www.78209magazine.com
August 2013
78209 MAGAZINE
Terrell Heights Home Full of Curiosities and Collections SMART BARRE: A New Approach to Fitness
TREY AZAR ‘09 ENTREPRENEUR
AHISD Summer News
CONTENTS August 2013
www.78209magazine.com
05 07 10 12 14 16 17
Raising the Barre
Trey Azar Local Entrepreneur
August 2013
78209 MAGAZINE
Terrell Heights Collector’s Home O-Nine Lives
Publisher J. MICHAEL GAFFNEY
AHISD School News
Police Blotter Wine and Dine
07
Editorial Director BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA
Graphic Design MARIA JENICEK, JONATHAN LEE, ERIC WEIDNER, KEVIN HERRERA
Contributors RON BECHTOL, JOHN BLOODSWORTH, CASEY HOWELL, RIC JOHNSON, BONNY OSTERHAGE, PATTI PAWLIK-PERALES, AL RENDON, SUSAN YERKES
10 15
Copy Editor KATHRYN COCKE
Advertising Sales MIKE CARREON, JEN EARHART, MADELEINE JUSTICE
Administration & Customer Service NANCY A. GAFFNEY, JOSEPHINE GUZMAN
Printing SHWEIKI MEDIA, SAN ANTONIO, TX Advertising information:
(210) 826-5375 email: info@78209magazine.com 78209 MAGAZINE is published monthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. 78209 MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. 78209 MAGAZINE does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2013 Pixelworks Corporation.
ON THE COVER: The backyard of Mark and Ann Deeds’ home in Terrell Heights is the setting for an al fresco dinner.
4 | august 2013
Published by
8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 FAX 210-826-2856 • www.pixelworkscorporation.com
78209
F EATU RE
By BONNY OSTERHAGE
Photos By RIC JOHNSON
Mallory Moorman and Kourtney Kanaly
Raising the Barre A new approach to women’s fitness Hitting the bar after work is not a good way to get in shape. But hitting the barre? Well, that’s another story! Located in the Sunset Ridge shopping center, Smart Barre is raising the bar for women’s fitness facilities. Not only is it changing the way women view exercise, it is changing their bodies at the same time. Turning to dance moves to get fit is nothing new. Many gyms offer Pilates and “booty barre” style classes that are designed to lift, shape and tone in a way that weight training alone does not. Smart Barre, however, is the first facility in San Antonio to be devoted solely to this type of workout, and as is evidenced by the number of women who line up at the barre on a regular basis, it’s garnered a devoted following. “I started going to Smart Barre when it opened, and I was instantly hooked,” says Michelle Shetler. “I loved the class because it was a different kind of workout than I had ever experienced.” According to owners Mallory Moorman and Kourtney Kanaly, that’s the point of this female-
friendly facility. Grounded in the purpose of changing women’s bodies, the classes combine elements of Pilates, ballet and yoga to create a highly effective workout. Exercises consisting of small, intense movements and “pulses” that target what many women consider the “problem areas” — i.e., arms, abs and derriere — are interspersed with intervals of stretching. The result is a long, lean, lifted and toned physique. “You get into very specific positions during class and then perform isometric movements to sculpt and carve out muscles,” explains Moorman, adding that resistance bands, light weights and resistance balls are incorporated into the workout. “It gives you a lot of bang for your buck.”
A SMART CONCEPT
Moorman and Kanaly attended Texas Christian University together, and it was in Fort Worth that Kanaly attended her first Smart Barre class. She immediately introduced Moorman to the innovative class, and the two decided that it was just what
San Antonio needed. They approached Allison Poston, owner of the Fort Worth Smart Barre, and together the three women turned the concept into a franchise with two San Antonio locations and a second one opening in Ft. Worth. “We wanted to be a part of offering new and healthy things to do here in San Antonio, rather than people feeling like they have to travel to Austin or Dallas for those opportunities,” says Moorman. Rather than hiring instructors and sending them off to be certified at their own expense, Poston and master trainer Natalie Henry train all of the instructors themselves, and at their own cost. This is done in order to ensure that every instructor understands the Smart Barre methodology. It’s a different approach to hiring that adds to the uniqueness of the facility. “We hand-pick people that we think would be good instructors, and then we organize their training,” explains Moorman. “Our only stipulation is that they teach exclusively for us for a specified amount of time.” www.78209magazine.com | 5
78209
F EATU RE
Instructors can customize their own classes using hundreds of exercises, then tweak and tailor their classes weekly based on the needs of the students. Rather than classical or New Age music, which you might expect, instructors get women moving to upbeat, popular tunes for the more intense portions of class and use slower tracks for the stretching intervals. “The instructors like the creative freedom we provide,” says Moorman.
AT THE BARRE
The ambience at Smart Barre enhances the experience and is nothing like your average gym. In fact, it evokes an almost spa-like tranquility with a soothing color palette of blue, white and gray that offsets the beautiful accessories and feminine fixtures. In one corner, students can shop a selection of stylish tops and leggings, the preferred uniform for a class, as well as socks, which are a requirement. It is an atmosphere that is intentionally designed to make women feel comfortable. “This is their time, their hour away from schedules, husbands, jobs, kids, etcetera,” explains Moorman, adding that the minimum age to attend a class is 16, and there is no on-site child care. “Here, women can recharge their batteries and become mentally as well as phys-
6 | august 2013
ically stronger.” Mental and physical strength are attractive to the many Smart Barre students who regularly attend classes, and the results speak for themselves. “We’ve seen women’s bodies change like crazy,” she says happily. “They tell us it changes their lives too, and that’s so rewarding.” Moorman says that Smart Barre is the ideal
activity to do with a group of friends after work as a healthy alternative to happy hour. It facilitates female bonding and support and allows women to encourage betterment in one another rather than competing with one another. “It’s not about being the best in the class,” she says. “It’s about knowing YOUR body and working hard to make YOUR body the best it can be.”
78209 PROFILE
Local Entrepreneur Tastes Success with
Cinco Vodka His wheat-based spirit is winning awards By BONNY OSTERHAGE
Photos By CASEY HOWELL
78209 native Richard N. Azar III (Trey) admits to having alcohol in his blood — but it’s not what you think. Azar, the man behind the award-winning Cinco Vodka brand, comes from a family of entrepreneurs who have tasted success in the liquor business, and it seems this 42-year-old is destined to follow in their footsteps. FROM SALES TO STARS The grandson of the owner of the first Coors beer distributor in Texas, Azar got his first taste of the liquor business as a wine salesman for Block Distributors in Austin and San Antonio. He followed that by serving as the wine buyer for SeaZars, an upscale fine wine retailer owned in part by his father. A Baylor graduate with a degree in entrepreneurship and marketing, Azar left the booze biz behind in 2000 and took a nine-year hiatus to form a medical staffing company and an oil and gas investments firm. But it was while sitting at a hotel bar in Oklahoma City during one of his oil and gas business trips that Azar struck it rich in the form of a great idea and an untapped market. “I was watching these guys doing tequila shots and thinking about how much I missed the business,” he recalls. “I started thinking that there had to be a niche. I started doodling on a cocktail napkin and came up with the name Cinco Five Star.” Azar says that he chose Cinco to represent the five children that he and his wife, Kim, have between them. “I wasn’t 100-percent sure what I was going to do with it, but I trademarked the name anyway.”
Azar and his wife, Kim, enjoy their favorite drink, the “Topo Cinco.” Simply pour 3 ounces of Cinco Vodka into a rocks glass over ice, and top off with Topo Chico Mineral Water. Add an orange twist as garnish. Cheers!
ELEVATING SPIRITS One out of every three bottles of spirits sold in the Unites States is vodka. “I began to wonder why there were so few high-end vodkas manufactured in the United States,” he explains. Azar, an avid Grey Goose drinker himself, realized that this could be just the niche he was looking to fill. “I started researching what the Europeans were doing in terms of manufacturing and taste profile that made their vodkas so different.” That research turned up the fact that American vodkas are made almost exclusively from corn or a multipurpose cornethanol base. The European brands were made predominately from wheat. Azar decided to replicate that process and target the European vodka consumers, providing them with an American option at a level that had previously never existed. Based
www.78209magazine.com | 7
78209
PROF IL E
on his years in the wine business and the current mixology movement, he gambled on the fact that the consumer was ready. He was right. “I watched the American consumer go through a wine enlightenment in the early ‘90s,” Azar says. “Customers began asking for chardonnays rather than Chablis, for example, and educating themselves on varietals. The same thing is currently happening with the growing popularity of mixology and craft spirits. The consumer is becoming more educated. It’s like history repeating itself but in the spirit world. The timing seemed right.” FIVE-STAR CRAFTSMANSHIP With a great idea and a trademarked brand name, the next question Azar faced was how to actually create an American brand of vodka that could go head to head with its European competitors. The answer? Go directly to the source. Azar did his homework, first building his own distillery here in San Antonio, and then flying in experts from Germany and Hungary to aid in the design, to build and install a copper kettle that Azar describes as “a piece of art” and, most importantly, to help him create the perfect recipe. After nearly nine months of fine-tuning and tweaking, the first batch of Cinco Five Star Vodka was ready for consumption. The finished product is handmade using winter wheat from Southeast Idaho. This high-quality, cold-weather grain is custom produced specifically for Cinco Vodka and was selected for its high quality, taste profile, drinkability and cleanliness. It is distilled, blended and filtered in small batches in the copper kettle with no sugar or charcoal filter added to the process. “The cleaner the distillate, the better you feel, because your body doesn’t have to work so hard the next day to get all of the garbage out,” explains Azar. Even the water used in the making of Cinco Vodka is naturally filtered through Cordova Cream limestone that lies deep beneath the surface of San Antonio. “Vodka is not just vodka. Ingredients matter,” says Azar. “The first things you should ask before drinking any spirit are ‘What’s it made from?’ and ‘How’s it made?’” HERE’S TO THE FUTURE Azar has deep roots in San Antonio. A member of the Order of the Alamo, the Texas Cavaliers and other philanthropic organizations, he was quick to sponsor local events and get Cinco Vodka flowing. “This city has been good to me, and it is my way of giving back, helping people and creating brand awareness at the same time,” he says. “Watching people attach themselves to a brand is fascinating to me.” Cinco Vodka just took top honors in two categories in the prestigious Los Angeles International Spirit Competition, where it was blind-tasted by experts. It is an honor that encourages Azar, whose goal is to see Cinco as a national, 200,000-case brand within the next 10 years. “I didn’t get into this for a hobby, I got into it to build a brand,” he says emphatically. “I want Cinco to be a given in the back bar of any restaurant in the United States.”
8 | august 2013
www.78209magazine.com | 9
78209 AT HOME
REPURPOSED POSSESSIONS Abound in Terrell Heights Home By JOHN BLOODSWORTH Photography AL RENDON
The back porch of Mark and Ann Deeds' home in Terrell Heights is the perfect setting for their eclectic collections, above. Opposite: Some of their many treasured collections -- gears, walking sticks and canes and vintage water meter covers. At bottom, an interior view of the home.
10 | august 2013
Collections and curiosities lend their charm Neighbors talk about them constantly, a myriad of motorists cruise by daily for a better look, and guests never want to leave. But Ann and Mark Deeds don’t mind, graciously acquiescing to the attention paid to the menagerie of marvelous collections and curiosities that make their Terrell Heights cottage the envy of the neighborhood. Assembled in a large stone crock at the home’s entry is a collection of carved walking sticks and canes. At one time, the entire hallway was hung with a collection numbering in the hundreds. Ann is the curator of all collections and orchestrates their display in the home. A haven for hospitality, the Deeds’ lushly landscaped backyard holds accumulations gathered over the years on visits to Ann’s family home in upper New York state, jaunts to visit relatives in California and collecting excursions to Austin, Fredericksburg and Poteet. The passion for purchasing vintage finds started with Mark’s love of marbles as a child growing up in the ‘50s, when his growing collection of immies, commies and aggies was in play at neighborhood sandbox tournaments. The ‘70s brought a new assemblage of artifacts found in an old dairy barn near Poteet. “Glen Climer was in his late 70s when I first met him,” remembers Mark. “He had a 4,000-square-foot barn packed to the rafters with everything imaginable. There were three or four aisles that ran the length of the building with cross paths in between. There were certainly treasures to be found if you were willing to dig through there.” That treasure trove included clocks, meat market scales, gas pumps and other wondrous finds. A large collection of pressure gauges – Mark has an artist’s appreciation for items that are graphically embellished with numbers and typographical logos — adorn a small shed in the back of the yard. A rare find on a trip to California caught both Mark’s and Ann’s eye. Strolling through Los Alamos, they spotted a massive rustic table with industrial iron braces that supported sets of cast iron seating on swivel brackets. They agreed that $500 would be their limit for the purchase. “We conversed with a dapper gentleman with white hair and beard who spoke with a fine Irish brogue,” says Mark. ”The table had been used as a cobbler’s assembly line, with boots being soled at the workstations and thrown onto the table for final handwork. We asked his price for the table, and he replied, ‘I’ll be taking $60 for the table.’” They snatched it up, disassembled it and trucked it back to San Antonio. A rustic arbor built by Mark is now covered with Mexican flame vine, sheltering the treasured table for al fresco dinner parties and family gatherings. Large crockery urns, French metal containers and cement pots hold ferns, cast iron plants and night-blooming cereus near a handmade fountain. Ann’s green thumb keeps them blooming. A crushed granite walkway leading to an outdoor deck is paved with vintage water meter covers from all parts of the country. “ I fell into a hole in New Orleans and looked down to see a crushed cover,” says Mark. “It was beautifully decorated with stars, crescent moons and stamped lettering. It led to a collection that now numbers about 100 meter covers.” More practical items also find a place in the compilation. Beginning with a collection of Esterbrook fountain pens that reminded Mark of his school days, the graphic designer and accomplished artist now boasts perfect penmanship with over 1,200 Parkers, Conklins, Sheaffers and Pelikans. And he claims that he has never run out of ink — nor the connoisseur’s appetite for collecting. www.78209magazine.com | 11
78209 O-NIN E LIVES By SUSAN YERKES
Fish story
Swordfish steaks were on the menu for several of John Hancock’s lucky ‘09 neighbors in late July after Hancock’s son, Matt, and his friend Scott Uhl landed a 175-pound swordfish on a fishing trip to Port Aransas. The young men, both incoming seniors at AHHS this fall, were fishing with Matt’s dad, John, and his uncle, Patrick Hancock, on Patrick’s boat, the Rattle and Hum, when Scott hooked the big fish.
Summer salutations!
At a recent lunch meeting of the Reagan Legacy Forum at the Argyle Club, I ran into long-time San Antonians Donna and Bob Bruni. Although they still maintain their place in S.A., they told me they spend the bulk of their time these days in Houston and Santa Fe, where they’re as deeply involved in the arts and philanthropy as they once were here in town. When the conversation turned to the nature of different Texas cities, Donna recalled one of Bob’s favorite sayings: “Dallas is like a little L.A., Houston is like a little New York, and San Antonio — well, San Antonio is something like a big Cotulla.” While this city is big and getting bigger all the time, it’s still a small world of interlocking social circles. And that’s even truer inside 78209.
12 | august 2013
Matt Hancock and Scott Uhl with the one that didn’t get away
Reagan Legacy and Argyle alarm
The Brunis were among the lunch crowd at the Argyle for the monthly “third Thursday” gathering of the Reagan Legacy Forum, a new group organized earlier this year by Diana Denman, Marshall
Miller and Jim McCutcheon to, as Denman puts it, “bring in speakers and events that uphold the cause of liberty in America and around the world.” July’s speaker, international financial analyst Kevin Freeman, promised a fascinating talk based on his recent book Secret Weapon: How Economic Terrorism Brought Down the U.S. Stock Market and Why It Can Happen Again. The talk focused on past and future threats to Wall Street and the U.S. economy from China, Russia and a murky cornucopia of assorted groups with a common interest in undermining the U.S. and the free market system. Toward the end of the talk, Freeman told about presenting one of his white papers on financial terrorism to highly placed national security honchos who threatened to classify the paper top secret and ordered him never to speak of it again, until other highly placed friends intervened to stop the move. But the experience was a shock, he said. And just as he said it, the air was filled with screeching sirens, and an Argyle manager hurried into the dining room asking guests to immediately evacuate the building. “They’re coming for you!” one guest yelled. The timing sure seemed right. So Freeman, Denman and guests including Ron
78209
O-N IN E L IV ES
Herrmann, Tres Klebeg, Dr. Gil Robinson, Helenita Groves, Ken Meyer, Cynthia and Wilson Parish and dozens more filed out to stand in the street in the midday sun as fire trucks converged to deal with what turned out to be an overheated motor in the Argyle kitchen. But it surely was exciting for a while.
High life
Former Spurs star David Robinson and his wife, Valerie, have reportedly sealed a deal on the posh penthouse of The Broadway, the 21-story Koontz McCombs development at Broadway and Hildebrand. Some of The Broadway’s new residents are longtime ‘09ers, relocating within the Zip code. Among them, Tripp and Chaney Stuart, who recently moved their family up six stories in order to downsize from their big place on Glendalough Court.
Island summer
Mom and daughter Edith and Taddy McAllister have been hosting an impressive list of houseguests and visitors this summer at their coast house in Port Aransas. Among the notables at recent Saturday night soirees: former Texas Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby and his wife, Diana; Texas Monthly publisher David Dunham; and distinguished marine scientist Dr. Robert Dickey, who takes over as new director of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas on Aug. 5. Renowned wildlife artist Kent Ullberg, whose magnificent sculpture Interde-
pendence (a tarpon with a body composed of the forms of 52 different sea creatures) was unveiled at the Institute last year, and S.A.’s Jack and Valerie Guenther, who underwrote Ullberg’s sculpture for the Institute, were on hand to help welcome Dickey. Edith, who celebrated her 95th birthday by dancing the night away at a big bash this spring, is still the consummate hostess – although she finally stopped water-skiing a couple of years back. And Taddy, who celebrates a birthday of her own Aug. 2, reports they’ll be heading home to Terrell Hills in early August. Speaking of interconnections — on a recent weekend, Edith’s granddaughter Roxana McAllister and her fiancé, Bruce Richardson, were staying at Nancy Negley’s coast house, right next door to the McAllisters’ place. (Negley is Roxana’s other grandmother.) The happy couple didn’t stay too long at the coast — they had to be in S.A. for their “very small, family wedding” July 31. Many happy returns all around!
Lake Michigan. “Breathtaking” is Hess’ word for the imposing French chateau S.A.’s Robert and Ann Tucker are building in Traverse City. He also filled me in on the place in Harbor Springs (where my own family has a summer home) that architect Chris Carson is working on for Brad Breuer and his wife, Peg Demmer. And down the road at Walloon Lake, architect Tobin Smith has designed a new place for Rich and Kitty Meyer Lange. It’s cool the way ‘09ers keep track of each other. Have a hot tip about anything, or anybody in ’09? Email susanyerkes@78209magazine.com.
News from up North
‘09ers have a way of finding each other when they’re summering in cooler climes. That’s certainly the case with ’09 resident and Realtor Jon Hess of Phyllis Browning Company, who made his annual summer trip to his family’s place in Charlevoix, a picture-perfect harbor town in Northern Michigan, in July. Hess, a connoisseur of elegant homes, reported back recently about the fabulous summer places some of his ‘09 neighbors are building on
Jon Hess at the Charlevoix Marina in Michigan.
www.78209magazine.com | 13
These campers had "sew" much fun!
Students Flock to Summer at Heights Programs Time flies when you are having fun! Even though the days are longer, it is especially true of the summer months.
week learning about amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. A bit farther down the hall, second graders discov-
laces. Students also learned how to make purses, tote bags, wallets, backpack tags, pillows, Kleenex box covers and dry-
Alamo Heights ISD students found much of their summer fun right back in their classrooms. Over the course of a long weekend, the rooms changed from classrooms to summer campsites, thanks to the Summer at Heights program. This enrichment program is designed for students 5 years and older with courses provided by some of San Antonio's leading artists, educators and professionals. Courses, offered from June 10 to 28, included a variety of fun and innovative selections. An Animal Planet Extravaganza camp appealed to youngsters in kindergarten and first grade who wanted to spend a
ered the four layers of the rain forest and the creatures hidden inside, creating terrariums to take home as a reminder of their camp experience. The girls gravitated to camps like Tea Party Time, Duct-Tape Divas and American Girls Go to School. Young ladies in kindergarten through second grade enhanced their tea party etiquette by designing invitations, crafting dainty finger foods and dressing in their fanciest party dresses to practice their party-planning skills. Duct-Tape Divas took a few rolls of colorful patterned tape and lots of creativity to design wearable creations like bows, headbands, bracelets and neck-
erase boards. The week concluded with a Duct Tape Divas fashion show. Young entrepreneurs enrolled in the American Girls Go to School camp also created furniture, food and fashions for their American Girl dolls. Sports enthusiasts enjoyed a variety of options, including twirling, tennis, soccer, basketball, volleyball, archery, bicycling and even a Hunger Games training camp. Students enjoyed the opportunity to experience new adventures, expand existing horizons, arouse curiosity, exchange ideas and products and stimulate creativity, all while laughing and having fun in the process.
14 | august 2013
Rain Forest Creatures campers create terrariums.
American Girls Go to School campers learn to create furniture, food and fashion for their American Girl doll families.
Tea Party cheers!
A bit of hands-on basketball for these campers enrolled in Beginning Basketball.
www.78209magazine.com | 15
POLICE BLOTTER ALAMO HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT Criminal Investigations Division 6116 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-2164 FAX (210) 822-7111
06/30/13 Public Intoxication 200 blk. Routt Officer contacted male subject walking in middle of roadway. Investigation revealed subject under the influence of alcohol and impaired. Attempts to contact a family member unsuccessful, subject transported to detoxification center. 06/28/13 Wanted Person 100 blk. Jones Maltsberger Officer stopped vehicle driving dangerously. Driver of vehicle stated he did not have identification, investigation revealed he had given officers false name. Driver found to have active warrant issued by Harris County for assault/family violence. Driver booked into jail on multiple charges. Theft/Purse Snatch 06/28/13 4800 blk. Broadway Female approached in parking lot by male subject who claimed she struck his car with her car. Male subject asked to see female’s driver’s license and when she opened her wallet male subject grabbed wallet and fled to waiting vehicle. Vehicle Burglary 06/28/13 6900 blk. Broadway Vehicle in parking lot unlawfully entered gaining access to purse left in open view. Vehicle Burglary 06/27/13 5800 blk. Broadway Vehicle parked in restaurant parking lot unlawfully entered gaining access to iPad and other property left in open view. Wanted Person 06/26/13 6800 blk. Broadway Vehicle pulled over for running stop sign. Upon contact officer observed small bag of marijuana on console in open view. Further investigation produced multiple narcotics paraphernalia. Routine check revealed driver had a suspended driver’s license and active warrant issued for his arrest by Bexar County. Driver taken into custody and transported to Magistrate’s office for disposition. Vehicle Burglary 06/25/13 200 blk. E. Edgewood Resident reported their vehicle was unlawfully entered and briefcase left on back seat in open view stolen. Wanted Person 06/25/13 100 blk. Harrigan Ct. Officer initiated investigative contact after observing vehicle occupied by two males acting suspiciously. Investigation revealed both subjects had active arrest warrants issued by Bexar County. Both subjects transported to Magistrate’s officer for disposition.
16 | august 2013
06/23/13 Narcotics Violation 100 blk. Claywell During early morning hours, officer observed bicycle rider traveling northbound on Broadway in southbound lanes without having required white light for riding in dark. Bicyle rider turned on Claywell and again rode on wrong side of road. Rider stopped by officer and found to be in possession of marijuana and under the influence of alcohol and impaired. Subject arrested for narcotics violation. DWI 2nd 06/20/13 5000 blk. Broadway Vehicle traveling north in southbound lanes of roadway divided by median. Traffic enforcement contact initiated and determined driver was under the influence of alcohol and impaired. Driver booked into jail on enhanced charge of DWI due to having previous conviction for DWI. Criminal Mischief 06/19/13 6100 blk. Broadway Front glass window of business broken during hours when business was closed. Vehicle Burglary 06/19/13 100 blk. Mary D Two vehicles in parking lot unlawfully entered to gain access to property left on vehicle seat in open view. Attempted Burglary 06/19/13 300 blk. Alta Homeowner discovered pry marks on back door and windows of residence. Entry was not gained into house. Theft Service 06/19/13 5100 blk. Broadway Male and female subject consumed $77 worth of food and beverage before departing restaurant without paying bill. Employee recognized female subject as former employee. Assault 06/18/13 100 blk. Harrigan Ct. Family Violence Argument between male and female roommates escalated into violence when male subject physically assaulted female subject. When female subject attempted to call police, male subject broke telephone. Male subject arrested on several charges including interfering with an emergency call. Theft 06/17/13 1000 blk. Townsend Laptop computer left unattended in workroom was stolen. Several contracted workers were present on premises at the time of theft, but no suspects have been identified.
78209 W IN E & D IN E By RON BECHTOL
Paloma Blanca
It must be the margaritas. Three of the city’s most appealing outdoor settings — La Fonda on Main, La Hacienda de los Barrios and Paloma Blanca — happen to be attached to Mexican restaurants serving the popular libation. If you factor in not one but two fountains, the edge might just go to the Alamo Heights hangout, especially as Paloma Blanca has gone to lengths to assure local loyalty by naming two cocktails after the ‘hood: the ’09 and the Heights. If you want our advice, go for either of these over any of the more modest margs using sweet ‘n sour. The Platino Skinny Margarita eschewing Cointreau and/or Grand Marnier in favor of agave syrup also works. But even the house margarita (on the rocks, please) is more than tolerable in the setting framed by mature palms and cooled with hard-working fans. Only the occasional angry bird intrudes. We tend to be less influenced by environment when it comes to food. A recent order of al pastor quesadillas flaunted good tortillas and beautifully melted queso, but the pork pastor itself, though it did boast of cubed pineapple, seemed stewy rather than rotisserie-cooked. Enchiladas San Miguel, plump with guajillo-sauced mushrooms and topped with queso blanco, remain a vegetarian favorite, however. (PB also offers paleo and gluten-free menus.) And though we rarely order it, the chile relleno de vegetales, stuffed with zucchini, corn, poblano and queso Monterrey, often at least beckons as an alternative to the standard model. Which we also ordered recently. Yes, the coating could be called spongy, but it was appealingly light and grease-free. And the ground beef filling with potato that has been the focus of previous sniping seems to have come into its own: It was beautifully cooked, artfully seasoned and more than stood up to the polite salsa española that capped the creation. Accompanying borracho beans were also cooked to just the right point and discreetly flavored with bacon, but they responded well to a jolt of the toasty salsa that had accompanied fresh chips. There is no talking about Paloma Blanca without mentioning the tres leches cake. Though it was made famous by others, the pastel as produced here is a classic — especially in the original, vanilla version. Go slow on the margaritas if you must, but reward yourself with a slice at meal’s end.
www.78209magazine.com | 17
78209 VINTAGE VIEW
One Room Schoolhouse in its first year in Alamo Heights
Photo courtesy of Alamo Heights ISD
18 | august 2013