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality in cities across the country, San Antonio’s scored 86 points, going up 79 percent since last year. The recently passed LGBT non-discrimination ordinance and appointment of a City LGBT…
8 Must-Try Thanksgiving Desserts
Desserts are arguably the best part of Thanksgiving. Sick of pie? Give these sinful recipes a go. 1. Impress your friends with a souffle Via Daydreamer Desserts Flourless Apple Souffles for Two via Daydreamer Desserts 2. Practice your crepe game Via Saveur Crepes Cajeta via Saveur 3. Put your pumpkin between two cookies Via Food…
Mixtli’s Next Menu Will Focus on Chiapas
Expect a taste of molecular gastronomy. Mixtli (5251McCullough), the Yard-based progressive Mexican restaurant is changing its menu focus. The restaurant serves ancient dishes from all over Mexico and while adding a modern twist. The first iteration of the menu featured dishes from Oaxaca, but it will now showcase cuisine inspired by Chiapas, Mexico from November…
CIA Bakery Cafe to Close: 5 baked goods we’ll miss
The Culinary Institute of America-San Antonio will close its CIA Bakery Cafe (312 Pearl Pkwy) on Dec. 20. The cafe opened in 2011. The move comes after the baking and pastry arts degree program rolled out in August of this year was met with a really positive response. Currently, 22 students are enrolled in the…
Gary Sweeney Interviews Chris Sauter
My introduction to Chris Sauter’s work took place in 1999, when I experienced his tour de force installation at Artpace, in which he cut sections of drywall from the gallery walls, and used the pieces to construct a dining table and chairs. It remains probably my favorite all-time artwork in the space. Chris is a brilliant conceptual artist and craftsman,…
Emo-historical Musical ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’ is Worn, but Not Tired
In a winter musical season that’s heavy on family-friendly warhorses—White Christmas and Guys and Dolls, comin’ up!—it’s refreshing to see the Woodlawn take a chance on Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers’ anarchic romp through American history in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. The show couldn’t be more different than, say, A Christmas Story: BBAJ is part…
Down The Hatch: Pre- and post-dinner drinks for surviving Thanksgiving
Supposedly fall is upon us (just don’t tell this stubborn Texas weather) and Thanksgiving is but a few days away. With that in mind, here are some cocktails to help ease into the awkward family gatherings, the furious football games, the overstuffing of gullets, the eventual guilt of gluttony, the screaming kids and all the…
Inside the Messy Demolition of the Univision Building
“Whose Culture? Our Culture!” “Whose history?” “Our History!” chanted members of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, the Westside Preservation Alliance and Save KWEX as their activist colleagues were hauled off by a San Antonio Police Department van last Tuesday afternoon. In an act of civil disobedience that ended in eight arrests, protestors staged a…
Advice for Musicians from Guitar God Steve Vai
Steve Vai started taking guitar lessons from Joe Satriani at age 14. By the time he was 18, he was transcribing music for Frank Zappa. He impressed Zappa enough to be asked to join the band, record and tour with him, in the process becoming one of the greatest guiatarists of his generation, known for…
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ fans the flames brighter
Luke Skywalker never suffered from PTSD. Well, we can presume he did. We can easily imagine that he woke up from nightmares drenched in sweat. We just never saw it onscreen. Depicting that sort of thing used to be the domain of angsty fan fiction. Nowadays, Tony Stark, in 3D IMAX, can’t sleep after New York. Similarly, we get our reintroduction…
Five Ways to Get Your Drink/Grub On This Week
Friday, November 22: The McNay hosts a College Night mixer and costume party to pair with its exhibition “Cut! Costume and Cinema.” Guests are encouraged to dress as characters from Pirates of the Caribbean, The Phantom of the Opera or Sherlock Holmes. The evening includes art, live music, free food and then some. Free, 7pm,…
Radio’s Dead: 7 Local Bands Pay Tribute to Radiohead Leader
In anticipation of the Radio’s Dead: A Tribute to Thom Yorke, happening Friday at 502 Bar, the Current spoke with some of the bands on the bill about their love of all things Yorke, as well as their own plans for covering his music. The full lineup is: Phonolux, Last Nighters, Lonely Horse, At War…
Pig Out with These Alternative Thanksgiving Recipes
The idea of roasting a turkey stresses us out. There’s the matter of cleaning out the ugly bits, and patting it dry for what seems like hours to get that crispy, crunchy skin. Regardless of when you go to the grocery store, you’ll find hordes of Thanksgiving zombies milling around the sweet potatoes and the…
Holiday Gift Guide: 50+ Local Gift Ideas to Buy Your Way to Peace and Joy
10 Local Non-Profits You Can Help Out 11 Local Gifts for the Imbiber 23 Local Gifts for the Arts Lover 13 Local Gifts for the Film Fanatic 11 Local Gifts for the Foodie 17 Local Gifts for the Music Lover
Savage Love: Basics, bitches
I’m a heterosexual guy in my early 20s. I’ve been dating my girlfriend for about six months, and we’ve been having some fights recently. The problem: I have a high sex drive in comparison to hers. I want to be intimate on a weekly basis (at least!), and she’s told me that she’s more of…
Steve Vai: The Complete Current Q & A
Legendary guitarist Steve Vai will perform at Backstage Live on Wednesday, November 20. He spoke with the Current on the phone from his home in Los Angeles. First of all, thanks for stopping by instead of ignoring us, like most do, in favor of Austin or Houston. It’s been a long time since I’ve played…
Flavor File: Smoked birds and sinful pies for T-Day, Fodor’s discovers SA food scene, Two Step goes Italian
Tiu Steppi’s (9910 W Loop 1604 N, Ste 123), owned and operated by the same folks who brought us Two Step Restaurant & Cantina, is now open. The neighborhood Italian restaurant will focus on wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and accessible beers and wines available to go. Located in the same shopping center as Two Step,…
‘Dallas 1963’ Co-author Bill Minutaglio Discusses JFK in Texas
Dallas 1963 is not another JFK conspiracy theory book. In fact, it’s the furthest thing from it. Authors Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis intimately examine the hostile social and political climate brewing in the lead-up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, which occurred 50 years ago on Friday. By using Dallas itself as…
Kathy Griffin Goes for the Gasp at the Majestic
The idea of a Q&A interview with Kathy Griffin seems kind of disingenuous, because Griffin, former reality star (Bravo’s My Life on the D-List) and current reigning queen of celebrity shit-talking, has made a living answering questions you never asked but wished you thought of: what’s Barbara Walters’ favorite brand of lubricant, for example. She…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The poet Charles Baudelaire prayed for help, but not to God — rather he prayed to the writer Edgar Allan Poe. Novelist Malcolm Lowry sometimes pleaded with God to give him insight, but he also prayed to the writer Franz Kafka. I really like this approach to seeking guidance, and recommend…
Tis the Season for Beaujolais Nouveau
Breathless announcements proclaiming “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!” used to appear in every wine shop window in Paris on the third Thursday in November (the 21st this year); the arrival of the first bottlings from that year’s harvest of the famously fruity wine was, for a brief moment, cause for celebration—admittedly grudging on the part…
Special Projects Social’s Tim McDiarmid Managing Communal Dining
Chef Tim McDiarmid and Peter Zubiate of Zubiate Projects have hosted almost 20 installments of the Special Projects Social. The pop-up dinner parties celebrate fine food, artisanal desserts and libations, music, art and creativity at large. While the two producers have the events down to a science, how can attendees most enjoy the art of…
U.S. Supreme Court Allows Texas Anti-Abortion Law To Stand
A majority of the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an attempt to halt a part of Texas’ newly enacted abortion-restrictive law, effectively keeping the current rules intact. Citizens against the Texas anti-abortion law protesting at the Capitol this summer. Photo by Mary Tuma On Nov. 4, the coalition of groups– which include Planned Parenthood and Whole…
10 Free Events Happening This Week, Nov. 18-24
1.) LADRILLERÍA: Rumbo Al’ Anacua Performance and Q&A Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. This event features a performance by the duo Rumbo al’ Anacua. Rumbo al’ Anacua presents a collection of vintage Mexican folksongs that followed workers of the ladrilleras along the Texas-Mexico border. These songs honor early brickmakers produced the brick for Texas architecture.…
Lunchtime Links: Bob Dylan’s Interactive ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ Video, McDonald’s Advice To Underpaid Employees, Selfie Is Oxford’s ‘Word Of The Year,’ A Weekend With Nick Offerman + More
1. You Need to Mess With Bob Dylan’s Interactive ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ Video “Bob Dylan broke ground in 1965 with one of the world’s first music videos — that card-flipping classic, “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Now, at 72, the folk and rock legend is tied to another significant audio-visual feat: a highly ambitious, seamlessly executed interactive…
8 Dreamy Mashed Potato Recipes
Throw away that bag of Idaho Spuds and put in a little more effort this year. The possibilities are endless: 1. Heavy on the herbs Via Cooking Light Creamy Herbed Mashed Potatoes via Cooking Light 2. For a rustic touch Via Let’s Dish Crispy Garlic Rosemary Smashed Potatoes via Let’s Dish 3. Ditch the potatoes…
