September 2018

W

Most

omen Beautiful

Inside and Out

PROVIDING A VOICE

THROUGH FASHION

A NEW LOOK

FOR YOUR LOUNGE

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Along with general dental care, our dentists provide quality cosmetic dentistry.

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The extraordinary picture of this beautiful Yorkie was painted by our in-store Artist, Jody Bustillos. Jody has completed well over 200 portraits with 50 or more on display in our store. When you’re out and about, please accept our invitation to stop by and say hello...

Our art gallery has countless original portraits available, plus more than 200 prints for purchase. I’ve always believed that fine jewelry and fine art go together. When you shop our new store, in The Village Shopping Center, you’ll

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SEPTEMBER 2018 |

The Women’s Issue

CONTENTS

88

100 OUT & ABOUT

42 AROUND THE BEND 26 | STYLE & BEAUTY 28 | CURRENTS 31 | TRENDING 32 | GIVING BACK 34 | 5 BEST 36 | PERSON OF INTEREST

HEALTH 62| BE WELL 64 | MEDICAL MATTERS 66 | MEET THE DOCTOR HOME & GARDEN 70| OPEN HOUSE 76| GARDENING 78 | SPACES

88 | ARTS & CULTURE 90 | CELEBRATION 92 | DATE BOOK 94 | SOCIAL HOUR CUISINE 100 | FARM TO TABLE 104 | THE DRINK 107| DINING GUIDE 112 | THE DISH HISTORY 114 | LOOKING BACK

Correction MDR Advertising provided The Bend Magazine with the graphics for the downtown districts on pg. 38 of our “The Downtown We Deserve” feature (August 2018). Thank you MDR for allowing us to use those in the story!

Copyright © 2018 Gemstone Media, LLC. The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine is published by Gemstone Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

14 The Bend

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thebendmag.com

15

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas ART DIRECTOR: Will Bowling PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick MANAGING EDITOR: Kylie Kinnett ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides COPY EDITOR: Kay Pluta

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page Brynn Osborn Aaron Garcia CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Jo Anne Howell Jacqueline Gonzalez Jillian Becquet Julieta Hernandez Kirby Tello Mindy Mayden EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: kylie@thebendmag.com ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com THE BEND OFFICE: 309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606 SUBSCRIPTIONS:

EDITORIAL INTERN: Rianna Turner

Shop our Leather & Hide Bags

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CONNECT WITH US @

thebendmag.com @thebendmag on Instagram and Twitter #CBLife

On the Cover:

3744 S. Alameda St. Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Phone: 361-225-3744 Facebook: Gatherings/giftbox Instagram: gatherings_giftbox 16 The Bend

7 Most Beautiful Women Inside & Out is a chance for us to share inspiring stories of women in our community who are taking philanthropic strides to make our world a better place. Angelica Vela, who graces our cover, is one of those seven women. Her passion, kind heart, and ability to fight for her cause with true zeal is admirable. Jason Page shot our cover on film with a Mamiya C330 TLR with an 80mm/2.8 lens. This is the first time The Bend Magazine has ever had a film photo on its cover, and we think we picked a pretty great issue to do so.

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SEPTEMBER / From The Desk Of

What does beauty mean to you?

Rachel Benavides, Lead Photographer

3810 S. ALAMEDA #22, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

361.854.4446 HOURS MON-FRI: 10AM - 5:30PM SAT: 10AM - 5PM SUN: CLOSED

It’s how a person acts and treats one another. Love, kindness, and grace towards each other, that is beautiful.

In my opinion, we do live in a culture that puts so much importance on our outward appearance but not enough on our inward beauty. I also believe you are truly beautiful when you are comfortable in who God created you to be.

Beauty comes in many shapes and sizes, we are all wonderfully made.

Kirby Tello,

Contributing Writer

Being comfortable in your own skin and exuding self-confidence is the epitome of beauty. So often in our society, we spend too much time comparing ourselves to others and wishing for things we don’t have. I think being beautiful is finding inspiration in others instead of wasting negative energy on comparison. It is the inner beauty within ourselves that makes the outer beauty really shine.

Julieta Hernandez, Contributing Writer

Beauty can be interpreted over and over, objectively; but to me, beauty is what makes someone unique. Someone’s confidence in their own skin, acceptance of their flaws, and unintentional grace can contribute to their perceived beauty, but all that really matters is being the best possible version of yourself TO yourself. Being genuine is the most attractive thing to me about myself and other people. Authenticity is the best accessory!

18 The Bend

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance?

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Now, as part of the Solstice Senior Living family, our tradition of enriching lives will continue as we bring new enhancements to our already vibrant independent senior living community.

Solstice Senior Living Corpus Christi offers an all-inclusive lifestyle of leisure in an independent senior living community.

To learn more about all that Solstice has to offer, call us today for a complimentary lunch and a tour!

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thebendmag.com

19

SEPTEMBER/ Letter From The Publisher

S

In Their Own Words

omething magical happens when you give someone, who is truly passionate about a particular cause or organization, a platform to share that passion.

For the last few Septembers, that has been the case with the Seven Most Beautiful Women Inside & Out charity event. The 2017 event particularly sticks out in my mind. Maybe we were all a little shaken from the recent toll Harvey took on the community, but as seven women stood up to advocate for a local charitable organization, it felt as if the whole room was doing their best to hold back tears. Many chose not to resist.

form. Agape Ranch was able to use the funds raised to hire an architecture firm to design future homes for our city’s orphans.

Over the past three years, the event has raised $100,000 for charity in the Coastal Bend. However, from an equally valuable yet less tangible perspective, relationships and partnerships have formed, the community is better informed about local needs, and more people are encouraged to volunteer. Speaking of beautiful women, I am honored to say my wife, Kaley Regas, now sits on the Board of Agape Ranch – a foster care community Susan Klaus advocated for a year ago through this plat-

On page 42, a group of seven new women share a little about the charity for which they are fundraising, what drew them to that cause, and how they balance a busy schedule of work, family, and philanthropic endeavors. These women all make our community more beautiful. Their passion is contagious. They can’t help but speak up.

Favorite Page

You might notice a new layout for this year’s feature.

As much as we love telling stories, we opted to let each woman speak for herself. By simply putting a real and honest conversation with each woman on the page, we hope to better reflect the emotional connection each woman holds with her organization. No matter how hard you try, the best way to capture the depth of a person’s connection to a cause is to let them say it in their own words.

Jordan Regas, Publisher

Jason Page is the photographer behind the beautiful images in the 7MBW feature. Jason is a local photographer who has deep ties to Corpus Christi and gives back to the community in many ways. Photographing seven different women, all on the same day, is no easy task. Nevertheless, Jason did a phenomenal job capturing unique images of each woman in both digital and film formats.

20 The Bend

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The Key Allegro Yacht Club is now serving members again.

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Hester’s has partnered with Mission 911 to bring you the Hero Sandwich!

Order yours today! All proceeds will benefit Mission 911 LOCA LS PICK F OR BEST SA NDWIC H

AROUND THE BEND STYLE & BEAUTY 26 CURRENTS 28 TRENDING 31 GIVING BACK 32 5 BEST 34 PERSON OF INTEREST 36

What’s Inside Silk scarves are present in almost every major designer’s collection this season. Whether it’s because of their immense versatility or the chance to add a bold pattern or color to your ensemble, this accessory will never go out of style.

thebendmag.com

23

ST CE R RT OK IFI E E D

Moving with Parkinson’s The biggest challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease are movement, balance, speech, and depression. Staying physically active when newly diagnosed with the disease may help to address these challenges.

Some enjoyable ways to stay active include: • Couples dancing, like the tango

• Water aerobics

• Boxing classes

• Walking

• Tai chi

• Hiking

• Yoga The key is to do activities that challenge the heart and lungs. Choose exercises that continuously change tempo, activity, and direction so that your body can be constantly moving and shifting in different ways.

Learn more about Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital’s Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation program at 361-906-3700.

CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

Follow Us

5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 • ph: 361.906.3700 24 The Bend

WHILE JOHN WAS DUNKING IN HIS FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON, HE COULDN’T SEE THE PROBLEM IN HIS BACK. WE CAN.

Some situations demand a clear image.

You shouldn’t expect any less from your MRI! When it comes to MRIs, a stronger magnet delivers a clearer image.

3T is the most powerful magnet clinically available, and our 3T (MRI) delivers the high-quality images your doctor needs for diagnostic confidence. Its advanced technology also provides a faster, more efficient MRI exam — and its Open Bore design helps prevent that “closed-in” feeling. It’s the clear choice for you!

Ask your doctor about 3T MRI today!

xraydocs.com | 361-887-7000 thebendmag.com

25

AROUND THE BEND / STYLE & BEAUTY

SILK INTENTIONS By: Jarred Schuetze Photos by: Brynn Osborn

n theory, silk scarves have everything going for them.

They’re an uplifting pop of color and pattern, which awakens your inner Audrey Hepburn. When it comes to accessories, silk scarves are certainly the most obvious example of timeless style. Originally popularized by use of blocking the breeze while summering in Saint Tropez, the silk scarf has made its journey to become an iconic style staple in both Western and Eastern fashion.

Versatility is why the trend of silk scarves won’t die out. Wear it around your neck, wrap it, tie it, or just casually toss it over your

26 The Bend

shoulders. It can be fashioned into a variety of headwraps for a chic touch, or used as a belt to give your dress or blouse some structure.

You can even tie it around your wrist or the handle of your bag to upgrade an ensemble. Endless possibilities, eye-catching detail.

Silk scarves are among the finest and most valuable products in fashion. So, you get what you pay for, meaning you’ll need to invest a decent amount of money to get high-quality ones. Or, you can hunt.

Vintage scarves from high-end designers are out there, all it takes is a good eye and patience.

SARAH WEARS AN ARRAY OF VINTAGE SILK SCARVES FEATURING VIBRANT COLORS & UNIQUE PATTERNS. SELECT SCARVES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT RENAISSANCE ANTIQUES (VENDOR 777) & THROUGH METROPOLIS CULTURE (VENDOR KKR) etsy.com/metropolisculture

thebendmag.com

27

AROUND THE BEND / CURRENTS

CURRENTS By: Rianna Turner

LGBT Community Center

The Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation is finalizing plans for the first LGBT community center in the Coastal Bend. The center will feature resources that are not available in the area for those who need it. The hope is to offer a safe space for those who seek services and community. The center has a scheduled open date of March 2019.

Rockport Country Club

On August 25th, one year after Hurricane Harvey made landfall, the Rockport Country Club reopened.

The golf course has been repaired, and the club is fully functional, ready to welcome golfers and patrons from the entire area. Next time you have the urge to work on your swing, drive out to Rockport to enjoy the course, the sea breezes, and the historic city.

Corpus Christi-opoly

Helicopter Tours

Have you ever wanted to ride a helicopter? Have you ever wanted to ride a helicopter over the beach? Luckily for the Coastal Bend, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Espejo Helicopters to offer helicopter rides across the Coastal Bend.

If you’re afraid of heights, but require a helicopter for another reason, Espejo Helicopters also offers pipeline patrols, cattle work, and wildlife surveys. Espejohelicopters.com

28 The Bend

This Corpus Christi-themed Monopoly board game can be found at Wal-Mart stores in the area. The board game made such a splash that Wal-Mart stores were sold out of the game soon after the company confirmed on their Facebook that the game was, in fact, real. Luckily, the game has been re-stocked, and your family can gather around some chips and salsa for a Corpus-themed game night! Â

PROMOTION

y t u a be

GIFT GUIDE

Looking for the perfect gift for those beauty gurus in your life? The Coastal Bend’s fabulous local shops and boutiques have you covered. From accessories to designer make-up, this is just a small taste of the incredible gifts you can find when you shop local.

1.

2.

MAKEUP JUNKIE BAGS

THE SKINCARE MAKEUP BY JANE IREDALE

Jewels Clothing & Accessories $28 - $68

The Woodhouse Day Spa Prices Vary

5830 McArdle Rd. #9, Corpus Christi, TX facebook.com/JewelsCCTX 361.991.7222

6000 S. Staples St. #410, Corpus Christi, TX corpuschristi.woodhousespas.com 361.985.8488

Art Museum of South Texas Affiliated with Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Bringing Art to Life Coming soon

to Corpus Christi

Masterpieces

of American Modernism THIS EXHIBITION WAS ORGANIZED BY

Art Museum of South Texas Affiliated with Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

From the Vilcek Collection

September 14, 2018 – January 6, 2019

w w w . a r t m u s e u m o f s o u t h t e x a s . o r g

FUNDING GENEROUSLY PROVIDED IN PART BY: N e w Yo r k , N e w Yo r k

IMAGE CREDIT ABOVE: Photo of the Art Museum of South Texas 2007Addition Architect Ricardo Legorreta (Mexican, 1961-2011) Photo courtesy of Dan Davis of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Prichard Family Foundation

This project is funded by grants from the City of Corpus Christi through the Arts & Cultural Comission

IMAGE CREDIT RIGHT: Georgia O’Keeffe (American,1887-1986) In the Patio, 1950, oil on panel, 30” x 40” From the Vilcek Foundation

Knolle Knolle Farm Farm & & Ranch Ranch THE AUTHENTIC SOUTH TEXAS HUNTING EXPERIENCE THE C AUTHENTIC E L E B R SOUTH A T I OTEXAS N S IHUNTING N N A TEXPERIENCE U RE

A legacy of distinction, hospitality, and charm for an experience that lasts a lifetime. Prime Texas hunting with Aestablished legacy of distinction, and charm for personal an experience that lasts aaccomodations, lifetime. Primeand Texas hunting with wetlands, hospitality, riparian forests, superior service, upscale superb cuisine. established wetlands, riparian forests, superior personal service, upscale accomodations, and superb cuisine.

Passing Passing on on our our way way of of life life to to you you and and your your guests guests 13016 FM 70, Sandia, TX 78383 13016 FM 70,west Sandia, TX Christi 78383 Thirty minutes of Corpus

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30 The Bend

AROUND THE BEND / TRENDING

OF THE

WHAT WE CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT Words & Photo by: Jarred Schuetze Toasted honey whole wheat bread with goat cheese topped with balsamic grilled peaches

Table Scraps to Tapas It’s no shock even the most concious of chefs wind up with extra ingredients crowding up their cutting board. With no excuse for wasting food, it’s time to turn on your creative side.

You’d be amazed to know the tasty crudités you can make by using small portions of side-set produce and leftover garnishes.

What ingenous combinations can you serve up at your next dinner party?

Fried green tomato with goat cheese topped with strawberry jalapeño jam and crushed red pepper flakes

Cucumber topped with honey cream cheese and granola

Ingredients We Re-Imagined G M B AK I N G

SD RA N C H

T H OM P SON FARM S

• Vegan Honey Wheat B re ad

• C u c u m b e rs

• G o a t Ch e es e

FA IRIE BA K ER

SHE RRY’ S G O O D I E S

E NGE L FARM S

• Mi xed Gr ain Granola

• St rawb e rry Jal ap e ñ o J a m

• Pea c h e s & G r een To m a to es

C O R PU S C H R I ST I , T X

C O R PU S C H R I ST I , T X

SA N DIEG O, TX

CO RPUS CHRISTI, TX

BAYVIEW, TX

BORNT RAGE R COM BI NAT I ON S HOP BEEVILLE, TX

• P u r e Texa s H o n ey

FR ED R ICKS BU R G, TX thebendmag.com

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AROUND THE BEND / GIVING BACK

To Build a (Tiny) Home Del Mar College and the City of Corpus Christi join the movement to alleviate homelessness By: Julieta Hernandez Illustration by: Jarred Schuteze

A

ccording to Paulette Kluge, a member of the Advisory Board on Homelessness, homelessness can be measured on a spectrum.

“There [are] people that need maybe a month or two of rent to get their feet back under them and they won’t be homeless anymore.

There [are] people that potentially have mental illness, drug abuse, or extreme PTSD, and it’s not as easy for them,” Kluge explains.

Either way, the purpose of the Tiny Homes for the Homeless project goes beyond room and board. It creates a permanent or temporary home in a community that residents can make their own. Kluge attributes a lot of the inspiration for this project to the tiny home community in Austin, TX. Community First! in Austin has completed roughly 175 tiny homes, complete with gardens, dog kennels, art studios, and other amenities. Residents pay rent, volunteer, and maintain responsibilities. The community aims to help homeless people help themselves and each other.

32 The Bend

At the beginning of 2018, Tiny Homes for the Homeless promised a 12 structure set-up with plans to expand to 15 homes. In addition to finding funding for bathrooms, showers and kitchens, the organization is meeting all its goals for this colossal project. Every week, the architecture and construction programs at Del Mar College and the Advisory Board of Homelessness get closer to seeing the project through. These groups want to target chronic homelessness as well as homeless veterans who cannot receive benefits without a physical address.

Laura Wright, chair of the Department of Technology Education and Assistant Professor of Architecture at Del Mar College, is focused on the nuts and bolts of getting the structures completed. The models for the first batch of tiny homes must be perfect before expansion can be considered. As the project moves forward, Wright’s students gain valuable hands-on experience.

“We’re trying to determine what else needs to be done. Then we can determine what materials we need,” she says. “A lot of the materials are being donated by local home building companies, but we have to give them an idea of what and how much.”

The project is fast-paced but productive, requiring support on all ends to bring the community to life by year’s end. Both Kluge and Wright agree that one of the biggest obstacles is finding the perfect location. However, the program has had numerous inquiries about volunteer opportunities, bringing one community together to create another.

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33

AROUND THE BEND / 5 BEST

Best Veggie-Friendly

Dishes

There’s no need to fear finding a place where all of your friends can eat! These five restaurants have vegetarian options to please all palates

By: Rianna Turner Photo by: Rachel Benavides

1. House of Rock:

Pizza places don’t necessarily come to mind when considering vegetarian-friendly options, but this classic share-friendly dish can easily be tailored to dietary restrictions. This is even easier at House of Rock, where their pizza crusts are always vegan. The classic Margherita pizza is a great option, but their Earth Day pie is really why they belong on this list. It’s a pesto pizza with fresh goat cheese, artichokes, mushrooms, and spinach — a refreshing break from the typical vegetarian option of plain cheese pizza. 511 Starr St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

2. Joint Venture:

Joint Venture is, without a doubt, one of the most vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Corpus Christi. The menu is extensive, and for every meat-inclusive menu item, there’s a vegetarian one. The sandwich shop has recently been catering to vegans with a sweet tooth by carrying vegan goodies made by local bakers. The standout vegan option on

34 The Bend

Joint Venture’s menu, however, is not based on a product they make in-house, but a twist on an item that’s been loved by vegans across the country: the Beyond Burger.

Joint Venture’s Beyond Burger is served on house-made gluten-free cornbread, with spicy barbecue sauce and pickled veggies.

6355 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412

3. 8te:

This trendy eatery offers American-style cuisine with a twist, and pulls off a variety of options on a small menu. There are options here for nearly everyone — meat-eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians, and even those who are gluten and grain-free. Their BBQ Tofu burger is a great vegan option for those who have daring taste buds. This is no nasty veggie burger, just pan-fried tofu with pickled vegetables, arugula, and micro greens, covered in their house-made curry barbecue sauce. We recommend the beet fries for a side — or the avocado fries, if you’re willing to splurge. 1220 Airline Rd #250, Corpus Christi, TX 78412

4. Thai Spice:

This list wouldn’t be a real list of the best vegetarian-friendly dishes if there wasn’t a best curry option. Thai Spice has been standing on Water Street for years. The mellow atmosphere and friendly service have made it a favorite stop for locals for years, even for those with the strictest dietary restrictions! All of their curries can be served with just veggies or tofu, and some curries are served inside of a coconut for extra flavor. My personal favorites are the panang curry and the green curry — but watch out for the green curry. It’s the spiciest on the menu! 523 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

5.Hester’s Cafe:

With three locations across the city and a wide variety of options on the menu, Hester’s Cafe makes finding a vegetarian meal that suits your fancy quite easy. Both their breakfast and lunch menus have veggie-friendly options, whether you’re looking for an omelette or a salad. We recommend the “Sonny” Rollins for breakfast — egg whites, a bowl of organic oatmeal, and vegetarian sausage patties — and any of the Nourish Bowls for lunch. Locations vary, hesterscafe.com

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AROUND THE BEND / PERSON OF INTEREST

MEET

Monica Sawyer The woman who is finding a new purpose for The Ritz By: Mindy Mayden Photo by: Bellezza Photography

SO, TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE RITZ.

The Ritz opened in 1929 after the stock market crashed, which was actually perfect timing because people needed the escape. It served as a vaudeville house and movie theater. In the 1970s, it became the Ritz Music Hall, which is how a lot of people remember it. Unfortunately, downtown saw a decline, and The Ritz got caught in it.

Now, I want to bring it back to what it was meant to be.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO REVITALIZE THE RITZ?

I’ve lived places that pay a lot of attention to their creative community, but when I came here, I had the opposite experience. My husband and I decided to leave Corpus, and we drove around Oregon looking for the perfect city, but somehow kept coming back here.

That changed everything for me. I went for a bike ride downtown, and I saw the door of The Ritz hanging wide open. I came in, and it felt like discovering the Titanic with props still on stage and costumes still on hangers. So, what made me really decide to do this was that a theatre landed in my lap. How often does that happen?

36 The Bend

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR REVITALIZING THE RITZ, AND WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

A theatre can turn around a downtown. The Ritz can be sustainable by doing things the rest of the world cares about, which will be video that can be accessed anywhere. Our goal is to create a regularly scheduled broadcast show that involves music, comedy, drama, and dance. If we create content and project it into the world to generate a following, then people will want to come here to be part of it.

WHAT IS TACOFEST, AND HOW IS IT GOING TO HELP IN THESE EFFORTS?

Tacofest came about because we wanted a signature event and were really trying to reinvent the wheel. Dusty Olivera said to me, “No one’s claimed Tacofest.” Once he said that, it all clicked. We came up with taco art and a taco song contest, which then fed into a taco poetry slam and even a Chihuahua beauty contest. It’s all about entertainment and creativity. How great would it be to say that tacos saved The Ritz?

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STRONGER THAN ANTICIPATED By: Kirby Tello Photos by: Rachel Benavides

It has been one year since Hurricane Harvey ravaged our beloved Coastal Bend.

Despite the horrific devastation, a strong and resilient community led the way to awe-inspiring recovery efforts. While the need to rebuild is still present, we now reflect on how far we have come and how much farther we need to go.

38 The Bend

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“The neighborhood and the community are still strong.

There are still people here who are standing strong and hoping for a rebuild.”

As Harvey developed in the Gulf last August, residents stayed glued to the news, trying to determine how severe of a storm to expect.

Uncertainty hovered over the region as meteorologists monitored the growing storm hour by hour.

Putting the pieces back together would be a daunting task for Port Aransas and other bay cities. Local non-profit organizations, businesses, and droves of volunteers quickly arrived to help clear debris and donate food, water, clothing, and other essentials for families in need.

Panic struck when city officials strongly recommended residents evacuate. The storm was now predicted to be stronger than anticipated.

People rushed home from work early, debating whether they had time to board up their homes before leaving town. Others decided home was the safest place to hunker down and ride out the storm. However, no one could have guessed the amount of destruction Hurricane Harvey would wreak upon the Coastal Bend.

For Frances, the recovery process proved to be an ongoing effort. She, along with many other residents, reached out to local, state, and federal organizations for assistance. Unfortunately, some of these organizations required an online application that was impossible to complete due to the lack of Internet connection.

Frances Kaminski, a long-time resident of Aransas Pass, decided to evacuate to her son’s home in Oklahoma. “Storms like these don’t come around too often, but when they do, you should take them seriously,” she said. From a distance, Frances kept a keen eye on news stories and weather reports while getting updates about her home from neighbors.

But suddenly, communication with her neighbors came to a screeching halt. After Harvey made landfall, much of the Coastal Bend lost electricity. Frances had no way of knowing what, if anything, still stood.

Frances eventually returned to Aransas Pass to find that fallen trees had demolished her carport and outdoor shed, but her home was intact and standing. Even though the house suffered roof and water damage, Frances felt lucky. For miles around, many other homes and businesses were completely destroyed.

40 The Bend

Frances recalls making multiple attempts to apply to a disaster relief effort led by the American Red Cross. “I went 23 days without electricity,” Frances explained. “I tried for three days [to apply] before giving up.”

Some organizations assembled teams locally in the early stages of recovery. These groups are still leading long-term recovery efforts and are helping families put their lives back together. One such group is All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response. Although this organization has an international presence, they immediately set up at a local church to address the immediate and long-term needs of the hurricane stricken community. They invited Harvey victims to come and see if they qualified for the organization’s rehabilitation program.

Right around the time Frances was getting no response from federal and state agencies, she heard about this gathering from a neighbor. Under All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response’s requirements, Frances qualified for assistance. Shortly after that, volunteers arrived and began reconstructing her home.

“Much of the inside of the home had to be repaired due to water damage, but that is the kind of work I’ve done before,” Frances said. She and her husband used to do rehabilitate homes they owned together, but now she is older and widowed. The job was too huge for her to complete alone.

Like Frances, many people faced obstacles in recovering from the devastating storm. Some were physically unable to do the work themselves, while others lacked sufficient funds or insurance. An estimated 86,000 households, across six counties, requested long-term disaster recovery assistance from FEMA, but only 10% qualified. Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group, an organization that identifies households with unmet needs, predicts that even with adequate resources, rebuilding the Coastal Bend will take up to ten years and cost several million dollars. As federal funds deplete rapidly, families have been advised to seek out local assistance.

Ryan Tascar, Project Manager for All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response, said that many families who were not granted assistance from FEMA have sought resources from his group. “We serve families with vulnerable circumstances who don’t have the funds to rebuild,” Tascar explained. While Tascar’s group focuses mainly on home reconstruction, his team has partnered with other local organizations, including the United Way of the Coastal Bend, to provide household necessities such as furniture. According to Tascar, All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response currently manages four home projects at a time, with each home taking one to three months to build. Their goal is to be able to take on five to six projects simultaneously in the near future.

As for Frances, the physical work on her home is complete. Like so many others, she still has an emotional burden to bear but holds on to her remarkably resilient spirit.

“The neighborhood and the community are still strong,” Frances said. “There are still people here who are standing strong and hoping for a rebuild.”

Coastal Bend residents agree they have all learned so much about state and federal agencies, insurance, and disaster relief in the post-Harvey days. However, they hope they’ll never have to use that knowledge again. Frances has no regrets. She would do it all the same if another catastrophe like Harvey hit, although she doesn’t anticipate it will. “I am not afraid,” Frances said. “As the old saying goes, lightning won’t strike twice.”

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CMYK / .eps

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Most

Beautiful

omen inside and out

here is a certain stigma when it comes to women standing up for what they believe in. No matter the cause demanding their voice, sometimes, it is drowned out by what society decides it should sound like. However, we need not forget, women are bold, women are beautiful, and women are brave. It is that very reason as to why there are 7 different women featured within the next 10 pages. 7 women, 7 charities, 3 months, and 1 purpose. That purpose? To shine a light on various philanthropic organizations in our community. To raise awareness and funds for diverse causes in the Coastal Bend.

Lastly, the purpose of 7 Most Beautiful Women, is to celebrate the women who are champions of those without a voice, commend their efforts for leaving the world better than they found it, and, at the end of the day, reminding each of them just how beautiful they truly are, both inside and out.

By: Kylie Kinnett Photos by: Jason Page

Special Thanks To Hair: Courtney Pollard, James Stanley Salon Makeup: Alex Merritt, Alex Merritt Beauty Wardrobe: Julian Gold Corpus Christi Location: The Cosmopolitan, The Art Museum of South Texas, and The Bay Jewel

Katia Uriarte Triumph Over Kid Cancer

Her face is one we might all be familiar with.

Her heart, however, along with her passion and unique ability to make you feel as though you are the most important person she has had a conversation with all day, are features of Katia Uriarte one might not know simply from seeing her on a television screen. She is warm and inviting. She is a fiercely loving mother, a loyal friend, and a woman who makes things happen.

Tell me a little about your charity.

So, the mission of Triumph Over Kid Cancer is to improve the lives of children with cancer by raising their spirits, raising the public’s awareness, and funding research to improve the treatment and survivability of pediatric cancers. James Ragan founded TOKC. He was diagnosed in 2006, at 13 years old, with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that ended up spreading to other parts of his body. Four years ago, at young age of 20, James passed away. But he was passionate about improving the lives of children with cancer by raising their spirits and funding research to improve the treatment and survivability of pediatric cancers. He was very vocal about pharmaceutical companies investing research dollars into cancers that are rare and considered unprofitable.

How did you first get involved with TOKC? I used to do news stories about James. We would always put a spotlight on TOKC fundraisers. Now, as a mom, TOKC touches my heart. I’ve had friends whose children have been diagnosed with cancer and I just want to be a vessel to help fund research.

What does a regular day look like for you?

My schedule changed drastically (and for the better) in the last few months. So, now a typical day consists of waking up no later than 6 AM, making lunch for my son and I, grabbing breakfast along the way and getting my son to

school before the doors close! Then, I head to work. And work, by the way, is always different. There are always different stories to cover and you never know what the day holds and you never know who you get to help out. It’s one of the perks of my job.

Between a busy work schedule, family, and philanthropic endeavors, how do you get it all done?

I have great support, and by the grace of God! There’s no stopping and asking, “How can I get this done?” It just gets done.

How do you spend your free time?

My son is five, so my free time is devoted to him. We ride bikes along the seawall, go swimming, play at home, go to parties. It’s always filled with something to do. We try to sneak in naps when we can.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given your younger self?

Don’t take life too seriously. I look at interviews of James Ragan and he was so full of life. He was passionate and just seemed like he didn’t take anything for granted. I would tell my younger self to live like him. With passion.

With purpose. And with lots of gratitude.

What is something you are most proud of?

I’m most proud of my son, most definitely. He’s my greatest joy. He’s funny. He’s kind. He’s smart. God has blessed me with the greatest child.

What would your spirit animal be?

A kangaroo. Because, I just want to carry my son everywhere I go and If I had a pouch it would make it much easier, ha!

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Pooja

Bindingnavele Women’s and Men’s Health Services of the Coastal Bend Simply put, Pooja Bindingnavele is a light. She is a source of optimism and inquisitiveness — always looking for ways to better her surroundings. “Does anyone even know this Men at Work song?” she exclaims when something other than “Down Under” plays from the television. She tells a story of her first cassette deck in her car and how Def Leppard doesn’t have a bad album. She is full of surprises. As a mother of 4.5 children (she says 4.5 because her dog weighs more than three of her children), and a loving wife, she is constantly going the extra mile. She is currently working towards her Masters in Nutrition, is becoming a Registered Dietitian, and is fueled by her passion of helping others improve their health and well-being.

Tell me a little about your charity.

The mission of Women’s and Men’s Health Services of the Coastal Bend (WAHMS), is to provide and promote preventive health services to improve health outcomes in South Texas. WAHMS provides access to healthcare for people from all walks of life — low income, no income, do not have a primary care physician. WAHMS is there for all of us. WAHMS believes in a healthy and educated community being a stronger community, and that parenting and building strong families leads to this.

What initially drew you to WAHMS? WAHMS provides support to people and their families and helps families to make safe, healthy choices. They provide free or very low-cost health care and have mobile clinics making themselves even more accessible. They also provide STD testing at the college campuses to educate students. Good health and good health education is near and dear to me, as I am raising four children.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is defined as a combination of qualities such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses. This definition is inherently flawed because it is subjective. I be-

46 The Bend

lieve beauty is in the sense of the beholder and it begins with a smile, because perceiving beauty brings about a smile. What one person perceives as beautiful another may not. Beauty is what you choose to perceive as beautiful. I try very hard to find beauty in the world around me and tell people about it. We need to choose to find the beauty in the world around us.

What inspires or drives you?

If I had to pinpoint one thing that inspires me, it’s my children. I want to live a life that they would be proud of. And, I want to be the change you want to see. Our philosophy is to try not to complain but to find a solution by which to drive a change.

Between a busy work schedule, family, and philanthropic endeavors, how do you get it all done?

You just do. People ask frequently, “Oh my gosh, you have four kids. How do you do it?” and the answer is: you just do. We each do it in the way we can and none of us know if we’re doing it right, but we all give our best shot and that’s good enough. I will say that my life is a balance of organized chaos. I provide the organization, they provide the chaos.

How do you spend your free time?

I have been a Classical Indian Dancer (Bharatanatyam) for the past 30 years. I guest teach a class at TAMUCC each semester and a few years ago, I began teaching Bharatanatyam to young children of the Coastal Bend. I also love to read and play board games with my family.

What would your spirit animal be?

My husband said a weaver bird because it’s very industrious, makes very pretty things and takes very good care of its family. You can tell I have difficulty extolling myself in an essay — I almost wanted him to fill this out. I pick a she-wolf — fiercely protective of her family, fairly intelligent, and a pack animal who sometimes needs a moment alone.

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48 The Bend

Kallia Shook Paws and Claws Upon meeting Kallia Shook, a cheery voice and a big smile are most likely what is in store for you. Positivity flows off of her, and a certain comfort level sets in. You feel as though you have known her for years, even though you only met her 10 minutes prior. She is warm and inviting. Simple things in life such as laughter and mimosas on a Sunday bring her happiness. Her heartstrings are tied to helping animals and educating others on how to be the best pet owners they can be.

Tell me a little about your charity.

Paws and Claws is an auxiliary to the Gulf Coast Humane Society, so all of our charitable efforts go directly to them. The Gulf Coast Humane Society is the largest no-kill animal shelter in South Texas. They house and adopt out hundreds of dogs and cats throughout the year and have been dedicated to providing the best care possible to these animals while in search of their fur-ever home. Our mission is to save lives one at a time, and to place homeless animals into loving homes.

We strive to promote responsible pet parenting and the humane treatment of all animals.

What initially drew you to this charity?

Animals have always been a big part of my life. My family was the family on the block that had many dogs and cats, raised baby birds, squirrels and possums and picked up whatever hurt animal we saw. In life, you should help those who cannot help themselves. Our parents taught us this at an early age and I have always followed this with both people and animals.

“What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs.” Someone said that once and I couldn’t agree more.

Favorite memory while working with Paws and Claws?

Visiting the shelter and seeing the difference we make in the lives of the animals we are striving to care for. The dogs and cats we are helping are all innocent creatures that have not

been treated or taken care of as they should have been. Seeing these poor, helpless creatures come in scared and wary of humans and then become sweet and loving after being shown a little kindness is the most rewarding feeling.

What does beauty mean to you?

I think beauty is an open heart, sympathy toward others, and an understanding of what life really is.

What brings you the most joy in life?

Seeing the people I love and care for smile and laugh. Life is way too short to take everything seriously, and life is way too serious to not laugh it off. I love that the people in my life all love to laugh, enjoy life, and take every opportunity to have a good time.

How do you spend your free time?

Spending time with family, friends and my pups, enjoying the outdoors, traveling, scuba diving, snorkeling, and of course enjoying a glass of wine on the patio with the setting sun.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given your younger self?

Life’s short, eat up every day like it’s your last. Order that dessert at a special dinner, stay that extra 20 minutes at the party, go to that concert, book that vacation, and go to that happy hour even if you’re tired.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am proud of where I am in my career and the experiences that it has allowed me. I am proud of the charities I am currently involved in, and the help I have been able to provide. I am proud that I am willing to help others (people and animals) and speak up, even if it is the more difficult route. I am proud (probably actually lucky) that I have gathered the group of people I have in my life.

What would your spirit animal be?

A honey badger or Meerkat.

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A

Angelica Vela New Life Refuge Ministries

Poise, style, and grace. Those three words help paint a picture of Angelica Vela. While she has a quiet exterior, she is filled with compassion and a heart of gold — constantly finding new ways to use her strengths for others’ gain. Advocating for women and children is what she is most passionate about.

She cares for the world we live in and believes in spreading the love and kindness you wish to see in your life. “Every situation is a perfectly planned opportunity to be an example of love and beauty,” she says. “It’s a beautiful thing to showcase our love, strength and forgiveness for everyone to see.”

Tell me a little about your charity.

New Life Refuge Ministries has a purpose to educate the community about child sex trafficking, to partner with other organizations in the fight against modern-day slavery, and to provide a refuge of hope and healing for child survivors.

Our vision is to end child sex trafficking. They are an organization that prays, educates, and provides specialized recovery for survivors.

What initially drew you to New

Life Refuge Ministries?

Sexual violence isn’t glamorous to discuss, it’s difficult and often goes unmentioned. I have witnessed bravery in this organization and have realized that addressing the issue is the first step, and a big one, toward reform. Several people are shocked to learn that human trafficking is in Corpus Christi. Since I’ve announced NLRM as my charity for this event, I have heard many personal stories from men and women about how human trafficking has reached the lives of those around us.

Favorite memory while working

with this charity?

My dear friend introduced me to this wonderful organization by inviting me to a denim drive at her home. I brought over a few pairs of denim and began to learn about the almost 80,000 children being trafficked in the state of Texas alone.

What does beauty mean to you?

We can all agree that beauty goes beyond the surface.

50 The Bend

Beauty is sincerity, it’s loving and tending to our garden, the plot of this universe that is ours.

Between a busy work schedule, family, and

philanthropic endeavors, how do you get it all

done?

I take it day by day, if not hour by hour, if not minute by minute…I’m not gonna lie, it’s a lot. But that’s life. We have to do our part to help each other. I’m very intentional about planning my activities and meetings. Typically, I prefer things well planned-out and on time. Punctuality is kind of my thing! Also, drink plenty of water! Writing down notes throughout the day of ideas or little reminders really helps me, too.

How do you spend your free time?

I love reading. I love live music and being outdoors. I also love to volunteer — it really is an excellent way to get to know your community.

What is something you are most

proud of?

I used to prefer to be alone in my thoughts or sit quietly and observe situations and learn about others that way. I lean more toward being an introvert. But, I didn’t want to be that way. I wanted a life full of experience and relationships. Being a mom makes being an introvert challenging; I had to find balance between being alone versus having a home full of children and their friends. So, in true Angelica fashion I threw myself into situations that forced me to become a better communicator and a better mom and I found healthy ways to cope with the anxiety I would feel. I learned to breathe. By doing so I have been able to speak publicly, travel alone despite nerves, and fundraise for charities that help women and children. I’m now able to mentor others by passing along what I’ve learned.

What would your spirit animal be?

There is a wonderful lesson to be learned from the way an eagle approaches a storm. When the storms of life come upon us, we, too, can rise above them. We can lift ourselves above adversity by setting our minds and our hearts higher. We can all achieve our goals by tapping into our nature’s example of the eagle. Plus, I do a pretty good bird call.

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52 The Bend

L

L Lisa Greenberg

VA’s Homeless Veterans Initiative

Lisa Greenberg is a force to be reckoned with.

She exemplifies all the characteristics of a boss woman. Lisa is a Criminal Defense Attorney by day, but her fight doesn’t stop there. Whether it is for her family, her clients, or those less fortunate, she is constantly standing up for what she believes in and providing for those around her.

Her wit and sarcasm, along with her ability to laugh at herself, make her a joy to be around.

“I try to be positive and believe the world is generally full of kindness, if you look for it,” she says, in regard to her worldview. She definitely embodies that same kindness in all she does.

Tell me a little about your charity.

The Veterans’ Association Homeless Initiative program was designed to assist low income and homeless veterans. The case management that is provided assists the Veteran with their psychosocial needs in order to maintain successful housing. The case managers are licensed clinicians who provide home visits, advocacy, counseling, and referrals for programs within the VA and in the community. Due to veterans’ low income, assistance with gift cards are sometimes provided to assist veterans with household needs that veterans have difficulty purchasing.

In addition, homeless veterans come to the VA to register for healthcare and meet with the Homeless Program staff to obtain assistance for temporary housing, such as shelters.

How did you first get involved with your

charity?

I am the wife, daughter and granddaughter of US veterans. I’m very proud of that. I think veterans fought so that we could exercise our rights and we owe them and need to honor them. My heart breaks when I see veterans suffering from the effects of war. I have seen first-hand many criminal cases where soldiers had not dealt with their internal wounds and were self-medicating or acting out. I want to lend a hand to those who deserve it the most.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty can be so many things, but strength, kindness and confidence stand out for me.

What inspires or drives you?

Standing up for the little guy, the one the world has forgotten. Being the voice for someone without a voice. That is my calling.

What does a regular day look like for you?

I wake up at 5 AM, head to the gym where I lead a class two days a week or workout with friends, I head home and shower, wake kids up, rush out the door to court. Typically doing makeup in the car or dropping a child off, hoping I remembered deodorant. Then, I dash from courtroom to courtroom and back to the office to try and take care of my clients’ needs. I come home and cook dinner and then usually try not to move for a while! Except with kids that’s impossible.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given your younger self?

Stop trying to fit in and stand out. Oh, and don’t use box dye on your hair!

What is something you are most proud of?

Besides my children, the people I’ve helped as a lawyer, those who no one had listened to before.

Between a busy work schedule, family, and philanthropic endeavors, how do you get it all done?

I don’t! I think I don’t even strive for perfection anymore!

And, I always own that I can be a bit of a mess sometimes.

What brings you the most joy in life?

Coffee, rum, my family, and buffalo wings.

What would your spirit animal be?

Ha! My family would say dragon! I would say mama bear.

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Tiffany Montemayor The Council on Alcohol + Drug Abuse Coastal Bend

When asked to give us a little insight on her life, Tiffany Montemayor gives an answer true to form.

“I always tell people three amazing things came from Corpus Christi: Selena, Whataburger, and me.” She is George Strait’s number one fan, her cat, Miss Kitty, has an Instagram account, and she has a knack for making people laugh. Her exuberant spirit, bold presence in any room, and passion for helping others make for one hell of a woman.

Tell me a little about your charity.

The Council on Alcohol + Drug Abuse Coastal Bend is a nonprofit organization that offers hope and healing to those in need by providing a continuum of care in substance use prevention, intervention, outpatient treatment, and recovery for youth and adults. They never turn anyone away. If a person can’t afford services then The Council has funding for them or if someone needs something The Council doesn’t provide, they will refer that person to who can help them.

What initially drew you to this charity?

I realized that substance use problems don’t just affect one person. They affect the whole family, the whole community, and the future of the community. So, being able to work with a nonprofit that I know is going to have impact on everything from education, to health, to employment, to quality of life, won me over.

What does beauty mean to you?

Confidence. Beauty is confidence. Having the confidence to say “yes,” to say “no,” to say “I can and I will,” is the most beautiful thing someone can have on their face and in their heart.

They say that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

That’s because confidence shines in all of those shapes, sizes, and colors. And that kind of beauty works both ways.

54 The Bend

What inspires or drives you?

My family inspires and drives me. Specifically, my younger family members. I am the oldest child and also the oldest grandchild so I know they all are watching me. I try my best to make good choices and create new traditions so that they know anything is possible and it doesn’t matter how much money you have or where you grew up.

Between a busy work schedule, family, and philanthropic endeavors, how do you get it all done?

My planner, coffee, my fiancé, and keeping people around me who believe in me and tell me I can get it all done.

What brings you the most joy in life?

Laughing. I LOVE to laugh. The books I read are funny. The movies I watch are funny. The friends I have are funny. Laughing is the thing that can bring me joy even when life is bad. If I can laugh, especially with those I love, life is never bad for too long. Also, laughing is usually free and who doesn’t like free?

What is something you are most proud of?

I am most proud of graduating from college. Statistically speaking, being born to low socio-economic teenage minority parents didn’t bode well for me. Most of the people in my family didn’t graduate from high school so even just going off to college was a huge deal. Being away from family, working two or three jobs at a time, and missing out on holidays at home because we couldn’t afford for me to travel was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

What would your spirit animal be?

My spirit animal is the Honey Bee, and as much as I’d love to say I’m the Queen Bee, I am the worker bee.

C

C Cheri Sperling

The Island Foundation

A lot can be said of Cheri Sperling. She is a no-nonsense kind of gal who knows how to get the job done. However, she is also one of the kindest souls you will ever meet, and she knows how to have fun. She tells us stories of her “cabana boy” (her Roomba) and it instantly becomes the running joke of the day. Her wit is charming and her sense of humor is uncanny. Between her husband, her six children, 13 grandchildren, owning Coastline Properties on Padre Island, and constantly pouring herself into her community, she has her hands full on most days.

Tell me a little about your charity.

The Island Foundation has evolved over the years, since 1994, and today serves as the governing body of Seashore Learning Center Charter School. The Island Foundation is committed to raising the funds necessary to meet current and future needs for facilities, thereby ensuring the success of Seashore Charter Schools and contributing to the prosperity of the Island.

How did you first get involved with The Is-

land Foundation?

As the Seashore Charter School system has grown, so has my philanthropic involvement. Today Coastline Properties is a major sponsor of the school’s largest money-making function every year, Whoop It Up! Not only do we serve as sponsor, but our office donates items to the silent and live auctions, raising thousands of additional dollars that go directly to the schools.

What initially drew you to this charity?

When I see and hear how children are thriving at Seashore Charter Schools my heart is full and I’m so very proud to be a very intricate part of this fine school system.

As cliché as it sounds, the children ARE our future, and to me, there is no investment more important.

Favorite memory while working with them?

Our favorite, every year, is to be a major part of the annual Whoop It Up function, which raises additional dollars that go directly to the schools.

What does beauty mean to you?

This is true: physical beauty will fade over time, but true beauty is timeless. Beauty to me is happiness...and helping bring smiles to faces I see. That makes me happy inside and out.

What does a regular day look like for you?

My day starts at five a.m. every single day, seven days a week. My dad always told me, “the early bird catches the worm.” He was so right. I eat, sleep, and dream about my very very busy career — and love every single step. Life is meant to be lived...not slept through. If you walked in my shoes you’d end up in some stranger’s home, giving a listing presentation. How fun!

Between a busy work schedule, family, and philanthropic endeavors, how do you get it all done?

Keep movin’. Don’t be embarrassed by a failure of some sort, learn from it and start again. Keep movin’.

How do you spend your free time?

My husband and I love to do things together, whether that’s going to a Hooks ball game or just cruising in our boat up and down the canals on Padre Island. I don’t give myself much free time, so our time together means the world to us both.

What inspires or drives you?

I was once told, “to give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” This is always my goal.

If I make something look simple or easy...then I did my job right!

What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given your younger self?

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Teenage years, I really thought it was all about ME. So, glad I’ve learned otherwise over the years.

What would your spirit animal be?

Alaskan Malamute.

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PROMOTION

Behind the Scenes

A look into our biggest shoot day of the year

When it comes to 7 Most Beautiful Women: Inside & Out, there are a lot of moving parts. There are many pieces that come together in order to create this wonderful feature. We want to give a special thank you to each of those moving pieces. From location and photographers, to our glam squad and wardrobe — none of this could have happened without you.

The day of the photoshoot, The Cosmopolitan graciously allowed us to make their place our own. With The Cosmopolitan as our headquarters, we shot photos within their walls, as well as 58 The Bend

at the Art Museum of South Texas and the Bay Jewel. Our women were treated like royalty for a day with the help of massages from TVV Medi Spa, treats from Urbana, and delicious mimosas!

With the help of Courtney Pollard of James Stanley Salon, and Alex Merritt of Alex Merritt Beauty, our seven women were given beautiful hair and makeup looks that matched their wardrobe from Julian Gold perfectly! The services of each of these pieces of the puzzle help bring together the feature as a whole. So, we thank you all for helping us make this possible.

S One Year Later

Susan Klaus Agape Ranch

What did participating in 7 Most Beautiful

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Women mean to you?

It was an honor to be selected to participate in the 7 Most Beautiful Women, alongside an incredible group of women who care so deeply about our community. The Bend created a platform, which allowed me to share firsthand accounts of foster children and the struggles they face. Since most foster children are not able to share their voice, this was an amazing opportunity for them to be heard. It was also a blessing to listen to the extraordinary work of the other women. As a result of the connections made at the event, I have gained lifelong friendships and for that I am deeply grateful.

What did it mean for you to raise funds for your charity?

The response from community members through their generous giving highlighted their desire to be a part of the solution for the growing need in foster care. The funds raised from this event allowed us to work with an architect firm and engineers to design the future homes for Agape Ranch. Furthermore, 7 Most Beautiful Women occurred while our community was recovering from Hurricane Harvey. We were also able to assist foster children and their families who were affected by the hurricane.

What has your charity been up to since this time last year?

In 2018, the master plan for the Agape Ranch community was completed. We are diligently working towards making our vision become a reality. In addition to pursuing land development, we continue to be committed to offering quality programs to support foster children and their families. These programs include Agape Connection (an adoption event), Backpack Drive, #familystrong Art Contest, Respite Care Training (state certified childcare providers), and Christmas Store.

What are you currently working on with your charity?

Masquerade Murder Mystery will take place on Friday, September 21, 2018, at the Yacht Club. Tickets and table sponsorships are available online. Come dressed in your best masquerade attire and solve the evening’s mystery. An anonymous donor has challenged the attendees to a $50,000 match donation on the evening of the Masquerade. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, live auction, and silent auctions will be available.

Also, on November 10, 2018, the second annual #leavealegcay5K will be held at Heritage Park to celebrate National Adoption Month. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join us for the 1K fun run, 5K race, and 10K race. You can register to run or become a sponsor on our website. thebendmag.com

59

SPECIAL PROMOTION

T

he look of vinyl flooring has changed drastically in the last few years. It’s not what we grew up with in your mom and pop’s home, and this new vinyl flooring makes current design possibilities limitless.

Luxury vinyl (LVT), the hottest trend in flooring, is difficult to distinguish from the real thing — such as the timeless beauty of wood and stone, or the manmade look of concrete, metal and porcelain tile. With all these great features and great pricing, vinyl can’t be beat!

Available in high-fashion designs, today's LVT combines a luxurious appearance with foot-cushioning resilience to make an elegant and comfortable floor covering. And best of all, it’s waterproof...if you select the right product.

It’s important to understand the technology of vinyl. Vinyl comes in a variety of formats, like flexible or rigid vinyl, and it can be installed in a few different ways. Do you want a floor that will have a lifetime warranty or are you willing to compromise with an inexpensive product that may only last a few years?

Since there are so many choices available to consumers, the factors that should be considered are: Quality: the overall thickness, wear layer thickness, middle layer material and backing Design: textured surfaces that are embossed and registered, size, and style Performance: warranty, durability and ease of maintenance These characteristics will determine the retail pricing and may substantiate the old saying: “you get what you pay for.”

Some of the vinyl products being offered today continue to have wood-based particles in the backing or middle layer, which may compromise the vinyl’s waterproofing ability.

Another critical factor that will make a difference in how your floor will look and perform is the installation. Floor preparation, such as installing new sub-flooring due to moisture issues or adding floor leveling compounds to cover up slab or plywood imperfections, will affect the overall appearance of your floor.

Professional installation, carefree maintenance, overall durability and value should all factor into your decision-making when you consider buying a new floor. Come discuss your floor project with us at Allison Flooring America.

Owners Sandi and Terry Allison at Allison Flooring America have been in the flooring industry since 1973, and have over 100 years of floor installation experience to offer customers.

4400 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78411 • 361.855.4781

HEALTH BE WELL 62 MEDICAL MATTERS 64 MEET THE DOCTOR

66

What’s Inside Dr. Jack Cortese was initially intrigued by his medical field by the intricate chemistry that goes into it.

Cortese is focused on bringing top notch care in his field to the Coastal Bend.

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HEALTH / BE WELL

Running at Your Own Pace Preparing for the Harbor Half and Corpus Christi Half starts…now!

By: Julieta Hernandez Photos by: Brynn Osborn

M

arathons and half marathons are true feats of athleticism, but finish lines aren’t that far away if you prepare properly for the race.

Doug McBee, President of the Corpus Christi Road Runners club, and Adrian Marquez, a private running coach and manager of Fleet Feet Corpus Christi, know how first-time runners should warm up before the big day.

And actually, marathon training is mostly pacing and patience. “When you train, you have to train. There’s no way to get around it, you’re going to have to put in the miles,” says Doug McBee, whose familiarity to marathon training is exemplified by a “track record” of over 100 races.

It’s important to start slowly. Getting your body used to running one mile, then five miles, then ten miles comfortably doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t depend on pushing yourself. Rather, it depends on getting to know your body and the lengths and speeds it can endure.

McBee recommends just getting out there, getting the gear on, and hitting the streets.

As a non-regular runner, switching between intervals of walking and running will help build your endurance. If running is not part of your regular lifestyle, it’s ideal to check in with your doctor to make sure your body is adapting to training correctly.

62 The Bend

This also includes measuring your hydration. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Coastal areas provide a cool breeze, but the sun shows no mercy during a long run. Water should always be the first drink you reach for — but beverages that are infused with electrolytes and minerals help a great deal with recovery. As for nutrition, both McBee and Marquez say it depends on your knowledge of your own body’s likes and dislikes. Your stomach will likely determine your diet. Marquez prefers to fill his personal training seasons with nutrient-dense foods, and includes amino acids when he can.

As a runner, novice or not, shoes are exceptionally critical. Runners should be wearing running shoes that fit properly — or else running will be even less fun than it already is.

“You’ll be surprised. From working at Fleet Feet, I’ve learned that shoes make a big difference, and your feet can pay for it in the long run,” said Marquez, who’s been running for 18 years.

It’s recommended to shop with running styles in mind — jogging, marathoning, cross-country, etc. — and to speak to a shopping assistant who might be able to direct you to appropriate shoewear. The same applies to running apparel. Comfortable, cooling clothes are more appropriate for running. Whatever makes you comfortable running is what you should run in — you already know you’re going to sweat in it!

Even if you have all the knowledge required, the most important tip is to maintain your motivation. Find someone to run with, or run for. Running groups like the Corpus Christi Road Runners take group runs every morning and are for runners of any pace level. Fun Runs, which are three-to-four mile neighborhood runs, are organized by the CC Road Runners and the general running community (yes, we have one!) in the area.

PROMOTION

Bart Braselton

P

Back to School

arents across the Coastal Bend rejoice- the kids are back in school! We spent the summer with our families, enjoying quality time together, taking family trips to faraway places, and enjoying long lazy summer evenings at home on the couch.

But by the middle of August, let’s admit it… we parents are ready for the return of “school days, school days, dear old Golden Rule days.” And the kids, especially the little ones, are excited to get back to class. New clothes, new shoes, new lunchboxes and new school supplies are all on the agenda.

But for some of Corpus Christi’s school children, the start of school isn’t so fun, and exciting. In fact, it’s something they may dread. They know that those new clothes and school supplies, for that all-important first day of the new year, aren’t things that are possible for them. For whatever reason due to whatever circumstances surrounding their lives, their families or caregivers aren’t able to give them the bright start to school that makes such a difference in children’s attitudes toward learning.

To help address this, Braselton Homes, as part of our Community Building Program, sponsored a “Back to School” shopping trip for 50 elementary school kids from the West Oso Independent School District. On August 16th, we took the children to J. C. Penny’s and gave them each $100 to spend on new outfits and shoes for their first day back to school. With a great army of volunteers, including folks from Fish for Life Ministries, the Jr. League, Rock City Church, and more, the shopping extravaganza began! KRIS TV Channel 6 was such a boost to this day; Alan Harwell and Katia

Uriarte were both there helping out. And due to the generosity of JC Penny’s, each child’s $100 was stretched to almost $140, allowing many more new clothes to go home with each child.

Braselton Homes has been blessed to get to sponsor this event for the past several years, and Michelle and I can’t express the happiness it gives us. To get to walk around the store and see the happy faces as the kids choose their items is a blessing. For many of them, this is the first time they’ve ever had any new things…. things that are all their own.

And they always humble us with their own generosity, too- inevitably asking if they have to spend all the money on themselves or if they can use it to get things for other family members as well.

Giving our local school children the head start they need as they begin the new school year is a great way for us to pay it forward, for the future of our community. We are proud to help… after all, this is our hometown. Our family has been living and building in the Coastal Bend for over 70 years and three generations. We look forward to continuing our efforts to not only build great homes and neighborhoods for our customers to live in, but to also help build a better community for us all.

See you in the neighborhood, Bart Braselton

Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent.

Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency.

And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’ s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend Green Built Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation.

Braselton and his wife, Michelle have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the ECF Community Center, and the Food Bank.

For more information about Braselton Homes, visit us at braseltonhomes.com

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63

HEALTH / MEDICAL MATTERS

Advancing the Field of

Nephrology My nephew bothers me? Nefertiti lobotomy?

Neph…pardon me?

By: Rianna Turner Photo by: Aaron Garcia

N

ephrology comes from the Greek root “nephros,” which refers to kidneys. However, one does not visit the nephrologist when they have kidney stones or blockages — urologists are the surgical specialists who focus on anatomical or structural disorders of the kidneys. Nephrologists are more like chemists. These patient-oriented physicians study the composition of bodily fluids to reach a conclusion on how best to treat various kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetic kidney disorders, and electrolyte disorders.

This tedious chemistry was what brought nephrologist Jack Cortese to the field.

Dr. Cortese was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended what he calls the “original UT” — the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The rest of his medical studies carried him around the United States, from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles to the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, and eventually to the South Texas area, in San Antonio and Corpus Christi. During his studies, Dr. Cortese always enjoyed the tediousness of the chemical and biological sciences, and found that nephrology was a specialty that allowed him to channel that enjoyment.

Many people who require the attention of a nephrologist like Dr. Cortese are in need of dialysis — the clinical purification of the blood. However, there are many cases in which patients are in need of the procedure, but are too ill to manage the treatment. To help alleviate this problem, Dr. Cortese has been working with a treatment called Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). CRRT is a gentler form of dialysis that is ideal for those who are too sick to manage other forms of dialysis. This treatment has become more common in Intensive Care Units, since the treatment runs 24 hours a day, and has proven to be useful in pre-operation for kidney transplants.

64 The Bend

According to the CDC’s 2017 National Diabetes Statistics report, 9.4 percent of the United States population — which is about 30.3 million people — have diabetes. The high prevalence of diabetes in the United States also draws attention to the field of nephrology, as those who suffer from diabetes are prone to kidney disease. Dr. Cortese, an energetic man who plays bass in the rock band Hard Wired, likes to explain kidney disease using car analogies.

“Let’s say a patient has had diabetes for 20 years,” Dr. Cortese said. “That’s like a 1998 Mustang. Say I drive this Mustang to work every day for 20 years, and I park it outside, near the salty sea winds. That Mustang is going to start to rust.” In the human body, the sea winds aren’t salty, but sweet.

Excess sugar consumption over long periods of time affects blood vessels, which creates the symptoms of diabetes, like numbness, increased thirst, and kidney function.

Dr. Cortese’s focus on accessibility sets his practice apart. When a patient is referred to him, and may be suffering from kidney disease or at risk of kidney failure, Dr. Cortese presents them with a kidney “speedometer.”

This speedometer is a hands-on way of understanding one’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR) — a measure of how well kidneys are working. Instead of giving a patient a list of numbers, Dr. Cortese provides patients with a hands-on way of understanding their own bodies, thus helping them make their own decisions.

This focus on education is something Dr. Cortese hopes to see in the future of his field. Collective, accessible education will help with diabetes care, since the disease can be more effectively treated the earlier it is noticed. Education at other levels, from that of the young residents Dr. Cortese mentors, to that of aspiring biomedical engineers, will also advance the field of nephrology. Who knows — artificial kidneys could be the next CRRT.

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65

HEALTH / MEET THE DOCTOR

do it more together as much as we need to, within the rules and the laws, but the vision is that this is a Nurse Practitioner run clinic, this is why [Heather’s] name is listed first.”

Kostoff views the opportunity to start from the ground up with Dr. Ramos as one of the greatest things to happen in her extensive professional career. Her first assignment was to help build the new team. “I really wanted to bring Anita and John with me,” she said. “I talked with Dr. Guzman and he was very supportive of them helping me with this, because I thought they would be the best fit. John has done it many times and Anita can wear multiple hats and she does it really well.”

If anything, Kostoff and Dr. Ramos credit the staff as a major part of their quick success. Clinical Director John York has opened multiple clinics in the past and the team has relied on him for his knowledge and experience. Anita Riojas came from law enforcement and has a knack for interacting with customers. The staff has even spent weekends helping maintain the clinic on their own time.

Practicing Practitioners Dr. Enrique Cisneros Ramos Jr. and Nurse Practitioner Heather Kostoff are going back to the basics of healthcare with an original concept in mind By: Jordan Regas Photo: Jarred Schuetze

D

r. Enrique Ramos looked both humbled and overjoyed as he relayed how quickly the Ramos Medical Group went from a theoretical conversation among friends in March, to opening their doors on June 25, 2018. “I think our biggest accomplishment is just the timeline in which we did it,” said Dr. Ramos.

Around early spring, Dr. Ramos reconnected with Heather Kostoff, RN, MSN, FNP-C, who was working with Dr. Antonio Guzman at the time, with an opportunity to open the first of a new line of Nurse Practitioner run clinics. Dr. Ramos views the partnership as more of a collaboration effort than mere supervision. “Supervision is me being here over her shoulder, saying do it like this. But Heather is so strong and the staff is so good that we

66 The Bend

The whole team shares a philosophy of good service with a goal of putting care back in healthcare. They hope to offer more of a family friendly, personal touch to medicine. They want to be the kind of clinic that knows their patient’s family history. “They are people; these are patients; these are human beings that you are treating with other concerns,” Kostoff said. “It’s not just about treating blood pressure. Can they afford their medication? Will they be able to get it every month or every three months?”

Dr. Ramos and Kostoff hope to expand with more hyper-local clinics on the South Side and Central areas of Corpus Christi. The vision is for Kostoff to take the reins, being more fiscally and managerially responsible. As an RN for ten years in the ICU himself, Dr. Ramos holds a deep respect and appreciation for the nursing profession. “I think they are underutilized in my opinion, in how they manage patients and what they do, that is why I set this up,” said Dr. Ramos.

Contact: Ramos Medical Group 2727 Morgan Ave #400 361-883-8888

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HOME & GARDEN OPEN HOUSE 70 GARDENING 76 SPACES 78

What’s Inside When creating a space in your home dedicated to the post-work unwind, there are simple key elements that must be present. Your lounge should always be stocked with your favorite drinks, good books, and next-level comfort.

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HOME & GARDEN / OPEN HOUSE

Redefining Style

“WHEN THIS CONCEPT IS DONE WELL, MIXING OLD AND NEW ELEMENTS CREATES A FANTASTIC AND ORIGINAL LOOK FOR ANY SPACE,” SAYS BENNETT.

70 The Bend

Bennett Maddox, a vibrant interior decorator, defines his home’s style as romantic modern.

A

By: Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by: Jason Page

romantic masculine ambience permeates the elegant home of Bennett Maddox and Maurice Curran. Sensuous textures, luxurious fabrics, and an inviting atmosphere fill their residence, located in the attractive Summer Wind Village subdivision.

Bennett and Maurice describe the overall feel of their home as “Romantic Modern,” a concept achieved by merging the old world with the new world. “When this concept is done well, mixing old and new elements creates a fantastic and original look for any space,” says Bennett. As an interior designer, he typically keeps a style in mind when decorating his clients’ homes; however, the style of his own home is constantly evolving.

Luscious shades of rose gold, grey, taupe, and brown with metallic accents adorn the home. However, Bennett and Maurice’s favorite paint color is a special shade called Sharkskin, which plays tricks on the eyes. When light hits the wall, the color transposes into varied hues of taupe and gray.

The living area showcases mementos from Bennett’s childhood. He uses antlers as accents throughout the house, including large antlers placed in a vase. He calls this bold arrangement “the antler bush.”

Although antlers are an increasingly popular motif in home design, for Bennett, they are nostalgic. A cowhide rug and footstool, used as centerpieces in the living room, add to the nostalgia.

This combination of old and new transfers into the kitchen and dining area. The natural stone backsplash, granite countertops, and dark brown cabinets evoke elements of the new world, while the uneven wood planks on the farmhouse table provide a hint of the old world. To break up the monotony of solid kitchen cabinets, strategically placed books, ranging from classics to cookbooks, sit atop each cabinet, proving that sometimes the best decorations are at your fingertips.

Maintaining equilibrium is essential to Bennett’s style, and all techniques used blend together to create uniformity and glamour. Not a fan of negative space, Bennett often employs tasteful objects, much like the books in the kitchen, to cover any spots left untouched.

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Bennett stands firm in his belief that anyone can have a nicely decorated home, even on a small budget. He explains much of the romantic glam in his home is the result of DIY projects. The most impressive creation is one he calls the “cigar wall technique,” which involved crumpling parcel paper and coating it with polyurethane to set a dramatic ceiling design in the living room. The entryway also shines as a miniature upcycled art gallery. Several empty frames in varying sizes, shapes, and colors are placed within each other, creating an artistic wall accent.

Bennett’s DIY and budget savvy prowess are even reflected in the framed map of Ireland on the living room wall. The large map, which holds sentimental value for the couple, was cut into four equal pieces and placed in frames purchased at Michael’s, adding an affordable masculine touch to the romantic modern décor.

72 The Bend

The bathrooms and bedrooms embrace the same decorating theme.

While the bedrooms are elegantly simplistic in neutral hues, the bathrooms offer a jolt of color and dazzling appeal through intricate Indian styled pieces.

Bennett and Maurice’s jovial demeanor and down-to-earth souls are reflected in their master bedroom’s design. Bennett describes this area as “ironic.” While the room’s décor still holds true to the home’s glamour, it also features a few random feel good pieces. One of Bennett’s favorites is a framed picture of a fox wearing a military uniform, but nothing compares to a framed wire design, bearing Bennett’s likeness, made by their daughter. Bennett describes this part of the house as, “the area that brings me happiness, laughter, and joy before I start my day.”

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CREATING A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT FROM A CHALLENGING SPACE PLAN Design is more than the arrangement of parts, details, forms or colors. It is the creation of an environment, complete in function and style. Adherence to the finest principles of design insure the customer with a finished interior reflecting something of the owner’s personality, as well as the creative vision of the designer. Interior designers are educated and trained to create functional spaces out of difficult floorplans.

1. GAME TABLE MADE FROM A CERAMIC UMBRELLA STAND: WOOD BASE PLUS GRANITE TOP TO SUPPORT GLASS AND PROVIDE CORRECT HEIGHT FOR DINING OR GAMING 2. ANTIQUE CABINET FROM BRAZIL 3. HAND BLOWN GLASS FISH 4. MONORAIL LIGHTING ON A CONCRETE CEILING WITH ONE OUTLET ALLOWED FOR LIGHTING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROOM 5. COMFORTABLE OPEN ARM CHAIRS 6. TEXTURAL GRASS ROMAN STYLE SHADES THAT OPEN TO A VIEW OF THE OCEAN AND ALLOW A FILTERED VIEW WHEN NECESSARY TO CUT HEAT AND GLARE 7. ANTIQUE CHINESE WOOD SCREEN 8. SHELL KEY TASSEL 9. LIVE PLANTS 361.851.8052 CASTORCOLLECTION.COM 74 The Bend

No home is complete without a stunning backyard. Two chaise lounges sporting contemporary denim pillows grace the sun deck, which looks out toward a bed of lush grass accented with giant flowerpots overflowing with colorful blossoms. A tall pergola, designed by Bennett, houses benches and a fire pit, creating a perfect spot for roasting marshmallows on a balmy South Texas evening.

Buddha statues are scattered throughout the home. Bennett strongly believes in the Buddhist message: treat others with kindness, and you will be treated with kindness in return.

Bennett and Maurice incorporate this belief in the friendly aesthetic of their living space, making their home the perfect venue for entertaining as well as a place where guests can feel comfortable and serene.Â

5830 MCARDLE RD. SUITE 9 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 361.991.7222 @JEWELSCCTX

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HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING

A Fall Garden Done Right

How to grow your favorite vegetables this fall By: Justin Butts Photo by: Rachel Benavides

HEAT-LOVING PLANTS

F

Heat-loving plants require warm weather to produce a robust harvest. Plant only healthy transplants to get the greatest head start on the season. Check the plant label for “number of days to harvest” to make sure you have enough time prior to the average first frost date to get a harvest. all is the best time of year to plant a garden in The Bend.

You can grow all of your favorite vegetables and herbs if you plant them at the proper time during the fall season.

To know what to plant and when, first divide your vegetables into “heat-loving plants” and “cold-loving plants.” Plant your heat-loving plants early in September so they have plenty of time to harvest before the weather turns cold.

WHAT TO PLANT IN SEPTEMBER Tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins, summer and winter squash, okra. Plant bush beans, pole beans, and black-eyed peas from seed.

HERBS Basil, oregano, thyme, sage, and mint.

COLD-LOVING PLANTS

Cold-loving plants, on the other hand, need cold weather to properly mature. In fact, cold-loving plants such as greens, carrots, and root vegetables require low temperatures to develop their sweetness and flavor.

Plant these cold-loving plants as transplants in the warm weather of early fall, so they ripen and mature during the cold winter.

The average first frost date in South Texas is December 8. We don’t get a frost every year, but you should expect your heat-loving plants to shut down around this time. A frost will kill your heat-loving plants, but cold-loving plants like a little frost on their leaves.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, head or leaf lettuce, and snow peas.

As your heat-loving plants shut down in December, your cold-loving plants will begin coming to the table. This gives you a perpetual harvest from early fall through the end of winter in March!

76 The Bend

WHAT TO PLANT ANY MONTH BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY

HERBS Cilantro, dill, parsley, and nasturtiums.

WHAT TO PLANT ANY MONTH BETWEEN OCTOBER AND FEBRUARY Beets, carrots, Swiss chard, collards, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, turnips, and spinach.

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HOME & GARDEN / SPACES

ESCAPE to the

LOUNGE The must-have elements when creating the perfect space for relaxation Words and Photos by: Jarred Schuetze

W

hen designating a space in your home as the lounge, a few musthave attributes come to mind.

These are books, booze, and superb seating. Having books in the lounge is a no brainer. They provide reading material and add immemse aesthetic value to any room. The booze should come as no shock; I mean, who’s ever wanted to hang in a lounge without a cocktail in their hand? It’s smart to keep a stocked bar of personal go-to bottles.

Using decanters to display liquors brings a sophisticated atmosphere, while providing a convienient way for the quick pour. For those that don’t indulge in the casual cocktail, swapping alcohol with sparkling or tonic water is encouraged. Once you’ve picked your posion and paired it with a nice book, all thats left is a place to sit and unwind. A superb sitting area can be achieved through texture and color. A tufted couch is a timeless example of lounge seating. Other options such as leather recliners or velvet couches do wonders for creating the perfect space right in your own home.

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Decanters from Red Crow Antique Mall. Beige tufted couch from Wildflower’s, live greenery from HEB. Books from Half Price Books, vintage bar tools from Renaissance Antiques.

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BEAUTYGUIDE

J.KEITHROSE, MD General Surgery/Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Burn fellowship at the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Galveston Member of American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery .

At Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center, it’s all about results. This is why people have traveled from all around the state for their cosmetic surgery needs. Dr. Keith Rose is a plastic surgeon who believes that listening to his patients and understanding their goals is the cornerstone of great results. He founded Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center to help patients at his Corpus Christi practice, and throughout the world, achieve the appearance of their dreams.

FEATURED SERVICE What is the “liquid” facelift?

Patients come from around the state for Dr. Rose to perform rhytidectomy or facelift surgery. He also has patients that desire a “liquid” facelift when they are not quite ready for a surgical procedure or have certain budget constraints. In the right patient, a “liquid” facelift is a game changer.

A “liquid” facelift is usually performed on a person that has volume loss in the face due to aging. By carefully filling and sculpting the proper aesthetic units in the face with dermal fillers, Dr. Rose can create a lifting effect in the facial skin envelope thus restoring a more youthful appearance. In the right patients, a “liquid” facelift with dermal fillers can be an economical life changing procedure.

Dr. Rose is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon who has performed plastic and reconstructive surgeries around the world for nearly two decades. He is the author of numerous papers on plastic surgery and has lectured on plastic surgery across the globe. Alongside his team at Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Rose performs hundreds of surgical procedures a year with outstanding results and uncompromising safety standards. Dr. Rose and his team strive to provide clients with the highest level of personalized care, while creating natural looking results that turn their dreams into reality. They specialize in services, such as Facelift, Breast Augmentation, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and Brazilian Butt Lift.

Every case is rewarding. From the removal of the initial bandages after a facelift to the contouring of the body with liposculpture, each case provides a unique satisfaction for the team that is evident in the face and confidence of their patients.

The Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center donates time and money to a number of charities and animal rescue programs. Dr. Rose is a frequent guest on the award winning radio show “Lago in the Morning” on 1360 KKTX iHeart Radio and has served on local boards in the past, such as the American Red Cross and the Corpus Christi Symphony.

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TVVMEDISPA CoolSculpting University Graduates Preferred Level in Zeltiq® Crystal Rewards CoolScultiping Program Alma Laser Certified Platinum Level with Allergen Aesthetics TVV Medispa is a physician supervised, full service, health and wellness medical spa. They offer a unique spa experience by providing medical services while keeping the atmosphere of a luxurious day spa. Dr. Javier Alonso heads the team and has a staff of caring, experienced, and personable experts.

FEATURED SERVICE Touchably Smooth, Hair-free Skin. In the past that meant enduring long, painful, multi-application treatments with unpredictable results. Not any more with Soprano ICE. ICE is a state-of-the-art treatment specially designed to remove unwanted hair quickly, comfortably, and with fewer visits than ever before.

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The TVV Medispa staff is committed to providing their patients with the best care possible. They want to help their patients feel as beautiful as possible and do so through their up-to-date training in advanced skincare technology. They customize treatments for each customer in order to fit their personal and unique needs and goals.

They are the only practice in town that has two Coolsculpting machines.

This means they are able to treat two areas of the body at the same time-which saves the patient time. They are also qualified to treat all nine areas of the body that are FDA approved.

P Virtually painless laser hair removal P Designed for optimal safety P All skin types, even tanned skin

Procedures and services the medispa specializes in include: Coolsculpting, painless hair removal, tattoo removal, skin tightening, Photofacial, skin rejuvenation, Botox, Juvederm, and many more. Each of their services has the option to be customized to the patient as they strive for only the best results.

At TVV Medispa, you will experience luxury services such as a ozone sauna and massages. Their hope is to make each patient feel as beautiful as possible and receive a true pampering treatment. Giving women a boost of confidence, whether in skincare or body contouring, is what they are most proud of at TVV Medispa. They love empowering women to feel the best in their own skin.

5242 HOLLY RD., CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411 361.994.7500 • TVVMEDISPA.COM thebendmag.com

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PROMOTION

BEAUTYGUIDE

PADREDERMATOLOGY Dr. Rogers, Board Certified Dermatologist Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon What is MOHS Surgery? MOHS surgery is a precise surgical treatment used to treat skin cancer. Skin containing cancer is progressively removed in thin layers and examined under the microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. MOHS Surgery is the preferred treatment for skin cancer in cosmetically and functionally sensitive locations, such as the face, neck, hands, and feet. It is also used frequently for aggressive or large skin cancers on other parts of the body. The goal of a MOHS Surgeon is to remove all traces of skin cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Ryan Rogers, M.D. performs MOHS Surgery in Corpus Christi, Texas at Padre Dermatology. Dr. Rogers founded The Padre Dermatology Clinic in 2016 after completing a prestigious training program in MOHS skin cancer surgery and facial reconstruction.

FEATURED SERVICE Vampire Facial. PRP is your own blood enriched by platelets to help stimulate the development of collagen and other components that help skin look younger and healthier. PRP contains growth factors and proteins called cytokines that help heal age and sun-related damage in the skin. Since PRP is naturally created by your own body, this reduces risks associated with donor genetic materials such as allergies, hypersensitivity, and other adverse reactions. Many patients are also drawn to the natural qualities of using elements of their own body rather than chemicals or donated cells.

How is MOHS Surgery different than other methods of removing skin cancer? MOHS surgery is the most precise method for removing skin cancer and is the preferred treatment for skin cancer removal, with a cure rate of almost 99% for many lesions. Smaller wounds with MOHS surgery allow for less complicated surgical repairs, which makes an excellent cosmetic result more likely.

What can I expect for my procedure on surgery day? MOHS surgery follows this general order: Local anesthesia is given to numb the surgical area; the cancer is removed with a small border of healthy tissue around the edges and underneath cancer. The cancer specimen is then examined microscopically by the surgeon to ensure that all the outer edges and undersurface are free of cancer cells. If cancer cells are seen at the edges of the specimen, then more small layers of skin tissue are excised and evaluated. The cancer is removed; the open area can be closed surgically.

What can I expect regarding my wound healing? Most MOHS surgical wounds are repaired immediately, depending on the situation, some may be allowed to heal without surgical repair. In select cases, our surgeons may suggest a plastic surgeon for reconstruction. All of these options are reviewed with each patient.

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5920 SARATOGA BLVD., STE 540 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78412 361.993.0234 • PADREDERM.COM

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HALCYONMED SPA Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich, MD: Board Certified in Emergency Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine Angelica Jackson, MPAS PA-C: Board Certified Physician Assistant, trained in Dermatology When it comes to aesthetic options and decisions about your image, a trustworthy and highly trained team of professionals is your best resource. Halcyon Med Spa was founded in 2015 and continues today under the leadership of Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich MD, and Angelica Jackson, MPAS PA-C. Under the supervision of Dr. Schwirtlich, our team follows strict safety standards. Medical services are performed by Angelica Jackson, a board certified PA trained in Dermatology, and an Allergan Master Injector.

FEATURED SERVICE HydraFacial is the most exciting innovation in spa services, and can be tailored to your own skin priorities. In three steps, you’ll get instant, noticeable results with no downtime or irritation. You can expect cleansing, painless extraction and an infusion of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides.

For even better results, we include a complimentary Glysal peel, a Halcyon exclusive. For more impact, Britenol, Growth Factor or Dermabuilder Serums can be added to the Signature HydraFacial. Beyond the Signature, we offer Rozatrol and Brightalive HydraFacials, utilizing serums formulated by ZO Skin Health by Dr. Zein Obagi. The treatment is refreshing and immediately effective.

Recognizing a need in Corpus Christi for aesthetic services in a refined setting, Halcyon Med Spa experienced a rebirth in 2018 in a new location, with a fresh look and enthusiasm for the future. Our new space is a luxurious retreat from your busy schedule, prepared to cater to your concerns with everything from Botox, to HydraFacial and ZO Skin Health by Dr. Zein Obagi. Mineral makeup from Jane Iredale is the final touch, a beauty line so clean you could sleep in it.

Our staff specializes in procedures and techniques that enhance your natural beauty. Our non-medical staff are licensed aestheticians with a passion for helping people. But friendly, well-trained staff is just part of the package. Procedures like body contouring, photofacials and Pico Genesis utilize sophisticated implements that require professional calibration and servicing. Properly maintained equipment produces reliable results, fewer treatments and improved patient comfort.

Our modern facility enables us to deliver what we promise: medical-quality aesthetic services to help you look better not different. Our goal is to highlight your best features and emphasize what you love best about yourself.

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Special Promotion

I

n 1914 the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi became the 125th chartered club of Rotary International. Rotary is a service organization which brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. There are 34,282 clubs worldwide, and 1.2 million individuals, known as Rotarians. Rotary Club of Corpus Christi averages approximately 250 members, making it the largest of ten area Rotary Clubs.

Rotary Club of CC is chalked full of local history, boasting a legacy of prominent members from all walks of life. I could go on and on about the rich history; however, my space is limited and I want to impart on you two things that should tell you all you need to know about Rotary before you come to the same conclusion I have – it is the finest civic minded organization you will find.

First, the Rotary motto is, “Service above Self ” and second, everything must pass the 4-Way Test (see image). If you are familiar with the term servant leader – Rotarians are servant leaders.

Two upcoming events you should know about are Pints for Polio and Rotary Day of Service. Pints for Polio will be held Tuesday, October 23rd at Brewster Street Icehouse beginning at 5:30pm.

Since 1985, Rotarians have raised almost a billion dollars to eradicate polio. This will be a fun evening with live music and

Terry Schade is the President of Casa de Oro Jewelers, serving the Coastal Bend for 40 years. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Terry served in the U.S. Army after high school.

After his tour, he returned to complete his B.B.A. from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. His goal at Casa de Oro Jewelers is to sell and

we encourage everyone to attend, bring the kiddos to this family friendly event.

On October 27th Rotary will be organizing the Rotary Day of Service. This is an opportunity for anyone to come out and help make our community a better place to live. There will be multiple projects to choose from – so you can pick what suits you best. This is a great occasion to meet other like-minded people.

So, come solo or bring the whole family – other civic groups are encouraged to join us too!

For more information about these or other Rotary events you can visit www.RotaryCC.com. If you have any questions, would like to visit, or want to become a member – call me or find me at Casa de Oro Jewelers – I would love to visit with anyone concerning Rotary.

create fine jewelry without the overinflated, retail prices, while treating everyone like family.

Casa de Oro Jewelers has many local organizations near and dear to the heart, but few are more special than the relationship with Driscoll Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. They have been making the ‘Angel’ charms since 2005 – 100% of the proceeds go to scholarships for Driscoll Oncology patients.

Today, in addition to attending to the daily operations of Casa de Oro Jewelers, Terry is a community advocate. He currently serves

on the Board of Directors for The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi and the Board of Directors for The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi – you might have tried his award-winning food at Men Who Cook, a marque fundraiser for The Ronald McDonald House.

He is a member of the Corpus Christi Mustangs, the Bucaraders Organization, and a graduate of Leadership CC. He and his wife, Stefany, always welcome visitors to talk ‘shop’, whether it is business or community related or just to say hello.

YOU CAN FIND THEM AT

Casa de Oro Jewelers

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4940 Gollihar Rd., Corpus Christi, TX

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361.991.7054

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www.casadeorojewelers.com

OUT & ABOUT ARTS & CULTURE 88 CELEBRATION 90 DATEBOOK 92 SOCIAL HOUR 94

What’s Inside With a mission to provide a voice for those who have trouble finding theirs, Nick Perez is bringing chic, edgy designs to the runway. His unapologetic ways of pushing boundaries are exactly why he is catching the attention of those around him.

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OUT & ABOUT / ARTS & CULTURE

Rebel without a

Closet

Local fashion designer Nick Perez has defied expectations By: Rianna Turner Photos by:Brynn Osborn

N

ick Perez has a tattoo on his forearm. It says one word, “unapologetic,” and it’s showcased when he rolls up the sleeves of his white button-up, a simple shirt adorned by baby-pink pants. The tattoo is as much of an announcement to others as it is a reminder to himself of his mission.

Perez is a young fashion designer from Aransas Pass, Texas, who has experienced profound success in a short time. He began designing clothes when he was 16, for FCCLA competitions in high school. He initially thought he would grow to be a band director, but once he fell in love with designing, he would stay after school in the sewing room while his parents thought he was at band practice. His first fashion show happened before he’d even graduated from Aransas Pass High School in 2016. Since then, Perez has showcased at South Texas Fashion Week, where he presented a collection inspired by Beyonce’s Lemonade, and

88 The Bend

Austin Fashion Week, where he was the first designer to showcase from Corpus Christi.

As evidenced by the Lemonade-inspired collection, pop culture and current events consistently influence Perez’s designs. His transition to the brand name Nicó was culturally influenced — a nod to his Latino heritage. When faced with news detailing violence against queer lives, he sought to showcase those current events in a different way, by creating his Through the Looking Glass collection. Although fashion is sometimes perceived as a functional art, it is affected by the same external influences that painters and musicians and poets draw from.

Perez describes his early designs as edgy, but screaming for attention in a way that he doesn’t want to scream, now. That’s not true to his purpose as a gown designer. Although formal wear and gowns are inherently attention-getting, the gowns are equally about the woman wearing them.

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“Putting [the models] out of their comfort zone makes them more comfortable, in a way,” he said.

He strives to give confidence in the form of clothing. This prerogative led to his more current designs, which are intended to demand attention, but no longer scream for it.

His designs aren’t only for women — his formal wear belongs on any body that chooses to wear it.

But, the fact that his designs cater to both women and people who are actively denying to conform through clothed expression makes this sentiment more powerful. Clothing is a form of speech, and people who feel that their speech is quelled may desire for their adornments to speak for them.

Helping give people voices is a theme in Perez’s work that extends beyond his designs. He’s been working with children in the area as often as possible, both to support their organizations financially and to give kids in the Coastal Bend an unconventional role model. Perez wants to show kids that it is possible to be an artist, and do work one loves.

It is possible to bring life into a space, and introduce something new. His most recent show, which took place at Bar Under the Sun on July 27, was the first couture show in Corpus Christi — and proceeds from the show benefited CASA of the Coastal Bend. His September show will benefit the Ready or Not Foundation, and plans for a winter show are also underway. It’s undeniable that Nick Perez will continue to be unapologetic in testing the boundaries of the spaces around him.

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OUT & ABOUT / CELEBRATION

Centuria Ball Black tie with shades of blue and gold By: Jo Anne Howell Photos by: Rachel Benavides

T

he Corpus Christi Country Club burst into dazzling shades of blue and gold for the Centuria Club’s exclusive social affair this past February. The weekend kicked off with a festive cocktail party and continued with a black tie ball the following evening. Dr. Tom and Lura Dietz served as hosts for this year’s gala. Partygoers began anticipating the event as soon as the laser cut, geometric designed invitations arrived in the mail.

When the night of the ball arrived, a stunning entrance wall created from dozens of hand folded prisms greeted guests. The sea of brilliant blue hues formed an unforgettable backdrop for photos.

90 The Bend

In the dining area, tables dressed in sequined gold and navy linens accented by whimsical balloon cascades lit up the room.

Stately white orchids graced the mantle and bars, while enchanting palm arrangements decorated the dinner tables. Even the desserts sported a geometric theme.

After enjoying a scrumptious dinner, guests danced the night away on the ballroom floor. The evening proved to be an exquisite event for all who attended.

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OUT & ABOUT / DATEBOOK

Mark Your Calendar SEPTEMBER DATEBOOK

FOOD

CHARITY

7 Most Beautiful Women: Inside & Out September 20th It’s that time of year for The Bend Magazine’s fourth annual 7 Most Beautiful Women: Inside & Out event! Join us as we celebrate seven of the Coastal Bend’s most incredible, selfless, and beautiful women. Each one has a heart of gold and a charity worth supporting! Head to the Ortiz Center for a night to honor these ladies and raise funds for their causes. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at thebendmag.com.

Ortiz Center, 402 Harbor Dr., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

COMMUNITY

Classic Rock 104.5 9th Annual Rock & Ride September 7th – 8th This annual motorcycle ride isn’t just a way to ride around the scenic Coastal Bend with your friends — it’s also a concert and a charity event!

Classic Rock 104.5 hosts this ride, which runs through Padre Island and Port Aransas. It ends at Water’s Edge Park, where there will be a festival and concert. 100 percent of the registration fees will benefit the active duty military.

Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson, 502 S Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, Texas 78405

92 The Bend

FITNESS

H-E-B Conquer the Coast September 15th This annual cycling event has gained a reputation as one of the most scenic in Texas. Opt for the 10-mile cruise, the 21-mile ride, or the 66-mile ride over the Harbor Bridge, onto the ferry, through Port Aransas and the Island, all the way back to Ocean Drive. Are you game to try the toughest 18 miles in Texas?

1590 N Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

ARTS

¡Otra Fest!

September 21st – 23rd ¡Otra Fest! is a music festival celebrating Texas music. The three-day festival, hosted by House of Rock, will feature bands like Bright Light Social Hour, Shinyribs, Mobley, and many more. At only 60 dollars per ticket, this festival is bound to attract as many music-lovers as the venue can hold.

House of Rock, 511 Starr St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

Que Bueno Taco Fest September 15th Corpus Christi’s first annual taco festival is about more than just food. This festival will contribute proceeds to the restoration of the historic Ritz Theatre, and uplift local artists in the process.

Tacos are part of Corpus culture, and this festival seeks to highlight many areas of Corpus culture, including that which is artistic. There will be a market with local vendors, taco contests, live music, and a chihuahua beauty contest, among other fun activities!

Downtown Corpus Christi, quebuenotacofest.com

CHARITY

Gulf Coast Humane Society’s Pawfest September 22nd – 23rd Bring your family and friends — yes, even the furry ones — to Pawfest at the Gulf Coast Humane Society! This festival will have Dog Sporting Events, a petting zoo, vendors, food trucks, a raffle, and a Dock Diving Competition! Events like Pawfest help the Gulf Coast Humane Society continue to do admirable work in the Coastal Bend, and seek to care for and provide homes for animals across the area.

Gulf Coast Humane Society, 3118 Cabaniss Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78415

CHARITY

New Life Refuge Ministries 2nd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament September 29 At the North Shore Country Club in Portland, New Life Refuge Ministries will be holding its 2nd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament, with proceeds from the tournament benefiting New Life’s project to end child sex trafficking. If you’re interested in sponsoring the event, you can contact New Life Refuge Ministries at 361.946.6331.

801 Broadway Blvd., Portland, TX 78374

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93

OUT & ABOUT / SOCIAL HOUR

GOODWILL FASHION SHOW Photos by: Rachel Benavides

1. Jonathan Torres, Jonathan Swindle, Kara Rivas & Avery Pfeiffer

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2. Daniel Owen, Patty Owen, Desi Houze & Jason Houze 3. Jeniffers Vela & Marjorie Boudreaux 4. Laurie Gil, Cynthia Petrick, David Petrick & Ron Meijerimk 5. Stefany Schade & Jodi Goings 6. Daniel Carlisle & Ryan Dewbre

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7. Myra Haney & Rose Mireles 8. Camille, Kiana & Kayla

94 The Bend

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OUT & ABOUT / SOCIAL HOUR

THE LOCAL’S LIST PARTY 2018 Photos by: Rachel Benavides

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Thank you to Our Sponsors.

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96 The Bend

THE MOST TRUSTED SOURCE FOR POST ACUTE CARE IN EVERY COMMUNITY WE SERVE

Specialized LTACH Programs • Specialized Rehabilitation Programs Outpatient Therapy Clinics • Outpatient Wound Care Clinic

SPECIALIZED LTACH PROGRAMS: PAM SPECIALTY HOSPITALS OF CORPUS CHRISTI 3 LOCATIONS

Commonly treated conditions include: • • • • • • •

Complex Pulmonary Disorders Complex Decubitus/Pressure Ulcers Multiple System Failure Severe Strokes Infectious Diseases General Acute Illnesses Chronic Disease Management

SPECIALIZED REHABILITATION PROGRAMS: PAM REHABILITATION HOSPITAL OF CORPUS CHRISTI • Stroke • Brain Injury • Neurological Conditions • Spinal Cord Injury • Orthopedic Disorders • Hip/Knee Fractures • Joint Replacement • Amputation

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Pulmonary Disorders Cardiac Disorders Arthritic Conditions Pain Management Wound Management Deconditioning Diagnosis • Spasticity Management

Programs and services, tailored to the complex needs of our patients include:

OUTPATIENT THERAPY

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Conditions we treat:

Types of wounds we treat:

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Call us now to learn how our experienced, specially-trained professionals will develop a customized care plan for you.

PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Corpus Christi u 345 South Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Main: 361.500.0600 Admissions: 361.500.0700 Fax: 361.500.0710

PAM Specialty Hospital of Corpus Christi - Bayfront u 345 South Water Street • Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Main: 361.500.0565 PAM Specialty Hospital of Corpus Christi - North 600 Elizabeth Street, 3rd Floor • Corpus Christi, TX 78404 Main: 361.881.3223 PAM Specialty Hospital of Corpus Christi - South u t 6226 Saratoga Boulevard • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 Main: 361.986.1600 Centralized Referral Line: 361.986.1638 Referral Fax: 361.986.1697

For more information on any of our locations, visit www.postacutemedical.com Key: u Outpatient Therapy

thebendmag.com

t Outpatient Wound Care

97

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Call 361.883.NOTE or visit ccsymphony.org for ticketing and information.

Lights, Maestro, Music

Mozart, Mexico, and The World

Let’s Dance!

Featuring Daniela Liebman, 16 year old piano prodigy

Featuring Barbara Padilla, soprano

Featuring Amit Paled, cello, and Dancers from the Corpus Christi Ballet

Home for The Holidays

Time for Three

Grand Finale

Experience the Tradition!

Featuring string trio, Time for Three

Featuring Elizabeth Adkins, violin, and your Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra

September 22, 2018

December 8, 2018

October 13, 2018

February 9, 2019

At the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm 98 The Bend

November 10, 2018

March 9, 2019

CUISINE FARM TO TABLE

100

THE DRINK 104 DINING GUIDE 107 THE DISH 112

What’s Inside Homemade bread just might be the simplest food item to make from scratch! These recipes will help you make two different delicious loaves and give you a stress-free experience in the kitchen.

thebendmag.com

99

CUISINE / FARM TO TABLE

THE BEST

THINGS IN LIFE ARE

the Simplest

Two recipes for fresh, homemade bread By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos by: Rachel Benavides

100 The Bend

B

read is simple. Profoundly simple. Like, mind-blowingly, best-invention-ever simple.

scoring, folding, kneading, proofing, resting — but it doesn’t sound like resting.

Bread may be the simplest thing you can make in your kitchen that is also the best thing you can make in your kitchen.

Bread is this simple: mix together flour, water, salt, and yeast. Let it sit for a while. Bake it. When it is cool enough, eat it—preferably all of it, immediately.

There was a time, not long ago, when every home in America featured freshly-baked bread on a daily basis. That means there was a baker in every home, although no one thought of themselves that way. It was simply bread.

Here we offer two basic bread recipes. In our farm business, we have made many thousands of loaves of a wide array of freshly-baked artisan breads. We have experimented, invented, and had some failures (even the failures are glorious). These two recipes are bulletproof. One is a crusty white, one a honey wheat, and one a cornbread.

At some point in the 20th century, we outsourced our bread to the supermarket. We outsourced bread around the same time we outsourced our gardens, which disconnected most people forever from the source of their food.

The appeal of convenience lured home chefs away from their first love, and soon the tradition of baking bread was lost—not just the skills, but the daily example. We forgot how incredibly good every bite of bread should be. Less-than-mediocre became totally acceptable.

Kids grew up thinking that bread comes out of a plastic bag, rather than out of the oven. The process of bread-making became a mystery, something that happens far away in a factory.

Even worse, many bread recipes over-complicate things: scaling,

If we could humbly suggest our best advice to instantly improve your life: first, start a garden. Grow some of your own vegetables and throw some pretty flowers in there, too. Second, bake your own fresh bread, daily. And, if you only do one, definitely bake the bread.

If you do both of these together, you will have a life filled with contentment, joy, and happy people gathered around your table and loving you.

The best things in life really are the simplest — as simple as homemade bread.

HONEY WHEAT BREAD

CRUSTY WHITE BREAD

MAKES 1 LOAF

DIRECTIONS:

MAKES 1 LARGE LOAF

Prep time: 10 minutes

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Knead the dough with your hands or in a standing mixer for 5 minutes, until a smooth dough is formed. Return dough to the mixing bowl and cover with a tea towel or cling wrap. Let rise for approximately 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prep time: 7 minutes

Punch dough down and place in a greased loaf pan. Let dough proof an additional 1 hour.

Sprinkle the top of the loaf with wheat germ.

1 ½ cups water

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake bread for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the loaf

Combine 1 cup bread flour, yeast, and water in a large bowl.

Let mixture set for 10 minutes until a foamy sponge is formed.

Add in remaining ingredients and knead for 2-3 minutes, until ingredients form a dough. Place dough in a large, greased bowl

Inactive prep time: 3 hours Cook time: 40 minutes INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour 1 tbsp active dry yeast 3 tbsp butter, softened 2 tbsp honey 1 ½ tsp salt 1 1/3 cup water Optional: 1 tbsp wheat germ

sounds hollow when thumped.

Inactive prep time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Cook time: 35-40 minutes INGREDIENTS: 1 cup bread flour, plus 3 cups bread flour 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp active dry yeast ¼ cup olive oil 2 tsp salt DIRECTIONS:

covered with a tea towel or cling wrap. Let rise for two hours.

(Optional: For a more flavorful bread, store dough in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Once you’re ready to prepare the bread, remove it from the fridge, let dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, and continue with the following steps).

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a rimmed baking sheet at the bottom of the oven. Carefully transfer dough to a baking sheet and shape into a batard (baton shape). Lightly dust with flour and score with 3 slashes about ¼” deep. Pour a cup of water into the rimmed baking sheet and close oven quickly to trap steam. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until hollow when thumped.

thebendmag.com

101

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DESSERTS A STA N DING

WORTHY OF

OVATION

This summer, enjoy a sweet treat while overlooking panoramic views of the Corpus Christi Bay at Republic of Texas.

Located on the 20th floor of Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, cool off with specialties like watermelon jalapeño sorbet or black cherry ice cream.

OMNIHOTELS.COM/CORPUSCHRISTI 361-886-3515

Christina Trejo

Republic of Texas Bar & Grill Pastry Chef Christina Trejo, a local talent, was born and raised in a small town near Corpus Christi, Texas known as Bishop.

She began her career with the Omni Corpus Christi in 2011. Food has always been a deeply rooted craft of her family. They have supported her endeavors and it has led to her being where she is today. She is the Pastry Chef at the Republic of Texas Bar &Grill, One of Corpus Christi’s top dining destinations.“ I love being able to create beautiful cakes as well as practice new techniques”. New is exactly what is now on the dessert menu for the Republic of Texas Bar & Grill. Come and try her unique varieties of homemade ice-cream’s and sorbets. Hers is truly a labor of love.

CUISINE / THE DRINK

Local Craft Beer with A Twist Rebel Toad Brewing Company introduces its whiskey barrel-aging program

R

By: Kirby Tello Photos by:Brynn Osborn

ebel Toad Brewing Company was born from Hector

the innovation doesn’t stop there. Recently, Rebel Toad has embarked

Cavazos’ passion and curiosity for craft beer. After

upon a whiskey barrel-aging program.

watching multiple documentaries, including How Beer Saved the World and Beer Wars, his interest in brewing

beer peaked, and he began piecing together his home brewery. Wanting to share his craft with the local community, Cavazos eventually expanded into the current downtown location.

One of the most impressive things about Rebel Toad is the lineup of beer available on tap. From IPAs to red ales to porters, each beer has a unique flavor. “What we love most about craft beer is that we have the flexibility to try different techniques and styles on beers that you wouldn’t normally taste in a domestic beer,” explains Cavazos. “Since our batches are smaller, there are many more things we can try without

This process involves taking a currently produced beer and aging it in wooden barrels. The beer not only takes on the characteristics of the wood but also the flavor of the whiskey previously aged in the barrel.

Since this process takes longer than average beer fermentation, Cavazos explains that the brewery has “already started a pilot whiskey barrel aging program on track to be ready by this fall.”

Rebel Toad Brewing Company is the first brewery to introduce a whiskey barrel-aging program to the Corpus Christi community.

Even though other breweries around the nation have done this before, Cavazos says, “We’re just going to add our twist to it.”

having to stick to plain, flavorless beer.”

Taproom patrons have come to expect a vast array of experimental

Contact:

flavors. They can order a flight of beer to get a taste of new blends and

425 William St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (512) 221-1267

are always delighted to see what new creation will be on tap. However,

104 The Bend

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105

Incredible Women Doing Extraordinary Things

SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2018 • 6:30PM - 9:30PM

THE ORTIZ CENTER T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E O N T H E B E N D M AG .C O M

CLASSIC ROCK 104.5 & SAMES KINGSVILLE P R E S E N T S

CIGARS ON THE PATIO

AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS WITH GREAT CIGARS, FOOD, DRINKS, AND MUSIC!

OCTOBER 4TH • 7:00PM

ART CENTER OF CORPUS CHRISTI

100 N. SHORELINE BLVD

Featured Guest, Kelly Cathey from Camacho Cigars will be on hand to discuss cigars and the industry. Plus, a silent auction with 100% of the proceeds benefitting West Side Helping Hand.

Tickets include entry, three premium cigars from Tobacco World, food, and music. Tickets available at Tobacco World on Saratoga while they last. Cash bar on site.

106 The Bend

Dining

Guide Padre Island

Outdoor dining

AMERICAN 8TE $ A shabby chic interior feel with classic comfort dishes that have a simple twist. They have it all breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 1220 Airline #250, (361) 723-0261, Facebook.com/8tecctx

ANDY’S COUNTRY KITCHEN $ You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics!

5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com

ATOMIC OMELETTE & GRILL $ Omelettes are just the beginning here! Comfortable atmosphere with a flavor for casual dining and handmade family recipes. 6313 Wooldridge Rd #10, (361) 334-3942, Atomicomelette.com

CITRUS BAYFRONT BISTRO $ Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina.

100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com

THE EXCHANGE $$ From the floor to the ceiling, the walls, to your mind, and even right down to your palate, visiting The Exchange brings a sense of “home” to a downtown experience.

224 N. Mesquite St, (361) 414-9788, theexchangecc.com

HAMLIN PHARMACY & FOUNTAIN $ The last Soda Fountain in Corpus Christi, TX! Although they’ve expanded and changed over the many years, their old fashioned values and friendly service has remained the same. 3801 S Staples St, (361) 853-7303, Hamlinpharmacy.com

Port Aransas

IRIE’S ISLAND FOOD $

Rockport

Live music

THE GRILLE $

With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe.

503 N Alister St, (361) 749-2310, Iriesislandfood.com

Ensures you’ll always have the variety that is the spice of life! With ingredients sourced from Texas, burger patties and soups are all made from scratch.

3063 Main St, (361) 775-1000, Facebook.com/thegrillingleside

MACDADDY’S FAMILY KITCHEN $$

THE GROOVE $$

Serves BBQ, Fried Chicken & Seafood. Big tables for big groups, they’ll also deliver!

118 Beach St,(361) 749-2271 Macdaddysfamilykitchen.com

PADRE ISLAND BURGER COMPANY $$ Burgers, burgers, and burgers!

Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu.

11878 TX-361, (361) 949-3490, Padreislandburgercompany.com

A little something for every discriminating craving with an eclectic dining experience. Nothing is ever frozen or put in a fryer!

2001 N Hwy 35, (361) 729-3663, Thegrooverockport.com

THE POST $$ Enjoy this pub in a communal setting with dishes that are meant to be shared, all alongside a cocktail or beer of course! 3850 S Alameda, (361)452-0907, thepostlamarpark. com

TOWN & COUNTRY CAFÉ $ SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $ Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or have a nice cold beverage. Don’t forget the homemade desserts!

15113 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0505, surfsidesandwichshoppe.com

This down-to-earth diner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 992-0360, Facebook.com/ town-country-cafe

ASIAN

Corpus Christi

shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar.

4650 Corona Dr, (361) 808-8881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe

BARBEQUE HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$ Smoked fresh barbeque on a strong German heritage background and a satisfaction for something unique. South Texas barbeque that comes from the heart. 711 Concrete St, (361) 8844227, Hoegemeyers.com

MIKE COTTEN’S BBQ $$

Owned and operated by 3rd generation BBQ restaurant owners. They mesquite smoke the finest meats available and strive to provide the best food and service to their customers. 1702 US Hwy 181, (361) 704-6249, 15013 Northwest Blvd, (361) 933-0143, mikecottensbbq.com

BAR & GRILL BOATHOUSE BAR & GRILL $$ The best thing about the Boathouse Bar & Grill is that there’s something for everyone; a mouthwatering menu, 4 full bars with HDTVs, waterfront patio dining, friendly service, and a fun, relaxing atmosphere. 15241 Leeward Dr, (361) 589-9601, Boathousepadreisland.com

THE BLUE CLOVE $$ Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite.

1945 Horne Rd, (361) 855-2927, facebook.com/TheBlueClove

THE GLASS PAVILION $$ Casual hotel eatery offering simple American mains and views of the sea. Did we mention they also offer a breakfast buffet? Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 2nd Floor Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 8871600, Omnihotels.com

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE $$ AKA SUSHI $$ Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine made with the chef’s homemade recipe will be sure to surprise you. 415 N Water St, (361) 882-8885 facebook.com/akasushidowntowncc

SANG’S IMPERIAL CAFÉ $$ Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the healthiest and freshest food

Who says that you can’t have 4-star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for a concert, they have it all.

1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB $$ The perfect casual family dining spot. All the while supplying the most beer on tap in the city.

309 N Water St, (361) 884-7873, Waterstreetmarketcc.com/ executive-surf-club

$ = Under $10 $$ = Mostly $10 - $20 $$$ = $20 and up thebendmag.com

107

CUISINE / DINING GUIDE FINS GRILL AND ICEHOUSE $$ For the past 11 years, they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb Angus beef burgers & chicken.

Full bar and you “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” for the fisherman.

420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, Finsgrillandicehouse.com

STINGRAY’S TAPHOUSE AND GRILL $$ An industrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach! 401 Beach St, (361)749-2287, Stingraystaphouse.com

THE BREWERY $$ Brick oven pizza, pub food & burgers sound good? How about a fresh brewed-in-house beer? 429 Alister St, (361) 749- 2739, Portaransasbrewery.com

CAFÉ BONNA-PETIT $

Chef Sophie will always make you feel warmly welcomed, just as her gourmet dishes do. And don’t forget to grab a to-go dinner! 4301 S Alameda St, (361) 334-2579, Bonna-petit.com

DAILY GRIND $ A coffee bar with personality, they offer the finest in gourmet, rustic, or straight-up coffee favorites. Hungry? Stick around for their daily quiche specials, scones, and sandwiches. 302 S Austin St, (361) 790-8745, Rockportdailygrind.com

FILLINGOOD BAKERY $ With fresh baked goods made in house, they make breakfast and lunch a delight!

3819 S Alameda St., (361) 225-4663, fillingoodbakery.com

HESTER’S CAFÉ AND COFFEE BAR $ Looking for a true family experience where love is the number one ingredient, along with the simple but important concept of quality and the healing powers of good food.

1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, (361) 885-0151, 1714 S Alameda St, (361) 885-0558, 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, Hesterscafe.com

HULA PEACH FRUIT HUB & CAFE $ This locally owned tropical themed café, sources the finest produce and is committed to quality and freshness. 3823 S Staples, (361) 334-3773, Facebook.com/hulapeach

JB’S GERMAN BAKERY $ Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. There are no short-cuts at JB’s. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, Jbsgermanbakery.com

SUGARBAKERS $ Great cuisine with a French and European influence. They use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible with mostly everything

108 The Bend

made from scratch.

2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, Sugarbakerscc.com

FRENCH BLEU BISTRO $$$ True playful twists to classic French bistro dishes. The chef’s commitment to the use of fresh, local, peak-of-the-season products is evident in the quality of each dish. 500 N Water St, (361) 887-2121, Bleubistrocc.com

DRAGONFLY $$$ A fine multitude of international backgrounds to the cuisine prepared entirely from scratch daily by the owner and culinary artist. The menu is full of unforgettable flavor profiles to satisfy any craving.

14701 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-2224, Facebook.com/dragonfly-restaurant

ITALIAN AUTHENTIC NEW YORK PIZZA $$ True, authentic New York Pizza right in your hands in Corpus Christi, complete with red-checkered tablecloths. 5838 S Staples St, (361) 986-1151, Eatmorepizza.com

BELLA LUNA DOWNTOWN $$ Authentic gourmet Italian cuisine always made fresh to order in the heart of The Marina Arts District. 429 Schatzell St, (361) 887-4777, Bellalunadowntown.com

BELLINO’S $$ Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinostexas.com

PADRE PIZZERIA $ For over 15 years, their famous Padre pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared daily. 14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com

PORT “A” PIZZERIA $$ Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 749-5226, Portapizzeria.com

TRATTORIA TADDEI $$ The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, come down from his home region’s authentic traditional cuisine personally passed from generation to generation over many centuries.

920 Louisiana Ave, (361) 884-4400, Trattoriataddei.com

VENETIAN HOT PLATE $$$ Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy.

232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com

MEDITERRANEAN GINGER CAFÉ AND GRILL $$ Eastern hospitality and authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s so much to love about these Persian, Turkish, Lebanese, and Indo-Pakistani specialties. 7009 S Staples #103, (361) 946-9834, Gingercafecc.com

PERUVIAN COSTA SUR WOK & CEVICHE BAR $$ This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are fresh takes on traditional originals from Peru. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 945-8303, Costasurcc.com

BROOKLYN PIE CO. $ Enjoy a slice or indulge a whole “pie” of their delicious secret pizza tradition. 15326 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-1100, Brooklynpie.com

SEAFOOD

HOUSE OF ROCK $

Sit indoors, sit outdoors, see the Gulf Coast from any seat in the house while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music and the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 749-4653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

Great pizza and appetizers, cold beer, and live entertainment! Does it get any better?

511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com

MAMMA MIA’S $$$ Warm and cozy mom and pop Italian experience will make you feel like family. Entrées are delicious Italian culture on a plate. 128 N Mesquite St, (361) 883-3773, Facebook.com/ mamma-mias

MESQUITE ST. PIZZA AND PASTA CO. $$ Their 60-year-old pizza oven brought in straight from Brooklyn New York makes for the perfect pizza. Plus, all the crusts and sauces are made in house.

617 Mesquite St, (361) 882-7499, Eatpizzadowntown.com

BLACK MARLIN BAR & GRILL $$$

DOC’S SEAFOOD AND STEAKS $$ Lively and enjoyable selection for surf ‘n’turf in an open-air setting overlooking the water, plus live music. 13309 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6744, Docseafoodandsteaks.com

GLOW $$ From a renovated boathouse, they offer simply-cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce. Bright, relaxed atmosphere with white-washed ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport.com

| CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 361.882.8885

415 N. WATER ST.

Come see how we roll...

We invite you to come dine at the Coastal Bend’s premiere sushi spot, where tradition meets modern cuisine. A simple intimate atmosphere where the quality of food is equally matched by service. Our extensive menu will be sure to please and broaden the pallet.

CUISINE / DINING GUIDE HARRISON’S LANDING $$ Tavern on the Bay at Harrison’s Landing is Corpus Christi’s newest outdoor restaurant and bar located in the heart of the city’s marina, and is the only place in town with a floating bar! 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, Harrisonslanding.net

ISLAND TIME SUSHI BAR & SEAFOOD GRILL $$ Stop in for fresh and inventive sushi, seafood, appetizers and desserts! Check out the weekday specials!

14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-3046, Facebook.com/islandtimesushi

LAGUNA REEF $$ Bring in your own catch straight from your boat, or order off their tasteful menu! With excellent views of the marina, family owners & operators, Laguna Reef is the place to be. 4242 Laguna Shores Rd, (361) 937-2600, Bluffslanding.com/restaurant.php

LANCE'S BLACK SHEEP BISTRO $$ A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-4819, Blacksheepbistro.net

LATITUDE 28˚02’ $$$ Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists.

105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com

LIBERTY HALL $$ Herbs and vegetables grown on site, your dining experience will be unforgettable!

106 E. Cotter, (361) 749-4888 facebook.com/LibertyHallPortA

LISABELLA’S BISTRO $$$ Casual coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. The mermaids may even share their secrets.

5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com

ROCK & ROLLS SUSHI LOUNGE $$ At Rock & Rolls, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi!

15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, Rockandrollssushi.com

SALTWATER GRILL $$ Unique family atmosphere with fresh and tasty seafood that will leave you coming back for more. 2401 Cimarron Blvd, (361) 993-7258, Saltwatergrillcc.com

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$ Extensive menu makes sure to have something for everyone. Foods made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

SEAFOOD & SPAGHETTI WORKS $$ A unique dining experience, you’ll find the very best in seafood, steak, Italian dishes, pizza, soups, and desserts all made from scratch. 901 S Alister St, (361) 749-5666, seafoodandspaghettiworks.com

SHELLS $$ Warm, inviting neighborhood restaurant offers a creative and far-ranging menu that reflects a variety of world cuisines. Shakes off the old and tired and gets down to real good food. 522 E Avenue G, (361) 749-7621, Eatatshells.com

SHEMPY’S GRILL $$ Laid-back setting with a variety of delightfully cooked fish will turn anyone into a seafood lover. 3913 Highway 35 S, (361) 727-0019, Facebook.com/Shempys

SNOOPY’S PIER $$ Outdoor dining experience and local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness.

13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com

STEAKHOUSE KATZ 21 $$$ Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dryaged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood.

5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com

NIKO’S STEAKHOUSE $$ Committed to the motto “Great food, Great times, Great experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will exceed any steak lover’s expectations.

5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, Nikossteakhouse.com

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS $$$$ One of the top dining destinations. A multi-level steakhouse offers diners beautiful panoramic views of the CC Bay. All the ingredients for the perfect experience! 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, Omnihotels.com

THAI THAI COTTAGE $$ Unique and refreshing, Thai curries meet teriyaki and Chinese dishes in a cozy red cottage.

5830 McArdle Rd, (361) 993-0777, Thai-cottage.com

THE BOILING POT $$ Roll up your sleeves and take manners to a new level for a great Cajun experience.

201 S Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-6972

THE PHEONIX $$ This international bistro/nouveau American fine-quality cuisine is prepared daily using many ingredients from the Corpus Christi Farmers' Market creating a constantly eclectic seasonal menu, where guests can choose to sit indoor and outdoor. 337 N Alister St, (361) 749-9277, Facebook/The-PhoenixRestaurant-and-Bar

TROUT STREET BAR & GRILL $$$ Cajun-inspired seafood in an airy environment is a wondrous way to enjoy food and cocktails inside the nautical themed restaurant or on the outdoor deck offering marina views. 104 West Cotter, (361) 749-7800, Tsbag.com

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$ BKK is brining a modern twist to the traditional Thai dishes. Their menu is filled with tasty items you are sure to love. 3850 S Alameda, Ste. 27, (361) 334-0857, bkkthaikitchenbar.com

VIETNAMESE VIETNAM RESTAURANT $$$ Local fine dining with an extensive menu and eye catching Vietnamese culture spread throughout the dining area. 701 N Water St, (361) 853-2682, Vietnam-restaurant.com

WATER STREET OYSTER BAR $$ Long-standing, well-known Corpus Christi landmark operation serving oysters, sushi rolls & Gulf seafood in a historic, brick-walled space.

309 N Water St, (361) 881-9448, Waterstreetmarketcc.com

YARDARM $$$

Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating. Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees.

4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157

thebendmag.com

111

CUISINE / THE DISH

Smashingly Delicious Treats

A new freezer favorite has arrived at The Exchange By: Jacquline Gonzalez Photos by: Rachel Benavides

C

orpus Christi residents flock to The Exchange, located on N. Mesquite St, for the great atmosphere, the friendly staff, and most importantly - the delicious food. However, behind the scenes is an experimental

kitchen where Ashton Rach perfects her craft. When Ashton, one of the many talented cooks at The Exchange, was left alone to work with an ice cream machine, she put her best foot forward and created Smash Cream, a fantastic frozen delight.

The detailed ice cream making process is perfect for someone who loves culinary arts. Milk, cream, and sugar form a rich base, while different ingredients add beautiful color, flavor, and texture.

“Making each unique flavor is a super huge experiment with all the products available here,” says Ashton. Adding to the vast arsenal of ingredients available to her at The Exchange, Grow Local South Texas donates items from The Farmer’s Market. Ashton gets straight to work on inventive flavors when she gets a new supply of ingredients.

Although she gathers inspiration from current flavors, each flavor profile is altered, often by using flavor enhancers to add her own distinctive flair.

Ashton adds chunks of candy, fruit, and bacon to bring a bit of extra flavor and crunch, contributing to the uniqueness of each ice cream flavor. She likes keeping the Southern spirit alive by mixing the tastes of alcohol and sweet fruit. Her latest flavor is the “Elvis,” which honors the King of Rock with a banana bacon ice cream nestled between two decadent peanut butter cookies. Her current project is working on an ice cream sandwich for the menu.

The possible flavor combinations are infinite and endlessly satisfying. Flavors collide to make each treat refreshing and irresistible.

Smash Cream is available at $3 a cup, $4 a cone, and $8 a pint. Once you’ve had a bite, you may find it’s too delicious to limit yourself to just one scoop!

Contact: 224 N Mesquite St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 414-9788

112 The Bend

THE PORT FOR LEISURE AND LUXURY

a legacy of style since 1955

ALEXIS HUN TER INTERIOR S ANN TAYLOR LOFT BKK THA I KITCHEN & BAR CHICO’S

HESTER’S CAFE

FOUR CHICKS IN THE PAR K

JULIAN G OLD

FRA N CISCO’S SA LON

MAR KET

GOL DSM ITH JEWELERS

PIL AR FASHION & FOLK ART

GRAY PHOTOGRA PHY

TALBOTS

HAN LEY • WOOD

THE POST

Blocks from Ocean Drive | 3850 S Alameda | Corpus Christi, TX

Chic to Chic NEW HOURS

Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

A variety of upscale shops and dining just a stroll away from the seaside.

Saturday 10am to 4pm

526 EVERHART RD, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411 WWW.CHICTOCHICFURNITURE.COM

thebendmag.com

113

THE BEND / LOOKING BACK

A Most Beautiful

Woman Clara Driscoll’s legacy stretches beyond the Coastal Bend By: Jillian Becquet

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of the John Fred’k ‘Doc’ McGregor Collection at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.

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lara Driscoll was Coastal Bend born, but her impact spread nationwide. After the death of her brother Robert, Driscoll felt a loyalty to her family’s work and assumed control of the family’s ranches and assets. Managing the ranches and her brother’s bank left Driscoll wealthy and able to support causes she believed in.

In her brother’s memory, she built the Robert Driscoll Hotel on Upper Broadway. It was designed to tower over the neighboring White Plaza Hotel, which Driscoll was forced to sell during the Depression. The Driscoll Hotel now stands as the Wells Fargo Building, and the White Plaza made way for the 600 Build-

114 The Bend

ing. She also worked to secure the location of the Naval Air Station in the 1930s and graciously funded an endowment to create Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

But perhaps her most long-lasting legacy came from her work as the “Savior of the Alamo.” After mounting a fundraising campaign, Driscoll contributed her own money, along with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, to save the convent property from demolition for a planned hotel. Families today can visit the Alamo thanks to her efforts to save a treasured Texas site. Clara Driscoll certainly left a beautiful legacy, both in Corpus Christi and beyond.