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Relocation Guide

The Howell Group 21252 Gathering Oaks, Suite 100 , TX 78260

(210) 493-6888 office (800) 666-4667 toll free (210) 493-7002 fax

www.KimberlyHowell.com

Bienvenidos from San Antonio!

Let me be the first to welcome you to San Antonio and congratulate you on your interest in our unique city. Ours is a wonderfully diverse city with a population of approximately one million people, offering various neighborhood lifestyles. As you will soon discover, San Antonio has all the amenities of a large metropolitan area while it retains the friendliness of a small town.

Kimberly Howell Properties is proud to be part of such a vibrant city. Our full ser- vice firm has professional departments in sales of new and pre-owned residential homes as well as farm and land, property management, rentals, apartment locat- ing and commercial properties. In addition, Kimberly Howell Properties contin- ues to be a leader in marketing corporate and bank-owned properties.

Kimberly Howell Properties is a member of numerous San Antonio organizations and affiliations that assist us in providing you pertinent information during your de- cision making process. Since we recognize that moving can be very stressful, our firm specializes in “The Positive Real Estate Experience”.

In addition to this general Welcome Kit, I can forward additional information tailored specifically to match your needs. Please complete and return the enclosed real estate questionnaire as soon as possible. Furthermore, let me know if I can assist in hotel and travel arrangements at our corporate rate, or if you would like us to meet you at the airport upon your arrival. Your complete satisfaction with my services is my most important asset.

San Antonio is a great place to live! I look forward to meeting you. Meanwhile, if there is any service or piece of information that you need in or about San Antonio, please call me toll free at (800) 666-4667 or locally at (210) 861-0188.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Howell REALTOR®, Certified Relocation Professional Kimberly Howell Properties

21252 Gathering Oaks, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78260 www.KimberlyHowell.com 21252 Gathering Oaks, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78260

(210) 861-0188 cell (210) 493-6888 office (800) 666-4667 toll free (210) 493-7002 fax

[email protected]

www.KimberlyHowell.com

The following information will help me to provide a better service for you. Please complete as much information as you have at this time. Return the form as soon as possible so that I can prepare specific materials to meet your real estate needs.

Name:

Address: Street # & Name City State Zip

Home #: Work #: Cell #:

Employer’s Name:

Will you be purchasing a home renting a house renting an apartment ?

If planning to rent, for what period of time?

Do you plan to purchase at a later date? YES NO If yes, when?

Status of present residence:

Price Range: $______to $______Style:

Age: NEW PRE-OWNED yrs. Square Feet:

# of bedrooms: _____ # of baths: _____ Garage:

Arrival Date: Move-in Date:

Names & ages of children:

Any special requirements or other useful information?

We look forward to meeting you and helping to make your move to San Antonio go smoothly!

Should your plans change and you need information from any other city in the United States, please call our Toll Free Number 800-666-4667 or directly at (210) 861-0188. There is no charge for this service.

www.KimberlyHowell.com

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

Open 7 days a week Available 24 hours a day

Every member of our Real Estate team carries a cellular telephone and is paged through voice mail.

Full-time Professionals Only No Part-time Agents

We look at real estate from a different point-of-view… Yours! Toll Free: 800-666-4667 Direct: (210) 861-0188

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Call movers and get estimates. Some months are busier than others, so it’s a good idea to start early. • Once you’ve selected a mover, discuss costs, packing, time and insurance. • Make a list of your belongings. Sell or give away any items you no longer want or need.

ONE MONTH BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Notify your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian of your move so that records can be transferred. Ask for referrals. • Find out which school your children will be attending, and check with your current school administrators about transferring records. • Close any charge accounts, such as department store accounts which you will no longer be using. • Check into the banks in the area. Many can open new accounts by phone or online and have your checks waiting for you when you arrive. • Send change of address cards to your post office, magazines and friends. • Cancel local deliveries, such as newspapers, laundry and milk. • Contact utility companies for disconnection.

disconnection date: disconnection date: * Electricity * Garbage * Gas * Water * Telephone * Cable TV

• Contact utility companies in San Antonio to set up connection dates. connection date: connection date: * Electricity * Garbage * Gas * Water * Telephone * Cable TV

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Empty your safe deposit box at the bank. • Pack valuable papers and items which you will be moving yourself. You may want to include family photos, scrapbooks and other items of sentimental value. • Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets. Plan meals using food you don’t want to take with you when you move. • Have your vehicles serviced for the trip. • Hire a babysitter for the day the movers are in your home. • Plan a furniture layout for the movers, indicating where your things belong in your new home. • If you are traveling for more than a day, or you will be waiting for the movers to arrive, make hotel reservations. • Pack anything the movers aren’t packing. • Plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, carpets and draperies. • If your house hasn’t been sold, make arrangements with your real es- tate agent for maintenance and security.

FINAL DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE:

• Pack a “survival kit” in case you have to wait for the movers at your new home. Include paper towels and plastic eating utensils, toilet paper, soap, towels, bedding, snacks, phone chargers, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and medicines. • Pack clothes for the trip. • Label any boxes you’ll need to get into right away. • Get a cashier’s check for the movers and traveler’s checks for the trip. • Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. • Give the movers your new telephone number or a number where they can reach you. San Antonio

Utilities & Services Post Office, Transportation, Hunting & Fishing Licenses San Antonio History Description of the Community Interesting Facts About Demographics & Economic Trends Climate Laws City Council

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

UTILITIES AND SERVICES

UTILITIES

Alamo Heights Water (210) 822-3331

Bexar Metro Water District (210) 922-1221

Boerne Utilities (210) 249-9511

City of Hollywood Park Utilities (210) 494-2023

City Public Service (210) 353-2222 (210) 704-7297

Grey Forest Utilities (Natural Gas for The Dominion) (210) 695-8781

Guadalupe Electric (Schertz) (210) 658-7033

Live Oak Utilities (210) 653-9140

SERVICES

ADT Security Systems (800) 419-3238

Airport Information—San Antonio International (210) 821-3411

Automobile Registration (210) 335-6627

Brinks Security Systems (800) 725-3537

City of San Antonio (210) 207-2489

Driver’s License (210) 737-1911

Express-News Newspaper (210) 250-2000

Garbage Pick-Up (210) 522-8831

Poison Center (800) 222-1222

Post Office (main) (800) 275-8777

Recycling (210) 522-8831

Time-Warner Cable (210) 244-0500

AT&T (formerly SBC) (800) 464-7928

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

POST OFFICE

For zip code information and for general information, call 800-222-1811.

TRANSPORTATION

Air: The San Antonio area is serviced by San Antonio International Airport, located in north central San Antonio. With over 130 flights daily, twelve carriers provide commuter, domestic and international service from the airport’s 2 terminals.

Railroad: Main lines for all rails pass through the city limits and the AMTRAK station is lo- cated in the downtown area at 1174 E. Commerce Street. For general information and res- ervations, call 800-872-7245.

Buses: Greyhound Lines (800-231-2222) and Kerrville Bus Company (210-227-5669) oper- ate services out of San Antonio.

City Buses: VIA Metropolitan Transit provides extensive routes within the city. Call 210-362 -2020 for current route and schedule information.

Transportation for the Physically Challenged: VIAtrans provides city bus service for the physically challenged. Call 210-362-5050 to register for this service.

HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES

Resident hunting license fees are $13.00 and a combination hunting & fishing license is $25.00. A fishing license is $13.00 if purchased separately. Persons under 17 and over 65 do not need fishing licenses, only a driver’s for proof of residency (one must reside in the state 6 months for residency). Persons over 65 and under 17 may obtain an exempt hunting license for only $6.00. Call 210-348-7375.

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO HISTORY

San Antonio was founded in 1718 as a villa by the Spanish crown. The Spanish government—which claimed the territory from 1519 to 1821—saw the location as an ideal way station on the route between the interior of colo- nial Mexico and the Spanish presidios and missions on the border opposite French Louisiana.

From its beginning in the 1700s, San Antonio de Bexar was vital to the Spanish and Mexican presence in Texas. It was the seat of government of the Texas territory from 1773 to 1827, when the capital transferred to Saltillo in Mexico. Under both Spain and Mexico and during much of its history, it was the largest city in Texas.

Bexar County, in which San Antonio is located, once included Santa Fe, in what is now New Mexico. The county, then stretching west to the Rio Grande, was established after Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. From then until 1850, Texas claimed territory west of San Antonio to the Rio Grande, as far west as Albuquerque, and northward in a slender, panhandle-shaped section that extended to the stream’s sources all the way through Colorado into today’s Wyoming.

In 1860, when the partitioning of Bexar County began, 128 counties were created from the original area. Today, Bexar County covers 1,248 square miles, a few more than Rhode Island.

Source: San Antonio Express-News

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMUNITY

LOCATION: San Antonio, the seat of Bexar (pronounced “bear”) County, occupies an area of 388.6 square miles in South Central Texas at the edge of the Gulf Coastal Plains, about 140 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.

LAND AREA: San Antonio is 430 square miles

ALTITUDE: 700 ft.

AVERAGE DAILY TEMPERATURE: January 51.2º July 86.1º

POPULATION: 1,144,646 (per 2000 census)

EMPLOYMENT SECTORS:

Services 31.5% Trade 24.6% Government 19.8% Manufacturing 7.4%

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TEXAS

• Beaumont to El Paso: 742 miles, Beaumont to : 770 miles • World’s First Rodeo: Pecos, Texas– July 4, 1883 • Flagship Hotel in Galveston—only hotel in North America built over water • Heisman Trophy named after John William Heisman—first full time coach for Rice University, Houston • Brazoria County—more species of birds than any other area in North America • Port Aransas Wildlife Refuge—winter home of North America’s only remaining flock of whooping cranes • Jalapeno jelly originated in Lake Jackson in 1978 • Worst natural disaster in US history—1900 hurricane on Galveston Is- land • First word spoken on the moon— “Houston” • El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas • Laredo is the world’s largest inland port • Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is the world’s largest rose garden with over 38,000 bushes with 500 varieties on 22 acres • King Ranch is larger than Rhode Island • Tropical Storm Claudette brought a US rainfall record of 43” in 24 hours in and around Alvin in July 1979 • Texas is the only state to enter the US by treaty, instead of by annexa- tion • A live oak near Fulton is estimated to be 1500 years old • Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885 • Texas has had six capital cities: Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco, West Columbia, Austin • The Capitol Dome in Austin is the only dome in the US which is taller than the Capitol Building in Washington DC (by 7 feet) • The name Texas comes from the Hasini Indian word “tejas” meaning friends • The state animal is the Armadillo • The first domed stadium in the US was the Astrodome in Houston

Population Statistics 2010 Projections Area Population: San Antonio: 2,080,311

Age: Ethnic Composition 0-18: 28.5% Hispanic or Latino: 61.2% 18-24: 10.8% White: 28.9% 25-44: 30.8% African-American 6.6% 45-64: 19.4% Other races 3.3% 65+: 10.4%

Median Age: 32

Median Household Income: $36,214 Median Family Income: $53,100

Gender Composition San Antonio Male 48.4% Female 51.6%

Economic Trends

Job Growth (2000-2009) 15.69% Unemployment: 7.45 % (Avg for Jan-July 2010) For this same time period: TX= 8.24% National=9.6% Employment Sectors: Top Economic Sectors: Financial Services, Government, Health Care, Tourism

Military Concentration: Employs over 89,000 and provides $5.25 Billion impact to the city’s economy

Major Employers: (headquartered here) Kinetic Concepts, Frost National Bank, USAA, Corp, Tesoro Petroleum, Clear Channel Communications, NuStar Energy, H-E-B, Harte-Hanks, Eye Care Centers of America, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, , , and Rackspace

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

OVERALL: San Antonio experiences year-round weather. Average temperatures range for 50° in January to the mid-90’s in June. The warmest summer months, July and August, average daily temperatures above 90° over 80% of the time. Extremely high temperatures, however, are rare. Mild weather prevails during the fall and winter months with below freezing temperatures occurring, on average, about 20 days each year.

RAINFALL: The normal annual rainfall is approximately 28”, fairly well distributed throughout the year with the heaviest months being May and September. Measurable snow occurs rarely, although snowfall of two to four inches occurs about every ten years.

SUNSHINE: San Antonio enjoys about 50% of the possible amount of sunshine during the winter months and more than 70% during the summer months.

HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURES: Relative humidity is at its highest point during the cooler morning hours, dropping to its lowest point in the afternoon.

SEVERE WEATHER: San Antonio’s position in the central part of the state keeps it from harm’s way of “Tornado Alley” that is part of northern Texas and Oklahoma. The distance of 140 miles from the Gulf Coast prevents tropical weather patterns from disturbing San Antonio’s weather. Hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast diminish to heavy showers by the time they reach San Antonio’s metropolitan area.

Month Relative Average Month Relative Average Humidity Temperature Humidity Temperature January 54% 51.1° July 59% 87.3°

February 55% 57.9° August 55% 84.4°

March 57% 57.6° September 73% 78.4°

April 54% 69.5° October 70% 71.1°

May 67% 81.9° November 68% 61.3°

June 63% 84.1° December 68% 54.5°

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

LAWS

STATE LAWS

• Upon residing in the State of Texas, you have 30 days to do the following: Obtain a valid driver’s license - contact the Dept. of Motor Vehicles at 210-533-9171. Have a car safety inspection at a certified inspection station. Register all automobiles - contact the Bexar County Tax Office at 210-220-2251. • Carry proof of insurance in your automobile at all times - check with your insurance company for minimum requirements. • Drivers 15 through 18 who receive their learner’s permit must be accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver, 21 or older, for six months. • Residents younger than 19 are allowed to sign up for Medicaid without their parents going through a face-to-face interview. Applicants may fill out a 3-page application already used by the Children’s Health Insurance Program. • It is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. First time violators face a misdemeanor charge and a maximum $500 fine.

LOCAL LAWS

• A citywide curfew restricts those 16 and younger from being in public places between 10:30pm and 6am Sunday through Thursday when school is in session and between midnight and 6am on weekends. First-time violators face a warning notice and letter home. Second-time violators could face up to a $500 fine. • Residents hoping to empty their closets of unused goods for a garage sale must first obtain and display a permit. Garage sales are limited to two a year, cannot exceed two consecutive days and must operate between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm. • Keeping a junked vehicle in ordinary public view is prohibited by the city. An inoperable motor vehicle without a current inspection sticker or license plate is considered a junked motor vehicle. Violators could face a $2,000-per-day fine. • City code also stipulates that the owner or keeper of any dog, cat or ferret must obtain a license before the pet is 4 months old. Any unlicensed dog, cat or ferret could be seized and impounded.

When residents of dial 311, a customer service representative will answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week to handle non-emergency calls. Potholes, stray animals, street signs, trash collection and general city information is now handled by the 311 service.

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCIL ( 2010)

Mayor Julian Castro (210) 207-7060

District 1 Mary Alice Cisneros (210) 207-7279

District 2 Ivy R. Taylor (210) 207-7278

District 3 Jennifer Ramos (210) 207-7064

District 4 Philip Cortez (210) 207-7281

District 5 David Medina, Jr. (210) 207-7043

District 6 Ray Lopez (210) 207-7065

District 7 Justin Rodriguez (210) 207-7044

District 8 W. Reed Williams (210) 207-7086

District 9 Elisa Chan (210) 207-7325

District 10 John Clamp (210) 207-7276

To find your elected officials, go to: www.sanantonio.gov

Education

School Registration & Immunization Requirements School Districts Map Public School Districts Private Schools Universities & Colleges

SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Registration Requirements

• A child must be 5 (five) years of age on or before September 1 of that year in order to enroll in Kindergarten • A valid birth certificate (certified copy or original) • A social security card of the child being registered • “Proof of residency” within the school district (electric bill, apartment lease, etc.) • Updated immunization records

Immunization Requirements Vaccine Requirement DTP/DTaP/ • Five doses required for entry kindergarten students unless the fourth dose was DT/TD received after the 4th birthday. • Students age seven, starting their vaccine, are required to have three doses. • TD: booster every ten years. Polio • Four doses of IPV required for kindergarten students unless the third dose was received after 4th birthday. It can be any combination of OPV or IPV. • Not required of eighteen-year-old students. Measles • Two doses of measles vaccine are required. • First dose shall be administered on or after the first birthday. • Second dos by age 5 or entry into kindergarten. • Physician confirmation of illness not acceptable, only a serological (blood test) confirmation. Rubella • One dose of vaccine on or after the first birthday or serological (blood work) confirmation of rubella immunity. Mumps • One dose of vaccine on or after the first birthday. • Vaccine required for all students through 18 years of age. HIB • Three doses of Haemophiles Influenza type B vaccine and a booster if given before child is 15 months or one dose of vaccine if given after 15 months. • Vaccine given through 4 years of age. Hepatitis • Two doses of Hepatitis A required for Pre-Kindergarten through third grade. Type A • Second dose is required six months after the administration of the first dose. Hepatitis • Three doses required for the following grades: 2004-2005 Kindergarten through Type B fifth grade; seven through tenth grade. 2005-2006 Kindergarten through 11th grade. Varicella • One dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday is required for (Chicken the following grades: Kindergarten through fourth grade; seventh through tenth Pox) grade. • Two doses required if the student was thirteen years old at the time the first dose of varicella was received. • If the student has had Varicella (Chicken Pox) illness, please request form from the school nurse to validate illness. Kinder through 5th grade & 7th through 11th grade.

SAN ANTONIO AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Alamo Heights ISD www.ahisd.net

Boerne ISD http://64.118.66.192/page.cfm

Comal ISD www.comal.isd.org

East Central ISD www.ecisd.net

Edgewood ISD www.eisd.net

Fort Sam Houston ISD www.fort.sam.houston.k12.tx.us Harlandale ISD www.harlandale.k12.tx.us

Judson ISD www.judsonisd.org

Lackland ISD www.lackland.k12.tx.us

Medina Valley ISD www.medina-valley.k12.tx.us

North East ISD www.neisd.net

Northside ISD www.nisd.net

Randolph Field ISD www.randolph-field.k12.tx.us

San Antonio ISD www.saisd.net

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD www.scuc.txed.net

Somerset ISD www.somerset.tx.schoolwebpages.com

Southside ISD www.southside.k12.tx.us

South San Antonio ISD www.southsanisd.net

Southwest ISD www.swisd.net

SOME SAN ANTONIO AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS School Phone Website Antonian College Preparatory High School 210.344.9265 www.antonian.org Blessed Sacrament Academy 210.532.5363 www.bsacdc.org The Buckner Fanning Christian School at 210.402.6905 www.bucknerfanningschool.org Mission Springs Christian Heritage Schools 210.496.1644 www.chs-kids.com Concordia Lutheran School 210.479.1477 www.concordia-satx.com Hill Country Montessori School 830.816.3819 www.hillcountrymontessori.com Incarnate Word High School 210.829.3123 www.incarnatewordhs.org Judson Montessori School 210.492.3553 www.jms-sat.org Keystone School 210.735.4022 www.keystoneschool.org Lutheran High School of San Antonio 210.733.7771 www.lhssa.org Montessori School House 210.341.0731 No Website Available Mount Sacred Heart 210.342.6711 www.msheagles.com Our Lady of Perpetual Help 210.651.6811 www.olphselma.org Providence High School 210.224.6651 www.providencehs.net River City Christian School 210.384.0297 No Website Available Saint Mary’s Hall 210.483.9234 www.smhall.org San Antonio Academy of Texas 210.733.7331 www.sa-academy.org San Antonio Christian Schools 210.340.1864 www.sachristianschools.org The San Antonio Country Day School 210.496.6033 www.countrydayschool.net Shepard of the Hills Lutheran School and 210.614.3741 www.shlutheran.org Child Care St. Anthony Catholic High School 210.832.5600 www.stanthonysa.org St. Anthony Catholic School 210.732.8801 www.stanthonysa.org St. John Bosco School 210.432.8011 www.stjohnbosco.com St. Luke’s Episcopal School 210.826.0664 www.saintlukes.net St. Martin Hall 210.434.6711 www.ollusa.edu Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf 210.824.0579 www.sunshinecottage.org Children Texas Military Institute 210.698.7171 www.tmi-sa.org The Winston School San Antonio 210.615.6544 www.winston-sa.org

SAN ANTONIO UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE

811 W. Houston Street 1801 Martin Luther King Drive San Antonio, TX 78207-3033 San Antonio, TX 78203-2098 (210) 220-1500 (210) 531-3200 Admissions: (210) 733-2583 Admissions: (210) 531-3290 www.accd.edu www.accd.edu/spc/spcmain/spc.htm

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SAN ANTONIO CENTER 1300 San Pedro Avenue 8626 Tesoro, Suite 112 San Antonio, TX 78212-4299 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 733-2000 (210) 737-8757 www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/sac.htm www.concordia.edu TEXAS LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE 1000 W. Court 3535 N. Ellison Seguin, TX 78155 San Antonio, TX 78251 (830) 372-8000 (210) 348-2000 www.tlu.edu www.accd.edu/nvc TRINITY UNIVERSITY OBLATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 715 Stadium Drive 285 Oblate San Antonio, TX 78212 San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 736-7207 (210) 341-1366 www.trinity.edu www.ost.edu UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO OUR LADY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY 6900 N. Loop 1604 West 411 S.W. 24th Street San Antonio, TX 78249 San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 458-4011 (210) 434-6711 Admissions: (210) 458-4530 www.ollusa.edu www.utsa.edu

PALO ALTO COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER 1400 W. Villaret San Antonio, TX 78224 7703 Floyd Curl Drive (210) 921-5000 San Antonio, TX 78284 www.accd.edu/pac/lrc/index.htm (210) 567-7000 www.ahm.bc.ca/center-health-science-utsa.html ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD One Camino Santa Maria San Antonio, TX 78228 4301 Broadway (210) 436-3011 San Antonio, TX 78209 www.stmarytx.edu (210) 829-6000 www.uiw.edu Attractions & Recreation

Texas Lottery Texas Hill Country Sports & Recreation Golf Courses Area Attractions Dining Public Libraries Radio Stations

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

TEXAS LOTTERY Mega Millions Cash Five • Multi-state lottery game. Drawings are on Tues- • Select five numbers from one to 37 or select days and Fridays. the Quick Pick option for a randomly selected • Jackpots start at $10 million. set of numbers. You win by matching two, • Choose five numbers from the first field of 52 three, four or five numbers from the field. All numbers and one Mega Ball number from the prizes, including the top prize, are paid in one second field of 52 numbers. lump sum. • You can increase you non-grand-jackpot win- • Drawings are Monday through Saturday nights. nings by two, three or four times by playing Pick 3 Megaplier for an extra $1 pre playboard. • Choose three numbers from zero to nine, how you want to play them– exact order, any order, Lotto Texas exact/any order or combination, the time of day • Select five numbers from one to 44 and choose and the number of drawings to play. A Quick one bonus ball number from one to 44. Or ask Pick option is available. the retailer for a Quick Pick and five numbers • Fifty-cent and $1 plays are available. If three plus a bonus ball number will be randomly se- numbers are matched in exact order on a 50- lected by the terminal. cent play, the payout is estimated at $250. On • Up to 10 drawings can be played in advance by a $1 play three matching numbers in exact or- marking the Multi-Draw box. The numbers se- der yields $500. The odds for an exact order lected will play for as many games as indicated. win are 1 in 1,000. Each game costs $1. • Drawings are twice daily, every day, except • Players must also choose a payment method. A Sunday. jackpot prize can be received in 25 annual pay- Scratch-off games ments or in one cash payment, called the “Cash • There are numerous scratch-off games avail- Value Option”. able at lottery retailers with various cash prizes. • Drawings are on Wednesday and Saturday Ticket prices range from $1 to $20. nights. Checking Numbers • The San Antonio Express-News publishes win- Texas Two Step ning numbers on Page 2A. • Select four numbers from one to 35 and a Bo- • Local television stations air the winning num- nus Ball number from one to 35, or choose the bers for daily drawings on the 10pm news- Quick Pick option. casts. • The multi-draw feature also can be used with the • The Texas Lottery Web site www.txlottery.org Two Step. Each play is $1. has live webcasts of drawings and complete • The jackpot starts at $200,000 and rolls over for listings of winning numbers. the next drawing until there is a winner. The jackpot is won when all four numbers and the bonus ball match the numbers drawn. The odds are 1 in 1,832,600. If the four numbers match, but not the bonus ball, the estimated prize is $1,501. Three matching numbers or two match- ing with the bonus ball will pay out $20. One matching number and one bonus ball will guar- antee $7. Matching the bonus ball along guar- antees $5. • Drawings are every Monday and Thursday night.

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

BOERNE (pronounced “Bernie”) -Located 22 miles northwest of San Antonio on Interstate 10. -Founded in 1847 by German immigrants. -Home to more than 140 historic buildings including Ye Kendall Inn, which began renting rooms to stagecoach travelers. -Many of the town’s antique shops can be found along Main Street. -Just outside of town, the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, a former railroad tunnel, is now home to a population of more than two million bats. -For more information on Boerne attractions, see www.boerne.org.

KERRVILLE: -Home to the National Center for American Western Art - this hilltop museum features work by members of the Cowboy Artists of America. -This city is filled with antique shops as well as art galleries. -Enjoy the wildflower meadow and butterfly gardens and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region at the Riverside Nature Center. -For more on Kerrville’s many attractions, visit www.kerrvilletexas.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: -Best known for the tradition of the gŠstehaus, or guest house, a B & B where visitors enjoy the privacy of their own abode. Unlike traditional bed-and-breakfast facilities where the owners or managers reside on the premises, guest houses usually are managed by a reser- vation service. -Work out the kinks with a Swedish or deep tissue massage at the European Day Spa of Fredericksburg. -Also known for its excellent shopping, downtown you’ll find numerous boutique shops featuring one-of-a-kind items, antiques and artwork. -The National Museum of the Pacific War (the only museum in the nation solely dedicated to remembering the Pacific Theater battles of World War II). Originally known as The Admiral Nimitz Museum, this Facility was named for Fredericksburg’s most famous resident, Admiral Chester Nimitz, the World War II Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific (CinCPac). -For more information, visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

SPORTS & RECREATION

Location Season Contact Info. Spurs AT&T Center Regular season: www.spurs.com (NBA basketball) 3201 Houston St. October—April (210) 444-5050 Playoffs: April—June Silver Stars AT&T Center Regular season: www.wnba.com/silverstars (WNBA basketball) May—August (210) 444-5050 Playoffs: August Rampage AT&T Center Regular season: www.sarampage.com (AHL hockey) October—April (210) 227-4625 Playoffs: April—June Missions Wolff Stadium Regular season: www.samissions.com (Texas league base- 5757 US 90 April—August (210) 675-7275 ball) Playoffs: September San Antonio 14901 S. Texas 16 March to October www.sanantoniospeedway.com Speedway (210) 829-0405 (auto racing) River City Raceway 3641 S. Santa Clara, May to October www.rivercityracewayinc.com (auto racing) Marion, TX (210) 698-2310 (830) 914-4646 Alamo Dragway 15030 Watson Rd. Year round www.alamodragway.com (auto racing) (210) 628-1371 Thunder Hill 24801 I-35 N. April to September www.thunderhillraceway.com Raceway Kyle, TX (512) 262-1352 San Antonio Stock AT&T Center February www.sarodeo.com Show & Rodeo (210) 225-0575 Retama Park 1 Retama Parkway Simulcast every day www.retamapark.com (horse racing) except Christmas; live (210) 651-7119 racing w/2 meets a year; dates vary—call

SAN ANTONIO GOLF COURSES

Municipal Courses Military Courses Private (Limited Access) Area Golf Courses 1. Golf Course 18. Brooks City Base 35. The Club at Sonterra 2. Cedar Creek Golf Course 19. Golf Course 36. The Dominion Country Club 3. Mission del Lago Golf Course 20. Gateway Hills at Lackland AFB 37. Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club 4. Olmos Basin Golf Course 21. Gateway Valley at Lackland AFB 38. Oak Hills Country Club 5. Riverside Golf Course 22. Randolph Oaks at Randolf AFB 39. Windcrest Golf Course 6. Willow Springs Golf Course

Area Public Daily Fee Courses Driving Ranges and Practice Facilities Public/Daily Fee Courses 23. Alsatian Golf Club 40. Alamo Country Club 7. Canyon Spring Golf Course 24. The Bandit 41. T.C.’s Golf Academy 8. The Golf Club of Texas at Briggs Ranch 25. The Buckhorn 42. Blossom Golf Center 9. The Northern Hills Golf Club 26. Canyon Lake Golf Club 43. Diamondback Golf Academy 10. The Pecan Valley Golf Club 27. Chapparal Golf Course 44. La Cantera Golf Academy 11. The Quarry Golf Club 28. Flying L Golf Course 45. Northeast Golf Center 12. The Republic Golf Club 29. Las Palomas Country Club 46. Oak Valley Driving Range & Par 3 13. SilverHorn Golf Club 30. Northcliffe Golf & Country Club 47. Polo Field Driving & Practice Range

31. Olympia Hills Golf Course 48. Rolling Oaks Golf Center Resorts 32. Rayner Ranch 49. San Pedro Driving Range & Par 3 14. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa 33. River Crossing Golf Club 50. Sundance Golf Course 15. The Palmer Course at La Cantera 34. Woodlake Golf Club 51. Ten Cups Golf Center 16. The Resort Course at La Cantera 17. Tapatio Springs Resort

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO & SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS

HISTORIC

THE ALAMO It was originally Mission San Antonio de Valero and became famous for the 1836 battle between the Texians and General Santa Anna’s Mexican army. Exhibits include the medical exhibit, which shows what hospital rooms looked like when the shrine housed Spanish soldiers. A short orientation film is shown every 20 minutes. Open 9-5:30 Monday-Saturday, 10-5:30 Sunday. Free admission. 300 Alamo Plaza (210) 225-1391

KING WILLIAM HISTORIC DISTRICT The area just south of downtown is home to a monthly First Friday art walk, block after block of restored 19th- century Victorian homes, museums, restaurants and the purple house of author Sandra Cisneros. The district be- gins at the corner of King William and South St. Mary’s streets. The neighborhood is an excellent place for a morn- ing walk on any Saturday.

LA VILLITA Once a home to the Canary Islanders who settled in San Antonio in the 18th century, “the little village” now houses more 25 artisans in shops featuring handcrafted items. Shop hours 10-6 daily. Alamo and Nueva Streets (210) 207-8610

THE MISSIONS The ideal locale for a bike ride. Tour the four missions—Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission San Francisco de la Espada—by following the Mission Trail markers beginning at Roosevelt Park at Roosevelt Avenue and Mission Road. Free admission. Open 9-5 daily. For free guided tours, call (210) 534-8833 or (210) 932-1001 during non-business hours.

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL Founded in 1731, the cathedral is one of the oldest structures in San Antonio. A group of 15 families from the Ca- nary Islands built the church at the invitation of King Philip V of Spain. Viewing hours are 9-4:30 daily. 115 Main Plaza (210) 227-1297

SPANISH GOVERNOR’S PALACE Built as a private residence in 1722, the adobe home housed the 32 Spanish governors who ruled Texas from 1722 to 1821. Open 9-5 Monday-Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. Admission is $1.50; discounts for kids. 105 Military Plaza (210) 224-0601

THEME PARKS

SEAWORLD ADVENTURE PARK A cast of marine mammals, including the world-famous Shamu, puts on shows throughout the day. The park added thrill rides a few years back in the form of coasters Steel Eel and the Great White. The water park Sky Tubin’ at Lost Lagoon is open in the summer. Daily admission is $50.99; discounts for kids and seniors. The season runs from March to December and operates daily from Memorial Day weekend until the middle of August. Ellison Dr. at Westover Hills Blvd. Off Texas 151 (west of Loop 410; inside Loop 1604) (210) 523-3611 www..com

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

ATTRACTIONS—CONTINUED

THEME PARKS (continued)

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS Here, the rides and shows are equally popular. From the floor-less Superman Krypton Coaster to Scooby-Doo Ghostblasters, The Mystery of the Haunted Mansion, there are rides for every age. The shows are mostly musical in nature and feature originally produced shows such as “Celebrate Country” (contemporary country hits) and “Retro Fever” (’70s hits). The Armadillo Beach water park is open during the summer. Daily admission is $46.99 (online for $31.99); discounts for kids and seniors. The season runs from March to October and operates daily Memorial Day weekend until the middle of August. Interstate 10 West at La Cantera Pkwy., north of Loop 1604 (210) 697-5050 (800) 473-4378 www.sixflags.com

HORSE RACING RETAMA PARK The park holds two meets ayear, the Spring Quarter Horse Meet and the Thoroughbred Meet. The popular Fifty- Cent Nights offer dirt-cheap prices on hot dogs, beer and admission/parking. The track is also open year-round for televised simulcast and wagering with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. daily. Simulcast admission is $2. Live-racing admission varies but is no more than $2.50. Children under 15 are free. (210) 651-7000 www.retamapark.com

WATER PARKS

SCHLITTERBAHN It’s been named best water park in the country by The Travel Channel and the publication . The 65-acre park is located on the banks of the Comal River and includes tube chutes, water slides, uphill water coast- ers, pools, hot tubs, kiddie water playgrounds, shady picnic grounds and year-round resort rooms. It also includes water and sand volleyball courts, five gift shops, two restaurants and 20 refreshment centers. Daily admission costs $37.99; discounts for kids. The park is open from April to September and operates daily from Memorial Day week- end until the middle of August. Liberty and Common streets, New Braunfels (830) 625-2351

SPLASHTOWN San Antonio’s 18-acre water park offers more than 50 rides and attractions including the Siesta del Rio, a relaxing river ride; the seven-story Lone Star Luge, a twisting and sliding ride the length of two football fields; and Starflight, a double-tub trip through total darkness. The park hosts Christian concerts Sunday nights during the summer, and dive-in movies (movie viewing with pool seating) have become popular. Daily admission costs $24.99; discounts for kids and after 5 p.m. The park is open from April to September and operates daily Memorial Day weekend until the middle of August. Interstate 35 North at Splashtown Drive (210) 227-1400 www.splashtownsa.com

MISCELLANEOUS ATTRACTIONS BOTANICAL GARDEN The formal and informal gardens are on 33 acres with winding footpaths. The garden is open 9-5 daily. Admission is $6; discounts for students, seniors and military. 555 Funston Place (210) 207-3250

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

ATTRACTIONS—CONTINUED

MISCELLANEOUS ATTRACTIONS (continued)

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM The museum offers the Buckhorn Hall of Horns, a full-service saloon, a period arcade, convention and banquet facili- ties and a collection of horns, rare trophy animals, fish, birds and memorabilia. Open 10-5 daily. Admission costs $9.99; discounts for children and seniors. Houston and Presa Streets (210) 247-4000

MARKET SQUARE Perhaps the city’s best-known cultural center is this city-owned block of retail stores and restaurants along the south side of West Commerce between Santa Rosa and Interstate 35. Officials often close San Saba Street for cultural celebrations with music on multiple stages. Open 10-6 daily. Free admission. 514 W. Commerce St. (210) 207-8600

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! & PLAZA THEATER OF WAX Plaza Theater of Wax includes more than 225 figures from Hollywood, horror, history and religion, including President George W. Bush. The museum Believe It or Not! Includes theme galleries filled with more than 500 one-of-a-kind exhibits from the bizarre collection of Robert Ripley. Open 9-8 Friday-Saturday, 9-7 Sunday, 9:30-6 Monday- Thursday. Admission costs $21.99 for both museums, $16.99 single ticket. Discounts for kids are available. Alamo Plaza (210) 224-9299

SAN ANTONIO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Texas Treasure Cave & Wild Texas Spring is just the latest edition to the museum’s wide array of exhibits. This hands -on museum houses more than 80 interactive exhibits for children ages 2-10, allowing them to explore a multitude of adult worlds. Kids can be an airplane pilot, international chef, mail carrier, dentist, construction worker, scientist, artist and more. Regular hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday, 8-6 Saturday, 12-4 Sunday. Admission: $7, kids younger than two admitted free. One-hour free parking at Mid-City Garage with ticket validated by the museum. Soft baby carriers available at front desk. 305 E. Houston Street (210) 212-4453

SAN ANTONIO ZOO More than 3,500 animals of 750 species occupy the zoo, including notable horticultural exhibits. Highlights includes the recently added walkthrough exhibit “Butterflies! Caterpillar Flight School” and the multispecies Gibbon Forest ex- hibit, built into the side of a limestone cliff. Open 9-6 daily; visitors can stay until 7pm. Admission costs $9; discounts for kids and seniors. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 734-7184

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS Take the elevator ride up the 750-foot tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Alamo City, hang out on the , or take part in the Flag Over Texas & 4D Theatre ride. The structure also houses the Tower Restaurant and the High in the Sky Lounge. Open 9-10 Sunday-Thursday, 9-11 Friday-Saturday. Admission costs $10.95; discounts for kids and seniors. Hemisfair Park, East Durango Blvd. & /U.S. 281 (210) 207-8615

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE ALAMO CITY CLASSICS BISTRO TIME Chef/owner Sander Edmondson stuffs fillet with Stilton, sweetens CASBEERS shrimp with an ethereal vanilla sauce and braises lamb shanks in This neighborhood joint serves some of the best burgers in the Moroccan spices as part of his culinary magic act. The reasona- city, appropriately greasy and satisfying. Enchiladas and nachos bly priced wine list is worth investigating. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. also are deserving of their stellar reputation. Lunch: Tuesday- Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Business casual. Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual. 5137 Fredericksburg Road (210) 344-6626 1719 Blanco Road (210) 732-3511 CAPPY’S EARL ABEL’S After 25 years in business, Cappy’s still packs in the customers. Comfort food ranging from excellent fried chicken to silky omelets. Credit the solid food, interesting menu and reliable service at the Go ahead and have a slice of pie with breakfast—you’ll thank restaurant, located in the center of ’09. Seafood is among the yourself! Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. best in the city. Daily specials, including the heart-healthy items, 1201 Austin Highway, Suite 175 (210) 822-7333 are well worth exploring. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. LIBERTY BAR 5011 Broadway (210) 828-9669

What looks like a fairly dilapidaated building actually houses one CHAPS of San Antonio’s favorite dining spots. Yes, the restaurant tilts, The star attraction here is the pasta and noodle bar. Taken with but the food, ranging from Texas and Tex-Mex favorites to inven- the excellent salad bar, this feature (available weekdays for lunch tive Southwestern dishes, leans in a direction you’ll find pleasing. and Friday-Saturday evenings) elevates the all-you-can-eat con- This is about as true a Texas dining experience as you will find. cept to an art form. For red meat lovers, the steaks are also worth Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. a look. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 328 E. Josephine St. (210) 227-1187 Hyatt Regency Hotel, 123 Losoya St. (210) 222-1234

MI TIERRA CAFÉ AND BAKERY CITRUS The only late-night option worth exploring, especially if you are in Beef tenderloin, Gulf shrimp, organic baby lettuces: Chef Jeffrey need of a bowl of menudo to help you along. If the food and huge Balfour’s secret is to use fresh, well-chosen ingredients in simple bakery counter don’t cheer you up, Mi Tierra’s year-round, Christ- yet imaginative ways. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Business macy décor might. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Open 24 casual. Reservations recommended on weekends. hours. Casual. Hotel Valencia, 150 E. Houston St. (210) 230-8412 218 Produce Row (El Mercado) (210) 225-1262 FIG TREE RESTAURANT OLMOS PHARMACY The classics, such as Chateaubriand and Beef Wellington, have An honest-to-goodness old-time soda fountain and luncheonette been reclassified as wonderful dishes, not cliches, in the hands of counter! If that excites you, then wait until you taste the chocolate chef Stephen Paprocki. Fresh herbs and excellent sauces excite malt. This San Antonio landmark offers up burgers, sandwiches in an enchanted setting. Dinner: Daily. Business casual. Reser- and ice cream treats with a taste of history on the side. Breakfast/ vations recommended. lunch: Daily. Casual. 515 Villita St. (210) 224-1976 3902 McCullough Ave. (210) 822-3361 FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET SCHILO’S DELICATESSEN A romantic setting, excellent service and Southwestern fare A institution for 80-plus years, Schilo’s served with a flair place this restaurant on the short-list of San German deli is justly famous for specialties such as a split pea Antonio dining options that have it all. Dinner: Tuesday- soup, Reuben sandwiches, chicken and dumplings (on Thurs- Saturday. Business casual. days) and, of course, its homemade root beer. Breakfast/lunch/ Westin La Cantera Resort, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy (210) 558-6500 dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. 424 E. Commerce St. (210) 223-6692 GLADYS AT THE STRAND This upscale restaurant is one of San Antonio’s favorite places to THE TEA ROOM AT BERING’S see and be seen. The noise level can be off-putting, but skilled If you like traditional tea room fare, you’ll find a good variety here. service and quality food overcome that downside. Lunch: Tues- But sharing menu space are some sophisticated daily specials day-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday. Business Casual. Reser- that are highly recommended. Lunch: Daily. Casual. vations recommended. 8502 Broadway (210) 824-2353 11255 Huebner Road (210) 697-9004

AMERICAN/REGIONAL LAS CANARIAS

BIGA ON THE BANKS It’s time to take this hotel restaurant back from the tourists. Ex- Chef/owner Bruce Auden brings his artistry to the River Walk in ecutive chef Scott Cohen serves up the Best Texas has to offer an understated, contemporary space one level above the river. and a vegetable entrée even carnivores could love. Breakfast/ The desserts are not to be missed. Brunch: Sunday. Dinner: lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. Daily. Casual. La Mansion del Rio Hotel, 112 College St. (210) 225-2581 203 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 225-0722

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE AMERICAN/REGIONAL (continued) TEXAS PRIDE LIGHTHOUSE COFFEE AND CAFÉ The barbecue lives up to the name, and the ambience adds its This Christian-themed coffee shop has a shining light in chef Eric own Texas charm. You won’t go wrong on any of the meats you Rocha, who serves up some of the best soups in town, in addition might select. And the peach cobbler for dessert is a real killer. to some savory seafood entrees, sandwiches and appetizers. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual. 2980 E Loop 1604, Adkins (210) 649-3730 Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. 18739 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 495-5099 BREAKFAST

THE LODGE RESTAURANT OF CASTLE HILLS MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS Tucked away in this suburb is one of the most romantic dining The pancakes are airy, the omelets are sensational and the sau- spots in the city—a restored older home that has been turned into sage will leave you hungering for more. If Tex-Mex is not your an elegant yet comfortable lodge with several private dining thing, this remains the best place in town to start your day. Break- rooms. The eclectic menu, which includes pasta, game, beef, fast/lunch: Tuesday-Sunday. Casual. lamb and more, is a beautiful match for the décor. Lunch: Mon- 13444 West Avenue (210) 496-0828 day-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Business casual. Res- ervations recommended. RITA’S FIESTA CAFE 1746 Lockhill Selma Road (210) 349-8466 On one of those days you need a plate of huevos rancheros in the worst way at 3pm, try Rita’s. She serves breakfast all day. The SCENIC LOOP CAFÉ plates, tacos and other specialties are generous, cooked well and A Texas roadhouse with a touch of Tex-Mex thrown in. Don’t accompanied by tender, thick homemade corn and flour tortillas. miss out on the build-your-own margarita, sipped on the spacious The breakfast taco list is substantial and so are the servings. Try outdoor patio. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. a machacado plate, too, to see how fresh and good this dish of 25615 Boerne Stage Road (210) 687-1818 scrambled eggs, shredded beef, diced jalapeno, onion and tomato THE UGLY DUCKLING CAFÉ can be. Opens 6:30am Monday-Saturday; 7am Sunday. Casual. Vita Parrack knows her beef, whether it’s the 16-ounce New York 612 Bandera Road (210) 732-1537 strip au poivre or the half-pound hamburger. All served in a com- TACO TACO CAFE fortable, beautifully-renovated dairy barn. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday Lines stretching out the door tell you this is one of San Antonio’s -Saturday. Brunch: Sunday. Casual. best Tex-Mex hangouts. The breakfast tacos, with fresh off the 1006 Holbrook Road (210) 656-2537 grill tortillas, homemade caldos, hearty Tacos Nortenos and sa- THE VINEYARDS vory enchiladas are worth the wait. Breakfast/lunch: Daily. It’s a picture-perfect country inn with the just-sophisticated- Casual. enough attitude. Slow-smoked pork loin is but one of the high- 145 E. Hildebrand Avenue (210) 822-9533 lights of a menu that features both Texas and Mediterranean influ- BURGERS ences. Lunch: Saturday-Sunday. Dinner: Daily. Casual. 27315 FM 3009 (near Natural Bridge Caverns) (830) 980-8033 AUGIE’S BY THE PARK

BARBEQUE What a joint! Burgers—actually the Real Burger, as it’s called here—are the true star, but the relaxing atmosphere will make you BAR-B-Q PATIO feel at home no matter what you order. Lunch/dinner: Monday- Meaty spare ribs, juicy turkey, lean brisket cut thick and flavorful Saturday. Casual. sausage, all gently smoked, make this outpost worth the drive. 10447 Nacogdoches Road (210) 590-9583 Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 8791 Old Pearsall Road (210) 622-0660 BOBBY J’S OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS Juicy burgers—1/3 pound, 1/2 pound or a full pound in size— COUNTY LINE BBQ come sizzling out of the kitchen almost too hot to touch. They’re Oversized portions of smoked ribs, sausage and brisket as well as matched by an exemplary fish sandwich. Lunch/dinner: Daily. reasonable prices keep customers coming back. Lunch/dinner: Casual. Daily. Casual. 13247 Bandera Road (210) 695-4941 Colonnade, 10101 I-10 W (210) 641-1998 CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS JAMIE D. BAR-B-Q Consistency is the key word here, whether you’re ordering one of Ribs are the main attraction at this haven for smoked meats that the jumbo burgers, the crispy onion rings or a beer off the the uses fragrant pecan and oak to entice barbecue lovers. Lunch/ extensive list. Lunch/dinner: Daily. dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. 9980 I-10 W (210) 699-1222 2456 Harry Wurzbach Road (210) 824-4844 1006 NE Loop 410 (210) 805-8600 RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q 16609 San Pedro Ave. (210) 494-3333 Tourists and locals alike flock by the thousands to get slabs of 621 Pat Booker Rd., Universal City (210) 658-3000 brisket, sausage, ribs, chicken, turkey and pork. After the homey ambience, the real secret here is the peppery barbecue sauce. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. I-10 West & Boerne Stage Rd. (210) 653-RUDY (7839)

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE BURGERS (continued) HSIU YU CHINESE RESTAURANT CHRIS MADRID’S NACHOS & BURGERS The lunch specials at Hsiu Yu (pronounced Shoe You) are a true This friendly burger joint turns out some of the juiciest and best bargain, but the rest of the varied and savory menu demands ex- burgers around. It’s built its reputation on quality and value, so it’s ploration. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Brunch: Sun- generally packed, but service is efficient. The Tostada Burger, day. Casual. 8338 Broadway (210) 828-2273 packed with crushed chips, beans and cheese, sets the standard, though the old-fashioned burger is a classic in its own right. MENCIUS’ GOURMET HUNAN RESTAURANT Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. The menu is comprehensive, if not trendy, and is consistently and 1900 Blanco Road (210) 735-3552 competently well prepared. So, if you’re in the mood for some CYPRESS STREET GRILL spicy, garlicky Hunan cuisine, you’ve got the makings of a fine Great burgers keep the lines at lunch long, but the menu also night out. Very simply good. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 7959 Fredericksburg Rd. (210) 615-1288 boasts a fine (and expensive) ribeye as well as a meaty grilled chicken salad. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. VAN’S CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 801 San Pedro Ave. (210) 212-5656 An array of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese favorites fill the LUCKY BURGER extensive and well-prepared menu. Perhaps the best wine list in Big burgers in the walk-up ordering style, but there’s no stinting on the city, though not all of the wines are listed. Lunch/dinner: flavor, toppings and just good burger construction. Check out the Daily. Casual. 3214 Broadway (210) 828-8449 chicken-fried chicken sandwich. Casual. 2114 NW Military Hwy. (210) 341-8866 WAH KEE CHINESE SEAFOOD CUISINE CAJUN CREOLE Sure, you have the usual standbys, but why settle for that when ACADIANA CAFE the seafood menu promises such rarely offered treasures as The food isn’t strictly Cajun, though there are spicy etouffees, Salted Toasted Scallop and a steamed fish served with an intense jambalayas, gumbos and crawfish dishes on the menu. It goes ginger sauce. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 18360 Blanco Road (210) 497-6669 beyond the bayou to include home-style Southern cooking from fried catfish and chicken livers to country greens and fried okra. LA SCALA Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. A well-kept secret among the north-of-Loop 410 set. It’s upscale 1289 SW Loop 410 (210) 674-0019 continental with a flourish of pink linens, fresh flowers, scurrying

N’AWLINS CREOLE KITCHEN (but never intrusive) wait staff and solid cuisine. But who’s com- If it’s not made from scratch, Ma Harper doesn’t serve it. Red plaining when your spinach-stuffed chicken breast is so perfectly beans and rice, jambalaya and award-winning gumbo keep cus- golden on the outside and tender inside, or the seafood so impec- tomers coming back. Save room for the ethereal bread pudding cably fresh? Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 2177 NW Military Hwy. (210) 366-1515 served with a rich rum/butter/nutmeg sauce and the melt-in-the- mouth, subtly spiced sweet potato pie. Swamp water (equal parts MESAN EUROPEAN DINING lemonade and iced tea) is tangy and refreshing. Lunch: Wednes- A tranquil setting, excellent food and attentive service make this day-Sunday. Dinner: Saturday only (until 7pm). Casual. neighborhood restaurant one of the best in the city. Meson is 2351 E Commerce St. (210) 224-4500 famous for its Caesar salad, made at the table as you watch.

CHINESE Beef, poultry and seafood are as fresh as you could want and handled with great care. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. BEIJING CHINESE RESTAURANT Casual. The menu offers the best of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines, 5999 De Zavala Rd. (210) 690-5811 including Lemongrass Chicken and lettuce wraps with chicken DELI/SANDWICHES and shrimp. Eight Precious Tofu will win over even those who don’t care for the soybean curd. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. NICAVID’S BAKERY & CAFÉ 2313 NW Military Hwy. (210) 340-0921 Rich soups, meaty sandwiches on handmade bread and pastries are among the reasons to seek out this shop. Breakfast/lunch: FORMOSA GARDEN Monday-Saturday. Casual. One of San Antonio’s most consistent Chinese restaurants in 5115 Fredericksburg Road (210) 349-2222 terms of food and service, Formosa Garden continues to pack in customers. Rewards await those who sample the house special- QUICKSANDS CAFÉ & BAKERY ties. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. Homemade soups, sandwiches and salads are highlights here, as 1011 NE Loop 410 (210) 828-9988 are prompt service, reasonable prices and flavorful food. Daily specials are reliable as well. Save room for desserts including GOLDEN WOK CHINESE RESTAURANT cookies, cakes and pies. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. The place in town to get dim sum. A limited selection is on the Casual. daily menu, but the full glory shines on Sundays, when the variety 502 Embassy Row, Suite 109 (210) 496-2233 is sumptuous and the service is traditional, with carts bearing steaming bamboo baskets are wheeled from table to table for selection. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 8822 Wurzbach Road (210) 615-8282

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE DELI/SANDWICHES (continued) GERMAN SWEDE’S LITTLE BAVARIAN Chef Carl Stolhandske makes his own breads, soups, sauces, Good German food at a great price. Schnitzels, pork chops, an pastries and condiments. That handmade touch, with a dash of incredible Reuben, wurst and more fill the menu, but don’t over- Swedish seasonings, makes all the difference. Lunch: Monday- look the pan-fried potatoes. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Friday. Casual. Monday-Saturday. Casual. 6989 Blanco Road (210) 340-1980 5512 FM 78, Kirby (210) 661-7617

W.D. DELI OLD WORLD GERMAN RESTAURANT This deli fits into its new digs on Broadway with great panache. From the atmosphere, which resembles a hofrau house, to the Plus it offers up a series of soups and classic sandwiches in fresh food, everything here has a charming, authentic feeling. Schnit- ways. Lunch: Monday-Saturday. Casual. zel, sandwiches and, most of all, chef Eva Postelle’s desserts will 3123 Broadway (210) 828-2322 leave you saying, “Danke schon.” Live music: Wednesday- FRENCH Saturday evenings. Lunch: Daily. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. BISTRO VATEL Casual. 1546 Babcock Road (210) 366-9523 This intimate Olmos Park jewel shines with traditional French fare, ranging from bouillabaisse to cassoulet, depending on the sea- GREEK son. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Busi- DEMO’S ness casual. Reservations recommended. Demo’s dishes up generous portions of all the Greek favorites, 218 E. Olmos Drive (210) 828-3141 including garlicky slices of chicken, and lamb or beef gyro meat. FREDERICK’S Greek salads, crowned with crumbled feta and garnished with French food, yes, but with an Asian inspiration that is consistently pepperoncini, olives, tomato and more are ample as a meal. among the finest in the city, whether you order five-spiced duck Lunch/dinner: Daily. breast, lobster salad or beef tenderloin in a port-Madeira reduction 2501 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 732-7777 with green peppercorns. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Mon- KOSTAS’ GREEK FOOD day-Saturday. Business casual. Reservations suggested. Perfectly seasoned lamb chops are not what you might expect to 7701 Broadway, Suite 20 (210) 828-9050 find in so modest an establishment, but let them—or anything else L’ETOILE on the flavorful menu—surprise and please you. Lunch/dinner: When it comes to seafood, L’Etoile is certainly the star its name Monday-Saturday. Casual. implies. The rest of the menu, including a $50 prix fixe, capably 12606 Nacogdoches Road (210) 590-6969 illustrates why the restaurant has such a devoted following. MINA & DIMI’S GREEK HOUSE RESTAURANT Lunch: Monday-Saturday. Dinner: Daily. Business casual. 6106 Broadway (210) 826-4551 This strip center taverna is neat and homey in style and high in staff energy and enthusiasm. That translates to full-flavored LA MADELEINE FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE Greek dishes which will entirely soothe any craving. Lunch/ The food is French, with an accent on rich, creamy sauces at af- dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. fordable prices. The soups, crepes and croissant sandwiches, not 7159 US 90 (210) 674-3464 to mention the array of baked goods, will have you saying vive la Madeleine. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. HEALTH FOODS Various locations LA FIESTA PATIO CAFÉ Keeping the flavor at a maximum without adding fat is what La LE REVE Fiest Patio Café is all about. That doesn’t mean the food is low- From the white truffle salad dressing to the complimentary choco- fat, but the corn chips are baked and you will find sprouts on the late truffles served apres dessert, chef Andrew Weissman serves satisfying chalupa compuesta that comes on the Veggies Delight as delicious a meal as one can expect anywhere in town. Plan to plate. The puffy tacos are big on taste and in size. Ask for the have a leisurely meal at dinner, as each dish is made from scratch wonderful guacamole enchiladas. Lunch/dinner: Monday- and well worth the wait. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Dress code. Saturday. Casual. Reservations required. 1421 Pat Booker Road, Universal City (210) 658-5110 152 E. Pecan St. (210) 212-2221 SALSA MORA’S RESTAURANT METROPOLITAIN Janie’s chile relleno brings ‘em back for more, but this restaurant The classy décor, the magazine rack, even the small tables re- is also a haven for those on a diet. Low-fat Tex-Mex that tastes mind you of Paris, but the best reasons to escape into this Euro- great is not an oxymoron at this family place. Breakfast/lunch: pean charmer are the French food and wine. Perfect after a Wednesday-Monday. Closed Tuesday. Casual. movie or shopping in the Quarry. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. 502 S. Zarzamora St. (210) 434-8011. Casual. 255 E. Basse Road (210) 822-8227

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE HOME COOKING ITALIAN BRACKEN STORE CAFE CIAO LAVANDERIA The genuine article. Overstuffed burgers and home cooking fill Caesar salads and fresh mozzarella, watercress pasta and fresh the menu while a healthy dose of nostalgia infuses the home dé- fish, osso bucco, beef ragout and sizzling pizzas served on the cor. Lunch: Monday-Saturday. Dinner: Friday until 7pm. boards are just a few of the ways Ciao says hello to flavor. Casual. 18415 Bracken Drive, Bracken (210) 651-6515 Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday. Casual. 226 E. Olmos Drive (210) 822-3990 LULU’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ No one should leave this haven of home cooking on an empty DOLORES DEL RIO stomach. With the satisfying chicken-fried steak reaching a stag- Stefania says she’s retired from the belly-dancing biz, but she gering 1 1/2 pounds, few should leave without a doggy bag, too. can’t resist a residual shimmy as she brings you your meal. The Breakfast/lunch: Sunday-Friday. Dinner (until 7pm): Monday- place is dim, and the food is homey stuff—simple but good house Friday. Casual. salads, meatballs, heads of roasted garlic, chicken piccata over 918 N. Main Avenue (210) 222-9422 linguini, pappardelle with artichokes and capers. Just settle down with glasses of jug wine and let it happen. Lunch/dinner: Monday MR. & MRS. G’S HOME COOKING & PASTRIES -Saturday. Closed Sunday. Casual. The best fried chicken in the city. The rest of the food at this hall 106 River Walk (210) 223-0609 of Southern favorites—from hamhocks to vanilla sweet potatoes— will leave a smile on your face. Lunch/dinner until 6pm: Monday- MASSIMO RISTORANTE E BAR Friday. Casual. In the running as one of the city’s best for authentic Italian cuisine. 2222 S. WW White Rd. (210) 359-0002 The setting, with its sleek, earthy Old World appeal, matches the food beautifully. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday- RADICKE’S LONESOME OAK CAFE Saturday. Business casual. Batter up. All manner of fried foods with just the right batters, 896 Nacogdoches Road (210) 342-8556 from the Jalapeno Fried Chicken to the Alaskan whitefish. No wonder it’s been packing people in for more than 25 years. PAESANOS Breakfast: Saturday-Sunday. Lunch: Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner: The locals know to skip the River Walk site of this San Antonio Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Monday. Casual. favorite and head for ‘09, where Italian favorites can be had in an 12145 Loop 107, US 87 at Loop 1604 South, Adkins (210) 649-3919 energized atmosphere. The Shrimp Paesano, an oft-imitated classic, crackles with garlic, lemon juice and butter, and typifies INDIAN the clean, crisp flavors dinners have come to love. Lunch/dinner: INDIA CUISINE Daily. Casual. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Order one of the mixed grills and practically 555 E. Basse Road (210) 828-5191 receive a mini-buffet full of spicy, pungent fare from traditional tandoori meats to nut-studded Kashmiri Naan. Casual. PAPA DANTE’S 10918 Wurzbach Road (210) 561-1645 A cozy place filled with Italian comfort food. From spaghetti to submarine sandwiches, count on large portions of hearty food INDIA OVEN served in the informal companionability of an authentic trattoria. If Friendly service and a warm ambience have been hallmarks of you have only one meal here, don’t pass the mostaccioli, an over- this restaurant over the years. The buffet at lunch is packed with sized plate of pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with nuggets of Italian spicy, slow-cooked meat and vegetable curries and dal. Saag sausage buried under melted cheese. Lunch: Monday-Friday. panir, crunchy samosas, fresh naan, tandoori grilled meats and Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. seafood—they’re all Indian restaurant traditionals, but you can 8607 FM 1976 in Converse (210) 658-5261 trust India Oven to do a consistently good job. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. PIATTI 1031 Patricia (210) 366-1030 Piatti continues to please us with its always remarkably good ser- vice. The food holds up its end, too. Some favorites: the garlicky INDIA PALACE heart-of-romaine Caesar, tender roasted chicken with mashed The buffet is laden with such treats as beef curry and saag potatoes, chewy pizzas and savory pastas. Lunch/dinner: Daily. (spinach) as well as a few good desserts, including the Galub Casual. Jamun, lightly sweetened milk balls rolled in honey. The tandoori 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 500 (210) 832-0300 chicken off the menu is a juicy delight. Cap off the evening with the pistachio ice cream, a homemade vanilla topped with freshly RISTORANTE GRISSINI ground pistachios and cardamom seeds. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Relax and let chef Ezio De Rosa cook up some Italian magic for Casual. you. From the sublime carpaccio to the robust veal dishes, these 8440 Fredericksburg Road (210) 692-5262 are simple dishes, yet superb ingredients and careful preparation lead to success. Save room for the panna cotta or his award- SIMI’S INDIA CUISINE winning tiramisu. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday- Indian traditions abound here, whether you order from the menu Saturday. Casual. or sample from the generous buffet. Solid and consistent. Lunch/ 8498 Fredericksburg Road (210) 615-7270 dinner: Daily. Casual. 4535 Fredericksburg Road (210) 737-3166

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE ITALIAN (continued) ERNESTO’S MEXICAN SPECIALTIES & SEAFOOD SOPRANO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Mexican seafood pairs with classic Tex-Mex in exciting ways Hits the right notes. Good value, good flavors and service that here. Buttery, chile-spiked sauces top many of the fish and sea- welcomes you in but never rushes you out. Lunch/dinner: Mon- food specialties. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday- day-Saturday. Casual. Saturday. Casual. 11220 Perrin Beitel Road (210) 946-3070 2559 Jackson Keller Rd. (210) 344-1248 JAPANESE GUAJILLO’S GORO’S SUSHI Forget Tex-Mex and settle in for a treat. This place bills itself as a shortcut to Mexico and delivers with such savory dishes as It’s like the Cheers of San Antonio sushi bars: Fresh fish in a Cochinita Pibil, Tinga de Pollo and Tacos al Pastor. Lunch/ lived-in atmosphere where you feel as if everyone knew your dinner: Daily. Casual. name. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. 1001 NW Loop 410 (210) 344-4119 2619 Mossrock (210) 349-8117 LA FONDA ON MAIN SUSHI ZUSHI The patio is a delight for anyone who wants to dine outdoors. But This popular Northwest sushi restaurant has proved so popular indoors or out, it’s the food that rules here. Fish a la Veracruzana that a second location has opened downtown. Don’t limit yourself comes with exquisite calabacitas. The Steak Ranchera is tender to sushi alone; much of the menu deserves exploration. Lunch/ and flavorful. Spinach enchiladas in a spinach cream could hardly dinner: Daily. Casual. be bettered. Steve’s Margarita is a tart delight. Lunch/dinner: 9867 W I-10 (210) 691-3332 Monday-Saturday. Sunday: Lunch only. Casual. 203 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 472-2900 2415 N. Main Avenue (210) 733-0621 KOREAN LISA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT GO HYANG JIB KOREAN BARBECUE HOUSE This unassuming restaurant turns out some memorable dishes, Korean barbecue plus much more, including spicy seafood soup, including grease-free puffy tacos, savory enchiladas and notewor- oyster and scallion pancakes, chewy-tender stir-fried squid, table- thy refrieds. Homemade corn tortillas are the perfect foil for the fried Korean bacon and fresh, flavorful array of traditional Korean earthy caldo. Breakfast/lunch: Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner: Friday- side dishes. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual. Saturday. Casual. 4400 Rittiman Road (210) 822-8846 4414 W. Commerce (210) 433-2531

LATIN PALOMA BLANCA AZUCA Good service and a charming ambience set the stage for satisfy- Chef Rene Fernandez offers some exotic yet comforting Nuevo ing fare. Chicken flautas with a cup of chipolte-laced Caldo Tlal- Latino dishes with names such as boniato mashers and mofongo peno would kick-start anyone’s day. Owner Blanca Aldaco’s tres that are worth exploring. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Cas- leches cake is tops in the city. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Breakfast: ual. Reservations suggested. Saturday. Casual. 713 S. Alamo St. (210) 225-5550 5148 Broadway (210) 822-6151

BETO’S COMIDA LATINA PATTY’S TACO HOUSE Empanadas, fish tacos and giant quesadillas fill the menu of this With a light, clean look and stripped-down décor, Patty’s isn’t comfortable restaurant where everything is definitely hecho a fancy but will lure you back with fresh, meticulously prepared Tex- mano. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. Mex, from the chicken flautas with ultra-thin, crispy shells, to 8142 Broadway (210) 930-9393 steaming caldo. Service is friendly and rarely flags. Breakfast/ lunch: Monday-Saturday. Casual. MEXICAN/TEX-MEX 2422 South Hackberry (210) 534-3395

CHA-CHA’S PICANTE GRILL Excellent service and kitchen consistency are hallmarks of this old If your favorite Tex-Mex is starting to feel just a little old hat, set favorite. Select one from a long list of margaritas, dip up some your sombrero in the direction of the Picante Grill, a sit-down res- excellent salsa and relax. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. taurant on the downtown side of ‘09. The menu leans to real- 5616 Bandera Road (210) 681-2066 Mex, though Tex-Mex aficionados can still opt for their combina-

EL MIRADOR tion plates & nachos. Lunch: Daily. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. El Mirador has a national reputation for its spectacular soups, but Breakfast: Saturday-Sunday. Casual. the rest of the menu is a keeper as well. Puffy tacos get a textural 3810 Broadway (210) 822-3797 punch from shredded cabbage; chorizo quesadillas score with robust flavor. Breakfast/lunch: Monday-Saturday. Dinner: PICO DE GALLO Wednesday-Saturday. Brunch: Sunday. Casual. Pico de Gallo keeps piling ‘em in for solid, occasionally inspired 722 St. Mary’s St. (210) 225-9444 Tex-Mex fare, from the basics, including the fresh guacamole, to seafood fajitas and roasted chicken. Puro San Antonio. Break- fast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 111 S. Leona St. (210) 225-6060

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE MEXICAN/TEX-MEX (continued) BIG LOU’S PIZZA Fresh toppings, rich cheese, a hearty tomato sauce & a perfectly ROSARIO’S MEXICAN CAFÉ Y CANTINA thin crust combine to make a memorable pizza. The meatless Expect long waits at this popular, noisy South Alamo Street res- lasagna also earns high praise. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Sunday. taurant, one of the city’s best in terms of food and ambience. Casual. Start your meal with queso flameado or seviche; move on to fish 2530 S WW White Road (210) 337-0707 and shrimp tacos, green enchiladas and carnitas. Lunch: Mon- day-Saturday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual. FLORIO’S PIZZA 910 S. Alamo St. (210) 223-1806 The pizza is mighty fine—can folks from the greater New York metropolitan area produce anything less? - but the real star here SOLUNA ON BROADWAY is the cold Italian sub, arguably the best sandwich in the city. A pleasant ambience, including an outdoor patio, helps your wait Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual. pass quickly at this busy spot. Order tortilla soup, green enchila- 7701 Broadway (210) 805-8646 das, tacos a la parilla, Enchiladas Nortenas and beef guisada with confidence. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. MISS ELLIE’S PIZZA 7959 Broadway (210) 930-8070 Wanna slice of pie New York style? Look no further than this joint, which offers great pizza and an even better lasagna. Lunch/ TAQUERIA MEXICO dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. Satisfying Tex-Mex flavors, plus some authentic Mexican touches, 903 Bitters Rd. (210) 499-1258 make this spacious restaurant off Southwest Military Highway a destination. Try any of the avocado-laden tortas or the fried SEAFOOD whole tilapia. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. EL 7 MARES 7167 Somerset Rd. (210) 922-1306 Mexican seafood delivered mostly with flying colors. Generous PAN-ASIAN portions of fried fish, seviche, shrimp enchiladas and more will keep you coming back for more. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. ASIA KITCHEN 3831 W. Commerce St. (210) 436-6056 Catch the heat of authentic Thai fare at this restaurant—unless you specify otherwise. Then settle in for some excellent fare, all LA PLAYA served family style so you can easily sample a little of everything. This Salvadoran seafood place is a real trip to the beach. No Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. frills, no fuss, just good seafood at reasonable prices. The fish or 1739 SW Loop 410 (210) 673-0662 shrimp mojo de ajo is a garlic fanatic’s dream. The platanos fritos with frijoles con crema on the side defies description. Wash it PACIFIC MOON down with an Salvadoran beer. Don’t forget to ask for the cab- Han Olmstead creates a magical fusion of Korean, Chinese and bage or certido on the side. Lunch/dinner: Daily (closed Wednes- Californian styles in dishes that are pure pleasure. Service is day at Poplar site). Casual. slow, but everything is made to order. Lunch: Daily. Dinner: 3201 W. Popular St. (210) 735-8715 Monday-Saturday. Casual. 3343 West Ave. (210) 340-2762 17700 US 281 North, Suite 128 (210) 402-3411 SEA ISLAND SHRIMP HOUSE PERSIAN Crisply fried seafood isn’t the whole story at Sea Island Shrimp

SHIRAZ PERSIAN CUISINE House, but it’s definitely the main event. Southern-breaded cat- fish, oysters, scallops and shrimp come hot out of the fryer with When an evening calls for exotic dining or “just something differ- Sea Island’s trademark, creamy coleslaw and fries on the side. ent”, Shiraz is up to the task. Whether you order lamb chops with Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. an olive-mushroom, pistachio-dusted beef tenderloin or a terrific Various locations stuffed eggplant, you’ll find a wealth of flavors mingled by a mas- terful hand. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Casual. STEAK 4230 McCullough Ave. (210) 829-8880 MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE PIZZA The food isn’t cheap, but if you’re willing to pay for top-quality

ALAMO PIZZA steaks and sides, Morton’s of Chicago has what you’re after. Save room for the molten Hot Godiva Chocolate Cake. Dinner: This off-the-beaten-path restaurant is super clean, the food is top Daily. Casual. notch and the prices are amazingly reasonable. Chicken Enchi- 849 E. Commerce St., Rivercenter (210) 228-0700 lada Pizza is a perfect blending of Mexican and Italian flavors, but order any pizza with confidence. Oversized calzones are fragrant, THE PALM RESTAURANT flavorful—and unforgettable. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. The ribeye remains the standard in town, but don’t stick solely 3938 S. Zarzamora St. (210) 932-2500 with the steaks at the expense of the seafood or Italian offerings.

At lunch, try the chili. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Business casual. 233 E. Houston St. (210) 226-7256

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE STEAK (continued) BUGALOO GRILLE The food is good enough to make you forget the eclectic bric-a- RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE brac that covers the walls. And the best of the food are the heav- Steak lovers have always trusted the “sizzle” that this pricy but enly burgers, served on buttered, toasted buns. Fresh mush- reliable chain supplies. More recently, seafood dishes have rooms, on the burger or breaded and fried as an appetizer, are cropped up on the menu, but, for our money, it’s the steaks (and irresistible. There are only two seafood options, fried catfish and the crab cakes, famous garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach crawfish etouffee, and both are winners. Lunch/dinner: Monday- and superior wine list) that pull us back for more. Dinner: Daily. Saturday. Casual. Casual. 7623 Tezel Road (210) 523-2566 7720 Jones Maltsberger (210) 821-5051 1170 E. Commerce St. (210) 227-8847 MAMA MARGIE’S From-scratch cooking at reasonable prices is the hallmark here. TAPAS Top-notch tacos al carbon, fajitas, ,caldo and carne guisada will CARMENS DE LA CALLE CAFÉ keep you coming back for more. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Tapas, such as Moroccan Sausage with Figs and Paella, are Casual. 1600 SW Military Dr. (210) 923-1600 served up against a rich musical backdrop in an eclectic, fun and funky setting. Dinner: Thursday-Sunday. Cover with live music. TACO HOUSE Casual. Deceptively light puffy taco, crisps and fresh chalupas, peppery 720 E. Mistletoe Ave. (210) 737-8272 fajitas and even the airy sopaipillas make this taqueria a value SAFFRON stop. Breakfast/lunch: Daily. Casual. 6307 San Pedro Avenue (210) 341-3136 Tapas and more, much more from the kitchen of the warm, rustic new Spanish/Mediterranean venue at Sunset Ridge. From nuts, TAQUERIA LOS VALLES olives and great wine to smoked beef, Saffron Zarzuela or paella Mexican street food moves indoors at this bright dining spot. for two, Saffron is more than just a pretty, evocative name. Dense, earthy, handmade corn tortillas are the foundation for Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. each of the reasonably prices tacos, while both the aguas frescas 6450 N. New Braunfels (210) 930-8463 and the fruit cups are outstanding. Breakfast (9am)/lunch/dinner: THAI Daily. Casual. 3206 West Avenue (210) 366-0351 THAI CHILI VIETNAMESE The boundless enthusiasm of chef Chai spills over into an irre- sistible array of Thai delights, ranging from the sweet Pad Thai to PHO CONG LY the tear-inducing heat of some of the soups. Lunch/dinner: Daily. This is home of some of the best, reasonably priced food you’ll Casual. find. Start with spring or summer rolls, move on to pho (rice noo- 4303 Thousand Oaks (210) 656-8589 dle soups), then finish with the bun (vermicelli) with lemon grass- THAI SPICE fried chicken. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. 300 W Bitters Rd. (210) 499-5572 Pad Thai wrapped in a fried egg sheet, shrimp sauteed in garlic and served over lettuce, strands of tapioca noodles in an icy-hot VIETNAM GARDENS coconut milk broth are among the outstanding Thai delicacies to Don’t limit yourself merely to the Vietnamese specialties. The be sampled. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual. Thai and especially the Chinese fare are also excellent, largely 8327 Agora Parkway, Selma (210) 658-1665 because each dish is made to order. Lunch/dinner: Monday- VALUE Saturday. Casual. 5433 Blanco Rd. (210) 377-1989

BAYSEAS FISH MARKET & RESTAURANT This is the little seafood chain that could. Could prepare great seafood at extremely affordable prices, that is. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual. 217 S WW White Road (210) 337-3858 13777 Nacogdoches Rd. (210) 654-1321

BELLE’S BURGERS They don’t offer a great deal, but what they offer is great. Juicy hamburgers served on a buttered, toasted bun; spicy french fries; and delicious milk shakes made from real ice cream and natural flavorings make this quick stop worth a visit. Lunch/dinner: Mon- day-Saturday. Casual. 517 Pleasanton Rd. (210) 922-5097

SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARIES Central Library Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Library 600 Soledad St. 7978 Military Drive West 210.207.2500 210.673.1492 • Monday-Thursday: 9-9 John Igo Library • Friday-Saturday: 9-5 13330 Kyle Seal Pkwy • Sunday: 11-5 210.561.6113 • 1 free hr parking at Central Branch Garage w/validated ticket Johnston Library • 6307 Sun Valley Bazan Library 210.674-8410 2200 W. Commerce Sunday: CLOSED 210.225.1614 Landa Library • Sunday: CLOSED 233 Bushnell • Monday: 1-9 210.732.8369 • Tuesday-Thursday: 9-9 Sunday: CLOSED • Friday & Saturday: 9-5 Las Palmas Library 515 Castroville Rd. 210.434.6394 Maury Maverick, Jr. Library 8700 Mystic Park 210.680.9346 Hours for all other branches Unless otherwise noted McCreless Library 1023 Ada St. • Sunday: 1-5 210.532.4254 • Monday: 1-9 Memorial Library • Tuesday-Wednesday: 9-9 • 3222 Culebra Thursday-Saturday: 9-5 210.432.6783

Sunday: CLOSED

Oakwell Library Brook Hollow Branch 4134 Harry Wurzbach 530 Heimer 210.828.2569 210.496.6315 Sunday: CLOSED Carver Library Pan American Library 1122 W. Pyron Ave. 3350 E. Commerce 210.924.8164 210.225.7801 Cody Library Roosevelt High School & Public Library 5110 Walzem Rd 11441 Vance Jackson Estimated Completion: 2009 210.696.6396 San Pedro Library Collins Garden Library 1315 San Pedro Ave. 200 N. Park 210.733.1454 210.225.0331 Sunday: CLOSED Sunday: CLOSED Julia Yates Semmes Libarary Cortez Library at Comanche Lookout Park 2803 Hunter 15060 Judson Rd. 210.992.7372 210.650.9540 Sunday: CLOSED Forest Hills Library Thousand Oaks—El Sendero Library 4618 Thousand Oaks 5245 Ingram Rd. 210.657.5205 210.431.2544 Great Northwest Library Westfall Library 6111 Rosedale Ct. 9050 Wellwood 210.344.2373 210.684.5251

SAN ANTONIO RADIO STATIONS

COUNTRY

KAJA 97.3 FM www.kj97.com KCYY 100.3 FM www.y100fm.com

OLDIES

KONO 101.1 FM http://kono1011.com

ROCK

KXXM 96.1 FM www.mix961.com KISS 99.5 FM www.kissrocks.com KTFM 102.7 FM www.1027krock.com KZEP 104.5 FM www.kzep.com

HIP HOP/ R&B KCJZ 106.7 FM www.z1067fm.com KBBT 98.5 FM www.thebeatsa.com

NEWS / TALK

KSTX 89.1 FM www.tpr.org KTSA 550 AM www.ktsa.com WOAI 1200 AM www.woai.com

KTKR 760 AM www.ticketsports.com

CLASSICAL / JAZZ

KPAC 88.3 FM www.tpr.org KRTU 91.7 FM www.trinity.edu/org/krtu

RELIGIOUS

KSLR 630 AM www..com KYFS 90.9 FM www.bbnradio.org

Health & Worship

Largest San Antonio Medical Hospitals Largest Physical Therapy Clinics Places of Worship

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

LARGEST SAN ANTONIO MEDICAL HOSPITALS

Baptist Medical Center Christus Santa Rosa-Medical Center 111 Dallas St. 2827 Babcock 210.297.7000 210.705.6300

University Hospital Southeast Baptist Hospital 4502 Medical Drive 4214 E Southcross Blvd. 210.358.4000 210.297.3000

Methodist Hospital Methodist Children’s Hospital 7700 Floyd Curl Drive 7700 Floyd Curl 210.575.4000 210.575.7000

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital- North Central Baptist Hospital Downtown 520 Madison Oak 333 N Santa Rosa 210.297.4000

210.704.2011 Methodist Heart Hospital Methodist Specialty & Transplant 7700 Floyd Curl 210.575.6800 Hospital 8026 Floyd Curl Drive Northeast Methodist Hospital 210.692.8110 12412 Judson Rd.

210.208.2200 Nix Health Care System 414 Navarro St. TexSAn Heart Hospital 210.271.1800 6700 IH 10 West

210.736.6700 Northeast Baptist Hospital 8811 Village Drive Healthsouth RIOSA 210.297.2000 9119 Cinnamon Hill

210.692.0737 St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital 7930 Floyd Curl San Antonio Warm Springs 210.297.5000 Rehabilitation Hospital Southwest General Hospital 5101 Medical 7400 Barlite Blvd. 210.616.0100

210.921.2000 Kindred Hospital San Antonio Metropolitan Methodist Hospital 3636 Medical Drive 1310 McCullough Ave. 210.616.0616

210.208.2200 Select Specialty Hospital San Antonio Christus Santa Rosa Children’s 111 Dallas 210.297.7195 Hospital 333 N Santa Rosa Methodist Ambulatory Surgery 210.704.2011 Hospital Northwest 9150 Huebner 210.691.8000

LARGEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINICS

Name Services Offered Insurance Accepted Address Telephone Warm Springs Rehabilitation Physical, occupational, Medicaid, Medicare, Outpatient Centers—San Antonio speech & aquatic therapy, managed care, private 909 NE Loop 410 hand rehabilitation commercial 210.829.0009

Baptist Health System Physical Physical, occupational, Medicaid, Medicare, Therapy speech & aquatic therapy, managed care, private 215 E Quincy hand rehabilitation commercial 210.297.1000 Hand Rehabilitation Associates Physical & occupational Medicaid, managed of San Antonio, Inc. therapy, hand rehabilitation care, private commercial 9150 Huebner 210.558.4263 Texas MedClinic Physical Physical therapy, hand Private commercial, Therapy rehabilitation managed care 13722 Embassy Row 210.349.5577 First Choice PT PC Physical therapy Private commercial 1900 N Main 210.737.3288

PLACES OF WORSHIP (Ranked by total individual membership by the San Antonio Cornerstone Church Temple Beth-El 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 211 Belknap 210.490.1600 210.733.9135 Non-denominational Jewish St. Matthew Catholic Church Congregation Agudas Achim 10703 Wurzbach 16550 Huebner 210.478.5000 210.479.0307 Catholic Conservative Judaism St. Mark The Evanglist Catholic Church First Unitarian Universalist Church 1602 Thousand Oaks 7150 IH-10 W 210.494.1606 210.344.4695 Catholic Unitarian Universalist Association St. Leonard Catholic Church Trinity Baptist Church 8510 S Zarzamora 319 E. Mulberry 210.924.6000 210.733.6201 Catholic Baptist Community Bible Church Castle Hills First Baptist Church 16410 Chase Oak 2220 NW Military Hwy 210.496.5096 210.377.8485 Non-denominational Baptist Wayside Chapel EFC Hindu Temple 3703 NW Loop 410 18518 Bandera Rd. 210.344.1203 210.695.9400 hindutemplesatx.org Evangelical Free Church of America Hindu First Presbyterian Church Islamic Center of San Antonio 404 N. Alamo 8638 Fairhaven 210.226-0215 210.614.0989 www.icsaonline.org Presbyterian Church in U.S.A. Islam New Life Christian Center 6610 Highway 90 W 210.679-6050 Interdenominational Concordia Lutheran Church 16801 Huebner 210.479.1477 Lutheran Missouri Synod Northern Hills United Methodist Church 3703 N Loop 1604 E 210.654.0851 Methodist Coker United Methodist Church 231 N E Loop Rd 210.494.3455 United Methodist Real Estate

Property Tax Information Documents Required for Loan Application MLS Map Areas Buyer’s Closing Costs Worksheet Seller’s Closing Costs Worksheet

Sample Real Estate Documents: Information About Brokerage Services Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement Residential Contract (Purchase Contract) Financing Addendum Seller’s Disclosure Notice For Your Protection Get A Home Inspection

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

TAX INFORMATION

These tax rates are based on Bexar County Appraisal District’s 2007 property assessments. To determine the taxes on a specific property, multiply the rate per $100 of assessed value, which may not necessarily be the same as market value. Your agent with Kimberly Howell Properties will be able to provide a tax printout for most properties located in Bexar County which will indicate assessed value and school district. INCORPORATED CITIES* City of San Antonio .5782300 Alamo Heights .297796 Bexar County .295104 Balcones Heights .4983560 Road & Flood .031762 Castle Hills .4258010 Community College .134550 China Grove .0215010 Hospital District .237408 Converse .5740000 San Antonio MUD #1 .762300 Elmendorf .2529610 S.A. River Authority .015951 Grey Forest .0935250 Helotes .3362870 Hill Country Village .0950000 Hollywood Park .3814640 SURROUNDING AREAS Kirby .0588414 Comal County 0.279979 Leon Valley .5274000 Comal ISD 1.800000 Live Oak .3644000 New Braunfels 0.425614 Olmos Park .5147870 New Braunfels ISD 1.820000 Shavano Park .3296820 Boerne ISD 1.740000 Somerset .5136090 City of Boerne 0.442200 St. Hedwig .4798950 Comfort ISD 1.500000 Terrell Hills .4304220 Fair Oaks 0.250000 Universal City .5258270 Kendall County 0.370000 Windcrest .4072390 KCWCID (Water District) 0.234400 City of Bulverde 0.187645 SCHOOL DISTRICTS City of Garden Ridge 0.232460 Alamo Heights ISD 1.15660 Guadalupe County 0.403100 East Central ISD 1.19000 City of Cibilo (CCI) 0.317800 Edgewood ISD 1.40500 City of Selma 0.319300 Harlandale ISD 1.34900 City of Seguin (CSG) 0.432000 North East ISD 1.40290 City of Schertz (CSC) 0.397000 Northside ISD 1.26250 Schertz ISD (SCS) 1.720000 San Antonio ISD 1.24970 Seguin ISD (SSG) 1.689000 South San Antonio ISD 1.44500 Medina Valley ISD 1.575000 Southside ISD 1.36000 City of Castroville 0.365000 Somerset ISD 1.19400 City of Hondo 0.379900 Southwest ISD 1.19500 Hondo ISD 1.545000 Medina County 0.663400

The above tax rates do not reflect any exemptions. *Residents of incorporated cities do not pay the City of San Antonio tax. Buyers are encouraged to verify tax rates on their own and not rely exclusively on data from this page.

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A LOAN APPLICATION

Please Include the Following:

1. Three months of bank statements on all accounts. NOTE: Quarterly accounts bring the most recent statement.

2. Pay stubs covering the previous one full month.

3. Two years of W-2 statements.

4. Social Security cards (copy).

5. Valid driver’s license (copy).

6. Installment Loans — account numbers, lender’s name, lender’s address.

7. Mortgage loans — account numbers, lender’s name, lender’s address.

8. Credit cards — name and account numbers.

9. Rental properties — copies of all leases. NOTE: If you own rental property, submit 2 years of tax returns.

10. SELF EMPLOYED BORROWERS A. Two years of personal and business tax returns B. Year to Date Profit & Loss Statement

Kimberly Howell 210.861.0188

MLS Map Areas