January 2021 Issue

THE TEXAS TRAVELER

Quick trips to Austin, Dallas, Houston & San Antonio

CHEERS TO 2021

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 31

Port Aransas Restaurant Week provides a unique opportunity to take a culinary tour throughout the thriving food scene of Port Aransas. With restaurants all over the island offering $15 lunch and $35 prix fixe dinner, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving. Restaurant Week showcases the inventiveness of local chefs and the up and coming epicure hot spots.

NO TICKETS NECESSARY • RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED

Black Marlin Bar & Grill • BlueWater Cowboy • Castaways Seafood and Grill • Crazy Cajun • Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria Fins Grill & Icehouse • Kody’s • La Playa Mexican Grille • Lisabella's • MacDaddy's Family Kitchen • Port ''A'' Pizzeria Roosevelt's Fine Dining • Seafood & Spaghetti Works • Stingrays Tap House & Grill • Tortuga's Saltwater Grill • Trout Street Bar & Grill

PRESIDENT

Jordan Regas

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

PUBLISHER

Chris Knapick

ART

DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze

EDITORIAL

DIRECTOR

Kylie Cooper

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE

Gloria Stauber

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

SENIOR WRITER

Kirby Tello

LEAD

PHOTOGRAPHER

Rachel Benavides

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jason Page

Lillian Reitz

Aaron Garcia

CONTRIBUTORS

Justin Butts

Kayla Butts

Jillian Becquet

Jo Anne Howell

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Julieta Hernandez

Jessie Chrobocinski

Alexis Harborth

Katy Jones-Gulsby

Terrie Moore

Monica Benavides

Luis Arjona

Josh Maxwell

Q: What’s your favorite destination when traveling within the state of Texas?

CK:

While I enjoy the weekend quick-trip to San Antonio for their great bike trails, anywhere in the Hill Country could count as favorite for me, second only to our very own Coastal Bend of course.

KT: Barton Creek is one of my favorite places to go hiking, just north of the bustling Austin metropolitan. I also love the drive heading up to Kerrville, the hills and greenery are so beautiful and serene. And finally, the best-kept secret is Boerne, for its hospitable vibes and old-town architecture.

BEHIND THE COVER:

KJG: I love West Texas! There is just something about it — it has all of the romance, wildness, panoramic vistas and true grit you could ever need. It feels like the last gasp of the real Texas frontier and I hope we never lose it.

The gorgeous sights from Live! by Loews hotel are worth the trip to Dallas alone. Arlington Clover Club is the hotel’s upscale and modern outdoor lounge situated perfectly to bring you the best view of Texas sunsets. As a part of our “Play” recommendation for Dallas, stopping by the Clover Club for a few drinks post game is a must. Cover photo shot by: Garry Kan

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Providing cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities

Whether

Reigniting Inspiration

On some level, I think most people can relate to the idea of feeling at a loss when it comes to inspiration. We gather inspiration from the world around us: the energetic atmosphere of a crowded restaurant on a Friday night; the exhilarating feeling live music brings you; the smiling face of a stranger; the fresh perspective that comes with changing your scenery.

Lately, I’ve found myself longing for aspects of pre-pandemic life that provided those sparks of inspiration. But rather than thinking about what was and how things were, altering my mindset to celebrate and be proud of the present and daydream about what’s to come feels more productive. Which is exactly how I’d like to look at this first issue of 2021.

Neatly packed between these covers, you’ll discover feel-good stories reminding you how hard people work to make the Coastal Bend an exceptional place to live, work, and play. You’ll find stories about our local blood center and what can happen when a community comes together. You’ll meet an extraordinary woman by the name of LaJuana Hill Zanoni whose smile alone can cure any bad day. You’ll learn about a Pilates studio led by women and dedicated to helping locals feel and look their best. You’ll read about the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and how postponing their 75th anniversary season won’t stop them from entering this new year

full speed ahead. You’ll be amazed by a local man who started a breakdancing program for kids to have the opportunity to invest in both culture and community. You’ll find new local flavors in the form of a taco joint like we’ve never seen and a coffee pop-up experience offering a fresh way to get caffeinated.

I apologize for the spoilers, but this issue is filled with content that helps to remind us what we love so much about the Coastal Bend. It reminds us that day in and day out, there are people who wake up with the intent of making our community a better place. And as for daydreaming about what’s to come, we look to our cover feature, “The Texas Traveler,” in which we momentarily adopt the role of travel agent and help you plan your next weekend adventure. For those itching to reobtain the long-dormant travel bug, we’ve outlined where to stay, eat, and play in four Texas cities for upscale trips outside the Coastal Bend as soon as it’s safe to hit the road again.

STRENGTHINING MORE THAN THE CORE

Bayside Pilates helps locals discover exactly what their bodies can do. From its extensive list of class options to the incredible teachers, a place like this is a great option for keeping up with your New Year’s fitness goals. Pg. 44

So, in this first month of the new year, we’re not waiting for inspiration to find us, but heading out and discovering it ourselves. It can hit you like a ton of bricks if you just know where to look. It can come by taking a moment to embrace where we are – learning about the incredible work being done in our community and feeling moved to contribute in some way ourselves – and it can come from a simple change of scenery – sipping a fantastic cocktail at a boutique hotel a few hours away. Regardless of the method in which we uncover it, inspiration is ready and waiting to be unearthed.

To say change is in the air seems almost too obvious. But it is true, and it feels only fitting. Change is often uncomfortable and sometimes undesirable, but in the case of 2021, we’re welcoming it with arms wide open. And inspiration can certainly come from change. Take the beautiful redesign our Art Director Jarred Schuetze worked on to elevate the pages of this publication, for example. Flipping through this month’s issue, with its influential stories, adventures in wait, and elevated design elements, has certainly left me invigorated about our current moment and enthusiastically awaiting what’s to come.

Kylie Cooper, Editorial Director kylie@thebendmag.com

Corpus Christi Street Dance, a program linked with Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation, started in 2014. The program offers lessons on the fundamentals of breakdancing to students of all ages, while

THE COASTAL BEND’S OWN TOP (OF THE) ROCK

CRUZY'S FLAVOR CRUSADE

New local restaurant Cruzy’s is changing the way the Coastal Bend thinks about (and eats) tacos. Owner and chef Javi Chapa has created an innovative menu with love, and the dishes you’ll find are both inspiring and delicious. Pg. 88

WEEKLY DROP NEWSLETTER

A State of Progress

Every weekday, my drive into downtown passes through the construction zone for the new Harbor Bridge. I know how much we all love construction, especially road construction. What amazes me is how, seemingly for weeks, nothing changes … and then all of a sudden, BAM. The visible changes make me feel as though I’ve been gone for months. A new overpass is taking form, a large portion of the bridge gets filled in where before there was just empty space – a new support structure comes to completion.

The thing about construction is that, in and of itself, it is ugly. It congests traffic, detours us off our normal routes, creates stress, and looks like the bedroom floor of a teenager during summer break. But construction speaks to progress. It gives us a glimpse into the future of what will be. Like an artist who begins to apply the first layers of what will become a beautiful painting, it creates an anticipation for the eventual beauty of a finished landscape.

As I drive around the Coastal Bend, it shows up everywhere. Roads are being widened and repaired. New high schools and college buildings are being built. Older buildings are being demolished to make way for new. New homes all popping up all across the Coastal Bend. Large projects are in development, such as ExxonMobil and a steel plant in Sinton. The beginnings of a Barisi Village where there was once an abandoned golf course. Tons of construction, but it all speaks to one thing: progress. Movement toward a goal or to a further, higher stage: growth or development; continuous improvement.

Growing up in Houston, I am used to construction. They began rebuilding I-45 right after the Roman Empire fell in 476 AD. It is still under construction. But after moving here in 1988, it seemed that for a long time, construction was limited to just a small part of the Coastal Bend, the Southside. Now it is wide-spread; there is hardly an area of the Coastal Bend that you can drive in that is not under some sort of construction. Which means all of us who make up this great place to live will see new things come about in the parts of town we call our own.

One thing that has truly amazed me about the last year is the number of new businesses that have sprung up in the midst of what has been an economic thunderstorm. It shows tremendous courage when someone with a great idea is willing to forge ahead against overwhelming odds. That shows we are progressing as a community. That people are not leaving to find an opportunity but rather staying – or better yet, moving here – to bring a new idea, product, or service to our community.

As we move into this new year, we do so with great anticipation. We at The Bend Magazine will continue to find the treasures of great people, businesses, and ideas that make the Coastal Bend the best place to live. We are excited that we, too, are constructing some great ideas that we will be launching this year. We will continue to deliver into your mailboxes and around the area a magazine we hope you will be proud of. But we, like the entirety of the Coastal Bend, are always looking to grow, develop, and improve to a higher stage, in other words, progress, and we look forward to doing so. Have a great New Year.

Chris Knapick, Publisher chris@thebendmag.com

Kennedy Dental Care

Kennedy Dental is proud to have served the Coastal Bend for 50 years. Our practices o er both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. At Kennedy Dental Care, your child’s comfort comes first and our unparalleled commitment to the highest level of pediatric dental care has earned the trust of generation after generation in the Coastal Bend.

ALEXIS HUNTER INTERIORS

ANN TAYLOR LOFT

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR

CHICO’S

FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK FRANCISCO’S SALON

GOLDSMITH JEWELERS

GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

HANLEY • WOOD

HESTER’S CAFE

JULIAN GOLD

PILAR FASHION & FOLK ART

YOLA COCINA MEXICANA (open fall 2019) the best craft cocktail | THE POST the best new restaurant | BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR the best brunch | HESTER’S CAFE the best date night | BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR the best health food | HESTER’S CAFE the best sandwich | HESTER’S CAFE the best asian cuisine | BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR the best catering | HESTER’S CAFE the best girls night out | THE POST the best tea | HESTER’S CAFE the best children’s clothing | FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK the best bakery | HESTER’S CAFE

TALBOTS THE POST

The words “thank you” just don’t seem adequate when expressing how grateful I am to all of my precious, loyal customers. I will never stop offering the best customer service and providing a fun, friendly atmosphere, the cutest clothes, and fun accessories. The love you get when you walk through our doors will never change; because here at the B Hive, you are somebody and you mean a lot to me. Thank you for making 2020 an amazing and memorable year. I am excitedly awaiting all 2021 has to offer! Local’s List Winner 2020 & Caller

Dr.

Christi, TX

Love, Brooke Lynnae

Local fashion blogger Julianna Zavala fills us in on style trends to look out for this year.

Trendspotting

Statement sleeves and accentuated shoulders are here to stay in 2021! Double ruffle satin sleeves add drama and elegance to this burgundy top.

and accessories from

This look features one 2021 notable trend: trench coats. Look for a classic trench coat with new and interesting elements. The tied sashes at the cuffs add a modern touch to this standout piece!

Trench coat and leather crossbody from Julian Gold

Top, faux leather shorts

Jewels Clothing & Accessories

A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW TRENDS, SO WE REACHED OUT TO LOCAL FASHION BLOGGER JULIANNA ZAVALA TO FILL US ALL IN ON TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2021.

Chic loungewear serves a dual purpose. Comfortable styles that can be worn at home or on the go will be your best friend this year!

Loungewear set from Jewels Clothing & Accessories

Oversized button-downs are making a comeback this year! Let it flow loosely or add a belt to flatter your figure. Western belts are my current favorite!

Top and handbag from Julian Gold

COLOR DICHOTOMY

The Pantone color of the year for 2021 is officially here. Except, the color authority has announced not one, but two. Illuminating and Ultimate Gray are the hues Pantone believes capture our current moment and a more hopeful future. Here are a few different ways to incorporate this pairing into your life.

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE

1. Gabrielle Earrings Shop L&RK 2. Arte Italica Vintage Pewter Scalloped Pitcher

Julian Gold

4. Universal Furniture Ellyson Chair Chic to Chic Gill Garden Center + Landscape Co. 7. Landis Wide Silver Pendant Light Target 8. Tejpal Pendant

The Bend Magazine's Spotify Playlists

Did you know our Sunday Best newsletter features curated playlists every week? Ranging from staff picks to local guest DJs, each week you’ll find a new playlist for a different mood. Need to clean the house but not quite sure what to listen to while doing so? We’ve got a playlist for that. Cooking dinner and looking for the perfect tunes to accompany? Yup, we’ve got one for that, too. Subscribe to the Sunday Best newsletter to receive these playlists in your inbox each week and follow us on Spotify for our full selection.

Kenneth Gonzales D.D.S.,

Heather L. Gonzalez, D.D.S., P.L.L.C

The Lifeblood of a Community

THE ORGANIZATION THAT’S SAVING COUNTLESS COASTAL BEND LIVES WITH BLOOD AND PLASMA DONATIONS

BY: ALEXIS HARBORTH

very 2 seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion, and the Coastal Bend Blood Center’s (CBBC) crucial, life-saving mission is supplying blood and related services. They had been fulfilling that mission for 51 years, and just when they thought they’d seen it all, along came the 2020 pandemic.

Ashley Ramirez, marketing and public relations director for the CBBC, described some of the immediate effects that the pandemic created. "High schools account for 30 percent of our blood supply,” Ramirez says. “When the high schools were not open, it was a triple whammy: businesses were closed, schools were closed, people were home, so we weren't able to have blood drives. On a normal day, we have six blood donation buses at locations because we serve 19 medical facilities in 10 counties."

The CBBC grappled with how to collect during the unprecedented time. It was a timesensitive situation, as the health landscape of the Coastal Bend changed." On top of that decline, there was a major increase of patients at the hospital," says Ramirez.

You may be eligible to donate blood if you: Pass a health assessment and questionnaire; are 17 years of age or older; weigh at least 110 pounds; have normal blood pressure, pulse and temperature. View all requirements online: coastalbendbloodcenter.org

There is always a need for blood, and the rapidly changing times also created a new, special need – convalescent plasma from COVID-19 survivors. When someone recovers from the coronavirus, their convalescent plasma can contain antibodies, which can be given to patients to help them fight COVID-19. Spreading awareness for it was a team effort. The CBBC banded together with its partners to spread awareness and save lives. Thomas J.

Henry, Attorney at Law, stepped forward to support this need.

“The insurgence of COVID-19 affected our nation tremendously, leaving local hospitals in dismay due to a shortage of beds, supplies and blood,” says Henry. “I was honored to partner with the CBBC and call on the community, especially those who had recovered from COVID-19, to donate blood and convalescent plasma in support of Corpus Christi-area hospitals.”

Although 2020 is in the rearview mirror, this year shares many similarities to the last. In 2021, the CBBC plans to continue finding ways to fulfill its mission to supply blood, plasma, and services to medical facilities. Education is also always a high priority.

“There is often a misconception that blood can be stored indefinitely until it's needed. I wish that were the case," Ramirez says. "Blood has a shelf life. Whole blood is only good for 42 days."

That’s why our community is critical to helping maintain the supply. Fortunately, this monumental task is done in a fun and easy way.

"Blood collection is actually very simple, and we make it as comfortable as possible. It takes half an hour and we give blankets and pillows, and there's TVs to watch shows. Afterwards there's refreshments and we always have some fun gifts.”

Although the holiday season is over, this is a major way to give back yearround. “Every one donation, you save multiple lives; anywhere from 3 to 5 lives,” said Ramirez. "The best gift you can give is life."

CONTACT:

and

Q: Aside from creating beautiful smiles, what is a passion of yours?

A: I really enjoy helping people whether it’s mentoring college age kids or dental students and professionals. I have lectured in dentistry as far away as Boston and San Diego, always trying to help guide people in their personal and professional life.

Q: What is your experience with dental implants?

A: I have been very fortunate to learn hands-on from some of the worlds very best. My quest for knowledge in the dental implant field has taken me all over the globe from Canada to Switzerland and Germany. I’ve now been using dental implants in my practice for 15 years and everyday I place and restore them. I enjoy it being my primary focus.

Q: What can a patient expect when they come to your office for dental implants?

A: Compassion. My team and I understand that you are spending your time, money and effort to come into our office for treatment. We are fully dedicated to listening and serving your needs with the respect and kindness you deserve.

Q: What is it about your practice that you are most proud of?

A: That we make a difference in the lives of our patients and our team. We maintain a positive attitude and environment to help uplift the spirits of the people we interact with on a daily basis.

New Year!

writer recommendations

Places for Coastal Bend Quiet Time

BY: JOSH MAXWELL PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

SOMETIMES, A LITTLE PEACE AND QUIET CAN GO A LONG WAY. WITH A NEW YEAR IN FULL SWING, SETTING TIME ASIDE TO REFLECT ON WHAT WAS AND LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT’S TO COME IS IMPERATIVE. ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE AND BUSTLE, A REPRIEVE IS GREATLY NEEDED. HERE IN THE COASTAL BEND, WE HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS WHEN WANTING A QUIET GETAWAY TO DECOMPRESS – FROM LOCAL SHOPS AND GARDENS TO PARKS AND OCEAN WALKWAYS, THERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES YOU CAN GO FOR SOME WELL-DESERVED QUIET TIME.

SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER

The South Texas Botanical Gardens is a Coastal Bend classic for locals and tourists alike. Wandering through their gardens and exhibits is an excellent way to tune out the noise of the world and tune in to nature. We recommend spending time in the Conservatories and Butterfly House, or browsing through the Brennecke Nature Trail. This is the perfect way to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and stop to smell the roses!

8545 S STAPLES

ELEANOR’S COFFEE BAR + MARKET

This local coffee shop has a great assortment of treats and beverages to choose from when trying to get some quiet time in. Quaint, tranquil, and perfect for catching your breath or catching up on a good book, the aesthetic of this establishment is one to be appreciated. The natural light, great music selection, and smell of espresso beans combine to create the relaxing atmosphere you’re looking for.

4231 S ALAMEDA

ANTIQUE ROW

If you're an avid thrift shopper, then Antique Row is surely already on your radar. This lane of antique shops boasts a wide variety of items from clothes and accessories to home decor and garden tools. We’ve found that browsing through an endless array of unique items is actually quite relaxing. The decorative pathways in each shop allow for mindless wandering and even momentary time travels that will transport you out of any stressors on your mind. Plus, retail therapy is very much so a real thing.

4325 S ALAMEDA

BAYSIDE PARK

Often referred to as the Portland Dunes, this hidden gem of a park offers serene views and an escape from the bustling city. The unique terrain of this park provides a refreshing change of scenery while still featuring a gorgeous waterfront view. Pack a picnic for one and lay out a blanket for a peaceful breath of fresh air.

108 SABINE DR

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

One of the things that makes the Coastal Bend so unique is its vast amount of oceanic features. The rustling water, sandy beaches, and miles of coastlines are all ideal for some personal relaxation. Plan a solo sunrise trip to the Padre Island National Seashore and marvel in the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Take a seat in the sand to journal, or take a walk down the shores and listen to the sounds of the waves crashing and birds singing. This is certainly the place for serenity.

20301 PARK RD 22

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

LaJuana Hill Zanoni

KC: You and your family moved to Coastal Bend over a year ago now when your husband Peter Zanoni became Corpus Christi's City Manager. How has this last year and a half or so been for you all? Most challenging part of moving to Corpus Christi?

LHZ: The move was smooth and without too many hiccups. Each of us found our niche within our respective jobs and schools, and couldn't have found a more welcoming community. Finding a home that fit our space, aesthetic, and location needs was probably the most challenging part. Initially I thought finding schools for our sons would be a challenge; however, we were afforded the opportunity to tour middle and high schools in CCISD, London, and Flour Bluff. Each school district had wonderful leaders and schools that made the choice close, but we found the perfect fit for each son. We were welcomed by everyone we encountered, whether or not they knew us. I feel like we hit the community jackpot moving here!

KC: After working in local government for the majority of your career, you’re now in the field of social services. Why are you passionate about that industry?

LHZ: I worked in local government for the greatest part of my career. I suppose that line of work could also be considered social service as I did function in a "service to the community" capacity. The most rewarding aspect of the positions I currently hold is that I have direct contact with the people whom I serve as a Community Liaison with a hospice company. I am afforded the wonderful opportunity of witnessing how many people of several agencies are able to work together to provide our clients with the aid they require in their time of need. Being able to provide solutions to issues that can oftentimes become life-altering for my clients and their families is what keeps me passionate and engaged.

KC: You've always been heavily involved in charitable organizations and nonprofits. What is the importance of giving back to your community and are there any local organizations you are particularly passionate about?

CONVERSATION BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

LHZ: My foundation in rooting myself in the local community through service began when I was a child. My mother was instrumental in assisting refugees from other countries who had sought a better life in Miami, Florida. She also helped many individuals and sometimes entire families with food, clothing, shelter, and job opportunities, and was instrumental in guiding them toward their educational pursuits. I spent many of my days after school visiting the Head Start programs she'd founded as well as going with her to the local newspaper organizations to drop off her most recent community call to action articles, which she'd authored. I feel we are all intended to care for our elderly. My mother lives in Florida, so I care for the elderly that I am near.

I also feel we are obligated to care for the children in the community. I give support through the Parent Teacher Organizations and Booster Clubs at my children's schools. I am also involved in campus and district advisory committees. Other organizations I try to provide time and financial support to include being a member of an advisory team working with The Coastal Bend Food Bank; Junior League Corpus Christi; The Art Museum of South Texas as a recently appointed Trustee; an Ambassador for Christus Spohn; and I'm a member of The League of Women Voters and Aqua Vitae Toastmasters Club.

KC: Where do you see Corpus Christi's greatest potential for growth?

LHZ: Optimizing the utilization of our beautiful bay and gulf ocean destinations would be the obvious answer; however, we have a natural resource just as valuable: people power. We, as a community, can work together to support and protect one another; to cultivate our strengths; and to elevate every resident as if we personally depended on their success. Throughout the strife and grief experienced during the year 2020, we learned that we are all impacted by the success and failures of others and that we can, with not much more effort, collectively write the story of what Corpus Christi is to become. Sure, we have beautiful physical resources in the Coastal Bend area; multicultural cuisine, arts, and industry; but we also

have the ability to shape our growth as a highly sought-after tourist location as well as a place where people would love to live and raise their families to continue to live for generations.

KC: What keeps you up at night?

LHZ: Not much keeps me up. By day's end, I know I've done my best to keep a clean slate with everyone in my life. With every other aspect of life, I believe we all have the opportunity for a fresh do-over each morning.

KC: We've heard about your now iconic walks around downtown Corpus Christi with local photographer Debbie Noble. Talk to me about that experience and how it got started in the first place.

LHZ: My good friend, Debbie, would continuously tell me about all of the wonderful places of interest in the downtown area and her enthusiasm toward them made them must-see attractions for me. Of course, they did not disappoint. This city is filled with amazing history, culture, and art that can be missed by visitors just here for the beach and/or fishing. My goal is to share our tours and bring awareness of all those treasures in an effort to entice my friends and family to come visit Corpus Christi. I also like to remind natives to support and continue to enjoy our local businesses, arts and cultural activities.

KC: How do you enjoy free time?

LHZ: I love the intricate layers and textures of people's personalities, so of course anything that I get to do with family, friends, and new acquaintances is top on my list. I also love to read mystery and thriller novels. More recently, I began learning how to sail, play tennis, and I'm learning new songs on my clarinet. Painting is next on the list.

KC: What are a few of your favorite local businesses?

LHZ: I'll have to say there are so many it's difficult to choose. I'll just list some of my top haunts in no particular order: K Space Contemporary; Olive Bleu; The Art Museum of South Texas; The Art Center; The History & Science Museum; any of the city libraries; Lucy's

Snackbar; Hamlin; Lott’s of Art Boutique; Sugarbakers; Bernard's; Doc's Seafood and Steaks; the Botanical Gardens; The Aquarium; and the Oso Nature Preserve.

KC: Do you have any special projects or anything in the works you'd like to share?

LHZ: Absolutely! Last school year I was blessed to be granted permission to sponsor and facilitate Gavel Clubs at a middle and high school. Gavel Club, Toastmasters for youth under 18, involves weekly opportunities to practice and showcase public speaking and leadership skills. There was enthusiastic participation each week with students writing and delivering their prepared speeches before their peers; planning and facilitating their meetings; and assuming various leadership roles such as Toastmaster, Grammarian, Speech evaluator, Table Topics Master, and several other functional roles. Each meeting also involved impromptu speeches, allowing participants to answer questions presented on the spot within one to two minutes.

We were prepared for a competition scheduled last March, facilitated by city and school district elected and appointed officials, but it was cancelled due to public health concerns. I have been asked to resume the Gavel Club at the middle school via Zoom and am planning to begin again after the first of the new year. Lastly, I have been working with a wonderful coach and team that has what I think is the only lacrosse team in Corpus Christi. I was able to obtain approval to begin at a middle school. I will be working with the coach and principal to bring the sport on campus to both girls and boys this spring. I'm excited to dive back in to both!

CONTACT: @lajuanahillz

TRAVELER THEtexas

written by KYLIE COOPER & GREG HORTON

WHERE TO STAY, EAT, AND PLAY IN FOUR TEXAS CITIES FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY

Photo

Credits: Adjacent: Nick Simonite. Top left and bottom right: Julia Keim.

Top right: Nick Simonite. Bottom left: Provided by Hotel Zaza

A QUICK TRIP TO

EMMER & RYE AUSTIN

BY KYLIE COOPER

EAT

For Chef Kevin Fink and his team at Emmer & Rye, the law of the land is quite literally the land itself. The superb quality of Texas farmers is put on full display and featured in every dish crafted in the Emmer kitchen. The restaurant is influenced by and based in their own community, and that community in turn helps to inspire the menu itself. Listening to their vendors and buying what they believe is best, as opposed to making them fit an already thought-out menu or a year-long recipe, is at the core of their existence.

The vibrancy of food that is grown near you and then served fresh – only a few days after it’s left the ground – is undeniable. Emmer & Rye is entirely farm-totable and seasonal, which allows for daily changes to the menu. Chef Fink assures us no two dishes are the same. Even if you ordered the same item two weeks in a row, each time you dive into the dish, a new sensation or flavor will come along with it.

The only spice purchased at the restaurant is black pepper; every

other flavor in a dish comes from wild ingredients or is a byproduct of something fermented or dried or charred or powdered. This also causes the kitchen to steer away from recipes in the traditional sense of the word.

When asked for a recom mendation, Chef Fink speaks to the importance of balance to achieve a great meal. If you’re dining for two, he advises choos ing two items from the top of the menu, which is brighter and more vegetable- or fish-driven. Then procced to the pastas and choose literally any of them (Emmer & Rye is known for its freshly-milled grains and for good reason, so this step is a no-brainer). Now that you’ve made your way down to the bottom of the menu, you’ll find dishes utilizing the whole animal, which changes each day. And finally, one simply cannot leave the restaurant without finishing off their meal with a des sert from Chef Tavel Bristol-Jo seph, who Food and Wine named one of the Best New Chefs in 2020. Needless to say, this place is impressive.

Photo Credits: Eat photose: Julia Keim. Play: Provided by Riviera Marina and Lake Travis. Stay photos:: Nick Simonite

PLAY RIVIERA MARINA

January might not seem like the ideal time to go boating on Lake Travis, but we Coastal Bend natives are used to being on the water yearround. With social distancing in mind, spending a day out on the lake is the perfect way to round out your weekend trip in Austin.

Family-owned and -operated, Riviera Marina offers an array of rentals for a fun-filled day on the water. Guests can choose their own adventure in the form of jet skis, pontoons, ski boats, and party barges. Can’t drive a boat? No worries, Riviera Marina has drivers available for your convenience.

Our suggestion comes in the form of a sunset cruise in a ski boat. With the sun setting around 5:30 PM or so, we recommend making a reservation for about 4:30. Grab a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy the unbeatable beauty of a Texas sunset right on the water. Conveniently located near downtown and North Austin, this also serves as the perfect start to any evening plans you might have.

STAY

HOTEL MAGDALENA

Paying homage to the local lake house ethos of the 1970s, the essence of the Austin music scene, and Texas’s own natural beauty, Hotel Magdalena is one of the newest hotels to open in Austin. The property, located in the heart of South Congress, sits at varying elevations and will make you feel as though you’re wandering through a massive treehouse – an escape to nature without ever actually leaving the city. The exposed walkways and courtyards allow guests to experience an immersive encounter with the very elements that inspired the look and feel of the hotel. A stay at Hotel Magdalena is undeniably the magical escape you didn’t know you desperately needed.

The 89-room hotel features clean, uncluttered spaces that are instantly calming, displaying a mas tery of the art of relaxation. The goal? For guests to walk in and put their feet up, turn on good music, and simply slow down. Mission accomplished, I’d say. The black-and-white photography seen throughout the hotel features various live music shots by Scott Newton, who has been documenting Austin’s music and culture scene since the 1970s. It’s these small, but meaningful, touches that speak to the overall vibe Hotel Magdalena set out to curate for its guests.

We’d be remiss not to mention Summer House on Music Lane, the effortlessly chic restaurant inside Hotel Magdalena. The focus here is on the food, and it shows. Now open to the public, Summer House on Music Lane is helmed by Executive Chef Jeffrey Hundelt (previously the culinary director for Launderette and Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon restaurants). The concept highlights honest and straightforward cooking, taking cues from old-school hospitality and slow food mentality.

Hotel Magdalena worked with renowned architects Lake | Flato to utilize mass timber construction, and is the first hotel in the U.S. to do so. This technique allowed the hotel to use more environmentally sensitive building materials consistent with the feel and integrity of a Texas lake house, as opposed to a commercial building like so many of the other hotels in Austin.

BY Greg Horton

TRIS HOUSTON A QUICK TRIP TO

EAT

The late, great Anthony Bourdain dedicated a “Parts Unknown” episode to Houston in 2016, signifying that it had finally become a food destination. Still, the best dining experience we had in Houston was at TRIS (pronounced triss) in The Woodlands, on the northern edge of the metroplex. TRIS is the creation of chef Austin Simmons, whom Houstonia Magazine called “one of four chefs to watch” in 2019. It would be a mistake to call the concept fusion, but the new American style of Simmons’s food definitely draws from a bevy of ethnic influences, most particularly Japanese and Korean.

One of the major tests of a chef’s skill is how many different components of a meal they’ve mastered. Simmons has created everything from the signature cocktails to the crème brulee bread pudding, and all of it is extraordinary by any measure. Which is not to say he’s at every station every night; he’s quick to point to his team as the reason the TRIS experience is so exceptional.

How far does he take the crafting of all components? He’s created his own strain of beef cattle by crossbreeding a Charolais with a Black Wagyu. He calls it Gyulais, and the result is intensely flavorful beef. That’s only one of three Wagyu-based options in his steak program. While steak is the heart of the menu, Simmons’s best dish is the Korean butter-poached Gulf crab, served on a kimchi pancake with brown butter and house kimchi. One Houston food writer put it in the top 10 dishes to try in Houston. Honestly, it was the best dish I ate in 2020.

Simmons’s method is to combine comfort food – think pot pie – with seafood, such as lobster, and then layer on flavor, using ethnic inspirations, truffles, sauces, spices, and heat. To fully experience what TRIS has to offer, the best option is the chef’s tasting menu, whch features some of his best dishes (including the crab). His grilled cheese sandwich with black truffles won a truffle contest, and rightly so. The fried chicken, with a Kore-

an flair, is spectacular. Tasting through his menu is a practicum in managing superlatives.

PLAY

The Museum District is the cultural core of Houston, where visitors have access to 19 different institutions across a wide range of aesthetic, ethnic, and intellectual interests. The Children’s Museum features hands-on activities in a dynamic, learning-centered environment, where kids can discover, not just observe. Similarly, for the adults, the Houston Museum of Natural Science includes a planetarium and the amazing Cockrell Butterfly Center, where you can experience a living butterfly habitat built as a rainforest conservatory with a three-story waterfall.

grapefruit and avocado and the Korean Butter Poached Crab, served with a Kimchi pancake, brown butter, and house Kimchi.

Different cultures have made important contributions to this incredibly diverse city, and you can experience their stories in the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the Holocaust Museum Houston, Museum of African American Culture, and the Asia Society Texas Center. There’s even a museum dedicated to Czech culture. On top of that, 11 of the 19 institutions are free to the public every day.

The highlight of the trip might be The Museum of Fine Arts, with its impressive and diverse collection from antiquity to the modern era, including Egyptian, Roman, Greek, early Islamic, African, and Oceanian art. The collection of European painters is particularly impressive: Goya, Monet, Matisse, Botticelli, and Van Gogh, among others. It’s a very short half-block walk from Hotel Zaza, and it’s arranged by category, so you can plan your visit based on your own interests. For the more science-y types, the Museum of Natural History is also a half-block walk.

Walking around the district provides beautiful photography options, and set off as it is from downtown, the pace is slower and the vibe quieter, bordering on pastoral. The room at Zaza is poolside, so moving back and forth between the festive pool crowd and these soothing green spaces made for a nice contrast.

HOTEL Zaza

Hotel Zaza sits on the edge of Hermann Park and Rice University’s beautiful campus. Designed as a boutique hotel and spa experience, everything about Zaza is focused on comfort, luxury, and fanciful escapism. For conventional guests, the poolside rooms provide easy access to the pool deck and portable bar, so you can lounge poolside, enjoy cocktails, and have the convenience of your room mere feet away.

In addition to the poolside rooms, Zaza offers concept suites, “minis,” balcony rooms, and luxury suites. Original art is everywhere, and the level of creativity, whimsy, and comfort in the rooms indicates the hotel prioritizes the guest experience at every level. The concept suites and “Magnificent Seven Suites” are built around themes, be it a romantic Italian getaway, or a dive into Houston’s space culture with the “Houston, We Have a Problem” suite. There’s a diversion for every personality.

Pets are welcome, and there is an excellent fitness center on site, as well as the rightly famous spa. The dining on the terrace of the Monarch restaurant provides a lovely view, and the food is an eclectic mix of chops, steaks, seafood, and sandwiches.

A QUICK TRIP TO

The French Room & City Hall Bistro DALLAS

BY Greg Horton

EAT

AT THE ADOLPHUS

In one of those stories that sounds like someone made it up, The Adolphus, a stunning luxury hotel, was built by one of Budweiser’s cofounders, Adolphus Busch – the second half of Anheuser-Busch. The 22-story hotel is modeled after a German castle … or perhaps an NBA version thereof. (It’s really tall.)

The Adolphus is famously home to The French Room, one of the rare fine dining restaurants left in the Southwestern U.S. That the menu leads off with three caviar options is an indication this is real fine dining, and not the “upscale casual” we have grown accustomed to. The menu includes pate, foie gras, and more modern takes on highbrow cuisine, including Berkshire pork jowls and Spanish octopus. The prices are special occasion range, but the entire experience, from the décor to the elegant service to the incredible food, is well worth the cost.

The best meal I had in 2019 was also at The Adolphus, but it was City Hall Bis tro, not The French Room, that really wowed me. The new-at-the-time bistro was a nod toward guests and visitors who wanted to spend the normal amount on delicious food, and the rustic-meets-modern take on new American cuisine is brilliant. (The menu changes regularly, so the current one will likely not be current at press time.) Tagliatelle with chicken skin and brown butter, delicious fish dishes, burgers and Wagyu, and more creative dishes like “chicken fried” cabbage make City Hall a delicious, deep dive into fun, creative, and borderline whimsical dining. As a side note, their cocktail program is stellar.

The European-inspired restaurant City Hall Bistro takes its name from the hotel, in which the bistro is housed, and its location on the site intended for the original Dallas City Hall.

Photo Credits: Eat photos: Provided by The Adolphus. Stay photo: Fraiberg Hollander. Play photo: Garry Kan

STAY

Hall arts hotel

Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, Hall Arts Hotel boasts its own beautiful collection of art, including a stunning light installation in Ellie’s Restaurant on the property. Gathered from local and international artists, the focus is definitely modern with an eye toward beautiful and striking. Guest rooms feature captivating photography from the district, and a self-guided tour map is available at check-in and in the room. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, and dogs up to 50 pounds are welcome.

The rooftop swimming pool provides exceptional views of the Dallas skyline, and the hotel is situated within walking distance of major arts destinations in the city, including the Dallas Museum of Art. It features works from every conceivable region of the world, dating back 5,000 years. The European collection alone contains works from nearly every artist you can name, including Degas, Rembrandt, Renoir and van Gogh.

In addition to performing arts destinations in the district, the hotel is within walking distance of the Nasher Sculpture Center, which contains a large (more than 300 pieces) selection of modern and contemporary sculpture. At the center landscape, architecture and the collection flow into one continuous experience of various kinds of structures.

The Hall Arts Hotel was named number five on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” feature, recognizing its audience’s favorite hotels and resorts across the globe. Opening just over a year ago, this serves as an impressive feat for this chic and artful destination.

A

In Dallas for a Cowboys game? Rangers game? Is it at “Jerry World?” (Really, it’s AT&T stadium, but even Lubbock has one of those, so Jerry World at least avoids confusion.) Once inside the Stadium, prepare to be overwhelmed at the scale, but also surprised at how open and light the setting seems to be. The interior is built with expanse in mind, so you never feel compressed or enclosed. Glass and steel create a modern, sleek look, but also provide the illusion that you're in a very open space. You can get team gear on-site, of course, as well as food and adult beverages, but a stadium that cost more than a billion dollars to build will demand higher prices on everything. The game experience is incredible, helped by the enormous overhead display that is more than half as long as the field. You'll definitely find yourself watching most of the game – especially the replays – on the largest 1080 HD television you're likely ever to experience. Given the grand scale of the stadium, which holds up to 100,000 people, it's surprisingly easy and fast to get in and seated, and back out to your car. Our pro tip would be to head over to the Live! by Loews hotel for an after-game cocktail or bite. Clover Club on the property is an upscale, outdoor lounge with a variety of craft beers made in Texas, creative cocktails, and shareable small bites. It serves as the perfect place to help you celebrate the win or mourn the loss.

A QUICK TRIP TO

SAN ANTONIO

BY KYLIE COOPER

Golden Wat Noodle House

Just a few days ago, as this issue began hitting mailboxes, what used to be the Cookhouse served its last meal. Pieter and Susan Sypesteyn opened Cookhouse in 2014, and it quickly became a local favorite. This past August, Golden Wat Noodle House was born out of Susan’s Cambodian heritage and the cuisine the duo prepares for their family at home. Golden Wat began operating out of Cookhouse and via pop-ups—until now. Cookhouse has completely transitioned into Golden Wat Noodle House’s permanent residence.

Susan’s mother, Sokhom Chuon, actually owned her own noodle house in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, before making the move to the States in the 1970s – and the recipes from Chuon’s

noodle house can now be found in new iterations on Golden Wat’s menu.

Susan’s love story to her rich and resilient culture comes in the form of exceptionally crafted and intentional dishes such as Cambodian Grilled Quail Legs, Duck Num Pang, Beef Lok Lak, Nom Banh Chok and Kuy Teav. Barbeque-loving Texans can try a Cambodian take on pork barbeque with their Bai Sach Chrou dish, a mouthwatering entrée that includes steamed jasmine rice with Char Sui barbecued pork, egg, pickled carrot and green papaya. But, in all honesty, we recommend ordering a handful of dishes and sharing with the table. After all, the concept of sharing a meal with one another is at the heart of Golden Wat’s philosophy.

Photo Credits: Top Eat photo: Christopher Perez. Bottom Eat photos: Provided by Golden Wat Noodle House. Stay photos: Provided by Hotel Emma.. Play photos: Provided by The Japanese Tea Gardens

HOTEL EMMA

Housed in what was once a 19th-century brewhouse, Hotel Emma is rich in history. Simultaneously honoring the notable architecture of the iconic Pearl Brewhouse and the grittier character of the brewing industry, the hotel perfectly curates a warm and delightful atmosphere. Upscale, yet unpretentious.

The 146-room hotel features a unique blend of historical elements and modern touches. Immediately upon entering Hotel Emma, you’re embraced with a warm, fuzzy feeling – almost as if you’ve entered an old friend’s home whom you haven’t seen in quite some time, and who has impeccable taste and a curiosity for life’s oddities.

The original Brewhouse tower offers more lavish rooms, while the River Cellars offer a more subtle luxury. Suites are also available and offer accommodations such as private dining areas, two-story terraces, and vaulted ceilings. Whatever your room of choice might be, a La Babia Margarita will be awaiting you upon arrival. You read that correctly; a full margarita setup comes with each room, and that fact alone is worth the stay.

The Japanese Tea Gardens

The City of San Antonio contains a pleth ora of artistic and cultural experiences for natives and visitors alike. From art galleries and history museums to vibrant streets filled with local shops and creatives, San Antonio is oozing entertainment at the seams. This might seem a bit touristy, but spending a few hours at The Japanese Tea Garden is our suggestion when it comes to choosing your weekend activity.

Serving as one of the most loved, edu cational, and cultural resources in the area, The Japanese Tea Garden holds more than 90 years of history within its luscious greens and calming waters. Originally operating as a quarry, the Tea Gardens were shaped into a complex through walkways, beautiful stone arch bridges, an island, and a Japanese pavilion. The restored garden features a lush, year-round garden and floral display, as well as a 60-foot waterfall and koi ponds.

The Pavilion takes the cake for our favorite area at the gardens. The gorgeous stone columns, the perfect view of the lily ponds and waterfall … what’s not to love? After a year like 2020, spending some much-needed quiet time in a place like The Japanese Tea Gardens almost feels like a no-brainer – or a prescription from the doctor, we’ll let you decide.

The Japanese Tea Gardens also have an on-site café, The Jingu House Café. Near the main entrance and the Pagoda, the dining area features a large patio area and supports local growers and producers through its menu.

photography by LILLIAN REITZ

Strengthening More Than the Core

BAYSIDE PILATES IS HOME TO A ROBUST AND INCLUSIVE PILATES COMMUNITY

BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

ith the main focus of the practice being to strengthen the whole body, starting with the core, Pilates transforms and enhances physical capabilities through scientific principles of movement that are both fun and formative. Luckily for us, Bayside Pilates is home to a robust and inclusive community of locals who share the same enthusiasm for what Pilates has done for them.

Bayside Pilates owner Tori Froemke moved to Corpus Christi from Odessa 10 years ago to complete her business degree at TAMU-CC. Post-graduation, Froemke worked a "normal" business degree job and discovered she didn't quite love it.

"I always had a love for health fitness and exercise," says Froemke. "I discovered Bayside Pilates – where I took my first ever Pilates reformer class. I eventually decided to give it a go and make a career out of it because it helped and inspired me so much. I left my full-time job to study and practice full-time."

"I'll never forget my first Pilates class. I'm not sure exactly what I thought it was going to be like, but at the time, I was very into weight lifting, kickboxing, circuit training, and the like," Froemke continues. "I thought I would breeze through it, but man, I was surprised at how challenging it was for me. It exposed weaknesses I didn't even know I had – until I knew!"

After working at Bayside for only two years, Froemke received an offer to own the studio. "I never dreamed such an opportunity would present itself, but I was and still am excited about the opportunity."

Since the transition, not much has changed. Froemke says it's the same Bayside Pilates she fell in love with at first. Froemke shares how her fantastic team – it’s wholly owned and operated by women – has worked to make the best of circumstances during the pandemic.

"Not much has changed, as we never shared equipment before the pandemic, and it's always been standard practice to sanitize everything between every use. However, we have spaced out classes and the equipment to accommodate social distancing."

Bayside Pilates offers one-onone training, private classes for two, and semi-private courses that serve a group of six at most for individualized focus. General classes are open level for beginners or advanced patrons alike. The boutique studio also offers fitness classes including barre and yoga.

At Bayside Pilates, you can expect your experience to be kind of mindblowing, from discovering what your body can do to the warm and professional teachers, and most of all, the self-pride as you walk out the door.

MARISOL RAMIREZ'S go-to wellness tips

LOCAL MARKETING EXPERT AND BLOGGER SHARES

HER FRESH MORNING ROUTINE AFTER A LATE NIGHT

BY: MARISOL RAMIREZ PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

am a marketer, cocktail blogger, and animal rights activist, with a taste for haute couture and adventure. Sarcasm is my first language, followed by Spanish, then English, and I have been working on French for a few years – c’est tragique. I live lost somewhere between my daily responsibilities and the land of juggling happy hours, concerts (back when concerts were still a thing … oh, the good ole days), and impromptu helicopter rides.

Fashion is my religion, Anna Wintour and Brandon Maxwell my deities, and my closet an altar to the shoe section of Bergdorf Goodman. I despise mediocrity in all forms; ordinary is just not in my DNA. In my opinion, mixing metals is totally allowed when it comes to jewelry, mid century modern architecture is unparalleled, and art should always be a part of education. I crave spontaneity and will always say “yes” to that outlandish plan everyone else has turned down. I dive deep into interesting topics and am a bottomless well of useless information.

I use life’s disappointments as excuses to drive down Ocean Dr. with the windows down, music blasting, and hair flowing (getting very tangled) in the wind. If that doesn’t work, there’s been no pain my mom’s love hasn’t been able to cure…eventually.

As someone who is constantly working with brands to create video content, puffiness, dryness, and red cheeks are banned from my existence. Being constantly on the go and usually having late nights means my skin usually needs a little extra love. After a long night, there’s nothing better than starting your day with a refreshing routine to get your skin in check. From a special beauty cocktail to hydrating lip balm and moisturizer, these are just a few ways I like to recuperate from a night on the town.

You can find cocktail recipes, product recommendations, travel adventures and more from Marisol on her blog, marisolsblog.com.

FACIAL ROLLER

MARISOL’S BEAUTY COCKTAIL

Be sure to pop this guy in the fridge as you’re getting ready for a night on the town. Once it’s nice and chilled, roll the fluffiness away. This rose quartz guy leaves you feeling like you just left the spa!

Available at Nordstrom

NEUTROGENA HYDRO-BOOST

After a night out on the town, your body and skin are screaming for hydration. This tub of magic is filled with hyaluronic acid and will leave your skin like those last shots never happened.

Available at Target

BKR + PARIS LIP BALM

I sip responsibly, even when it comes to water. That means plastic for this gal. I carry my bkr with me everywhere I go. My kiss kit keeps my lips hydrated and smooch ready- the best part is that it is clean, hydrating, and vegan!

Available at mybkr.com

OLLY VITAMINS

Olly’s vitamins are delicious! They taste more like a sweet treat but have all the health benefits.

Available at olly.com

SUN BUM

I love being in the sun, though with my fair skin it may not look like it. The truth is I go from snow woman to lobster in 5 minutes. Sun Bum helps me protect my skin from sunburn and long-term sun damage.

Available at H-E-B

Ingredients

1 oz Lucky Star gin

1 oz Lakewood’s organic papaya blend

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 to 3/4 oz of honey syrup

HONEY SYRUP RECIPE

In a small saucepan, mix equal parts organic raw honey with water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then cool to room temperature.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

Add all of the ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, while jamming Dua Lipa, and pour into a chilled martini glass. Cheers!

SHAKER SET

I love the idea of having a shaker set that is not only practical but also doubles as decor. Be it stainless steel, wood, or glass, bar accessories are like jewelry for your home.

Available at Macy’s

LUCKY STAR GIN

When it comes to gin, I prefer mine light on the juniper and strong on the citrus. This local gin from Coastal Bend Distillery is my favorite and never runs dry in my bar cart.

Available at Coastal Bend Distillery

PAPAYA JUICE BLEND

Papaya does miracles for your skin, so rub it on or drink it down. This juice blend is perfect for mixing up in a cocktail, or even to replace OJ in a mimosa.

Available at Natural Grocers

FRESH LIMES AND HONEY

When it comes to cocktails, the fresher your ingredients are, the better they will taste. Throw out the bottled citrus juices and mass-produced honey – run to your nearest farmers market!

COCKTAIL GLASSES

What you serve your cocktail in is every bit as important as how delicious your cocktail is. These cut glass martini glasses would make you feel right at home in a James Bond movie.

Available at Crate & Barrel

Special Advertising Section

HEALTH AND WELL NESS

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Wellness and Weight Loss

A Healthy Start to 2021

With the COVID 19 pandemic, social isolation and the constant barrage of negative news in 2020 it felt like so many things in our lives were out of our control so it’s no surprise that many of us put our health and wellness goals on the back burner. However, choosing to focus on factors that we are able to control, such as good health, can improve our physical and emotional health, and possibly even protect ourselves from a severe case of COVID-19.

Dr. Dale Eubank and the team at Advanced Wellness and Weight Loss help men and women create new habits to lose weight and keep it off. Our medically supervised weight loss program does not focus on traditional “dieting” by counting calories, eating pre-packaged meals or drinking shakes. Statistically these methods do not create sustainable results. Our structured program based on real food has helped over 1,500 men and women meet their weight

loss goals by supporting patients as they create new habits and long-term lifestyle changes. Our program also offers a proprietary supplement that is especially helpful with reducing cravings for carbohydrates. Vitamin B12 and Lipo injections are also offered and can help increase energy and work synergistically with improved eating habits to increase fat loss while maintaining muscle. Other Vitamin injections, including Vitamin D3 and a combination Vitamin C, Zinc and Glutathione injection, can boost the immune system.

Here are some tips to help improve your health and boost your immune function:

1. Drastically reduce the sugar and carbohydrates in your diet

2. Increase intake of vegetables

3. Eat more lean protein – about half of your body weight in grams of protein each day

4. Drink at least 64 oz of water daily

5. Eat three meals and two healthy snacks per day to increase metabolism and decrease blood sugar highs and lows

6. Get outside and go for a daily walk

7. Practice deep breathing and meditation to reduce stress

8. Get adequate sleep

9. Make sure your Vitamin D and other vitamin levels are optimal

Attempting to start a healthy lifestyle without the support of a structured and supportive medical weight loss program can be overwhelming and frustrating. If you would like more information about how we can help you reach your health and wellness goals and feel great in 2021, please call us to schedule your free consultation.

Design a Home Gym That Makes You Want to Exercise YOUR EQUIPMENT IS THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT

First and foremost, take time to select equipment that you are most likely to use, especially cardiovascular equipment. While price is often a factor, paying a little more on equipment that you will enjoy using is a much smarter decision than spending less on one that you won’t use.

Imagine being able to exercise at your convenience and in the safety, comfort and privacy of your home. No traffic, too hot or too cold facility, having to wait on equipment, wondering if it has been disinfected.

When deciding what equipment is best for you, take into consideration your goals, space, budget and advice on how to safely design your home gym. If you are going to make the investment you will want to consult the experts in specialty fitness equipment. HEST Fitness Equipment employs personal trainers, nutrition experts and those who know how to help you reach your fitness goals in a safe effective way. Couple that with equipment you won’t find in the big box stores and you will be on your way to your next best workout.

SINCE 1981

Working Out and Staying Healthy in the New Year

FINDING YOUR PERFECT FIT

A new year brings new health and wellness goals along with it. This year, making our minds and bodies a top priority will allow for a range of health benefits. Working out is a proven way to lower the risk of disease and can help you lose weight. It is so important to take care of our bodies, especially during times of increased stress. Getting into a consistent workout routine can help boost your health both physically and mentally. Our goal is to help you stay comfortable during those workouts!

No two feet are same, and that is where we come in. The Fleet Feet Outfitting Process, featuring 3D scanning technology, focuses on providing you with running or walking shoes that fit properly, gear that improves your experience and knowledge to help you move your best—whether that’s a 10-minute walk, a three-hour marathon or a 12-hour shift.

Low-Dose CT Lung Scans for Women: An Essential Exam in 2021

With the beginning of a new year, it’s time to start thinking about your health and overall well-being. Radiology Associates, the leading medical imaging practice in the Coastal Bend, would like to help you get the crucial exams you need for a healthier 2021.

We o en hear that cancer does not discriminate; this is particularly true during a pandemic. Don’t put aside your well-being by delaying these important health screenings. Keeping your scheduled appointments is key to a healthier you. Women receiving their annual Mammograms and/or Bone Density tests should consider adding a CT lung cancer screening to their yearly assessment. Radiology Associates can assist you with all three screenings.

Despite advancements in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, lung cancer remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. This is largely due to cancer not being discovered until the disease has reached advanced stages. However, like most cancers, the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival. Low-dose CT lung screens are the most effective advancement in cancer detection today. Low-dose CT scans capture images of the entire vascular system, while multiple images give cancer less chance to hide.

High risk individuals may include women who:

• Are 55 through 77 years old

• Have a history of heavy smoking (one pack per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years)

• Are either a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your health care professional about getting a low-dose CT lung screen. For more information, visit https://lungscreen.health

Karl T. Fan, MD

Decorative magic for your kids’ spaces.

photography by LILLIAN REITZ

CLASSIC& CONTEMPORARY

MIXING CONTEMPORARY AND ANTIQUE STYLES TO HELP CREATE A LAID-BACK LOOK

BY:

JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

our years ago, Rachel Neff moved back to the Coastal Bend to be closer to family, and in a small subdivision called The Enclave, she found the perfect empty lot to build the home of her dreams. When designing her house, Rachel decided on shades of white, cream, brown, and gray – with the occasional pop of color – to create a classic and relaxing ambiance. In order to achieve a classic and modern space, she opted for the clever combination of old and new pieces to create a calm atmosphere.

Varied tones are essential to bring life to a neutral room, and although Rachel uses the same color scheme throughout the home, she incorporates different textures, wood designs, antiques, and contemporary decor. Once she set that neutral foundation in her home, she had the perfect backdrop from which to incorporate colorful accents to enliven each room.

Pops of color are peppered throughout the home via the addition of throw pillows, florals, artwork, and other accessories. Rachel’s vibrant accessorizing keeps the classic vibe of her chosen color palette intact, but also makes the whole space feel fresh and different.

Adding wooden furniture to the classic color palette was a must for Rachel, especially since she had so many antiques to display. Over the years, she has amassed many pieces; some from stores, and some passed down from family members. “Not many people like antiques, but I love them,” she says. “I can look at any piece in this house and tell you the story behind each one.” Some that stand out include the repurposed lighting fixture her mother found at an antique shop – after some re-wiring by Guess Lighting, the unique accessory was ready to adorn the home – and a hutch that belonged to her grandparents when they lived in Singapore.

Along with the many antiques and heirlooms, she also has some unique pieces, such as the re-stained Prohibition front door, complete with the small peephole door in the middle. The style alone isn’t what makes this door unique; the position from which the light shines into the house changes the shade of stain used on the door, and makes it look almost identical to the rest of the antiques in her home. Mixing vintage and contemporary pieces helps create an individualized and functional room while breathing life into the pieces themselves and the rooms in which they are placed, much like the contemporary geometric mirror sitting over an antique table and chair. The contrast between the two styles adds the right amount of visual interest and personality to the soft vibe of the entryway.

With a minimalistic color foundation, making rooms relate to each other, especially in an open space, creates a unified feel. The

kitchen and living room are closely connected, which works well for Rachel’s desire to have an open floor plan in this area. The kitchen island sits in the middle of the kitchen and dining room, which gives her the perfect space to gather with friends and colleagues when they visit. On the side of the island is a strategically placed small shelf just right for the cookbooks gifted to her by her mother every year. The cookbooks are a handy tool to have for finding recipes while entertaining a large crowd, but they also provide that essential burst of color that Rachel desires. The soft shade of the island and cabinetry provides the right amount of brightness for the stainless steel appliances and drawer and cabinet pulls to stand out. On the other side of the island are four uniquely shaped bar stools with wooden seats and iron legs. The industrial style of these chairs allows for a soft vintage look, while staying true to the classic décor.

A neutral color scheme never goes out of style, and offers the perfect clean backdrop for playful bursts of color. Adding wooden furniture gives depth to any home and offers a nice contrast to the standard color palette.

SUNDAY BEST NEWSLETTER

The soft neutrals continue to the living area, where they take a backseat to the wooden and metal pieces. Together, they create a open, inviting space that generates a welcoming and comfortable feel for Rachel’s guests.

Although small, Rachel’s backyard is a haven for relaxation, with wicker seating decorated with bright cushions overlooking a fence ensconced in greenery and florals. The bright orange wooden rocker adds a colorful touch, while the mini rolling cart filled with potted herbs fills the space with fragrance.

The fresh and timeless vibe of Rachel’s home makes it unique and promises a relaxing, lively, and inviting atmosphere.

GROWING UP

Plant in full sun in richly composted, well-drained soil. Grows easily from seed, but best planted as transplant in early January. Space 12”; becomes leggy and up to 36” height in heat. Mulch with native leaves. Keep soil moist until plant is established. Prune regularly by taking top 4” of each stalk. Clip flowers to promote growth. Dill attracts caterpillars (swallowtail butterfly); pluck these with fingers and relocate away from garden.

basis

PROFILING

Dill grows leggy in the heat of April. Continue to water plants as the pretty yellow flowers appear as starbursts on each of the stems. The flowers will turn brown as the seeds dry. Clip the stems at the base of the flower heads (if you wait too long, the seeds will blow away) and place the stems upside-down in a paper sack. The dried seeds will fall to the bottom. Store in a cool, dry place.

A Little Dill in the Windowsill

HOW TO GROW AND HARVEST DILL IN THE COASTAL BEND

BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

PHOTO

BY:

RACHEL BENAVIDES

ill is an aromatic herb – in the same family as celery and parsley – that has been praised for its flavor and medicinal properties since the earliest recorded history. The plant is prized for its feathery green leaves, as well as its edible seeds. The leaves are used in dishes from soups to salads to breads and even desserts. Dill is especially popular in Nordic countries, where it grows in the wild and pairs so well with cold-water fish.

Dill seeds hold up much better in higher-heat cooking than dill leaves (add leaves at the very end). Also, dill seeds are easier to store. Although dill leaves can be frozen, dill is best preserved by saving the seeds to be used throughout the year.

Of course, dill is most famous as a flavoring for pickles. Dill and cucumbers mature at just about the same time, which is one of the reasons these two go so well together. The taste of cucumber pickled with dill is one of the best flavor combinations in all of nature.

Dill thrives in cold, wet weather, and can withstand a light frost, but not a heavy freeze. Water the soil deeply if you anticipate freezing weather. This may seem counter-intuitive, but moisture actually warms the soil.

All dill varieties bolt in the early summer heat and go to flower, desired because the flowers produce seeds. The variety Bouquet flowers sooner in the spring heat, while Elephant dill produces leaves longer and goes to seed later in the season.

Dill makes a gorgeous potted plant. Plant Bouquet dill in a well-draining pot with rich potting soil. Bring the plant indoors overnight if a frost or freeze is expected. Keep a pot in a sunny window in the kitchen. It’s always nice to have some dill in the windowsill!

LOCAL RECS

"Dill is one of those herbs people usually see chefs use as garnish, but underestimate its flavor and possibilities. I prefer using it as an accompaniment to seafood dishes. To whip up a quick, impressive dinner, a nice grilled Atlantic Salmon with a lemon dill sauce would be great. It would also be lovely sprinkled on air fryer chips or roasted vegetables. Just a little goes a long way for this feathery herb! It’s fantastic for most salads as well— pasta, potato, and even a classic chicken salad."

-

Megan Lee, 8TE

@8tecctx

FUN FACTS

The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” recorded a recipe for a mouthwash made from dill seeds to clean the gums and freshen the breath. Dill is still used in several modern chewing gums. Dill contains anti-bacterial properties; medieval Europeans used dill in a poultice to treat wounds. The French emperor Charlemagne passed dill seeds around to his guests after a large meal, to decrease flatulence in his hall.

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Serotonin Supplement to Curb Carbohydrate Cravings

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

STYLED BY:

KATY JONES-GULSBY

PHOTOS

BY:

LILLIAN REITZ

out of sight, is the biggest life-saver. Large wicker baskets (with lids!), under-bed bins, nightstands with as many drawers as possible.

•

I love the symmetry of a pair of twin-size beds, and if you have the room, they are surprisingly practical. An extra bed in the house is always a plus. and if you buy the modern tall frames there is plenty of room underneath to hide things. Bed skirts hide all sorts of sins.

• Groups of items make the biggest decorative impact, so don’t hide their collections! Display them on floating shelves, bookcases, or repurposed vintage items.

•

Shopping secondhand for a kid’s room makes so much sense. Older items are often of better quality and will stand the wear and tear that children will inevitably cause. Vintage brings so much character into a space, and the treasure hunt can be a fun activity for the entire family.

My daughter came into this world as a contained missile of energy and strong opinions. Almost every idea I had about how our lives would look as a family of three was fairly quickly thrown out the window. But I try not to take for granted that she seems to enjoy old things just as much as we do, so for now she lets me take the reins when it comes to her room. She is right beside me

through every step, though I do hold veto power (sorry, a fuchsia wall just isn’t going to fly). I tend to gravitate toward more traditional children’s rooms, though I’ve had to make allowances for a curious amount of tiny plastic toys. I never want her room to feel too formal, but I do want her to find it magical.

q get the look

In 1978, D.R. Horton broke ground on our first home in Fort Worth, Texas. Since that day, the company has defined its success not by bricks and mortar, but by the satisfaction of the families that make our houses their homes. Our foundation is a single, guiding principle: a value-first dedication to the individual needs of each and every one of our nation’s homebuyers.

From first-time homebuyers to empty nesters, our family of brands provides a home for every stage in life. Our highly-trained, market experts are where you want to live, from New Jersey to Hawaii, providing unique, personalized services tailored to your individual needs. But the real value comes from the quality construction we put into every home, and the peace of mind that comes with a premium-backed warranty from America’s Number One Homebuilder.

What else should you consider as you select a new home? We believe the financial strength of the builder is an important consideration. Below are a few items for your consideration in determining our ability to be there for you, both during the construction process and after you close on your home.

We’ve delivered more than 790,000 homes to our nation’s customers since our company’s inception.

Since 2002, more homebuyers have chosen D.R. Horton than any other national builder.

We operate in 44 of homebuilding’s top 50 markets in the U.S., and rank among the top 5 in 36 of these.

Our team of operating experts are spread across the nation in 29 states and 88 markets.

Above all, our customer-driven principles have allowed us to work closely with each individual market to gain insight into the needs and wants from those who matter most: you.

BUILDING THE FUTURE

We’ve come a long way, and while more people choose our family of brands over any other builder in the country, we never forget the most important thing of all – the families that choose us for their place to call home.

So continue to live out those dreams, and know we’ll be here for you every step of the way.

D.R. Horton. We are America’s Builder.

D.R. Horton is America's largest new home builder by volume. Since 1978, D.R. Horton has consistently delivered top-quality new homes to homebuyers across the nation. Our livable floor plans, energy efficient features and robust new home warranty demonstrate our commitment to excellence in construction. D.R. Horton new homes are built with unmatched efficiencies-all based on a philosophy from our founder, Donald R. Horton, of creating value every step of the way.

Corpus Christi Street Dance inspires the next generation of breakdancers.

photography by AARON GARCIA

SILVER LININGS SYMPHONY

PERFORMING ARTS ORCHESTRA PERSEVERES THROUGH PANDEMIC CHALLENGES

BY: KIRBY TELLO PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: CC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

he Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) was anticipating a jubilant celebration in honor of its 75th anniversary. Heading into 2020, no one could have anticipated a complete scaling back of such celebration due to a pandemic. And while plans have changed dramatically, the excitement surrounding the Symphony Orchestra’s intent to celebrate this monumental milestone this year remains significant.

Dr. Mark L. Francis, CCSO executive director, said the real challenge in this change in plans is having to recreate everything. “Our staff, board, and musicians all have had to rethink how we do things,” he says. Early on in 2020, however, Francis started making plans for worsening COVID-19 conditions by implementing social distancing restrictions even before the city called for a mandate. Both the musicians and the audience were required to keep safe distances to preempt any potential spreading of germs. At that point, no one knew how severe (or not) the virus was, so Francis made the decision to be exceptionally cautious in protecting the performers and the community.

As we now know, this pre-planning paid off. Along with offering socially distanced performances, Francis even thought about the financial limitations that could arise for audience members as a result of unforeseen changes in work status and income. However, the 2020 concert line-up wound up being rescheduled and reimagined for 2021.

“We are looking forward to resuming concerts [this] year,” Francis says. Not only has the CCSO staff been stretched thin with the additional amount of work it takes in order to plan and replan (and replan) for endless potential scenarios, many of the musicians are fulltime performers and have really felt the absence of performing – perhaps more than anyone else. Looking ahead, CCSO is planning to restart its programming using half of the hall at the Performing Arts Center and with limited performances, offering one morning concert and one evening concert on Saturdays.

As one can expect, forgoing the 75th anniversary celebration was a hard reality. In a lot of ways, cancelling 2020’s performances turned out to be more work than the actual programming. “We were moments away from signing a contract with the San Antonio Master Chorale to play Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with us,” explains Francis. Talks of this collaboration occurred in tandem with the increased instability of the virus. “We had to go through at least two or three changes to what could be performed.”

A normal performance would have anywhere from 60 to 70 musicians; now, attendees can expect to see about 35. But Francis said this reduction in performers actually mirrors the size of what a symphony orchestra would be back in the day. “In the times of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, the production would be smaller anyway. While it may seem limited to what can be performed, it doesn’t affect the quality of the music,” says Francis. This doesn’t necessarily make for a bad situation. The silver lining (if there were ever to be one amid a pandemic) is that some of the smaller pieces that would generally get overlooked are now getting the chance to be shared.

Gabriel Lopez, M.D.

Gabriel Lopez, M.D.

Gabriel Lopez, M.D.

Rudy Garza, M.D.

Are you suffering from Chronic Pain?

Are you suffering from Chronic Pain?

Dr. Lopez may be able to help.

Dr. Lopez may be able to help.

Board Eligible in Pain Medicine

Board Eligible in Pain Medicine

Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

• Treatment options include injections that reduce or alleviate pain and/or a variety of pain relieving medications

• Treatment options include injections that reduce or alleviate pain and/or a variety of pain relieving medications

* Treating all types of chronic pain

* Treating all types of chronic pain

* Most insurances accepted

* Most insurances accepted

• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited to back, neck, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.

• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited to back, neck, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.

* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish

* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish

SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415

SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415

• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending on insurance.

• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending on insurance.

Located bet ween Kostor yz & Weber) www.ccpainmed.com | “Se Habla Español”

Located bet ween Kostor yz & Weber) www.ccpainmed.com | “Se Habla Español”

• Accepting Medicare, Spohn, Humana, BCBS, Humana Gold, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, BCBS Blue Advantage, Workers Comp insurance and Christus Health Silver.

• Accepting Medicare, Spohn, Humana, BCBS, Humana Gold, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, BCBS Blue Advantage, Workers Comp insurance and Christus Health Silver.

Specializing in Interventional Pain | Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Specializing in Interventional Pain | Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology

Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology

THE COASTAL BEND’S OWN TOP (OF THE) ROCK

JACOB MURPHY LEADS CORPUS CHRISTI STREET DANCE AND INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION OF BREAKDANCING

BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: AARON GARCIA

acob Murphy has been b-boying, more commonly known as breakdancing, since the age of 15. Breakdancing is ingrained in his DNA. Murphy let me in on some dance history from the Coastal Bend and discussed his come up with FSR dance crew (Flipped Side Rotten). There were only about four crews in the Coastal Bend during the late ’80s and ’90s, and the break scene is still alive but needs help to maintain its hold in the area. Murphy is still in touch with his friends through FSR, and with the arrival of his son, Murphy’s decision to start Corpus Christi Street Dance (CCSD) is a cultural gift to our city.

Murphy, concerned with the future of the culture, wants to leave a legacy for Corpus Christi and his son. With hopes of cultivating a movement for growth in the breakdancing community, he began holding sessions in the Cole Park Amphitheater. Weekly, he would bring music and intensity for lessons on breakdance fundamentals, popping, and locking – teaching those curious and willing to learn how to break. The Cole Park sessions allowed Murphy to gauge the public’s interest. Seeds were planted, and by 2014 his forest began to grow.

After receiving sound advice from a colleague in San Antonio, Murphy reached out to Corpus Christi Parks and Rec and applied to provide breakdancing classes. “I am an artist, and hip hop has this thing: ‘Each one teach one.’ That part of hip-hop really weighed heavy on me. I want to pass on the knowledge I have,” Murphy says. However, negotiations had to occur to bring the dance courses to fruition. Murphy wanted to provide classes for free since he wants to share his art; he and the city agreed on delivering CCSD for $30 a month.

“A dance class anywhere for 30 dollars a month is unheard of. There is no other class that offers what we offer in Corpus Christi,” Murphy says.

Dancers featured: Founder Jacob Murphy, crew mate Isaac Sanchez, who has helped teach the program and other dance classes for the last 14 years, and Zane Hosey, one of the very first students at CCSD.

Since 2014, CCSD has been growing organically. For one year, it was the most successful program provided by the city. Murphy has received help from his compatriots throughout the years. He also stressed his appreciation and gratitude for Isaac Sanchez and his work to help the program. Murphy understands teaching is something one has to be passionate about, and not everyone has the capability. Especially with finding ways to pivot during COVID-19, when the dance courses moved online temporarily. The issue with online classes is the lack of connection made with students to engage and adequately teach. He admits, “The virtual classes were a success, but not my forte. I felt like I was leading a jazzercise infomercial.”

However, Murphy remains optimistic about CCSD going back to its roots. The program has had to pivot away from virtual classes, but there is potential for courses to begin again at Cole Park Amphitheater once it is safe to do so. What stands out most about this story, outside of the artistry and intention to teach the community about a rare culture, is his desire to give something bigger to his family. Murphy is aiming to provide a brighter future for his son; cultivating a community. This act of love is endearing and powerful. I don’t think there should be any concern about Jacob Murphy leaving a legacy for the next generation.

CONTACT: @cc_street_dance

facebook.com/jacobmurphystreetdance

a delighttropical

BY: JO ANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS BY: HEIDI HUSEMAN

Color Story. A fun and vibrant color palette of blues, greens, and pinks was decided on from the beginning. I find that starting with a set range of colors for your event allows for consistency to be achieved through planning every step of the way.

Lasting Memories. Ditch the traditional guest book for something more suitable to your theme. For this event, a custom surfboard was created for guests to write sweet messages to the debutante and birthday girl to cherish forever.

parting words

This debutante party doubled as a birthday celebration for a wonderful gal. With a twisted tropical theme, the Texas State Aquarium perfectly set the stage for the evening. From signature cocktails served in front of the shark tank to electric lights beaming in every corner, no detail was left unperfected.

Tropical florals and throughout the event to create an immersive experience. Variations of palms, ferns, and monstera leaves were intentionally crafted into a beautiful display, welcoming guests to

Chef Javi Chapa brings a new taste – we mean, take – on the taco experience.

photography

by RACHEL

NEW YEAR, NEW FOOD

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION RECIPES FOR THREE HEALTHY DISHES

BY: KAYLA BUTTS

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

e made it. 2020 is now in the record books as one of the suckiest years ever.

Each new year offers the potential for a new beginning: envisioning new goals, throwing out bad habits, and reimagining ourselves into the people we wish to be. In 2020, our nation endured raging fires and calamitous hurricanes, an overheated political environment, volatile personal and financial markets, and, of course, an epic plague. The tribulations of last year make our modest New Year’s resolutions look like a cakewalk!

This year, let’s be kinder to ourselves and gentler to others. Let’s begin by honoring our bodies with foundational good health. As a dietitian, I offer the following suggestions to my patients, especially those suffering from serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. But these tips are good for everyone!

Skip sugar for a week. Drink your coffee black, skip the after-dinner dessert, and no late-night ice cream. When you try sugar in seven days, you will immediately taste how much sugar is in your diet and know how easy it is to limit it.

Cut back on the cocktails. Last year, many of us drowned our sorrows in booze – and we have the extra pounds to prove it. Alcohol is a depressant. It is hard on the mind and body.

Drink more water. Studies show that most people don’t drink enough water. H2O supports our brain and heart function and also helps with weight loss. Not a fan of the clear stuff? Infuse your water with cucumbers, raspberries, or other fruit for a healthy sweetener.

Cook more meals at home from scratch. Cooking from scratch eliminates nearly all the over-processed, GMO, and chemically tainted foods from your diet. Source local farmers for most of your ingredients. The simple steps of buying local and cooking at home have the power to radically transform your health and state of mind.

Pack a lunch. Cooking meals at home makes it easy to plan for and pack lunches. Skipping the drive-thru or food delivery saves money and pounds from the waistline. Packing a lunch gives you real food and solid nutrition, to boost your work throughout the day.

Eat a nutritious breakfast. The most important meal of the day is the one most often missed. A healthy breakfast fuels the metabolism and gets the brain and body primed for the adventures of the day.

Let these recipes help you with your New Year’s nutrition goals. They are more formula than recipe. Substitute any of the ingredients with items you find fresh at the farmer’s market.

The old year is gone and this lovely new year holds such promise! Let’s resolve to be kind to ourselves and to every person we meet in 2021.

RECIPE

Asian Stir-Fry

Serves 4

Economical stew meat is tenderized using the traditional Chinese “velveting” method, which is appropriate for boneless cuts of chicken, pork, and beef. If time is of the essence, one can skip the step and have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

INACTIVE PREP TIME: 30 minutes

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs cubed steak/stew meat

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 thumb fresh ginger, grated

2 large carrots, sliced

1 bell pepper, cut into strips

1/2 lb sugar snow peas

1 small head broccoli, cut into bitesized stalks

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp mirin

2 tbsp honey

DIRECTIONS:

To tenderize meat, stir baking soda into 1/3 cup water until mostly dissolved. Massage mixture into meat and let tenderize for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Heat oil in a wok or large sauté pan over high heat. Once oil becomes fragrant, add beef and cook for 3 minutes.

RECIPE

Greek Buddha Bowl

Makes 1 large bowl

Buddha bowls gained popularity as a meatless meal offering after being featured in an issue of Martha Stewart Living in the ’90s. This combination of complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats makes for a delicious take-along lunch, right out of the Mediterranean.

PREP TIME: 7 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

Tabbouleh

1/2 cup quinoa

2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

1 cup spinach, fresh

1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, a.k.a. “chickpeas,” drained and rinsed 1/3 cucumber, sliced

2 ounces feta, crumbled

2 roasted red peppers, chopped

2 ounces kalamata olives, pitted

5 cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Fresh oregano, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Heat 1 cup of water on medium high in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa has swelled. Remove from the heat and cover, letting steam an additional 5 minutes. Add parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, mixing well.

In a large bowl or storage container (2 cup capacity), assemble bowl with tabbouleh, spinach, garbanzo beans, cucumber, feta, red peppers, olives, and tomatoes. Drizzle mixture with remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh oregano, and salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

RECIPE

Chai Overnight Oats

Makes 1 serving

Chai overnight oats are thickened with chia and infused overnight. (Say that five times fast.) A mason jar of this nutritious breakfast is sure to start any day off right.

PREP TIME: 2 minutes

COOK TIME: 5 minutes

INACTIVE PREP TIME: about 8 hours

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup pasteurized, almond, oat, or coconut milk

1 chai tea bag

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Microwave milk for one minute (or heat it in your tea kettle until halfboiling if you’re a purist) in a mug or portable glass storage container without the lid. Once heated, insert chai tea bag into milk and let steep 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix. Store in the refrigerator overnight.

The following morning, remove thickened oatmeal from the refrigerator and enjoy as is or heat until desired temperature is reached.

A POP-UP TO PERK YOU UP

COFFEE SERG BRINGS SPECIALTY COFFEE DRINKS TO A LOCAL BUSINESS NEAR YOU

BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

new local business has "popped up" in town. Coffee Serg is the latest caffeinated experience that brings the coffee bar to you. Eighteen-yearold owner Sergio Espinosa had previous experience as a barista and saw coffee bring people together. Fueled by this admiration, Espinosa sought out a way to cultivate a community encompassed by coffee.

"I knew I wanted to own a coffee shop after I graduated," says Espinosa. "I landed on the idea for a pop-up coffee cart for various reasons; the main reason being a smaller budget. Second, I love supporting local businesses. With a coffee cart, I can set up shop almost anywhere."

After an unfortunate layoff from his previous employment – a circumstance familiar to the challenging times of COVID-19 – Espinosa took advantage of the newfound time to research and plan for his coffee shop endeavor.

"I found that serving quick and easy drinks out of a coffee cart works best. I make hot and iced drinks in one size, about six ounces with specialty coffee. [Coffee Serg] offers espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and non-coffee items such as chai and lavender lemonade. I also offer a special flavored coffee drink each month," says Espinosa.

Coffee Serg’s menu offers a range of caffeinated beverages such as lattes, pour overs, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and café mochas. Extra shots of espresso and flavor add-ins are also available.

Coffee Serg presents a simple, clean black-and-white aesthetic and a built-in espresso machine with a quick cleanup and a seamless packing job, ready to serve specialty coffee wherever you are. Month to month, Coffee Serg rotates among different local businesses.

Regardless of the difficult circumstances brought on by the pandemic, Espinosa remains excited for the future of his business. He hopes to spread the love of #SupportLocal and pop-up in more businesses around town, while exanding his list of items for sale, from merch to bakery items.

"COVID-19 has made it more challenging since most people are staying home, but I've had a lot of customers come back and tell me how much they love my drinks. As a new and young business owner, hearing positive feedback makes me feel good about myself and what I'm doing," says Espinosa. "I am so happy with the customers that I have met, and I look forward to the new customers that will eventually find me."

CONTACT: @TheCoffeeSerg_

ISave 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.

Call South Texas Endodontics:

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

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.

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

WHERE TO EAT

CORPUS CHRISTI

AMERICAN

8TE $ •

A shabby chic interior that features classic comfort dishes with a modern twist! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. 1220 Airline Rd. #250, (361) 723-0261

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

CRUZY'S $ •

Tacos take on a whole new meaning at new local favorite, Cruzy’s. Each taco features carefully chosen ingredients to create dishes you won’t find anywhere else. 7042 S. Staples #108, (361) 452-2081, cruzys.com

HAMLIN FOUNTAIN & GIFTS $ •

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. 3801 Staples St, (361) 853-7303

HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$ •

Smoked fresh barbeque on a strong German heritage background and a satisfaction for something unique. South Texas barbeque that comes from the heart. 711 Concrete St, (361) 884-4227, hoegemeyers.com

IRIE’S ISLAND FOOD $ •

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

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, (210) 418-4819, blacksheepbistro.net

PADRE ISLAND BURGER CO $$ ••

Burgers, burgers, and burgers! Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu. 11878 TX-361, padreislandburgercompany.com

POETS FAMILY RESTAURANT $ •

A hidden gem among locals, Poets is a family style restaurant serving up a wide array of delicious home cooking. You’ll be greeted with smiling faces, laughs, and of course their complimentary chips and salsa. 4825 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 993-2170

PADRE ISLAND

SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $ ••

Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or have a nice cold beverage. Don’t forget the homemade desserts! 15113 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0505, surfsidesandwichshoppe.com

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. 5884 Everhart Rd, (361) 334-0202, theblueclove.com

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) 886-3510, omnihotels.com

THE POST AT LAMAR PARK $$ ••

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, along side a beer or cocktail of course! 411 Doddridge St #102, (361) 452-0907, thepostlamarpark.com

TOWN & COUNTRY CAFÉ $ •

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

ASIAN

AKA SUSHI $$ •

Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine is made by a masterful chef with scratch recipes that will blow your mind. 415 Water St, (361) 882-885, akasushicorpus.com

DOKYO DAUNTAUN $$ ••

One of the Coastal Bend’s highly regarded restaurants, Dokyo Dauntaun takes an innovative and artistic approach to fine dining. From mouthwatering dishes to creative cocktails, Dokyo never disappoints. 424 N. Chaparral St, (361) 462-2620, dokyodauntaun.com

NINJA RAMEN & THAI $ •

Japanese ramen featuring the most delicious broth is just one aspect of Ninja Ramen & Thai’s delicious cuisine. This family-owned-and-operated spot

features a great menu and excellent service. 2033 Airline Rd #E5, (361) 4522622, ninjaramenandthai.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 cold appetizer then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, rockandrollssushi.com

SANG’S IMPERIAL CAFÉ $$ •

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

VIETNAM RESTAURANT $$$ •

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

Z COUNTER $ •

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and more. 1220 Airline Rd #155, (361) 991-1115, z-counter.com

BAR&GRILL

BITES BAR & GRILL $$ •

This local water hole serves up a lot more than just good drinks. Their menu features all your favorite bar bites like epic loaded nachos, wings, street tacos, and more. 4535 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 334-4006

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, 5550 Holly Rd brewsterstreet.net

EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB $ ••

The most beloved casual dive dining spot serving up the best in burgers, beer and live music. Make sure to stop by on Tuesday nights for $2 Pints! 306 N Chapparal St, (361) 884-7873, waterstmarketcc.com

FINS $$ •••

For years they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb. Angus beef burgers and delicious chicken dishes plus a full bar. They’re also home to the “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” service for all the fisherman out there. 420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, finsgrillandicehouse. com

FULTON IRISH PUB $ •

For a seaside bar where you can raise a glass and sing, the Fulton Irish Pub is unmatched. This source for flavors of Ireland creates meals with local-sourced, fresh ingredients and won’t disappoint. 301 N Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 450-5115, fultonsirishpubandgrill.com

CAFÉ

CORAL BEAN CAFE $ •

This Southside staple will be your new go-to spot for caffeinated beverages and light breakfast and lunch fare. The high quality beverages and espresso will impress even the connoisseurs. 7426 S Staples, (361) 334-0194

HESTERS CAFE $ ••

This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up invintive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, hesterscafe.com

JB’S GERMAN BAKERY $ •••

Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, jbsgermanbakery.com

SUGARBAKERS $ •

Made from scratch French and European cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The perfect spot for a simple breakfast or lunch with the family. 2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, sugarbakerscc.com

EUROPEAN

BIEN MÉRITÉ $ •

This female run bakery serves up sensational french inspired pastries, cakes, croissants, and more. Satisfy your cravings at this quaint, and beautifully appointed eatery. 1316 S Staples St, (361) 334-0241, bienmerite.com

DRAGONFLY $$$ •

A 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

ERINI'S GYROS & MORE $ ••

Authentic Greek food in the form of gyros, homemade pita, lamb-stuffed pita, and more can be found here. Dine in or sit outside at one of their picnic benches for a delicious bite.

4360 S Alameda St, (361) 334-2150, eirinisgyros.com

ITALIAN

B&J'S PIZZA - BREWPUB $$ •

This popular neighborhood spot makes all our pizza and beer dreams come true. Their classic hand-tossed dough will have you hooked on these top-notch pies. Delicious wings, subs, and more can also be found here. 6662 S Staples, (361). 985-6474, bandjspizza.com

BELLINO $$ ••

Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these delectable dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! Perfect spot for your next date night! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, bellinostexas.com

HOUSE OF ROCK $ •

Top notch pizza and appetizers, cold beer, cocktails, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625

LUCIANO'S $$ •

The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, crafted from traditional practices passed down through generations. 1821 S Alameda St, (361) 882-3191, lucianositalian.com

PADRE PIZZERIA $ •

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

VENETIAN HOT PLATE $$$ ••

Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 7497617, venetianhotplate.com

MEXICAN

HI-HO RESTAURANT $ •

One of the oldest, and most cherished taquerias in town, Hi-Ho’s is undoubtedly the go-to place for breakfast tacos. 3703 Morgan Ave, (361) 888-4992

LA PLAYA BY THE BAY $$ ••

A vibrant, bi-level Tex-Mex eatery and full service bar in a contemporary, colorful space with large outdoor seating right in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. And that view! 227 N Water St, (361) 885-7702

RESTAURANT SAN JUAN $ •

A down-to-earth, colorful haciendathemed atmosphere with an extensive Mexican menu, including whole fish, fajitas, and breakfast! 410 Cut-Off Rd, (361) 749-6521

ROSITA’S TACO SHOP $ •

This family-owned-and-operated taco shop in Rockport serves up some of the most delicious tacos and Mexican dishes in the Coastal Bend. 402 E Market St, (361) 790-8513

SONNY’S BARBACOA $ •

This quaint taco shop is the place to go if you’re searching for barbacoa. Using only prime cuts of meat to assure the freshest, a best tasting tacos around, Sonny’s Barbacoa is no joke. 4066 S. Port Ave, (361) 808-7711

TO-CE-CHI $ •

A genuine and authentic Mexican dining experience is the only thing on the menu at this local spot. To-Ce-Chi brings a refreshing take on authentic Central Mexican cuisine with dishes like El Zarape and Sopes. 4028 Weber Rd, (361) 334-3432

YOLA COCINA MEXICANA $$ ••

Taking it back to the neighborhoods in Mexico City, this chic and timeless dining spot serves up authentic Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 3818 S Alameda, (361) 334-0020

MIDDLE EASTERN

KUZINA LEBANESE GRILL $ •

Featuring delightful and traditional Lebanese cuisine, this local gem transports you across oceans to a Lebanese seaside café. Scoop up some tabbouleh with pita, top the falafel with hummus, and enjoy! 3801 Saratoga Blvd #113, kuzinagrill.com

MIDDLE EASTERN MARKET + DELI $ •

Both a bodega and deli, Middle Eastern Market has a something for everyone. From daily deli specials to an expansive selection of spices and more, this spot is a must!

5405 Everhart Rd, (361) 854-9445

SUFI KABOB $ •

Sufi Kabob’s menu features the entire expanse of the Middle East region right at your fingertips. From Pakistani and Persian to Indian and even Halal, this menu offers casual eats for every palate. 7150 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 356-6715

SEAFOOD

BLACK MARLIN BAR & GRILL $$ ••

Sit indoors, sit outdoors, enjoy the Gulf Coast while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music, craft cocktails and some of the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 7494653, blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

COSTA SUR $$ ••

This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are exciting, fresh takes on traditional dishes from South America. Perfect for ending a long beach day. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 945-8303 costasurcc.com

GLOW $$ ••

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

HARRISON’S LANDING $$ •••

Local waterfront treasure serving up the best in casual dining, relaxed happy hour, and leisure shopping experiences. 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, harrisonslanding.net

ISLAND TIME SUSHI BAR + GRILL $ •

A notable Island favorite, Island Time Sushi Bar serves up fresh and colorful sushi rolls and a variety delectable seafood dishes. With excellent cocktail options, this spot offers it all. 14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-3046

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

LISABELLA’S BISTRO $$$ •

Casual coastal elegance with a familyfriendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, lisabellas.com

ROOSEVELT’S $$$ •

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

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$ •

Extensive menu makes sure to have something for everyone. Food made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. Make sure to stop by during happy hour for drink specials. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

SNOOPY’S PIER $ •••

Outdoor dining experience and local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, snoopyspier. com

WATER STREET OYSTER BAR $$ ••

Long-standing and beloved Corpus Christi landmark serving up oysters, sushi rolls and fresh Gulf seafood in a historic, brick building in the heart of downtown. 309 N Water St, (361) 8819448, waterstreetmarketcc.com

YARDARM $$$ •••

Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating. Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees. 4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157

STEAKHOUSE

KATZ 21 $$$ ••

Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, katz21.com

NIKOS STEAKHOUSE $$ •

Committed to the motto “Great Food, Great Times. Great Experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will truly exceed any steak lover’s expectiations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, nikossteakhouse.com

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS $$$ ••

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend. A multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 886-3515, omnihotels.com

THAI

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$ ••

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

THAI COTTAGE $$ ••

Unique and refreshing, Thai curries meet teriyaki and Chinese dishes in a cozy pink cottage. 5830 McArdle Rd, (361) 993-0777, thai-cottage.com

THAI SPICE $$$ •

Family owned and operated for over 12 years, this restaurant is an intimate fixture providing curries, noodles & other traditional Thai dishes in a upscale relaxed atmosphere.

523 N Water St, (361) 883-8884

CRUZY’S FLAVOR CRUSADE

re-imagining of tacos and beer, a beloved pastime, is taking place at the hands of multifaceted chef Javi Chapa and the family-owned and -operated Cruzy’s. With a clear love for tacos and the perfect environment to enjoy them in, the restaurant opened last year for the foodie scene just waiting to dive into the experience. Here, you’ll find that a common mantra is Hecho Con Amor, and if you haven’t had a taco made with love yet, it’s time to take a bite.

“My son’s name is Cruz, that’s where the name comes from and that’s why there’s a picture of him blasted up on the wall,” Javi smiles. “He’s such a happy kid, and he brought so much joy, so we wanted to bring him into the restaurant. That picture of him smiling just kind of brings that environment we wanted to share with everybody.”

The spacious restaurant is dutifully run by the family, with Javi’s wife, Sarah, running the front of the house, and his sister working in the back of the house. His mother is often helping out, while he runs the kitchen and works with the staff on new flavors and ideas. His children, Cruz and Avea Lynn, just hang out and provide the smiles.

The tacos you’ll find at Cruzy’s are unlike the traditional taco stands in town. Take the OG Langosta, a menu item Javi’s served before (hence the “OG”), with a piping hot lobster tail resting amid roasted pico corn, queso, and microgreens on a purple hibiscus corn tortilla, resulting in a colorfully palatable experience.

“I wanted to take all of my experience with French, barbeque, Asian cooking, and kind of pull all that into a taco concept,” Javi explains.

“Throughout the menu, you’ll see Asian inspiration, barbeque inspiration, Peruvian inspiration, French techniques … it’s sort of a melting pot of everything put into this concept.”

Local fav menu items: Sebastian 86: An entire battered soft shell crab in a flour tortilla with cabbage, corn pico, poblano aioli, and watercress. Big Chapa: Short rib with chihuahua cheese, veggies, avocado, garlic aioli, and salsa roja on a flour tortilla. The Cruzer: A black angus fajita taco on a flour tortilla with roasted corn pico and wild mushrooms, topped with queso and chimichurri.

Every taco on the menu is a whole different story, and this comes with careful ingredient selection from the chefs. The kitchen at Cruzy’s also takes advantage of using scratch, local ingredients, preparing everything by hand and sourcing from local vendors. Though it can be a lot of work, the difference is in the taste.

“Everything is in every taco for a reason, because it pairs with something or complements something else,” Javi says.

Adding to this experience, Cruzy’s has begun dabbling in new takes on sushi, offered on one day of the week only. On Wednesdays, you’ll find that taco ingredients can do pretty hot on sushi, such as in the Borracho roll or the Que Honda, Wey?

For the future of Cruzy’s, the team is imagining a brunch Sunday that will include a Make-Your-Own Michelada bar and brunchtailored tacos.

Find out which of their tacos is your favorite at their spacious, family- and friends-friendly restaurant.

CONTACT:

7402 S. Staples | cruzys.com

looking back

Cliff Maus’s Field

BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO BY: DOC MCGREGOR, CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

When commercial air travel began in the 1910s, so did talk about when Corpus Christi would build its own city airport. By the late 1920s, the news was buzzing with feats of flight, including Charles Lindbergh’s flight over South Texas on his nonstop flight from D.C. to Mexico City. In 1928, voters approved a bond to build an airport. Before the runway was even completed, Cliff Maus landed his plane.

At first, the planes seen over Corpus Christi’s skies were part of Maus’s business ventures with partner Bob Maverick. Their airline, Texas Air Company, mainly did crop dusting. New pilots earned their wings at their Southern Academy of Aeronautics.

In 1929, the airport was fully opened for passengers, with flights to San Antonio and Brownsville. Just a year later, more

than 200 military and commercial planes landed per month, and Cliff Maus was hired to manage the airport. From demonstration flights to quick stops by famous aviators like Jimmy Doolittle, Maus helped put the Corpus Christi airport on the map.

Maus left the airport in 1934 and lost his life in a plane crash soon after. In his memory, the City Council voted to change the airport’s name to Cliff Maus Municipal Airport.

Eventually, the airplanes of Maus’s time weren’t able to keep up with the demand for air travel. Even though this meant replacing the airport he knew, there’s no doubt Maus would be thrilled with the number of people who experience flights from Corpus Christi International each year.

Travelers stand beside propeller planes at the municipal airport, Jan. 15, 1938.

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