Right at HOME Video e-Magazine May 2024 Issue

SIZZLING STEAKS

E&A Meats Boutique Butcher Offers Fresh Specialty Cuts and Mediterranean-Flavored Kabobs

Samara and Mustapha Makinsi are the owners of the E&A Meats

By Amy Morgan

Summer is about to start sizzling — time to fire up the grill! Looking for a specialty cut like a Tomahawk or Prime Rib Eye steak to impress your guests? There’s a new source of fresh, organic, meat in Stone Oak. Boutique butcher shop E&A Meats, located in the Stone Oak Crossing Center across from popular Copa Wine Bar, opened in January and offers locally sourced and processed Halal beef, lamb, goat and chicken.

You’ll find a wide variety of unique meats, as well as many pre-seasoned ready-to-cook selections. Attractive cases display products that can be purchased in quantities large or small. No need to worry about items languishing in a cooler. The fresh, never frozen batches are cut on premises by hand and packaged at time of purchase. E&A Meats can accommodate any price point, offer bulk box service and pricing or can custom wrap just one steak for an impressive, unique gift.

While E&A Meats may be new to Stone Oak, owners

Samara and Mustapha Makinsi are not new to the butcher shop business. They’ve had 14 years of experience at a previous location during which they perfected their premium line of products. The Makinsis take pride in personally supervising every detail of maintaining,

butchering and processing the animals selected from carefully bred herds raised just up the road in the Texas Hill Country. Mustapha personally slaughters each animal in a USDA inspected facility just five miles from their pasture, which reduces stress on the animal and keeps transportation costs low.

Butcher Shop, located in the Stone Oak Crossing Center at Huebner Road and Stone Oak Parkway.

“There’s a big desire right now for people to know where their food is coming from,” Samara said. “We are involved in the process from the beginning until the product reaches the customer’s hands. When we say the meat is humanely raised, natural, hormone-free, and grass-fed, we can guarantee that every step of the way. We process every week, so we always have fresh meat. And because we do it ourselves, we eliminate the middleman expense that is normally passed on to the consumer. Additionally, because of how we raise and process our meat, it is a more health-conscious option.”

Once the meat is delivered to the Stone Oak retail location, Mustapha starts a several-week dry aging process for his beef that not only tenderizes the meat but enhances the already great flavor achieved by starting with quality livestock.

E&A Meats offers a unique selection of olive oil, preserved lemons, jarred olives, imported sauces and a large variety of spices sourced directly from Mustapha’s native Morocco. Items are available for retail sale, and Mustapha also uses them to infuse the flavors of Northern Africa, Turkey, India and the Mediterranean into many of their marinades and pre-made kabobs, perfect to pick up on the way home for a quick meal.

Spices are custom ground fresh and sourced from the supplier in Morocco with no added caking agents or preservatives, Samara said. This again ensures no additional additives or by-products are added to the meats. Although she grew up on San Antonio’s Northside, Samara’s mother also comes from Morocco, as her father brought home the bride he met while serving in the U.S. Navy.

The Makinsis believe E&A Meats fills a need in the community after being frustrated themselves when they couldn’t find the quality meat cuts and spices they wanted to create their favorite dishes. “San Antonio is a diverse melting pot, and we are pleased that our customer base and product offerings reflect that,” Samara said.

Stone Oak neighbors have been delighted to find not just delicious meat for grilling, but also an authentic, gourmet source for new flavors they may have experienced while traveling.

One of the first specialty meat cuts the Makinsis chose to offer was Picanha, a versatile and flavorful beef cut made popular in Brazil. They also get frequent requests for one of their specialties, Kefta, a spiced ground beef mixture that has gained popularity with many customers and is sold by the pound or as a kabob.

Many find their deli selections a perfect option for a charcuterie board or sandwich tray. Their in-house beef chorizo and Parisa are a must try. A wide variety of handsliced deli meats such as mortadella, Basterma, roast beef, Pastrami, and turkey make great options. A small selection of freezer items including veal sausage, quail, turkey and beef bacon are also for purchase. Because they slice most items fresh in store, customers can get the exact quantity of deli items they want. They even sell Pita bread!

Samara and Mustapha met and married in San Antonio 22 years ago while attending college. They began raising their two children, Emad and Alia (NEISD students who lend the first letters of their names to E&A Meats), while both establishing successful corporate careers. However, they were interested in taking their experience and using that to run a business of their own to build a legacy for their family while providing a much-needed service to the community.

Mustapha’s grandfather was well known for his butchering techniques and services in Morocco. Growing up, Mustapha helped when the family harvested animals for holidays, so when the Makinsis considered a family-owned business, butchering was a logical choice. “This is our investment in our future and that of our children,” Samara said. “Everything in our store is personally selected with the customer experience in mind. No decisions are going to happen without our head in it and hands on it.”

Not sure what you want to try? Visit E&A Meats, and Samara or Mustapha will help you find the perfect item to suit your needs. You also can place special orders through their website, www.eameats.com, or by calling them directly at 210-314-MEAT.

Join their Prime Cuts VIP Club to receive advance notice of discounts and specials – including a giveaway. Mention this article in Right at HOME when you visit to receive 10% off your order and follow E&A Meats on social media for real time updates.

Hand-Cut Quality Meats

•

•

•

Community Calendar

Presented by Frost

– Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hot meals served daily from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for qualifying seniors and their spouses. Exercise, field trips, bingo, loteria, movies, arts and crafts, free health and wellness screenings vary daily. 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.

Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.

Tejas Rodeo – Saturday, March through November, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com.

Nights at the Botanical Gardens Select Wednesdays from April through September, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy extended hours, savor delicious food and beverages, explore a vibrant vendor market, and enjoy captivating live entertainment, all amidst the mesmerizing beauty of the Garden during the summer season. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org/gardennights.

Reagan Stage Theatre’s Masterpieces

Thursday, May 2 - Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m. An imaginative reconstruction of the lives of Branwell Bronte and his sisters. Black Box Theatre, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; www.reaganstage.org.

Single Professionals Networking

Meeting – Friday, May 3, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Cover 3, 1806 N. 1604 W. 78248; www.spn-sa.org.

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) at the Magik Theatre – May 4 - June 7. Dates and times vary. Live theater production features characters from the beloved children’s book by Ronald Dahl. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org.

Huntopia at the Botanical Garden

Beginning Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. This world-premiere exhibition features new and whimsical large outdoor sculptures of bunnies, butterflies, and tropical birds from renowned artist Hunt Slonem. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org.

Spa Girl Tri – Saturday, May 11, 6:30 a.m. Sprint distance triathlon for women with a pampering finish. JW Marriott Resort and Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.spagirltri.com.

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Monday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 15. Times vary by school. Festival of 20 area middle and high school bands and orchestras. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.yosa.org/invitational.

Taco Fest: Music Y Mas – Saturday, May 14, noon – 11 p.m. Festival with tacos, food trucks, live music, cooking demonstrations and expanded children’s area. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. 78205; www.tacocapitaloftheworld.com.

Rock of Ages – Thursday, May 23- Sunday, May 26, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Check dates for specific times. Five-time Tony nominee musical transports viewers to Hollywood’s 1980s Sunset Strip with music of Bon Jovi, Journey and more. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org/rockofages.

19th annual Golf FORE a Cause Classic

Wednesday, May 15, 8:15 a.m. Shotgun Start. Play on the Oaks Course conditioned right after the Valero Texas Open. Benefits the Ronald McDonald house. TPC San Antonio, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.rmhcsanantonio.org/event.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Kennedy’s Public House, 19179 Blanco Road 78258; www.spn-sa.org.

Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey with a Twist at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, May 16, 6-9 p.m. Run for the Roses by Four Roses, with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.

Special Olympics Texas Summer Games

May 16-19. Times vary. Texas Summer Olympic Games include cycling, gymnastics, athletics, soccer and tennis. Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive 78233; www.sotx.org/summergames.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting

Friday, May 24, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Luce Ristorante, 11255 Huebner Road #200 78230; www.spn-sa.org.

5K/10K Walk or Run – Saturday, June 1, 8 a.m. 10th Annual race for Aid the Silent benefits deaf teens and children. Live music and food trucks. Boerne Main Plaza, 132 S. Main St., Boerne 78006; www.aidthesilent.com/5K.

Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center

•

•

•

•

•

•

Put off Piercing!

Express Your Individuality Without Jeopardizing Oral Health

By Amy Morgan

We’ve all felt the desire to express our individuality. Trends come and go. Some are relatively harmless – like the Stanley tumbler craze. And hair color is simple to change. But some seemingly innocent fads actually carry long term ramifications.

One such example is oral piercing. Mandy Dennis, a registered dental hygienist with more than 24 years of experience who trains staff in her role as Director of Hygiene Operations for 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics, cautions those considering a piercing to think again.

While some of her patients believe piercing is a less permanent option than a tattoo, most are not aware of the negative health impact.

“They’ll tell me, ‘I can take it out,’ Mandy said. “But will they before it does permanent damage?” She’s seen chipped teeth, broken braces, and, worst of all, bone and gum tissue loss — something that cannot be restored.

Because the bones of the jaw provide the structural support for the teeth, if bone is lost, you are putting yourself at risk of losing teeth, Mandy cautioned.

She remembers a 33-year-old patient who had gotten a lower lip piercing in her 20s. She began noticing gum sensitivity. The piercing’s back was irritating her gums and exposing the roots of the teeth. Worse yet, her teeth were starting to loosen! “That is not reversible without a bone graft that costs thousands of dollars,” Mandy said.

“There are so many ways to individualize your look instead of an oral piercing that people may or may not see that will permanently damage your mouth,” she said. “There is no question you will suffer some type of oral trauma or infection from the site. The potential repair is not worth the money it will cost.”

Some pierce their cheeks where their dimples would be. Others choose a bar or ball that sits below the lower lip. A hoop can thread from the outside to the inside of their mouth. No matter where the jewelry is placed, it’s the part that remains on the inside of the

mouth that causes most of the damage. The back rubs against the base at the teeth at the gumline, eventually wearing gums away and contributing to bone loss.

Mandy removed a top lip piercing known as a “smiley” at the TPC office this summer. Although the patient only had it a few years, his bone loss was already visible on X-ray.

“I asked him, ‘What would keep you from wanting to take this out?’” she said. She’s happy to report he made the decision to have her remove it that day.

Tongue piercings are no less destructive. Even those who select a plastic adornment often chip their teeth as the item moves with the tongue.

The act of piercing itself is hazardous. Unsanitary conditions can set a person up for a nasty infection or serious blood-borne diseases.

All oral piercings have a possibility of infections such as candidiasis or thrush, or a cold sore, due to bacteria found in the mouth.

“People might also subject themselves to a keloid if the area doesn’t heal properly,” Mandy said.

Even best-case scenario, an oral piercing requires four-to-six weeks to heal. Cleanliness and proper site maintenance are essential.

Knowing all the dangers, if you decide oral piercing is something you really want, research a reputable place to minimize your risks.

By Amy Morgan

Stroke Symptoms

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association, which designated May as National Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes are caused when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. The part of the brain that doesn’t get the blood it needs begins to die due to lack of oxygen, causing loss of function that will become permanent if treatment isn’t started without delay.

Medicine to halt or lessen stroke’s effects must begin within the first few hours, says Matthew Cross, M.D., who has spent 17 years as an Emergency Physician, the last six at Physicians Premier, a free-standing emergency room located west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus. Dr. Cross reminds people to be familiar with the symptoms of a stroke so they can take quick action.

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you think something is wrong, take a simple test. Follow the acronym, FAST, developed by The American Stroke Association.

• F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

• A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

• T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

Get things checked out as soon as you notice symptoms, Dr. Cross says. “If you wait because you ‘think it’s nothing,’ you’ll be out of the treatment window,” he cautions. Don’t try to drive yourself –call an ambulance or a friend to take you to a trained emergency medicine physician who is practiced in deciphering the signs of stroke and can administer medicine to dissolve the clot or reduce blood pressure immediately.

The physician will be able to conduct a physical exam, take vital signs and blood work, and order EKG, MRI and CT scans to diagnose if the problem indeed is a stroke or if something else, like a migraine, is mimicking the symptoms.

“Diagnosing a stroke is not something you can do for yourself, nor can it be accomplished over the phone or via telemedicine,” he emphasizes. Another category of stroke is TIA – or as Dr. Cross says, “a stroke that goes away.” But you don’t know if it’s going to go away until it does. And then, you don’t know what caused it. “Is there a clot somewhere or a vascular spasm that decreased blood flow? Don’t put off or dismiss any stroke – especially a TIA,” he warns. “You want to prevent the big stroke that may be lurking.”

As with most health concerns, prevention is key. Dr. Cross suggests lowering the risk factors you can control. Don’t smoke, eat a balanced diet, watch your sugar, and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sometimes patients will be advised to add a low-dose aspirin to their daily regimen.

Physicians like Arthur Dick, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Kansas and one of the first neurologists in Kansas City in the 1960s, studied the role of aspirin in preventing stroke several decades ago. He found that aspirin’s clot-prevention properties make it an effective therapy that’s still useful today.

“Aspirin prevents the accumulation or clumping of platelets that can be the foundation for a blood clot,” he said.

Much can be done to lessen stroke’s side effects if quick action is taken. Know the symptoms, and if you suspect a stroke, head to the ER immediately.

May is for Mom

Celebrate Mother Love this MonthWhether a Mamma Dog or a Dog Mom

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

In May, we celebrate mothers — everyone has one, including your furry family member.

Like human mothers, puppy moms do a lot of work to launch their litter. Did you know puppies are born with their eyes closed? In fact, at birth, puppies are blind, deaf and unable to walk. They are quite helpless and can’t regulate their temperature or potty on their own until they are three to four weeks old, according to thekennelclub.org.

Mother dogs will lick each new arrival clean and familiarize them with her smell and warmth, which will guide them to her for nurturing until they can be more independent. It’s fun to watch a healthy baby pup wriggle happily when feeding from the milk that provides the nutrients he needs to grow. Newborn puppies feed every two hours and will approximately double their birth weight in 10 days.

All in all, caring for baby puppies seems as exhausting as for newborn humans!

You may be a mom yourself or consider your precious pup your child. You’ll notice many dog moms proudly proclaim their status on T-shirts and bumper stickers.

How do you commemorate a pup parent’s Mother’s Day?

I know one woman who’s told her husband not to give her flowery, romantic cards on holidays. Nope, not for her! Find her a card that features a cute dog any day.

You could print a photo of Fido at his most adorable and incorporate that into a card or craft.

But a card’s even more special if it comes from Fido himself! Why not get your pup involved in crafting

a greeting that will make Mom smile from ear to ear.

All you need is some paper and paint. (Make sure it is non-toxic, like washable finger paint for toddlers.) Cut the paper to size and prepare the area. You might want to take this project outside or cover the floor with a garbage bag or plastic tablecloth as a precaution. Gently dip Fido’s paw in the paint, then press on the paper. You can add colors and prints to create any design. Remember to wash his paws afterward to prevent stray prints in places you weren’t expecting.

If your pup’s artistic talents lean more toward the abstract, try the peanut butter method recommended by sidewalkdog.com. Squirt dollops of paint on the canvas or paper you’re using as the card, then place it inside of a sealed Ziploc bag. Spread peanut butter on the bag and let your pup lick and stomp his way to a masterpiece as he enjoys the treat. An advantage to this method is that your pup’s paws will not be as messy. He’ll probably clean off the peanut butter himself!

Camp Bow Wow has helped their pup campers make pawprint cards and garden stones in May as a treat for their human moms and dads. Follow their lead and celebrate moms this month – whether the child is canine or human.

Super Siblings

Two Reagan Students Raise Awareness, $50,000+ in Seven Weeks for Blood Cancer Research

By Amy Morgan

Ronald Reagan High School senior Alexander Yiannos, and his sophomore sister, Kyra, combine big hearts with superior organization, outreach and fundraising skills. Inspired to fund blood cancer research, the two rallied the RHS and Stone Oak communities to raise $52,246.62 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in just seven weeks early this year. Their efforts to effectively raise awareness while representing the spirit of LLS as Student Visionary Candidates earned them the organization’s Mission Pillar Award for Research for the South Texas Region.

The two recruited 30 peers to join their Bonded by Blood team, which was one of only five in the entire region to raise more than $50,000, an amount that qualified them as LLS Heroes. The Yiannos siblings ran social media campaigns, approached businesses, foundations and community leaders for support, and produced and publicized fund drives.

One of their most successful events was a Taylor Swift night for elementary school students held February 2 at Crown of Life Lutheran Church. The dance party/ silent auction involved more than 100 families. “It was truly moving and humbling to witness how Stone Oak rallied to support our team and this cause,” Kyra said. Their 12-year-old sister, Evie, helped vet the festivities, giving a thumbs up to the Lavender Haze lemonade and friendship bracelet sales.

Another project involved friends from Reagan’s Got Hope Club, founded in memory of RHS student Kaylee Carew, who lost her cancer battle in 2015. GHC members and sponsor, Mr. Carroll, held a shoe collection fundraiser that spread across the community – eventually involving six Stone Oak campuses.

“Our initiative was publicized on social media, school newsletters, in morning announcements and even on marquees,” Kyra said. GotSneakers paid cash for 350 pairs collected in the five-day campaign. The organization offers a three-fold benefit. In addition to funds, wearable shoes are given to someone in need. Those that are too distressed are responsibly recycled to keep them out of landfills, Kyra added.

Kyra and Alexander organized and publicized spirit nights, enlisting local restaurants like Raising Canes and Chick-fil-A to give a portion of their proceeds to the cause. Alexander even contacted the Joan and Herb Kelleher Foundation, which called a special board meeting to vote on their $2,000 donation.

The Yiannos siblings dedicated their campaign in memory of Alexander’s Godmother, Kallia Filippaki, who lost her battle with Lymphoma when he was in fifth

grade. They chose the Mission Pillar of research because they’ve witnessed how new therapies save lives.

Stone Oak teacher Annie Armstrong taught Alexander’s first-grade class and encouraged the children to support the LLS by bringing in Pennies for Patients. Ironically, her daughter Bayliss later was diagnosed with Stage IV liver cancer as a young child. The Yiannos family watched as their teacher fought for her daughter to receive the experimental treatments that have put the disease into remission. “It was at that time we saw what the real-life impact from research was and how imperative it is to keep funding research for new treatments and therapies so more people, like Bayliss, have a chance to be cured,” they wrote on the Mission Pillar statement.

“Advances in blood cancer therapies can transcend into other types of cancers as well, making the importance of research resonate with more people,” they note.

Serving as a Student Visionary is just one of the volunteer activities in which the Yiannos siblings participate. They’ve both completed more than 75 hours of volunteer service each of their high school years. Kyra’s a member of the National Charity League, and the two help at the University of Texas Marine Science Campus in Port Aransas and at the Food Bank. Alexander will head to college this fall to begin pre-med studies. Kyra plans to continue her association with the LLS, serving as a mentor to next years’ teams as a member of the junior leadership committee.

They look forward to a special event in August, when their team’s Honored Hero, six-year-old Lane O’Shay, will “ring the bell” signaling the successful conclusion of his cancer treatment.