Meeting News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 20) Destination Insider: San Antonio Edited by William Ng william.ng@nielsen.com River Walk to Tack On Miles Northern extension of downtown attraction ready by May What do you do when you already have the number one visitor attraction in the state? If you’re Texas, you make it bigger and better. The $350 million River Improvements Project, which will extend the famed River Walk to a 13-mile route, “was a long time in coming,” said Steven Schauer, San Antonio River Authority spokesman.“This has been a vision for more than 10 years.” The completion of the first leg is scheduled for May 2009, when visitors will get to experience a part of the river they’ve never seen before. “The river barge traffic will go some additional miles and actually go through a lock and dam feature that will be a unique ride in itself.” (Think Panama Canal miniature.) Initially, northbound riders will be treated to stops at the San Antonio Museum of Art and the historic Pearl District. “The northern extension is really an outgrowth of the success of the downtown River Walk,” said Steven Clanton,VP of sales and services for the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Meanwhile, the nine-mile Mission Lexington St. Bridge will get “celebration of light” installation. Reach segment, set for December 2009 completion, will eventually snake southward to bring the four historic San Antonio missions into the River Walk fold, with hike and bike trails, ecosystem restoration, and 24,000 new trees.“There will be opportunities to do wonderful kinds of environmental projects,” said Kim Abernethy, executive director of the San Antonio River Foundation, the nonprofit responsible for pocket parks and public art, which brought in artists like Martin Richman (light) and Bill Fontana (sound) to transform bridges in the Museum Reach. The entire project will be finished in 2014, making the River Walk the country’s longest linear park. It is estimated to bring $1 billion in economic benefit to the area. “It will be a reason to come back for the people who have been here before,” said Clanton. Latin Flavor Heats Up Cuisine The meticulously restored Pearl Stable. Revived beauty. Renewed spirit. Classes at the newest campus of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) are heating up—literally. The “Latin Flavors, American Kitchens” conference kicks off Oct. 9-11 at the historic Pearl District for food-service professionals, highlighting the fastestgrowing ethnic food category. Food enthusiasts can get in on the act with programs of their own in December, said Sue Cussen, CIA special project director, with “A Taste of Mexico” and “Small Bites,” featuring antojitos—Mexico’s version of small plates.“‘Taste of Mexico’ will concentrate on the classical cuisine of Puebla and Oaxaca, using both traditional and modern techniques,” said Cussen.“Mexican food has become very Americanized. These programs will take participants back to its culinary roots.” One of the CIA’s most wellknown alum will be its new neighbor: Three-time James Beard nominee Andrew Weissman, who graduated from the Hyde Park, NY, campus, is opening Il Sogno (“The Dream”in Italian) in January, following critical success with Le Reve (“The Dream”in French). The 3,000sf restaurant will feature a floor-toceiling pasta window showcasing fresh dough being rolled and cut, al fresca dining on a landscaped courtyard patio, second-floor private dining, and a communal-style breakfast in the tradition of casual Italian cafes. CIA breaks ground in December on a 2010 facility that will have three kitchens and a bake shop. The goal is to make the area a cultural and culinary destination.“With the river going through the area, it will be perfect,” said Cussen. r —Section by Julie Catalano www.meetingnews.com elegance you’ve dreamed . Loc d the h elegance you’ve dreamed of. L ted at th historic amed d Located h Pearl Brewery. Conta t us for a private showing. Br we Brewery. Contact u tact private sh wi g A spirited event venue 20 MeetingNews October 6, 2008 http://www.pearlstable.com http://www.pearlstable.com http://www.pearlstable.com http://www.meetingnews.com http://www.meetingnews.com
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