Waves October 2023

Anniversary Year Edition

BURKE’S BRIEFS

October 2023

Happy October Wavers! This month, we are celebrating our Waves Magazine’s 6th Year Anniversary! It’s been an incredible journey from a mere idea to a successful publication. We are immensely grateful to our loyal readers and advertisers who have been with us since the very beginning and those who joined us along the way.

I would like to express my personal gratitude to Chris and Tiffany Bergeron, who are the backbone of Waves magazine and have contributed immensely to its success. Special thanks to the special lady in my life, Lynda Watson, for her tireless proofing and editing each month.

Special thanks go to our fantastic advertisers. Their loyalty over the years is so appreciated! Thank you all so much! Everyone be sure and give them your business. They deserve it.

To the left of this page is a list of all our talented and gifted contributors responsible for making Waves Magazine your

go-to source for Galveston entertainment and information. Our team is second to none! Thanks to all of you!

Now, it’s time to celebrate! You are all invited to our Waves Magazine 6th Year Anniversary Party on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Roll N venue, located at 8305 Stewart Road. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy the fantastic live music by Chris Bergeron and his multi-talented band, Stranded. Pitmaster Dave Martinez will also be cooking up some of the best BBQ you have ever tasted. It’s going to be an unforgettable night, and we can’t wait to see you there!

As always, we encourage you to support our local businesses by buying local. See you around the island and at our Waves Social Party.

October 11th, 6:30p to 9:30p

Lynda Watson and Mike Burke Tiffany and Christopher Bergeron

PET Corner

On the Hummingbird Highway

September and October bring thousands of aerial acrobats through Galveston on their way to winter territory in Central America. The fall migration routes of Ruby-throated hummingbirds include the coast of Texas with Galveston Island being one of their most traveled.

Hummingbirds are one of nature’s most amazing creatures holding many records. Some of these records include birds that lay the smallest eggs, have the fastest heart rate of any bird, and are the only birds that can fly backward. Their little hearts and wings beat up to one thousand times per minute. Their metabolism is so active that while in flight they must feed every ten to fifteen minutes. Their main food sources are flower nectar and the small insects that live around the plants. Because they visit so many flowers each day, each bird can pollinate thousands of plants in their 3-to-5-year lifespan. At night when they are at rest, they enter a state called “torpor” where their heart and metabolic rate slows down to conserve energy. As soon as the sun rises, they are back to work visiting hundreds of flowers.

After raising their young in the northern United States and southern Canada, they head south feeding along the way to their warm winter home in the tropics. The journey can be up to two thousand miles with the birds covering around twenty-five miles per day. They fly further on days in which they can take advantage of strong tailwinds. As we see cool fronts come our way this time of year, most of the

hummers are airborne heading south riding the north wind. The journey can be dangerous with numerous predators like snakes, spiders, owls, blue jays, and our pet cats. Even the sting from one bee may be fatal to one of these tiny birds.

Sadly, many hummingbirds die after striking the glass of our homes thinking there is a clear opening. In drought years like 2023, the nectar supply may be reduced due to fewer flowering plants causing some hummingbirds to starve during their migration. Perhaps the bumper crop of hummers we had at our house this year is a result of fewer flowers in their natural habitat. Even more of a reason to put out feeders for the little guys.

Although by press time many hummingbirds have moved on from Galveston, there will still be late migrators and stragglers during October. It’s not too late to put out a feeder to give these birds a big energy boost during their visit to the island. What a treat for us to sit out on a beautiful autumn day on our island watching these tiny marvels of nature take a meal and joust with each other. Cheap relaxation therapy while helping one of Earth’s amazing animals.

Directions For Hummingbird Feeder Solution

• Mix 1 part white granulated sugar and 4 parts water.

• Boil the mixture and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

• Cool before placing it in the feeder.

• Never use food coloring or any artificial sweeteners.

• Store in the refrigerator.

Hummingbird feeders are sold in basic feeder designs to beautiful additions to your garden and are inexpensive.

Hummingbird-friendly plants for Galveston Gardens

WWW.PATCHCOGALVESTON.COM

Richard D. Henderson, DVM Galveston Veterinary Clinic 2108 61st Street Galveston, TX 77551

Lantana Salvia Jatropha HameliaEsperanza

Happy October everyone. This month, Oktoberfest in Germany and Wurstfest in New Braunfels, TX, are in full effect. All the music, fun, and food is always a joy. You can make your Octoberfest feasts at home with a few easy traditional recipes. Some of these are a sausage pita, potato soup, and sausage on a stick. Let’s get into it!

Sausage with Sauerkraut in a Pita

Ingredients

• Package of Bratwurst (it’s the white sausage)

• One jar of Claussen’s sauerkraut

• Pita bread (sliced in half)

• Half of an onion, diced finely

• Half of a bell pepper, diced finely (optional)

• Beer and water

• Mustard (simple yellow mustard will do, or if you like spicy mustard, then use that)

Directions

Boil the Bratwurst in the Beer and water. Drain the sauerkraut and pour in a pan. Add the onions and bell pepper. Sautee.

How to assemble - Place your boiled Bratwurst in the pita pocket. Then add your mustard and top off with your sauerkraut mixture. *Of course, this recipe can be doubled or tripled depending on how many people you are having over for your feast.

Potato Soup

Ingredients

• Diced potatoes (use your judgment of how many people are coming when it comes to the amount)

• 1 onion, chopped

• Milk

• Butter

• Grated cheddar cheese

• Bacon bits (optional)

Directions

Boil potatoes with the onions till tender. Drain off most of the water keeping just enough to cover the top of the potatoes. Pour in some milk, add butter, and mash. If you like creamy soup, use a handheld blender and whip. Top with cheese and bacon bits.

Sausage on a Stick

Ingredients

• Sausage (I use Eckrich Beef sausage)

• Wood skewers

• Mustard

Directions

Push the skewers into the sausage. Place on your grill and cook, turning them as they cook. Pull off the grill and pour on your mustard.

Well, that’s it for this month. Put on some polka music, eat, drink, and dance the night away!!! Zicke, Zacke, Zicke, Zacke, Hoi, Hoi, Hoi. Prost!!!

PET PEEVES

Of The Month

Obnoxious Seat Savers and Chair Hogs

Most of us have had this happen more than once. We arrive at a venue that is open seating or general admission. We scan the area and find ourselves a couple of vacant seats. As we proceed to the empty seats and prepare to sit down, some obnoxious person begins to tell us that the empty seats are all saved. Oh, really now?

They look pretty vacant to us! Then the person begins to tell us, often rudely, that the seats are all saved for their friends who haven’t even arrived at the venue yet. Our answer to this is to sit down. If their friends wanted those seats, they should have shown up before we arrived and secured them. First come, first served.

Another horrible situation is the “Chair Hogs” that you find on the deck of a cruise ship. As any traveler who has been on a cruise can attest, the early bird gets the deck chair. Some of the annoying, self-entitled, pain in the rear-end passengers rise at the crack of dawn and plop down newspapers, towels, and bags to lay claim to prized deck chairs with primo locations.

They then leave their chairs throughout the day while they go take naps, feed their face, or hit the casino expecting that the chairs will be theirs when they return.

hogs try to pull this stunt on us?

NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!

Our special thanks go out to the awesome Carnival Cruise Line for taking terrific measures to stop all of this. Designed to ensure that all guests have access to deck chairs, dedicated crew members have been allocated to monitor chair usage.

Unoccupied deck chairs will have a notification placed on them with the time that the chair was vacated. If the chair remains unoccupied for 40 minutes, a crew member will remove any belongings and take them to the towel station for safekeeping freeing up the chair for others to enjoy - as it should be.

Let’s hope that more companies adopt this kind

practice!

Re l ati o nshipAd v ic e with Jan & Dean

Hi Jan and Dean. I’m having a difficult time with my parents right now. It has to do with my ex-husband. My then-husband and I went through a difficult divorce as he cheated on me numerous times over the 10 years we were married. Here is where it ties in. My parents have Dave over for dinner at least once a month. They really like him!! They think he’s a great guy. Now they have informed me that they are having his girlfriend come over too! To top it off, she is one of the many he cheated on me with when we were married. I am speechless. I told them I was really upset, but they said that it was our problem, not theirs. They enjoy his company and he is welcome in their home. Well, I feel betrayed. This man crushed my heart! I would think that they would hate him as much as I do. I haven’t spoken to them for a while. I don’t think this is right. I want your opinions, please. - Furious Fannie

sounds like a complete tool for creating this division between you and your family. It also sounds like Ma and Pa have very little respect for you, your feelings, or your future well-being.

I

you for being upset. I would be furious too. These are your parents!! They should put your feelings first! How they think this is okay, and say it was your problem with him is unbelievable, and ruthless as far as I’m concerned. I feel for you, I really do. Until your parents come to reality, I hate to say, I would write them off for now. Quit stewing over it, go out with your friends, socialize, and quit thinking about it. Maybe in the meantime, you might find some lucky fella that will take your mind completely off this mess. Good luck Fannie. I’m in your corner. (PS, if you do meet a heartthrob, don’t harp on your situation. He doesn’t want to hear that).

My advice: tell your parents to have a magnificent time entertaining Dave and his girlfriend. Wish them all the happiness in the world. Then forget about all of them for a while. Nasty situations always come to pass sooner or later, and this sounds like a doozie. Fortunately, you have a choice not to be there when the snakes slither out of their skin. Understand that it’s OK to distance yourself from toxic people and toxic environments, even if it is your parents. Distance yourself, clear your mind, and have some fun being single after 10 years of wedlock. Wishing you well!

I agree with Jan on this one. An ex is just that, an ex. It’s absolutely insane that your parents think it’s okay to continue a relationship with someone who hurt their daughter in any manner. It kind of makes you question if they may have known he was being adulterous during your marriage and chose to overlook it because they like the guy. It sounds to me like Dave has very little common sense or decency. He

don’t blame

ON FITNESS

Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Owner, 640 Fit Personal Training

10 Reasons You Should Be Eating An Apple A Day

It may not feel like fall yet, but Mother Nature says it’s peak apple-picking season this month. You probably know the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But are apples really that good for you? It didn’t work out so well for the naïve, ever-trusting Snow White. But assuming you don’t have an evil stepmom who can turn herself into an old woman peddling killer fruit, apples are one of the most delicious and healthy fruits you can eat.

But first, a little history of the beloved apple. Approximately 750,000 years ago, early Paleolithic food gatherers in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, discovered sour crab apples growing wild in the forest. Eight thousand years ago, Neolithic farmers in Asia cultivated wild apples. Circa 1300 BC, Egyptians began planting orchards along the Nile Delta. 800 BC, Ancient Greeks learned grafting techniques. 200 BC, Ancient Romans planted apple orchards in Britain. And then, around the 1500s-1600s, Spaniards brought apples to Mexico and South America. Finally, in the late 1700s, John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, the true legendary sower of apple seeds, spent 50 years walking throughout the American countryside planting apple seeds.

To date, there are 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide—2,500 of which are grown in the United States.

Many of the health benefits of apples are due to their rich source of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants help to break down and neutralize harmful free radical compounds within our body. Free radicals can rise due to many things, such as exposure to polluted air and simply the aging process. Incorporating antioxidant-rich

foods, like apples, in your daily meal plan can promote better health by preventing the free radicals that build up.

Be sure to eat your apples with the peel ON! Peels are packed with nutrients. In fact, a raw apple with skin contains up to 332% more vitamin K, 142% more vitamin A, 115% more vitamin C, 20% more calcium, and up to 19% more potassium than a peeled apple.

Here are ten compelling reasons to include apples in your daily food intake:

Apples promote gut health. Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Quercetin stops the harmful microbes from growing in your gut. Your gut microbiota plays an essential role in your overall health and well-being.

Apples protect your heart. Eating one medium apple daily may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, supporting a healthy heart. In a study of nearly 40,000 people, those who ate apples were 13% to 22% less likely to develop heart disease than those who skipped the fruit.

Apples can strengthen your lungs. Research has shown that regularly eating apples may help promote lung function. For example, consuming five or more apples per week is associated with greater lung function and a reduced risk of developing COPD. Again, this may be due to the high concentration of antioxidants in apples, including flavonoids and vitamin C.

Apples protect your brain. A 2014 study found that fruit, like apples, containing a compound called fisetin may prevent Alzheimer’s and protect against memory loss. Identified only ten years ago, fisetin has been linked to fighting cancer and diabetes and is only now being praised for its brain-boosting powers.

Apples support your immune system. The quercetin in the apple peel is a type of plant pigment flavonoid that helps boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. According to multiple studies, eating apples lowers c-reactive proteins in your blood, indicating that chronic inflammation is improving.

Apples can help manage diabetes. Eating apples regularly can reduce insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar levels. This is because the polyphenols stimulate your pancreas to release insulin and help your cells take in sugar.

Apples promote bone health. Due to a unique bone-building phytonutrient called phloridzin, apples can help improve bone density and reduce bone breakdown for women after menopause.

Apples assist with weight management. Each medium apple contains approximately 4.5 grams of fiber. This fiber can slow digestion, so you feel fuller after eating, which can keep you from overeating.

Apples may keep asthma at bay. According to research, apples are associated with a lower risk of asthma and increased lung function. Experts speculate that those fabulous phytochemicals apply anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs and airways, reducing

wheezing and other asthma symptoms.

Apples defend against certain cancers. Different observational studies have found that including fiber-rich apples as part of a nourishing diet can help reduce the risk of cancers such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and forms of breast cancer. This is most likely due to the antioxidants in apples, which provide anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. One extensive study of 77,000 people found that those who ate at least one apple daily had a lower risk of lung cancer.

Apples are found in nearly every supermarket and farmer’s market. You can toss them into lunchboxes, include them in salads, and add them to charcuterie boards.

And who knew that the humble apple had so many amazing health benefits? It can extend your years on this planet and protect against chronic diseases that can take a toll on daily life. Eat them whole or have fun with fresh, creative apple recipes; just don’t take one dripping with green goo from the old hag who knocks on your door!

CHRIS BOTTI

Sat, Oct 14, 2023 | 8 PM

Grammy Award ® -winning master trumpeter and composer!

SILENT FILM WITH ROB LANDES: DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE

Fri, Oct 27 | 8 PM

Landes’ magical underscoring of this film will transport you!

RONAN TYNAN — AN EVENING OF SONG

Sat, Oct 28, 2023 | 8 PM

Former member of The Irish Tenors!

Barbie Botox

The Latest Beauty Craze

BY: DR. TARA WEGRYN

Ever wish you had a longer neck and slimmer shoulders? Many women are achieving this through a procedure that is being called “Barbie Botox” as it can give you a more doll-like appearance.

The procedure was originally devised to aid the release of overworked trapezius muscles which can cause migraines, neck tightness, pain, and stress. This procedure can also have a slimming effect on the neck by lowering the trapezius muscle which can lead to a longer appearing neck.

How quickly do you see results after trapezius injection with Botox? For pain and tightness, Botox results can usually be seen in a matter of days. Aesthetic results including slimming of the neck, softening the appearance of the shoulders, and creating a more delicate physique can take up to a month.

How much Botox is used and how long does it last? Doses commonly used for this large muscle are 20u-40u per side. Results usually last 3-4 months.

Is Botox in the trapezius common and are there any complications? Botox in the trapezius is getting a lot more common as more people find out about it, both for relief of muscle pain and tension and for its aesthetic potential to elongate the appearance of the neck and soften the shoulders. Appropriate placement of Botox is important in this area to avoid interfering with your ability to hold your head up properly.

So, what’s next, “Ken Botox”? Well, yes. Some say that the new blockbuster movie, Barbie, has brought attention to and more acceptance of Botox for men, or BRO-TOX. I definitely have clients who are men from many different walks of life including salesmen, teachers, and surgeons who get Botox!

It is always my pleasure to help you to ” Look Fresh and Feel Confident”. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist and a member in good standing with the IAPAM (International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine). Dr. Wegryn received her MD from the University of Florida and residency in Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic. In 1996, Dr. Wegryn founded Houston Neuromonitoring, a successful intraoperative monitoring company that served the surgical community at the TMC (Texas Medical Center) for over 17 years.

Dr. Tara Wegryn is currently the director/ owner of Refresh Medispa in

If you have any questions about aesthetic medicine or Refresh Medispa, please send them to Drtara@refreshmedidayspa.com and she will try to answer them in future articles!

Bob Rohan, or as he is known in Texas “Bad Bob”, has been playing the fiddle and singing in various groups for over 30 years in Texas, and has opened for Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Carlene Carter and John Conley to name a few. Bob has played in bands that have backed up country legends like Hank Thompson, Ray Price, Jack Greene, Pam Tillis, and Dale Watson.

Along with songwriting, Bob is also a talented cartoonist and has a self syndicated comic strip titled “Buffalo Gals”. The comic feature is about two cowgirls “Bess Winchester” and “Connie Cheyenne”. The comic strip was inspired after playing with “The Hays County Gals and Pals” a cowgirl western group that toured through Texas, Oklahoma and as far west as Elko, Nevada. Bob has won The Wisconsin State Fiddle Championship and has been nominated several times from The Academy of Western Artists for Best Cowboy Cartoonist.

www.badbobrohan.com

We need a drink Top Three Herbs

Man, what a summer! This summer was brutal and I think we all need a drink! It just so happens that herbs and alcohol have a long and storied past and are living happily ever after. Let’s take a look at the easiest herbs to grow to use as cocktail mixers.

#1- Mint

Yep, mint has long been used in mixing refreshing adult beverages. There are so many types of mint, you might be asking which one is the right one? That all depends on your taste buds. The decision of which mint to grow for use in your cocktails is completely up to your taste buds.

To help you decide, here are a few tips:

Sweet mints: Lemon Balm, Candy Mint, Peppermint, & Yerba Buena (which means the “good herb”. I of course, always thought that title went to another herb, but I could have been misinformed).

Sharp mints: Spearmint and Wintergreen

When growing your own mints, use pots- unless you like the idea of mint in every corner of your garden and sprouting in your lawns.

#2- Rosemary

They say rosemary is for remembrance- unless you mix it with vodka. Rosemary can be added to simple drinks like a Tom Collins to give it a kick. Just make a simple syrup from the Rosemary and add it until it tastes right to you. Rosemary grows happily in sandy soils and just loves island life.

#3- Lemon Verbena

This herb is a little unusual and not as easy to find as mint or rosemary, but it is worth the effort! Like the other two herbs, it is

a perennial and has multiple uses. There isn’t a cocktail around that doesn’t benefit from the sweet, citrusy pop bestowed by this plant. Lemon Verbena is another herb that enjoys the heat and doesn’t mind the humidity. It’s a pretty addition to a garden and grows easily in a pot.

Each of these herbs also makes great-tasting lemonades and teas if alcohol is a no-go for you.

Mint Julep

Rosemary

Rosemary Cocktail

Lemon Verbena

Fun Facts Historical Galveston

By: Thomas Waggoner

Famous Family Names of the island

Happy Days Wavers! This month I thought we would take a look at some of the famous family names of Galveston. So, let’s jump right in with the name Galveston itself.

Galveston got its name from the Spanish Colonial governor Bernardo de Galvez. Fun Fact: Galvez ordered the first survey of the Texas Gulf Coast in 1786. Galvez never stepped foot on the island; it was the surveyor, Jose de Evia, who named Galveston Bay in his honor, which later led to the name of the island.

Henry Martyn Robert - May 2, 1837 - May 11, 1923

H enry retired from the Army on May 2, 1901. Following retirement, he chaired the board of engineers that designed the Galveston Island seawall. Fun Fact: He also developed Robert’s Rules of Order.

George Mitchell - May 21, 1919 – July 26, 2013

G alveston-born oilman, George Mitchell, led the revitalization effort that focused on overhauling the Historic Downtown District. Fun Fact: The H istoric District contains one of the largest Victorian iron-front commercial architectures in the country.

Tilman Fertitta

Tilman Joseph Fertitta was born in Galveston, Texas. Fertitta redeveloped the pleasure pier in Galveston after the pier closed from damage by Hurricane Ike. The pier reopened in 2012 as the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The redeveloped pier includes an amusement park, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant, as well as numerous shops. Fun Fact: Tilman Fertitta’s first major development on the i sland was The Key Largo Hotel.

William Lewis Moody

T he Moody family’s financial success dates to the years following the Civil War, when Col. William Lewis Moody (1828 - 1920) established a cotton, wool, and mercantile business on Galveston Island.

John H. Hutchings

In 1845, John H. Hutchings formed a partnership with John Sealy and George Ball, creating Ball, Hutchings, and Company. Fun Fact: Hutchi ngs negotiated the bonds to construct the first bridge across the bay and was instrumental in improving Galveston’s harbor.

Isaac Harris Kempner, John Sealy, and George Ball

A fter the Civil War, all three men recognized that Galveston was where they would have an opportunity to find their fortunes. John Sealy helped organize the Galveston Gas Company. Kempner had turned his

attention to the economic problems of the cotton farmers and established a wholesale grocery that became one of the largest in Texas. George Ball would convince the city to donate land on which he would build a large school for the island. Fun Fact: Ball High School was named in h onor of George Ball. It had a total of 200 students in grades 8-12, two offices, and an auditorium. Fun Fact: Sealy left $50,000 to be used for “a charitable purpose.” His wife, Rebecca, decided to build The John Sealy Hospital in Galveston which opened in 1890. Fun Fact: Isaac Kempner’s eldest son, Isaac Herbert Kempner, would go on to found Imperial Sugar.

The Maceo brothers.

Two major figures in Galveston’s history were the businessmen, power brokers, and crime bosses named Sam and Rosario Maceo. They ran the chief casinos and clubs on the island and were heavily involved in local politics and the tourism industry. The Balinese Room and the Hollywood Dinner Club were both popular clubs they owned. Fun Fact: Previously n amed the Sui Jen Café, it was known for its oriental name and decorations. Local lore claims that the Maceos decided to rename and renovate the café after learning about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Fun Fact: The Hollywood Diner was the first club in the nation to use air conditioning.

Well Wavers, from the beginning of Galveston to the present day, famous n ames are still a part of the island’s history. Who knows, maybe your family name will leave a spot on the Galveston timeline of history.

family name will leave a spot on the Galveston timeline of history.

Bernardo de GalvezHenry Martyn Robert George Mitchell

Tilman FertittaWilliam Lewis MoodyJohn H. Hutchings

Isaac Harris Kempner John Sealy George Ball

Dining Section

DINER

Small BITES

by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan

Chilangos Brothers

Taco Shop 708 Holiday Dr.

Chilango is a slang term Mexicans use to describe a long-term resident of their capital city. Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis. Situated in the high Mexican central plateau, it is an ancient city originally built on a group of islands in ancient Lake Texcoco. With a population exceeding 10 million and an urban area population of 22 million, it is the largest city in North America and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the entire world. As the capital of Mexico, the importance of this city cannot be overstated. Long before the Spanish invasion and conquest of the vast region we know as Mexico, this city flourished as part of the Aztec empire. Many of the customs and foods of those ancient people continue to this day.

Thousands of international visitors daily enjoy some of the finest restaurants in the world with food prepared by world-class chefs that utilize ingredients cultivated by these ancient people in creative and delicious new ways.

But the real action takes place in the neighborhoods where countless street vendors serve meals to the citizens daily utilizing these traditional foods and techniques. This is the Mexico I enjoy when I travel to that remarkable country. The sights, smells, sounds, and camaraderie of crowds gathering to enjoy a quick lunch or refreshing drink are the real fabric of life in this city, as in most of Mexico. Affordable and delicious, I look for the stands that are busiest and am seldom disappointed. I always try local favorites and enjoy the gentle banter generated by my broken Spanish. Without exception, the vendors are patient and helpful in guiding my choices and it is a great way to meet people and make new friends.

For many of us steeped deeply into our customary Tex-Mex, Chilango-style food is quite different and the names, ingredients, and methods of preparation are unfamiliar.

Fortunately, we now can enjoy that experience here in Galveston. Long blessed with many neighborhood Tex-Mex restaurants, the past few years have brought us several food trucks and restaurants that take us beyond the familiar and into flavors of Central America and the villages and neighborhoods of the cities.

Into this burgeoning food scene comes Isaias Herrera and his wife Adriana Rojas. Originally from Mexico City, they came to Galveston via Minnesota where he honed the skills he learned as a child from his mother. With his wife and their four young children, Hamlet the oldest girl, followed by Linda, Isaias Jr., and their seven-month-old Elizabet, they chose Galveston as they noted the lack of traditional street food and the warmth of the Galveston people.

“At first we were afraid as we saw it had only Tex-Mex food, but the reaction of the people was beautiful. They have accepted us and the extraordinary way they love our food. It is something totally different from what they had on the island”.

When asked how his food differs from our Tex-Mex, Mr. Herrera replied.

“Our food is more traditional. It is from Mexico City with truly Mexican

recipes from our ancestors and our parents. The base of our tortillas and food is corn as our ancestors did”.

Settling into a strip center a block from busy Seawall Boulevard, they quietly opened with little advertising. Relying on word-of-mouth their reputation for authentic food quickly spread across social media and soon mealtimes were crowded with lines of hungry patrons. Their popularity speaks for the quality and value of their food.

One recent weekday, I arrived for an early lunch and the restaurant was already busy with a line at the ordering counter. Counter service is the model here. There is often a line but it moves quickly as the mostly Hispanic clientele are familiar with the menu. Not to be concerned if you have questions, they will patiently guide you through their various offerings. After you have placed your order and paid, you are given a receipt with your order number. You retrieve your beverage and seat yourself. They have several tables and a long bar for solo diners.

This is not fast food. Each order is cooked fresh and arrives hot and steaming. Appropriate condiments, salsas, and garnishes are provided but don’t hesitate to ask for anything special you may want.

I confess I have barely explored their menu. Their Birria tacos are incredible and served with a hearty dipping sauce. They are a good starting point. They offer a monster 18-inch quesadilla called “El Machete” with a choice of two types of meat and is loaded with lettuce, tomato, queso fresco, and sour cream. It is as large as it is good. I saw several huge burritos pass by served on wooden plates that looked wonderful and this will be my next meal. They offer a wide variety of sandwiches (tortas) with my favorite being the “el Cubano”, their rendering of the famous Cuban sandwich of my Florida youth.

They have a wide variety of Antojitos - those appetizer-sized treats that are so popular in Mexico but are rarely seen North of the border. In Mexico, they are popular as a mid-afternoon snack but are also great for light lunch.

They also offer a variety of drinks including Horchata, a delicious drink made from rice and flavored with cinnamon and sugar. It is universally available in Mexico and is refreshing and delicious. They offer many varieties of Jarritos,

those fruit-flavored soft drinks so popular in Mexico, as well as more familiar soft drinks.

This is a place to explore new foods, tastes, and textures. You can order foods you are accustomed to or throw caution to the wind and dive into foods and meats rarely experienced in North America.

And really. Isn’t that the whole point of traveling? To see and taste and smell new foods and sights and cultures? Now you can enjoy the barrios of Mexico City without a passport - just a short drive to a small strip center next to the Seawall Walgreens.

Handicapped accessible, kid-friendly menu options, and plenty of off-street parking. Hardworking and friendly owners. Please give them a try. You will be happy you did.

Monday - Thursday - 10:30pm - 9:00pm

Thursday and Friday - 10:30am - 10:30pm Sunday - Closed

1713

Pennie’s Take Out Menu

Smoked Brisket

Quality brisket covered with our original rub, slow smoked and ready to be sliced when you order.

Pork Ribs

Pork ribs cooked with our original rub till almost done then basted with our honey sweetened sauce.

Grilled Chicken

Chicken spiced with our rub cooked over wood. Unlike any chicken you have ever eaten.

Link Sausage

Pork and Beef link sausage smoked over oak ready and waiting for you to order.

Sandwiches

Chopped Beef | Sliced Beef | Sausage |Comes with a complimentary 4 oz side

Stuffed Baked Potato

Huge baked potato filled with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and best of all chopped brisket!

Texas Sized Tamales

Everything is bigger in Texas. Three times larger than our

regular tamales with the same great taste.

Barbacoa (Sat. and Sun. Only)

Pennie Ochoa’s delicious recipe. Tender, moist shredded beef is the result.

Menudo (Seasonal)

Honey comb tripe in a spicy Mexican soup

Sides and Dessert

All sides are made fresh at Pennie’s

Potato Salad

Dill based cool refreshing chopped potatoes mixed with dressings.

Pinto Beans

My own recipe made fresh daily. Lots of love goes into the beans. Green Beans

Banana Pudding Trifle

ISLAND DINING SPOTLIGHT

by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan

TEFFENY CARUSO

This month our spotlight falls upon Teffeny Caruso. Teffeny and her husband Frank own and operate the Hubcap Grill in Galveston’s historic Strand District. More than an upscale hamburger restaurant, this unique venue serves as a blank canvas for her considerable creative talents.

I was first introduced to Teffeny when I was asked by my publisher to interview her regarding her involvement in the development of a Galveston unique recipe book “Savor the Flavor of Galveston” being published by Ms. Elaine Acker which should be released this fall.

Early into our interview, it was apparent there was much more to be told than her contributions to a city-specific cookbook. Mrs. Caruso’s talents are many and varied and could not be limited in scope to just the cookbook, so, let’s begin our story.

Galveston has always been a welcoming place for newcomers. From our early years as a nineteenth-century immigration port, we were second only to Ellis Island for processing newcomers to our country. A busy port brought goods and people from around the globe and kept our small island city constantly churning with new ideas, sounds, and tastes that made us very open and welcoming. That tradition continues to this day and is why we have the diversity, creativity, and artisan crafts that define modern Galveston.

This urban fabric proved to be fertile grounds for a creative newcomer from Western Michigan. Born on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, Teffeny is truly a Renaissance woman. The sandy shores and gentle waves instilled a lifelong love of sand and surf that contributed to their decision to relocate to Galveston. A wonderful cook, Teffeney’s mother tutored the young girl and started her journey towards mastering the art of fine cooking. Stoked by her travels and

always anxious to try new foods and experiment in her kitchen allowed her to hone her skills and become the creative force we see today.

A career in retail management paused when she and Frank moved to Galveston nine years ago and she was unable to find suitable employment. This gave her time to further perfect her recipes and she set upon the never-ending task of restoring and maintaining an historic Victorian home in Galveston’s east end. A feat that was celebrated by the inclusion of their home in the prestigious historical home tour. That changed four years ago when she and Frank purchased the Hubcap Grill in Galveston’s busy Strand district. She finally had the opportunity to unleash her skills and turn around the struggling business.

An attractive whirlwind of energy, she immediately launched herself into the task. Starting with organizing and streamlining the kitchen, she started offering custom cakes made from her recipes by a contract bakery on the mainland. These proved highly popular and inspired her to develop a series of craft beers using her recipes.

Partnering with Strong Arm Brew Works of Dickinson, she began a program to launch a series of crafted beers under her trade name Coastal Star Brewing. When COVID put a halt on the business it gave the ever-energetic Teffeny the time to develop her beers and toil hands-on in the brewery to gain experience. One of her first beers was a lavender beer inspired by the Texas Lavender Margarita (remember I said she was creative). This was an instant success and was followed with an IPA that came in at a whopping 8% alcohol and she was off and running. Every day they offer several of their craft beers on tap and for $20 you can sample them in a generous flight. Look for an Imperial Stout Nitro and some fall flavors in October.

Of course, Teffeny could not leave it there and has gone on to personally taste and select more than 90 wines they offer while her husband Frank has stocked more than 80 whiskeys and 45 tequilas. Perhaps the best selection in Galveston. Both of these may be sampled with their $20 flight specials.

Teffeny has completely upgraded and expanded their menu adding a selection of gourmet hotdogs utilizing her homemade chili and queso. All ingredients are top quality. She only uses the best San Marzano tomatoes and specially sourced spices. She is especially proud of her appetizers which rise quite above the usual fare and her mile-high Bloody Mary special which is a meal in itself and sells quite briskly. We have previously reviewed the restaurant in this magazine and invite you to visit that article for more details.

Teffeny and Frank are avid supporters of our local arts and participate in art walk and other activities throughout the year. Their restaurant is adorned with local artist offerings that are available for sale.

When not doing all of the above, they enjoy travel and entertaining in their historic home. Frank and Teffeny have been happily married for nineteen years having met when she employed and then fired him as his boss - but that is a story you have to hear from the source. Please stop by Hubcap Grill and say hello to these remarkable neighbors. Take a minute and sample her beers and be grateful we live in Galveston. Stop in some evening and you may find me savoring a fine reposado tequila.

Hubcap Grill

Moody Mansion Music

Experience an intimate chamber music recital performed by the extraordinary soloists featured in full GSO orchestra concerts in the elegant ballroom of Galveston’s historic Moody Mansion.

2023-24 PERFORMANCES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 / 7PM

Maya Anjali Buchanan, violin

Charlie Tauber, piano

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 / 7PM

Evelyn Chen, piano

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 / 7PM

Will Hagen, violin

Charlie Tauber, piano

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 / 7PM

Julian Schwarz, cello

Marika Bournaki, Piano

FRIDAY, MAY 3 / 7PM

Avery Gaglinao, piano

PURCHASE TICKETS

GALVESTONSYMPHONY.ORG

CURTAIN GOING UP

Intermission

by Paul Hager

Join us next month as Clear Creek Community Theater announces thier next season. In the meantime, catch any of these great performances at a venue near you!

ON THE BOARDS [Currently playing]

ISLAND ETC

https://www.islandetc.org/

FOUR OLD BROADS ON THE HIGH SEAS

By Leslie Kimball - September 15 - October 7, 2023

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

http://www.thegrand.com/

THE BARRICADE BOYS

October 7, 2023 - 8:00 PM

GALVESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

MASTERWORKS 1 - LET THERE BE LIGHT

October 15, 2023 - 4:00 PM

CHRIS BOTTI

GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades and’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, Oct 14, 2023 - 8:00 PM

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic. October 17, 2023 - 10:am

SILENT FILM WITH ROB LANDES - DR. JEKYLL

& MR. HYDE - An annual Halloween tradition, Rob Landes reprises his specially created, totally improvised musical score for the showing of John Barrymore’s 1920 silent film classic, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Landes’ magical underscoring of this film will transport you!

October 27, 2023 - 8:00 PM

RONAN TYNAN - AN EVENING OF SONG

October 28, 2023 - 8:00 PM

CLEAR CREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

https://clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com/

OKLAHOMA!

By Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Thursday, October 26th – Sunday, October 29th

PURPLE BOX THEATRE

http://www.thepurpleboxtheater.com/index.html

FLY BY NIGHT

Music, Book, and Lyrics by Will Connolly, Michael Mitnick, and Kim Rosenstock - October 27 - November 5, 2023

AGES 13 - 18

TEEN TABLETOP RPG

Explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons with us!

4th Floor - Fox Room

Tuesday the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 4:30 - 7:30 PM

Tuesday the 31st (special Halloween one-shot)

4:30 - 7:30 PM

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Do you need assistance with applying for scholarships, employment, or are you not sure where to start? Maybe Workforce Solutions can help - come find out!

1st Floor - Randall Room

Monday the 9th, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

RESOURCE & CRISIS CENTER: HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS GROUP Play board games, PS4 and Nintendo Switch games, or Magic!

TEEN GAMING

1st Floor - Wortham Auditorium

Wednesday the 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

4:30 - 6:30 PM

ARTIST'S ALLEY WORKSHOP

Make Kandi bead jewelry, Perler bead art, or paint miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons!

1st Floor - Wortham Auditorium

Thursday the 5th 4:30 - 6:30 PM

2nd Floor - McCullough Room

Thursday the 19th 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Y.A.L.L. MEETING

Have a voice in the library, earn volunteer hours, and eat snacks!

1st Floor - Randall Room

Friday the 6th, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

rosenberg-library.org

409.763.8854 Ext. 140 @rosenberglibrary

Learn about healthy relationships, mental health, and engage in discussion with peers about teen issues with guidance from a professional at the RCC!

1st Floor - Wortham Auditorium

Friday the 20th, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUB

Join our monthly Young Adult Book Club and get a free book to keep!

1st Floor - Randall Room

Thursday the 26th, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

AFTER HOURS: HALLOWEEN PARTY

Join us for pizza, soda, candy, games, a costume contest, and spooky music! Registration is required.

1st Floor - Wortham Auditorium

Friday the 27th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Join our Discord server!

For an invite, contact Dustan Archer at darcher@rosenberg-library.org

M usic P rofile

Austin James

There are many singer/songwriters but few dare to step into as many genres (or outfits) in their writing and performance as Clear Lake area singer/ songwriter/guitarist Austin James.

Born in 1994 in the Clear Lake area, Austin James McCarter moved with his family to Port Acres (near Port Arthur) around 2002. After studying biochemistry at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, James moved back to Clear Lake in 2018 to work in the oil industry. Within a year, he left the job to pursue his passion for playing live music.

“I was talking with a guy on the job, and he said, ‘there’s got to be a better way to make a living,” James said.

The transition to music seemed natural for James, having grown up around his musician father and his friends who, for a period of time, performed around the Clear Lake area as Jim McCarter and the Spare Change Band. James recalls many a “hootenanny” at his parent’s house, enjoying listening and participating in playing music, and said it was his primary influence in becoming a singer-songwriter and guitar player.

With an eclectic style in the music he covers (Outkast to Johnny Cash) and within his own music, James says he can move between punk, metal, melancholy blues, or a sensitive acoustic guitar ballad depending on his mood or what the audience wants. According to James, the variations in style are simply a by-product of his vast appreciation for all types of music, from Slipknot to George Thorogood to the classic country of Hank Williams, Jr. and Sr. Managing a busy live performance schedule, writing and recording time, and raising a family with his fiancé, Carmen, James says he is finding his way musically and hopes to release an album in 2024.

Q & A with Austin James

Zach Tate: What is your earliest memory of being inspired by music?

Austin James: I grew up around music. We listened to a lot of honky-tonk stuff like Jerry Jeff Walker. I always had music in my life through my dad and our family

having hootenannies. They’d all be drinking and partying and singing songs by people like Hank Williams Jr.

ZT: When did you start playing guitar?

AJ: I was six and played a guitar of my dads. It was one with a skinnier neck. He taught me the major chords but after that, I learned from the Internet and looked at some guitar tabs. Eventually, it all just came together. I can finally play leads now after 20 years.

ZT: How do you choose what songs to cover?

AJ: I try to stick to playing songs I like but every once in a while you have to play songs for other people. I find myself playing George Thorogood a lot lately. Hank Jr. songs too. I’ve been trying to learn some newer pop songs though.

ZT: What gear do you use?

AJ: I run Ableton Live, and I use a 44-key MIDI keyboard along with my guitar and a loop pedal.

ZT: What is the best thing about being a musician?

AJ: The first thing is the music. That’s the whole reason you do this. You don’t do it for the money – you do it because you love it. I love playing music. I love entertaining people. I love seeing the look on someone’s face when you play them a song they haven’t heard in years and you take them right back to the last time they were in the car making out at the beach or some other great memory.

Story and Photos by Zach Tate

Additional Photos Courtesy of Austin James

AJ and his Dad Jim McCarter

Jim McCarter, Austin James, Lee McCarter

ZT: What is the worst thing about being a musician?

AJ: Musicians. They’re never on time. Occasionally I play in a duo or trio. Getting a band is like getting five more girlfriends. It’s really hard to get people together to practice.

ZT: How do you manage your frustrations?

AJ: Whiskey. You just have to keep going until you find more serious people. There’s this philosophy called Taoism. It’s about finding a balance between contrasting energies. The yin and yang symbol. Everything is always switching back and forth between the two. I always try to remember that sometimes when it’s not going my way, it won’t always be that way. The experiences are all part of what makes you - you. You have to embrace them, whatever the challenges are. We’re all looking for the big answer to the big question of ‘why’. I think music can be a reprieve from the overwhelming ‘why’?

ZT: What is your songwriting process?

AJ: The weird thing is some songs don’t take long at all to write but others you have to dig and dig. I find myself sometimes just playing music and singing words. Like word salad. I’ve been piling up demos since I could operate a computer. From back when I was 14. It’s interesting to listen to those old recordings and see how far you’ve come. I’ve written a lot of things but I think it’s finally time to hit the studio.

ZT: How would you describe your own music?

AJ: In addition to country, my favorite genres are deathcore, metalcore, hard and heavy stuff. I’m a big Slipknot fan. Every Time I Die is one of my favorites. I write that kind of music too. I love freestyle rapping. I love all these different components of music. I just have to find a way to put them all together. Like different facets of your personality. I can wear a suit one day but it’s not necessarily always me.

ZT: What do you love most about playing shows in Galveston?

AJ: I love the people. I’ve played at Sharky’s, KOA Campground, the Old Galveston Club - a lot of places. It’s the characters. Everyone is starkly their own individual person. Everyone has their own way of looking at the world and you just have to soak it in. They’re unapologetic about it. It’s very refreshing.

The experiences are all part of what makes you - you. You have to embrace them, whatever the challenges are. We’re all looking for the big answer to the big question of ‘why’. I think music can be a reprieve from the overwhelming ‘why’?

Serious Tackle Box The

Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again

With Chris Gonzales

Skirted Slow Pitch and Butterfly Jigs

Skirted and Dancin’ butterflies are a variation of an old rigging technique and a new reversed application I came up with a few months ago. The first variation is to place a soft plastic squid skirt in the normally used orientation on the shank of an assist hook on a butterfly-type vertical jig. This skirt in use evolved from them being used on the trailing treble hook of Diamond jigs over ten years ago. That use sort of faded over the years but made a comeback. You would be surprised at the number of rigging innovations that I have accumulated over the years. The use of these soft plastic squid skirts on the assist hooks of butterfly-type jigs, either in their normal use orientation or reversed, as far as I know, started last fall when I first rigged some up that way.

A soft plastic squid-skirted assist hook adds to that vulnerable, occupied, distressed look of a butterfly-type jig. Their appearance is now the look of a small fish (the jig) frantically chasing a smaller target (the skirted assist hook). The total look is a strike trigger to any predator that eats small, live fish...it’s a prime target. The soft skirt in the normal position on the assist hook, pointed end toward the hook eye, looks to be a small fish or squid trying to escape an attack; the assist hook, with its soft skirt reversed, pointed end toward the hook bend, has the appearance of a school of small fish trying to avoid the jig’s attack. These skirts work on “J” type hooks and circle hooks alike.

To place the skirt on a hook, the first consideration is to remember any of these hooks will readily hook you as well as fish. To get the reversed skirt on the assist hook, I first snip the pointed end as short as possible and still have a very small hole showing. Now, carefully work the skirt over and around the hook point and bend; moisten the shrink tubing on the hook with saliva, pull the tight skirt over the tubing until the hook’s portion is seated in the bottom of the skirts interior. If you are worried about the skirt slipping out of position when wet, a problem I haven’t had, instead of the previously mentioned moistening, apply superglue gel to the tubing section over the hook eye and quickly snap into place. Placing a skirt on an assist hook in the normal position again starts with the skirts pointed end being snipped off as little as possible to end up with a small thru hole in the skirt. The steps I use for this skirt installation are to remove the assist hook and its cording from the solid ring after it is removed from the split ring. To pull the cording through the skirt will require you to tie a piece of needled thread, pull the cord, and seat the skirt against the shrink wrap-covered hook eye. Reattach the solid ring to the assist cord and the ring to the split ring and the installation is ready to fish. Those are the ways to install these soft plastic squid skirts that I use that work and it takes less time than it took to read this “how-to”.

Skirted and Dancin’ Butterflys

Dancin’ Butterfly with Reversed Skirt

Skirt Shown With Usual Postioning

Soft plastic 4 ½ squid skirts are available here at Serious Tackle in assorted colors of blue, green, purple, sparkle/glitter, and glow.

The butterfly-type vertical jigs I use from very near the surface to about 150 ft. or so down are in the 4-to-6-ounce range and in the neighborhood of 5 to 7 inches long. I’ve taken numerous species on an assortment of color patterns; it really doesn’t seem to matter a lot. What I do recommend is that you look at any particular jig at boat side about 10 feet down for a look at its action that your particular rod puts on it as it’s twitched. When doing this “look”, be ready for a possible strike. I’ve had ling come up from under the boat on several occasions to hit a shallow-worked butterfly-type jig. These skirt additions will also work on those long, slim, and heavy vertical jigs normally used deep or when strong current flow dictates. Glow skirts work well at night or anytime when fishing deep at say 200-400 ft. depths, a glow portion on the jig body helps, too.

I recently saw where some have concerns about red shrink tubing on the assist cording and hook shank drawing strikes on the fall or when being worked that results in the leader being cut off. I can see this as possibly being a problem when kingfish, wahoo, or sharks are around ... something to think about if you make up your own assist hooks, or you could just add black or dark blue over the existing red shrink tubing. Using a cable leader about 12 inches long would also help in the cutoff category. Also, if you make up your own assist hooks, consider using 90# 49 strand cable. Pay close attention to using the right combination of cable, crimps, crimper, and crimping. When using any of the various cording assist hooks, periodically check fraying, cutting, regardless of the species targeted.

Virtually no stretch braids as your main line will telegraph strikes and give positive hooksets far beyond any mono–braid is the way to go with these butterfly-type vertical jigs.

These jigs are not only for vertical jigging, although this was their original use. Cast them far, sink, jig, wind, sink, jig, etc. through an arc. This works for targeting anything in the water column that eats live fish…pretty much anything swimming out there from suspended snappers to tuna. Work around any structure, your boat, production gas or oil platforms, wrecks, rocks, etc. They all attract predators such as kingfish, ling, wahoo, dolphin, grouper, and amberjack.

Circle hooks work well on these types of jigs too. As with any circle hook application, a medium-speed rod sweep, once the line comes tight or you wind it tight, is all that is needed to set the hook. Speaking of setting the hook, all my metal jigs have two circle assist hooks. The second hook gives a second chance for a hook-up, but it will always be only one hook in the fish. All my metal jigs have one “J” assist hook. The reason is that it’s not uncommon for two “J” hooks to be in the fish, one in its mouth/jaw, the other somewhere in the side, bottom, or top of its head.

This “bridle effect” doesn’t give you the control over the fish that’s even close to when one hook is in its mouth/jaw. It takes longer to get a bridled fish to the gaff than a mouth-hooked one. This lack of control may let a fish get into a structure, tangle with other lines, etc... In my opinion, use one “J” and two “C” hooks on your butterfly-type metal jigs.

A common mistake I’ve seen on many occasions is where the fisherman has their line/leader tied when using these metal jigs. Always tie to the solid metal ring your assist hook/hooks are attached to. The primary purpose is to tie onto the most direct connection to the hook and fish. That’s the solid metal ring to the assists cording and hook. The purpose of the split ring that connects the metal ring to the jig body is to be able to change out the jig body or to remove it for storage. Don’t tie onto the jig bodys wire end loop or the split ring. Tying on to the solid metal ring also gives the jig a bit more freedom of motion.

Adding these two soft plastic squid skirt options to your already effective butterfly-type metal jigs just adds to their strike attraction. Bring your skirted and dancin’ butterflies to the offshore fishing dance and you will likely be partnered up more than usual!

If you have any questions, stop by Serious Tackle or email me at chris@serioustackle.com

Chris Gonzales Owner - Serious Tackle

Recipe Of The Month

Cajun Dove Poppers and Sweet Tater Mash

Ingredients - Dove dove breasts - 12 boneless breast pieces

bacon - 12 strips

pickled jalapeno halves - 12 seeded

Ingredients - Filling boudin - 1 cup

high temp cheese - 1/3 cup pepper jack

jalapeno - 1 tbsp minced

Ingredients - Brine

cold water - 32 oz

salt – 1/4 cup

sugar - 1/8 cup

apple cider vinegar - 1 tsp

IngredientsSweet Tater Mash

Sweet potato - 2 peeled and cubed

butter – 1/2 stick

half and half - 1/3 cup

firebee cinnamon honey4 tbsp or to taste

sugar - 2 tbsp

butter toffee peanuts –1/4 cup chopped

-----------------------

TSS Rustic Rub

TSS the Juicy Pig BBQ rub

TSS Texas Season All

TSS Apple Strawberry

Habanero Glaze

Directions - Dove

by whisking the brine in a bowl, add breasts, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Next mix filling together. On a work surface season each jalapeno half with Texas Season All and stuff with the boudin mixture. Season dove breasts with TSS Rustic Rub and add one to each popper on top of boudin. Using the back of a spoon, spread a piece of bacon as wide and long as possible without tearing then wrap around the popper sealing everything inside. Season the bacon with TSS the Juicy Pig then repeat for remaining poppers. Heat a grill to 450 degrees and use grill grates if possible. Set poppers on grill with bacon edge down to seal for 3 minutes then flip for 3 minutes. Flip every minute until bacon is crispy and dove breasts reach 148-150 internal. The boudin mixture and bacon fat will keep the dove moist if you want to cook even longer for crispier bacon. Remove poppers from grill, rest 3 minutes then drizzle TSS Apple Strawberry Habanero glaze over the top of each one. Serve extra glaze for dipping. Enjoy!

Start

Directions - Sweet Tater Mash

Boil sweet taters until fork tender, drain, and add to mixing bowl with butter. Mash until butter melts then add all other ingredients and stir until creamy. Serve on a plate and top with chopped sweet peanuts.

-“Wild Bill” & Barbara Powell

Follow Wild Bill at:

Instagram@TexasSelectSeasonings

Facebook@TexasSelectSeasonings

The Omen Final

IT Insidious HellraiserHalloween The Visit

LONE STAR RALLY Revving Up For 2023!

November 2nd-5th Galveston, Texas

Photos courtesy of Zach Tate,Renee Hartfield, & Joanna Valliere

LONE STAR RALLY RETURNS TO GALVESTON! NFORMATION

INFORMATION

There’s a rumble of thunder developing off in the distance, a hurricane of sorts off the coast of Texas in early November. But it’s not Mother Nature this time, it’s hundreds of thousands of motorcycles, from all over the country, revving engines for their yearly pilgrimage through Texas and down to the small Gulf Of Mexico island known as Galveston. It’s a ritualistic road trip for many, to a magical place where man and machine gather for 4 days of sonic roar guaranteed to shake your bones and wow your eyes! No, it’s not Hurricane Harley (Davidson) - it’s Lone Star Rally, 2023!

If the spectacle of immense motorcycle sound and power isn’t enough for you, Lone Star Rally has got more! Amidst the sea of growling engines are over 20 booming rock and country bands on two big outdoor stages, savory food trucks, centrally located bars and snack stands, motorcycle accessory vendors, clothing and jewelry sellers, along with a series of special events appealing to every aspect of the motorcycle enthusiast’s taste for all things two-wheeled, from fashion to function.

Whether you’re a rider or just an admirer of magnificent motorcycles, Lone Star Rally brings an all-encompassing experience that embraces a uniquely American culture based on a primal love for freedom, adventure, and the open road. For families and individuals of all walks of life, Lone Star Rally is an inclusive free-admission extravaganza that offers a deep look into everything intriguing about motorcycles, three and four-wheeled road machines, and motorcycle life. While primarily focused on motorcycles, Lone Star Rally also recognizes the Texas appetite for all things cool and presents a classic pre-1970 car show as well.

Successfully in its 23rd year, Lone Star Rally is always innovating, bringing new events, vendors, musical entertainment, contests, and competitions to go with many of the crowd’s favorite activities, sights, and sounds. Spread over four days and a large festival area that stretches several square miles from the famous

Pat Green

Kevin Fowler

Galveston Seawall to The Strand between 25th and 18th Street, Lone Star Rally includes two main areas for food, drink, vendors, special events and concerts: the Progressive Beach Central Stage area, located along the Seawall at 21st Street and the downtown Miller Lite Saengerfest Stage area (23rd and Strand). This section includes the beautiful close-by Harborside Pier 21 area all the way to Mechanic Street from 18th to 25th Street.

A newly introduced event giving special attention to the classic American Chopper will be happening all weekend. Locations, times, and days of events can be found on Lone Star Rally’s website www.LoneStarRally.com. Get the app and receive up-to-the-minute reminders of concerts, events, and activities such as the renowned Miss Lone Star Rally contest, hosted by legendary Houston radio host Outlaw Dave, a tattoo competition celebrating both artists and the people who display the work, Cycle Source Magazine’s annual Ride-In Custom Bike Show and more.

This year’s Lone Star Rally entertainment includes returning Texas country chart topper, Kevin Fowler on Saturday night at the Beach Central Stage, Texas music legend, Pat Green on Lone Star’s opening night (Thursday Nov 2nd, Beach Central Stage) and outlaw country singers Whey Jennings and Tim Montana on several nights on both the Miller Lite Main Stage and the Progressive Beach Central Stage. The stellar noon-midnight line-up of music also includes regional

Whey Jennings

Zate Tate Tim Montana

and local favorites such as Zach Tate, Lulu and The Black Sheep, Kid Rock tribute - Cowboy, and many more to be announced in the coming days.

Returning as Masters of ceremonies for each stage are motorcycle land-speed record holder, Jay Allen (Beach Central Stage) and spokesperson/model/dancer Lisa Ligon (Saengerfest main stage at 21st and Strand) keeping Lone Star Rally attendees informed about all the events and activities taking place nearby.

For more information on Lone Star Rally events, accommodations and parking please visit: www.LoneStarRally.com

Happy October, Wavers! Lonestar Rally is upon us and is one of your bums favorite island events, hence this special rally segment of The Beach Bum.

I was running around in my ol’ scarab the other day when I had a thought. It’s not like me to have many thoughts in a day, but here is what had me thinking.

Being a Classic Rock fan, part of the thrill of the rally is hearing the sounds, roaring’ bike engines, crowds, and music from all directions. I started thinking about some of my favorite tunes played by the riders’ sound systems as they stroll through. Here are 5 that I ALWAYS hear, multiple times a day. LOVE IT!

5 Tunes You WILL definitely Hear

At The Lone star Rally

......and we love it!

Ezy Ryder Jimi Hendrix - (1971)

This Jimi Hendrix tune was released posthumously. It first showed up on the 1971 album, The Cry of Love, and was allegedly inspired by the film, Easy Rider, from 1969. It is one of the few recordings to include both Buddy Miles on drums and Billy Cox on bass, with whom Hendrix recorded the live Band of Gypsys album in (1970).

The song is timeless!

Born to Be Wild Steppenwolf - (1968)

Born to Be Wild has literally become synonymous with biker culture nearly 50 years beyond the 1969 release of the movie that adopted it for its symbolic anthem. Written by Mars Bonfire and performed by the band Steppenwolf, this tune has earned its place as an iconic tribute to biker culture, as it should.

Highway to Hell

AC/DC – (1979)

Smash hit from the 6th studio album of the hard rock band AC/ DC, Highway to Hell became AC/ DC’s first LP to break the US Top 100, eventually reaching number 17, and propelled the band into the top ranks of hard rock acts. It is the second highest selling AC/DC album (behind Back in Black) and is considered one of the greatest hard rock albums ever made.

Bad To The Bone

George Thorogood & The Destroyers – (1982) George Thorogood and the Destroyers released Bad to The Bone in 1982 on the album of the same name.

The song adapts the hook and lyrics of Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy”, a blues tune from 1955. It speaks for itself, I’m Bad To The Bone! The tune has become a cultural icon with play in Television shows, movie soundtracks, Sports Events, and, yes, the riders of the world.

Freebird

Lynyrd Skynyrd – (1974)

Ok. What would a bike rally be without hearing Skynyrd’s 9-minute powerhouse tune Freebird? Setting all the billboard rankings through the years aside, it achieved the No. 3 spot as the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” of all time. It is Skynyrd’s signature song, the finale during live performances, and their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live.

PLAY FREEBIRD!

Outlaw Dave Lisa Ligon Jay Allen Pier 21 Car ShowMiss Lonstar Rally Vendors

R eflections

What’s Going on with this Heat

Okay, let me start by saying I’m no climatologist, but I do know it’s been a long, hot summer. Temperatures are sizzling all over the country, especially here in Texas where the numbers are in the triple digits! So let’s beat the heat with a little humor. Even if you can’t cool off, it always feels good to laugh. This reflection is meant to be light and humorous for all my “island friends”, so sit back and relax and enjoy this reflection. Enjoy!

• It’s so hot my dream house is any house in Alaska.

• It’s so hot, when the temperature drops below 95, I start to feel chilly.

• It’s so hot, cows are giving evaporated milk.

• It’s so hot, asphalt has a liquid state.

• It’s so hot the Statue of Liberty was asked to lower her arm.

• It’s so hot, chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs.

• It’s so hot, granny broke wind just to have a little breeze.

• It’s so hot, Siri asked to be dipped in a glass of ice water.

• It’s so hot, hot water comes out of both taps. (This one is actually true!)

Temperatures have been climbing for the past few weeks causing widespread discomfort. Here are some hilarious hot weather jokes to help you stay cool.

Best Hot Weather Jokes

• On hot summer days, what do cats eat? A mice-cream cone!

• What’s the hottest letter in the alphabet? ‘B’, because it makes oil, boil.

• During this heatwave, it’s a good idea to wear two different deodorants –one under each armpit. But that’s just our two scents.

• Why don’t celebrities have to worry about the heat? They have a lot of fans.

• Why do you never use a cannon in hot weather? It shoots itself at 90 degrees.

• What is it called when a gymnast seasons their food during hot weather? Somersault.

• In the summertime, what do you call a dog? A hot dog, and in the winter it’s a chili dog.

• What makes a priest sweat in the summer? Exorcising.

• Which runs faster, hot or cold? Hot - everyone can catch a cold.

by: John & Kathy Valastro

• What would you call South Texas in a heat wave? Corpus Crispy.

• How many seasons are there in Texas? We have four – hot, really hot, hotter than hot and are you kidding me hot.

• What do the sun and bread have in common? They both rise in the yeast.

• Why was it so hot inside after the baseball game? All the fans left!

• What do fans do at hot, summer football games? Heat waves.

• During the heat wave, what came out of the sprinkler? Steam.

• In a heat wave, what do you call a 3-pointer on the court? A hot shot.

• What did the Christians say during the heatwave? “Who turned the thermostat to ‘hell.’”

• What do you get when you cross an earthquake with a heat wave? Shake ‘n’ Bake.

I hope everyone enjoyed these jokes and zingers that I took from the internet (“jokes4us.com” and “humornama.com”). I’m sure I got a laugh or two out of most of my Island friends.

Summer is winding down and we can look forward to some cooler weather, while still keeping an eye on the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t let your guard down because the water temperature of the Gulf is still 87 degrees, prime for developing storms.

Stay safe and stay cool my island friends!

John and ValastroKathy