February 2017 by The Bend Magazine

Town

Night out on the

+ Meet the Men of The Bend + The Tale of Toro de Lidia Tequila

2 The Bend

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Facial Rejuvenation (Facelifts) Injectables (such as Botox and Restylane) or in-office procedures are adequate for many people who are interested in a more refreshed look, but this is not enough for everyone. If there is too much extra skin, especially in the neck, upper and lower eyelids, or in the jowl area, then surgical treatment is required. A facelift that re-suspends the tissues and removes the extra skin in the neck and jowls will give the desired results. This can be combined with a fat transfer that gives back volume and gives the skin a much fresher look. Sometimes a blepharoplasty (a surgery that removes the extra skin and fat in the eyelids) is also needed. Down time is usually one week to return to regular social activities and two weeks to return to unrestricted activities. A properly performed procedure will not leave you with an â&#x20AC;&#x153;overdoneâ&#x20AC;? look, and the incisions heal very well and are hidden in the natural skin creases around the ear. A well-done procedure should have your friends asking why you look so refreshed.

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After you decide you want facial rejuvenation, the next step is to pick your plastic surgeon. He or she will be honest and tell you if surgery is the best option opposed to injectable treatment. It is very important to make sure your plastic surgeon is well trained, has completed his or her residency successfully and is board certified. In plastic surgery, a membership in the American Board of Plastic Surgery confirms that your surgeon has successfully completed residency, passed their board exams, and follows the high ethical and professional standards set by the organization. Not everyone is board certified. It is also important to make sure that you have a good rapport with your plastic surgeon and his or her office staff.

Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele At The Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele, MD, FACS, who is a board certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, we put the patient first and strive to provide the best care with the highest standards and the latest proven technologies at the best value. Dr. VJ, as he is known by many of his patients, has been performing these procedures in Corpus Christi for the past eight years. Dr. Vijay is a military veteran, from the United States Air Force, and is an active member of the Corpus Christi Community.

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Using Your Head – Preventing Brain Injuries In the United States, more than 5 million people live with disabilities caused by brain injuries. Brain injuries can affect individuals physically, emotionally, or behaviorally, and are often caused by falls, traffic accidents or blows to the head. To help prevent a brain injury: • Wear a helmet when there is any chance of a fall • Wear a seatbelt • Use appropriate child car seats • Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs • Hold the rails on stairways • Clear obstacles from hallways, stairs, sidewalks • Use child safety gates on stairs If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, we can help you reach the highest level of cognitive and physical independence possible.

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Contents FEBRUARY 2017 | The Nightlife Issue

Features

Night Out on the Town

Toro de Lidia Tequila

Open House

Men of the Bend

8 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Monthly | Departments

Around the Bend 20 Style 24 Currents 26 Conversation 28 5 Best 30 Giving Back

Destinations 34 Quick Trip 36 Local Discovery

Health 66 Be Well 69 Fitness

Home & Garden 72 Open House 79 Gardening 80 Spaces

Out & About 84 Arts & Culture 88 Celebration 92 Date Book 94 Social Hour

Cuisine 100 Farm to Table 104 Dining Guide 106 The Drink 110 The Dish

History 114 Looking Back Copyright © 2017 Gemstone Media, LLC. The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine is published by Gemstone Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

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Waterfront Specialists of Texas 361-729-6500 | Cell: 361-774-9424 | www.RockportProperties.com | Mark@RockportProperties.com 14 La Buena Vida | La Buena Vida, Rockport Texas Dramatic waterfront Estate home on 2 lots in gated community. Stately foyer with domed ceiling. Formal dining, 2 story great room with fireplace, walk-in wet bar. Chef’s kitchen-Miele ovens, walk-in pantry, granite, island and breakfast bar. Huge master Suite down with exercise room. Mother in-law suite with kitchenette and sitting room plus additional guest bedroom. 4 bedrooms and game room with wet bar up plus terrace. Covered outdoor kitchen, in-ground pool, boat dock and lift, two double garages. Impact windows and doors, surround sound. 6990 $2,250,000 | #125198 1 Blue Heron | Key Allegro, Rockport, Texas Premier Key Allegro home with panoramic views of Aransas Bay on wrap-a-round deck. Truly an entertainer’s dream amidst an outdoor covered cabana bar and kitchen. Heated pool, hot tub, 7 bedroom /6.5 bath, master suite with balcony access. Open floor plan features island kitchen with granite countertops and spacious living area. A few other features include numerous wet bars, game room, and elevator. Separate guesthouse has access to the covered boathouse, which encompasses 30’ foot boat slips. Total square footage does not include the covered outdoor pavilion and living space! $2,235,000 | #126825 2503 Turkey Neck Circle | Harbor Oaks, Rockport Texas Exquisite waterfront Haven with dramatic flair. Architectural details include motor court, commanding entry door, Pyramid Hip Roofs in/out, stone columns, interior fire pit w/copper flue, copper vent hood, walls of windows and interior courtyards. Outdoor entertaining at its finest w/10,000 sf Clear Heart Cedar deck, heated pool, dining pavilion, multiple living spaces, landscape lighting, boat dock and boat lift. Chef’s kitchen with granite, oversized island and stainless appliances. Secluded master wing with 2 bedrooms, 2 luxurious baths, fireplace, walkins. 3 guest suites each with private entrance. $1,995,000 | #125967 Aransas Princess Penthouse Port Aransas, Texas 13 La Buena Vida, La Buena| Vida, Rockport, Texas Rooftop Paradise! Port A's sunrises like you've never seen from your Custom-built Mediterranean home on the waterfront in prestigious ocean view master suite with 1,600 square foot rooftop patio. La Buena Vida. 4BR/4.5BA allows plenty of entertaining space for Panoramic views second to none. Designer features included in sale large family or corporate retreat. Oversized granite bar, commercial of this magnificent home from furniture, top of the line appliances, kitchen. Huge outdoor living space is an entertainer’s dream with accessories which all convey along with all artwork on the walls. infinity pool and convection kitchen. Alloven, Saltillo tile on main floor. Up Franke the Kitchen features granite, trash compactor, grand staircase are all 4 spacious bedrooms and an elevator. Find stainless sink, ice maker and wine refrigerator. Electric storm serenity in the Master suite with privatetobalcony forever shutters. Amenities include boardwalk beach, with 2 pools, and water tennis views. This true luxurious waterfront at Call its very finest! courts. Firstisclass on the beach can beliving yours! Danny Clark at 210-378-7787 $1,395,000 | #127075 $1,000,000 | #126834

Members of Rockport, Corpus Christi, and Victoria MLS | ‘As seen in duPont Registry’ - www.dupontregistry.com/homes 10 The Bend

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Serving South Texas Since 1947

Sarah Medina, DDS Dr. Sarah Medina is a south Texas native and is excited to be back home! She is a graduate of Robstown High School, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Texas A&M University - Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Sarah loves providing quality dentistry with a gentle touch. She enjoys getting to know her patients and their families. Dr. Sarah is on the board of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society and a member of the Corpus Christi Dental Study Club. When she isn’t at the office, she enjoys the great outdoors, whether it be fishing, hunting, running, or just hanging out with her friends and family.

Services: · Comprehensive Care · Veneers · Dental Implants · Crowns · Teeth Whitening

General Dentists: Prosthodontist: Sarah Medina, DDS Chad Allen, DDS, MS William Tinnell, DDS Alex Vial-Nadeau, DMD Nancy Coll, DMD Charles Allen, DDS

Corpus Christi: (361) 854-7999 525 Doddridge Corpus Christi (361) 992-8900 6200 Saratoga Blvd #102, Corpus Christi

Portland: (361) 643-0416 101 Cox Drive, Portland, TX allendentalgroup.co

Accessories Appareal Baby Clothes Furniture Home Decor Kids Toys Local Art & More! 1710 S. Alameda St. Corpus Christi, TX 78404 Monday - Saturday 9am to 5pm 361-881-1091 ends February 28

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PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas

Hours

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12 The Bend

There may be nothing more time-honored than a popcorn and movie night. Sit back and enjoy the show! Photo by: Dustin Ashcraft Location: Harbor Playhouse

FEBRUARY 2017

100 N Shoreline Corpus Christi, TX 361-881-8325 www.studiocgallery.com

On the Cover

The Coastal Bendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lifestyle Magazine

Studio C Gallery

#TBFavDate VOLUME 4/ISSUE 1

Studio C Gallery, located within the Art Center of Corpus Christi, houses a variety of high quality, original artwork for your home or office, as well as, fine gifts and wearable art created by well respected Texas artists.

What's your favorite date night spot?

Town

Night out on the

+ Meet the Men of The Bend + The Tale of Toro de Lidia Tequila

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Meet Our Orthodontist

es i t r a on p s i t a u grad s Reuniones Clas te Parti rties Privastmas Pa tings Chri ness Mee ners Busi arsal Din ering Rehe ption Cat Rece

Orthodontics for adults and children. We focus on preventive care to help your family grow healthy smiles that last a Timothy A. Kuhlman, D.D.S. lifetime.

Open for Lunch Mon - Fri (11a-3p)

After Hours & Weekends available for Private Parties & Events

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Located in Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exclusive Northshore Community...

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February | Staff Note

I C TAT T

NEW YEAR. NEW START.

NEW YOU!

From the Desk of

Whitney Noble, Managing Editor Issue at a glance: + Comprehensive Consultations + Microblading + Feathering + Minimal Discomfort + Color Matching + Sanitary

TINA LAIN Cosmetic Tattooer

Licensed certified intradermal technician specializing in creating beautifully structured eyebrows. The art of microblading is an advanced brow embroidery technique utilized to create a fuller brow. Tina has over 10-years of experience in the tattooing industry with a strong eye for detail and a steady hand. Her talent and experience allows expert performance of her craft while ensuring the best quality in cosmetic tattooing for her clients.

GOLD DUST COSMETIC TATTOOING by Pinnacle Tattoo

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14 The Bend

Married, dating, or single? Odds are, the answer is yes! No? “It’s complicated”? Without getting too personal, I’ll just say, read on. No matter your marital status, there is a little something for everyone between this popcorn-loving couple on the cover and the old Zale’s location on Chaparral Street in the back. No matter where you live or who you’re hanging with, we’ve put together three night-out itineraries for you to follow. All we’ve left for you to do is pick your outfit and make the reservations.

People you will meet:

You’ll also have the pleasure of meeting four special men who take great pride in their work, their community, and the betterment of everyone and everything around them. They are ambitious, influential, and show the true meaning of loving and caring for where they live. But there’s a special catch. They are handsome, charismatic, and <drum roll, please> they are single! Ladies, you’re welcome. The Post played host to the photo shoot, where each man was asked to choose his go-to drink. What I consider to be common knowledge, your favorite beverage can help loosen you up when there’s a giant camera watching your every move move. Yet, interestingly enough, none of our bachelors chose tequila. Luckily, we got that covered.

Behind the scenes: A few months ago, I was invited to attend a tequila-tasting dinner. The talented chef at Water Street and a tequila company called Toro de Lidia joined forces to put together a delectable 4-course meal where the cuisine paired perfectly with types of tequila varying in age. I, for one, really learned a lot from the owner of the brand, Corpus Christi native Bryan Tierce, who spent the evening educating us on the different types we were sipping (er…throwing back in one or two cases). As I taxied home, tipsy and inspired, I thought that Tierce’s passion for his award-winning product needed to be share with the Coastal Bend. It may have begun with tequila, but you’ll see, it doesn’t end there.

Parting thoughts: February is a month that most associate with love. The style section showcases a gorgeous bride, and our featured drinks for Valentine’s Day are sexy and desirable. But my real hope is you feel that love reaches beyond just romantic topics. It’s the love we have for you, our community, and this magazine that resonates far deeper than these pages. [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Full House

by DRV

Luxury Asset Hauler

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February | Letter From The Publisher

Choose Your Own Night Out

s a kid, I really loved reading those choose-your-own adventure novels. Sometimes I looked ahead to make sure I wasn’t heading straight toward an impending disaster. Getting to be a part of how things play out in the story and choosing your own ending is a part of what made those novels so popular. Our region is somewhat similar. The Coastal Bend offers a diverse landscape of entertainment and adventures that appeal to almost anyone. We have the power to choose our own adventure after the sun sets. Starting on page 52, we mapped out a few incredible nights out on the town in the Coastal Bend. No matter what your idea of a great night out is, there is something for you in this month’s feature. For those looking for a quiet, romantic evening, Rockport offers a mix of art, wine and delicious seafood. If music and entertainment is more your thing, Downtown Corpus Christi features a vibrant mix of art and music throughout the SEA District and the Marina Arts District. The Island has a laid back vibe where you can cook your catch and kick back with a margarita without leaving the pier. There is truly something for everyone here. Just like the adventure novels, we simply presented some options. But you choose your own adventure. With love in the air this month, our staff couldn’t avoid showing off some new wedding trends in our style section on page 20 and getting to know some of the most eligible men in the area. On page 45, we share the story of Corpus Christi native Bryan Tierce, who shares his passion for tequila making and the culture and romance surrounding the spirit originating from agave. Every new issue is a new adventure for the entire staff and me. We love this region, and we are passionate about sharing stories about the people and places that make it a great place to live, work, and play. With a business, as with anything in life, there are a lot of paths to choose. For 2017, as The Bend approaches its 3-year anniversary, I want to continue to produce a publication that you are proud of and love to read.

Favorite Page I would like to thank our friends Hannah and Alex for helping us out with our Night Out on The Town feature. It included multiple wardrobe changes and traveling all over the Coastal Bend. Photographer Dustin Ashcraft did an incredible job with the lighting and locations to capture the perfect moment. Hannah and Alex are in fact engaged, and we are happy to announce that they will be happily married by the time this issue releases.

16 The Bend

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18 The Bend

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Around the Bend FEBRUARY 2017

STYLE 20 CURRENTS 24 CONVERSATION 26 5 BEST 28 GIVING BACK 30

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside In the original Cinderella story, written by the Brothers Grimm, when Cinderella lost her glass slipper, her step sisters took drastic measures to make it "fit." One cut off her big toe, while the other cut off a bit of her heel. Thankfully, there is no onesize-fits-all approach to brides today.

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Get the Look: Dress by Julian Gold | Styling by Jo Anne Howell, Oh Goodie Designs + Events 20 The Bend

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BlushinG

Bride

By: Jo Anne Howell Photos: Rachel Durrent

The traditional white or off-white wedding dress is becoming less mainstream while this blush-colored version is the new avant-garde. A blush dress is romantic and unforgettable. With many brides getting married a bit later on in life than days past, they’re embracing the modern woman, and rules are becoming more nontraditional. Brides today are even going for a colorful watercolor effect or colored flowers added to the trim. More brides are saying “Yes!” to a dress that boasts a personal touch and their individuality. Floral patterns, appliqué dresses, and lots of texture and layers are just a few trends to keep your style eye on this wedding season.

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Something

Blue

Pack tradition away, and let blue come through as you whisk away on your honeymoon. Customarily, brides will wear something blue on their wedding day. But why not plan your honeymoon with goodies that will pamper you? Dress in hues from the blue waters to the blue moon. Perfect for that tropical getaway you may be planning, something blue can inspire you as you begin your packing. From beauty products, to clothing and accessories, blue is on trend for the year. Try out a bold navy. Blue represents faithfulness and loyalty, so what better way to show your true colors than by dressing and accessorizing in true blue fashion.

Tunic - Michael Stars

Bag - Tory Burch

Heels - Pelle Moda Panties - Hanky Panky Self Tanner - St. Tropez

Sunscreen Oil - Supergoop Insect Repellent - Aromaflage Perfume - Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Acqua Jeans - Frame Necklace - Modern Moghul Chokers - Nakamol Chicago Key Ring - O-Venture

22 The Bend

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Get the Look: All Products by Julian Gold | Styling by Jo Anne Howell, Oh Goodie Designs + Events

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Around the Bend | Currents

Currents By: Jarred Schuetze

Cheese Please!

As the Shops at La Palmera are near to filling up each store front, the public awaits one shop in particular that has been teasing us with ‘coming soon’ signs since the beginning of summer. Urban Bricks is set to open in early 2017 and will be the newest pizza eatery to grace the Coastal Bend with a downpour of marinara. Stocked with the hottest imported brick ovens from Italy and dough made fresh in-house every day, Urban Bricks wants to embrace the pizza eating culture by providing a customized experience for every taste without compromising quality or speed. They even deliver!

Maps, Apps, & Marketing Traps

Have no fear, this trap is one you’ll want to fall into. The Marina Arts District of Corpus Christi has partnered with the Distrx app and local shops and restaurants to help save you some money in 2017. Stroll your favorite local district and receive special greetings, offers and promotions from merchants as you approach their stores. This app uses iBeacon technology to allow merchants to reach customers via proximity-based mobile marketing. As you arrive within the perimeter of the Marina Arts District, you’ll receive a welcome message and list of participating merchants. Search by location or categories, and see the special offers available for you that day.

24 The Bend

Grocery Store with So Much More

A new grocery store has moved in to downtown Corpus Christi and is set to open its doors soon. Adding to the revitalization of downtown, the owners of the successful café, Sugarbakers are introducing their next business venture Urbana Market + Deli. Stationed on the corner of N. Chaparral and Lawrence St., the new owners hope that being across from newly-built Cosmopolitan Apartments will be beneficial to business. Aside from a classic grocery store, a deli with ready-to-eat meals and custom sandwiches, the space will include a café area for those who want to dine in.

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ARTISTRY BEAUTY

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Membership matters:

Dr. Gentile is member of the elite American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and others too many to mention. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Did you know that in most states including Texas, any licensed physician can perform cosmetic procedures without being Board Certified in Plastic Surgery? Cosmetic surgeons such as Dr. Gentile have completed rigorous training in facial plastic surgery and plastic surgery. It is incumbent upon YOU to check that your surgeon is indeed Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. WHY choose Dr. Gentile? … He has over 30 years experience in Cosmetic Surgery. His surgery skills leave patients not only looking and feeling younger, but the true artistry of a skilled surgeon’s hand leaves patients with a more natural, youthful look. When you decide to have plastic surgery, it is because you want a specific outcome…and this outcome is dependent largely upon which plastic surgeon you choose.

Dr. Gentile has been practicing exclusively cosmetic surgery, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments for over 30 years employing the latest techniques. His concern for safety led him to develop the first in-office accredited surgical center in South Texas 20 years ago. Dr. Herve Gentile is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top plastic surgeons with the nation’s highest credentials. He is nominated by the American Registry in the top 5% of America’s most honored professionals. Dr. Gentile is listed by Best Doctors©, Consumer Research Council of America©, and Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors© guide, as well as, many other professional accolades. All of these are chosen by an impartial resource that catalogs the top quality doctors after peer nomination with an extensive research and screening process.

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Around the Bend | Person of Interest

Conversation with

Matt Lohmeier and Jesse Elizondo

Matt Lohmeier with the Corpus Christi Clergy Alliance and Jesse Elizondo with the Homeless Issues Partnership are collaborating in an effort to end chronic homelessness in Corpus Christi by 2019. By: Jordan Regas Photo: Gabriel Mancha

How did you first get involved with Corpus Christiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless population? When I [Lohmeier] arrived here a little over three years ago, I was working in health care at the time as Vice President of Mission Integration with Christus Spohn. I started working with local community clergy and felt myself drawn more to what I was doing with the clergy than my role with the system. I decided to take a risk, leave the system, and really start focusing on building a Clergy Alliance to address social issues in the community, homelessness being the first to which we were drawn. It seems, with a community of this size, we should be able to resolve the issue.

What is the current population of homeless people in our region? We have probably between 300-500 people living on the streets. That is not counting people living in shelters or transitional housing programs (like Good Samaritan, Salvation Army, Metro Ministries or Mother Teresa to name a few). Leaders of the agencies that make up the Homeless Issues Partnership estimate that we have a few hundred people experiencing chronic homelessness in Corpus Christi. There are many that have been helped through transitional housing programs to

26 The Bend

find stable housing, but there is a group of people who have not been able to benefit from those programs for a host of reasons. Our goal is to catalyze a different approach that will end homelessness and restore these people to dignity.

How does your collaboration plan to end chronic homelessness work? We researched a few different approaches other communities are using, as near as Houston and Austin, and as far as Utah and Canada. We stumbled onto the housing first model. Essentially, people are ending homelessness by putting people in housing. There is a housing readiness approach that says when you are ready to stop doing self destructive things, we can move you into stable housing. Housing First takes a different approach. People who engage in self-destructive behavior as a coping method will never make it through the housing readiness model. Housing First seeks to give them dignity, give them a place to stay, and weave in services to help them make better choices and reintegrate into the community. Housing First costs less on average, because it stops the revolving door through hospitals and jails. These are the people who end up in the hospital with unmanaged chronic conditions or in jail for everything from loitering to public intoxication, which all end up being an expense to taxpayers.

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How have recent restrictions on government funding affected local shelters and other homeless service organizations? They are really trying to push people in the direction we are heading. The government is directing its funding away from supportive services and transitional housing and toward programs that get people either rapidly rehoused or into permanent supportive housing. The funding that a lot of organizations have been depending upon was restructured and must go toward something like this, not toward efforts like the Wesley Community Center providing day care services. But, everyone knows that if you don’t have daycare while trying to get a job, you are set up to fail. You can’t be comfortable working at a job while wondering about how your kids are being cared for. A lot of the things we take for granted, are the pieces that have been cobbled together and, as a community, we need to make sure none of the essential pieces get left off because of the funding restructuring.

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When do you hope to end chronic homelessness in Corpus Christi? We have an ambitious goal of 2019. June 20th of that year is the Feast of Corpus Christi which memorializes the 500-year anniversary of Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda giving a sacred name to our community. We plan to celebrate an end to chronic homelessness in this community coinciding with that anniversary.

The Best of Both Worlds Online & Print

Do your really believe this can happen? I’m [Lohmeier] convinced that this is the way to go for those people who are chronically homeless. It is time to end homelessness and stop managing it. We will make a difference in the lives of the bulk of the 300 people we currently have struggling to survive on the street and in the lives of those we invite into the process of helping them heal. When we are ready to claim success, this dehumanizing phenomenon that results from the interaction of poverty, mental illness, substance abuse and general misfortune will be rare, short-term and nonrecurring.

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Around the Bend | 5 Best

Best

Late Night Eats Whataburger

When after hour hunger hits, have no fear, just eat here! Words by: Jarred Schuetze Photo courtesy: House of Rock

House of Rock

Divided into two sections, an event venue and a main bar area with kitchen, House of Rock is perhaps one of the most ideal locations for late night eats. Grab a slice and a beer while enjoying the local and visiting music scene. The kitchen is open seven days a week until 2am and offers specialty pizzas, hot sandwiches, appetizers and more. Merge your quest for late night food, drinks, and fun by heading to this neighborhood hangout. 511 Starr St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Munchies Food Truck

hungry locals flocking in from all areas of the Coastal Bend. With a classic beach bum atmosphere and a kitchen that serves insanely tasty food until 12am, this burger joint is a goto stop for friends to laugh and be social while getting their grub on. 14414 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

The Grub Pub

This downtown hot spot is a fantastic place to combat your late night cravings. Complete with a full-service bar and kitchen that are open until 2am, this pub offers unbelievable drink specials and classic pub food that everyone can enjoy. They also have a mouthwatering Greek menu that is sure to strike a good note with your taste buds. 601 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Bringing late night eats right to your door, Munchies Food Truck will not disappoint. Delivering food until 12am, this fresh and local food truck produces high-quality burgers, sandwiches, wraps and more. Don’t panic the next time you’re stuck at home and begin to get “hangry,” just call Munchies Food Truck and they’ll come to your rescue. (860) 961-6606

* Smoking is allowed in this establishment.

Padre Island Burger Co.

Who doesn’t want a juicy gourmet burger after spending all day at the beach? This Padre Island treasure has

28 The Bend

Giggity’s Restaurant

This Port Aransas restaurant and bar is not one to be overlooked. With live music every day, karaoke, and a kitchen that is open until 1am, Giggity’s is a great latenight stop. Locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of their delicious food. Make your way over and be sure to indulge in their popular chorizo fries. * 722 Tarpon St. Unit A, Port Aransas, TX 78373

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Corpus Christi’s local treasure, Whataburger, was established in 1950 when a man by the name of Harmon Dobson dreamt of creating a burger that you needed two hands to hold. A burger that was so good that customers couldn’t help but shout, “What a burger!” The first burger establishment was a little shack on Ayers Street, proof that big things come in small packages. The community response surpassed his expectations locals were flocking toward this little burger shack known as, Whataburger. In the 1980s, the company opened its doors 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and has since become a go-to for late night grub.

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Around the Bend | Giving Back

Life is Why By: Erin Wilder Photos: Courtesy The American Heart Association

The American Heart Association has their hearts set on reducing death caused by heart disease and stroke.

hances are you know someone who has suffered from heart disease or stroke. Heart disease is still the number one killer of Americans, and stroke is a top 5 cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability. Together, they claim more than 1,000 lives in the Coastal Bend every year. The fact is that some form of cardiovascular disease affects more than one in every three adult Americans. So if it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t someone in your family, or a neighbor or a co-workerâ&#x20AC;Ś it may someday be you.

30 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

The good news is that much of the debilitating or life-threatening impacts of cardiovascular diseases and stroke can be prevented or mitigated through awareness and lifestyle choices. The mission of the American Heart Association (AHA) is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. They confront this critical public health challenge in a number of ways to improve and extend lives. They fund groundbreaking research, are the nation’s leader in CPR education training, are a trusted resource on scientifically-backed diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices; provide science-based treatment guidelines to healthcare professionals to improve quality of care nationwide; and educate lawmakers and the public as they advocate for changes to protect and improve the health of our communities. In Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend, their efforts to build a healthier community have included partnering with top companies, school districts, local hospital systems and EMS providers, community organizations, and hundreds of incredible, dedicated, and passionate volunteers and supporters. Some of the programs include Vestido Rojo, a half-day heart health conference for and about Latina women; Little Hats Big Hearts, a program each February to raise awareness of congenital heart defects by outfitting every newborn in the city with a red knit hat and takehome information for the new parents; and Jump Rope For Heart, their seminal fitness education program that has served elementary school kids for more than 35 years. There are many ways to get involved with the AHA. Participating in one of their annual awareness and fundraising events – the Heart Ball, the Heart Walk, or the Go Red For Women luncheon – will have a direct impact on their extensive scientific research program, the largest in the country, second only to the federal government. Getting your school, company, or church participating in these programs is a great way to contribute to a heart-healthier community. Boldly imagine a world without heart disease or stroke and join in making that vision a reality.

The Miracle Man

Corpus Christi’s own international hair stylist Daniel Ruidant has been called “The Miracle Man,” having twice survived sudden cardiac death while participating in competitive cycling. The second time, Ruidant actually witnessed the moment his heart stopped beating on his fitness tracker. Kept alive by bystander CPR, Ruidant now thrives with an internal defibrillator and is passionate about supporting the work of the American Heart Association (AHA). His story will be featured at this February’s Heart Ball where the AHA highlights local heart and stroke survivors and their stories, in the hope that together cardiovascular disease can be beat. The Corpus Christi Heart Ball attracts over 500 of the city and state’s community leaders in medicine, business, and philanthropy and is the AHA’s premiere fundraising event to drive critical ongoing cardiovascular and stroke research. This year’s gala dinner, “Hearts in Havana,” will be held at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center on Saturday, February 11, and aims to raise a record breaking $400,000.

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32 The Bend

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Destinations FEBRUARY 2017

QUICK TRIP 34 LOCAL DISCOVERY 36

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside The Waco Suspension Bridge that crosses the Brazos River, opened in 1870 and has a main span of 475 feet. It contains nearly 3 million bricks that were locally produced.

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The highly rated HGTV hit show, Fixer Upper, is filmed in Waco, Texas. Starring Waco natives Chip and Joanna Gaines, they also own and operate Magnolia Farms and Magnolia Market at The Silos.

Destinations | Quick Trip

Waking Up in Waco Breathe in the Brazos River and Relax in the Heart O’ Texas By: Jarred Schuetze Photos: Courtesy of Waco Visitor’s Bureau

Rooted deep in Texas history and natural beauty, Waco is anything but ordinary. The mixture of old-world Central Texas charm and modern revitalization is paired with an undeniable sense of local pride; this wonderful city should not be underestimated. Where to Stay: Bed & Breakfast on White Rock Creek is a quaint and cozy retreat nestled in a small wooded valley alongside the historic White Rock Creek. Conveniently located minutes away from popular attractions, yet hidden amongst local scenery, this gem has all its visitors raving. From the rustic atmospheric attention to detail to the warm and friendly connections made with the hosts and other guests, it is impossible not to feel right at home here.

whiterockcreek.com

Where to Eat: With hospitality that is incomparable, and a fine dining experience to last a lifetime, DiamondBack’s, a Texas steakhouse, is an absolute must when visiting Waco. Once you enter the massive wooden doors, you know the night is going to be unforgettable. Though steak is an easy choice for your meal here, don’t neglect to peruse the entire menu so you don’t miss out on the other mouthwatering cuisine. Since its opening in 1996, DiamondBack’s popularity has continued to rise gaining regional and national recognition for its excellence in food, wine and overall experience.

diamondbackswaco.com

Where to Explore: Newcomers and visitors alike, take a stroll through the campus of Baylor University. Chartered in 1845, Baylor is the oldest continuously-operating

34 The Bend

university in Texas. Immersed in a rich history, this stunning campus spans more than a 1,000 acres near the Brazos River. Stop in the Armstrong Browning Library that houses the world’s largest collection of the works and personal effects of poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, as well as the largest collection of secular stained glass. Then proceed to the Burleson Quadrangle and finish by crossing the Brazos to see the famous Baylor Bear’s Stadium. With winding walkways overshadowed by billowing trees, it’s the perfect route for you to walk off last night’s steakhouse dinner.

baylor.edu

Where to Drink: Never have to decide between a fresh cup of coffee or a tall stiff drink, you can have your cake and eat it too – at Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits. Dichotomy features a traditional espresso menu of hot and iced beverages sourced from specially selected roasters all over America. Additionally, they feature a drink menu that reflects on the speakeasy vibe of the ‘20s, bringing to life classic cocktails with a dash of something new. The unique bar also mingles coffee and cocktails together in drinks such as the Dichotomy Old-Fashioned.

dichotomycs.com

Where to Shop: Magnolia Market at The Silo’s is Waco’s newest hub for friends and family to shop, play, and eat. The market and garden are owned and operated by the increasingly popular HGTV couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, of Fixer Upper. From shopping for home décor, to strolling through the gardens, to spending quality time playing lawn games, Magnolia Market is hard to beat on a sunny afternoon. Plus, local food trucks cover the surrounding market area for a quick bite to eat at your convenience.

magnoliamarket.com/silos [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Where to Play: Let your imagination run wild at the Cameron Park Zoo. This Waco treasure sits adjacent to the Brazos River in lush, 52-acres of native vegetation complete with natural running waterfalls, towering trees, and over 300 species of exotic animals. Showcasing natural habitats and close-up encounters, the diverse group of exhibits is sure to inform and inspire all those who take the time to visit this magical place.

cameronparkzoo.com

Where to Relax: A relaxing afternoon in Waco can easily be spent anywhere on the Brazos river. Whether you decide to set out with a group of friends on inner tubes with a cooler full of beer, or you venture off on a trail with paddle boards and canoes, it’s hard to find anything wrong when surrounded by some of Texas’s most beautiful undisturbed nature. Don’t worry about being unprepared, there are several shops near the Brazos that rent out all the materials you may need for your trip down the river.

waco-texas.com

Fun Facts!

• For over 100 years, people have visited local lookout point Lover’s Leap, which sits atop a bluff on the Bosque River and features two picnic pavilions, an observation plaza, a walking trail, and scenic views. • The invention of Dr. Pepper at the Old Corner Drug Store in Waco in 1885 preceded the invention of Coca-Cola by one year.

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Destinations | Local Discovery

Pat Magee: A Texas Surfing Legend

Pat Magee was one of the pioneers of Texas surfing who opened his shop in Port Aransas in 1969 and stayed in business until 2005. He was a state champion surfer in Texas and was the first Texan to be selected to the California surf team back in the early `70s. Magee amassed most of the collection on display in the Texas Surf Museum. The collection was purchased by Brad Lomax before opening the doors to the Texas Surf Museum in 2005, but Magee donated additional memorabilia to help launch the museum. A portion of the museum pays tribute to Magee’s surf shop that outfitted Texas surfers for over 35 years.

Surf & Texas Turf With new educational exhibits and experiences opening in February, the Texas Surf Museum is the perfect place to learn the science of surfing. By: Jordan Regas Photos: Rachel Durrent

ost people wouldn’t believe there is a rich history and strong culture around Texas surfing, but a quick tour around the Texas Surf Museum would silence any doubt. The intimate museum is covered from floor to ceiling in history, educational exhibits, and rows of longboards on display. A giant map of the Texas Gulf Coast is spread across an entire wall and is covered in old photos and articles that make guests immediately feel drenched in Texas surf culture. The Texas Surf Museum, which opened in 2005, explores the history of surfing in general and showcases the Lone Star State’s unique place in that history. The mission of the Texas Surf Museum is to enlighten, educate, and encourage Texas surfing. In June 2014, the Texas Surf Museum transitioned from a privately-owned museum into a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing it to provide more educational opportunities. The museum is currently focused on launching new exhibits that explain the science of surfing. “We want to be an education tool for Corpus Christi,” says owner Brad Lomax. “We think the cool factor will help teachers educate kids. They are possibly more interested in learning something that relates to surfing than if you just start talking about sines and cosines, which all relate to waves.” There is a whole wall dedicated to the physics of surf board fins, and the brand new Wave Tank exhibit was a collaborative effort with the Harte Research Center. The tank allows guests to simulate how waves break along different types of sandbars. Opening in February and running through June is a new photography exhibit by Rodney Bursiel, who met Lomax while touring with Donovan Frankeriter on their stop in Corpus Christi last year. Bursiel’s work includes a wide range of surf photography and ocean life. Also new to the museum is a virtual reality surfing experience created by Robert Weaver, otherwise known as Wingnut, from the famous surf film The Endless Summer.

36 The Bend

“There is a huge problem with kids spending too much time in front of a computer. If you tell somebody to go workout or exercise, that’s not particularly appealing. But if you tell them to paddle out or standup paddle or any water-related sport, you might be able to inspire kids to go exercise and start to eliminate the diabetes that is so rampant down here.” The museum’s emphasis is on encouraging more people to take up surfing in Texas, but it certainly goes beyond the sport to the general well-being of the community. Contact: Just like the waves, the museum is free to visit, but donations are appreciated.

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Men of the Bend By: Sharla Wilkins Photos: Jason Page

Charitable, successful, and driven by love for their communities, these bachelors are the whole package. These four diverse men are powerful, influential, and participatory pillars of support to the Coastal Bend. They showcase the true meaning of success with hard work, giving back, and supporting Corpus Christi through community involvement and volunteer work. Unpretentious yet dignified, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also eligible!

38 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Ruben Bonilla

uben Bonilla grew up in Corpus Christi, but left to attend the University of Texas at Austin. After serving in a gubernataorial candidate campaign office, Bonilla wished to find a self-employed profession that would see success based on his hard work and dedication. Moving back to his hometown, Bonilla now serves as a Farmer’s insurance agent as well as co-owner of Downtown Corpus Christi Crossfit. Bonilla enjoys being active and in the best shape possible, with his number one hobby being Crossfit. He also enjoys attending sporting events and weekend game viewings with friends. Clinton, Bonilla’s son, helps drive his dad to be hard working and successful. Bonilla wishes to be a positive role model and pass on to his son the strong work ethic his parents instilled in him. Over the years, Bonilla has volunteered for and supported multitudes of organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association, Texas Exes, Leadership Corpus Christi, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, and Big Brother/Big Sister. In his free time, Bonilla enjoys traveling the globe and experiencing different cultures while sampling authentic, native dishes. He plans to continue to expand his clientele and market to surrounding areas, while finding time to jet set to locales on his bucket list.

drink of choice Old Fashioned

This gentleman is sophisticated, has a taste for the classics, and recognizes the value of hardwork. [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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drink of choice Craft Beer

The man with a craft beer is comfortable speaking to strangers and makes friends easily.

Michael Guile Marshall

ichael Marshall, a Corpus Christi native, works as a Chemical Engineer at CITGO Refinery. Fascinated by science and math as a youth, Marshall focused on these interests and pursued a Chemical Engineering degree through Texas A&M University, Kingsville. A water enthusiast, Marshall enjoys the beach, fishing, and long boarding along the sea wall, and he cannot imagine living somewhere without a beach. Land activities are mostly musical, with karaoke, attending local live music events, and attempts at playing guitar. But at his core, Marshall is a giver. He devotes much of his time to volunteer work, having been involved in

40 The Bend

the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, the 2016 MS Walk, Relay for Life, the Corpus Christi Food Bank, several Team CITGO Community events, and Bowling for Literacy, which benefits the Corpus Christi Literacy Council. He also supports the United Way, March of Dimes, and Beating Hearts for Dreaming Hearts. Continuously raising the bar, Marshall is driven by his high standards as he strives to meet the ideals he has set while developing into a better version of himself. Marshall dreams of what will make him happy in all aspects of his life. He wants to have a family and travel the world.

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Stephen Rybak

tephen Rybak loves his hometown and the uniqueness that is Corpus Christi. The big city feel combined with this unassuming, small-town vibe and local culture. Owner and Creative Director of MDR, an advertising, marketing and digital agency, Rybakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional path led him to graduating from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi with a degree in marketing. Interning at a small local agency during college cemented his interest in the advertising industry. Highly competitive and currently obsessed with his business, Rybak looks out not only for his customers but also for his 20-member team, whom he strives to provide with a happy and stable work environment. Rybak keeps active through tennis and cycling, and while not much into water sports, he loves the beach and being in close proximity to the sand and waves. Traveling has recently become high on his personal to-do list, as he looks for more countries to stamp on his passport. Although his volunteering history spans the past 15 years, Rybak currently supports the Buccaneer Commission, Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers Board, and the Arts and Cultural Commission. Rybak simply hopes to be in good health and in good company in the future, trusting everything else to fall into place.

drink of choice

Old Fashioned You are a creative genius, and although some may see you as predictable, you're really full of surprises.

Stan Hulse

tan Hulse moved to the United States from his hometown, the Caribbean nation of Belize, to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to attend college there. Settling in South Padre Island after graduation and beginning his own business called Toucan Graphics, he migrated north to Corpus Christi in 2007. Originally the general manager of a South Texas entertainment magazine, Hulse and his brother saw a need for the services they now offer and opened their marketing company in South Padre Island in 1998. Once he relocated to Padre Island, he opened a small second office. But aside from being a successful business owner, Hulse plays many important roles to serve the Island he raises his son and daughter on and calls home. He is the Executive Director for the Padre Island Business Association, Vice President of the Padre Isles Property Owners Association, President of the Padre Island Municipal Management District, and has additional involvement in multiple local committees and events. Hulse is driven to make a positive difference in his community and spends much of his spare time helping to better the Island.

drink of choice Crown on the Rocks

Ordering Crown on the rocks means this man knows exactly which brand he wants and on top of that, knows what he's doing in life.

With a passion for the beach, Hulse has, with the exception of his college years, always lived within minutes of the ocean. That love of the water carries over to his hobby of scuba diving, which he enjoys every year during his visit home to Belize. Hulseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream for the future is to successfully retire young and travel the world.

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One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, More! CORPUS CHRISTI NATIVE, BRYAN TIERCE, IS ELEVATING TEQUILA TO NEW HEIGHTS

44 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

“A lot of people don’t realize that tequila is one of the very few spirits that comes from a plant that has to mature a really long time. It takes about 6-12 years before it can be harvested. So, when you start drinking that tequila, think, 'Where were you when that agave was planted? What were you doing as it grew?' That’s part of the romance to me.” - Bryan Tierce

By: Caroline Randall Freeman Photos: Rachel Durrent [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

thebendmag.com

ike all good stories involving tequila, it started over a couple of drinks with friends. Bryan Tierce’s journey to becoming the owner of his award-winning tequila brand, Toro de Lidia, was born from hard work and a little bar in Laredo, Texas.

A born and raised Corpus Christian, Tierce has lived in Hawaii, Florida, and Utah. He entered the beverage industry as a marketing rep for Miller Brewing Company, and from there went to work for numerous liquor and wine distributors. After an invaluable stint in the logistics and shipping business, Tierce wanted back in the liquor industry—but this time as an owner. He adds, “I always enjoyed the industry even when I was away from it.” Tierce explains, “One of our customers was a small boutique distributor of a couple tequilas and mezcals. I was meeting him in Laredo. We met out one night and ended up talking for 3 hours! He teamed me up with a great distiller down in Mexico, and that was it.” Culture and romance are two things that make tequila different from other spirits, Tierce believes. He explains, “There’s so much tradition involved in the tequila-making process. The familial tradition behind it is incredible. Jimadors, who are skilled agave farmers, pass down their

46 The Bend

skills and knowledge from generation to generation—how to grow and harvest the agave takes a lot of work and a lot of expertise.” Sitting 45 minutes outside Guadalajara, Mexico is the small, family-run distillery that produces Toro de Lidia Tequilas. “A lot of people don’t realize that tequila is one of the very few spirits that comes from a plant that has to mature a really long time. It takes about 6-12 years before it can be harvested. So, when you start drinking that tequila, think, 'Where were you when that agave was planted? What were you doing as it grew?' That’s part of the romance to me.” Right now is an exciting time to be in the tequila business. Like the craft beer movement, consumers want higher quality beverages. This demand gives birth to smaller, more artisanal brands. Tierce explains, “People will spend more for better quality. They want to know more about what they’re consuming and enjoying, like where it came from and that it’s made well.” Tierce says that about 90 percent of consumers say the same thing— they’ve consumed tequila before, but haven’t known much about it. “This transition happened in tequila 15-20 years ago. It used to be made poorly. People got really drunk and then really sick. Then, those people never wanted to touch it again.”

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What IS the agave plant? Tequila is made from a specific type of agave plant, the Blue Weber Agave. Contrary to popular belief, agave is not a type of cactus, but rather, it comes from the lily family. Agave grows into a large succulent with pointed, thick, fleshy leaves, and while a mature agave can be anywhere from 5 to 8 feet tall and 7 to 12 feet wide, it must mature 6 to 12 years before it can be harvested. Only the heart of the agave, called the piña, is used to make tequila. The piña’s high sugar content makes the plant popular for more than just tequila.

Tequila Blanco Aging for 0-2 months Tequila Reposdo Aging for 2-11 months Tequila Extra Anejo Aging for at least 3 years Tequila Anejo Aging for 1-3 years

Legally, tequila has to be made from at least 51% Blue Weber Agave. Premium tequilas are made with a higher agave content. Tequila is technically classified as a mezcal, as are all agave spirits. However, not all mezcals are tequilas. Like champagne, in order for the spirit to be categorized as tequila, it must be produced and distilled in a specific region of Mexico.

In some sense, he sees it as mirroring the wine industry. “I’d say about 20-30 years ago, people started fine-tuning it. You started getting all these great types of wine and not just ‘Table Red’ but boutique Cabernets, Merlots, etc. That’s what has happened with tequila. Now, we get different ages of the liquor and smaller distillers that focus on quality. Consumers want to learn something about what they’re drinking versus just shooting it. It's a fun category right now.” Toro de Lidia’s tequilas have won a number of awards from competitions like the “Best of the Best” Tequila Competition and the “Best In Texas.” Tierce plans to continue his consis48 The Bend

tent production of refined tequilas. “We only use one distillery. What happens with a lot of brands is that as they get bigger, they have to use more distilleries, which makes it harder to keep the same taste with each production. They have to neutralize a lot of nuances to get a consistent product. Small distilleries like ours are more controllable, more artisanal. We won’t do large-scale operations, because quality is the most important thing.” Following Toro de Lidia’s success, Tierce plans to venture into other brands. “Tequila is one of those products that if it grows, it’s going to change. I’d rather grow with other brands and keep our tequila methods very true and [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

not mass produced.” So what does the future hold? Another vibrant spirit—rum. “Rum represents a certain lifestyle. It represents being on the water and in the sun, having that rich Caribbean history of going slow in life and enjoying it,” Tierce explains. He continues, “My products have to represent what I love in life. Tequila represents fiesta, tradition, celebration, close to home. It’s a party! Sometimes it’s too much of a party,” he laughs. So, try it again. Join Bryan Tierce in the fiesta, and give tequila just one more shot.

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Special Promotion

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

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

If you are given a choice between root canal treatment

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

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

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A Night Out On the Town

Town

A Night Out On the

Scenic vistas, fresh seafood and first-class entertainment make for a great night out in the Coastal Bend. By: Jordan Regas Photos: Dustin Ashcraft

As if watching a spectacular sunset over the Corpus Christi Bay isn’t enough, we bring you a list of romantic getaways, live entertainment, creative cocktails and delicious dishes to savor after sunset. One of the great aspects of our region is that it appeals to just about anyone. From quiet, romantic evenings to late nights of fun and entertainment, the Coastal Bend is the perfect place for a night you will never forget.

Romantic

rockport Evening If you find yourself in historic, downtown Rockport, after five, chances are most of the shops and galleries have already closed for the night. However, there is no need to worry. Rockport offers guests a winery and tasting room, fresh seafood dishes, scenic views, and multiple Bed & Breakfast options for those who want to stay the night. Winery on the Bay features over 25 different wines made all on site. They get their juice from vineyards all over the world, but the real magic from fermenting to bottling happens right on site. The intimate tasting room is the perfect place to start your night in Rockport. While tasting your favorite reds and whites, munch on some cheese, crackers or chocolate. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop or sign up for the wine club before you leave. Rockport is known for its art galleries and incredible seafood, and there is one place where you can experience them both. Latitude 28°02’ is a short walk from Winery on the Bay and offers guests the best of local art and local seafood. Both walk-ins and reservations are welcome. Guests are free to roam the art gallery or gaze at the beautiful paintings from the comfort of their candle lit table. Ask for Chef Craig to stop by your table for specialized wine education and pairings, and toast to celebrating a lifetime of love or the sparks of something new. A tableside-fired crème brûlée is a sweet ending to an already great night. But it doesn’t have to be over quite yet. After dinner, travel down Austin St. to Water St. and take a walk out on the pier. If you are not ready to call it quits just yet, GLOW is short drive away and features a cozy bar and covered porch across from the bay. Once it’s time for last call, you can head back to your B&B at Angel Rose, a charming 1881 Victorian home to rest, relax and remember an amazing evening in historic Rockport.

Angel Rose: Rockport, in the early 1800's, was a proud growing city with many downtown buildings and grand Victorian homes that showcased a bustling economy along the waterfront and the vast cattle company Coleman, Fulton and Mathis Pasture Co. Most of these structures from that period have vanished from hurricane, fire or neglect, but a few of the Victorian “Ladies” still exist as testimony to their quality of material and construction. One of the Victorian “Ladies”, at 902 E. Cornwall St., has been restored to its 1890's elegance and is now Angel Rose Bed and Breakfast. This was originally the home of Leopold Michael Bracht and his new bride Clara Bracht. The house was built in 1881 in the French Regency design, about one

mile south of Cornwall St. by F.C. Finney, a developer in the Oklahoma Subdivision. It never sold, and in 1889, Mr. Bracht bought the house, cut it in three pieces, and moved it to Cornwall St. Sometime in the 1890’s, the couple remodeled it. They added bedrooms, the gabled roof, wrap around porches, and the very Victorian Cupola to transform it into Queen Ann style and to accommodate his growing family. Today, this proud lady again shows her original yellow cypress siding, having shed the 1950’s asbestos shingles that covered her for a time. The original roof joists from 1881 remain as the floor of the attic. Discover more at www. angelrosebb.com.

Corpus Christi Matchmaker

If you are looking for love and online dating isn’t for you but still need help finding the person right for you, consider working with a local matchmaker. The Corpus Christi Matchmakers team works one-on-one with clients to find the perfect match with other relationship minded Corpus Christi singles based on their criteria and preferences. www.corpuschristimatchmaker.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Date Tip

Harbor Playhouse features a well stocked snack bar with a variety of food, snacks and beverages.

Sights and Sounds

Downtown Corpus Christi is home to world-famous entertainment at venues like American Bank Center and Concrete Street and a thriving Marina Arts District with plenty to do and see. Downtown offers a number of intimate indoor and outdoor venues and bars showcasing incredible local and rising musicians all within walking distance of each other. When it comes to food, the list goes on and on. A trip to downtown Corpus Christi isn’t complete without catching a glimpse of the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay at sunset, and one of the best views is from the accurately named Grandview Lounge. The lounge is somewhat of a downtown secret. Not many people know about it because of its location at the top of the Best Western. The view is stunning and with the small crowd, you will have no problem grabbing a quick drink before dinner.

Across the street is the Water Street Market, a popular destination for dining and nightlife. There are three restaurants to choose

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of Downtown

from. If you are in a hurry to catch a show, the Executive Surf Club is a great choice to grab a local craft beer and hearty burger. Oyster Bar and Seafood Co. are both a popular choice for seafood in downtown that offers a unique blend of fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Both fish and oysters come from the Nueces and Corpus Christi Bay. All of the shrimp are from the Gulf. If they can get it local, they only get it local. If there is any room left over, the Key Lime Pie is a must try. The Harbor Playhouse Community Theater is a hidden gem at the cultural heart of Corpus Christi across from the American Bank Center. It might look small compared to its gigantic neighbor, but this intimate theater puts on some major productions. The theater is truly a community theater, made possible by more than 700 volunteer actors and support staff each year, but you would never know it due to the level of talent seen on stage. Greeted by sparkling chandeliers and vaulted ceilings, the trendy theater offers a concession stand and foyer

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where you can grab a glass of wine or tub of popcorn before the show. Be sure to but your tickets online early, because shows do sell out quickly. But, no matter where you end up sitting, you are sure to have a great view at the Harbor Playhouse. After the show, walk across the parking lot to the Corpus Christi Watergardens. Take a stroll through this spectacular water display or walk down to the bay. If it’s getting late, but you are not ready for the night to end, there are plenty of great places to catch live music or grab a hand crafted cocktail. Rockit’s Whisky Bar & Saloon is a great late-night spot for live music that is both casual and upscale. The original Dr. Rockit’s was an iconic blues bar in the Coastal Bend and was recently purchased by the partners of Brewster St. and Concrete St. and given a significant clean up. Havana Club is also an upscale nightlife venue in Corpus Christi that is a very popular late night spot with live music or a DJ on the weekends. Salt Tequila Bar is a recent addition inside Havana Club.

+ Downtown Destinations House of Rock:

Corpus Christi’s home-grown concert and event venue in the Marina Arts District, House of Rock features a wide variety of local and up-and-coming touring artists. There is a main bar area where you can hang out before or after the show and The Kitchen is open late for a delicious slice of pizza. www.texashouseofrock. com

Brewster Street:

With food, music and a family-friendly environment, Brewster Street Icehouse is a popular destination for just about anyone. With a true Texas vibe, you can catch the best of Texas Country on Thursday nights, but check out their website for a calendar of upcoming events that range from sing along pianos to hard metal. www. brewsterstreet.net

Old Concrete Street Amphitheater: From Billy Idol to Joan Jett, Randy Rogers to Eli Young Band, Bone Thugs ‘N’ Harmony to Kevin Gates, Godsmack to ZZ Top, Concrete Street brings the Coastal Bend’s favorite artists to life. This may be the largest outdoor venue in the region, but you will have no problem finding a great view. www. concretestreet.net

Mesquite St. Pizza & Pasta Co.: Pizza and comedy make a great pair at Mesquite St. Feast on made from scratch pizza before laughing out loud to nationally touring comedians. Past comedians include Pauly Shore, Jim Bruer, Chris Kattan, Todd Bridges and many more. www.eatpizzadowntown.com

Cassidy’s Irish Pub:

Cassidy’s is a popular little pub in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. It’s a great place to grab a whisky or beer and the dim lighting makes for an intimate setting. Check out some live music or just catch up with friends. @cassidysirishpub

OYSTER RECYCLING

+ What happens to all those shucked oyster shells after guests leave the Water Street Oyster Bar? It turns out, they are recycled right back into the water. Oysters are a crucial part of the underwater ecosystem. They create a habitat for fish and shell fish, clean the bay, and protect shorelines from erosion. The oyster recycling program “Sink Your Shucks” was founded by the Harte Research Institute in 2009 by Dr. Jennifer Pollack, Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Dr. Paul Montagna, HRI’s Endowed Chair for Ecosystems and Modeling at Harte Research Institute. Interns make weekly rounds by the restaurant to pick up large containers of oyster shells. Acres of oyster reef habitat have been restored throughout the Mission-Aransas Estuary using recycled oyster shells and crushed concrete. Discover more at http://oysterrecycling.org/.

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Good Times & island vibes

If you long of an evening in an otherworldly place, bring the kids, your friends, or your date to the Island, where the calming sea air makes for the dreamiest evening out! As many nights out do, food comes first. The Barrel Wine and Tapas Bar offers fun finger foods that are totally tasty and surely sharable. Venture back to Spain where small plates bring everyone closer together, and the warm atmosphere is intimate and as comforting as the dishes. Enjoy your apps with a fine wine or craft cocktail, and prepare yourself for a fun night ahead.

+ Fool Proof First Date Destinations: Coffee Waves: Coffee is the perfect conversation starter, but there are not many coffee shops open late. Open 7am - 10pm daily, this trendy coffee shop also offers a menu full of delicious sandwiches and gelato. www.coffeewaves.com

Aka Sushi Downtown:

Sushi is a great way to get the night rolling, pun intended. Aka is a great place to meet up for a first date. The environment is cozy and intimate and great for two people to get to know each other. There is an assortment of options other than sushi as well. facebook.com/ akasushidowntowncc

Half Price Books:

Roaming the isles of a used book store is a great way to get to know someone. Talk about your favorite authors and see if you share any common interests. Conveniently connected to the book store is a local coffee shop where you can grab a snack and keep the conversation going. www.hpb.com

Bella Luna Downtown:

Bella Luna is a hidden gem in downtown Corpus Christi. With a hip, urban vibe and live jazz and comedy every weekend, Bella Luna creates the perfect mixture of fun and class. www.bellalunadowntown.com

Marble Slab:

You can’t go wrong with the classic ice cream date, especially on a warm South Texas afternoon. Everyone likes ice cream and getting to choose your own mix-ins and special creation is the perfect ice breaker. www. marbleslab.com

Whether you’re with the kids or want a chilled treat to counteract your savory dinner, grab some frozen yogurt at one of two spots on the Island. Sweet Swirl and Island Yogurt Shoppe allow you to mosey in, sample flavors, and customize your own small or heaping portion. Top it off with as many or as few fruity, crunchy, chocolaty, or chewy additions. Go on, reach for that cherry! Take your sweetheart and your sweet treat straight to the beach, where you can chase the sunset and an after-dinner cocktail at Mikel Mays, right on iconic Bob Hall Pier. Sip near the surf, watch the nighttime fishers catch something exciting off the pier, and feel the weight of your shoulders become lighter with the lull of each fluttering wave. The nightlife is both exciting and relaxing, and often the perfect way to end your evening.

BOB HALL PIER: + Bob Hall Pier is a popular fishing destination, but also a great place to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Extending 1,240ft into the Gulf, anglers can catch an assortment of fish from Kingfish to Speckled Trout and Grouper. There is a small fee to fish, but if you happen to catch anything, Mikel Mays on the pier will cook your catch!

56 The Bend

Next, restaurant hop for the main course, dinner. You’re near the water, so don’t deny yourself the most innovative sushi menu from Island Time Sushi, where the rolls along with nightly specials and the most attentive service will dazzle you. Relax in the lounge, where the lights are dim, the wine glasses are tall, and the couches allow you to sink right in and stay awhile. But the Island is home to other sushi attractions, such as Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge for a real rockin’ dinner, or try the rolls at Scuttlebutt’s Seafood Bar & Grill, which are especially attractive when they’re half off during happy hour.

But, when you’re not quite ready to call it quits, kick it up a notch at The Pelican Lounge. Belly up, order a cold one, play a few bar games, and groove to the music. Think you’re likely to be the next American Idol? Grab that microphone and prove it on Tuesdays and Thursday for Karaoke night. The enormous dance floor, a dozen TVs, shuffleboard, pool table, and the best patio around, you may just stay until 2am, closing time.

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Date Tip

Enjoy live music at Mikel May's every Friday from 6-10pm.

57 The Bend

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Striving for your

Best Smile

Family | Restorative | Cosmetic 361.991.7791 5756 S. Staples - Suite I â&#x20AC;˘ Corpus Christi, TX 78413

58 The Bend

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The experience you can trust!

Creative Cocktails The Fence Hopper: Vodka, lemon juice, wildflower honey, and blackberries. WHERE: The Post Local Cold Brew Cocktail: Four Roses, Island Joe’s Mexican Vanilla Cold Brew, and chocolate bitters. WHERE: Black Sheep Bistro

+ Group Dates and Girls Nights Bowlero: Bowling got cool again thanks to Bowlero entering the scene about a year ago. This hip venue with backlit lanes and interactive arcade is a great place for friends and family. With food, drinks and fun, Bowlero mixes a bit of nostalgia with a new twist. www.bowlero.com

Date Tip

Every Tuesday after 8pm, enjoy $2 games and other $2 specials at Bowlero (Shoes not included).

The Stiletto: Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, egg white blood orange juice, lime, lemon bitters WHERE: Katz 21 The Jalapeno Martini: Svedka Jalapeño Vodka, splash of pineapple, jalapeno slices and chilled to perfection. WHERE: Harrison’s Landing

The Post: If you are not familiar with the “Gastropub”

concept, you will be by the time you leave The Post. This pub that specializes in high-quality food, is a great spot to meet up with friends for a cocktail or grab a bite to eat. The outdoor patio was recently expanded to include a container bar. www.thepostlamarpark.com

Executive Surf Club: The Executive Surf Club is a

popular post-work happy hour, as well as a great casual dining spot. Surf Club offers a huge selection of beer on tap, including many local craft breweries alongside music from some of the best local musicians. The patio is dog friendly, so bring your friends and your dog, too! www.waterstmarketcc.com

Vino Mio Social Club: Vino Mio Social Club is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy good food, wine and live music. It has a very hip and modern vibe. They make their own wine in house, and the bar features beer and cocktails as well. @vmsocialclub Katz 21: A popular place to meet up on the South Side, Katz 21 offers fine dining alongside an award-winning wine list. Adjoining the restaurant is Club 21, their spacious outdoor patio bar where you and your friends can enjoy a cold drink and live music. www.katz21.com

How to Get Around: No Uber,

No Problem Tride is a ride share app in Corpus Christi and is the exclusive ride share program with the Old Concrete Street Amphitheater and Rockit’s. www.ridetride.com

Going Green

Green-N-Go Cab The largest cab company in the Bay Area, Green-N-Go Cabs is known for their fast response times and community involvement. www. greengocabcc.com

Ride in Style American Cab This company is locally owned and provides honest estimated times for pickups given by real dispatchers. They also offer a large selection of clean stylish limousines. www. americancabco.com

Special Promotion

MEET

THE MAESTRO The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra is on the search for their next maestro. The finalists are showcasing their talents as guest conductors throughout the 2016-2017 season. The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra picks back up with their current season on February 18th and the search continues for their next maestro. Only three finalists remain on the ballot before patrons decide who they want as their next maestro. This month, Maestro Akiko Fujimoto takes the stage with pianist Norman Krieger. Maestro Fujimoto is Associate Conductor of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared on the podium for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Stanford Symphony Orchestra, and Harvard Bach Society. Next month, on March 11th, Maestro Hector Guzman will take the podium with guest pianist Joaquin Achucarro. Maestro Guzman is founding conductor of the Plano Symphony Orchestra and conducts the Irving and San Angelo Symphony Orchestras. He is the past conductor of the Filarmonica de Jalisco and has appeared as guest conductor of symphony orchestras in Dallas, Phoenix and Mexico City. Get to know these next two finalists and the programs they will be conducting in February and March. Be sure to mark your calendars because you will not one to miss a single note.

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Meet Maestro Akiko Fujimoto: What made you decide to pursue conducting? What attracted me to conducting in the first place is that the conducting gesture is communication without words. It seemed like the purest form of communication between people, and I was hooked the first time I ever made that wordless contact with musicians. What keeps me pursuing it year after year is that being a conductor requires such a variety of skills and knowledge that one is never bored. The artistry and the leadership skills required will always keep one growing and expanding. Lastly, the thing that will always have a strong hold on me is the music; the depth and breadth of music that a symphony orchestra can play is absolutely astounding. It is truly like the ocean -- it is vast, it is deep, and you’ll never run out of beautiful things to explore and get to know, yet there are gems that you already know about but have so much in them that one can never grow tired of admiring.

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Special Promotion

Meet Maestro Hector Guzman: What made you decide to pursue conducting?

Do you have any favorite composers? I have too many to name, but there is one composer that I feel very close to: Beethoven. From getting to know his music and about his life, I think he was passionate, honest, and quite strong-willed. And he was a truth seeker, and probably in an uncompromising way. Although he may not have been the easiest person to get along with, I bet we would have been kindred spirits had we lived in the same era. I realized how close I felt to him about 15 years ago when I visited Zentralfriedhof, a cemetery in Vienna, Austria, where many famous composers are buried. When I stood in front of his tombstone, I suddenly felt a big wave of emotion come over me. On one hand, it was the feeling of awe you get when you realized someone that lived only in your mind for so long was actually real. On the other hand, I felt like I was standing in front of a very old friend that I cannot talk to anymore but still love.

Tell us a little bit about the program you will be conducting with the CCSO? My program is titled “Rhythm on Fire!” because every piece is “on fire” -- very passionate, and driven by an incredible rhythmic drive, and each in its own unique way. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto in C minor is steely and fierce, and it features one of the pianists I admire the most, Norman Krieger. Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 is very romantic and chronicles so many different rhythms of life itself, from a nostalgic ballad, a cheerful march, to the power of nature and a sad waltz, all the way to a triumphant march. Last but not least, Conga del Fuego Nuevo by Arturo Márzquez is exactly that: a sizzling hot dance that’ll light a fire underneath you and make you want to join a conga line around the orchestra!

If you could say one thing to entice people who have never been to a CCSO concert, what would it be? When is the last time you were really moved and inspired? Has it been a while? Then come to our concert, and you will be moved to the core of your soul.

When you are not conducting, what can we find you doing? Watching cooking or home improvement shows. For some reason, I find watching, reading or hearing about people making something with their hands deeply satisfying.

At age 17, while a student at the Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, I had the opportunity to conduct the school’s choir and orchestra in Mozart’s Requiem. The performance took place at a church, and things were going very well until a major storm hit.The lights went out and suddenly we were in the dark. The church staff brought candles for the orchestra but the choir and I remained in the dark. I suggested to continue the performance....we did! Almost the entire Requiem was performed and conducted from memory....I knew then that I could step on a podium and do fairly well.

Do you have any favorite composers? Other than Bach ( I am bias, I am an organist!) I identify with all but I have an affinity to romantic composers starting with Beethoven all the way to Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mahler, Mendelssohn and so on....

Tell us a little bit about the program you will be conducting with the CCSO? The program offers a wide variety of styles. First, I wanted to present something that would feature my background, so I chose one of the most famous Mexican pieces for orchestra: Moncayo’s brilliant Huapango. The piano soloist for this occasion will be the legendary Spanish pianist Joaquin Achucarro, one of the true great pianists in the world. His concerto? The no-less famous piano concerto by Eduard Grieg. The second half of the concert features 3 soundtracks from blockbuster movies: Lord of the Rings, Avatar and Gravity and concluding with Tchaikovsky›s orchestral showcase: Capriccio Italianne. The program is designed to showcase the orchestra and the different styles used by past and current composers.

If you could say one thing to entice people who have never been to a CCSO concert, what would it be? Fun! you will have a lot of fun. Classical music can be many things, but it is never boring. This program is designed for you to enjoy every single piece played.

When you are not conducting, what can we find you doing? Playing basketball!

For More Information: ccsymphony.org 361.883.NOTE (6683)

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320 W. Avenue G Port Aransas, Tx 78373

Hours Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm Sun: 12pm - 3pm

Phone Showroom: 361.749.0692 Fax: 361.749.0695

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Health FEBRUARY 2017

BE WELL 66 FITNESS 69

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside Essential oils are most commonly stored in amber colored bottles. This is to combat the sunlight, which can deteriorate the aromas and therapeutic properties.

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“When I saw the destruction, I just knew I needed to do something," says Gabriel.

Hope

for Haiti

By: Alexis Mays

or many, a vacation means taking a cruise, heading to a theme park, or seeing national landmarks. For Guinxe Gabriel, this is the time he travels to Haiti to render medical care and medicine to those in need. Gabriel was born and raised in Haiti and is a pharmacy director at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – South with over 25 years of experience. He’s also one of several people from NNY Hope for Haiti who uses his own funds and vacation time on mission

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trips there. It all started seven years ago when the 2010 Earthquake left Haiti devastated. “When I saw the destruction, I just knew I needed to do something,” says Gabriel. He worked with colleagues to organize a medical mission relief trip that year, and they’ve been going back ever since. Gabriel works closely with a group who travels in the fall to help fight infections and diseases. In the spring, there is a group that primarily does

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surgeries. For many of the people in Haiti, it is the only medical care they receive all year. “In Haiti, basic medical needs are considered a luxury.” Gabriel says. “Preventive medicine is non-existent.” Just weeks before the group’s November 2016 trip, Hurricane Matthew ravaged the Southern part of Haiti. Typically, the team goes to Petite-Riviere de l ’Artibonite in Haiti. But after seeing the destruction that Hurricane Michael caused, they

The NNY Hope for Haiti has helped as many as 1,000 people during their typical 5-day trip. When the group visited in November 2016, they saw over 1,500 patients. “The work that NNY Hope for Haiti does is vital,” says Gabriel. “It brings not only medical help, but also hope.” During their time in Les Cayes, they treated infections, skin lesions, intestinal worms, malnutrition, hypertension and heart disease. During the next trip in March 2017, several surgeons will travel to Les Cayes to perform procedures. Gabriel will return several months later with more medications.

“It brings not only medical help, but also hope.”

When asked how long he wants to do this, he replied, “I don’t plan on stopping.”

changed their destination to help those who had been hit the hardest. The group headed to Cayes, the biggest city in the Southern area of Haiti and the epicenter of where the storm hit. “One of the major problems with a hurricane is what comes after it, like cholera.” Gabriel explains. “The downdraft of rain water causes a lot of sickness. Over 200,000 died from the 2010 earthquake, and then in the years that followed, more than 700,000 became ill from the cholera outbreak.”

For More Information: Donations from the community help keep these missions a reality. To learn more about getting involved and donating, contact Gabriel by email at guinxe@att.net. You can also head to the NNY Hope for Haiti website at http://nnyhopeforhaiti.org/.

Mad Scientist Spring Break Camp March 13th - 17th 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

*Before and after care available 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Exploding, smoking, bubbling science! Become a mad scientist using electricity, chemistry and all the stuff you can’t play with at home. Don’t worry mom, it’s super safe. . . or is it? Member: $215/week  Non-members: $240/week  Registration open Jan. 3 - Mar. 1 Call (361) 826-4667 to register.



Open to ages 5 - 12

www.ccmuseum.com/springbreakcamp

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Health | Be Well

Essential oils could be the simplest answer to some of healthcareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most complicated problems, and the research proving their safety and effectiveness is mounting more than ever.

The Essentials Age-Old Remedies Make a Popular Return to Modern Personal Care By: Kateri Reyes

ssential Oils have been around long before they became popularized over the last few years. Certainly by now you have heard of them, smelled them, or even been doused in them by an eager friend who has already caught the obsession.

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Essential oils are taking the nation by storm and their sheer simplicity is their central attraction; rub a drop where it hurts or smell them! However, their comeback couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more perfectly timed as healthcare costs skyrocket and statistics on American sick-care plummet, all making oils perfectly poised to be well received by people who are done with the old nuance that only

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doctors know best. Tapping back into self-care, channeling intuition and relying on simple food and lifestyle as the counterparts, essential oils are reshaping how many Americans achieve wellness. Be it the stressful day at the office, the strain in your knee from your morning run, or the tickle in the back of your throat warning that your immune system is under attackâ&#x20AC;Śthere is an oil for that. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to stump an essential oil. Steam, distilled, or cold pressed from plant flowers, bark, leaves, roots or fruit rinds, essential oils are volatile and organic compounds that pr ovide an elixir of potent naturally-occurring protective compounds. While complex in the diversity of their chemical makeup, they are easily understood and absorbed into human bodies - for plants and humans share the fact that we are both carbon-based beings. What is fascinating is that essential oils work immediately with multiple forces of the body at once. Connecting to your brain through aroma that goes straight to your limbic system, essential oils have a powerful ability to shift your natural fight or flight response, ease anxieties,

and evoke happier feelings. Once applied to the skin, they permeate the bloodstream and shortly affect every cell in the body, going to work quickly and effectively. If you doubt the process, simply try it out yourself. The stimulating effects are felt at the first whiff of an open bottle. Not all oils are created equal. In fact, the oil industry has been largely shaped for decades by the perfume and food industry, both which require no standards from farmers or distillers, and bottom dollar focus leads to cuts in quality through dangerous synthetic additives or organic fillers that reduce or eradicate any potential health-serving properties. Do your research, there are new companies bringing these age-old remedies back to the modern world with careful stewardship of their healing properties. Although they can't completely replace your doctor, essential oils could be the simplest answer to some of healthcareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most complicated problems, and the research proving their safety and effectiveness is mounting more than ever. We could be on the cusp of a healthcare revolution, with plants leading the way as the post-modern heroes.

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Health | Fitness

Kicking Up Dust(in) Local photographer Dustin Ashcraft’s journey to shedding the pounds and living a healthier and happier lifestyle. By: Desiree Arnold

DUSTIN'S FAVORITES

is transformation came with struggles, but ended in success. Making a positive lifestyle change is a challenge that is achievable. Dustin Ashcraft is living proof. Ashcraft, a native to Corpus Christi, is a respected Texas-based professional photographer.

Meal: his wife Mandy’s mustard and panko crusted free-range organic chicken

He recalls as a child being quite active outdoors with the occasional and minimal time playing Sega. His body type was very slender up until middle school. Ashcraft feels the weight gain was stemmed from a mixture of nerves paired with a decrease in friends at a new school. When he attended high school, Ashcraft played soccer but was injured and could no longer play. His weight was up to 280 pounds at this time. He began his college career with a determination to shed the excess pounds. However, his attempt was by means of an unhealthy path. He was basically starving himself with the diet he was on. In a matter of months, he had dramatically gone from 280 pounds to a staggering 150 pounds. “It was an incredibly unhealthy and dangerous method I chose to lose weight,” Ashcraft admits. Ashcraft’s weight and healthy choices yo-yoed over the years, but in 2014 he made the choice to commit to a lifestyle transformation and live a healthier life. “Instead of dieting, I chose to look at food differently,” he says. He explains that his view point was not about losing weight, but rather getting and keeping his body healthy. His initial goal was an internal approach. He was mindful of the proper care he wished to offer his heart, liver, kidneys and so on. With this in mind, he began researching and reading food labels. Ashcraft became a self-proclaimed "ingredient snob.” Mandy, his wife of six years, contributes her culinary chops to the healthy menu planning. A favorite of Ashcraft’s is oatmeal for breakfast. Mandy’s homemade granola is the perfect topping. It is made from oatmeal, cranberries, chia seeds and a few other ingredients. A chef never reveals all of her secrets.

68 The Bend

Snacks: apples and unsalted pumpkin seeds Workout: outdoor running, because the scenery changes and there are continuous hurdles in becoming a better runner each time

Eating well is one step in the process and being active and exercising is the other. Ashcraft gets his exercise in by running and gym sessions. He also found that the app, My Fitness Pal, was a useful tool to incorporate into his routine. It records and tracks daily food intake and activities. “It holds you accountable,” Ashcraft says. Due to his positive lifestyle change, Ashcraft’s energy level at work vastly increased. Being a photographer, he is moving and carrying heavy equipment from one location to the next. He notices that pulling an 11-12 hour day is much easier now compared to his earlier days when he’d be exhausted by mid day. Now, at 159 pounds, he explains that a gradual weight loss is important. “Keep pushing to a healthier self even if the results are not on the scale,” Ashcraft encourages.

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February is National Potato

Podnah Spud An over-the-top baked potato with butter, sliced pit-smoked beef brisket, our barbecue sauce, diced red onions and shredded cheddar.

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Home & Garden FEBRUARY 2017

OPEN HOUSE 72 GARDENING 79 SPACES 80

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside Seafoam subway tiles in glass, such as these, are becoming increasingly popular. With the appearance of seaglass, they're perfect for coastal homes. Shiny and easy to clean, they add that pop of color to any kitchen!

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Home & Garden | Open House

Rent a Retreat

The cure for anything is salt water

By: Alexis De Leon Photos: Jason Page

72 The Bend

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ut-of-towners and stay-cationers alike can find comfortable refuge at Commodore's Accommodations on the glamorous Island Moorings Marina. Walking into the condo, sunlight pours in from various well-placed windows and spills onto the hardwood floors. With almost 230 days of sunshine in Port Aransas, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine these accommodations with anything other than amber energy. Calming neutrals and coastal greens bring the coast indoors, while contempo-

rary furniture and stainless steel hardware give a fresh breathe to typical beach life. The spaces are certainly all beach vibes, however they are anything but kitschy beach accommodations. The only beach puns and bright colors are found in the bunk room, that hosts a set of twin bunk beds. The condo can sleep up to 12 people respectively, and with the open floor plans, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard not to imagine hosting

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A lovely community pool keeps the children busy and gives the adults a place to unwind.

Rentals will typically come outfitted with everything down to extra shampoo and bar soap.

74 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Guests receive plenty of incentive to shortterm rent Gillespie’s properties with offerings like a free golf cart with short-term rentals, and a free two hour sunset cruise for guests staying seven nights. large get-togethers. Kitchens with counter tops for days open into living rooms complemented with plenty of comfortable seating areas, begging relaxation. Leave the Keurig at home as the kitchen is well stocked with modern appliances and conveniences. The attention to detail makes each space more inviting than the last. Whether it be a table topped with gold pineapples, or the mother-of-pearl framed mirrors every corner has its eye-candy. “I was the first to purchase these spaces, and the views are what really drew me in,” says Ken Gillespie, who purchased a unit at Commodore’s Accommodations a little over a year ago. The marina is visible from various spaces in and around the residence. Perhaps the most memorable area to view the marina is out on the rooftop deck. Only a short elevator ride up, the full kitchen complete with grill, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area create the perfect place to watch a beach sunset. Imagine cotton-candy skies overhead, sipping cold drinks in the jacuzzi while tantalizing smells waft over from the kitchen area. Finding things to do outside of the condominium is no problem with the impressive list of amenities provided by Port Aransas. From fishing to bird watching, or shopping to “pirate adventures,” there is no shortage of sites to see and memories to make. Afterward, family and friends can gather around the living areas for warm conversations or movie watching on flat-screen TVs. Finally retiring to the bedrooms, simply open the windows to let in the salty sea air and call it a night in any of the plush beds. “Word is just getting out about the vacation spaces, but I’m really hoping to have things pick up for Spring Break and summer time,” Gillepsie says. Your dream vacation starts here!

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Special Promotion

BART BRASELTON

New Year, New Designs One of the most fun parts of building a Braselton home is the fun the homeowners can have decorating their home, “personalizing” it to make it the way they want it to be. When you buy a used home, you are paying for someone else’s design decisions, but a new home is a blank canvas that you can make your own. This is an amazing opportunity, but it can also be an overwhelming burden of too many choices. There’s also always the scenario where design decisions don’t all work together and a house ends up a mishmash of too many styles and colors- this could make your dream home a nightmare! Fortunately, at Braselton Homes, because we are committed to the quality of our product, as well as to building homes that show the unique style of our customer, we are the only local builder who has an in-house interior designer. Cilinda Bogk, our designer, has years of experience in the field, and she works with our customers, guiding them through the myriad of our decorator selections, which not only includes the typical selections of flooring, tile, countertops, stone, brick, paint, etc., but also choices in hardware, lighting, doors and window coverings. This ensures that a Braselton homeowner will have an exciting experience, and a home to be proud of for generations to come. Trends are very important in interior decorating and design, and, with our designers help, we work to keep Braselton buyers in the forefront by providing some of the latest selections available. If you are building a new home in 2017, do you really want it to have all the latest styles...of 2007?

Below are some of the trends our designer forecasts for this year:

We’re using it in everything from accent walls to backsplash tile and even small rooms such as powder rooms. The color is crisp and new, but has staying power because green shades will always be in style »»Quartz and other stone containing some sparkle, gems, and “glitzy” finishes will be the “in” countertop this year, and, so we are incorporating touches of this subtly into our design to bring some of that richness to our décor. »»Tile that looks like wood...it can bring nature indoors, without the hassle or expense of real wood. On the floor it looks polished and sophisticated, and as an accent wall it brings visual interest and warmth to any room. Cilinda’s favorite is the wood tile on the walls of a shower, instantly turning a bathroom into a spa. »»Matte stainless steel finish for appliances. It’s easier to keep clean, and gives that updated look that we all want from our appliances. matte stainless is at the forefront of the new look for the next several years. We are looking forward to an amazing 2017. As the largest homebuilder south of San Antonio, we appreciate the opportunity to continue to bring beautiful places to live to the Coastal Bend. With Unique neighborhoods, full of homes that express the uniqueness of each homeowner, we’re working to change the city, one neighborhood at a time, and to bring the best in design to our hometown. See you in the neighborhood, Bart Braselton

»»Greenery...it’s the color for 2017. This bright, leafy green brings freshness and calm to interiors and can update any room of your home.

76 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency. And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend GreenBuilt Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Braselton and his wife, Michelle have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the Food Bank, and CASA of the Coastal Bend.

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Home & Garden | Gardening

How to Prepare the Soil for Your New Garden By: Justin Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

Building the Soil is the Most Important Step in Growing your Garden! You can quickly and easily transform a sunny patch of lawn into a beautiful garden with the Bio-Intensive Dig Method. All you need is a shovel and a few soil amendments to get started! The Bio-Intensive Dig Method was developed by the renowned agriculturalist, John Jeavons. It is being used successfully on thousands of farms and gardens around the world.

This method is highly effective for both sandy and clay-rich soils. Here is how it works:

4. 78 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

1. Stake out the corners of your garden bed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about clearing away any grass or weeds on the surface; it will all be integrated into the soil. 2. Cover the staked-out bed, grass and all, with an inch-thick layer of organic compost. Sprinkle several handfuls of crushed oyster shells and homemade wood ash onto the bed at the rate of one pound each per 100 square feet. 3. Next, starting at one end, dig a trench 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep across the width of the bed. Place the soil from this first trench into a bucket and set it to the side.

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4. Then, dig a second trench parallel to the first, and fill the first trench with that soil. Incorporate any grass or weeds into the trench and break up any big clods. Dig a third trench, use that soil to fill the second, and continue this digging, each new trench across the bed filling the last, all the way down to the end of the bed. Use the soil in your bucket to fill in the final trench. This technique evenly distributes the organic material throughout the soil. Plant roots can easily penetrate this loose, fluffy, well-aerated soil. 5. Finally, as a last step, cover the bed with another inchthick layer of compost and add more crushed oyster shells and wood ash to the surface. Your healthy garden bed is now ready to plant!

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Home & Garden | Spaces

All Fun & Games By: Jo Anne Howell Photos: Rachel Durrent

Let date night be game night! Staying in can be fun and casual.

ame night is a fun way to enjoy time together and play! You can extend the invite to friends as well. If you do, invite a good amount of friends or couples that can play as a team together. This could turn into a fun way to get together with friends on a weekly basis, taking turns hosting game night. Choose the game before hand. That way it is set up and ready to play after a few minutes of mingling. This also eliminates not being able to decide what game to play. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also best to play a game everyone is familiar with or has played before. That way you can get the fun going without a learning curve. Your guests can play relaxed around your coffee table. Stacking pillows and floor pillows is an easy way to sit comfortably on the floor. Keeping finger foods at a close distance will keep the munchies at bay. A cheese tray works great providing several options while keeping fingers and hands ready for game time! Popcorn is another great snack to keep close by. Guests will be thirsty so make sure to offer plenty of drinks! Know your guests preferences or you can say BYOB (bring your own beverage) to make sure everyone is well refreshed. Game night makes a great date night and a super fun way to board game and chill.

80 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Scrabble was invented by Alfred Mosher Butts, a New York architect. At first, the game was called Lexiko and later, Criss Cross Words. 1

Butts did rigorous letter frequency studies and even studied the pages of The New York Times to decide on letter distribution.

2 4

3 The charcuterie plate is the perfect no cook snack that incorporates salty meats, creamy cheeses, and tart and sweet fruits.

The longest Monopoly game ever played on record lasted 70 straight days. We wonder, did the winner get a prize?

Ginger has long been used to aid in treating tummy troubles. Sip on this naturally beneficial fizzy drink, or mix it in your favorite cocktail! 5

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Landscapes McNamee Schademagazine of the coastal 1" = 10'[the lifestyle bend]

Out & About FEBRUARY 2017

ARTS & CULTURE 84 CELEBRATION 88 DATE BOOK 92 SOCIAL HOUR 94

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside A theater costume designer plays a very important role. Using costumes, they create characters, an evolving plot of color, change in social status, show changes in time using accessories, and balances scenes with texture.

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Out & About | Arts & Culture

A Texas Tableaux On Tuesday, February 28th, the Harbor Playhouse invites everyone to join them at their Fat Tuesday themed benefit, A Texas Tableaux…From Famous to Infamous. The playhouse explains, “The Harbor Playhouse and surround will be transformed into a feast for the senses with eclectic music, pulsating dance performances, cutting-edge fashion, the delectable smells of mesquite, roasting ribs, and expensive cigars all savored while sipping icecold libations.” The event will feature the Corpus Christi Mustangs’ legendary barbecue, and in honor of Fat Tuesday, visitors are encouraged to form their own “krewe” complete with an individual theme and costumes. Awards in many categories will be presentedto the best and most creative krewes. A VIP event will take place for host committee members and sponsors an hour before general admission.

84 The Bend

Works of Art by the Community and for the Community The Harbor Playhouse Theatre makes Corpus Christi a place where people want to work, live and play. By: Caroline Randall Freeman Photos: Courtesy Harbor Playhouse Theatre

rab a Frito Pie and specialty cocktail, and sit back and enjoy the show.

The oldest continually operating theatre in the state of Texas, the Harbor Playhouse Community Theatre in Corpus Christi, has produced first-class performances for 91 years. Just as important as the stories presented onstage are the relationships developed before the curtain ever opens. At its heart, the Harbor Playhouse is a group of storytellers. Brucie Moore, President of the Board of Directors, says, “Each production tells a story—both on the stage and within our community of volunteers. The dedication of our community to support

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

these productions is profound.” That enormous volunteer base donates 100,000 hours of their time every year. She explains, “We are not just a place where people come to perform. We are the place where the fabric of our community is woven and strengthened through the process of creative collaboration.” The playhouse’s illustrious and inspired history began in 1925 when it was first known as the Corpus Christi Players. Until the Depression, the group produced an average of four plays per year. In 1935, they reformed under the name Corpus Christi Little Theatre.

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Oral Surgery Calallen Office:

13725 Northwest Blvd, Ste. 270 Corpus Christi, TX 78410

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Enclave Office:

5525 S. Staples, Ste. A4 Corpus Christi, TX 78411

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Despite obstacles, the playhouse has always been a place where people of differing economic, social, and cultural backgrounds join to portray an inspiring story. The Harbor Playhouse’s current name came after another change in 1976. The organization moved into the new facility including a proscenium theatre seating 454 people, lobby with a view of the bayfront, dressing rooms, and a concession stand. In 1985, the Studio theatre and the massive costume loft were completed. The company now boasts a stateof-the-art sound system, professional lighting, theatre wings, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and a fly system. Last year, 776 children completed the Harbor Playhouse summer camp program. Thirty percent of the campers came from underprivileged homes or foster care. “For as many kids that want to come, we want to find the money for that. It’s so imperative we level the playing field for these children. We want them to go into school having growth experiences and life skills development. They learn discipline, time management, respect, and how to work in a group. The whole substance of a story relies on each individual member of a cast to do their part. Plus, they absolutely love it!” explains Moore. The Harbor Playhouse continues to do its part bettering our city, community, and future by creating incredible productions that are works of art both behind and in front of the curtain. Keep the tradition alive, and treat yourself to a show now and again!

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Calendar of Shows March & April – Madagascar June & July – Beauty and the Beast August & September – In the Heights October – Arsenic and Old Lace November & December – A Christmas Carol

1802 North Chaparral - Building #2 Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 Main Office - 361.882.5500 Box Office - 361.888.SHOW (7469) www.harborplayhouse.com Want to volunteer? Email volunteer@harborplayhouse.com

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Out & About | Celebration

88 The Bend

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Create a Event!

Coast to Country Wedding Weekend The wedding weekend of Alyse Straus and Webb Sellers encompassed the personalities of both the bride and groom. Webb, a Corpus Christi native, has a love for salt water fly fishing, oysters, and handsome details. His bride, sophisticated and elegant, enjoys classic beauty and refined details.

hen the two became one, Webb’s mother, Cathy Sellers, decided the theme for the rehearsal dinner would incorporate rich details revolving around Webb’s passion for the coast while still highlighting the scenery of the Texas Hill Country setting. Oh Goodie Designs was engaged to design and plan the rehearsal dinner, doughnut dessert bar at the wedding reception, and personally assist the family with weekend festivities. Months of detailed planning went into the weekend's vision, and trips to San Antonio (Straus’ hometown) were made for tastings, design meetings, and overall coordinating. As ideas flourished, the rehearsal dinner took on a coastal yet sophisticated allure, and the wedding reception dessert table a Texas Hill Country elegance.

The rehearsal dinner invitation suite complimented the Texas coast. A map of the Corpus Christi Bay and hand-drawn images, including the couple’s names drawn in fly line with a salt water fly attached, made the invitation feel personal, tasteful, and unique.

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The wedding weekend finally arrived, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. While enjoying cocktails atop a La Cantera Resort private patio, rehearsal dinner guests enjoyed clear blue skies, breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country, and mouth-watering blue point and Gulf oysters served on a bed of sea salt. After mingling and enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guests found their seat placements among a display of driftwood and sea glass. The escort cards replicated the event’s invitation and hung from the driftwood branches.

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Boutique Showroom! 5826 Wooldridge Rd.

www.ButlerSignatureEvents.com

361.992.9813 thebendmag.com

A gray linen napkin held the menu. The centerpieces were generous-sized grape wood covered in luscious greenery, thistle, succulents and orchids. Dinner was served, and guests savored Texas hanger steak and seared fresh Gulf Snapper. The evening ended with Key lime tart and drinks on the patio with anticipation of the next day's event. The wedding day at the historic Gallagher Headquarters Ranch was a Hill Country dream. The serene surroundings and sophisticated, impeccably-styled dwellings made for the perfect and unique venue. The groom envisioned a doughnut bar, rather than a traditional groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cake, as his sweet selection for the wedding day. Gourmet doughnuts were tried and tasted in the months leading up to the wedding, and an assortment of flavors were chosen by Alyse and Webb. A display using the family's silver was designed, and the delectable doughnuts, including flavors of apple pie, chocolate pistachio, and old-fashioned, disappeared quickly as guests grabbed for second and third helpings! Rehearsal Dinner Design, Doughnut Bar Design, Coordinating &Weekend Assistant: Jo Anne Howell, Oh Goodie Designs + Events Rehearsal Dinner Venue & Catering: La Cantera

90 The Bend

Resort, San Antonio Floral Design: Statue of Design, San Antonio Linens & Chairs: Luxe Event Decor, San Antonio

Weekend Photography: Matthew Alvarado, Beloved Photography, San Antonio Gourmet Doughnuts: Halee Edwards, The Gingersnap, San Antonio

Dinner invitation Suite & Printing: Harper Gray Designs for Oh Goodie Designs + Events

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An incredible display of fireworks under the Hill Country sky ended this beautiful wedding weekend, and the happy couple jetted off to the Amalfi Coast in Italy for their romantic honeymoon. Alyse and Webb Sellers reside in San Antonio and continue to enjoy visits to Corpus Christi to spend time with family and friends.

1700 STATE HIGHWAY 361, SUITE E ∙ PORT ARANSAS ∙ 361.749.1881 ∙ WWW.COASTALCLOSETPA.COM Show Me Your Mumu ∙ Joie ∙ Trina Turk ∙ Southern Tide ∙ Splendid ∙ Ella Moss ∙ Claridge & King ∙ Helen John ∙ Sea Folly Swim Johnny O. ∙ Brackish ∙ Rowdy Gentleman ∙ Filson ∙ Michaels ∙ Kendra Scott ∙ Hazel Smyth ∙ Dian Malouf ∙ Julie Vos ∙ Gigi Bags The Beaufort Bonnet Company ∙ Prodoh ∙ Magnificent Baby ∙ Mini Melissa ∙ Ipanema ∙ Kickee Pants ∙ Tiger Joe ∙ Johnny O. Boys

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February Mark Your Calendar

BENEFIT

Sky High Rollers Casino Night Feb. 25th

The event offers something for everyone – casino games, live entertainment, food, complimentary beer and wine, silent auction, gun board, and casino prizes. Whether you win or lose, all the proceeds from this event benefit HALO-Flight. L&F Distributor’s Breezeway, (361) 265-0509, haloflight.org

COMMUNITY Art Educator Days Feb. 3rd – 4th

Rockport Center for the Art’s Annual Art Educator Days is where fellow art educators come together to explore new ideas and strategies for the classroom, develop new skills, exchange effective lesson plans, and build relationships within the field. Rockport Center for the Arts, (361) 729-5519, rockportartcenter.com

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BENEFIT

American Heart Association Heart Ball Feb. 11th

The black-tie optional, guayaberas-recommended gala event will include dinner, dancing, and a silent and live auction. Hearts in Havana will be brought to life at the Ortiz Center just in time for a Valentine’s night out. Co-chairs Drs. Nelly and Osbert Garcia Blow and Tony and Jennifer LaMantia say attendees will enjoy a swanky, romantic night in Old Havana with the eclectic sounds of modern rumba and Cuban jazz, delectable food, cocktails and entertainment, all while supporting a great mission and honoring local luminaries Lt. General Marc Cisneros & Mrs. Eddy Cisneros and Dr. Shamim Badruddin & Dr. Srikanth Damaraju for their heartfelt contributions to the Coastal Bend community. Ortiz Center, (361) 445-3190, corpuschristiheartball.heart.org

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COMMUNITY

Heirloom Gardening with the 3 Sisters Feb. 11th

Four String Farm’s Justin Butts--radio host and food writer--talks about his 35-acre sustainable farm started on thick forest land in Rockport; his native American “three sisters” gardening technique featuring corn, squash and beans; and shares insights on heirloom vegetable varieties and pioneer gardening techniques still applicable today. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, Portland Community Center, (361) 852-2100, stxbot.org

editor's pick

BENEFIT

A Texas Tableaux Feb. 28th

A unique sensory evening inspired by the Fat Tuesday celebration in New Orleans with added drama and theatrics as befitting a thespian event. The Harbor Playhouse and surround will be transformed into a feast for the senses with eclectic music, pulsating dance performances, cutting-edge fashion, the delectable smells of mesquite, roasting ribs and expensive cigars all savored while sipping ice-cold libations. Harbor Playhouse, (361) 888-7469, harborplayhouse.com

FESTIVAL

Barefoot Mardi Gras Feb. 25th Returning for the 8th year in a row on Padre Island, this event raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters and now the Seashore Learning Center. A Family Parade takes place along the beach off Park Road 22 between Whitecap Boulevard and Bob Hall Pier. The parade starts at 11am. Many colorful characters enter the parade making it a unique activity for friends and family. Following the parade is the Barefoot Mardi Gras Festival, a fun-filled family event with Cajun music, food, drink, displays, exhibits, artists, children’s area, children’s stage and more! Padre Island, barefootmardigras@yahoo.com, barefootmardigras.com

FESTIVAL

Whooping Crane Festival Feb. 23rd- 26th

MUSIC

Rhythm on Fire! Featuring Akiko Fujimoto Feb. 18th

Get your binoculars and checklists ready! The Coastal Bend is the only spot in the United States where the endangered whooping crane can be viewed at close range, and the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce celebrates this astonishing natural wonder with an annual festival honoring these grand birds. In addition, an awesome array of wintering migratory birds flock into the wetlands and onto the Texas shorelines of Mustang Island in Port Aransas. Birding tours by land and sea are highlights during the festival. Port Aransas, (361) 749-5919, whoopingcranefestival.org

You will be instantly inspired by the energy and the dancing on fire in Marquez’s Congo del Fuego Nuevo. Then, hold on tight as you’re swept away by one of Beethoven’s most popular concerto’s, Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring guest artist, Norman Krieger, one of the most acclaimed pianist of his generation. As you are catching your breath, you will be slowly drawn into the rhythmic sounds of nature by Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, but hold on tight again for a surprising climax with a high energy, frenzied ending that promises to have you cheering on your feet! TAMUCC Performing Arts Center, (361) 883-6683, ccsymphony.org

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FESTIVAL

Fulton Oysterfest Mar. 2nd – 5th

Each year the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department sponsors Oysterfest, a salute to the tasty bi-valve found in our local waters. Oysterfest features carnival rides, games, food, an oyster eating contest, live music, unique vendor booths and most of all - FUN! Fulton Navigation Park, (361) 463-9955, fultonoysterfest.org

ARTS Guild Hall Museum Exhibition Through Apr. 30th

This exhibition, from the Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton, New York, includes 73 works of art by 40 artists, honoring them from the past 120 years as they have made East Hampton a thriving center for creative expression and artistic experimentation. Works included in this exhibit are by impressionists, surrealists, abstract expressionists, pop artists, photo realists, 80s and 90s neo-expressionists, and contemporary artists. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and mixed media works trace the progression of art movements in America from Impressionism to experiments by contemporary artists in the 1980s and 1990s. Art Museum of South Texas, (361) 825-3513, artmuseumofsouthtexas.org

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Out & About | Social Hour

Downtown Management District's 2 nd Annual Reception

Photos by: Debbie Noble

1. Ben Monlina, Aislynn Campbell, and Amber Dollison 2. Barbara Szczerbinska, Gilda Ramirez, Doreen Harrell, and Russell Franques. 3. Jim Kunau and Jarl Pedersen 4. Carolyn Vaughn and Alyssa Barrera 5. D'Anne Buquet, Louis Williams, and Lexi Buquet 6. Todd Hunter and Jessica Alford. 7. Samantha Harlan and Adam Gonzales.

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6. 7.

95 The Bend

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Out & About | Social Hour

New Year's Gala Photos by: Gabriel Mancha

1. Corinne Burns & Collin Croulet 2. Atlantis Johnson & Art Hinojosa 3. Dr. & Mrs. Allan Ng 4. Te-Ali Coley & Melissa Carrera

5. Rob Simmons & Nicola Hutchinson 6. Mark & Selina Fischer, Allen & Cora Jacobs 7. Cheyenne Polhemus & David Sutherland

96 The Bend

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COUPON EXPIRES COUPON EXPIRES

2.28.2017 2.28.2017

ONE TIME USE ONLY ONE TIME USE ONLY

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3.2.17

LIVE

AT THE EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT donavonatsurfclub.brownpaptertickets.com OR CALL 361-884-SURF

98 The Bend

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Cuisine FEBRUARY 2017

FARM TO TABLE 100 DINING GUIDE 104 THE DISH 106 THE DRINK 108

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside We've all heard it - breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And that is because it is supposed to jump start your metabolism and therefore promote weight maintenance by maintaining blood glucose levels. Have a great day, both mentally and physically!

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Eggs Benedict with Venison Tenderloin, Pepper Maple Bacon, and Arugula

The Flavor of the Forest Comes to Breakfast By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

100 The Bend

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ho is the hunter in your life? Is it a big burly man, donned head-to-toe in camouflage, the veteran of many hunts? Or is it a young woman, the fletching of her arrows tinged in pink, taking her first-ever deer? No matter who brings your game to the table, serve them a breakfast worthy of the hunt. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eggs Venedictâ&#x20AC;? celebrates the venison while honoring the work of the hunter. The key to this recipe is the layering of complementary flavors. The base of the dish is a homemade English muffin that gives a hearty, tasty platform to stack flavors upon. Next comes the fresh bacon. Fresh bacon from a local farm is not cured in any way; no nitrates, no additives. Fry the bacon with a generous amount of sea salt and crushed red pepper, then finish the bacon, just at the end of cooking, with a touch of maple syrup.

Next, slice and pound out your venison tenderloin into medallions, and cook them in the bacon drippings. The robust flavor of the lean venison pairs perfectly with the salty-sweet bacon, and the peppery drippings add even more flavor. Poaching an egg is an old world art, not easily mastered on the first try. Heat the water to simmering and add a splash of vinegar to help your eggs achieve a nice round shape. If you have trouble poaching in water, you can always use an egg poacher for quick and uniform poached eggs—don’t worry, we won’t tell! The trick to a good hollandaise is to heat the sauce to the lowest temperature that will cook the egg yolks. If your hollandaise sauce “breaks,” it becomes a chunky mess of semi-scrambled eggs rather than a golden, silky-smooth cream. To prevent breaking, don’t heat the eggs or add the butter too quickly. Cook your eggs yolks in a ceramic bowl, which conducts heat very slowly, over a pot of simmering water. Then slowly whisk in the cooled melted butter for a lovely, creamy hollandaise. The fresh tanginess of the arugula brings all the flavors together. You can find freshly–picked arugula this month at The Downtown Farmer’s Market in Corpus Christi. This breakfast will inspire your hunter to look more sharply into the forest than ever before and to shoot more keenly, simply to bring more of this good food home to your kitchen – so filling, so savory, so delicious.

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101

Eggs Benedict

Poached Eggs

with Venison Tenderloin, Pepper

6 pastured eggs

Maple Bacon, and Arugula

White vinegar

Serves 6

1/2 tsp salt

Prep time: 30 minutes

6 English muffins, recipe follows

Place 4 custard cups, or an egg poacher in a deep sauté pan. Add water so that it covers the cups by 1/4”, followed by a splash of vinegar and salt. Heat the water until it just begins to boil. Crack your eggs, one by one, into a small bowl and add them to the custard cups one at a time. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the white of the egg is mostly set, but the yolk remains runny. Remove finished eggs with a slotted spoon and repeat with additional eggs.

6 poached eggs, recipe follows

Hollandaise

Hollandaise sauce, recipe follows

4 egg yolks of pastured eggs

1 lb uncured, thick-cut pastured bacon, cut in half

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/8 tsp cayenne

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature

3 cups milk

1 tbsp lemon juice

Venison tenderloin, cut into 1/2” medallions

1 tbsp water (optional)

3 cups Arugula

Add about an inch of water to a sauce pan and heat on low until simmering.Place a ceramic bowl over simmering water. Whisk yolks, salt, and cayenne together in the ceramic bowl and cook over low heat for one minute. Slowly add melted butter, whisking continuously, until a smooth sauce is formed. Add lemon juice and cook another 1-2 minutes, whisking occasionally. Add water if sauce is too thick.

Inactive Prep time: 2 hours, plus 8 hours Cook time: 45 minutes Ingredients:

One bunch chives English Muffins 2 1/3 cups bread flour 1 tbsp sugar

For Eggs Benedict:

1 tbsp instant yeast

Submerge venison in milk and refrigerate overnight.

3/4 salt

In a large sauté pan, add bacon strips that have been seasoned liberally with salt and pepper. Cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drizzle bacon with maple syrup while bacon is still hot. Reserve on a plate lined with paper towels.

1 1/2 tbsp butter, room temperature 1 egg, lightly beaten 3/4 cup milk, at room temperature Corn meal or semolina, for dusting Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add butter, egg, and milk and mix well until a soft dough is formed. Knead for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and shiny. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel. Let dough rise until doubled in size, 1-2 hours. Gently punch dough down and divide into 6 rounds. Flatten your rounds until they are disks about 3” in diameter. Let your muffins rest for 20 minutes on your cast-iron griddle or frying pan that has been sprinkled with corn meal or semolina flour. Cook muffins over low heat until their exterior is golden and their interior is cooked through (registers about 200°F on an instant read thermometer). 102 The Bend

Remove venison from milk, rinse with cool water, and pat dry with paper towels. Heat bacon drippings over medium heat. Pound venison with a meat tenderizer until 1/4” thick. Season venison medallions liberally with salt and pepper. Add venison to pan and cook to medium rare, about 5 minutes on each side. Cut English muffins in half and apply butter to inside of each half. Broil on low for 2-3 minutes, until golden. To assemble eggs Benedict: Place 1/2 cup arugula on an English muffin half. Add venison filet, two slices of bacon, poached egg, and top with two tbsp hollandaise sauce. Finish with cayenne and chopped chives. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

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Sail into 2017... Steer you towards Dream Home!

As you set let us your

Waterfront Properties • Luxury Homes • Condominiums • Residential Homes • Rentals

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103

Cuisine | Dining Guide

Dining Guide

Corpus Christi

Padre Island

Port Aransas

Outdoor dining

Live music

American $ = Under $10 $$ = Mostly $10 - $20 $$$ = $20 and up The Bend Magazine Dining Guide is a select list of restaurants around the Coastal Bend. Implicitly, the magazine’s editors recommend all of these restaurants and they are not advertisements. Listings are updated monthly and appear based on space availability. Reviews and articles are written by our editors as a service to readers. Restaurant owners: If you have news about your restaurant or a correction to our listing, we’re all ears! Send an email to editor@thebendmag.com or call (361) 792-3606

104 The Bend

8te $

A shabby chic interior feel with classic comfort dishes that have a simple twist. They have it all breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 1220 Airline #250, (361) 723-0261, Facebook.com/8tecctx Andy’s Country Kitchen $ You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com Atomic Omelette & Grill $ Omelettes are just the beginning here! Comfortable atmosphere with a flavor for casual dining and handmade family recipes. 6313 Wooldridge Rd #10, (361) 334-3942, Atomicomelette.com Citrus Bayfront Bistro $ Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com Gears $ All of Gear’s breads are baked in-house along with the cinnamon rolls and cookies. The meats are cured and smoked also in-house, and sauces are made from scratch. N Mesquite St, (844) 224-3277, Ccgears.com

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Rockport

Hamlin Pharmacy & Fountain $

The last Soda Fountain in Corpus Christi, TX! Although they’ve expanded and changed over the many years, their old fashioned values and friendly service has remained the same. 3801 S Staples St., (361) 8537303, Hamlinpharmacy.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, Iriesislandfood.com Liberty Hall Inferno $$ Herbs and vegetables grown on site, your dining experience will be unforgettable! 106 E. Cotter, (361) 749-4888

MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen $$

Serves BBQ, Fried Chicken & Seafood. Big tables for big groups, they’ll also deliver! 118 Beach St,(361) 749-2271 Macdaddysfamilykitchen.com

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

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www.starbraces.com 4750 S.P.I.D., Suite 101, Corpus Christi, Texas | Exit Everhart from SPID

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105

Lower Your Cost!

FACE THE FACTS

YOU LIKE US

Cuisine | The Drink

The Sweet Twist By: Jinky Romero Photo: Rachel Durrent

In a recent list compiled by Open Table, Corpus Christi’s very own Republic of Texas Bar and Grill was ranked in the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.

he Republic of Texas bar is bringing two new drinks to the menu – both created and perfected especially for the most romantic month of the year. The first one, called Champagne Dreams, is a new take on the old Valentine’s favorite. Mixed with Pomegranate Liqueur, Cointreau, and orange juice, it creates a sparkly and festive flavor made for any celebration. Especially the celebration of love.

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Their next drink is just as sweet but packs a bit more punch. The Strawberry Delight, dressed with Republic of Texas Bar & Grill at Omni Corpus Christi Hotel 900 N Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 886-3515

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sugar on the rim, sets your salivary glands in to overdrive. Made with Absolut Citron, Pomegranate Liqueur, a splash of cranberry and syrup, and garnished with strawberry pieces, this drink is a nice melding of strong, sweet, and zesty. It goes down smoothly and is the perfect drink to kick off dinner. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a regular date, Champagne Dreams and Strawberry Delight are sure to add an even sweeter twist to your night at the most romantic place in town.

Valentine’s Day originates from Saint Valentine of Terni, a third-century Roman saint commemorated on February 14, the day he was martyred. He’s been associated with a tradition of courtly love since the High Middle Ages. It is said that he was buried at a cemetery on the Via Flaminia near Rome.

Cuisine | Dining Guide 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

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

The Blue Cove $$ Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite. 1945 Horne Rd, (361) 855-2927, facebook.com/TheBlueClove

TakeNiwa $$$ Sit in Hibachi and watch their talented chefs prepare your dinner. Or treat yourself to juicy steak and full sushi bar, your choice! 5216 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 356-6888, Takeniwa.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) 887-1600, Omnihotels.com

Hoegemeyer’s BBQ $$

The Grille $ Ensures you’ll always have the variety that is the spice of life! With ingredients sourced from Texas, burger patties and soups are all made from scratch. 3063 Main St, (361) 775-1000, Facebook.com/thegrillingleside

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

The Groove $$ A little something for every discriminating craving with an eclectic dining experience. Nothing is ever frozen or put in a fryer! 2001 N Hwy 35, (361) 729-3663, Thegrooverockport.com

The Post $$ Enjoy this pub in a communal setting with dishes that are meant to be shared, all alongside a cocktail or beer of course! 3850 S Alameda, (361)452-0907, Facebook.com/post Town & Country Café $ This down-to-earth dinner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 992-0360, Facebook.com/town-country-cafe

Asian

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

Mike Cotten’s BBQ $$

(Corpus Christi) Bar & Grill

Boathouse Bar & Grill $$ The best thing about the Boathouse Bar & Grill is that there’s something for everyone; a mouthwatering menu, 4 full bars with HDTV’s, waterfront patio dining, friendly service, and a fun, relaxing atmosphere. 15241 Leeward Dr, (361) 589-9601, Boathousepadreisland.com Brewster Street Ice House $$ Who says that you can’t have 4-star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for a concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

Aka Sushi $$ Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine made with the chef’s homemade recipe will be sure to surprise you. 415 N Water St, (361) 882-8885

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Executive Surf Club $$

The perfect casual family dining spot. All the while supplying the most beer on tap in the city. 309 N Water St, (361) 884-7873, Waterstreetmarketcc.com/executive-surf-club

FINS Grill and Icehouse $$

For the past 11 years, they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb Angus beef burgers & chicken. Full bar and you “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” for the fisherman. 420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, Finsgrillandicehouse.com Stingray’s Taphouse and Grill $$ An industrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach! 401 Beach St, (361)749-2287, Stingraystaphouse.com

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

Café BonnA-Petit $ Chef Sophie will always make you feel warmly welcomed, just as her gourmet dishes do. And don’t forget to grab a to-go dinner! 4301 S Alameda St, (361) 334-2579, Bonna-petit.com Daily Grind $ A coffee bar with personality, they offer the finest in gourmet, rustic, or straight-up coffee favorites. Hungry? Stick around for their daily quiche specials, scones, and sandwiches. 302 S Austin St, (361) 790-8745, Rockportdailygrind.com

Fillingood Bakery $ With fresh bread baked in house, they make breakfast and lunch a delight! 3819 S Alameda St., (361) 225-4663, fillingoodbakery.com

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Cuisine | The Dish

Getting Healthy Made Easy When David and Stephanie Hamilton opened Muscle Maker Grill in Corpus Christi, they had one thing in mind: positive change. By: Jinky Romero Photos: Rachel Durrent

W doors last year.

ith a vision to bring a healthier food option to the community, the Hamiltons opened their restaurant

As with all great ideas, the story behind bringing Muscle Maker Grill (MMG) to the Coastal Bend came from personal experience. When Stephanie was trying to lose her baby weight, she decided to switch up her nutrition plan and, as a couple, they decided to start cooking healthier meals for themselves. The Hamiltons noticed the big change it was bringing to their health and lifestyle. Soon, they were sharing it with friends as well. And, as the rules of economics tell us, supply and demand go hand in hand. “Once we noticed the impact and the demand of individuals wanting to make a change, we decided to look further into bringing a healthier option to the city,” David said.

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It’s not uncommon for most people to find the idea of getting healthy intimidating. The couple was aware of this when they started and made sure that everything about MMG was friendly for everyone. As soon as you enter the establishment, you feel as comfortable as you would be in your favorite casual dining place. Another stereotype they want to break away from is that healthy food is just protein and greens. MMG serves burgers, pastas, wraps, smoothies, and even tacos! They provide a healthier twist to comfort food without compromising its flavor. Their Santa Fe wrap is delicious, familiar, and, best of all, good for you! They also provide meal plans for people who want to take their journey to the next level. At MMG, they make sure you can attain a healthier lifestyle in the most convenient way possible.

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Interested in their meal plans?

You can customize the amount of daily meals and the length of your plan, for total control of your health. You can visit their website for their meal plan menu.

musclemakergrill.com 7426 S Staples St., Ste. 102 Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 992-9696

Cuisine | Dining Guide Hester’s Café and Coffee Bar $ Looking for a true family experience where love is the number one ingredient, along with the simple but important concept of quality and the healing powers of good food. 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, (361) 885-0151, 1714 S Alameda St, (361) 885-0558, 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, Hesterscafe.com JB’s German Bakery $ Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. There are no short-cuts at JB’s. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, Jbsgermanbakery.com

Sugarbakers $

Great cuisine with a French and European influence. They use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible with mostly everything made from scratch. 2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, Sugarbakerscc.com French Bleu Bistro $$$ True playful twists to classic French bistro dishes. The chef’s commitment to the use of fresh, local, peak-ofthe-season products is evident in the quality of each dish. 500 N Water St, (361) 887-2121, Bleubistrocc.com Dragonfly $$$ A fine multitude of international backgrounds to the cuisine prepared entirely from scratch daily by the owner and culinary artist. The menu is full of unforgettable flavor profiles to satisfy any craving. 14701 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-2224, Facebook.com/dragonfly-restaurant Gr

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

Bella Luna Downtown $$

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

Bellino’s $$

Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 8148998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinotexas.com Brooklyn Pie Co. $ Enjoy a slice or indulge a whole “pie” of their delicious secret pizza tradition. 15326 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-1100, Brooklynpie.com

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria $$ Distinctive and authentic pizza baked to perfection in a signature coal burning oven you can see right from your seat, offers a unique crisp flavor. 5488 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 980-8600, Grimaldispizzeria.com

House of Rock $ Great pizza and appetizers, cold beer, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? $$ 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com Mamma Mia’s $$$ Warm and cozy mom and pop Italian experience will make you feel like family. Entrees are delicious Italian culture on a plate. 128 N Mesquite St, (361) 8833773, Facebook.com/mamma-mias Mesquite St. Pizza and Pasta Co. $$ Their 60-year-old pizza oven brought in straight from Brooklyn New York makes for the perfect pizza. Plus, all the crusts and sauces are made in house. 617 Mesquite St, (361) 882-7499, Eatpizzadowntown.com Padre Pizzeria $ For over 15 years, their famous Padre Pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared daily. 14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com Port “A” Pizzeria $$ Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 7495226, Portapizzeria.com Trattoria Taddei $$ The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, come down from his home region’s authentic traditional cuisine personally passed from generation to generation over many centuries. 920 Louisiana Ave, (361) 884-4400, Trattoriataddei.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Venetian Hot Plate $$$ Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com

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

Mexican Molé $$ The vision lies in freshness, tradition and distinction; Mole’ is where true Central Mexican Cuisine can be enjoyed. 6042 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 334-6081, Molerestaurant.com

Per uvian Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar $$ This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are fresh takes on traditional originals from Peru. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 9458303, Costasurcc.com

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

Lance's Black SheepBistro $$

A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-4819, Blacksheepbistro.net Doc’s Seafood and Steaks $$ Lively and enjoyable selection for surf ‘n’turf in an open-air setting overlooking the water, plus live music. 13309 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6744, Docseafoodandsteaks.com

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

Harrison’s Landing $$

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

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Island Time Sushi Bar & Seafood Grill $$ Stop in for fresh and inventive sushi, seafood, appetizers and desserts! Check out the weekday specials! 14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-3046, Facebook.com/islandtimesushi Laguna Reef $$ Bring in your own catch straight from your boat, or order off their tasteful menu! With excellent views of the marina, family owners & operators, Laguna Reef is the place to be. 4242 Laguna Shores Rd, (361) 937-2600, Bluffslanding.com/restaurant.php

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 $$$ Casually coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. The mermaids may even share their secrets. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge $$ At Rock & Rolls, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 9491110, Rockandrollssushi.com Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn $$$ Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com Saltwater Grill $$ Unique family atmosphere with fresh and tasty seafood that will leave you coming back for more. 2401 Cimarron Blvd, (361) 993-7258, Saltwatergrillcc.com Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill $$ Extensive menu, makes sure to have something for everyone. Foods made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

Seafood & Spaghetti Works $$ A unique dining experience, you’ll find the very best in seafood, steak, Italian dishes, pizza, soups, and desserts all made from scratch. 901 S Alister St, (361) 749-5666, Seafoodandspaghetti.com Shells $$ Warm, inviting neighborhood restaurant offers a creative and far-ranging menu that reflects a variety of world cuisines. Shakes off the old and tired and gets down to real good food. 522 E Avenue G, (361) 749-7621, Eatatshells.com Shempy’s Grill $$ Laid-back setting with a variety of delightfully cooked fish will turn anyone into a seafood lover. 3913 Highway 35 S, (361) 727-0019, Facebook.com/Shempys Snoopy’s Pier $$ Outdoor dining experience and local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com The Boiling Pot $$ Roll up your sleeves and take manners to a new level for a great Cajun experience. 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-6972 The Pheonix $$ This international bistro/nouveau American fine-quality cuisine is prepared daily using many ingredients from the Corpus Christi Farmer’s Market creating a constantly eclectic seasonal menu, where guests can choose to sit indoor and outdoor. 337 N Alister St, (361) 749-9277, Facebook/The-Phoenix-Restaurant-and-Bar Trout Street Bar & Grill $$$ Cajun-inspired seafood in an airy environs is a wondrous way to enjoy food and cocktails inside the nautical themed restaurant or on the outdoor deck offering marina views. 104 West Cotter, (361) 7497800, Tsbag.com

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Cuisine | Dining Guide

Water Street Oyster Bar $$

Long-standing, well-known Corpus Christi landmark operation serving oysters, sushi rolls & Gulf seafood in a historic, brick-walled space. 309 N Water St, (361) 881-9448, Waterstreetmarketcc.com

Water Street Seafood Company $$$

Locally owned and operated and voted “Best of the Best” seafood. Fish is fresh never frozen, while sauces and dressings are all made in house from scratch. 309 N Water St, (361) 882-8683, 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 $$$ Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com Niko’s Steakhouse $$$ Committed to the motto “Great food, Great times, Great experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will exceed any steak lover’s expectations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, Nikossteakhouse.com

Republic of Texas $$$$

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

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

One of the top dining destinations. A multi-level steakhouse offers diners beautiful panoramic views of the CC Bay. All the ingredients for the perfect experience! 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 8871600, Omnihotels.com

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History | Looking Back

Pedestrians wait to cross a very different downtown Corpus Christi Chaparral Street.

Love is a Ring Disco, Diamonds, and Downtown Corpus Christi By: Alexis De Leon Photo Credit: Jay Phagan

he year is 1978. Disco Fever is sweeping the nation with artists like the Bee Gees topping the music charts. Grease hit the silver screen fueling America’s need for romance and dancing. Those fortunate enough to jive with a sweetheart could take a stroll down Chaparral Street and pop into any number of jewelry stores. With more than 50 years of diamond-selling experience backing the name, Zale’s Jewelers placed themselves at the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. In 1978, jewelry and shoe stores, like the ones pictured above, were as common downtown as bars and night clubs. By day, Corpus Christians fluttered around downtown, some window shopping, others shelling out some serious cash in

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hopes of settling down in Corpus Christi. By night, men decked out in their best John Travolta attire and ladies with Olivia Newton John hair strutted through the streets eager to start their Saturday night. Zale’s, now the largest jewelry retailer in North America, has since moved to La Palmera Mall. Thirty-eight years later the ‘70s Zale’s location on N. Chaparral is now home to The Cosmopolitan lofts. While wide lapels and bell bottoms may be out of style, Saturday nights still reign supreme. Downtown’s disco scene has since diminished. But with the revitalization of micro breweries, festivals, and live music, the chance to find love could be just around the corner in Corpus Christi.

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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