Showing posts with label ticket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ticket. Show all posts
Sunday, February 8, 2015
The Weekend Gourmet Hits the Road Sea World Aquatica San Antonio AND a Ticket Giveaway!
One of the best things about living in a tourist-friendly city like San Antonio is that it provides local residents with tons of great options for fun day trips and short staycations! Michael and I live less than 10 minutes from the Sea World/Aquatica San Antonio, which means we can get our Shamu and water park fix whenever the mood strikes. Sea World/Aquatica recently invited us to come out and spend a fun day at the park -- including enjoying a fantastic buffet lunch as part of their Dine With Shamu upgrade package. It was a blazing-hot Texas day in mid-July when we visited, but we had a great time with our friends Bekah and Matt…and their young daughter Abby.
We arrived and quickly parked our cars in the huge parking lot and walked into the park entrance. Hint: make sure to apply a goodsunblock liberally…the Texas Sun can be brutal! I am very fair-skinned and burn easily, so I used an SPF 79 sunblock and only burned on my scalp…which I somehow forgot to spray with sunblock. On that note, a cap or hat is a good idea too: it’s perfect for providing a bit of shade and protection from the Sun. We also knew it was important to stay hydrated, so our first stop was the gift shop to buy a big bottle of water to share. Face it, heat stroke can put a real damper on your fun! After this prep work, our first order of business was to see Azul, a show features a variety of diving and acrobatic performers and lots of talented animals too: dolphins, beluga whales, and colorful parrots to name a few. The show is fun and entertaining for kids...of all ages!
By the time the Azul was over, it was time for our lunch date with Shamu! We made our way to the Shamu Theater and were escorted to an area in the back thats not normally open to the general public. We were greeted by several friendly and helpful members of the Sea World staff, then shown to our poolside table. After drinking some ice water to cool off a bit, we quickly made our way over to the buffet line. The array of food was quite impressive: a fish taco bar, a wide variety of kid-friendly items like hot dogs and chicken fingers, lots of fresh fruit and a large display of colorful mini desserts. The meal is served outdoors, but the area is well shaded...and they provide lots of ice-cold drinks to help you stay cool and hydrated.
While we enjoyed our tasty food and iced tea, Shamu’s trainers were on hand to answer our questions about Shamu’s training schedule, what and how much he eats each day, etc. The trainers were very friendly and informative, then it was time to meet Shamu up close and personal. He performed a few tricks and then stopped by our table to say hello and pose for some pictures. It was such a fun treat to have the opportunity to see Shamu so close and watch him interact with his trainer.
Before we knew it, our Dine With Shamu experience was over…and we were ready to cool off some more. Penguins to the rescue! The Penguin Plaza at Sea World San Antonio is housed inside a large air-conditioned building, so we were able to cool off and enjoy the playful antics of the penguins. Talk about a win-win scenario…I ADORE penguins! We noticed the lights were out inside the climate-controlled penguin habitat, so we asked a staff member why. They told us that Sea World recreates the penguin’s natural habitat to the smallest detail, including sunrise/sunset patterns. It’s dark midday where the penguins are from, so it was dark inside in midday San Antonio too. We had to get up close to the glass to see them clearly, but they were frisky and playful!
After about an hour of watching the penguins play and swim, we headed over to the Aquatica side of the park for the remainder of our visit. This nature-themed water park has a huge wave pool, several water slides…and a large Sesame Street-themed water play area just for the little ones to enjoy. It’s perfect for cooling off, and there’s even a stingray cove!
We had a blast playing in the wave pool, riding the thrilling water slides and generally acting like big kids. Before we knew it, it was 600 and time to head home. We were tired after a busy day, but in that “we had a great time” kind of way! Sea World/Aquatica San Antonio is a fantastic day trip for families -- whether you live here in San Antonio or are planning a visit. There’s something for kids of all ages, so you’re guaranteed to have fun. We sure did!
To share the fun, Sea World/Aquatica San Antonio is going to give one of my readers a complimentary pair of tickets to Sea World/Aquatica! The tickets are good at the San Antonio location only, and they can be used until January 5, 2014. If you live nearby OR are planning a San Antonio getaway in the next few months, be sure to enter. To do so, leave me a comment letting me know what you would enjoy most about a visit to Sea World/Aquatica. Make sure to leave your e-mail address so I can find you if you’re the winner. I’ll accept entries until this Saturday 8/17 at 1159 pm CST. I will notify the winner via e-mail on Sunday. Good luck!
To share the fun, Sea World/Aquatica San Antonio is going to give one of my readers a complimentary pair of tickets to Sea World/Aquatica! The tickets are good at the San Antonio location only, and they can be used until January 5, 2014. If you live nearby OR are planning a San Antonio getaway in the next few months, be sure to enter. To do so, leave me a comment letting me know what you would enjoy most about a visit to Sea World/Aquatica. Make sure to leave your e-mail address so I can find you if you’re the winner. I’ll accept entries until this Saturday 8/17 at 1159 pm CST. I will notify the winner via e-mail on Sunday. Good luck!
Disclosure: Sea World San Antonio provided The Weekend Gourmet with a four pack of one-day park admissions to facilitate this article. All opinions expressed are mine. Some pictures were provided by Sea World.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Movie Inspired SundaySupper Featuring Golden Ticket Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles Inspired by Willy Wonka the Chocolate Factory
These are my take on a Martha Stewart recipe...I fiddled around with the ratio of peanut butter to salty, crunchy pretzels. I also used crunchy peanut butter and added a bit of vanilla bean paste as well. The filling is ready in about 5 minutes, but you need to allot 30 minutes to freeze the middles before dipping them in chocolate.
Golden Ticket Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles
adapted from Martha Stewart
Step 1: Add the following ingredients to a large mixing bowl: 1 cup crunchy peanut butter, 1 tbs. softened butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 3/4 cup crushed pretzels, and 2 tbs. vanilla bean paste.
Step 2: Using a sturdy spoon OR pristinely clean hands, combine the ingredients until all the powdered sugar is incorporated and the mixture forms a ball. Roll into 12 truffles, about 2 tbs. of the dough for each one. Place on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
The flavor of these truffles is reminiscent of buckeye balls or peanut butter cups...with a bit of salty crunch from the pretzels. These are so simple to make, but theyre full of flavor! I loved the pieces of peanut from the crunchy peanut butter, but you can use smooth if thats what you like and/or have on hand. Store the truffles in the fridge, and bring them to room temperature a few minutes before youre ready to eat them. You could also keep the frozen centers in a freezer bag and dip a few at a time to keep temptation at bay. Just sayin.
Make sure to join us at 600 CST this evening for our weekly Twitter chat, where well be discussing our favorite food-related movie moments. In the meantime, check out the creative recipes the rest of the #SundaySupper contributors are sharing today:
SNEAK PREVIEW:
Toast (bready things)
- Scones (inspired by Tea with Mussolini) - Country Girl in the Village
- Croque Monsieur (inspired by Its Complicated) - That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
- "Eat Me" Strawberry Orange Scones (inspired by Alice in Wonderland) - The Messy Baker
- Dog Bone Breadsticks (inspired by Frankenweenie) - The Urban Mrs.
- Individual Deep Dish Pizzas (inspired by Mystic Pizza) - Mommas Meals
- Basic Bread Recipe (inspired by Agora) - Masala Herb
- Mystical Double Cheese Pizza (inspired by Mystic Pizza) - Webicurean
- Vanilla Cinnamon Pancakes (inspired by No Reservations) - Pies and Plots
- 10-Minute Potato Ham Soup with Pesto Swirl (inspired by Julie & Julia) - Shockingly Delicious
- Alaska Smoked Salmon, Celery, and Apple Salad (inspired by Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) - Pescetarian Journal
- الدار البيضاء Fish Tajine (inspired by Casablanca) - Maroc Mama
- Beef and Onions Braised in Beer (inspired by Julie & Julia) - Magnolia Days
- Spicy Seared Tuna with Balsamic Reduction (inspired by Big Fish) - I Run For Wine
- Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs (inspired by Brave) - Big Bears Wife
- Puerco Pibil (inspired by Once Upon a Time in Mexico) - From the Bookshelf
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (inspired by The Joy Luck Club) - Hezzi-Ds Books and Cooks
- Beet Chips (inspired by Food Matters) - girlichef
- Ratatouille (inspired by Ratatouille) - Noshing With The Nolands
- Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches (inspired by Sixteen Candles) - Home Cooking Memories
- Veg Samosas (inspired by Monsoon Wedding) - My Cute Bride
- Not So Fried Green Tomatoes (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) - Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Roasted Taters with Bacon (inspired by Lord of the Rings) - Curious Cuisinere
- Goat Cheese Basil Grits (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) - Diabetic Foodie
- Big Night Timpano (inspired by Big Night) - Kimchi Mom
- Better Baked Mac & Cheese (inspired by Soul Food) - What Smells So Good?
- Spaghetti with Meatballs and Gravy (inspired by Lady and the Tramp) - Juanitas Cocina
- Spicy Sichuan Noodles (inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman) - Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Tchoupitoulas Pasta (inspired by Last Holiday) - Gourmet Drizzles
- The Best Chocolate Cake (inspired by Chocolat) - The Foodie Army Wife
- Chocolate Almond Torte with Raspberries (inspired by Chocolat) - Vintage Kitchen
- Iocane-Dusted Brownies of Unusual Size (BOUS) (inspired by The Princess Bride) - The Cooking Actress
- Minnys Chocolate Pie (inspired by The Help) - Daily Dish Recipes
- Pao de Lo | Portuguese Bundt Sponge Cake (inspired by My Big Fat Greek Wedding) - Family Foodie
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie (inspired by Life of Pi) - No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Fantasia Cakes (inspired by Disneys Fantasia) - NinjaBaking. com
- Chocolate Dipped Almond Coconut Bars (inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) - Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- (Gluten Free) Orange Soda Pound Cake (inspired by Joe Vs The Volcano) - Blueberries and Blessings
- Peach Cobbler (inspired by Soul Food) - The Lovely Pantry
- Golden Ticket Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) - Weekend Gourmet
- French Macarons (inspired by Marie Antoinette) - Happy Baking Days
- Pistachio and Cherry Cannoli Cups (inspired by The Godfather) - Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Raspberry Cordial (inspired by Anne of Green Gables) - NeighborFood
- Grapefruit Flirtini (inspired by Sex and the City) - Ruffles & Truffles
- Wines To Pair With #SundaySupper Movie-Inspired Recipes (inspired by Sideways) - ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
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