Soul Story: Emilie Hernandez- Avocado Chef

“Mackadocious, she's sweet and precocious, she's the one girl that I just dig” (Slinky, 311) A tomboy after my own heart. Emilie is a striking woman indeed and such a remarkable figure. As she says, “We have such an awesome group of women around us. Doing such great things and so powerful it is great to have all these women around right here as friends.” She is totally right, and having to include her as an admirable soul in my book, she has to be one of the most beautifully enlightened women that is particularly a marvelous human being. Having a chance to be a part and hear of her experiences, fierce passion, and drive to see the sweet reflection in others…getting to know Ms. Hernandez has crazy fun listed as many of her charming traits you would be lucky to experience. Check her out.

Why do you do what you do?

I am a personal chef. I especially love grocery shopping. HEB is the perfect place you can find me when prepping for client’s meals and events. It is one of my favorite places to be. I go in my coat sometimes and love when people ask me about it. Just so I can talk about it. There at the grocery I go to the meat market and get to talk to the guys there, get the info on some good deals and the meat, seafood and produce and have a great time. Shopping is one of the best parts of what I do. I love what I do.

You love what you do, how did becoming a personal chef happen?

I attended Texas State a majored in Broadcast Journalism with intentions on being a host for motocross games. I use to race motocross and that was a dream of mine to be a part of. Then I broke my back and had to finish, but here I am with something that I absolutely enjoy to everyday.

I have cooked since I was a kid. Since 2013 I worked with another personal chef and when ties amicably parted I was referred. It kept happening until I got to where I am now. I have no formal marketing and have cooked for people through word of mouth connections. It has been great and from personal to demonstration cooking I am loving it.

In addition to my personal chef scheduling I also demo(stration) cook for Humble House (http://www.humblehousefoods.com/) at Groomers Seafood (http://groomerseafood.com/ ). Demoing recipes with their sauces and spreads. Also, I do cooking demonstrations with Tenderbelly bacon (http://www.tenderbelly.com/ ) a Colorado based company with awesome cuts of pork.

*Side note from Em: By the way…I absolutely love sauces, it is the best part, like truly obsessed, with any food with sauce. If it has sauce I want more of it.  

Why the avocado tattoo?

(laughing big) I am a huge 311 fan. In the 311 community, there are song-titled nicknames for each

gender: a “Brodel” is a guy and “Slinky” for the ladies….in the Facebook community, there are groups for each where 311 fans from all over can chat and stay in touch with each other.  There are no boys allowed in the Slinkies group and no ladies in the brodels. The lead singer, Nick Hexum has a consistent way of standing in front of the crowd after certain songs….hands up and hips thrusted toward the crowd. The ladies in the slinkies group seemed to notice his manhood more often than not due to his tailored pants. When he would stand like that so many pictures, comments, conversations and more happened in the group and the ladies (not me!) decided to coin Mr. Hexum’s manhood as “The Avocado”. While I may be a heterosexual woman, the avocado on my wrist is more of an inside joke in the female 311 community…a community that supports and encourages each other….it also represents something funny, something that relates to 311 (but doesn’t say it out loud) and something I truly love to eat. I love my tattoo…it’s truly one of my favorites.

If Emilie was a dish, what would she be?

Hard chocolate, Reese’s ice cream bar with strawberry puree. It’s tough, once cracked she is sweet. I am a true mama bear. I love being able to take care of people when they need it. I will be the first one on the scene with what you need and how we can get you feeling great again.

What bevvie would accompany your sweetness?

Mojito with extra rum.

Biking and Yoga. What do they do for you?

Oh my. Both are so liberating. Cruising on my Tealy (bike) is: still using my sensory, peripheral, attention. It is not if something is going to happen, it is when. All the things that are happening around me, the sounds and lights of where I am, having the to keep aware.  It keeps me heightened through all my senses and it’s great to see and meet others who get that vibe of riding too.

Like that one last ride. Before turning in back into the world.

The last ride when it’s 3 am and the streets are empty.

When all you hear is the sound of the bike. Or when you run into other bikers on the street and hear the love of the frames they have and hearing how everyone just loves to ride and the ticks of the gears.

There is no other sound like riding.

And yoga? It started at Lulu doing there free classes in 2012. As a birthright, with my Jewish heritage, I was able to travel to Israel. I was practicing with the Dead Sea as my line of sight, it was amazing. I took that trip like why the hell not, and been practicing ever since. 

Emilie is certainly a traveler for yoga. Here she is practicing yoga in Costa Rica where at a yoga retreat with Mobile Om (www.mobileomtx.com)

What’s your final destiny?

A café-yoga studio. With cooking and teaching there as well. A nice slender styled place where people can learn to meal prep, cook, and chill with a practice in the space. I want it to be personal. It’ll be a definite spot where people will connect and be right there with each other in everything that the place will mean.

She’s love, fun, and above and beyond the smile that she gives and receives from people that enjoy everything she is cooking up. Emilie is that heightened sense of joy from that essential bike ride, the taste of creative confection to the excitement of dancing and riding high of the best song of your life. San Antonio is lucky to have her on its radar as she blends her path of more to come for the city to taste.

 

Soul Story: Harol Avila: The Bold Agave Mentor- CEO & Founder of Sierra Vieja Tequila

Harol Avila: The Bold Mentor

Be Bold. Be Alive. Let the taste of happiness fill your life palettes with the craving to go farther than you have to go.

Rather than having a simple chat, Harol lent me the stories of his inspiration, love, and creation that have led to Sierra Vieja Tequila and his charitable lifestyle. Reminiscing with Harol contributed to the intensity of charging up deep seated memories that urged more than wanting to be a participant in conversation.  Our time at Co Lab was the beginning of getting to know how we want to encourage our lives. His words led to an opening of what is beyond what people know about him and into the romanticized experiences that have guided goals. Harol is a  man that is undeniably beyond the tequila that is growing among the tastes of fortunate explorers.

How do you feel living the way you do in this stage of your life?

Alive. More than I ever have than when working the typical corporate job life. The way I live now has brought me closer to real friends. Met a lot of acquaintances--- a lot.  But outside of all of the meetings, promoting, and unusual work schedule, I have been able to secure solid people in my life. I hang out with them more than my family as they have become that important to keep on this ride through business and hard work.

What or who is your inspiration?
My father. He is the reason and the purpose in which I am doing this and to give back to where I come from in Mexico. Though the tequila business can bring the wild party image and other views that it has tied to the culture of it, I have planned to do something better.  Tequila is a part of the memory of my family and cousins. It is a joke of my first taste and about where I come from. They are the reason in which I care about this and to bring whatever I do back to them.   

Define Tequila. Define Purpose.

Tequila: Hated as a kid. As in it (tequila) brought up an early memory of hitting puberty with cousins making fun, but it spoke tradition among us.

Purpose:  I have to do something bold to accomplish something farther than I have to go.

What do you believe to achieve with your Sierra Vieja Tequila business?

3 goals.

Why: To help my hometown. Send more than just money. How much does just money really lead to for the people? Money is not a mentor. So mentoring is a part of what I want to do to help my hometown.  We travel to Mexico with our donations for schools; these backpack trips to these dirt floor schools that need us. My hometown, and others like us, really can benefit from so little while they know that they can’t get but so much. They are truly grateful. They can see that there is more that they (especially children) can do.  

Children with school donations in Mexico

How can I do something great? I want to, I am, more than just promoting my tequila company. I want to cause awareness. Be greater than a product and be bold in giving more to people than just what I know I can give and explore that difference in other ways and be that new image.

All this hard work is happiness. That’s what life’s goal is and should be about when it comes to being able to live the way you want.  Achieve what you really enjoy and to do whatever it is that will give you that happiness daily.

First. Best. Last drink.

Shots of tequila. Amatitan Jalisco. Michelada.

First: Memory with family

Best:  Love of Titans. The romanticized Mexican tale of the 16^th century that traveling explorers saw the native people as such “Titans” and fell in awe of them. The people, the reason, to establish the historic town in the idea of the grand people.

Last: I like drinking what I know about and how it can relate to people no matter what you do or do not know about the name of a drink.

I definitely am going to bring back a traditional Paloma that will bring that home piece into my creation.

How deep is your love for creation?

It’s deep. Deep like creating a weird egg sandwich and putting in strange ingredients to try something new for a new day. Discovering how I can do something different and be more playful. In fact, to spur an event, let’s put weird guys and girls in funky costumes. That’s key. Creativity. Not the typical.

@Paramour

“Soul in the Kitchen. Blues in the Living Room. Rock in the Bedroom.” –Gary Clark Jr.

What’s your poem for living?

 Live life boldly <BE Bold.>

Be smooth with your love.

Why are we here, your choice, in Co Lab? Why are you in San Antonio?  

We’re getting to know one another better in a place where friends are. Less distractions and focus on hearing one another and having a fun time. We are enjoying who each other are here.

San Antonio is home. No matter what I do, my mind is where my home is, and I have found home in this city. It is great to have a place like this for what I am doing. I could be anywhere else and be great, but I am being greater here with real friends and happiness.

Taste what this man is living. From hometown memories to defining boldness that rises to the top of life. Harol has found a way to honor happiness. Like a historic unveiling, discover what a good conversation with heart can serve you.

Seek out Sierra Vieja at spots like the JW Marriott and Halcyon in Southtown and of course even more locations and fine stores around the city. Thanks to Co Lab for hosting in their open artists’ loft on Alamo and 8^th streets.

Salut & Shindig On.

JB

Tasting presentation @ Richter&Colt Wrangler Reveal

Sierra Vieja Tequila: www.sierravieja.com

Co Lab:  www.facebook.com/colab.satx

Embrace your era...The Brooklynite Experience

8:30pm- As I ask the mixing architect what to drink, the pleasant essence of revolution and freedom overcomes the scene. The lifting of Prohibition entices every spec of this classy vintage establishment and its decor. While the host of the Brooklynite showcases what he knows best, the humble and honesty to the craft brings solace to the end of a bustling day, yet lends feeling to the beginning of the best part of the day waiting to happen.

The crowd starts to fill as a legend prepares to give sound to what he does effortlessly.

9ish- A second cocktail is poured and the vibes draw higher as the element of lust and grace liven the joint with laughter, camaraderie, sensual draws and class of the unique only found here.
The premiere sight of pearls, gentlemen's hats, bow ties, and clinking of carefully crafted bevvies gives the longing to stay for more than just a sip. You want to actually be here. All should be here.

The crowd awakens as the  host cuts the music and the music begins. Jim Cullum.

THE Jim Cullum. The (happy) Jazz band.

Legandary.

The sound that not only promotes happy, but Jim catalyzes through my Southside cocktail. The feeling that I want more of with the fresh and invigorating taste. I want to go beyond exploration and hear more of what he has created with the times of Armstrong and pre-World War II. With humble and classic charm through sound and jolly, the exquisite room is roaring with delight and modern pleasure with swinging footsteps and que-meets of lovely new friends who have fallen in love here. As the -ish hour rolls on you await on the hopes of Jim to come back soon and round everyone once again into the rose colored feeling of time played through sounds of new and unknown tunes. But with no matter, all cannot help but enjoy the treasure that the night has lent to us to be a part of a musical institution's reverberation. A few, who are fortunate to get to admire personally the comfort and humble character of Mr. Cullum feel myriads more of being a part of this long awaited and whelming night.

What greatness it would be to one day BS with a legend, fill your peace with not only a place that raves a simplistic class...but allows you to feel as if you belong and wiser for choosing to stay.

The Brooklynite.

What a place. Where blues, jazz, and their relationship mean something beyond the sound. A taste, finesse, and poetry of essential craft defined by care and passion. A spot to relieve the mind to chat and learn the tastes of soul.

Give way to an experience with the key of soul & time to view what you really love about your heart as The Brooklynite brings creation of an era to love the creation of your own.





The Brooklynite
516 Brooklyn Ave
San Antonio, TX

Soul Story: John Moses, Musician

Your City. Your Life. Your Adventure. A place can make your soul want to dedicate more than what is usual to make your existence a passion, and others wanting to be a part of it. For John Moses his passion came from a place of home. Music is his heart and creating for people in his home of Texas, being influenced by ones closest to him proves a Soul Story of influential vibes. 

Check out his Soul Story:

What drew your Soul to music?  

   -My father introduced me to music. He has been a musician all his life. When I was young I was always at his band practices. Our family grew up playing as a worship band till I eventually ventured into my own music.

When did you know?  

   -I knew l was meant to create music after I realized how much I enjoyed the art behind creating music and the joy it brought others when they heard my original work. Besides my son, nothing makes me happier than composing a melody with the lyrics colliding sweetly. 

The first tune you learned?  

    -The first tune I learned was the Jurassic Park theme song on the piano. 

If 3 songs could represent who you are what would they be and why?  

   1. Wheel by John Mayer - I feel like song is speaking right through me. Life is a circle, and when it goes south, it will come right back up again. It is a simple concept that maintains my happiness. 

   2. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - I live every moment of my life looking in the mirror and always will. How can I be better and what do I need to do to continue to make my life a happy life.  

   3. Doing It Wrong - Drake - Until recently, I found myself continuously in unwanted relationships.They were built on circumstances versus "love". The lyrics in this song was my thought process for a long time and it is a constant reminder on why I rather wait till the right time.

Right before the curtain rises, what goes through your mind?  

   -I leave my mind completely blank. I allow the moment to happen and embrace the joy. 

Is San Antonio, or another place, the root of why you sing? Why there?  

 -I started singing when I was young. My grandpa is a pastor of a church in Weslaco,Texas and that is where it all began. It was fun and I was horrible. But I did it pure heartedly. 

What is your fondest memory of music and what song brings it home to you?  

   -When I was young my friend Robert took me to a Third Day concert. There was a moment when the lights went out in the climax of there version of "Hallelujah",  my heart stopped. When the music came back on full blast I was mesmerized. 

What are your main impulses to write music? 

   -It varies on melody and lyrics. Some things I have and a melody pops into my head. I think about the mood it puts me in, then develop lyrics to support the mood. Sometimes I think of lyrics and develop a sound to encompass my words. It is such a wonderful feeling when it starts coming together. 

In which way does writing and reading about music change the way it is perceived by the public in San Antonio?  

   -When I am writing my music it is as if I am purging an emotion. I attempt to couple that with vague enough lyrics that will give the listener a chance join in the moment. The perception of the song can be taken multiple ways by the people in San Antonio.  The response is the beautiful part of it all. 

What does your Soul ride on?  

   -My soul rides on the challenges of success and the maintenance of happiness. 

What are you currently grooving to? 

   -I am currently grooving to 311- Amber

Without Exception...our fellow rider of San Antonio has got the Soul the city can vibe to.

Adventure on peeps.
Jess B 

*John Moses' "Without Exceptions" is available worldwide and on Spotify*

Check out John Moses in various venues in the San Antonio Area and check out his music on YouTube and Facebook at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/johnmosesmusic
and
https://www.facebook.com/johnmosesmusic?fref=ts
Instagram: #
johnmosesmusic

Da na. Da na. Da na...Whoa.

I say. I think me and my fellow Weekenders were spared this weekend and breathless from the adventure. I mean c'mon you know you had a time in your life where you experienced that near ending moment when everything FLASHED before your eyes. 
JUST. LIKE. THAT. 
It was insane!!!!! (OK i am exaggerating, a bit)
But leave it to Texas to make EVERYTHING Bigger and Better.

Of course being downtown has its perks and one of them is being closest to everything that happens in good ol' Bexar County.

FIRST FRIDAYS on South Alamo. Tell me fun from Country to Bachata had to happen with Breweries to Boozy Ice Cream. I mean it was crazy fun from the Acoustic vibes of John Moses to the Bachata  and salsa fun at Azuca with the trumpet sounds of Orquesta Tropicante . IT WAS GREAT!!!!! (Check these musicians out)
Every first Friday of the month (when weather is good, which is always) the Southtown neighborhood of SATX has Art museums, open mic, dancing, great food and drink deals, local artisans and vendors with great items on display and for sale. This neighborhood is one of the coolest places to be in the city. 
We listened to the soulful artists at Rosella Coffee that were amazing to check out like John Moses and Sierra Lynn . Swung around the corner to Azuca and The House Boozy Ice cream (my faves), And THEN worked our way around to Blue Star Brewery checked out the Fab painting artists and Riverwalk and nightcapped at Tucker's Kozy Korner for "Soul Spot"
And that was just Friday.

Saturday: You should definitely try if you are into eating FRESH & INTERESTINGLY. Just a good evening at home we created an indoor picnic (blankets and all, plus it was blazing outside) and made our own Farm-2-Table Picnic. It was incredible what everyone brought when challenged. With only fresh ingredients used from local farmers, markets, and sources no more than 30 miles away food was prepped healthy and tasty. Even local beer was on the menu like Freetail Brewery and their great Bat Outta Helles. :)  From stuffed figs with honey to homemade pesto squash and BBQ pork avocados, WE feasted.

And of Course SUNDAY , when you are suppose to rest...we couldn't help ourselves but to go to Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Road Show with "Jaws on the Water"! Dancing sharks, wake-boarders doing tricks,a  great classic film (Jaws), and your coolest buds at Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels. 

Oh, and the Bboys at The Paintyard were dope with hip hop and soul for a great Sunday Funday. You gotta check out Sam, he knows his stuff and looking for new artists for a festival coming up soon!

Lets just say this week is playing catch up and I am ready for the next shindig in the city!

Adventure on peeps. 
IG: @paparazziJ 

The Groove of Bike and Soul

Passion is why I do this. Go places and challenge my environment, people around me and the next day to be better and exciting. It is incredible what just "Hey. How are you?" can have on someone. You may not have thought that someone walking up to you and asking whats going on with you may matter but it does. And getting to know folks here in Texas has been nothing short of amazing. 

The person I got to know, through his awesome chica Valerie, is Matt Vasquez and the Soul Spot Crew at Tuckers. They are the real Soul for tonight's Bike and Soul Event in Downtown San Antonio. Hosted by yours truly, I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate with DJs and riders with the passion they hold to keep wheels up and rolling in SATX.

So, I asked how Matt was doing...and see his Soul Story:

How did you start in this DJ game? Once upon a time…

  I started DJing at Tuckers Kozy Korner on Thursday nights in 2012. Having been influenced by JJ Lopez, Founder of “The Soul Spot” and DJ at Trinity Jazz Radio Station KRTU 91.7 FM. The very first time I went to Tuckers was on a Friday night in the summer of 2010, having been invited by a friend. JJ Lopez was there spinning Disco, Soul, and Funk vinyl classics during the very beginning of “The Soul Spot”. From that point on I decided I wanted to share music with others and start DJing. 

What song/melody/mix/artist made you decide, “Music is what I must live through?”

                             The Artist known as James Yancey AKA J Dilla probably influenced me most in music. The “Art Of Sampling” was very interesting to me when I first stumbled upon it and J Dilla was one of the very best in that aspect. Something about the way he put his beats together gave it this very unique dynamic in sound.

1 If there were 3 songs to describe your music story, what would they be?

     1. Tom Browne - Funkin' for Jamaica. I don’t think this “Soul Spot” staple has ever had the dance floor empty. This is also a song that JJ Lopez played, that I knew and loved, the very first time I went to Tuckers. I couldn’t have been happier.
2. The Brand New Heavies – Sometimes (The Ummah Remix) w/ Heavy Jay Dee aka J Dilla production along with the rest of the Ummah production crew. It has such a warm, smooth, chest thumping rhythm that just makes you want to groove... and never disappoints upon repetitive listening.
3. Minnie Ripperton – Inside My Love. This tune resonates with me deeply as it reminds me of when I first met my girlfriend. 

 It’s just perfect.

Certainly is. 

Come out tonight and every 1st and 3rd Friday at Tuckers on Houston St  for Soul Spot in Downtown San Antonio at the Soul Spot. The best hidden jam spot with great people, vibes and changing the music scene one groove at a time. The passion of Texas from gearing up with our cycling crew to keeping the dance floor packed at vintage spots, is happening and growing. This city is going to be beyond out of this world before you know it. I would love to see you out there and being a part of it. 

Adventure on.

Jess

Special Thanks to Bike World, The Rivard Report, mySA, Downtown Highlife Bicycle Club, Blue Star Bike Shop, The House (boozy ice cream), Tucker's Kozy Korner, The Soul Spot DJs, and all the great bicycle peeps of San Antonio. Yall have been awesome! Much luv