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Pizza Patrón/ Facebook

One wouldn't think it at first glance, but the pizza options in San Antonio's central core are relatively slim. So, it's good news for downtown dwellers that a popular pizza chain is slicing into the area.

On March 6, Alamo City-based Pizza Patrón opened a new outpost at 1107 San Pedro Ave #101. The brand has been serving pies in the area for twenty years, but this is its first downtown location. The company moved its headquarters from Dallas to San Antonio in 2017 ahead of a massive brand relaunch.

The company is known for its Latin twist on traditional pizzas, such as the Choriqueso, topped with chihuahua cheese, chorizo, freshly cut onions, and a signature creamy pepper sauce on a cornmeal crust. Classic pies are also offered, like five-meat, supreme, and vegetarian. Though Patrón does dish out sides like wings and breadsticks, it largely avoids gimmicks like loaded tots and stuffed crusts.

To celebrate the opening, Pizza Patrón is offering free delivery for the location's first six weeks of operation, which will come in handy as spring schedules get packed to the brim. Customers should also look out for giveaways, nonprofit partnerships, and activations throughout the year as the brand celebrates its landmark year of operating in San Antonio.

"We are thrilled to strengthen our roots in the city and welcome the folks in downtown San Antonio to our newest location," Juan Reyes, Director of Marketing for Pizza Patrón, said via a release. "Our Latin flavors are inspired by the culture and spirit of San Antonio, and we cannot wait to share this with our new neighbors."

The new location is open from 10:30 am-10 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10:30 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday.

Roots salad Kitchen/ Facebook

8 mouthwatering spots serving up specials during Black Restaurant Week San Antonio

CULTURE AND CUISINE

Our only regret for Black Restaurant Week San Antonio? There are only so many meals we can eat in a day. So we’ve learned to form a game plan before diving into the dozens of restaurants participating in the annual celebration of culture and cuisine.

Founder Ryane Smith’s labor of love, held this year from February 26 to March 5, has become an annual tradition. Each year, participating restaurants agree to donate a dollar from a special to a local charity; this year, the San Antonio Food Bank. That alone is an excellent reason to schedule lingering dinners and mid-day lunches.

But it is also a chance to discover new favorites to return to month after month. Here are a few of ours to get your calendar started.

Carmens de la Calle
For over 20 years, this venue has been delivering la vie boheme to locals via its cozy downtown hideaway. The food pairs nicely with the flamenco often found inside. Order the house paella with chicken, chorizo, and seafood, or order empanadas 72 hours in advance. They come in a mind-boggling assortment of global flavors — everything from the Japanese-inspired Samurai Chicken to beef picadillo.

Kirk’s Jerk
Kirk’s family-run food truck specializes in — what else — jerk chicken. Jamaica’s most famous culinary export is made into tacos, sandwiches, and sliders — and even a salad bowl. That’s just a lip-smacking start. For a limited time, the Converse trailer will also be dishing out oxtails and curry chicken for a complete family feast. All are served with the necessary sides: cabbage, rice and peas, and plantains.

Momma Luv’s
This Northeast Side eatery combines soul and Caribbean cooking in one of the most piquant menus in town. Southern specialties like fried catfish and collard greens can be mixed and matched with island favorites like Jamaican beef patties, plantains, and slow-stewed chicken.

Mr. A. OK’s Kitchen
An industry vet with more than 20 years of experience, chef Steven Harris specializes in the soul food once ubiquitous at Southern meat-and-threes. That means every sandwich and entrée comes with at least one side, a list that covers all the classics — mac ‘n’ cheese, greens, black-eyed peas, dirty rice, fried okra, and more.

Roots Salad Kitchen

It used to be conventional wisdom that people who wanted a healthy meal in San Antonio had to cook it themselves. Not anymore. Spots like Roots are dishing out plenty of veggies and whole grains, all served as a fast-food value meal. Chef Chris Cukjati takes it one step further by introducing a global flavor palate. Chimichurri gives zing to flat iron steak in a Tex-Mex salad; shrimp is paired with crunchy green apples and a sunny orange dressing.

Sweet Yams
A more health-minded take on Southern fare, this East Side eatery offers lean meats, gluten-free bread, and organic produce. All of the sides are vegan, but omnivores might not notice. The red beans and rice is insanely flavorful, thanks to a squirt of sriracha and creamy avocado.

Trices Café & Lounge
Owned by chef Elsie Glasu-Atunuwa, Trices is one of only a handful of restaurants in Alamo City offering West African standards like egusi soup (a nutty comfort food made from blended melon seeds) and jollof rice (a vibrantly spiced dish made in a tomato stew). Try either with a Malta Guinness, a sweet, malty soft drink with just a hint of the familiar stout’s flavor.

Wine 210
This elegant neighborhood wine bar has an intriguing array of bottles, ranging from patio pounders like Field Recording’s Skins to big reds like Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon. The snacks are naturally designed to let the vino shine. Opt for charcuterie, olives, hummus, or a decadent double-chocolate cake.

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San Antonio had the 3rd largest population increase in the U.S., new Census report says

POPULATION REPORT

We already know things are changing in Texas at large, but how about San Antonio? Now, six out of the 15 most populous cities in the United States are in the Lone Star State, and the Alamo City had one of the largest numeric population increases in the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau's latest findings add more validity to reports that less people are interested in living in the city proper, and are seeking residence in the suburbs.

San Antonio added nearly 18,900 new residents between July 2021 to July 2022, bringing the city's total population to nearly 1,473,000. That put San Antonio at No. 3 on the list of numerical increases (as opposed to proportional growth). For scale, the report lists Austin at 1.0 million. Fort Worth took the top spot with its gain of 19,170 residents, and Phoenix, Arizona earned No. 2 after adding 19,053 to its population count.

The top 10 cities with the largest numeric population increases are:

  • No. 1 – Fort Worth, Texas
  • No. 2 – Phoenix, Arizona
  • No. 3 – San Antonio, Texas
  • No. 4 – Seattle, Washington
  • No. 5 – Charlotte, North Carolina
  • No. 6 – Jacksonville, Florida
  • No. 7 – Port St. Lucie, Florida
  • No. 8 – Cape Coral, Florida
  • No. 9 – Houston, Texas
  • No. 10 – Georgetown, Texas

New Braunfels also earned a nod in the report for being the No. 13 fastest growing city in 2022, and crossing the 100,000 population threshold. The city grew by 5.7 percent, adding up to 104,707 residents.

In an overall analysis of the 15 largest American cities in 2022, San Antonio ranked No. 7. Houston was the only Texas city that ranked higher at No. 4 with its population of over 2.3 million people. Dallas came in at No. 9 with a population of just under 1.3 million, and Austin barely made it into the top 10 with a population of 974,447 residents. Fort Worth ranked outside the top 10 at No. 13, with a population of 956,709.

The top 10 most populous American cities are:

  • No. 1 – New York City, New York
  • No. 2 – Los Angeles, California
  • No. 3 – Chicago, Illinois
  • No. 4 – Houston, Texas
  • No. 5 – Phoenix, Arizona
  • No. 6 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • No. 7 – San Antonio, Texas
  • No. 8 – San Diego, California
  • No. 9 – Dallas, Texas
  • No. 10 – Austin, Texas

The report additionally discovered that housing inventory skyrocketed by 1.6 million units between 2021 and 2022. Texas had the third fastest housing growth with a rate of 2.3 percent, versus Utah, which had the fastest growth at 3.3 percent.

San Antonio didn't make the cut in the list of the 10 most populous U.S. metro areas (as opposed to the cities, themselves), but Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranked No. 4, and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land ranked No. 5.

The full report can be found on census.gov.

The Disney Immersive Experience is now offering sensory-friendly viewings

A whole new world

The Disney Immersive Experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio has found a way to be extra inclusive for Disney fans.

Starting on Saturday, June 17, there will be three sensory friendly viewings of the Disney Immersive Experience (you can purchase tickets for the specific sensory friendly performances here).

So what does a sensory friendly viewing entail exactly? For starters, the volume of the show is reduced for a more comfortable viewing experience for guests with special needs.

Other accommodations for the sensory friendly viewing include comfortable gallery lighting (and there will be no blackouts like there are in the regular showings), reduced guest capacity, sensitivity warnings at certain potentially agitating moments in the show, and quiet areas outside of the gallery (where the show takes place) so guests can take a break if the noise is too overwhelming.

After the first sensory friendly viewing on Saturday, June 17, the remaining two sensory friendly performances will take place on Sunday, July 16, and Sunday, August 13.

Every sensory friendly viewing will take place at 10 am. Make sure to select the correct time slot when booking tickets (the sensory friendly performances are also marked 'sensory show' on the online booking calendar.) The sensory friendly viewings are also priced exactly the same as the regular viewings.

The Disney Immersive Experience will be housed at Lighthouse ArtSpace until August 13, 2023, and tickets are still available for regular showings as well as the sensory friendly viewings.

:Inclusion is important to us with all of our offerings, but all the more so with Immersive Disney Animation, which is truly an exhibit where everyone should feel welcome," says Lighthouse Immersive producer Corey Ross via release. "These viewings reduce the sensory output of the show to offer a relaxed environment and judgment-free zone where the wonderful worlds and characters of Disney Animation Studios can be enjoyed by all.”

Here are the top 7 things to do in San Antonio this weekend

Weekend Event Guide

Musical moments are certain to fill the air in the Alamo City for the next several days. Catch songstress Erykah Badu in concert or catch a Ryan Adams & The Cardinals show. Fiesta Noche del Rio promises ample dance and musical performances for the entire family to enjoy. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, go to our calendar.

Thursday, June 8

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals in concert
Americana music stars Ryan Adams & The Cardinals return to Austin for a live show at The Espee. Fans of the “Now That You’re Gone” band can expect the same hits with a new line-up of Adams, Brad Pemberton, Chris Stills, Daniel Clarke, and Don Was. Get seating information on Ticketmaster.

Friday, June 9

Broadway in San Antonio presents Riverdance
Irish dancing takes center stage at Majestic Theatre. Audiences will enjoy a production complete with traditional music and Riverdance’s famous style of energy and rhythmic expression. Shows are scheduled through June 11. Explore ticket availability at broadway.com.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents Dreamgirls
Free movie nights continue at The Plaza at the Tobin Center with this week’s screening of the 2006 film Dreamgirls, starring Jennifer Hudson. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for a more comfortable viewing experience. A full bar and concessions will be available onsite. Admission to this screening is free and open to the public.

Alamo Kiwanis Club presents "Fiesta Noche del Rio"
The Alamo Kiwanis Club hosts the Fiesta Noche del Rio series for another summer season at Arneson River Theatre. Highlights include mariachis, flamenco guitar, dancing, costumes, food, and more. Get tickets and a full series schedule at fiestanochesa.com.

Saturday, June 10

Briscoe Western Art Museum presents Masoud Yasami's cloud painting workshop
Painter Masoud Yasami engages in conversation and guided instruction at this special evening of art. Registration includes supplies for the session and the chance to glean expert guidance on painting clouds. This event is open to participants of all skill levels. Sign up for the session at briscoemuseum.org.

Sunday, June 11

National Geographic Live: Cosmic Adventures with Tracy Drain
Get lost in scientifically-backed stories of the cosmos as told by aerospace engineer Tracy Drain. Guests will learn about Drain’s engineering challenges and scientific discoveries from the Kepler mission, as well as exclusive accounts of the Psyche mission. For ticket information visit tobincenter.org.

Erykah Badu in concert
Erykah Badu, widely known as the “Queen of Neo Soul,” performs live in concert at the AT&T Center. The voice of chart-topping songs such as “Bag Lady” and “Didn’t Cha Know” makes a stop in San Antonio in support of her Unfollow Me tour. She will be joined by Yasiin Bey. Get more information on Ticketmaster.

Erykah Badu
Photo courtesy of Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu will play in San Antonio on June 11.