WATERMARK HOTEL & SPA SERVES UP A $150 MARGARITA AS PART OF
ITS INNOVATIVE TEQUILA TASTING MENU
 
Award-winning Restaurant's Menu Showcases the Spirit's Sophisticated Side with "Sip Not Shot"
 
SAN ANTONIO, TX
   Initiating the newest trend in enjoying spirits, Pesca on the RiverŽ, located at the Mobil Four Star Watermark Hotel & SpaŽ in San Antonio, introduces a distinctive tequila tasting menu that will give spirit aficionados and novices alike the opportunity to experience the slight subtleties of tequila - from "smokey" to "peppery" - and to learn how to pair this stylish, distilled libation with sophisticated dishes - salt and lime not needed.
 
   With a popular, often unsavory reputation in the United States as a Spring Breaker's shot of choice, tequila is actually considered one of the most chic spirits in Mexico. (Despite urban legend, true tequila does not contain a worm in the bottle and is not made from a cactus plant). As a matter of fact, tequila tasting is a growing trend as seen in last year's first-ever introduction as an event at the renowned Aspen Food and Wine Festival.
 
   Pesca on the River has designed a tequila tasting menu that is unrivaled in Texas, listing several exclusive bottles, such as the 1800 Colección Especial that sells for $125 per glass, and the signature $100 "La Serena de Oro" (Golden Mermaid) Margarita featuring Don Julio Real, 100-year-Old Anniversary Grand Marnier, Port 20-year-Old Taylor Fladgate, and Hennessy Paradis.
 
   As of September 25, 2005, the signature $150 "Best Margarita in the World" is mixed and served to Pesca's guests tableside. Featuring a delectable mix of Rey Sol, 150-year-Old Anniversary Grand Marnier, Hennessy Paradis and Far Niente Dolce, the concoction is served in a souvenir hand-blown glass by local artist Gini Garcia, as is the "La Serena de Oro" margarita.
 
   "Tequilas have so much behind them but are yet undiscovered by most connoisseurs," says Luciano Ciorciari, Pesca on the River general manager. "We have 75 different bottles of tequila and tequila products, with a wide price range from $7 to $125 per glass."
 
   Pesca's tequila menu will expose patrons to an array of tequilas and associated products. A special feature on the menu is the Pesca Pearl Oyster Shooter. The bartender presents guests with a sleek, chrome shaker, chilled Cuervo Traditional Tequila, sangrita and a special oyster selection, allowing guests to mix the ingredients themselves. Also included on the list will be Blanco Tequilas, served Bandera style representing the "flag" of Mexico, enjoyed as a great apéritif to accompany oysters and shellfish, and Reposados, Añejos and Super Añejos, sipped as an after dinner beverage to substitute for brandy and cognac. Pesca is also featuring an entire cocktail menu based on tequila, including drinks such as 4 Tequinis, Tequila Mojitos, Mexican Coffee, Guerito, Chihuahua, Paloma Blanca, Charro Negro and Pesca Blue Martini. Varieties of Sotol and Mezcal, two authentic agave-derived liquors similar to tequila, top off Pesca's indulgent drink menu as regional Mexican features.
 
~Tequila Classifications ~
 
   No other libation has the legend and lore of tequila, the first distilled spirit in North America. Tequila, obtained from the hearts of the blue agave plants, received its name from its region of origin in Mexico; however, the name itself is still a mystery. Some say the term comes from the Nahuatl, a group of people that first inhabited the area, which translates to "the place of harvesting plants."
 
  • Plata or Blanco (Silver or White) - When the clear white tequila drips from the cooling coils of the alambique, it is called silver or plata, but is more commonly known as white or blanco. Blanco/Plata is clear tequila that is normally bottled right after distillation.

  • Joven or Suave (Young or Smooth) - After distillation, some producers allow the tequila to settle and finish for a few weeks in the tanks before bottling. Some add coloring or herbs which impart a pale golden color and then age it for one or two more months.

  • Reposado ("Rested") - The first definitive level of aging is termed reposado (rested) and mandates that the tequila remain in wooden containers for a period of two to 12 months. Generally, these tequilas are aged in large wooden tanks for three to nine months. The wood imparts color and flavorings to the tequila, which is commonly labeled as "Gold."

  • Añejo (Aged or Vintage) - Añejo (vintage) can only appear on bottles that contain tequila aged a minimum of one year. A year of resting in a cool bodega produces a smoother and more sophisticated taste, and American whiskey barrels, French oak casks, or cognac barrels are commonly used to age the tequila. Añejos are typically aged between one and three years. They are darker in color, more complex in flavor, and smoother than reposado tequilas.
 
~ Defining Luxury and Charm in the Heart of San Antonio's River Walk ~
 
   With stunning views of the tranquil River Walk, the acclaimed Watermark Hotel & Spa blends serene grandeur and relaxed sophistication, and features 99 elegant rooms, plus a 17,000-square-ft. spa, with 19 private treatment rooms, private Sanctuary Lounges and couple's treatment suites.
 
For further information or to make reservations, please visit www.watermarkhotel.com,
or call (800) 292-7300.
 
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