Lifestyle

SAN MARCOS, Texas - A person was exposed to a bat that tested positive for rabies after it flew into their hair while they were walking outside, the City of San Marcos reported. According to a press release Friday, on Oct. 15, San Marcos Animal Protection officers received a report...

The San Marcos community is poised to see a sizeable expansion in its grocery sector, as the City Council has approved an economic development incentive agreement for a new H-E-B store, per a recent decision broadcasted by both CBS Austin. This accord paves the way for a 100,000-square-foot grocery store, slated to manifest itself at the bustling southeast intersection of I-35 and McCarty Lane.

BUDA — Two months ago, Mujalin Phaunprasert took a leap of faith and moved to Austin to start Thai Q, an authentic Thai food truck. Phaunprasert has loved cooking since she was young, but more importantly, she has always enjoyed sharing food with others. For 20 years, she resided in Florida, where she worked in a restaurant in an attempt to fill this desire, but she knew that, deep down, she wanted more. Knowing her love of cooking, her friends often encouraged her to start her own restaurant, but Phaunprasert knew that this would be a big endeavor. “I have experience in the restaurant, but I [was] not the owner … Last time I tried to think [about opening] a restaurant, if it’s a big restaurant, I know that is a lot more cost … Then, my son told me, ‘Oh, mom. Maybe you should try to open the food truck,’” explained the owner. The food truck was an affordable way that would allow Phaunprasert and her husband, Nick Insuwannao, to balance work and home life — which includes making weekly meals for Buddhist temples in Austin — with a steady two days off, while achieving their dream. So, when her son called her to let her know that there was an availability at The Outskirts Eatery, located at 1095 FM 1626, Buda, Phaunprasert and her husband spontaneously packed up their lives and moved to Austin. The name “Thai Q,” chosen by her husband, is something quick and easy to say, while also being memorable, explained Phaunprasert. Several famous Thai dishes are available on the menu, ranging from $4 to $15: • Thai iced tea: freshly brewed black tea, topped with evaporated milk • Tom Yum soup: spicy lemongrass-based soup • Thai spring roll: stuffed with vegetables, fried and served with plum sauce • Pad Thai: thin rice noodles, with egg, beansprouts, peanut, scallions and shallots sautéed in Pad Thai sauce • Red curry: red curry paste, coconut milk, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, sweet peas and Thai basil, served with white rice Among these dishes are also Phaunprasert’s favorites: Pad see-ew and the Green papaya salad. Additionally, the dishes can be customized for the spice level. The recipes are a combination of family, taught to her by her mother, as well as Phaunprasert’s own, as she has learned throughout her adulthood. Now, settled in, Thai Q celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 9. The authentic Thai cuisine is “simply delicious” and “made with the freshest ingredients," according to its website. Her husband also works at the food truck, while their son aids with the technological side of the business. Because this is their first time owning a food truck, Phaunprasert admits it is a bit nerve-wracking, but that she is excited for what is to come. In the future, she wants to experiment with creating her own dishes, such as a salmon curry, and have weekly specials that will provide a unique experience for customers. “If I’m lucky, maybe I can make more money. If I make more money, okay, I’m lucky, but I’m not wanting that … I like to make the food I like for the customer,” emphasized Phaunprasert. The food truck is open: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit https://thai-q.square.site , Thai Q on Facebook or @thaiq.atx on Instagram.

Residents looking to expand their family with a four-legged friend might look no further than the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, where two "Pets of the Week" are ready to potentially find their forever homes. Pumbaa, a one-year-old canine companion, boasts skills in basic commands and shows an eager-to-please attitude ideal for pet owners seeking a loving addition to their household. Offering companionship with a side of enthusiasm, Pumbaa seems to be a dog that could quickly become a loyal and joyful member of any pack.

Pictured, the AMVETS color guard begins the parade to celebrate 144 years of Kyle. PHOTO BY BRITTANY KELLEY The Heavenly Dragon Lion Dance Team brought traditional Chinese dragons to greet the crowd. PHOTO BY BRITTANY KELLEY Representing the Lehman High School Lobos was the football team. Pictured, a member waves to the children on the sidewalk. PHOTO BY BRITTANY KELLEY Community members line the street on Oct. 12 for the Kyle Founder’s Parade, where floats entered by local businesses and organizations soon filled the road. PHOTO BY BRITTANY KELLEY

SAN MARCOS – Texas State University Division of Dance presents “Leaving the Light On”, Oct. 24th to 26th starting at 7:30 p.m. in Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre. Audiences can expect an evening of dance and music with featured work by alumni, students, and faculty. This program is the 40th anniversary of Opening Door Dance Theatre celebrating alumni and anyone who has contributed to the dance department.

Deep in the heart of Texas, specifically Dripping Springs, sits a spot dedicated to bringing people together for carefree good times. The Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room has been an outpost for stellar vibes and even better drinks since opening just outside of the brand’s hometown of Austin, Texas in 2014. Since its creation, the Tasting Room has opened its doors to thousands of thrill seekers hailing from Texas to Timbuktu. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Deep Eddy will open its doors to the community for a FREE, 4-day celebration of its local roots, lively spirit, and high-quality vodka.

‘To Encourage, Foster, Promote and Nurture the Arts in the San Marcos Community”—that is the mission of the San Marcos Art League (SMAL) and part of why the Art Scared exhibit has become an annual tradition. The 5th Annual Art Scared event will take place on Oct. 19 at 8:30 a.m. in the San Marcos Downtown Square in celebration of Halloween festivities.

Bayle's will open next to The Marc nightclub on The Square in San Marcos. (Courtesy Andrew Ray) Bayle’s, a lounge-style bar created in honor of a former Texas State University student who died in 2022, will open on The Square in late October. The background. Co-owners Andrew Ray and...

The M-16 roll ($15.50) is a bestseller. (Courtesy Koy Chinese and Sushi) Ten years after opening Koy Chinese and Sushi in 2011, Frank Lai retired to Malaysia with family in 2021. Today, two of his sons, Jun and Wayne Lai, now co-own and run the restaurant. A family affair. Jun...

Abbott's Frozen Custard serves custard, milkshakes, sundaes and more. (Sarah Hernandez/Community Impact) Abbott's Frozen Custard is now scooping out sweet treats in Kyle. The Kyle location is one of five Abbott's Frozen Custard locations currently open in Texas. The dessert shop has indoor and outdoor seating and a drive thru. According to the general manager, a grand opening is in the works.

African Eats and Market sells plantain fufu flour mix. (Amira Van Leeuwen/Community Impact) African Eats and Market—a small grocer that specializes in African food items—opened its doors to the San Marcos community on Oct. 9. The store, located at 1330 Aquarena Springs Drive, Ste. 103, is owned by...