Schilo's Deli

Coming from the East Coast I've been missing the delis.  Even though I don't eat much meat, every now and then I get a hankering (do you like that nice Western word?) for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich and some good dill pickles. I've been reading about an old-time German deli, Schilo's, that's been around since the 1800's.  

Well, the Reuben and German beer we had really hit the spot. And the atmosphere is definitely old-German. It's not the Jewish deli that I'm used to (no Matzoh Ball soup or whitefish salad!) but when in Texas, it's the closest you'll find. 

Wimberley Glassworks

Last weekend we made a visit to the Wimberley Glassworks in Wimbirley, Texas.  Who knew there was a Wimberley, Texas?  It sounds so British.  We were driving along a fairly deserted road when the Glassworks appeared. More about Wimbirley itself in another blog. The Glassworks is fabulous. When we walked in the owner was about to start a glass blowing demonstration. It was impressive to see the speed, dexterity and agility needed to blow a piece of glass. 

Tim de Jong is from Philadelphia and fell in love with Wimberley on a trip out to Texas. He said it is an ideal place for an artist and loves the lower taxes here.


The showroom features lots of blown glass chandeliers and pendant lights as well as bowls, pitchers and some jewelry.
Tim is very personable and specializes in custom designs. You can select your own shapes and colors and I am sure he would work with you on the design of your choice.             

Texas is full of surprises. Who could guess that a glassblowing place would be out in the middle of nowhere. What a great surprise.  Worth a visit.      

San Antonio Deco District

I hate freeways so I take all the side roads. I frequently go through the "Deco District" on Fredericksburg Road. Let me just say it's no South Beach. There's a police station, a uniforms store and, of course, an HEB!

I think the HEB is probably the most art deco of all the buildings in this block. Well, at least the exterior of the store.












Unfortunately, the inside of the HEB looks like a run-down version of other HEBs. This area has lots of potential and someone in San Antonio with some artistic creativity should try to revive it and make it a true art deco destination.

Greek FUNstival

When I suggested to N. that we stop by the Greek FUNstival he thought I was crazy. We are in San Antonio, a city filled with Mexicans. They aren't exactly known for Greeks here! Exactly! Let's go see the handful of Greek people who live here!  


This is an annual event held at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. There are church tours available and a large hall filled with Greek souvenirs, t-shirts, religious icons, paintings and some neat Greek fishermen caps. 


There's plenty of Greek food available- stuffed grape leaves, spanakopita, baklava, gyros and of course Greek beer, Greek wine...even Retsina. 

It's a small festival (N. was right...there probably aren't a lot of Greeks here) but it was fun and a little different.  Much to my surprise N. wanted to stay to watch the Greek dancers. They ranged from young children to the adults who were well choreographed and lively. 


It turned out to be a fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  Probably something we won't do again but worthwhile to do once.