Tasty Byte:  Boudro’s Texas Bistro

Website:  http://www.boudros.com

Address:  421 E. Commerce | San Antonio, Texas 78205 {MAP}

Phone:  210.224.8484

Restaurant Week – Lunch – Menu

Visiting the Riverwalk frequently with out of town guests, I’m horrified that it has taken Restaurant Week to finally make time for Boudro’s Texas Bistro.  After entering from the street level, taking the elevator to the River level, and entering through the back of the restaurant, this eatery left little to be desired and many memories to savor!

Starting with the heirloom tomato salad and tomato soup with a HUGE mound of lump crab tabbouleh, we knew our meal was going to be good.  Both 1st course choices were 1st rate indeed!

Choosing the chopped salad and grilled filet with a vegetable enchilada, the steak was fabulous and the salad, mixed tableside, left us wanting more!  The meat was a generous medium-rare and disintegrated in your mouth.

The dessert was so refreshing that I’ll continue to crave it on hot summer days.  A trio of fresh sorbets, the mango peach was expectantly good, the blackberry light yet flavorful, and the lemon basil had us spreading the good news of the winning combination.  With raspberry coulis drizzled and supported on an almond lace wafer, the dessert remains my favorite.

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Antonio-TX/Boudros-Texas-Bistro/114824508566992

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/TexasBistro

In an impassioned attempt to support the local economy, a friend and I have enthusiastically participated in and relished San Antonio’s 1^st Annual Restaurant Week which started Saturday, August 21^st and lasts through Saturday, August 22^nd!

So many choices, so little time! How to choose? Check out where I ate and see mouthwatering pictures showcasing the lunches at 5 San Antonio eateries. Each post contains restaurant menus, contact information, Twitter/Facebook pages, and more reasons to attend, this week and go back subsequently!

WARNING: Pictures of food are incredibly tempting and should not be viewed if adequate meal is not forthcoming!

Sun., Aug. 22 – Las Canarias

Although distracted by the Sunday Champagne brunch, the lunch menu offered throughout the rest of the week looked incredible tempting!

Mon., Aug. 23 – The Palm

Even though it all started in 1926 in NYC, The Palm is still the place to be, with international locations! The San Antonio location kicked off Restaurant week on a high note!

Tue., Aug. 24 – Boudro’s

Boudro’s is a Riverwalk gem and ammunition for anyone who says you can’t find good food on the River. Incredible lunch, left very little to be desired.

Wed., Aug. 25 – The Lodge at Castle Hills

A San Antonio classic, the lunch did not disappoint. The restaurant, a converted mansion nestled within two and a half acres, offered an instant mid-day escape from everything else.

Thu., Aug. 26 – Tre Trattoria

Another Chef Jason Dady treasure, this Tuscan Italian restaurant offered a great ambiance and an equally scrumptious lunch!

Formally the New World Wine & Food Festival, Culinaria is sponsoring this event offering the opportunity to try some of the Alamo City’s BEST culinary masters’ finest dishes in an affordable fashion.

After this week, I’ll never view lunch the same!

Tasty Byte:  Las Canarias

Website:  http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/SanAntonioLaMansionDelRio/Dining.aspx

Address:  112 College Street | San Antonio, Texas 78205 { MAP }

Phone:  210.518.1000

Restaurant Week – Lunch – Menu

Although the plan was to celebrate the beginning of Restaurant Week with a 3-course meal, we were distracted by the incredible, lavishly prepared weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch that left nothing to be desired.

Instead of spending $15 a person, we spent $40 but for a special treat or occasion, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate!

This meal included:

• unlimited mimosas and free flowing champagne
• whole-shrimp chevice, raw oyster bar, smoked salmon/capers/creme fraiche
• salad station where you select ingredients and the station manager mixes them w/ dressing
• homemade breads, olive tapenades, a wide range of cheeses, fresh veggies
• breakfast favorites like french toast, fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, hashbrowns
• hearty lunch options like a pan seared fish, prime rib w/ choice of 3 different sauces, pastas, briskets, excellent/crisp veggies
• desserts included fruit tarts, a banana fosters station, German chocolate cake

I thought everything was fabulous and recommend this to everyone!  The Restaurant Week menu looks very appealing as well, don’t forget to check it out…just not on a Sunday.

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/omnihotels

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/omnihotels

Tasty Byte:  The Palm | San Antonio, TX

Website:  http://www.thepalm.com/San-Antonio

Address:  233 East Houston Street |San Antonio, TX 78205 { MAP }

Phone:  210.226.7256

Restaurant Week – Lunch – Menu

The first official lunch tasted during 2010 Restaurant Week, it set a wonderful tone for the rest of the week!  Across the street from the Majestic Theater, it’s one of the places that’s easy to get to downtown with a parking garage on adjacent corner.  ($5 or less, depending on how quickly you eat/linger/wait in-between courses.)

Calling ahead of time for reservations (a whole 5 minutes, from the parking garage to be precise) we were met by our friendly host, with Restaurant Week menus in hand.  Starting with the Chef’s soup du jour (a rich tomato bisque) and a mixed green salad, we enjoyed the choices of 3 different breads before moving to the next course.  Although I still need to check, the bread was served with butter, radishes, a pepper, and a pickle!  The pickle, although surprising, was delicious, and the radish packed a spicy little kick.

Although my friend and I were the underdog against 3 entree choices, we eventually settled on the 8oz Sirloin with porcini mushroom whipped potatoes and a fabulous cabernet wine demi and the New York steak sandwich, served on crisp French bread, a wonderful horseradish aioli, leaving little to be desired.  (Discounting the 3rd entree choice of course…a Panko crusted Ahi Tuna).

Our meal ended with tropical favorite – key lime pie.  Served with fresh whipped cream, the graham cracker crust was solid against the strong, lime goodness of the pie.

If you don’t make it this week, please stop by before or after a show at the theater.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PalmRestaurant

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/PalmStkMan

Start following the tweets of your favorite conference or become their fan on Facebook with this all inclusive list! Don’t search the internet; I have it all here, ready for easy following! I was curious so I found them for myself to stick in my sports tweet list:

http://twitter.com/geekettebits/sportstweeps

but you can start following from your own accounts…check back for my next round of NCAA tweeps to follow!!

Before it’s too late, take advantage of these 2010 Valentine’s Day deals that make you fall head over heels with saving money, all over again!  Categorized by Flowers, Chocolates, Gifts, Party, Dining, and Dress, there is someone for everyone, those with a Valentine and those looking to save a buck!  Includes freebies like 25 songs from iTunes and much more!

Continue to check back as I’ll add more as I come across them!

Flowers

ProFlowers is offering a dozen roses and 12 free chocolates!

Chocolates

Reese’s Pieces To receive your coupon, complete this order form and send along with one complete candy bar wrapper from: HERSHEY.®S SPECIAL DARK® Dark Chocolate Bar, ALMOND JOY® Candy Bar, YORK® Peppermint Pattie or REESE.S® Peanut Butter Cups. HURRY. your request must be one of the first 25,000 received and post-marked by 2/17/10 to qualify!

Ghirardelli is offering another sinfully delicious deal for Valentine’s Day!
Use CJ15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase! Also enjoy free shipping over $50!

Godiva Chocolate is offering FREE 32 pc. Milk Chocolate Gems on Shipments >$50!

My M&M’s lets you save 14% off your order with promo code: VDAY14.

using promocode VA1019751 at checkout to save 20% off your entire order! Now through 2/11!

Amazon’s sweet deals save you $10 when you spend $49 or more…expires Feb. 15th, use VALCANDY at checkout.

Gifts

Walgreens is wishing their customers Happy Valentine’s Day with Free Shipping for orders over $25, use LOVE25 through Jan. 30!!

Shutterfly is offering 40% off your entire order! Enter FORTY at checkout and get free shipping for orders over $30 with SHIP30!

Sephora is offering a something to pucker up about, normally $65…now only $25!

Bath & Body Works use promocode 20PERCENT at checkout 1/31.

JCPenney to take an Extra 15% OFF Select Fine Jewelry with 15HEARTS at checkout!

Pillsbury sign up to receive the Pillsbury® email newsletter, access exclusive member benefits on Pillsbury.com, and receive a FREE* Pillsbury® coupon booklet with $10 in valuable savings!

Half Price Books is having a Book Lovers Weekend – use the printable coupon to save 20% off your entire purchase!

Party

Party City is offering FREE Shipping with PCSB65 at checkout!

The Popcorn Factory is just another GREAT way to save “I LOVE YOU”! HRT5 at checkout saves you $5, now through Feb. 14th!

Harry & David is offering a $5 coupon! Doesn’t have to be Christmas and pears…enjoy Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day savings!

Dining

Krispy Kreme Buy a Dozen Donuts, recieve 12 FREE Valentine’s with coupons for free! Also, did you know that whenever their window light is lit they’re giving away FREE glazed donuts! @krispy_kreme

BJ’s Brewhouse s offering $5 off $20 food purchase, use printable coupon or 2010 at checkout now through 2/12!

Macaroni Grill is offering free Appetizer with purchase of two Entrees! Doesn’t expire until March 2010!

Dress

Urban Outfitters offers “20% off $50 Purchase, use THINKSPRING now through Feb. 14th! Also on their homepage, text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross Relief AND download and listen to 25 tracks, FREE! UO Music List !

Name: Yard House

Where: 15900 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio TX  78256 (Get directions here.)

Did you know? The name yard house pays homage to the 3-foot tall English glass, originally created for passing to stage coach drivers easily, during more relaxed alcohol consumption days.  (There is approximately 32 ounces in a yard house including those glasses offered at all Yard House locations.)

Quick Bit: Opened for only a week, the first Yard House in Texas did not disappoint!  My friend and I enjoyed an incredibly indulgent Sunday afternoon meal at The Shops at La Cantera’s newest eatery addition.  The sun streamed demurely through the windows, offering a full-scale view we did not ascertain during a late-night reconnaissance visit the previous Friday.  As one of the first lunchtime patrons (day-lights savings has no affect on the discerning palate), I was struck by the intimate openness of the spacious restaurant, the dramatic artwork on the walls (details to follow), and the numerous flat screens patiently waiting for NFL Sunday (and yes, sports fans, they do have NFL Sunday Ticket.)

Geekette Bit’s Tasty Byte Highlight

While reviewing the extensive menu, my dining companion and I immediately struggled to select a rational and reasonable number of tantalizing appetizer specialties from the 20-plus offered on our local menu.  We were not disappointed with the crisp, solid Blue Crab Cakes happily dancing with the lightest mango papaya chutney, passion fruit beurre blanc, and tomato oil.  Dipped individually, the crab cakes spawned 3 distinct tastes, joined revealed its perfect complements.  For our starter course we also ordered the behemoth Hawaiian Poke Stake which included generous layers of fresh, hearty ahi tuna, crunchy wontons, and ginger mix of julienned carrots and bean sprouts medley.  The avocado accompaniment politely subdued the strong ginger crescendo without diminishing the dish’s richness.

The half pound avocado and Swiss burger my friend ordered was served in the good company of a slender French fries and a tasty pickle which I thought was pleasantly attentive to a somewhat minor detail!)  He was also offered the choice between a potato or wheat bun.  I did not need the charming wooden stake to know my 12 oz. full flavor grilled rib eye was a perfect medium, my butter rose melting quickly.  The garlic mashed potatoes, full of texture and adorned with a sprig of rosemary, quietly outperformed the green beans that packed a solid crunch but almost under-delivered on flavor.  The colossal shrimp impaled with a thick lemon grass skewer were beautifully grilled and seasoned.

Our meal concluded with a light mini chocolate soufflé, the perfect portion, coupled with vanilla ice crème.  Served warm, both immediately melted fondly in my mouth.

Throughout the meal, our server Casey treated us as if we were her only (and favorite!) customers – gregarious, patient, and charming, a wonderful host who only enhanced our meal.

For more pictures see Geekette Bit’s Tasty Bytes on Flickr

Feature(s):

• Beer Menu – “Transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer” contributing to the 130-some beers on tap at the San Antonio, TX location, dramatically ascend across the ceiling to the island bar.
• Kids Klub – [Family Friendly] although I haven’t been there with my daughter yet, I know she’ll appreciate the 12-page kid’s activity book (with a chance to win the monthly kid’s coloring contest, multiple winners), frozen strawberry fruit bar, and VERY kid-friendly, diverse meal selection.
• Order Online – order online for pick up (and conveniently curbside)…I don’t see San Antonio as an option yet, benefit of a doubt inserted here.
• Large Party?!  Call ahead! – Instead of having to wait (and it was packed Friday night), parties with 8 can make reservations, smaller parties can take advantage of “call ahead seating”.
• Tap In – After setting up an account, create evites to send to friends, co-workers, and family.  Pre-populated with your default Yard House (address, phone number, etc.), you’re given the option of 4 stunning images and multiple styles to play around with.  Evites also track guest lists with option to allow guests to invite others and view whose already rsvp-ed.  Invite can be sent to 200 email address and a personalize message can also be included.  Mimi’s Café offers a similar online event invite option however Yard House’s reigns supreme.
• Gastaldi – Massive, contemporary artwork by Italian ancestry artist Jerome Gastaldi fill the walls of Yard House with bright vibrant colors and distorted reality, complimenting the dynamic energy that consumes the restaurant.

Menu

• Breakfast – No breakfast, opens at 11am, 7 days a week.
• Lunch – lasts from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, includes entrée salads, house favorites, and other enticing combos.
• Dinner – late-night dining offered Monday through Friday until 12am; Friday/Saturday kitchen is cooking until 1am!

In the Community

Take a second to view the main organizations Team Yard House continues to supports in the community:

1 – Komen Cancer Foundation

2 – Canyon Acres

3 – Share Our Selves (SOS)

4 – 9-1-1 for Kids

5 – Kids Konnected

In addition to these incredible groups, you can also contact Yard House with other opportunities to support.

Get the Deal(s):

• Happy Hour

Mon – Fri from 3pm to 6pm

Sun – Thu from 9pm to 11pm

Monday Night Football from kick-off to 11pm

• Extensive list of half-priced appetizers, sliders (Classic/Bearnaise/Pastrami/Turkey mini-burgers), and specialty pizzas are offered
• Bountiful pint, well, wine, and martini drink specials

• Alerts - Sign up for the e-mail newsletter (below) to hear about specials and events at your Yard House

E-mail Newsletter: http://www.yardhouse.com/invite/default.asp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yardhouse

Twitter: @yardhouse

Price: $$$           (Although moderate during Happy Hour!)

$ – Bargain

$ $ – Moderate

$ $ $ – Upscale

$ $ $ $- Expensive

In order of Halloween, Deals of the Week (DoWs) have a certain seasonal flair.  Discounts include photos, costumes, food, candy, and other fun tricks and treats.  A lot are for parties – not even Halloween related…stock up for office or classroom parties!

Amazon.com’s selling Nestle, Mars, and Wonka Candy for a great discount!

Amazon’s Halloween Headquarters lets you save $10 on Select Costume Orders over $50 from

Breyer’ Yogurt – Get a coupon good for a FREE YoCrunch Yogurt when you mail any Halloween Candy wrapper to: Shaina Zalma / YoCrunch / 9507 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 300 / Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Nestle Family save $1.00 Off Any Bag of Nestle Candy + $1.00 Off Wonka Candies when you register or sign in to print your 2 coupons for these candies.

Oriental Trading is offering 20%off any order now through Oct. 29, 2009 use coupon code SW1019778.  Ground shipping sent today (Oct. 20^th will be delivered by Oct. 26!)

Party City is offering all kinds of $10 off on $30 or more, 50% off Halloween Supplies, KidsPatterned Tableware online w/ Coupon code: PCBARBIE10 and Coupon code: PCWELCOME50, respectively, exp. 12/31/09.  Don’t forget to follow @PartyCity and on Facebook.

Sears lets you take 40% off Halloween costumes w/ $5.00 OFF $25.00.  Coupon code: S5OFF25.

Spirit Halloween is offering all kinds of Halloween deals, don’t forget to follow them on Twitter @spiritonline and fan them on Facebook.  Use the following to save $5, $15, $30 on entire purchase w/ SAV5, SAV15, and SAV30 respectively.  Also take 20% off any single item, online with coupon code: SOCIETY, exp: 10/31/09, print here.

SplendidLife.com is offering a free Gift Cookie Cutter Set with Purchase AND 25% OFF with Free Shipping!!  Coupon code: AFOCT and NEWS.

The Scholastic Store is offering 10% off all online AND free shipping for purchases over $25!  Use coupon code SSHLWN by Oct. 26th!

Walgreens is offering 20% off Halloween Costumes, Accessories & Décor w/ coupon code: PUMPKIN, Exp: 10/27/09.

Walgreens Photos is also offering 25 FREE when you purchase 25 using coupon code EXTRAFREE by Oct. 24^th.  Walgreen’s mailing list frequently sends out good offers.

Yankee Candle – $10 Off a $25 Purchase (Online+ In-Store) exp. 11/14, coupon code: H4XFOP.

Create an unforgettable Halloween for the entire family!  I have scoured the internet to consolidate the best fun activities that not only encourage a good, safe time but help the community, environment, and result in much more than just cavities.

My Halloween Series includes:

• Halloween WoW – Holiday special, this website of the week is a real treat!
• Halloween Countdown – What to do while you’re waiting!  Get Halloween to “go green” and find friend and family fun!
• Trick or Treating – Check out my ideas to breathe new life into an age old tradition!  Great ideas for individuals, families, neighbors, and friends!

I’ve always enjoyed Halloween – it’s a fun holiday regardless of your age.  This year though, instead of waiting for the true meaning of Christmas to roll around, use Halloween as an opportunity to show your kids that they shouldn’t just look forward to the sweet stuff at the end of the month but they can ALSO offer a lot of treats too!

Website of the Week (WoW): UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund)

A global organization that saves kids’ lives in over 150 countries by providing clean water, nutrition, medicines, education and aid in emergencies.  They’re also offering awesome ways to raise awareness and contributions!

UNICEF’s Media Savvy

• Follow @unicefusa’s tweets on Twitter.  (Not on Twitter yet?  Twitter 101 from basics to advanced users here!)
• Become a Fan on Facebook!
• Join their cause – By clicking on the “Join Cause” button, you can track how much money you’re raising, see how others are doing, and join the discussions online!

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Encourage your child to help other kids, all over the world, survive and get the basic essentials they need to live better, fuller lives!  Bring around your orange box to collect money in while trick or treating.  Check out their PDF of FAQ here.

• Practice What you Preach – Does your child get a little gun shy?  Don’t wait until opening night to find out what lines your kid’s going to deliver?  UNICEF even has an online game to help kids practice what they’re going to say.

***Parents check out these resources to help understand and explain the importance of giving back, now and throughout the year!

• The Orange Box – Order online or pick up from any of their retail partners:
  • Pier 1 – Become a fan and follow @Pier_1_Imports.
  • Hallmark – @HallmarkPR and Hallmark’s Facebook app.
  • Baskin Robbins – @BaskinRobbins and become a fan.

Available anytime between now and Halloween.  Don’t feel like waiting? Download the materials to make your own collection canister here.

***P&G will double HGTV TV viewers’s tax-deductible donations made online between October 18^th and October 31^st!

Halloween Party Toolkit

Includes EVERYTHING you need to throw a fun, successful, and informative fundraising party!

• Invitations
• “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” Door Sign
• Stickers, Window Cling, and Door Hanger
• Text-or-Treat Mobile Giving Cards – hand out during the party for your guests to contribute at their convience.
• UNICEF DVD – Download the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF DVD, to show your guests how their contributions will be used.

Whether you’re throwing a party for a lot of people or just your family, take advantage of this awesome offer!

Create Your Own Website

Your child, their school, your organization, or just you can create your very own online fundraising Mecca!  In a few easy steps, save the lives a children across the world by:

• Creating a monetary goal
• Personalizing your website – easy to update and use!  (Can even create personalized URLs.)
• Send out to friends and families…encourage everyone to participate!

UNICEF Download Center

Don’t have enough stuff yet?!  With enough activities to entertain you and your children for hours, take advantage of all the FREE resources available!  Download the fundraising kit, ultimate resource kit, or check out the entire sub-site dedicated for teachers!

TeachUNICEF

TeachUNICEF is a resource for U.S. educators.  TeachUNICEF education materials have been designed to help educators bring a global understanding of the needs of children and families around the world into the classroom.

• Monthly E-mails – find out about new opportunities and resources as they become available online and locally.
• Units and Lesson Plans – by grade or by topic, check out the Trick or Treat for UNICEF Teacher Kit and other issues children around the world are facing.
• Service Tips and Opportunities – opportunities for educators to engage students in service.
• Videos – from intro through in-depth looks at specific issues, free to show throughout classes.

Delivering the Goods

UNICEF makes it easy to turn in donations by phone, online, mail, or even your local Coinstar center!  Turn in all the coins you collect instantly and send off your receipt.

And you don’t have to have kids for a lot of my suggestions – grab a group of your friends, your co-workers, and celebrate the end of harvest time with the season of sharing!

3rd Main Way I find People to Follow:

1. Brute Force – you’ll know it when you see it…(consider this the “browse” option.)
2. Pattern Matching – You know who you want to follow, just need to find them…
3. Backtracking – someone’s following me…should I follow them?

Geekette Alert: Did you know the three I listed are also common computer algorithms? An algorithm is a problem solving method with specific execution instructions. See their wikis here: Brute Force search, Pattern Matching search, and Backtracking
algorithm.)

Backtracking

By definition, backtracking involves problems where you already have potential solutions, now you just have to figure out which one is the right one for you.  Similar to brute force, the first place to browse potential followings is your follower’s list.  In this case you go through your own list to see if there are tweets or profiles that catch your eye.  You can also this is on an individual basis, as you’re alerted to new tweeps following you (by default you receive an email per new follower, in real time.)

Before following them ask yourself:

• Is this a real person? It’s very easy for programmers to script a “twitterbot” which goes out and randomly starts following everyone!  A good indicator is the number of people following them versus the number of people they’re following.  If he’s a 500 people and only 2 people are following him, there’s a good chance he’s not worth following.  Check out his profile if the username or first/last name are not intuitive.  (Another reason to take your time picking a name…)
• Is it ok if this person sees the information I’m tweeting? (If your privacy is set to high, make sure you know who you’re letting follow you…)  Protect yourself, there are iPhone apps that give your exact GPS location…make sure you are comfortable with that information being sent out.

If everything checks out start following them.  If you don’t like their tweets you can always “unfollow” them (by click on the same button you clicked to follow them in the first place.)

Check out my next posts, I’ll go into details about specific Twitter tools I used for efficient delivery, calculating your Twitter grade (see how you’re doing…), and how to write your own Twitter program!