A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND TEQUILA SHOTS AT IRON CACTUS DALLAS

The headline isn’t an exaggeration. Our downtown Dallas location hosted its first Tequila Tour on April 26th for about 300 guests.  Our tequila partners served more than 1,000 tequila samples to attendees who were interested in finding the tequila that best suit their palate.

For $25 per ticket at the door/$20 in advance, guests received 10 tequila shots from a selection of different types of tequilas such as Silver, Reposado and Añejo among others, provided by 17 of our tequila partners. We also served a wide variety of cold and hot dishes served tapas style. Our entertainer for the evening, Colin Boyd, showed why he’s one of the hottest acts in town. After belting out his country-style rendition of Madonna’s Borderline and Neil Diamond’s classic, Sweet Caroline, the crowd was on their feet rocking to his music.  One guest said it was the best $25 he spent all year and we agree. In fact, we’ve even set aside $5 of every ticket sold for a local Dallas charity that we will announce in the future.

We’d like to thank all of our downtown Dallas team members for making it a successful first event for our famous Tequila Tour, which has been one of our most popular events at the Stonelake Blvd. location in Austin for several years now. We are also grateful to our tequila partners for participating and bringing the best tequilas they had to offer in addition to all the swag they gave away to ticketholders.

We wouldn’t have been able to pull off  our first Tequila Tour in downtown Dallas with this much fanfare and success without our loyal guests. So thank you for coming out and supporting us and we plan on making this a tradition at our Dallas location just as much as it is in our Stonelake Blvd. location.

To view the fun photos from that night, please like our Facebook page, and if you were at the event, feel free to tag yourself here.

Gary Manley
Mike Pottorff
General Partners
Iron Cactus

Iron Cactus Holds First Annual Tequila Tour in Dallas

IRON CACTUS BRINGS ITS POPULAR TEQUILA TOUR TO
DOWNTOWN DALLAS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS THURSDAY, APRIL 26

Dallas, TX, April 24, 2012 — Iron Cactus, an award-winning Margarita Bar and Mexican Grill is bringing its famous Tequila Tour to its downtown Dallas location on Thursday, April 26, at 6pm. Tickets for the event are priced at $20 if ordered in advance and $25 at the door. Five dollars for every ticket sold will benefit a local Dallas charity.

The Iron Cactus Tequila Tour will feature more than 40 different types of tequila. Each ticket includes 10 tequila tastings and appetizers. There are a limited number of tickets available so it is encouraged to purchase them in advance. Iron Cactus in downtown Dallas is located at 1520 Main St. Interested attendees can call (214) 749-4766 to order their tickets for the Tequila Tour.

“We are proud to bring our successful Tequila Tour to Dallas after many years of holding this annual event at our three Iron Cactus locations in Austin,” said Gary Manley, General Partner at Iron Cactus. “Tequila is fast becoming one of the most popular spirits of choice for many people of drinking age today and this is an opportunity for our guests in Dallas to learn more about premium tequila.”

The Tequila Tour brings together numerous tequila brands including Herradura, Patron, Avion and many others. Guests will have the opportunity to discover several types of tequilas that are best suited for their palates. The annual Tequila Tour in Austin Began in 1998 and is held every September at the Stonelake location in North Austin.

About Iron Cactus
Iron Cactus serves award-winning Mexican dishes and Premium hand crafted margaritas. The original restaurant opened on historic 6th Street in downtown Austin in 1996. Since then, Iron Cactus has grown to five locations including restaurants in Dallas and San Antonio, and two additional Austin locations. For the latest restaurant updates, “like” Iron Cactus on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ironcactusfan or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iron_cactus. More information about Iron Cactus can be found at http://ironcactus.com.

Be A Star

Ever dreamed about being marginally famous? Now’s your chance! Iron Cactus is doing a commercial and we’re asking for your help. Yes, you, reading this blog. If you’re reading this post, you’re worthy of a starring role!

Just like our food, we’re trying something a little different. Iron Cactus is a unique dining experience that attracts unique people like yourself – people passionate about our food. That’s kind of our thing. Well…that, and tequila. Oh…and our happy hour…you get the point. So, we wondered, why not celebrate these unique people by putting them in our commercial?

This is where you, reader and presumed eater/drinker, come in. Come into any Iron Cactus with your friends and enjoy your favorite food and drinks, as per usual. This time, though, record it. Take pictures or get it on video, the weirder, happier and more delicious, the better. Go nuts, whatever you want. Then email us your collected works of art at BeOnTV@ironcactus.com. 

That’s it. Sit back and wait as the trappings of fame gradually overwhelm your life and your only solace is lobster tacos and happy hour margaritas, which isn’t really so bad, if you think about it.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Caterer

We’ve been catering since 1995. We know it can be overwhelming to find a caterer that fits exactly what you want for your party or event. It’s not an easy task, so we put together some things to think about when hiring a caterer.

How is the food presented? Are we talking china & silverware or disposable plates and utensils? Make sure both parties understand completely the level of presentation provided. Do you want servers present at your event or do you just need the food dropped off?

Quantity vs. Quality?  For many cuisines, freshness is everything. How much food do you need for your event? Will your guests be starving or just need a light snack. (Tip: If you are serving alcohol at your event, you may want to consider going heavy on the food.) Many restaurants will offer very inexpensive menus. That usually means you are sacrificing either quality or quantity. Be aware of both.

Will you need bar service for your event? If so, what are the fees associated with bar service? Many places will charge extra for bar service, sometimes they will even charge you for ice. Make sure you ask very specifically about any charges associated with a catered bar. (Tip: Many venues will require a copy of TABC license for bars. Make sure you are certain your caterer can provide the pertinent documents.)

Have you read the contract? THOROUGHLY? Many caterers ask that you sign a long, sometimes involved, contract. Make sure you read every line of anything that you sign. If something is not clear, ask about it. (Tip: Make sure your caterer has liability insurance, for example.)

Do they cater only to limited occasions? Some caterers specialize in specific meals or times of day. Make sure they can deliver for your event at your time, and your meal.

Do they clearly state the costs up front? Catering costs should be clearly defined, and any additional costs should be made clear and agreed upon. For example, not every caterer will provide utensils, napkins, cups, etc. free of charge. Make sure you communicate your expectations clearly and receive a detailed estimate of how much everything costs.

Your event should be unforgettable for both you and your guests. Iron Cactus delivers a wide range of distinctly flavored, freshly served and beautifully presented catered events that include our unmatched tequila offerings. To learn more about how to make your catered event truly memorable, contact us.

Mezcal

Mezcal is a word that conjures up evocative images of old Mexico. It’s yet another reason why Mexico is unlike any other place. Like the land around it, Mezcal is a world steeped in myth and legend; an experience that connects us to a past realized in smoky wafts of oak and agave.
 
Describing it is like trying to describe the sound a cello makes to a deaf person. It has a fullness and subtlety that emerges slowly. Mezcal is as close as you can get to experiencing pure Mexico in a glass. It’s a mystical, earthy concoction, with roots deep in native culture. Its genius is in its unique creation, as true Mezcal is produced in small towns, located mostly in the state of Oaxaca.
 
Whereas Tequila is only produced from one type of agave plant, Mezca can be produced from different varieties. These differences, along with the closely-guarded recipes and secret preparation techniques are the primary reasons Mezcal has wildly varied tastes.
 
The most important difference from tequila is the smoke. After years of cultivating the agaves, which are grown on the sides of mountains, the pina, or the heart of the plant is buried and smoked over a bed of oak wood for several days. The oak-imparted, blackened heart is then crushed by an old stone wheel pulled by horses and donkeys to extract the precious liquid. The liquid is fermented, then distilled, usually twice, in copper vats, and secret ingredients are added. The Mezcal is then allowed to age in antiquated oak barrels, which provide further flavoring.
 
The result is nothing less than miraculous. The taste is everything Iron Cactus stands for: distinctiveness, authenticity, a spirit that can only be experienced and never quite explained.
 
Right now, Iron Cactus is proud to serve Wahaka Mezcal. Made by 5th generation “mezcaleros” from the small town of San Dionisio Ocotepec, in the state of Oxaaca, it’s as real as it gets. Come sip a a precious glass–you will be transported.
 

Iron Cactus Joins Soldiers’ Angels Tribute to Heroes and Angels

On March 9th, we participated in honoring our country’s wounded soldiers, veterans and active duty service men and women at the Soldiers’ Angels gala night titled, “A Tribute to Heroes and Angels.”  It was an amazing evening filled with pride among soldiers past and present who shared stories of their tours of duty, camaraderie and battles in the field. It didn’t matter whether they served in Vietnam or the current war in Afghanistan, the two things they all had in common were humility when described as heroes and pride when addressed as U.S. soldiers.

It was also a night to honor the “Angels” — all volunteers who live across different parts of the country, but united with a common goal–to assist in helping our military personnel who are in need. Today, there are more than 300,000 Soldiers’ Angels that provide everything from care packages sent overseas to adopting returning soldiers.


Rocky Bleier

One of the night’s honorees was Rocky Bleier who was awarded the Don McKay Award, which is given annually to a veteran that exemplifies volunteerism, dedication and support to our veterans and service members. He was also the keynote speaker and he did say that many won’t recognize his name. He is, however, a legend who was drafted in 1968 to go to Vietnam after playing his rookie season with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bleier was hit with a bullet in his left thigh when his platoon was ambushed and was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Upon returning the U.S., he was told by medical experts that he won’t be able to play football professionally again because of his injury. Well, the fighting spirit of the American soldier is far more too powerful than medical experts.  Bleier spent two years trying to regain a spot on the Steelers’ active roster and was waived a couple of times. But an intensive training regimen and never surrender attitude during the off season brought Bleier back.

From that point in time, he was in the Steelers starting lineup and won four Super Bowl victories highlighted by the famous catch from NFL legend QB Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII, which gave the Steelers the lead that it never relinquished. At the end of his career, Bleier was the fourth all-time rusher in Steelers history.


Tim Kennedy

That’s the kind of story that makes all of us proud to be Americans. It is why Iron Cactus is proud to support our troops. We are humbled and honored to have a partnership with Soldiers’ Angels. We will keep you posted on upcoming events with them in San Antonio. If you’d like to donate directly to Soldiers’ Angels, please visit http://soldiersangels.org.  

In the immortal words of Soldiers’ Angels founder, Patti Patton-Bader, the grandniece of a true American hero, General George S. Patton:

“May No Soldier go Unloved.
May No Soldier Walk Alone.
May No Soldier Be Forgotten,
Until they all come home”

 

Yours truly,
Gary Manley
Mike Pottorff
Managing Partners
Iron Cactus

 

 

Learn more about any of our locations:
Dallas, Austin, San Antonio

3rd Annual Party on the Patio

Start Spring fresh at our 3rd  Annual Party on the Patio at Iron Cactus on Stonelake Boulevard.

March 27th, 2012

Join us as we grill up some enticing favorites and chill to the Flamenco sounds of David “El Masseo” Massey playing from 6 to 9pm.  Tequila tasting with Milagro tequila!   Add our award-winning margaritas, and Spring will never be the same.

Iron Cactus Plays Host to SXSW Celebrities, Attendees and Partygoers

Since opening in 1996, our Iron Cactus location on 6th St. has become one of the most popular destinations for SXSW celebrities, attendees and partygoers. The amount of traffic we get from out-of-towners have grown each year. This year has been no different and we love showcasing all our dishes to guests who have never had a chance to try real Tex-Mex cuisine. That’s why Iron Cactus on 6th St. has become the unofficial restaurant and margarita bar during SXSW.

Since SXSW officially kicked off last Friday, March 9th, we’ve already seen a tremendous amount of activity on our 6th St. location. We hosted the popular pair known in the film industry as Jay and Silent Bob i.e. award-winning filmmaker and actor Kevin Smith and his trusted sidekick, Jay Mewes. Both are from New Jersey where I was born so in a way I connect with them. With them was actor Matthew Lillard, who is known for his heart-wrenching performance in Scream as well as the lovable Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo movies.

With our growth as part of the historical 6th St. of downtown Austin, we want to say thanks to all of you come to visit us. We truly enjoy seeing everyone have a great time during SXSW and hearing feedback on your social networks about how you enjoyed your experience. So continue to check in on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Instagram and all the other social networking apps available today.

In the meantime, if you’re curious what the most popular SXSW dishes are throughout the years, here’s our very own Mark Nevarez, Director of Operations, and Executive Chef Adam Guerra on Good Day Austin. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this. They share the secret to making our famous table side guacamole. This way, when you crave for a little Iron Cactus when you get back home, you can try to make it yourself.

Recipe: Table Side Guacamole: MyFoxAUSTIN.com

 

Learn more about any of our locations:
Dallas, Austin, San Antonio

A Special Guest for a Special Cause

This past week, we had a very special guest at the Iron Cactus on Sixth Street. Maddie joined us on Wednesday afternoon on our outdoor patio for a margarita and chips. While that doesn’t sound terribly unusual, Maddie is actually a Yellow Labrador, and she was there to help create a great new TV commercial for our friends at the Austin Animal Center.

Austin Animal Center is trying to impress upon people the importance of tagging and microchipping their pets, so if animals get lost, they can be returned to their owners. The idea of the TV spot was to feature Maddie whimsically enjoying popular, iconic Austin locations, and finally being returned to her owner, thanks to her microchipping and tags. So Maddie spent a day getting a trim at Birds Barbershop, catching a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, paddle-boarding on Lady Bird Lake, listening to a lively street musician on South Congress, and enjoying chips and an afternoon drink from her “margarita bowl” with us at the Iron Cactus. (Animal activists relax; Maddie’s marg was actually just water; although, the ones enjoyed by the creative team from MOSAK Advertising & Insights were very much the real thing and very much enjoyed!)

Maddie joined us for a couple of hours upstairs on the rooftop patio being served by Danielle. Besides working at the Iron Cactus, Danielle is an actress, and she smoothly delivered her lines and margaritas with the friendly service upon which we pride ourselves. Everyone else, from bartenders to managers, also contributed. As animal lovers, we are always happy to help out for a good cause, and the Austin Animal Center is certainly making life better for these animals, their owners and our fellow Austinites. The spot should be running soon and will be posted at AustinAnimalCenter.org.

Austin Animal Center recently opened their new location on the east side at 7201 Levander Loop, and you can have your pet tagged and microchipped there. It’s easy and painless. You’ll also be able to view the spot on the Austin Animal Center Facebook page, as well as our Facebook page. Look for the spot and we’ll look for you on our outdoor patio overlooking Sixth Street, at our North Austin location on Stonelake or at the Hill Country Galleria restaurant enjoying a tasty marg. As Maddie can attest, “it’s a great place to hang out.”

Mix It & Win

We wanted to do something fun to celebrate National Margarita Day. So we decided to search for the best original margarita recipe through our Facebook page!

February 12 – February 18, fans of Iron Cactus can submit their best margarita recipe via a form on the Iron Cactus Facebook Page for a chance to win gift cards and have their margarita recipe served at Iron Cactus!

The top three recipes will be selected by our seasoned Tequilogists and available to try at any of our five Iron Cactus locations between February 22 (National Margarita Day!) and February 28. Guests can then vote for their favorite recipe through a Facebook voting feature. On February 29, the winning margarita recipe will be announced and added on Iron Cactus’ menu for the entire month of March. Milagro Blanco tequila will be used when making the top three recipes and the winning recipe in March.

“We enjoy hearing feedback from our guests about our margaritas at our restaurants and on Facebook,” said Gary Manley, General Partner at Iron Cactus. “This is an opportunity for our guests of drinking age to showcase their talents beyond their private parties, and at the same time, have a chance for their original recipe be served at an award-winning restaurant and margarita bar.”

The winning recipe creator will also receive a $200 Iron Cactus gift card. Second and third place will receive a $100 gift card each.

We take our margaritas seriously here at Iron Cactus, so here’s your chance to show us your masterful skills. Starting February 12, log onto the Iron Cactus Facebook Page and impart your mixology wisdom and your favorite margarita recipes!

« Older Entries