Well, here at Hotel Contessa it’s been a crazy past couple of weeks…

Cork Bar Wins Top Awards at 2011 San Antonio River Foundation Rivertini Pour-off

Daniel Quiroz and Jose Solis represented the Cork Bar team as they squared off at Brasserie Pavil and competed against top city bartenders and mixologists.

The Cork Bar humbly accepted the 2011 Rivertini Pour-off Champion and 2011 Rivertini Décor Awards. Their winning martini was a peach and citrus purée with cinnamon serrano simple syrup and grey goose vodka.

Las Ramblas, Cork Bar, and Hotel Contessa Take-Two at the “Best of Downtown”

Hotel Contessa wins the Downtown Alliance’s “Best of Awards” for Best Hotel Restaurant – Las Ramblas and Cork Bar and for Best Place for a Downtown Wedding at Hotel Contessa and Marriage Island.

Congratulations to everyone!

The "Hepburn"

Ingredients:

2 oz Hendricks Gin
1/8 oz Canton Ginger Liqour
1/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 oz Strawberry/ Rosemary Infused Simple Syrup

Directions:

Mix ingredients, Served in Chilled Coupe

Garnish Rosemary Sprig with Lemon Zest Twist

SEPTEMBER 9TH, 5:30 – 730 PM

$10 Cover includes Valet and Specialty Cocktail

View Facebook Event

• Receive a 25% Discount on Dining at Las Ramblas the Night of
Sips & Salsa (valid that night only)
• Enjoy Happy Hour Prices on Drinks and Tapas until 7pm
• Salsa and Latin Jazz Music
• Salsa Instructors and Dancers from Semenya Ballroom
• September Specialty Drink & Salsa
• “Melon Pear Mojitos”
• “Mango Salsa” (with chips) – Complimentary

Enter to Win a VIP Office Party

• Register with Business Card to Win a VIP Office Party for your
company at an Upcoming Sips and Salsa
• Office Party Includes: Free VIP Room for Your Office Party,
Private Bartender, and 50% Off Full Tapas Menu.

RSVP on Facebook

2nd Annual RiverTini Pour-Off benefitting the San Antonio River Foundation
Saturday, March 27, 2010  5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Hotel Contessa – 306 W. Market St. – Cedar Room, Riverside Terrace

San Antonio, Texas…The San Antonio River Foundation is holding its 2nd annual RiverTini Pour-Off on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Hotel Contessa from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. to raise funds for the San Antonio River Foundation and to recruit new members to Rio Vivo, its grassroots membership program. Cost is $25 at the door or $20 if you buy pre-event tickets online at www.sariverfoundation.org. Ticket purchase includes martini tasting, snacks by Hotel Contessa, live music, and a membership to Rio Vivo.

The event is in celebration of the on-going beautification along the Museum and Mission Reaches and the River Foundation’s role in helping revive the river with vibrant public art, cultural enhancements and recreational works.

Ten notable restaurants/bars are participating in this year’s event. The winning cocktail will be featured at the     River Foundation’s River Revel Gala on May 8th. Contestants are listed below:

• Aldaco’s Stone Oak    (2009 winner)
• The Grill @ Leon Springs
• Bar Rojo, Grand Hyatt
• Menger Hotel Bar
• Boudro’s
• Pavil Restaurant & Bar/Watermark Grill
• Cork Bar, Hotel Contessa
• Restaurant Insignia
• Crockett Hotel Bar
• Rosario’s

What is a RiverTini? Our partners’ riff on a classic martini – or any concoction that reflects the fresh, festive, colorful and artistic new enhancements along the San Antonio River, many of which will feature Don Julio Tequila.

Who are the judges? Resident personalities will select a winner; attendees will vote for a “people’s choice” award.

2010 judges include:
•    Cindy Taylor, President, Southside Chamber
•    Chef Johnny Hernandez, True Flavors and La Gloria
•    Meghan Vincent, Santikos Theaters Marketing Director
•    Mari Aguirre, Rackspace Community Affairs Manager
•    David Martin Davies, Texas Public Radio News & Public Affairs Director
•    Ernie Zuniga, FOX-TV Anchor and the MC for the event

To learn more about the San Antonio River Foundation or to buy tickets now, visit www.sariverfoundation.org.

PDF Download (Poster) of 2nd Annual RiverTini Pour-Off Poster

Leacy Leach walks us through the steps of making a Strawberry ‘Tini. A fun drink to unwind with and to start off your night. The Cork Bar is located in the Riverwalk level of the Hotel Contessa.

Currently, the Cork Bar has a Happy Hour called “Sangria Alegre” from 4-7pm and a Reverse Happy Hour from 10-11pm.

If you’re in downtown San Antonio on the Riverwalk, stop by the Cork Bar and say hi to Leacy. She makes great cocktails!