Downtown San Antonio date night idea
If you're craving a no-fuss, elevated night out, head to Hotel Havana for a seamless dinner-and-drinks experience.
State of play: The boutique hotel houses Ocho, a pan-Latin restaurant helmed by chef Jesse Kuykendall, and the sultry Havana Bar in the basement.
The vibe: Ocho feels like dining in a dreamy glass greenhouse overlooking the River Walk with chandeliers, tufted couches — and yes, air conditioning.
A few steps away, Havana Bar sets the mood with dim lighting and cozy corners for cocktails and conversation.
What to try: At Ocho, start with the ceviche del día ($18) for a burst of brightness.
For a main entree, try the Calle Ocho ($42). It's a standout dish — a juicy ribeye with spicy chimichurri, sweet tomato confit, crispy manchego yuca and a cool cilantro crema.
Bonus: The rotating zodiac-themed cocktail list is a fun surprise.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Karol G Is ‘Willing to Fight' for Her Genre-Spanning ‘Tropicoqueta' Album: ‘Latinas Are Everything — Why Can't We Just Be Everything?'
Karol G was in Europe completing her 'Mañana Será Bonito' stadium jaunt across the world when she got the idea for what could follow her 2023 album of the same name. The stakes were high: 'Mañana' had unlocked a new level of global stardom for the reggaeton artist, making her the first woman to win a Grammy award for best música urbana album. The tour was equally successful, raking in over $300 million from 62 shows between August 2023 and July 2024 as the highest-grossing run for a Latin female artist. More from Variety Karol G Reveals New 'Tropicoqueta' Album Release Date and Details: 'Sounds Like a Little Piece of Us All' Karol G Samples Alexa Demie and Beats the Heat in New 'Latina Foreva' Single and Video Karol G Shares Emotional Trailer for New 'Tomorrow Was Beautiful' Netflix Doc With her fifth studio album, 'Tropicoqueta,' Karol set out to capture the emotions and empowerment she felt on stage. She recorded it while traveling to perform in stadiums for a diasporic population of Latinos that ranged in demographics, stretching from Switzerland to Venezuela. 'We could be in Berlin, and people would come with Ecuadorian flags,' Karol tells Variety. 'Flags from countries across the whole world, who all have their own unique musical flavors, and it felt good that they saw themselves represented by me. That inspired me to visualize all parts of this album, built on different sounds from all over Latin America. It was a challenge because we had so many different genres involved, and I knew we had to get them all right.' Determined to execute her vision, she started this album differently than she has others — filling an entire notebook's worth of distinct details (one note reads '90% live instrumentals') and ideas for what would become 'Tropicoqueta,' everything from emotions and song titles to musical inspirations (La India, Rocío Dúrcal, Myriam Hernández) and the 'dream collaborators and producers' needed to create the palette she had in mind. Featured on the album are Manu Chao, Marco Antonio Solís, Eddy Lover, Greeicy and Mariah Angeliq. Karol's boyfriend and Grammy-nominated reggaeton artist Feid is an unlisted contributor on hidden track 'Canción 13,' or 'Verano Rosa' as it appears on her YouTube channel. The album also has instrumentals and production from such acclaimed artists as including Edgar Barrera, Leo RD, Tainy and Pharrell Williams, the latter on the anthemic 'Ivonny Bonita.' 'All of the producers on this album were called in with intention,' she adds. 'On 'Ivonny,' I really wanted Pharrell to put his touch on a song, but also have it sound like me. When Pharrell did his instrumental, Edgar and I added more of a Latin touch to it.' That was the addition of an exhilarating conga pattern, and piano keys and a trumpet section played by Arturo Sandoval. Her fifth overall and longest album yet, totaling one hour and 20 minutes and 20 songs, is an homage to Latin identity through music. It ranges from a vibrant Colombian vallenato to a Mexican ranchera, bachata, merengue, pop, cumbia and her usual hard-hitting reggaeton. Karol also sings in English for the first time in her records on the pop song 'Papasito,' which started in Spanish, and was changed to English as a better fit to the story of the song. 'I did the translation myself because I wanted it to sound true to how I speak English,' she says. 'The story is about me seeing this guy at a party and just instantly feeling attracted to him… and maybe the guy is American, so I'm speaking my best English to get him to fall in love with me.' There's also the cinematic 'Ese Hombre Mio,' which Karol recorded in Guadalajara, and recruited a former collaborator of the late Juan Gabriel to arrange the 57 different instruments heard throughout. 'I don't know what is going to happen with this album,' Karol says. 'But no matter how its recieved, I'm going to fight for it because I am super in love with it. Every week I find a new favorite.' The record was preceded by two singles, 'Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,' a massive radio hit in 2024, and 'Latina Foreva,' an ode to Latin women. The track is built on reggaeton beats and a sample of 'Oye Mi Canto,' and its pre-chorus makes a beat of the words 'tits and ass.' The internet criticized the song as a failed attempt to empower women by sexualizing them, a claim Karol had already received in the last year when she and five top male artists in reggaeton — ranging from Feid to J Balvin, Maluma and more — released the song '+57,' and were accused of sexualizing young girls with the lyric 'a baddie since she was 14.' Karol issued an apology and the age in the lyric was changed to 18. 'I feel like the bigger the project gets, the harder the people get with me,' she says. 'I think there are different opinions on how I should and shouldn't be acting at this point in my career and it gets so confusing sometimes that it becomes hard to handle.' On the criticism of 'Latina Foreva,' she says, 'It's difficult, because the video is incredible but I knew having us in bikinis with me singing about about tits and ass… I just knew it was going to be a talking point. But the way I see it, I am just singing of my realities. I don't want to change myself to have to please anyone, either. I have emotional songs on this record that are soul-touching, and then I have my fun and sometimes raunchy songs — Latinas are everything. Why can't we just be everything?' Before the release of her album, Karol released a documentary on Netflix that captured the highs of her stadium trek. One of those moments was the day 'Mañana Será Bonito' hit No. 1 on the albums chart in the United States. In the scene, Karol's father calls her and congratulates her before telling her to be wary of her expectations, reminding her that after every peak, there's usually a fall. She's realistic about whatever is coming next. 'Not everyone will enjoy this album the same,' she says. 'There's a lot going on and these sounds and styles mean different things to different people, but I couldn't be prouder of how it's come together. It's exactly what I pictured when I started writing in that notebook. 'I know there's more people watching me, and because of that, I know not everyone is going to like me,' she concludes. 'I have to really follow my heart, and that's what you'll find in this record.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Axios
a day ago
- Axios
Downtown San Antonio date night idea
If you're craving a no-fuss, elevated night out, head to Hotel Havana for a seamless dinner-and-drinks experience. State of play: The boutique hotel houses Ocho, a pan-Latin restaurant helmed by chef Jesse Kuykendall, and the sultry Havana Bar in the basement. The vibe: Ocho feels like dining in a dreamy glass greenhouse overlooking the River Walk with chandeliers, tufted couches — and yes, air conditioning. A few steps away, Havana Bar sets the mood with dim lighting and cozy corners for cocktails and conversation. What to try: At Ocho, start with the ceviche del día ($18) for a burst of brightness. For a main entree, try the Calle Ocho ($42). It's a standout dish — a juicy ribeye with spicy chimichurri, sweet tomato confit, crispy manchego yuca and a cool cilantro crema. Bonus: The rotating zodiac-themed cocktail list is a fun surprise.
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Hypebeast
Carter Gregory on Latin Culture's Global Influence
As VP of A&R atCapitol Records,Carter Gregoryhas been at the forefront of the musical shift in Latin America — spotlighting artists and shaping moments that define today's sound. His appearance inRawayana's 'Veneka' music video and on stage during theirCoachella 2025set goes beyond a cameo; it reflects how deeply his presence resonates within the Latinx community. 'Latin American artists bring an emotional rawness and cultural depth that is so special. I think what sets them apart is how they infuse their music and visuals with so much history, identity, and a real sense of place. I often times feel that I am transported to Puerto Rico, Columbia, Mexico, Venezuela, etc. when listening to some of my favorite Latin artists due to the immense storytelling about their upbringing and hometowns. There's often this beautiful mix of pain and joy that comes through and it feels so real.' We caught up with Carter Gregory to dive into the rising influence of Latin America on the global stage. How have you observed Latin American culture shaping global trends in music and fashion over the past decade? In music, so many different Latin sub genres like reggaetón, dembow, and Latin trap have gone mainstream. Artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Karol G, Feid, Rauw Alejandro, etc aren't just on top of Latin charts — they're dominating global playlists and collaborating with some of the biggest American and European acts. What's so dope and impactful is that these types of artists often stay authentic to their roots — singing in Spanish, showcasing their culture — and they're still moving global audiences. I think that speaks volumes about how the world is embracing Latin identity. In fashion, we're seeing a similar wave. I see so many Latinx designers and stylists blending streetwear with heritage. I love admiring the vibrant colors, indigenous patterns, and bold statements that reflect so much pride for one's home region. What distinguishes Latin American artists in their approach to creativity and storytelling compared to other regions? Latin American artists bring an emotional rawness and cultural depth that is so special. I think what sets them apart is how they infuse their music and visuals with so much history, identity, and a real sense of place. I often times feel that I am transported to Puerto Rico, Columbia, Mexico, Venezuela, etc when listening to some of my favorite Latin artists due to the immense storytelling about their upbringing and hometowns. There's often this beautiful mix of pain and joy that comes through and it feels so real. Do you believe the global music industry is fully embracing the depth of talent emerging from Latin America, or is there still work to be done? I think the global music industry is definitely paying more attention to Latin America — you can't ignore the impact so many massive Latinx artists are having. Latin music is charting globally, breaking streaming records, and shifting what 'mainstream' even means. But I wouldn't say the industry is fully embracing the depth of talent yet. There's still a lot of untapped potential in the underground scenes, in emerging artists who don't fit the current commercial mold or speak perfect English. As someone constantly scouting talent, I see how much diversity there is and a lot of that still isn't being properly represented or invested in. So yes, we're seeing progress, but there's still work to do! We need to give real support and exposure to emerging artists and not only the biggest names in Latin culture. But, that's where Cartera and people like me come in — to help bridge that gap and push the culture forward. It's my favorite part of my job. How do collaborations between Latin American artists and international acts influence the global music scene? Collaborations between Latin American artists and international acts are reshaping the global sound. From and A&R perspective, these cross-cultural moments are breaking down language barriers and introducing audiences to new flows and stories they might not have experienced otherwise. When an artist from Latin America teams up with an artist from the U.S., Europe, or Africa, Asia, etc – it's truly about blending worlds. Can you share a pivotal moment in your career where Latin American culture had a significant impact on a project you were involved in? I'm going to take off my A&R hat for a second and speak from Cartera's perspective. A pivotal moment in my career was when I connected with Venezuela in a deeper, more personal way. Working closely with Rawayana for their 'Veneka' music video and having Beto on Carter's Cocktails was life-changing. Rawayana's creativity, their message, and the way they bring Venezuelan culture into everything they do inspires me so much. They are such special artists. How do you envision the role of Latin American culture evolving in the global entertainment industry over the next five years? I see Latin American culture becoming even more central to the global entertainment industry. Currently, we're in a time where the industry is finally recognizing the richness of Latin music, fashion, film, and storytelling. Over the next five years, I think we'll see Latin creatives become a driving creative force — not just being featured, but leading the narratives and owning the platforms. Latin talent is going to keep expanding its reach — I think we'll also see more fusion and collaboration across cultures. Latin American culture will help create totally new global aesthetics and sounds. The next five years are going to be very inspiring.
