HAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Hybrid salon, café, and bar cuts into King William

When it comes to self-care, some folks treat themselves to a day at the salon, some take a moment to relax at a café, and still others let loose with a stiff drink. In a eureka moment, a new Southtown concept offers all three experiences under the same roof.

Headspace is now easing into business at 109 Playmoor St. The playful outfit offers an array of cut and color services paired with a full espresso bar and light bites. Cocktails will eventually be available after the shop emerges from its soft opening phase.

The hybrid concept is the work of Anya Krotova, a 20-year beauty industry veteran specializing in low toxicity, gender- and hair texture-neutral styling. She is joined by prolific entrepreneur Mike Torres, the founder of several catering and restaurant concepts and an outdoor lifestyle brand, Bird & Sun.

Via email, Krotova shares with CultureMap that Headspace's business model isn't as left-field as one might think.

"It's not uncommon in other parts of the world and the country," says Krotova. "We aim to provide a complete experience for all our customers. Some of our salon clients need to spend hours in the chair, and their friends or significant others may want to hang out with them."

Though Headspace will eventually expand its offerings, it now pours a full array of espresso drinks. In addition to serving pastries, the café also dishes up pulled pork sliders, brisket hash, a smoked chicken salad, and a weekly biscuits and gravy special. Early risers can also grab an array of breakfast tacos.

The concept will also make room for neighborhood happenings. In conjunction with First Friday, Headspace welcomed chef John Mesa and artist Jorge Villareal on May 5. Krotova says patrons can expect many more activations to come.

"Our goal is to be more than just a cafe, bar, or salon; we aspire to create a community hub and a vibrant scene," she says.

Currently, Headspace is open by appointment for salon services. The café hours are 7 am-2 pm on weekdays and from 8 am-2 pm on Saturdays.

Photo courtesy of Headspace

Headspace offers a salon and café under one roof.

A toast to wine bars

2 new wine bars pour into San Antonio 10 days apart

Loblolly Cellars, Vino Grotta, San Antonio, wine bar, winery

Loblolly Cellars / Facebook

Loblolly Cellars, a Columbus, Texas-based winery, opened a tasting room in north San Antonio in late December.

Wine fans in San Antonio have two new urban wineries in town where they can enjoy a glass or two of vino and more.

First, the owners of Loblolly Cellars hosted a December 21 grand opening party to celebrate their new tasting room at 11115 Wurzbach Rd., Ste. 600, in the north central side of town.

Loblolly Cellars is based in the Columbus area, halfway between San Antonio and Houston. The owners have a vineyard on their family ranch filled with loblolly pine trees, which inspired the name of the winery.

The crew at Loblolly Cellars have spent the past year and a half promoting the fledgling winery, offering products at pop-up events in the Columbus area and around the Hill Country. The owners often use a mobile taproom to serve up a glass of Loblolly wine or sangria at such events.

Prior to opening the San Antonio tasting room, Loblolly has also been present for local events, such as pop-ups at the Vance Jackson Road tasting room parking lot. They also have appeared at the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church fall festival, which is held just down the street from the permanent tasting room site.

The family- and pet-friendly taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating where patrons can choose from a variety of Loblolly wines, such as Riesling, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Lenoir, Blanc du Bois, Camminare Noir, and an Italian-style red blend, a mix of Sangiovese and Aglianico grapes.

Loblolly Cellars also features house sangria and charcuterie. The tasting room is open from 5-10 pm on Thursdays, 1-10 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 10 pm Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays.

The second new winery soft opened December 30 at 19338 Babcock Rd., Ste. 209, in far northwest San Antonio. Owner Kim Stevens describes Vino Grotta, or “wine cave," as more than a wine bar, but rather an experience that features 100-plus wines from across the nation and world. The interior has a look and feel that reflect the rustic charm of underground cellars, Stevens says.

According to Stevens, guests can complement their wine with selections from a gourmet food menu that boasts small plates, such as zucchini fries, artichoke fritters, and red pepper gouda soup. The menu also contains sandwiches and flatbreads. Additionally, patrons may choose from a small assortment of craft beers and non-alcoholic wines.

Vino Grotta hosts occasional activities, such as live music performances, wine tastings and wine education programs. The space can also be reserved for various group events, such as private parties and corporate functions. A grand opening celebration is planned for February 1. The bar is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 3-10 pm, Saturdays from noon to 11 pm, and Sundays from noon to 8.

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