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Movers & Shakers 4 PEOPLE TO WATCH IN 2018

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JANUARY 2018 |

Movers & Shakers

CONTENTS

Copyright Â© 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.

8 The Bend

FAMILY DENTISTRY COSMETIC DENTISTRY LASER DENTISTRY

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas ART DIRECTOR: Will Bowling PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick MANAGING EDITOR: Kylie Kinnett ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze

240 Reliant Dr., Portland, TX 78374 duncandentalstudio.com 361.643.3030

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Kalea Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides

CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Jo Anne Howell Alexa Alley Jacqueline Gonzalez Alexis Mays Jinky Romero Marina Riker Jillian Becquet Carlos Cooper PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page DeKwaan Wynn Brynn Osborn EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: jordan@thebendmag.com ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com THE BEND OFFICE: 309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606 SUBSCRIPTIONS: THEBENDMAG.COM

CONNECT WITH US @

thebendmag.com @thebendmag on Instagram and Twitter #CBLife

On the cover:

It doesn’t snow here in South Texas all too much. We can put a pretty picture of food or people on our cover any month, but we don’t get very many opportunities to place a beautiful picture of snow on the cover. We knew when we woke up that morning, we needed to get our photographers out to shoot, and our girl Rachel Benavides never disappoints. Needless to say, we took full advantage.

10 The Bend

DESIGNERS

SERVICES

Susan Castor Wilson, ASID Christi Farley Court Koester Judy Buchanan, IDS Rhonda Bosquez, ASID Kathy Rumbaugh, Allied ASID

Interior Design Furniture Window Coverings Art & Accessories Area Rugs Lighting

Judy Buchanan FINISH SELECTIONS

SPACE PLANNING

HEALHCARE

FURNITURE CUSTOMIZATION

Design Studio 3636 S. Alameda, Suite H Corpus Christi, TX 78411 361.851.8052

Welcome to the Family

Urbana Market + Deli

Small Planet Delicatessen

Sugarbakers Bistro & Bakery

424 N Chaparral St.

5625 Saratoga Blvd. #117

2766 Santa Fe St. thebendmag.com

JANUARY / FROM THE DESK OF

What was your most memorable experience while creating this issue?

Kylie Kinnett

Rachel Benavides

Writing the features for this magazine has provided me with a wide variety of experiences. I’ve gotten to meet 7 incredible women, who each taught me something different. I tried fish for the first time (yes, for the first time) in my entire life. But, this past month, I got to meet four very influential members of our community, and learn about their lives, their inspirations, and their vision for the future, and that’s something I won’t forget.

Farm to table has always been one of my favorites to shoot each issue. This month, we teamed up with Kimmi from Kimmi’s Fine Foods and it was great getting to know her more. The four of us, calibrating together, allowed for us to create this month’s beautiful piece. Food and friends…can’t really go wrong there.

Lead Photographer:

Managing Editor:

made to move

Kalea Bennett

Director of Operations: Our magazine wouldn’t be what it is without the help of our wonderful partners and advertisers. I get to assist our sales team with compiling all of the ads for each issue—which takes a lot of planning and organizing. I especially love seeing the ads that our Associate Art Director, Jarred, creates. It takes each member of our staff collaborating, with each other and the client, to create them.

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JANUARY / LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Anything is Possible

aking up to the sound of a crying child at 2am is typical in our home, but never in my wildest dreams would I have pictured us waking up our girls on a chilly December morning to let them experience snow for the first time. Everyone bundled up in extra layers and hats before walking out into the moon lit wintery wonderland. It was magical. My oldest daughter and I started making a snow man together, but she quickly abandoned me after realizing how cold snow actually is when you are holding it in your hands. However, I was determined to press on. I had only heard of the Christmas miracle in 2004, but I never imagined getting to see snow in the Coastal Bend for myself. Similarly, I never imagined releasing a January issue. When my wife and I started the magazine in January 2014, we worked long hours and some late nights. I knew if there was any hope of taking time off around the holidays, we would have to skip a month. 42 issues later, and here we are. We recently launched a newsletter called the “Weekly Drop” which I highly recommend singing up for. We promise it’s good! Our weekly newsletter is just one part of our launch into the world of digital, which keeps our small team fairly busy, along with

Favorite Page

our signature community events: Brunch on the Bay, The Local’s List Party, and 7 Most Beautiful Women Inside & Out. With that said, it has caused all of us to fall back in love with our print magazine all over again. Print magazines offer more of a leisurely experience, almost like sitting down for a nice meal with good drinks and conversations with friends. As I read through this month’s Movers & Shakers feature (p. 30), I feel moved and inspired by the passion and vision of Ben Molina, Heidi Hovda, Iain Vasey, and Dr. Kelly Quintanilla. They all come from different backgrounds and have unique strengths, but they are all working to create a better future for Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend in their own way. We are thrilled to introduce a reimagined Volume 5, Issue 1 of The Bend Magazine. We hope it will continue to be a place where you meet new people, discover new places, and hear the ideas shaping our community. I don’t fully know what the future holds for the Coastal Bend, but I do know there are a lot of movers and shakers out there working to make the Coastal Bend even better.

We decided to step back and redesign some sections of the magazine this year. One of our new columns is called “Talk of the Town.” The only way we can describe it is simply anything we can’t stop talking about this month. One of the things we hope to accomplish here at The Bend is to connect our readers with local products and trends and this is one way to accomplish both at the same time. This month features local fresh-pressed juice from Eleanor’s Coffee Bar + Market as a replacement to your normal cocktail mixers and beautiful glassware from Hanley Wood as a way to spruce up your home bar. 14 The Bend

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DRY CLEANING 16 The Bend

LAUNDRY

ALTERATIONS

FORMAL WEAR

AROUND THE BEND STYLE & BEAUTY 18 TRENDING 20 CURRENTS 22 GIVING BACK 24 5 BEST 26 PERSON OF INTEREST 28

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside With a significant drop in temperatures, we are prepping for winter with a lesson in layers. Blood Orange Vintage helped us put together a few foolproof layering techniques for your convenience.

thebendmag.com

AROUND THE BEND / STYLE

LIVE -IN LAYERS By: Jarred Schuetze Photos: DeKwaan Wynn Wardrobe: Blood Orange Vintage

18 The Bend

New year, new ways to layer an outfit. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re layering to achieve a specific aesthetic or just trying to stay warm, it never hurts to establish a handful of go-to combinations for your wardrobe. The art of layering is all about pairing versatile clothing pieces to create a bundled up, thrown-together look that appears effortless and fashionable. To give a fresh take on layering we collaborated with Blood Orange Vintage to provide a couple of chic, layered looks to inspire you. Select fashion garments available for purchase. Contact Jenna Pilsner, @bloodorangevintage on Instagram or Depop for pricing and inquiries.

TIPS: 1.Turtlenecks. Layer your turtleneck under dresses, coats, tanks, and pretty much anything else. It truly might be the most versatile garment for layered looks. 2.Monochrome. Layering in shades of the same color looks sleek and never over-the-top. 3.Draping. A must-know style trick to elevate any outfit to appear more posh, drape your jacket or coat over your shoulders. 4.Texture. When layering tons of fabrics, opt for bold textures to keep the look interesting. 5.Neutrals. Taupes, grays, blacks, and whites are the easiest colors to mix. No matter the amount of layers, any combo will look fabulous. thebendmag.com

AROUND THE BEND / TRENDING

OF THE

WHAT WE CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT " By: Jarred Schuetze Photo by: Rachel Benavides

Perfecting Happy Hour Stray from OJ and step up your cocktail game by pairing champagne with a fresh-pressed juice, such as Airline or Chaparral, from Eleanor’s Coffee Bar + Market. Their catering services allow you to buy the juices in bulk - perfect for entertaining. Keep in mind the presentation. A stunning set of barware is key to any happy hour at home. The selection at Hanley-Wood Fine Gifts, proves superior with inspiring sets of glass and stemware.

B AR R E PI TC HE R - L ARGE SIMON PE ARC E $1 5 0 CLEAR BAS E FLUTE SIMON PE ARC E $7 2/ea . HALY X S NACK S E T MAR Y JURE K $1 16

20 The Bend

Airline Juice carrot, cucumber apple, lemon, and ginger.

Serving South Texas Since 1947

Dr. W. Cobey Clemishire Dr. Cobey was born and raised in rural Oklahoma and received his Bachelors from the University of Oklahoma before moving to California for dental school. He earned his Doctorate from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California. Dr. Cobey received extensive training at WesternU in the underserved and pediatric populations. He has had an interest in dentistry from a young age and is happy to be practicing in Portland. Dr. Cobey is excited to be working for such a wonderful group at this stage in his career. He enjoys surfing, music, sports, fishing, and other outdoor activities. GENERAL DENTISTS:

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AROUND THE BEND / CURRENTS

CURRENTS

Snow Day 2017

now had been in the forecast, but realistically, it wouldn’t happen and even if it did, it wouldn’t stick. However, all pessimists were proved wrong and a snow day (no matter how little the number of inches we actually got) was commenced. Snowmen were built, snow angels were fashioned into the ground, and a childlike wonder

22 The Bend

was present throughout the entire city. We can’t be sure as to when the next time snow will happen upon our little beach town. But, we do know this: whenever that day might be, it is guaranteed that same sense of wonder will be in our eyes, and that same sense of awe will be in our minds.

Special Promotion

Save Your Natural Tooth!

Has your dentist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Watch our videos at southtexasendo.com to learn more!

nside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. Contrary to jokes about the matter, modern endodontic treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment. We also provide nitrous, oral and IV sedation for the anxious patient.

If you are given a choice between root canal treatment

or tooth extraction, always choose root canal treatment. Dentistry has yet to produce a denture, bridge or implant that looks, feels and functions as well as a natural tooth. Never choose extraction because you think it will be quicker! Endodontic treatments generally require one to two visits lasting less than an hour each. An extraction requires one visit, but the denture, bridge or implant will require several additional visits with your dentist. Never choose extraction because you think it will be cheaper! When a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The cost of a denture, bridge or implant, plus the extraction, often is higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to come. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment.

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages such as: • Efficient chewing • Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain • Natural appearance • Normal biting force and sensation so you can continue to eat your favorite foods • Limits the need for costlier, ongoing dental work

Call South Texas Endodontics: We want you to have the best experience possible in saving your natural teeth. Dr. Anthony, Dr. King (Board Certified) and Staff are here to answer your questions. If you have any questions about root canal procedures, you can visit our website at southtexasendo.com or call us at 361-992-7871.

AROUND THE BEND / GIVING BACK

Leadership and Representation: The National Hispanic Institute

Fostering future community leaders for the expanding Latino community throughout the United States and Latin America By: Carlos Cooper Photos by: Rachel Benavides

“WE AIM TO INTRODUCE KIDS TO THE CONCEPTS OF LARGE SCALE EVENT PLANNING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A MEANS OF SELF-SUSTAIN"

he National Hispanic Institute (NHI),

we have seen increased enthusiasm about the growth of

as a whole, is firmly rooted in not just

the organization. Five years ago, when I took over, we

the Latino community, but the Latino

had less than $300 in the local chapter's fund with only

Community of South Texas. Founded

a dozen students from 3 CCISD campuses. Last year, we

in 1979, by Ernesto Nieto and Gloria de

worked with over 50 kids across the three grade levels

Leon, the organization was born out of a desire to help

we serve and have been awarded between $10,000-

the community at large.

$15,000 in scholarships each of the past 3 years.”

Nieto sought out to actualize his vision of expanding

While NHI’s goal is to serve the community, it also needs

Latino leadership in the community. He implemented

help from the community to continue its vision. Fund-

his background in education to found NHI and encour-

raising is a huge component to achieving their goals,

age promising students to pursue leadership roles and

but Arriaga still sees it as a teaching opportunity as well.

help them develop the skills needed to be successful in

“The primary fundraising vehicles for NHI-Greater

said roles.

Corpus Christi efforts are our Annual NHI Derby Day along with the Corpus Christi Food and Wine Festival.

Led by Frank Arriaga Jr., NHI’s Project Administrator,

Rather than just sell candy bars or water cases, we aim to

as well as volunteers and Lanie Alaniz of Veteran’s

introduce kids to the concepts of large scale event plan-

Memorial, NHI-Greater Corpus Christi seeks to expand

ning and entrepreneurship as a means to self-sustain.”

and nurture Nieto’s vision in the Coastal Bend. “NHI is a student run organization that introduces kids to ideas

Arriaga sees NHI as hugely important for South Texas,

like community equity building and social entrepre-

but part of that importance has to reach beyond a local

neurship for the purpose of bolstering their communal

community. “Students must see themselves as being a

identity ,and then arm them with the soft skills that are

part of a community much larger than that which they

necessary to thrive in those environments,” says Arriaga.

reside in during their formative years,” says Arriaga. NHI has a global footprint that has served thousands

24 The Bend

NHI has huge goals for the future too. “Currently, our

of students in dozens of countries on three different

biggest goal is to work with 75 freshmen annually and

continents. Their impact will only continue to grow

cross over 90% of our kids to the next years’ experience,”

as the organization builds momentum and help foster

says Arriaga. “The future of the organization is bright as

tomorrow’s leaders.

thebendmag.com

AROUND THE BEND / 5 BEST

Best

Breakfast Tacos

Open Mic Spots By: Alexa Alley

Regardless of the type of entertainment you are looking for, there is an Open Mic Night in the Coastal Bend with your name on it 1. Coffee Waves For a smaller crowd, listen to local music in this quaint, relaxed environment indoors or out on the patio while sipping on your favorite coffee beverage or gelato of choice. Coffee Waves has open mic nights every other Wednesday from 8-11:30 PM. The show itself is free and you get the chance to support local talent! 5738 S. Alameda St. Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 986-0481

local entertainment. House of Rock holds Open Mic Nights every Tuesday night at 8 PM. Get up on stage and sing a song, share a poem, or literally any other talent you might have! 511 Starr Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, (361) 882-7625

3. Comics Live Comedy Club Inside the downtown Bella Luna restaurant, local comedian, John Roman, hosts open mic nights to give spectators a good laugh. After listening to scheduled guests at 8 PM, open mic starts at 9 PM for those who want to give stand up comedy a try. Bella Luna hosts this event every Thursday night and you can bet there is no shortage of laugher involved. 429 Schatzel St. Corpus Christi, TX 78401, (361) 434-4290

4. The Executive Surf Club For a large scale, more upbeat environment, enjoy

music from local artists on the patio of The Surf Club while enjoying a wide range of drink and food items. Every Wednesday you can catch an awesome lineup of local musicians here for a night of good tunes and good times. You must sign up to participate beginning at 7 PM. 306 N. Chaparral St. Corpus Christi, TX 78401, (361) 884-7873

5. The Rialto Theater Take a visit to Aransas Pass to the Rialto Theater to hear from local musicians in a historic theater setting. Admission is free and drinks and concessions are available for purchase every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 9 PM! The acts begin at 6:30, but here is a pro tipâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the bar opens up at 6 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock sharp, so maybe get there a little early for all the happy hour specials! 327 South Commercial Street, Aransas Pass, TX 78336, (361) 758-0383

2. House of Rock Including, but not limited to just rock music, Open Mic Night at House of Rock is a weekly event for all talent and age ranges. Enjoy a variety of drinks as well as delicious pizza and wings while listening to

26 The Bend

Open Mic nights in Corpus Christi serve as a space for people to express themselves through music, comedy, or poetry in a variety of different atmospheres. Whether you are artistically inclined toward performance or just want to have a listen or laugh, check out these 5 local establishments for a taste of various kinds of local freestyle talent.

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thebendmag.com

AROUND THE BEND / PERSON OF INTEREST

MEET

Katy Jones

Shell & Pine owner speaks on her love for beautiful things and the status of her business post Hurricane Harvey By: Kylie Kinnett Photos by: Dekwaan Wynn

HOW DID SHELL & PINE FIRST COME ABOUT? As a college student I stumbled across the concept of selling vintage clothing on eBay and started supplementing my income that way. I specialized in clothing for over ten years, eventually transitioning to Etsy and using my little shop as a way to make extra money as I pursued my Creative Writing degree. After marriage and a kid, the time felt right to transition my business into home goods—it was what I was most interested in, even though I continue to deal antique clothing here and there. Opening the shop in Rockport last year felt very serendipitous—being in the right place at the right time.

TO WHAT EXTENT DID HARVEY AFFECT YOUR STORE AND HOW HAVE YOU MOVED FORWARD SINCE? Hurricane Harvey damaged our physical shop space and forced us to close. It happened so fast and was so final that I’m not sure I have completely processed it yet. When it became clear we were going to have to close the shop, I threw myself into trying to find the best avenue to move forward and haven’t really taken a breather since. We are focused more on pop-ups and markets and the big plan is to completely revamp and re-launch our online store this year. We have also started stocking a booth space at Red Crow Antiques.

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR VINTAGE COME FROM? My mother is a life-long collector and a walking encyclopedia when it comes to antique dish-ware, glass, and pottery. I grew up in homes full of beautiful, old things and started antique shopping when I was practically still in diapers. My dress up box as a kid was stocked with 1950s prom dresses, 1920s lace shifts and 1960s Lucite handled bags. I am also an intensely obsessive history nerd—there are eras I am fascinated with and that fascination extends to the everyday objects of that era.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR SHOP DOES FOR THE COMMUNITY? Other than helping to support my family, I only have one big goal for my business—to spread the love of old things. Buying vintage & antique is good for the environment, good for the wallet, and good for aesthetics. I am a passionate believer in surrounding yourself with beautiful objects. Choosing to buy vintage can often be just as cost-effective and the items are often better quality and have much more character. It’s also a way for someone on a more limited income to be able to own beautiful, expensive things—my husband and I ate off Gien plates as broke twenty-somethings!

28 The Bend

thebendmag.com

MOVERS How four very different people all have one goalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;bettering our community

30 The Bend

Shakers By: Kylie Kinnett Photos by: Rachel Benavides

HEIDI HOVDA

CORPUS CHRISTI CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

32 The Bend

f you’ve ever had the privilege of having a conversation with Heidi Hovda (and believe me, it is a privilege), you probably know a couple things about her. She is passionate and hardworking. She is loud, creative, and confident. The way she speaks about Corpus Christi, with wide eyes and a certain sense of wonder, leaves you feeling inspired. She is an all-encompassing force to be reckoned with. Heidi Hovda, the CVB Director of Special Events and Social Media, is no stranger to the Coastal Bend. Her family moved here when she was five years old and she never left. “There was a time, not too long ago, that I wanted to give up and move,” Heidi says. “I called my 24-year-old twin boys and asked them if they could move anywhere else, where it would be.” Their answer was simple: they wanted to stay in Corpus. They believed their place in the world was here and their purpose was to make a difference in this city—something they undoubtedly inherited from their mom. She reminisces back to her time spent working with the Downtown Management District and believes it was there she realized how easy it was to make a difference in the community. She had ideas and the right combination of passion and drive to see those ideas come to fruition. “City and elected officials are ready and waiting for people with fresh ideas and as long as you are willing to blood, sweat, and tears the hell out of that idea, someone will be there to help you,” she says as she takes a sip of her Miller Lite. The jobs Heidi obtained on her path to her current position all helped to lead her to where she is now. The CVB opened up the position in January 2014, and she jumped. “I get emotional when I think about it,” she says. “I truly was born to do this job.” She speaks of her ability to love her city and tell the story of Corpus to those who don’t live here. Fiesta de la Flor is one of Heidi’s biggest feats. It is no easy task to put on a festival of such magnitude, but she is proud to have been a part of it from the ground up. In addition to the festival, CC 7 Day Film Festival is another huge accomplishment with her name on it. As we sit in a booth at The House of Rock for our interview, she points to a corner in the bar and a sense of nostalgia takes over. “It was right over there where the co-founder and I had the idea and, with the help of Casey Lain, we made it happen. After the first year, we couldn’t do it here anymore because it grew so much.” She is the Corpus Christi Film Commissioner, the Music Office Director, she’s served on countless numbers of boards and committees, but most importantly, she is a mom and a wife. Her love for this city keeps the wheels in her mind turning at all times—constantly coming up with new ways to not only attract visitors to our city, but to keep our current residents excited about living here. The new year holds excitement for both Heidi and the CVB. Fiesta de la Flor will continue to be bigger and better than it has been before. They are also in the works of a new festival for the city, that she says, will completely change the way people view Corpus Christi. Regardless of what Heidi Hovda has planned for the future, it is sure to be good. She knows this place like the back of her hand. “I know people have this image of me in their heads. It is an image of me being strong and saying whatever comes to mind and banging my fists on a table; and while, yes I am all of those things, I am also a person who cares deeply and has a profound passion for this place,” she says unapologetically, and for that, this city should be grateful.

IAIN VASEY

CORPUS CHRISTI REGIONAL CORPUS CHRISTI CONVENTION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VISITORS BUREAU DIRECTOR OF CORPORATION PRESIDENT SPECIAL EVENTS AND AND CEO CIAL MEDIA

pon arrival to One Shoreline Plaza, Iain Vasey opened his office door wide with a big smile. He wore a tie that day, just for us, he says. He is goofy and managed to crack jokes the entire time we photographed him on the Sea Wall one sunny Friday morning. “I’m giving you Blue Steel right now,” he says as he serves serious face to the camera.

Iain Vasey, the President and CEO of the CCREDC, is originally from England—a fact about him not a lot of people realize. He moved to the States when he was 19 on a scholarship to attend the University of Iowa. His career began in accounting until he made the jump over to economic development. His job, in layman’s terms, is a blend between the physical planning of infrastructures and how you pay for it

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all. After spending five years in Baton Rouge, he began looking for other options and Corpus came knocking. He couldn’t pass up the offer. The work Iain and his colleagues do have long term outcomes and implications on how both the local and regional economy functions. He gets almost giddy when referring to the projects he has accomplished with the organization that truly help uplift the community. “I love what I am doing—I mean, you know this is a pretty cool gig,” he says with a smile. “You have to feel as though your work matters—that it is helping other people.” Now, about three years into the job, Iain comments on how much Corpus has changed even in the short time he has been here. With the expansion of the Port comes a plethora of opportunities for both the community and the economy. In addition to the projects his team is constantly working on, Iain has a specific goal of getting the students in our community to obtain jobs here and stay in the city. He speaks on driving the importance of STEM education all the way down to the elementary school level. The future of economic development in the city of Corpus Christi looks bright and Iain Vasey is leading the way. His team vigorously works to help better our community in economic terms, but also in communal terms. His overall mission is growth. “If a community isn’t growing, it is just dying,” he says. He explains how we have to be thinking about the things we can do to put the economic building blocks together in order to help our community. “Think about what this community will look like in 40 years. Things are going to be very different,” he says, “and what we do today helps shape that.”

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BEN MOLINA

DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCILMAN

n the two occasions Ben Molina and I were in one another’s presence, positivity oozed out of him. His smile, similar to the likes of a child on Christmas morning, stretches from ear to ear. While at lunch for our interview, more than one person came up to the table to say hello. On location for our photoshoot, at City Hall, he greeted multiple people—asking about their families and how their holiday season was going. You see, kindness and giving back are second nature to Ben. Originally from Kerrville, Texas, Ben moved to Corpus in the middle of high school. In 2004, he began working with a roofing company that he would later go on to own. Although he has always kept himself quite busy, his colleague pushed him to join a city board in order to get more involved in the community, and so his passion for the people expanded. The Zoning Board of Adjustment, Habitat for Humanity, Young Business Professionals, and the West Side Business Association are just a few organizations Ben has found himself being a part of. “I have always wanted to help in any way I can,” Ben says. “So, the motivation behind running for City Council was simply me wanting to help as many people as possible.” He wanted to help more people, on a bigger scale, and earning a seat as a City Councilmember was the perfect platform to do just that. His innovative, fresh perspective on the city is something he uses to his advantage as he brings new ideas to better our community. “I am always trying to find ways to save the city money, labor, and time,” he says. As most Corpus Christi residents might say, the road repair process in town could use a bit of a facelift and this happens to be one of Ben’s main focuses in the new year. thebendmag.com

“I came across a machine that really will allow us to save not only money, but time,” he says with optimism. “What else is out there; what else is new and will lower our cost of resources? Those are the questions I try asking.” Ben believes his ability to listen to others is what allows him to be such a good Councilmember. “My favorite part of all of this is being able to listen to an issue or concern and then have the ability to pick up the phone and actually do something about it,” he says. Aside from official council business, Ben stays busy with his roofing business, his wife, and his children—and balance is key when it comes to juggling it all. His family is his main source of inspiration. Ben speaks about his kids proudly; they are his motivation behind making a difference in our community. “What I want is to leave Corpus better than I found it,” he says. He knows the work done today will affect his kids 10 to 15 years from now. He aims to create a community with ample opportunities for the kids who live here, in order for them to stay and raise their own families here. “I thought to myself one day, ‘what do I want for my children and how do I achieve it?’ and this is the way to do it.”

36 The Bend

DR. KELLY QUINTANILLA TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI PRESIDENT

r. Kelly Quintanilla begins her thoughts with hope and optimism—emotions true to her character. “When my picture was hung in the hallway, the only woman amongst eleven portraits, I got a lump in my throat, because I knew I had overcome some pretty big limitations. When I saw my daughter take a photo to share with her friends, I knew she saw no limits.” Nothing is more important to Kelly than that. While becoming the President of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was never really her career intention, when she was asked to serve as the interim President, something kind of clicked. “I was inspired by all the people—the faculty, staff, alums, and community members. Being able to work daily with so many people who shared that passion for student success and understood the transformative power of higher education for students and the community, well that made it my dream job,” she says with a smile. Kelly had just finished her PhD in Communication from Pennsylvania State University when she happened upon an ad for a position at TAMUCC. She describes her first day on campus as exciting and filled with energy. She instantly fell in love. She had found her home. In 1994, she became one of the youngest members of the faculty, and now, 24 years and several titles later, she became the first woman to hold the position of President. Being the first woman president for the University is a big deal, and Kelly is aware of that. However, she also touches on the subject with a feeling of sadness. “I look forward to the day when leadership positions everywhere are filled at the same level of diversity we see in our community,” she says. “But, I also realize that is not going to happen until little girls see women in positions of power.” This feeling of inclusion for all is something quite evident in the work Kelly is doing for the university. As a first-generation college student, she understands how hard it is for some people to get to the front doors of higher education; she wants to be there for the underrepresented groups of students. In addition to her vision of inclusivity, Kelly is a huge advocate for the arts—a department that is oftentimes overlooked. While she didn’t come from an educational background of art, she held several positions in the department, and with her office being inside the Center for the Arts for twelve years, she speaks on how that experience helped shape her career. “The arts push students to be innovative, to work as a team, to think both critically and creatively, to take risks, and be resilient.” Her hope for the future of the University is to maintain the level of excellence they have already achieved and continue along their trajectory of success. However, she makes it clear that at the Island University, they are never satisfied with the status quo, even if the status quo is excellence. Closing the gaps of achievement and delivering a robust campus experience are also high on her to-do list. She realizes it is a bold vision, to constantly strive for better than excellent, but she also knows her students deserve nothing less.

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New Year, New You

10 WAYS TO MAKE AND KEEP YOUR NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESOLUTIONS ON A LOCAL LEVEL WORDS AND PHOTOS: MARINA RIKER

OW THAT YOU’VE PUT DOWN THE CHRISTMAS COOKIES AND THE FLUTE OF CHAMPAGNE, IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO SIT DOWN AND MAKE A LIST OF THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR 2018.

EVERYONE KNOWS MAKING A LIST OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS IS THE EASY PART—THE BIG CHALLENGE IS MAINTAINING THEM. THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DON’T STICK WITH THEIR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, WHICH IS WHY YOU’LL NEED ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GET. FOR SOME PEOPLE, LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE CAN MEAN ANYTHING FROM VOLUNTEERING AT LOCAL CHARITIES TO DRINKING MORE WATER. THIS YEAR, PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WORTHY RESOLUTIONS, AND MAKE IT A HEALTHY HABIT TO LAST A LIFETIME. PLUS, THIS GUIDE HAS PLENTY OF IDEAS ON HOW YOU CAN MAKE THOSE RESOLUTIONS AND COMMIT TO THEM THROUGH LOCAL TIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

GIVE BACK Giving back has the obvious benefit of helping others, but it’s also one of the most therapeutic things you can do for yourself. There’s no shortage of causes to contribute to, whether that be financially or with your own time. Throughout the Coastal Bend, there are dozens of nonprofits and community groups dedicated to making our community a better place for people, animals, and the environment. Help our furry friends by giving to Paws & Claws, which supports the Gulf Coast Humane Society, or support Corpus Christi’s youngest residents by donating to the Boys & Girls Club. Even if you don’t have the cash to give, there are plenty of other ways to make a positive impact on the people and places we all know and love. Donate your time by cleaning up trash on our beaches, helping people rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, or save lives by giving blood to the Coastal Bend Blood Center. Regardless of what causes you decide to support, you’ll help the community and feel better at the same time.

DRINK MORE WATER Step away from the soda. They may be delicious, but high sugar, sodium, and caffeine found in soda and other sweet beverages isn’t so great for your health. In addition to adding on the pounds, it also can cause dehydration, problems with your blood sugars, and is bad for your teeth. You’ve probably been told to drink more water time and time again—for good reason. Your body is made up of about 60 percent water, which means drinking the stuff isn’t just about staying hydrated. It’s also critical for maintaining bodily fluids, transporting nutrients, maintaining your body temperature, and also regulating your metabolism. There are many different opinions on how much water we should be drinking every day, but most health experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses each day. A good way to start is by getting the first one out of the way as soon as you wake up—before the coffee or breakfast. But the stuff tastes boring, you say? Try sprucing up your water with herbs and fruits such as cucumber, lemon, raspberries and mint—and viola, you’ve got a healthy and delicious beverage to sip all day.

MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY We know the daily grind can get in the way of a healthy night’s rest, from getting the kids to sleep to leaving early for work to miss morning traffic. But, it might be time to cut out the Netflix before bed and start getting to sleep a little earlier—for your health’s sake. Sleep plays a vital role in your health throughout all stages of your life, which means you really should try to get the eight

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hours medical professionals recommend. Studies show that sleep deficiency can harm activity in some parts of your brain, which means you might have trouble making decisions, solving problems, and controlling your emotions, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. We’re all busy, but your body will thank you if you skip activities like watching TV or surfing the internet to get a full eight hours. If you have trouble getting to sleep, there are a few tried and true tricks that include investing in blackout curtains, cooling the temperature of your room, and practicing deep breathing. Sweet dreams!

UNPLUG It’s 2018, which means you probably spend an overwhelming number of hours on smartphones, computers, and tablets. Even though disconnecting from the digital world can seem nearly impossible, it can be necessary to maintaining emotional and mental health. Studies have shown that all the hours spent online could be taking away more than just your precious time. Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time have negative health effects, and spending too much time on social media accounts can hurt your mental or emotional health. Of course you need these devices for work, but start by occasionally disconnecting on your personal time. Choose not to check email or social media accounts on one of your days off, or start small by turning off devices when you get home from work. Need ways to fill that digital void in your heart? Try taking a walk down Ocean Drive, take a picnic out to one of your favorite local parks, or visit places like the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center or the Museum of Science and History.

YOGA Enough with the excuses: it’s time to hit the mat. Yoga is a total mind-body practice that offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Developing body awareness, increasing flexibility, and boosting strength are just some of the perks that come with moving into each pose. This ancient practice has stood the test of time for many reasons, including helping lower stress levels and reducing body pain. Lucky for both newbies and experienced yogis, Corpus Christi offers plenty of different styles and intensity levels for students around town. One of the region’s most popular yoga teachers is Erica Rose Bertero, co-founder of Island Yoga Time. Bertero is working to develop 6-week programs that combine yoga, paleo diet coaching, and the perks of a support group. The program, which starts this month, will utilize Buti yoga—it’s cardio-heavy and also gives the benefits that come with the ancient practice. “We’re pairing a physical practice with clean eating,” said Bertero. But first timers may be little hesitant to jump into a six-week commitment, so Bertero’s studio also offers classes that are easier to get into–like yoga held at Vino Mio Social Club followed by Sunday brunch.

GO OUTSIDE Feel stressed? We all spend a lot of time sitting at desks, driving in cars, and worrying about how we need to do more to pay our monthly bills. That can be harmful to both your mental and physical health. But thankfully there’s an inexpensive fix—spending more time in nature. Being outdoors is one of the most reliable boosts to your mental and physical well-being. Studies have found that simply being around trees can reduce amounts of stress hormones, while the benefits of getting out and about instead of sitting at a desk or in front of a TV are many. Coastal Bend residents have few excuses–we’re lucky to live in a place where we can enjoy the outdoors year-round. You can run on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, or enjoy a plethora of other

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For more i

A New Year a New You Body lifts (including Tummy Tucks and Breast Lifts) are a great way to get rid of excess skin after weightloss.

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Art Center of Corpus Christi. Campbell said going the extra mile to buy food from local farmers is a win-win—better for you and for the environment around us. Can't make it in to town for the market? Not to worry. The Island Farmer’s Market runs every other Thursday from 4 to 8 PM at Island Presbyterian Church.

EAT MORE VEGGIES In addition to avoiding soda and juice, it’s also a good idea to stay away from frozen dinners and boxed meals. By eating fresh fruits and veggies, you get more nutrients from your food without having to spend money on supplements and vitamins.

ocean activities ranging from stand-up paddling to fishing. If you just want to relax, read a book on the beach or take a walk at sunset. Even on weekdays, take a small walk around your neighborhood.

RESISTANCE TRAINING Cardio usually gets all the hype–especially around the New Year when people start running or signing up for spin classes. But people looking to get in shape—particularly women—might want to pick up a kettlebell instead. Many women may spend their time at the gym on the treadmill or elliptical machines instead of strengthening their bodies with resistance training. Weight training can increase bone density, and can be the best defense against osteoporosis in the long run. Getting in the weight room can be intimidating, but there are all sorts of ways to reap the benefits without ever having to step in one. If you’re nervous, hire an expert to show you how to workout. From LifeFit Personal Training Studio on the Island to Studio X in Corpus Christi, there are gyms across the Coastal Bend where you can learn how to safely increase your health and strength.

BE A SMART CONSUMER Why wouldn’t you want to help your neighbors? Buying your groceries from local farms is one way to do that. By purchasing your produce or meat directly from local farmers, you’re supporting human beings and the local economy—as opposed to massive factory farms or food conglomerates. The food on your dinner table comes from within 150 miles, and doesn’t require the wasted energy to ship the food across the country. Often times, local farmers grow food in ways that are healthier for both you and the environment. Even though some farmers may choose not to go through the tedious process to become “certified organic,” they may sell fruits and veggies that are, for the most part, pesticide and herbicide free. Lucky for residents of the Coastal Bend, there are a growing number of ways you can stock up on food staples. Aislynn Campbell, who runs Grow Local South Texas, helped start the Downtown Farmer's Market that runs every Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM at the

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Eating nutrient-dense foods pack more of the good stuff, but fewer empty calories. Try eating leafy greens, garlic and potatoes—especially those grown by small farmers who aim for taste, not just how long they last on grocery store shelves. “The food you find from farmers is going to be much more nutrient dense,” said Campbell. “It hasn’t sat on a shelf; it may have only been stored a few hours.” Plus, eating more veggies means you might need to make more trips to the farmer’s market—a true win-win.

MAKE A LIST After reading this list, write down all the reasons why you don’t think you’ll be able to accomplish healthier habits. Now, analyze each of those beliefs, and whether they are actually true. For example, you might say you don’t have enough time for exercising because you think it’ll take too long. Instead, start with just 10 minutes a day, which still starts a healthy habit. Or just start small—swap out a soda every day with a glass of water. Even small tweaks can help you make big changes. See? Looking closer at your beliefs can show the false thinking behind them. Here’s to your health and keeping those resolutions. Here's to a happy and healthy 2018!

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

ASK AN EXPERT 2018 HEALTH GUIDE DESPITE ALL THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT OUR FINGER TIPS, IT IS BECOMING MORE CHALLENGING THAN EVER TO FIND TRUSTWORTHY INFORMATION FROM A QUALIFIED EXPERT. WE ASKED OUR LOCAL HEALTH EXPERTS TO ANSWERS SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO THEIR FIELD.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

ASK AN EXPERT

“

“I FEEL LIKE A WOMEN AGAIN” THIS IS THE MOST COMMON INITIAL STATEMENT WE HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS ON THEIR POST-OPERATIVE VISITS. THEY FEEL HEALTHIER, SEXIER, AND MORE CONFIDENT WITH THEIR RESTORED FIGURE AND SHAPE. THE MOMMY MAKEOVER IS MORE THAN A SERIES OF SURGICAL PROCEDURES, IT IS A CONFIDENCE BUILDING ENDEAVOR THAT NOT ONLY IMPROVES A WOMAN’S SHAPE BUT SELF-ESTEEM AS WELL.

WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?

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Having children is one of the most special times in a woman’s life, it is also a very stressful time for a woman’s body. The “Mommy Makeover” is a combination of procedures designed to restore and rejuvenate a woman’s body. While this set of surgical procedures is common after pregnancy, women at all stages of life have opted to “makeover” their bodies as they age. This is an exciting time for any woman who wants to turn back the clock on her body or get the body she has always desired.

WHAT PROCEDURES ARE INVOLVED IN A MOMMY MAKEOVER? No two people are alike, therefore the mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that addresses the specific body regions a woman wishes to rejuvenate and change. Most commonly a mommy makeover includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a breast augmentation and/or a breast lift. Often these 48 The Bend

DR. KEITH ROSE ROSE COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER 361.651.1200

5025 Deepwood Cir. Ste B. Corpus Christi, Tx

DR. KEITH ROSE 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.

procedures can be done at the same time, although they can be staged as well depending on the extent of each procedure. The end result is a beautifully shaped body. Restoring the shape and appearance of a woman’s body also improves their confidence.

WHEN LIPOSUCTION BECOMES LIPOSCULPTURE All mommy makeovers aren’t created equal. The difference is the attention to detail and results. At the Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center we have Vaser lipo. This state of the art liposuction equipment uses ultrasonic waves to melt the fat prior to liposuction, and tighten the skin. When used in combination with a tummy tuck, the results are a flat defined abdomen without upper abdominal fullness or uneven fat deposits. The Vaser also removes difficult fat deposits in the back and flanks which produces a sculpted, beautiful waist and abdomen. When a Vaser abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is combined with breast augmentation and/or mastopexy (breast lift) the result is nothing short of spectacular.

“I FEEL LIKE A WOMEN AGAIN” This is the most common initial statement we hear from our patients on their post-operative visits. They feel healthier, sexier, and more confident with their restored figure and shape. The mommy makeover is more than a series of surgical procedures, it is a confidence building endeavor that not only improves a woman’s shape but self-esteem as well. Dr. Rose performs multiple mommy makeovers every month. He listens intently during the consultation and works with the patient and his staff to achieve the optimal results for his patients. Call The Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center for your life changing consultation today.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

ASK AN EXPERT

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A NATIONAL STUDY SHOWS THAT PATIENTS TREATED IN INPATIENT REHABILITATION HOSPITALS HAVE BETTER LONG-TERM RESULTS THAN THOSE TREATED IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES. THE STUDY, BY THE ARA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SHOWS THAT PATIENTS TREATED IN REHABILITATION HOSPITALS LIVE LONGER, HAVE LESS HOSPITAL AND ER VISITS, AND REMAIN LONGER IN THEIR HOMES WITHOUT ADDITIONAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES.

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DR. MICHEAL FUENTES CORPUS CHRISTI REHABILITATION HOSPITAL 361.906.3700

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DR. MICHEAL FUENTES Board-certified in physical medicine & rehabilitation, Dr. Michael Fuentes is the Medical Director of Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital. The hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions. For more information, visit CCRH.ernesthealth.com, call 361-906-3700 or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas.

WHY IS REHABILITATIVE CARE IMPORTANT?

ARE ALL REHABILITATION FACILITIES THE SAME?

If you’re recovering from or living with a disabling injury or disease, rehabilitative care can help you regain or improve productivity and independence.

Skilled nursing, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and acute rehabilitation hospitals may seem like equal choices for rehabilitative care, but they’re not.

A national study shows that patients treated in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals have better long-term results than those treated in skilled nursing facilities. The study, which was commissioned by the ARA Research Institute, shows that patients treated in rehabilitation hospitals live longer, have less hospital and ER visits, and remain longer in their homes without additional outpatient services.

Each of the aforementioned facilities has rehabilitation professionals on staff, but only one – the rehabilitation hospital – specializes in rehabilitation, offering 24-hour rehabilitative nursing care, along with daily physician management and intensive rehabilitation therapies.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association also released guidelines strongly recommending that stroke patients be treated at inpatient rehabilitation facilities rather than skilled nursing facilities. The guidelines highlighted aspects of inpatient rehabilitation facilities, including: • • •

Patients typically receive 3 hours of rehabilitation daily from physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Nurses are continuously available Doctors typically visit daily

HOW DO I CHOOSE A REHABILITATION HOSPITAL? A good starting place is to discuss your options with your physician. Ask for recommendations on rehabilitation hospitals, and then do some research: 1.

Start with an online search to review general rehabilitative and specific hospital information.

Tour the hospital. Observe the attitude of the staff, type of equipment, and cleanliness of the facility. By visiting, you can get

a sense of the care provided and compassion for patient dignity. You can ask about the following: • Healthcare specialists who will be involved in your care • Nurse-to-patient ratio • Longevity of the staff • Staff certifications • Staff credentials • Size of hospital • Services provided • Hospital accreditations and recognitions • Patient results 3.

Determine how involved family members are since they help you transition back to home and work.

Ask about “housekeeping” information, such as what languages are spoken at the hospital, types of insurance accepted, visitation hours, and anything else that can make your stay more comfortable.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

JAVIER ALONSO, MD, PHD TEXAS VEIN & VASCULAR

361.991.6611

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DO YOU EXPERIENCE DISCOMFORT FROM VARICOSE VEINS? UNDERSTANDING REFLUX DISEASE. Health leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when those valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing the blood to pool in the legs, and leading to these signs and symptoms: varicose veins, leg or ankle swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, leg pain aching or cramping, burning or itching of the skin, restless legs, skin changes or rashes, ulcers, open wounds, or sores. Venous reflux disease is a progressive medical condition, and if left untreated, may worsen over time and develop into a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). More than 30 million people are affected by varicose veins or CVI in the US., with only 1.9 million seeking treatment annually, leaving the vast majority undiagnosed and untreated. Without treatment, those with the disease may experience the progressive symptoms described above. Fortunately, with proper treatment, those outcomes are preventable.

C. DALE EUBANK, MD, FACOG ADVANCED WELLNESS & REJUVENATION

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DOES MENOPAUSE HAVE TO MEAN A DECLINE IN SEXUAL HEALTH? In my practice, I frequently hear women say, “I just don’t feel like myself since going through menopause? I am irritable and just don’t have the energy I once had…and having sex is the last thing on my mind and when we do have intercourse, it can be painful now.” We are all aware of medications to help men maintain their sexual health. Fortunately, there are new developments in healthcare that are restoring sexual health for women too. There are now in-office, comfortable treatments, such as ThermiVa, that can restore moisture and blood flow to the vagina, improve bladder control, tighten up the vaginal canal and even intensify orgasms. Bioidentical hormone pellet therapy is also helping millions of women feel like themselves again.

50 The Bend

VIJAY BINDINGNAVELE, MD, FACS CORPUS CHRISTI INSTITUTE OF COSMETIC & PLASTIC SURGERY

361.888.7417

5826 Esplanade Dr. Corpus Chrisit, Tx DO I NEED A LIFT WITH AN IMPLANT OR WILL JUST A LIFT OR JUST AN IMPLANT GIVE ME THE RESULTS I’M LOOKING FOR? Breast implants increase the size of the breasts and will improve the perkiness slightly so if one is looking for a larger breast or fullness in the upper part of the breast implants will be required. Breast lifts will improve the shape of the breasts and lift the position of the nipples. Sometimes both an implant and a lift are required if increased size and perkiness is the goal. Of course a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon is the way to determine what’s necessary.

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“

THE DIFFERENCE IN CARE IS DRAMATIC BETWEEN A FREESTANDING ER AND A TRADITIONAL HOSPITAL ER. FREESTANDING ERS HAVE 20% LOWER HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS THAN TRADITIONAL HOSPITALS AND 20% LESS OVERALL COST FOR THE SAME LEVEL ACUITY.

”

WHY FREESTANDING ER’S AND WHY DO WE HAVE THEM IN TEXAS? There’s something ER doctors refer to as the ‘golden hour’ in emergency care. The faster a patient can be seen and treated, the better for the patient, insurance companies and medical professionals. Wait equals high stress, increased suffering, increased complications and potentially greater resources to treat. The demand placed on centralized traditional hospitals has continued to increase, possibly due to the increased numbers of those insured. Traditional hospitals continue to be inundated with patients and are bound to triage based on acuity/severity immediately those with the most severe trauma or disease process first and hence the delay and complications for other patients. These other patients have legitimate emergencies too. Traditional hospitals are in most cases doing their best, but are limited by sheer numbers and their ability to get patients through these congested centers. Four years ago, in Corpus Christi, a team of experienced ER doctors found a way to make ER care more accessible, personable, efficient and much closer to home. They opened five Physicians Premier ERs in the Coastal Bend and their mission remains to relieve traditional hospital gridlock and lessen their own personal stress and yours about emergency care, having experienced first-hand the difficulties and inefficiencies in the traditional ER environment.

LONNIE SCHWIRTLICH, MD (Pictured Far Right) PHYSICIANS PREMIER EMERGENCY ROOMS 361.994.1911

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LONNIE SCHWIRTLICH, MD Board certified in Emergency Medicine since 1987 and practicing Emergency medicine since 1980 after he Graduated from medical school and ER training at Baylor College of Medicine. He was born and raised in Corpus Christi where he enjoys Surfing, Boating, Fishing, Diving, hunting. He has served as EMS director and ER director in almost all the places he has practiced over the years and enjoys the more personalized ER care he is able to provide at Physicians Premier ER.

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOUR EMERGENCY CARE FACILITY, PARTICULARLY IN TEXAS? This is important. Only you can determine if you need emergency medical care. Payment of your care is not dependent upon the diagnosis. Insurance companies by state law are required to cover patients at the same level and treat as ‘in-network’ no matter which ER they choose. Insurance companies do not have the right to dictate which ER to use because in an emergency, the smart thing to do is go to the nearest ER. The Texas Department of Insurance Code, Section 1301.155 on Emergency Care, requires that insurance companies pay emergency facilities “at the insured’s in-network benefit level” for all services. Additionally, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act added numerous patient protections that require health plans covering emergency services to provide such coverage without need for prior authorization, regardless of the participating status of the provider, at the in-network level.

HAVING A CHOICE OF ER CARE IS WHAT MATTERS WHEN FACED WITH AN EMERGENCY. The difference in care is dramatic between a Freestanding ER and a traditional hospital ER. Freestanding ERs have 20% lower hospital admissions than traditional hospitals and 20% less overall cost for the same level acuity. [1] The difference is in the ability to dedicate more focused time on each patient with the same or higher level of medical expertise to achieve a more focused and quicker workup and treatment of the medical emergency. Should extenuating hospital care be necessary, transfers to hospital rooms are seamless and in most cases bypass and avoid the hospital based ERs. It comes down to being seen by an ER doctor faster and seizing that ‘golden hour’.

[1] Simon EL, et al, Variation in hospital admission rates between a tertiary care and two freestanding emergency departments, American Journal of Emergency Medicine (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2017.10.066

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52 The Bend

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HEALTH BE WELL 54 FITNESS 56

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside If maintaining a healthier lifestyle is on your list of resolutions, you might want to pick up a copy of Dr. Mohammad Emranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, in which he breaks down several ways to get fit and maintain a nutritious way of life.

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HEALTH / BE WELL

Resolution Rescue Local physician’s book of health hacks is here to help you keep those resolutions By: Alexis Mays Photos by: Rachel Benavides

ome ways to lose weight have nothing to do with the gym. This fact leaves many feeling frustrated when they’re unable to shed pounds even though they are eating better and exercising more. That’s exactly why Dr. Mohammad Emran, a pediatric physician at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, was inspired to write a groundbreaking book called "Silence Your Fat Gene."

“THE WHOLE GOAL WAS TO PUT MYSELF OUT OF BUSINESS, AND I DID THAT,” HE SAYS. “I DON’T DO SURGERIES FOR WEIGHT LOSS ANYMORE.”

The idea for "Silence Your Fat Gene" came while Dr. Emran was treating a staggering amount of pediatric obesity patients. An issue he constantly saw among his patients was that weight stayed on or came back, even after weight loss surgery. “Even when people were eating healthier and exercising more than ever before, some plateaued or continued to struggle with their weight,” Dr. Emran reflects. Dr. Emran knew it was time to do something. So, he began to research what caused this and it led to some big discoveries. “We are exposed to certain types of food, lighting, temperatures, and a host of other factors on a regular basis that actually turn on fat genes,” he says. “We have sabotaged the natural weight gain mechanisms that every single animal has to gain weight when preparing for winter.” He also found that when these signals are turned off, weight can come off. The book helps readers “discover the hidden triggers that cause fat gain and shut them down for good.” In his book, he lists many of these factors and how we can repair them. One such way is as simple as turning up your AC. “One of my favorite tips is that the temperature you keep your home determines what you eat and how much you eat.” Dr. Emran explains, “if you keep your air conditioner below 76 degrees, you are stimulated to eat about 20% more, and it will make you want to eat more carbs.” 54 The Bend

This life hack is a triple threat: it shuts down the natural response of storing fat for winter, revs up metabolism, and will save a few bucks on the electric bill. When this tip, along with many other concepts, is applied to his patients, the results are outstanding. “The whole goal was to put myself out of business, and I did that,” he says. “I don’t do surgeries for weight loss anymore.” Another big difference in his methods was to not just treat the individual, because as he explains, “we ultimately didn’t make that big of an impact because the rest of the family was not involved.” That’s why efforts begin at home and with the whole family getting involved. It’s these types of simple techniques that can rewire your body and retrain your brain to stop gaining weight. When it comes to weight loss, Dr. Emran knows it is influenced by more than just diet and exercise or even surgeries. That’s why his way to lose weight is multifaceted, too.

obesity and weight loss statistics from the World Health Organization More than 1.9 billion American adults were overweight and 650 million were obese in 2016. Globally, over 41 million preschool children are considered overweight. By the year 2030, the percent of obese American adults is projected to increase from 38.2% to 47%. Studies have shown that exercise is responsible for only 25% of weight loss. The World Health Organization reports that there is a link between supportive environments and the prevention of obesity.

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HEALTH / FITNESS

“THEY ARE LIKE MY FAMILY; WE WORK TOGETHER, COLLABORATE ON PROGRAM IDEAS, HELP EACH OTHER OUT, AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER’S ENDEAVORS. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN BEING PART OF THE SFS TEAM,” SAYS REBECCA.

Mind, Nutrition, & Exercise When you Live Trifecta, it is a way of life, not a quick-fix gimmick

By: Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos: Rachel Benavides

ebecca Hawn has a passion and a love for fitness and nutrition. Her

for her clients to not only have a place to train, but to also have the opportunity to

philosophy that a person can be their healthiest self by possessing

expand their knowledge about nutrition and exercise, while developing a program

a healthy mind, consuming whole food nutrition, and engaging in

that works best for each individual to create a successful and healthy lifestyle.

daily exercise, led her to develop Live Trifecta—a program designed

to help her clients achieve these goals.

Live Trifecta stems from Hawn’s firsthand knowledge that daily exercise will only go so far without a healthy mind and whole nutrition. The struggle with fad diets

She was inspired by her desire to surround herself with like-minded people. During

and excessive exercise regimens to achieve fat loss often leave eager dieters feeling

her time as a personal trainer at Sports Fitness Solutions, she created Live Trifecta

defeated. Hawn was enlightened by her former personal trainer, Jeff Paluseo, to the

56 The Bend

notion that an individual “must get to the root of why they emotionally eat, first, before they can understand and choose to eat a balanced diet.” This golden nugget of information allowed Hawn to understand a healthy mind works in tandem with nutrition and exercise for optimal results. Once an individual makes peace with their mind and understands their eating habits, they are ready to engage in the second step of Live Trifecta—the whole nutrition. Now they’re ready to gain an understanding of how their body works, and can delve into gauging the fuel necessary to change their nutritional lifestyle. With a good frame of mind, and an accurate nutritional assessment, they are ready to add daily exercise to their routine, completing the Live Trifecta philosophy. The Live Trifecta Facebook page was the launching

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beginning their journey of fat loss and a new healthy lifestyle that is easy to maintain. Currently, Hawn offers semi-private, individualized strength training sessions from 5:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Hawn understands that the most difficult part is taking the first step, and she invites everyone to view her social media for motivation, not only through her posts, but also via the interaction from the online community, and also to see how easy it is to enjoy and maintain this lifestyle. She is a firm believer that “success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally; it

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comes from what you do consistently.” Live Trifecta is not only Rebecca Hawn’s business; it is her way of life. She wholeheartedly believes her own personal struggles with her body, along with the success of Live Trifecta, came about so that she can help others experience life changing results. Helping people achieve healthier lifestyles is her calling, and her passion resonates through her interaction and dedication to her clients.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Bart Braselton

Wintertime in the Bay Area

nlike our neighbors to the North, one of the greatest perks of living in South Texas is our mild weather during the winter months. We head outside in November and spend the next months enjoying the great outdoors. At Braselton Homes, when we master plan our communities throughout the Corpus Christi Bay Area, we keep these important lifestyle issues in mind. For instance, in Rancho Vista, we included a large central park and interconnected trail systems that extend to Oso Creek. Walking/jogging trails and paths also circumnavigate the community, which is dotted with lakes, fountains, and gazebos. A children’s playgrounds and sports areas are also accessible from the paths. With such master plans, the families that live in our neighborhoods have access to all the outdoor amenities their neighborhood has to offer; around every corner is a new vista, to explore and enjoy. At Oso View at the Preserve, and Parkview, our homeowners are within walking distance of the 160 acre Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and have access to nearby walking, biking, hiking trails as well as kayaking and fishing spots. Hunters Creek in Tuloso-Midway includes, within walking distance, a huge schoolyard playground for the kids. Moore’s Landing in Portland is minutes away from beach access, as well as fishing and kayaking spots. Also,

58 The Bend

in Portland, the Northshore Country Club neighborhood gives homeowners the best in country club living with golfing, tennis courts and a beautiful swimming pool. And our newest Community, The Cottages at the Park, is adjacent to the city of Corpus Christi’s new Southside Walking Trail System, as well as to a six acre park, featuring large sports playing fields and a big playground. Within walking distance of an Elementary school, as well as a Middle School, and priced from the $160’s, The Cottages is the perfect neighborhood for young families. For more information on The Park, or any Braselton Community, please visit us at Braseltonhomes.com We have worked diligently and purposefully to create neighborhoods with amenities built into them, or nearby, that promote the health and well-being of our homeowners. With the mild and delightful weather that Corpus Christi offers eight months out of the year, we can, and should, all head outside to enjoy the best that the Sparkling City by the Sea has to offer. You are invited to visit a Braselton neighborhood today and start living the life you’ve dreamed of! 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.

HOME & GARDEN OPEN HOUSE 60 SPACES 64 GARDENING 66

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside In the midst of all the gorgeous homes that reside on Ocean Drive, sits a chalet-esque home that could most certainly be dropped in the mountains and fit right in. The warm tones and dark woods make for a cozy, cabin like home.

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HOME & GARDEN / OPEN HOUSE

CHALET BY THE BAY Take a glimpse in the home that encompasses the warmth of a cabin in the mountains with a spectacular view of the bay

By: Alexa Alley Photos: Jason Page

hen walking into the Belle home, on the corner of

“We have a home in Breckenridge, Colorado and we often say that this

Naples and Ocean Drive in arguably one of the most

house would go just as perfectly in the mountains as it does here,” Deidre

scenic spots in Corpus, this majestic abode is equal-

Belle says. Between the large stone fireplace and high, wood-beamed ceil-

ly warm as it is breathtaking. With windows lining

ings, the house definitely feels like it was inspired by a cabin in the moun-

all sides of the house, light shines in as a stark contrast to the warm tones and wood accents that run throughout the house. The large wooden stair-

case centered in the living area serves as the focal point and sets the tone for the mountain house feel.

60 The Bend

tains—just a little more grandiose. With an open floor plan, the living area runs right into a large kitchen equipped with everything you would need for entertaining. With granite countertops, two large islands and plenty of cabinet space, the kitchen

serves as the perfect place for catering to large and small gatherings alike. “I love that you can see the bay when standing in the kitchen,” Deidre remarks about how their home has allowed them to experience so much natural beauty just outside their window while living in the ordinary dayto-day. It seems that wherever you are in the house, you can look up and see the bay outside the window. This makes the house incredibly unique and naturally beautiful. The outdoor patio, complete with a dark bottom swimming pool, creates the perfect outdoor oasis to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Bill and Deidre both agree that their favorite aspect of their home is the fact that it is a comfortable place to relax and a commonplace for their families to gather. “We are really low-key people. Our favorite times in our home have been when all our family and children are gathered here hanging out and catching up on life,” Deidre says. The house, though grand in nature, has a warm feeling to it that goes be-

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yond color palettes and decor. The layout has been thoughtfully put together with comfort and ease in mind. With several sitting areas in the living space—one with couches facing the fireplace and another with four swivel chairs in front of the kitchen bar—they both mention how nice it is to wind down at the end of the day

necessity for very much additional decor. As for the neighborhood, they both agree that it does not get much better for a place to live in Corpus Christi. With Bill’s family all living in the neighborhood,

in a living space that is comfortable for them.

and him growing up just down the street, the accessibility to the most beautiful

It does not take long to recognize the laid back, but put together presence of the

stantly taking shape, especially in the downtown area, their residence on Naples

Belles, as is reflected in the style of their home. “I like that the house is already so

has allowed them to be part of the action, but also keep their family close, which,

beautiful and comfortable that we didn’t really have to put much effort into dec-

for them, has proven to be most important.

orating,” Deidre says. The architecture alone has a striking presence leaving little

62 The Bend

parts of Corpus has kept them residing in the area. With new developments con-

Phil Neessen, the owner and president of Neessen Automotive, has been in business in the Coastal Bend area for 37 years now. He is a second generation car dealer who is currently working with his son to create a third generation of locally owned dealerships. Phil’s concentration when he began and still to this day is to treat his customers with honesty and respect.. to “treat our customers like neighbors!” Neessen and his wife, Gayle, have 3 grown children and one grandchild. They have a deep love and appreciation for the entire Coastal Bend Community.

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS

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361-592-2668 63

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HOME & GARDEN / SPACES

Roll With It Storage Made Simple By: Jo Anne Howell Photos: Rachel Benavides

ow that winter is upon us in the Coastal Bend, we have an ex-

Taking storage a step further this time, I added a big basket to store winter

cuse to wear those warm boots and scarves that hide out in the

boots. Using a large basket, I added rolling casters to the bottom, an easy DIY.

closet until the perfect chilly day.

Casters are found in any hardware store and can be easily attached with the

I always keep a basket by my front door to store all my winter

accessories in. This makes for an easy drop off point or grab-n-go as you exit.

mechanisms included. This allows you to roll the basket from door to door, front to back, and also brings the storage up off the floor.

I like to choose my winter accessory as to what the day’s outfit is and having it

I used a wicker basket, but any wooden tray will do too. Look around your

by the door is the best way to have easy access.

favorite home decor store and you'll be surprised how many large trays are

Keeping coats, boots, and other items in your entryway can sometimes cause

waiting on the shelves.

a cluttered feel. However, this simple and easy DIY rolling basket allows you to

So, for a few (short) weeks this time of year, you can enjoy easy access to boots

keep your space clean and simple and still have all your last-minute accesso-

and more right by your door. Cute, convenient, and easy—what more could

ries by the door, ready to go!

you ask for!

64 The Bend

UNLIKE A N Y OT H E R SHOULD HAPPEN

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AT A P L AC E U N L I K E A N Y OT HER.

Bring your dream wedding to life with Omni. From sunset ceremonies with views of the bay to ballroom parties featuring delectable cuisine, the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel is committed to giving you a day nothing short of spectacular. Leave the details to us while you relax and enjoy the perfect destination for your perfect day.

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HOME & GARDEN / GARDENING

Nasturtiums:

The Edible Flowers of Spring Nasturtiums are the most beautiful (and delicious) of your spring flowers

By: Justin Butts Photos: Rachel Benavides

he most beautiful flower in your Spring garden is also the most delicious! The bold flavor of nasturtiums is one of the bestkept secrets of gardeners in the Coastal Bend.

planted in January, will be fully mature by Spring Break. Nasturtiums grow best in a wide bed (four feet wide or wider) of loose, well-tilled soil. Add an inch or so of high-quality compost to the bed before planting.

Nasturtiums are native to the Andes Mountains of Peru. Spanish explorers discovered nasturtiums around 1560 and sent seeds home to Spain. Soon, nasturtium cultivation spread to England and then to Colonial America, where pioneers called them “Indian cresses.”

Using your finger or the wooden end of a garden hoe, draw parallel lines six inches apart across the width of the bed. Drop your large black nasturtiums seeds about two inches apart down each row and cover with no more than 1/4 inch of dirt. Mulch between the rows with raked up leaves from your lawn.

The leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are exquisitely delicious. The leaves have a spicy, bold, and unique flavor. They are perfect for salads, but you can also use nasturtium leaves on your burgers instead of lettuce, or on pizza instead of basil.

You can order quality nasturtium seeds on-line from Eden Brothers or Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Thin your nasturtiums to final spacing of six inches and enjoy the thinnings.

The gorgeous orange, yellow, and red flowers taste almost like fruit. In fact, Thomas Jefferson classified nasturtiums with the “fruits” of his garden and grew them in great abundance. As delicious as nasturtiums are, their true glory is the color they bring to your garden. The beautiful flowers top the round and oval leaves that are a deep dark green. Nasturtiums are easy to grow in modest or even poor soils. Your nasturtiums,

66 The Bend

Once the nasturtium plants mature, harvest a few the of the round leaves daily. Always leave at least 2/3rds of the leaves to allow photosynthesis to regenerate new leaves. By taking a few leaves each day, your plants will continue to grow lush and put on new leaves. Harvest the red, yellow, and orange flowers as soon as they fully bloom. Fifteen or twenty nasturtium plants will keep the typical kitchen plentifully supplied with tasty nasturtium leaves and flowers all the way into the heat of early summer.

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Effective prostate cancer treatment with minimal or no side effects STEPHEN G. CHUN, MD Many patients choose proton therapy over conventional radiation since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less invasive and spares surrounding tissue and organs. Patients can usually maintain their quality of life, and many can return to work the same day as treatment. Side effects, such as incontinence, are minimal to none. MD Anderson Proton Therapy Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experts can precisely target and deliver high radiation doses to kill cancerous cells in the prostate. Surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs, such as the bladder and

68 The Bend

rectum, are spared from extra radiation, resulting in less rectal, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal complications. Fortunately, if found early, prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of approximately 99 percent. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States and is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. Risk factors include being 65 or older, a family history of prostate cancer, obesity, and being African American.

If you would like more information about the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, please call 1-877-632-6789 or visit us at MDAndersonProton.com/Prostate

OUT & ABOUT ARTS & CULTURE 70 DATEBOOK 73 SOCIAL HOUR 74

What’s Inside Comida Radio, an all-encompassing art collective, is making waves in the arts and culture scene in Corpus Christi. The founders have one bold vision and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

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OUT & ABOUT / ARTS & CULTURE

Stay Inspired & Don’t Stop How two guys with a simple dream are impacting both the arts and culture in our community By: Carlos Cooper Photos: Brynn Osborn

orpus Christi, and the Coastal Bend at large, has been longing for something for several decades. It’s been yearning for investors, not of the financial sort, but communal and cultural.

The Coastal Bend longs to grow, to become a burgeoning epicenter of culture and activity. While some may look to cities like Austin as a model for what Corpus Christi “can” be, those who are from the area know the city has its own unique energy, eccentricities, and identity. Enter Omar Arellano and Svani Quintanilla, better known as Comida Radio. Arellano and Quintanilla met while working as chefs at the now defunct downtown restaurant, Sushi Bar. During their time together, the two bonded over their mutual passions: food, art, and music. What initially began as an idea for a food blog, blossomed into something much more. Comida Radio has been operating as an all-encompassing art collective since 2016. Comida is event driven, hosting art shows, dinners, photography sessions that raise money for charity, and much more. They also have a strong digital presence,

70 The Bend

presenting mixtapes by local DJs andproducers as well as launching their own podcast. The idea was tossed around by the two founders in the Sushi Bar kitchen as early as 2012, but the vision wasn’t actualized until 2016. However, during that time, Arellano and Quintanilla weren’t sitting idly by. They were each engaging in the art community in their own way, taking in influence and building a rapport with other artists to slowly build up to the Comida Radio launch. “I started getting invited to do a photography show by Mayra Zamora at K Space,” says Arellano. “I got invited to participate more and more and eventually that made me want to do my own show. It initially started out as a show called For The Homies, which was the same idea as the food blog idea we had tossed around. We wanted to showcase local artists who were making art that hadn’t been seen.” Arellano describes how that idea of showcasing hidden talent grew into an art show that incorporated not just visual art, but music,

food, and community, creating an environment in which Arellano and Quintanilla could curate an experience for people and help the community venture out of their usual comfort zone to experience everything the Coastal Bend art scene has to offer. For Comida Radio, all of the aforementioned accomplishments weren’t enough. The duo still felt there was more work to be done. “It was always instilled in my mind to give back. We have this platform now and people are watching what we’re doing, so let’s help them see they can also give back in the process,” Quintanilla explains. When Quintanilla approached his partner with the idea, Arellano immediately began to organize charity efforts. “We can make giving back cool,” says Arellano. Since then, Comida Radio has donated over 50 pounds of art supplies to the Garcia Arts & Education Center and over 250 pounds of food to the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Comida Radio has bold visions for the future that includes more events, more charitable work, and expanding to more locations. Their next Comida Radio event is on April 20th at the House of Rock. But for now, Comida has one message to instill in everyone who takes part in what they do: “stay inspired, and don’t stop.”

FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED! Cameras • Lenses • Tripods • Lighting Backdrops • Film • Instant Film • Batteries Rentals • Memory Cards • Photo Paper • Bags Straps • Rentals • Used • Repair • Cleaning Classes • Lab Services • Photo Printing Gift Cards and Studio Space

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

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For many breast cancer patients, proton therapy offers the potential of reduced long-term functional and cosmetic side effects. In the case of early stage, postmenopausal breast cancer, treatment may be able to be delivered twice a day, Monday through Friday, for one week, to a limited area of the breast, allowing patients to complete treatment rather quickly.

If you would like more information about the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, please call 1-866-632-4782 or visit us at MDAndersonProton.com/Breast

1:24 AM

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra HECTOR GUZMAN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

2017-2018 Moving Music Forward

An Enchanted Evening

FEB 10th Wagner, Stravinsky, Navarro, Ravel

2017-2018 SEASON

Symphony Spectacular

Tickets Starting at $21!

MAR 10th Piazolla, Ravel, Rimsy-Korsakov, & more!

APRIL 21, 2018 For tickets, call 61.88 .NOTE (668 ) or visit www.ccsymphony.org! 72 The Bend

Thank you to our

SEASON SPONSOR

Co-season Sponsor: Seaman Financial

OUT & ABOUT / DATEBOOK

Mark Your Calendar JANUARY DATEBOOK

CULTURE

Chefs of the Coastal Bend Food Pairing January 21st The Chefs of the Costal Bend ACF TCA is partnering with one of our favorite local breweries, Lazy Beach Brewing, for a fantastic evening of food and drinks. The talented chefs will be preparing plates to pair wonderfully with Lazy Beach’s beer. Tickets are $70 and spots are filling fast, so make sure to reserve your spot! 7522 Bichon Dr., #100, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78414

ARTS

Clay 101- Beginner’s Handbuilding Class January 9th & 23rd The Art Center of Corpus Christi holds a beginner’s clay class the second and fourth Tuesday of each month! This class includes instructions, clay, and kiln firing lessons and runs from 5 to 8 pm. The class is $80 and fills up fast so make sure to secure your place! You must be at least 18 years of age to participate. 100 N Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401

ARTS

STUFF Short Film Series 01 January 25th South Texas Underground Film is presenting an eclectic mix of films! Held at The House of Rock, here you will find a showcase of all kinds of work from filmmakers, visual artists, and musicians, all while providing educational opportunities throughout the festival. This is a free event and one you definitely are not going to want to miss! 511 Starr St., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401

ARTS

Art Museum of South Texas’ Opening of Los Tejanos Exhibit January 10th Join The Art Museum of South Texas as they celebrate Chicano Art from the collection of Cheech Marin! Pieces from the writer and entertainer’s personal collection will be on display until April 29th. AMST salutes Cheech Marin’s efforts over the past three decades to bring awareness to the Chicano art movement and, with this exhibit, will bring light to artworks which include images and subjects rooted in historical references, yet in contemporary terms, that are just as powerful and meaningful today. 1902 N Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401

ARTS

Downtown Culture Walk January 5th Meta Entertainment is bringing energy back to Downtown Corpus Christi! Small businesses have teamed up to host vendors, live music, food trucks, and more every first Friday of the month starting this month. They have created a nifty little map with some of your favorite downtown businesses and what they have to offer that night. The walk will begin at PRODUCEÆ at 5pm. 415 Peoples St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

BENEFIT

4th Annual Murder Mystery January 18th The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers are putting on their 4th Annual Murder Mystery Party! 13 suspects, 7 weapons, and 5 rooms—the mystery is up to you to solve. Reserve your table or individual ticket to wander through the crimes scene, interrogate suspects, and put your detective skills to the ultimate test. Email csmurdermystery@gmail.com to secure your spot for the evening. 615 N Mesquite St., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401

thebendmag.com

OUT & ABOUT / SOCIAL HOUR

Corpus Christi Food & Wine Festival Photos by: Rachel Benavides

1. Chuck, Deb, & their furry friend

2. Kathy Crook & Chris Ziems 3. Noelle Haby, Erik Garcia, & Katie Taylor 4. Ely Bequer, Angela Saenz, & Kim Franczak

74 The Bend

OUT & ABOUT / SOCIAL HOUR

Paws & Claws 20th Anniversary Fur Ball Photos by: Rachel Benavides

1. Tim McCoy, Grete McCoy, & Amy Mintz 2. Matt Klabonski, Eric &

Amy Vela 3. Allissa, Rosanna, Bent, & Brett 4. Jim Quisenberry, April Boreham, Shannon Lillard, Rachel Francis, & Matthew Garcia

5. Stan Taylor, Shelia Taylor, Ciara Willaims, Caitlin Seifert, & Connor Armstrong 6. Stacie & Josh Richline

6. thebendmag.com

AVOIDING LONG LINES WHEN YOU TRAVEL TSA Pre Check – Made Easy If you’ve been putting off applying for TSA Pre Check, there’s no need to wait any longer. Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) is making it easy for you by setting up a temporary TSA Pre Check Center right here in the airport terminal. All you have to do is make an appointment, fill out the application, bring the necessary documents to complete the process, and be prepared to pay the $85 fee. During the week of January 22, 2018, you can do it all in one place. Once you are a Pre Check traveler, you get expedited screening which means; keep your shoes on, keep your jacket on, keep your laptop and other electronics in your carry-on along with the 3-1-1 liquids that everyone else has to pull out and place in bins. Plus, it’s good for five years. 76 The Bend

WHO QUALIFIES FOR TSA PRE CHECK?

WHEN IS THE PRE CHECK EVENT AT CCIA?

TSA Pre Check status can be granted to you if you are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a permanent resident. You must bring the required documents to your appointment and submit to fingerprinting. Incomplete applications and some criminal offenses can disqualify you for Pre Check status. You can get more information here: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq

This One Stop Shop will be set up at CCIA from January 22 – January 26, 2018 on the second floor of the airport terminal:

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS? If you show up with an appointment, the wait should not be more than a few minutes. Having your documents ready and an acceptable way to pay (credit card, company check, or cashier’s check) is critical to completing the process quickly. Once your application is submitted and a successful background review completed, you could receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within two weeks.

• Go online, begin the application process and make your appointment at CCIA.

• Gather your documents and payment method.

• Come to CCIA at your assigned time. HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE EVENT AT CCIA? Go online to: www.universalenroll.dhs.gov The appointment process prompts you to begin the application and to select the airport code that you plan to visit. Getting this filled out before you arrive will help make your appointment quick and painless.

CUISINE FARM TO TABLE

THE DISH 82 DINING GUIDE 83 THE DRINK 88

What’s Inside Kimmi Moake, of Kimmi’s Fine Foods, puts a Thai twist on winter soups. Each of her recipes makes for bold flavors, healthy options, and beautiful dishes everyone will love.

thebendmag.com

CUISINE / FARM TO TABLE

78 The Bend

Winter Soups with Kimmi Moake These Tasty Soups are Good for You, Your Body and Your Soul By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Benavides

he cold days of January are perfect for a hot bowl of whole-

Kimmi’s Venison Pho is a great way to use your venison, and this pho packs

some, healthy, flavorful soup. Kimmi Moake, owner of Kim-

a punch. Her exquisite Thai Lemongrass Coconut Soup can be prepared in

mi’s Fine Foods in Rockport, knows all about great flavors

minutes with a little advance preparation.

because she sources only the best ingredients.

Perhaps the cleverest of Kimmi’s soup recipes is her Chicken Scrap Weekday

Kimmi’s Fine Foods is the premiere destination in South Texas for locally

Gumbo. This brilliant recipe transforms your kitchen scraps and leftovers

raised meats and produce. Kimmi sells grass-fed beef, lamb, pastured pork,

into a bold taste of Cajun country.

chicken, eggs, and all types of seasonal vegetables and herbs, not to mention her fresh and packaged foods. Kimmi actually knows the names of her farmers, the fields where the food is grown, and even the precise methods used to

“I’m a huge fan of trying to use as much of the animal as I can. Using everything I purchasefrom my local farmers sure does make my money go further,”

grow the food.

she said. This soup shows how much flavor is in the scraps.

Before she opened her store, Kimmi spent a year working at our own Four

Enjoy any of these soups with Kimmi’s Gluten-Free Angel Biscuits. Kimmi is

String Farm in Rockport as an unpaid intern. She worked many long, hard hours on the farm to learn everything possible about how to grow food. She went to this extraordinary effort simply to become a knowledgeable and sophisticated buyer of food for her store. The essential ingredient for good soup is homemade bone broth. “Bone broth is loaded with everything the body wants: minerals, fats, proteins, gelatin and collagen,” Kimmi said. Bone broth is also rich in flavor; the essence of

a master ofgluten-free; she even prepares her own gluten-free flours. By the way, Kimmi loves copious butter with her biscuits because a little fat helps slow down the digestion of carbs. You can find all of these ingredients at Kimmi’s Fine Foods in Rockport. She is an excellent resource and has all the tools you need to make incredible meals. Treat yourself well on these cold January days with Kimmi’s winter soups. Her food is good for you, your body, and your soul.

the meat and vegetables it is made from. There is no shortcut to the flavor of homemade bone broth in a soup. thebendmag.com

80 The Bend

CUISINE / FARM TO TABLE

BASIC BONE BROTH Prep time: 10 minutes Inactive prep time: 12-96 hours INGREDIENTS: 2-4 lbs of bones, preferably from a locally raised animal 2 chicken feet for extra gelatin (optional) Leftover veggie scraps or veggies ie onion skins, carrot tops, apple core, etc. 2-6 tbsp raw, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar Unrefined sea salt & pepper DIRECTIONS: Put bones in a large stockpot and pour filtered water over. Bring to a boil and skim any foam off the top. (The healthier the animal, the fewer the impurities that will rise to the top as foam.) Reduce temperature to a simmer, and add all other ingredients OR move to a slow cooker. (If you’re giving to a pet, omit pepper or spicy foods.) Simmer for at least 12-24 hours and up to 3-4 days. Strain and store in fridge for 2-4 weeks. If the bones are breakable with your fingers, you can grind them up in a food processor and add to pet’s food. Bone meal is very nutritious and healthyfor any pet!

VENISON PHO Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 2-3 quarts venison bone broth 2 onions, sliced 1 2” piece of ginger, peeled and sliced 1 tbsp liquid aminos, tamari or soy sauce 2 star anise 1 cinnamon stick ½ t kombu (Can sub with 1 T fish sauce instead.) 1 t peppercorns 1 t coriander ½ pound of venison backstrap 12 venison meatballs (recipe follows) 2-3 zucchini, spiraled Garnishes: fresh basil, lime, bean sprouts, thinly sliced jalapeños, radishes, or Japanese turnips Sauces: hot chili garlic sauce, hoisin, Yellowbird jalapeño sauce, liquid aminos DIRECTIONS: Put backstrap in the freezer for at least two hours. Broil ginger and one onion until charred ~10-15 minutes.Bring all spices to simmer in broth for at least an hour or you can put them in your broth for 4-6 hours. Add onion and garlic and simmer for an hour. Shave the near frozen backstrap and remaining onion very thin. Strain broth and put back into pot and bring to a low boil/simmer. Add halved meatballs, liquid aminos and thinly sliced onion.

Plate all garnishes for the table. Assemble bowls with zucchini and arrange backstrap around noodles. Pour hot broth to cook backstrap and a total of three whole meatballs to each bowl. Transfer to table to add garnishes and sauces.

VIETNAMESE VENISON MEATBALLS Makes approximately 40 meatballs

heat. Add flour and stir CONSTANTLY for about 10-15 minutes. Turn heat down to medium. Add onions and stir periodically until they reach a dark caramel color. Add garlic and cook about 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the veggies and butter, stirring periodically until slightly cooked, usually about 15-20 minutes. Add broth and spices. Simmer at least another 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve with Angel Biscuits (recipe follows).

INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs of ground venison 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp tapioca starch 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 garlic cloves, chopped ½ inch piece of ginger, chopped 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped ½ tsp honey DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients, mix well, and freeze 2-3 hours. In a food processor, puree mixture in batches until consistency is that of a paste. Freeze another 30 minutes. Remove from freezer. While you’re shaping meatballs with wet hands, bring a large pot of water to boil with a drizzle of liquid aminos in it. Boil in 2-3 batches for about 10 minutes per batch. While it’s boiling get a bowl of ice water ready. Remove meatballs from boiling water and place in ice bath 2-3 minutes. Remove from ice bath and place in strainer. Freeze what you don’t use for insta-pho at a later date!

CHICKEN SCRAP WEEKDAY GUMBO Serves 2-4 INGREDIENTS: Chicken pickings from bones used for broth ½ good quality smoked sausage link 3 tbsp Kimmi’s Gluten-Free Flour 5 tbsp high quality, properly prepared lard ½ onion, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 stick of celery, chopped 3 tbsp grass-fed, pastured butter 1-2 quarts chicken bone broth, room temp Parsley, unrefined sea salt, pepper, red pepper to taste Brown Rice, cooked, (recommend ½ cup serving per person) DIRECTIONS: Start your rice. Chop veggies, making sure to keep them all separate. Put lard in a deep-sided cast iron skillet or stock pot and heat to medium high

KIMMI’S GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR ANGEL BISCUITS Yields about 30 biscuits INGREDIENTS: 5 cups Kimmi’s Gluten-Free Flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 3 tbsp ground psyllium husk 1 tsp unrefined sea salt 4 tsp yeast ¼ cup warm, filtered water 2 ½ tsp coconut or unrefined sugar 3 cups buttermilk, preferably raw LOTS of butter! DIRECTIONS: Mix warm water, yeast and sugar in a bowl and set aside to rise. Put all dry ingredients into a bowl, add wet and add prepared sponge. Using wet hands, form biscuits and place on cookie sheet or baking stone. Cover with a light tea towel and let rest for at least 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and bake 12-15 minutes until crust turns a golden brown. If you prefer doughy biscuits, cook 10-12 minutes. Serve with plenty of butter.

THAI LEMONGRASS COCONUT SOUP Serves 1. Multiply to accommodate more friends. INGREDIENTS: ½ cup cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup chicken bone broth ½ cup whole fat coconut milk 1 drop high quality edible lemongrass essential oil ½ tsp fish sauce ½ inch piece of ginger, chopped 1-2 Thai chilis Cilantro for garnish DIRECTIONS: Soak chicken in coconut milk, ginger and lemongrass essential oil overnight or at least a few hours. Heat chicken, broth, Thai chili and fish sauce in a pan. Pour in bowl and garnish with cilantro.

thebendmag.com

CUISINE / THE DISH

MIDDLE EAST MARKET AND DELI FOOD IS NOT ONLY SCRUMPTIOUS AND FRESH, IT’S ALSO HEALTHY! THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST HEARTHEALTHY EATING PLANS.

Gimme More Gyro The Middle East Market and Deli is serving up delicious dishes

By: Jinky Romero Photos: Rachel Benavides

he restaurant originally started as just a small deli inside the Middle East Market that served Mediterranean sandwiches and dabbled in catering. But when you give the people a good thing, they’re going to ask for more—and so the restaurant extension of Middle East Market and Deli was born.

The store has been around for 19 years now, but the doors of the quaint and cozy Mediterranean restaurant first opened in 2014. With the abundance of chains and the usual Corpus Christi food in the area, owner Mitchel Hamauei wanted to introduce a new flavor to the city. The small deli’s success proved that the people of the Coastal Bend were up for it. In just three years, their excellent food and service has made them a local favorite. Hamauei takes pride in the fact that the restaurant only uses fresh quality ingredients and that everything, from their homemade pastries to their entrees, are authentically made. Aside from their selection of fresh and

82 The Bend

flavorful gyros, shawarmas, salads, and kabobs, they also serve daily cuisine specials such as their famous Butter Chicken and Chicken Briyani. With a menu sure to make anyone’s mouth water, their gyro sandwiches are their main specialty. Dubbed by a lot as the best in town, the sandwich is a combination of beef and lamb wrapped in a pita bread. It’s served with tomato, onions, and authentic Tzatziki sauce. The sauce, which tastes similar to sour cream, is made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil. For anyone who’s never tried the gyro, it might seem like an unusual choice for a sandwich sauce—Hamauei himself shared that a lot of first-timers are apprehensive about it—but it works deliciously with the meat and vegetables and, fair warning, will have you craving for more.

Contact 5405 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 854-9445

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 $

Port Aransas

HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$

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

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

MACDADDY’S FAMILY KITCHEN $$

THE GROOVE $$

MIKE COTTEN’S BBQ $$

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

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

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 $$

CITRUS BAYFRONT BISTRO $

SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $

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

Corpus Christi

THE GRILLE $

Burgers, burgers, and burgers! Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu. 11878 TX-361, (361) 949-3490, Padreislandburgercompany.com

THE EXCHANGE $$

Live music

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

IRIE’S ISLAND FOOD $

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 Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 8822047, Citrusbistro.com

Rockport

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 $

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) 9490505, surfsidesandwichshoppe. 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

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 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 $$

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

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE $$

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

Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the healthiest and freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 808-8881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe

FINS GRILL AND ICEHOUSE $$

BARBEQUE

For the past 11 years, they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb Angus beef burgers & chicken. Full bar

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

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         

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| 160 U.S. Highway 181 West Taft, TX 78390 | www.mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com Revision #:

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CUISINE / DINING GUIDE 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

FRENCH

daily. 14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com

BLEU BISTRO $$$

PORT “A” PIZZERIA $$

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 $$$

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

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

CAFÉ

ITALIAN

BONNA-PETIT $

AUTHENTIC NEW YORK PIZZA $$

THE BREWERY $$

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

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, Bellinotexas.com

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 $ Great pizza and appetizers, cold beer, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com

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) 7494653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

MAMMA MIA’S $$$

DOC’S SEAFOOD AND STEAKS $$

BLACK MARLIN BAR & GRILL $$$

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

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

MESQUITE ST. PIZZA AND PASTA CO. $$

GLOW $$

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

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

PADRE PIZZERIA $

HARRISON’S LANDING $$

For over 15 years, their famous Padre pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared

Tavern on the Bay at Harrison’s Landing is Corpus Christi’s newest outdoor restaurant and bar

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CUISINE / DINING GUIDE

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

ROOSEVELT’S AT THE TARPON INN $$$ Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com

SALTWATER GRILL $$

YARDARM $$$

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

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

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$

STEAKHOUSE

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

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

SNOOPY’S PIER $$

THAI COTTAGE $$

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

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 $$

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

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

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$

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

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

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

thebendmag.com

CUISINE / THE DRINK

OTHER GREAT AND UNIQUE FINDS ON THEIR SPECIALTY DRINK MENU: THE STRAWBERRY BASIL MARGARITA AND THE AUSTIN PEACH TEA!

A High Heeled Kick Niko’s has a lot more than just steaks on their menu By: Jinky Romero Photos: Rachel Benavides

iko’s Steakhouse is known for a lot of things: their scrumptious steaks, the casual, yet elegant atmosphere, and their delicious specialty cocktails. Their specialty drinks menu, where everything is always made with the freshest ingredients, is made up of a one of a kind selection where every drink boasts of its own unique style and flavor. One of the crowd favorites, the Red Stiletto, is all of those things and more.

88 The Bend

Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, the Red Stiletto is easy to drink, but has just the right amount of kick to satisfy. It’s made with Texas-made vodka Deep Eddy Orange, Red Apple Schnapps, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and is topped off with champagne. The perfect mix of strong, sweet, and sour flavors make for a crisp, delicious, and well-rounded cocktail. Niko’s is all about giving the customers an experience that combines the drink and the food. With that vision, they created the Red Stiletto with their citrus dishes in mind. The refreshing and bubbly drink is best paired with their Hawaiian Chicken that is topped with honey citrus glaze or their mouthwatering orange rum glazed Mahi Mahi.

Contact 5409 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 992-2333

At Espejo Helicopters, get ready to take flight and see the Corpus Christi Bay. Introducing in 2018, you will now be able to tour the bay in one of our helicopters flown by an Espejo Pilot. With a full aerial tour of beach to bay side, there's no better experience of the Sparkling City by the Sea than from above. Since 2014, Espejo Helicopters has been locally owned and operated, providing a variety of services, including but not limited to special events, aerial inspection and land & wildlife surveys. Contact our flight specialist to book your personalized tour today. 361.500.4981 | 101 N. Shoreline Blvd., Suite 400, Corpus Christi, TXthebendmag.com 78401 |

HISTORY / LOOKING BACK

All for One and One for All LULAC is the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country, and it finds its roots in Corpus Christi By: Jillian Becquet

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

he League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has a storied history that starts in Corpus Christi in 1929. As terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ending the Mexican War, Mexico’s northern border became the Rio Grande River, instead of the Nueces River. The approximately 75,000 Mexicans living north of the Rio Grande were now American citizens. This transition did not go smoothly. Mexicans and Mexican-Americans were denied the most basic human and civil rights. LULAC is “united” because many organizations had sprung up to address these issues, but they knew they would be stronger together. Ben Garza became the new organization’s first President and the organization got to work. While we learn court cases like Brown v. Board of Education in school,

90 The Bend

we don’t learn that the same fight was happening in our own back yard. In 1948, LULAC filed Delgado v. Bastrop ISD, which ended the segregation of Mexican-American children in Texas. In Hernandez v. State of Texas, LULAC attorneys fought for and won in a case to allow Mexican-Americans to serve on juries in 1954. Dozens of court cases, thousands of community meetings, classes, voter registration drives, and other efforts by LULAC have helped make tremendous strides toward equality for all. These efforts aren’t just something we can look back on. They’re happening now. Organizations like LULAC are still standing strong for what they know is right—equality for all—and they still fight for it every day, strengthened by those South Texans who gave them a solid foundation in 1929.

thebendmag.com

ST R RT OK IFI E E

Look for the Gold! If you or a loved one needs rehabilitation following a stroke, look for the gold. Corpus Christi Rehabilitation has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its Advanced Stroke Rehabilitation program. This accreditation is voluntary and reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and effective care to patients who have suffered strokes. We are committed to helping our patients return home with as much physical and cognitive independence as possible. We are passionate about patient care, and consider it a privilege to provide a higher standard of service in stroke rehabilitation to patients throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend area. For more information on our stroke program, please call 361-906-3700.

CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

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