Spotted: Wiener

No, not that kind of wiener.

I was sitting on the corner, waiting for my friends to pick me up to take me to NIOSA, when I spotted this cruising down McCullough:

A mobile wiener…..

…or a wienermobile, if you will.

It turned the corner right in front of me, it’s sleek body glistening in the late afternoon sun.

Good bye, mysterious wiener, I thought, as it drifted off out of sight.
I believed I would never see the hotdog on wheels again.
BUT I WAS WRONG.

Jump to the next morning, as I’m driving down my street to go to work. Guess who is parked outside a neighbor’s house?

What???

Could we possibly have new wiener neighbors on the ‘Cullough???
Oh, the potential!!
Think of the cookouts we could have! Tons of #Wienermobile selfies! I like to imagine slowly opening the passenger side door of the wienermobile and a stampede of dachshunds just pouring out. ❤

As a friendly neighbor, I should probably go welcome them to the ‘Cullough hood and bring them a basket of buns.

I’ll keep you posted on how this progresses….till then:

Stop-N-Swim

It’s spring here on the ‘Cullough. And do you know how I know?

I spy with my little eye….the local Stop-N-Swim!

Yes, at the corner of Carleton and Trail Street, the local Stop-N-Swim opened for business Monday afternoon to much fanfare.

Come on in ya’ll, the water’s fine!!

For a quick Panchitos fix, visit the “Food to Go” room

I’m about to tell you something that if you didn’t already know, may be dangerous knowledge.

Did you know Panchitos does carry out AKA food to go?

They definitely don’t advertise it. I thoroughly searched their website and couldn’t find anything about it.

I have to say, for me, 75% of the Panchitos experience is being AT Panchitos and soaking up the Panchy atmosphere. BUT sometimes you crave the food. And when you crave the food (and you’re alone), you might just want to take it home.

I only knew the Food to Go room existed because in the past 6 months or so a door has appeared at the back end of the restaurant.

FOOD TO GO.
Not unlike the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter, I’m pretty sure this door is visible to only those who truly need it.

And Sunday night I truly needed it.

I needed a poco de mexico in the worst way.

So I made the call. After ordering, the girl on the other end just said OK bye. So I figured, it’s just a poco de mexico, how long can it take to make? I’ll head over right now.

I’m glad I did so I could spend a few minutes in that sacred “Food to Go” room.

Check out that poster-size menu!!

Here is the view from behind the counter. The Food to Go room is tucked away just to the side of the kitchen. I could feel the happy vibes coming from inside the dining room.

Who made that poster and where can I get one?

I paid then waited for approximately 3 minutes and then my to-go poco was brought out and I HIT IT so I could get home and EAT!

Obviously the presentation isn’t amazing. I mean they have to cram a little bit of ALL of Mexico in there. Please note the bucket of queso. I was so happy. I also was given two small containers of salsa. yAy!

And done.
I really tried to make a dent in that queso but I was running out of things to dip.

Sorry I’m not sorry that I just shared how quick and easy it is to get your Panchitos fix and eat it in the luxury of your own home.

Now the one outstanding question is this: Can you get 2$ margaritas to go and how many are you allowed and if I brought my own seal-able plastic bag could I put the glass in or just pour the marg straight in the bag and if I return the glass can I knock a dollar off of the price like they do at the cold press juice stores?

 

Spring Break 2K14 Gets Trashy

While many ‘Cullough coeds are romping around on their wild spring break 2K14 adventures, some of us are left behind to keep the neighborhood running. Lucky for us, SPRING BREAK FOR EVERRRR coincided with another celebration of excess and waste: heavy trash day.

Heavy trash day is where you place all your unwanted heavy trash, i.e. old chair, microwave, toilet on the curb and in the middle of the night St. ‘Cullough comes and takes it all back to his lair. Something like that.

For people like Roy, this really is like Christmas. She left for a run one night and came back with a large dirty brown suitcase that is now holding up one of our mannequins. This is the life I have chosen for myself.

So the next day I did a little investigating myself. Because it’s SPRINGGG BREAKKKK and I can do what I want!!!!

These mattresses obviously needed to be thrown out…there’s no sleeping during SB2K14!!!

Here I found a TV, a dresser, and some other things. Shit’s getting wild.

Jackpot!!
So I decided to do what any hot spring breaker would do in this situation..

tRaSh SeLfLfIe BiTcHeS!! #sb2k14

As you can imagine from the picture above, some people got a little too trashy on the ‘Cullough this week…that ain’t cute y’all. (Photo credit: Roy)

I just really wanted to hang out by the pool but no one was around. #lightweights

I mean, come on, where my dogs at?

Oh, there’s one.

As SPRING BREAK 4EVAAAA draws to a close, FORGET PADRE FORGET SKIING FORGET SXSW FORGET QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FAM….SPRING BREAK ON THE ‘CULLOUGH WAS THE BEST SPRING BREAK OF ALL TIME!!

#trashpillowselfie #lice

Spotted: Girls huddling around ice cream cooler

Spotted: 3 girls huddling around the ice cream cooler at One-Pump Valero. Also 1 boy.
Facts: It was a Monday night, about 9:30PM CST. It was approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
Special notes: One girl in a white beanie broke from the group to get a bottle of red wine. The group settled on a half gallon of Blue Bell’s Cookies and Cream ice cream after much debate.

Why are these 3 girls and their male chaperone roaming the ‘Cullough on a weeknight? Why are they forging for ice cream and wine at One-Pump Valero?

Remember Taco Cabana, the girl next door

If you’ve ever been a middle school girl, you’ve taken that quiz that’s called something like “What Type of Girl are You?” Your results are usually limited to these options: The Flirt, The Tomboy, The Artist or The Girl Next Door.

The Girl Next Door is a result to never be ashamed of. In fact, I think it might be the best one out of those 4. But as we know (Drive Me Crazy, She’s All That), the girl next door often is overlooked, prowling lovers usually are enticed by The Flirt and intrigued by The Artist (sorry, Tomboy—-to be fair that’s the only result I ever got).

What I’m trying to say is Taco Cabana is like the girl next door.

Often forgotten, this regional mainstay is mostly known (in my world) for late night breakfast tacos and one of the drive-through spots that offers diet dr pepper.

But I’m asking us, open-minded ‘Cullough residents, to take TC off the bench. “Put me in coach”, Taco C said, “I’m ready to play.”

Next time you and your comrades are brainstorming places to eat or drink, why not suggest Taco C?

I know what you’re thinking: “how will I impress my friends with my SA hot spot knowledge if I don’t take them to trendy areas like the Pearl or Southtown, and hip joints like Barbaro or Cobalt Club? I’m not wearing this crop top for nothing!!!”

Well I challenge you with this: maybe Taco C IS an SA hot spot.

Let’s talk about Taco C happy hour. 4-7, everyday. $1.50 (real tequila) margaritas (frozen or on the rocks), $1 domestic beers, and half price nachos! I’ll be honest, these are not lung-burningly strong margaritas. But come see me after your third.

Let’s talk about the salsa bar. It’s unlimited. So many different types of salsas, your bound to like at least one of them. AND jalapeños, cilantro, lemons (I think), onions (I think). FREE OF CHARGE GRAB AS MUCH AS YOU WANT OR CAN STUFF IN THOSE LITTLE PLASTIC CUPS MADE FOR JELLO SHOTS.

The Taco C at the corner of Hildebrand and San Pedro was buzzing with happy hour peeps last Friday at 5:30. One table of co-workers (?) were sharing a pitcher of frozen marg. Not a happy hour special but who cares it’s a pitcher of marg that was probably under $10!

Life on The Patio is nice. ‘Cullough residents are #blessed that we have a TC so close to us. And not just any TC. THE original 1978  first Taco Cabana ever. The TC that started it all.

Something else I find comforting about TC is its omnipresence. I’m driving to work, and I pass like 5 Taco Cs. This makes me happy. It’s like a piece of the ‘Cullough all over. Because I know if I was at work and got suddenly stricken with homesickness,  I could just go to the TC a few blocks away and pretend like I was at my old faithful TC on Hildebrand and San Peezy.

So next time you’re playing the “where should we go???” game, suggest Taco Cabana. Because we’ve seen enough 1990’s-early 2000’s chick flicks to know that The Girl Next Door always wins in the end.

Top 5 Most Romantic Places on The ‘Cullough

In case you haven’t heard, San Antonio was rated the #1 most romantic city according to Amazon.com. The ranking is based on the amount of romantic items bought on Amazon which include things like romance novels, relationship books, romantic comedy movies, romantic music, sexual wellness products, etc. etc. etc.

You go, SA!

Here on the ‘Cullough, we’re not surprised. Romance blossoms on every corner in our neighborhood. In celebration of our new celeb status, and since it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow, here is a list of the top 5 most romantic places on the ‘Cullough. Visit them with your sweetheart and you are sure to make some memories.

1. SUBWAY- 4233 McCullough Ave.

“Do you work at subway?….cause you just gave me a foot-long”

Well, that was my favorite joke in high school. And while it may reek of adolescence, there is an odor of truth: SUBWAY is a great place to take a date.
Depending on how far down the rabbit hole you go (chips, drink, cookie..), you and your partner could leave SUBWAY for under $20. And no one has to get bloated in the name of love. The chopped salad options are fantastic (they basically take a knife and chop up the inside of your favorite sandwich minus bread) and they offer a myriad of healthy sandwich options. Although, if you really want to impress your valentine, order the new Fritos® Chicken Enchilada Melt. That’s a sandwich that says: “Hey Valentine, I’m adventurous, ambitious, and totally self-confident. Also I’ll let you eat a few stray Fritos® that fall out while I’m eating. I love you.”

2. The Upper Deck at Joey’s- 2417 N. St. Mary’s St.

The weather forecast for V Day suggests milder temps than we’ve been having (yay!!). Why not spend a romantic evening making out with your loved one on the wooden upper deck at Joey’s?

When it gets dark enough, no one can really see you. It’s just you and your lover, 2 blurry shadows melting into one. The multicolored lights will twinkle, as will your lover’s eyes as he slowly looks at you and says, “let’s go to the taco truck after this.”

Runner-up make out spot: The Make Out Room at The Mix. Just try to go in there when people aren’t kissing on that couch. Just try. 

3. The Rosemont Apartments’ Pool- 402 Holland Ave.

Nothing says romance like a refreshing dip in the Rosemont pool. (Photo credit: Roy)

This is a perfect excuse to get your honey into that string bikini or sassy speedo you’ve been dreaming about. Sure, it’s not quite swimming pool season, but if there is one thing I love, it’s jumping into pools when the water is frigid. Oh, the adrenaline! Go ahead and grab your true love’s hand as you both take the plunge.
Bring 2 towels (OR 1♥) and dry off while lounging on one of Rosemont’s pool-side recliners. Be sure you don’t pick the broken one though…nothing ruins the romantic mood more than taking a tumble from a pool-side recliner.

4. The U.S. Post Office- 2400 McCullough Ave.

I know, I know, you’re over it. But hear me out: a place where long distance lovers send their heartbreaking letters of lust and yearning. Count me in. I bet the USPS is like an interactive romance novel this time of year. If only opening mail wasn’t a federal offence….
Imagine this: You and your boo spending a nice early afternoon (they close at 5PM) rifling through other people’s love letters. I’m pretty sure Cosmo told me this would help my relationship…

5. Anywhere Stray Cats and Dogs Are- All of McCullough Ave.

Why do we have so many stray cats and stray dogs in the hood? Because they LOVE making more stray cats and stray dogs. If you want to experience some unique ‘Cullough romance firsthand, just follow that stray chocolate lab/pitbull mix that barks at you on your run. She is probably headed to seek our her soup du jour aka dog booty call. For them, everyday is Valentine’s Day.

So whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with pets, friends, Guidos, or  that special someone, consider checking out one of the ‘Cullough’s most romantic spots. You won’t be sorry. ♥♥♥

Treat yo self at Walgreens

What’s at the corner of San Pedro and Hildebrand and has snacks on snacks on snacks?

and birds love it…

Walgreens.

Lately, I’ve been finding every excuse to hit up Walgreens. I love going there. Sunday, I needed sparkling water in the worst way, so after a nice breakfast of tacos and donuts, I forced Roy and Tabner to accompany me to Walgreens.

Coupons on coupons on coupons on CROUTONS? No just coupons no croutons.

Here’s the thing about Walgreens, friends (and it’s sister CVS ***they are one in the same to me***): Prices are better on some things, but not as a rule on everything. The real belle of the ball is the REWARD$ card (I have one for Walgreens AND one for CVS). I once got a dollar off my purchase with my REWARD$ card. Just cause I had used it enough. And a few times I’ve gotten cheaper mascara cause of my REWARD$ card.

Some fancier snacks. Isn’t it interesting that Walgreens (and CVS) have their own brands?

You have to be vigilant thought, because Walgreens will try to entice you to buy things you don’t reallllllly need. Except I do need those “Hot Buns”.

And I need these because fruit.

And I’ve been wanting a new hobby.

Have to get these.

So my basket ended up looking like this:

But I mean at least I’m getting points on my REWARD$ card.
And the delayed reward of a huge stomach ache.

#NoRegrets.

Does anyone remember Eckerds?????

Rumor Confirmed: Spicy Panchitos Marg Is Real

As promised, I braved the recent wintery mix to confirm or deny the rumor that Panchitos is now offering a jalapeno margarita.

I took to the ‘Cullough streets Friday night, because I could NOT wait any longer to find out the truth.  Speaking of truths, here’s one: I have never been to Panchitos on a Friday night.

LET ME TELL YOU. Panchitos was in her element. There was a 30 minute wait, but luckily they have expanded their lobby seating aka they are rolling 3 rows deep in chairs against the wall.

I’m sorry that people are so jealous of me… but I can’t help it that I’m so popular, said Gretchen Wieners Panchitos.

Hello Friday mariachis and lots of people celebrating birthdays!

I know I was there for the spicy marg, but seeing as I had never been to Panch on a Friday night and we had a 30 minute wait after all, my trusty accomplice and I ordered Friday’s drink special, the mythical pain killer, to start off the night.

That thing was a beast of pineapple, liquor, and a caramel rim covered in shredded coconut.  Did you know you can choose to have it frozen or on the rocks. I chose rocks. My pain was killed. Immediately.

We sat down with our pain killing goblets and mingled with the high-spirited Friday Panchers as we waited. We met one man who we swapped “why we love San Antonio” stories with. Luckily, as that conversation got weirder and more intrusive, our name was called.

Now down to business: spicy marg.

I turned quickly to the beverages page on the menu and there she was.

Confession: I do not remember the drink’s actual name. Maybe shouldn’t have started off with that painkiller… I don’t know.

I DO know that the name was definitely NOT called “Spicy Margarita” or “Jalapeno Margarita.” It was something sillier, like “Burning Margarita” or “Sizzlin’ Margarita.” What’s in a name? That which we call a marg by any other name would taste as sweet.

And i loved it.

The kick was certainly there! AND I guess because of the spicy kick, they made the marg sweeter than I usually like them. But because of the spicy, it worked for me.

AND there’s an actual jalapeno slice in there! What.

All to say, we got patron shots after to celebrate how good it was.

Spicy Margarita At Panchitos: Rumor Confirmed. 

Gossip Folks

Do you hear that? It’s the soft whispers of rumors delicately floating around the ‘Cullough.

Rumor 1: Jalapeno Margarita at Panchitos
I. KNOW.
If you’ve been to a bar lately, you know spicy drinks are a thing. I even dabbled in making my own habenero infused vodka a year ago (it was awesome, mix it with cucumber vodka and die with good feels).
But I never thought Panchitos would attempt to follow this trendy trend.
As this is just a rumor, I haven’t seen or tasted this margarita, but my source (thanks, Frohoho) said that it was pretty good and they even do some sort of chili powder rim.
Don’t expect this marg to be a classic Panchy $2. Rumor has it that the jalapeno margarita clocks in at around $7, which is pretty standard anywhere else.

This is a rumor I hope to confirm within 7 days.

Rumor 2: It’s going to snow tomorrow

Those are snowflakes for Friday’s picture, people! Snow day Snow day Snow day Snow day Snow day Snow day Snow day Snow day Snow day!
All the seasons in one week. We are so lucky, San Antonio!
Companion rumor: Sunday is sunny and 75.

Rumor 3: Patty Mills like coffee
Yes, it’s been confirmed  that Spurs guard Patty Mills may like to drink coffee.

He was spotted at Local Coffee’s Pearl location last weekend(thanks again, Froyoyoha). His beverage of choice was unknown, but it’s likely it was some sort of coffee drink. They do have chai tea at Local but he doesn’t seem like the type.

If anyone has any information about any of the rumors listed above, feel free to share! There is nothing I like more than a little hot ‘Cullough goss!
Except for maybe this song and video: