The Local August 2015

Bolivar Peninsula's Community Magazine AUGUST 2015 • COMPLIMENTARY

ADOPT-A-BEACH

CLEAN UP SEPTEMBER 26

ADVENTURE AWAITS: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SHRIMPER

get cooking! southern style shrimp and grits recipe

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• • • •

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES LOCATED IN THE CRYSTAL BEACH PLAZA SUPERIOR IN-HOME MAINTENANCE & CLEANING COMPLIMENTARY PROPERTY EVALUATION

RECEIVE EXTRA INCOME ON YOUR VACATION HOME

409-684-1184 CRYSTALBEACHCLUB.COM

* YOUR ONE STOP SHOPPING IN CRYSTAL BEACH! *

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER • • • •

STATE OF THE ART 3D CAD DESIGN SERVICES COMPLETE TURN-KEY PRICING 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR QUALITY & PROFESSIONALISM

409-684-7233 MINWESTHOMES.COM

CobbRealEstate.com

Coast into relaxation.

The COBB Real Estate app makes searching for your next vacation rental a breeze. View properties by location and accomodations, browse multiple images, and find availability and pricing in just a few simple clicks. Download it for FREE today.

Featured Rental Properties

SOL MATE • SLEEPS 24

A FOOT IN THE DOOR 2.0 • BEACHFRONT

TIN-TAN • NEW CONSTRUCTION

Browse a complete list of properties at CobbRealEstate.com

409-684-3790

CHARLES MICHAEL CUSTOM HOMES 2950 Highway 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

409-684-1001

Full Service Home Builder Your Lot or Ours Financing Options Available Custom Home Design Top Quality Construction Features to Fit Your Budget Over 40 Years Experience

Contact Us Today About Your New Home

BUILDING FOR GENERATIONS

www.CharlesMichaelHome.com

Experience Coastal Living.

NEWCOAST PROPERTIES

NEWCOASTPROPERTIES.COM

is your premier source for buying and selling real estate on Bolivar Peninsula, and the proud new owner and developer of Laguna Harbor and Seagrass Beach.

BRAD BALLARD Principal/Broker

281.639.0451 Brad@NewCoastProperties.com

LagunaHarbor.com

SeagrassBeach.com

CASEY BLUME Realtor

409.392.0341 Casey@NewCoastProperties.com

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AUGUST 2015

contents theLOCAL • AUGUST 2015

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14 in every issue 4

editor’s note

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beach vibes

9

by the sea

18 Adopt-A-Beach Fall Clean-Up Day

The nation's biggest all-volunteer cleanup right here in Texas on September 26

20 local business 27 sea & be seen 28 events & directory

26 Master in the Kitchen

MasterChef Finalist Cutter Brewer shares his recipe for BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits

theLOCAL Bolivar Peninsula’s Community Magazine EDITOR Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Cody Martin, Melanie Wallace, and Jim Suydam PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS MinWest Development and Cody Bess Photography

For advertising inquiries, call 817-505-8208 or email info@thebolivarlocal.com The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Community Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group. All rights reserved. The LOCAL is not responsible for facts presented by authors and advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written consent of the editor.

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editor’s note

I LIKE TO EAT, but I love to cook. Very few things bring me greater pleasure than

sharing a meal that I lovingly prepared for my family. In its essence, cooking is a thoughtful and creative act, and in the words of Our Lady of the Ladle, Julia Child, “cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy.” I agree.

This month’s issue is focused around a less-than-fancy approach to local food. We explore Bolivar Peninsula’s mobile food vendors and introduce you to the “moms and pops” of the pop-up. From burgers to seafood, street tacos to barbecue, there’s a local culinary concession that’s sure to whet your appetite (page 14).

Then, let’s talk shrimp, a staple as common as table salt on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Get a look at a day in the life of local commercial shrimper Captain Delino Comeaux and plan your next outdoor adventure with him at Galveston Bay Safaris (page 11). And if all of that talk about food made you hungry, get in the kitchen with Season 5 MasterChef finalist Cutter Brewer to cook up his BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits (page 26).

We are also very proud to feature a few artists with a knack for coastal creativity.

Check out the Beach Vibes section on page 8 for original pieces of art inspired by the sea. Until next time, #keepitlocal.

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Keeping your grass

GREENER.

2950 Hwy 87 • P.O. Box 2354 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

409-684-0009 www.tropicalaccents.net

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Call today for your free estimate

409-540-2846

Locally Owned & Operated •••••

We love �eferrals

409-842-3737

Home, Commercial & Industrial Services A/C and Heating Service & Installation Full Home Services Available 24 Hours 7 Days A Week No Overtime Charges Between 7am - 7pm No Extra Charge To Bolivar Peninsula 409-842-3737 | Fax: 409-842-3738 4950 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, TX 77707

ICMairconditioning.com

THE BIG STORE

P.O. BOX 2327 2385 HWY 87 CRYSTAL BEACH, TX STORE HOURS

SUN - THURS 7:00AM - 9:00PM FRI - SAT 7:00AM - 9:30PM

Come Join Me Living the Dream in Crystal Beach LUZ LUZ GRAY GRAY 409-457-6280 409-457-6280 As seen On HGTV Beach Front Bargain Hunt Beach Homes for all Budgets Land for Sale Rental Properties for Sale Free Sunsets

PHONE

(409) 684-2400 FAX

(409) 684-0306 AUGUST 2015

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beach vibes

coastalCREATIONS

WASHED ASHORE DRIFTWOOD

THE PLANT STAND

JASON PARSLEY

DEBIE MAXTED & GARY GREGORY

Driftwood and seashells re-imagined into beach lifestyle themed decor for your home. Pieces are unique to how the ocean and beach have left their mark on them.

One-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor exotic Tillandsia air plants grown in handmade, unique natural mountings. Fun and easy to maintain.

parsleyjas@gmail.com • (409) 225-3208 Washed Ashore

theplantstand.net • (321) 536-1204 The Plant Stand Page

GLASS TATTOO™

BEACH GYPSY JEWELRY

MONICA & DAVID HUBER

DANA MARIE

Custom designed mosaic address signs that will not fade, scratch or rust and can be applied directly to your piling.

Pop-up shop most Saturdays at Tiki Loco in Crystal Beach.

Beach Gypsy jewelry collection incorporates authentic sea glass and pottery shards discovered on Bolivar Peninsula.

Pieces are individual in design, color, age, and appearance.

Custom pallet portraits and pallet parties also available.

glasstat.com • (409) 656-6367 Glass Tattoo Address Signs

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(409) 392-1734 • (409) 599-9556 Beach Gypsy

by the sea

The barefoot boys of Bolivar If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances, I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies. -Nadine Slair Written by Melanie Wallace, Ed.D. recently had the pleasure of traveling to Machu Picchu with several natives and long-time residents of the Bolivar Peninsula. Truth be told, I kind of invited myself – crashing the party when I found out that a group from the beach would be traveling to the next entry on my Bucket List. In typical Bolivar manner, they welcomed me in that low-key, come-on-in, nothing fancy, just down-home, friendly way that we have at the beach. I immediately fell in love with the group.

Each of us had different reasons for wanting to visit Machu Picchu. Originally, it was on my list as a place that I wanted to access by hiking (fortunately, I came to my senses before I got the change to go). Even though I had overcome the desire to make the four-day trek along the

I

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu was still high on my list of places to visit. One new friend was searching for some peace following a loss, others were there to support her, and still others were there just for the adventure. We all found what we were looking for.

Originally built in the mid-1400s, the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu were discovered in 1911 by Yale architect Hiram Bingham (though residents of the area were quick to let us know that the locals never “lost� it... they knew it was there the whole time). Built on the summit of the mountain and overlooking the Urubamba River, the area is of great astrological significance. Shamanic folklore suggests that the intihuatana stone (which is a precise indicator of the equinoxes) is a gateway to allow pyshic and spiritual vision. It was a magical journey.

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by the sea: THE BAREFOOT BOYS OF BOLIVAR Upon arrival in Lima on the first morning of the trip, I was intrigued, to say the least, with a couple of guys in our group who came down to breakfast—and then on to the tour of the city—with bare feet. I watched with interest, the reaction of the locals as they noted that some of our members were shoeless! “No zapatos?” they would ask.

Little girls teetered with giggles, pointing to the bare feet of our friends. My shoeless pals were undaunted.

As a fairly new resident of the peninsula, I was unaware of the longstanding tradition of barefooted-ness on Bolivar. For several generations, some Bolivarites have prided themselves on their barefoot status, traversing the peninsula sans shoes. In recent years, walking barefoot (also known as “earthing”) has gone from being what was thought by some to be a kooky counter-culture trend, to a scientifically researched practice with some distinct health advantages, stemming from the relationship between our bodies and the electrons of the Earth. Who knew?

Whatever the ultimate reason for the barefooted-ness of our Bolivar friends, they were delightful travel companions.

Their confident, self-assured ability to carry on their tradition of barefooted-ness was yet another example of the unique nature of the Bolivar folks. As Popeye would say, “I yam what I yam.” I think I’ll give it a try.

Since this issue is devoted to food and drink, here's a recipe for the national drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour. We'll warn you...it packs a punch!

Pisco Sour

ingredients for one individual cocktail: 3 oz. Pisco 1 oz. lime juice 1 oz. sweet sugar syrup 1 egg white* 5-8 ice cubes Place ingredients (in the order listed) in a shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Then, using a strainer, pour the contents into a glass. Finally, add 2 drops of Angostura bitter on top of the foam. *Be sure to add the egg white in its proper order, as the alcohol will cook it otherwise.

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ADVENTURE AWAITS: GALVESTON BAY SAFARIS OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE written by cody martin

explore: GALVESTON BAY SAFARIS

Doors, mud ball, try net and tickle chain.

These are just a few of the words you will add to your vocabulary after spending a day on the water with Captain Delino Comeaux during his shrimping excursion.

Born and raised on the Bolivar Peninsula, Captain Comeaux has spent most of his life working the bays and marshes of the Galveston Bay complex and started Galveston Bay Safaris in 2014. He offers guided duck hunts and fishing charters throughout the year, but the most recent addition to Delino’s line of services is a half-day shrimping excursion. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to catch the live shrimp you fish with under your popping cork, now you can have a first-hand experience!

Meet Delino at Delino’s Bait Camp and let your adventure begin. Embark the Blue Dolphin for a short boat ride into East Bay, and if it’s a clear morning, chances are you’ll witness a memorable sunrise, so don't forget your camera. In just a matter of minutes the action kicks off with a dip of the try net, a smaller version of the trawl net located at the back of the boat.

The try net indicates if the boat is in a promising location for a hearty catch. If the results of the try are promising, the larger trawl net is lowered into the water by the on board winch system.

While anxiously awaiting the nets to fill with a vast array of species amid the shrimp, get up close and personal with Delino’s favorite bird, the ever-watching pelican, and seagulls by the hundreds. On any given day you could catch (and release) blowfish, flounder, ladyfish, stingrays, blue crabs, hermit crabs, rock crabs, gaff top, trout, croaker, shad, mullet and the ‘beloved’ hardhead. You might even pull up an old vestige from Hurricane Ike—like say, a golf cart— also known as a mud ball. Captain Comeaux is very knowledgeable and offers up interesting tidbits about the different species of sea life along the way and allows his guests to be hands-on if they choose.

After the live wells are full and the boat returns to the 12 |

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GET SHRIMPIE

marina, pull up a chair and watch the days catch get sorted and placed in the respective tanks, patiently awaiting a local or visiting fishermen to return them to the bay, this time on a hook!

From start to finish, the excursion is a truly unique and educational experience that can be appreciated by people of all ages and a great way to spend the day while visiting the peninsula. To cross ‘shrimper for a day’ off of your bucket list, call Galveston Bay Safaris at (409) 392-6002 to make a reservation. And if you like live bait, thank a local shrimper!

Clockwise from top left: Captain Delino pulls in the trawl net on his Blue Dolphin shrimp boat, a sampling of shrimp and fish caught in the try net, Delino's Bait Camp at Siever's Cut, a brown pelican ominously hovers over the boat

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local eats

POP OF LOCAL

FLAVOR Meet the moms and pops of Bolivar Peninsula's eclectic mobile food vendors

Seafood platter of Cajun boiled crawfish, King crab legs, and shrimp from Pop's Beach Boil. C'est bon!

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BOILED crawfish POP'S BEACH BOIL 2061 HWY 87 • 504-427-3326

You can feel the heat coming from the “kitchen” when you walk up to Pop’s Beach Boil. The food trailer is situated on the manicured grounds next to Fun Spot Waterslide and offers casual, picnic-style dining. But this ain’t your daddy’s picnic! Place your order with owners Charlie and Cyndi Ricks, a friendly, hard working couple from Lufkin, Texas who love the beach and their customers. Pop’s menu offers Cajun boiled crawfish, shrimp, crab legs, and the traditional fixin’s of sausage, potatoes and corn on the cob. The boil packs some heat, which Charlie says took time to perfect in order to cater to his patrons. Pop’s Beach Boil is pet-friendly and occasionally offers live acoustic music. Stop by if you’re in the mood for a good, creole kick in the taste buds!

STREET tacos TAQUERIA ROSITAS 2385 HWY 87 • 713-319-7986

Do you love street tacos? I mean, do you really love street tacos?? Then visiting Taqueria Rositas should be the first stop you make when you arrive to Bolivar Peninsula. Raved about by locals and tourists alike, the pop-up food vendor brings an authentic taste of Mexico to the Gulf Coast. Light and airy tortillas are stuffed with flavorful braised meat and garnished with grilled onions, fresh cilantro and avocado slices. Each taco is served with a lime wedge and hot sauce. It's highly recommended that you order an extra taco, or two, because the first one will definitely leave you wanting more! Conveniently located next to The BIG Store in Crystal Beach.

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local eats

BEST OF burgers FANTASEA BBQ & GRILL 1951 HWY 87 • 409-286-2160

“Shipwrecked” never sounded so good! A colorful establishment located in Gilchrist, Texas near Rollover Pass, FantaSea BBQ & Grill offers a casual dining experience, family friendly atmosphere, karaoke, and expansive views of the beach and bay.

Flavorful barbeque and hearty, madeto-order burgers are served with a smile from a yellow food truck encapsulated by the restaurant’s façade. FantaSea is known for their “Shipwreck Burger” (pictured right) in which an all beef patty topped with cheese, bacon and an onion ring is sandwiched between two grilled cheeses. Yum! Owners Pam and Warren Adams encourage you to “come for the food and stay for the view!”

Shipwreck!

BEACHBUNS GRILLE 2061 HWY 87 • 504-427-3326

Simple. Fast. Food. That’s the mentality some have after spending a long, hot day on the beach.

Owners Bunnie and Chris Meyer of BeachBuns Grille aim to please that crowd. Stop by their food trailer located at the corner of Crystal Beach Road and Highway 87, next to Swede’s Grocery and grab a quick, no-frills hamburger to satisfy your hunger and sip on fresh squeezed lemonade to quench your thirst. Now that dinner’s done, there will be more time to relax and no mess to clean-up.

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POP OF LOCAL FLAVOR

PIT SMOKED barbecue THE SMOKING PIG 2017 HWY 87 • 409-443-1131

If the Pig is smoking…then you’re in for a delicious meal!

The Smoking Pig (now located across from the Post Office in Crystal Beach) is serving up old-fashioned smoke pit barbecue that’s arguably some of the best on the beach.

Owners Will and Angelaa Weeks take pride in the traditional “low and slow” process which incorporates a rich, smoky flavor to all of their dishes. Daily specials include pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and Texas-sized smoked potatoes topped with a meat of your choice.

The menu also offers mouthwatering cowboy style sides. If BBQ is what's on your mind for lunch or dinner, or if you're looking to cater your next event, you can't go wrong with The Smoking Pig.

oke m s d e n io h s a f old pit bar-b-que DOUBLE A’S TAKEOUT BBQ 1908 HWY 87 • 936-672-1320

Rollover Pass is locally known to be a popular fishing destination, but area anglers (and others) now have even more reason for visiting the pass. Opening earlier this season, Chef Big Al and his wife Amy set up their 24 ft. mobile food truck just mere feet from the highly frequented saltwater channel. Double A’s Takeout BBQ & Catering offers an extensive menu of tender, hickory smoked meats, hamburgers, po’ boys, seafood baskets and pizza. Many of Big Al’s culinary creations are served up with a secret sauce that adds a creamy dimension of heat to meats and fried foods. Stop by on your way in or out or take a break in between casts and give Double A’s Takeout BBQ a try.

Jalapeno Cheese Poppers served with Big Al's secret sauce AUGUST 2015

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in the community

Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup The nation's biggest all-volunteer cleanup right here in Texas on September 26 Written by Jim Suydam, Texas General Land Office Volunteers are signing up now for the nation's biggest coastal cleanup on Saturday, September 26. The 2015 Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup takes place at eight sites in the Galveston and Houston area.

Volunteers can sign up online at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org to take part in a fun-filled day at the beach that makes a difference.

Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Cleanups are held rain or shine!

Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have a real impact. Not only do they clean the beach the day of the cleanup, they change attitudes in their community about marine debris. And data collected by Adopt-A-Beach volunteers has even helped pass an international shipping treaty in 1988 that prohibits ships from dumping their trash at sea. Texas beaches receive large amounts of marine debris due to a convergence of currents in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Before that treaty passed, the majority of the trash found on Texas beaches was dumped overboard from large ships. Now, most of the trash found on the beach is left by careless beachgoers.

Since 1986, more than 481,000 Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up more than 9,100 tons of this debris, some of it originating from as far away as Greece. Volunteers record data on the trash to learn more about the causes of marine debris and to help mitigate pollution along Texas’ 367 miles of coastline.

Texans who are not able to attend the cleanup can help keep their beaches clean by making a tax-deductible donation online at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org.

There are several different AdoptA-Beach sponsorship levels ranging from $25 to $25,000, allowing both individuals and corporations to contribute to this major cleanup effort.

Shell Oil Company is the lead statewide sponsor for the 2015 Texas General Land Office AdoptA-Beach Fall Cleanup. Other sponsors include Apache Corporation, Murphy Oil Corporation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program, Schlumberger, the Ocean Conservancy, Corona Del Mar Properties and Trusted Senior Specialists.

Congratulations, Brian Wang of Katy, TX 2015 Winner of the 19th Annual Treasures of the Texas Coast Children's Contest (top left)

ADOPT-A-BEACH FALL CLEANUP

SAVE THE DATE

SEPT 26 ADOPT-A-BEACH LOCATIONS IN HOUSTON AND GALVESTON AREAS GALVESTON COUNTY BOLIVAR PENINSULA

Check-in: Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 930 Noble Carl Dr.

Contact: Janis Malitz

janis.malitz@texasadoptabeach.org / 409-454-4756

THE JOHN M. O’QUINN I-45 SCENIC ESTUARIAL CORRIDOR & VIRGINIA POINT PENINSULA PRESERVE *Advanced Reservations Req'd.

Check-in: Exit 6 off I-45 at Reitan Point

Contact: Evangeline Whorton

evangeline.whorton@texasadoptabeach.org / 409-789-4996

GALVESTON ISLAND

Check-in: Menard Park, 27th St. & Seawall Blvd.

Contact: Sheryl Rozier

sheryl.rozier@texasadoptabeach.org / 409-762-3363

SURFSIDE

Check-in: Stahlman Park, approx. 2 mi E from intersection of Hwy 332 and CR 257

Contact: James Glover

james.glover@texasadoptabeach.org / 979-864-1541

QUINTANA

Check-in: Quintana Beach County Park, 330 5th St.

Contact: Patty Brinkmeyer

patty.brinkmeyer@texasadoptabeach.org / 979-233-1461

SARGENT BEACH COUNTY PARK

Check-in: FM 457 and CR 230 (Canal Dr.)

Contacts: Ray Fessenden or Carole Patrick

ray.fessenden@texasadoptabeach.org / 979-482-7007 carole.patrick@texasadoptabeach.org / 214-697-2428

BRAZORIA COUNTY

MATAGORDA COUNTY MATAGORDA BEACH

Check-in: Matagorda Jetty Park

Contact: Peggy Stanley

peggy.stanley@texasadoptabeach.org / 979-216-6016

PALACIOS

Check-in: Marine Education Center, 102 Marine Center Dr.

Contact: Bonnie Peterson

bonnie.peterson@texasadoptabeach.org / 361-972-3774

To learn more about the Adopt-A-Beach program, visit www.TexasAdoptABeach.org or contact the GLO at 1-877-TX COAST GEORGE P. BUSH, COMMISSIONER

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local business: MINWEST DEVELOPMENT, LLC

BUILT FOR A

LIFETIME

Constructing more than just beautiful beach homes, local custom homebuilder MinWest Development, LLC is in the business of building relationships that last a lifetime. photos courtesy of MinWest Development, LLC

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local business: MINWEST DEVELOPMENT, LLC

W

ho hasn’t ever imagined what it might be like to build their dream home? If you love the beach (and we’re assuming you do), maybe you envision a coastal retreat with sweeping ocean views that gracefully welcome you back to tranquility. For many on the peninsula, custom homebuilder MinWest Development is helping turn their dream into reality.

Since Hurricane Ike, 1,600 building permits have been issued on Bolivar with approximately 20 new construction projects beginning every month. There’s no doubt the community is making a comeback, with homes being built bigger and stronger than ever before.

Originally from Beaumont, Texas, founders Michael Minick and Brett West of MinWest spent many years frequenting the peninsula. Business partners for nearly two decades, the duo has more than 35 years of combined experience in construction, property management and real estate sales. After the storm in 2008, the team decided to relocate their business to Crystal Beach. With more than 4,000 homes destroyed by the hurricane and many more damaged, “we saw an opportunity to be a major part in the rebuilding efforts of our beautiful coastal community,” says Michael.

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THE MINWEST DIFFERENCE Determined to produce homes that could withstand another storm, Brett and Michael began to study characteristics of construction susceptible to hurricanes in other coastal regions. Upon inception, MinWest committed to building the strongest house possible, offering their clients features that not only comply, but also exceed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) requirements.

The company prides itself on the highest standard of quality, custom design finishes, and exceptional customer experience. “We’re not building just homes, we’re building relationships,” Michael adds. The team judges their success by the quality of relationships developed with clients throughout the entire building process.

As part of the custom design experience, MinWest insures that homeowners are involved every step of the way. From the beginning, clients are able to take a virtual AUGUST 2015

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tour and explore the features of their home through 3D AutoCAD renderings. The homebuilder also assists with product selection and offers interior design services. From design to detail, MinWest offers a fun and rewarding building experience.

“They made our

dream come true.”

–PATRICIA THORP

WHAT’S NEXT Over the past seven years, MinWest has completed construction on nearly 100 single-family homes at the beach. The custom homebuilder has played an integral role in restoring Bolivar, and they don’t plan to stop there.

MinWest has recently expanded their services beyond the peninsula and is currently involved in construction projects in Galveston.

In February, MinWest added more expert dimension to their business. They partnered with licensed real estate broker, Christy Duhon to form Crystal Beach Club Properties, LLC, a full service property management and real estate sales office. Christy grew up in Crystal Beach and brings more than fifteen years of real estate experience to the team. Proud to be the newest property management service at the beach, Christy says, “Our goal is to extend the superior quality, professionalism and integrity that MinWest has established.”

To turn your dream home in to a reality, call MinWest Development at 409-684-7233 or visit minwesthomes.com to learn more. For more information about Crystal Beach Club Properties contact Christy Duhon at 409-684-1184.

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get cooking BBQ SHRIMP AND CHEESE GRITS 20 1 1 2 1 4 1 ½ ½ 8 4 2 1 ½

size 10/12 shrimp, peeled and deveined ounce canola oil tbsp + 5 tsp green onions, chopped ounces dry white wine tsp fresh chopped garlic tbsp Worcestershire sauce tsp Tabasco sauce tsp cayenne pepper tsp paprika ounces stick butter, salted tbsp of butter Tbsp white onion, diced andouille sausage link cup each shredded white cheddar and smoke gouda cheese 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup grits 1 cup water

1. Place a large cast iron skillet on a burner and heat over high heat. Add oil and cook shrimp in batches until they are just done. Remove shrimp and set aside.

2. Add green onions and cook for 1 minute.

Add white wine and reduce the volume by half.

When the wine is reduced, add chopped garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper and paprika. Stir well to incorporate. Cook for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low.

3. Slice butter into small chunks. Add butter to the sauce and stir to melt evenly. Return shrimp back to the pan and toss well making sure that each is coated in sauce.

FOR THE GRITS: 1. Remove the casing from the sausage link and dice. Brown the meat in a separate pan over medium heat. While the meat is cooking, add remaining butter and white onion. Cook about 4 minutes and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan bring water and heavy cream to a boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow and slowly begin to add in grits, stirring frequently until they reach an almost-done consistency.

3. Add sausage mixture and shredded cheese to the grits. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for about 5 minutes. Top with shrimp and garnish with remaining green onions.

Serve immediately.

Mastering the Art of Cooking Joshua “Cutter” Brewer comes from a strong family with a history of achievers and he is no exception to the rule. After high school, Cutter joined the United States Navy and was a Combat Search and Rescue Swimmer as a member of the HS-14 USS Kitty Hawk Battle Group. He was hand selected to participate in a Joint Special Operations Task Force involved in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2014, Cutter was a participant on Fox’s “MasterChef ” and placed 4th out of 18,000 contestants from across the U.S. His success on the popular television show has led to Cutter exploring other ventures in the restaurant and catering business. He is currently the only participant from the show’s six seasons to successfully partner and open a restaurant (www.AcesIceHouse. com), and he has also established an inhome private catering service (Skillet & Flask, LLC). While growing up in nearby Hamshire-Fannett, Cutter and his family frequently visited the Bolivar Peninsula. At the Local’s request, Cutter has generously provided the recipe for his famous BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits.

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sea & be seen sea & be seen

Share your LOCAL scene.

Send us photos of your favorite places, people and past times on the peninsula and your image could be featured in an upcoming issue of our magazine. Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@thebolivarlocal. com. Please include your name, contact info and the title of the image. #keepitlocal

JULY 2015 2015 AUGUST

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BOLIVAR PENINSULA

events & directory

AUGUST EVENTS AUGUST 1 Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club Golf Cart Poker Run bplions.org/poker-run-2015 AUGUST 15 Eagle's Lodge Trade Days (third Saturday of every month) 1835 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach TX 77650 10am - 4pm

COMING UP SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department's 17th Annual BBQ Cook-Off SEPTEMBER 26 Adopt-A-Beach Fall Clean-Up

to advertise in our directory, email info@thebolivarlocal.com

bed & breakfast Out By The Sea 2134 Vista Dr. Crystal Beach (409) 684-1555

hotels/motels Gulfway Motel & Grill 1365 Hwy 124, High Island (409) 286-2125 Crystal Palace 1600 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-6554

rv parks Beachside RV & Storage 1280 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 996-3288 or (409) 684-7008 Bolivar Peninsula RV Park 1685 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-0939 Crystal Beach Palms RV Park 1755 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-1755

PLACES TO EAT

JT's RV Park - Beachside 992 Salaparuta Gilchrist (409) 553-4608

Dannay’s Donuts 2124 Hwy 87 @ Alberdie Crystal Beach (409) 684-7003

Lazy D&D RV Resort 681 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-1900

Down Under 1295 N. Stingaree Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-2731

Paula's Vineyard RV Resort 1250 N. Crystal Beach Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-9970

Gulfway Motel & Grill 1365 Hwy 124, High Island (409) 286-2125

THINGS TO DO

Hard Heads 1035 Hwy 87 @ Jacks Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-1177

Fort Travis Seashore Park, Port Bolivar Playground, cooking facilities and picnic areas

Jose’s Cantina 1698 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-1180

Fun Spot Waterslide 2061 Hwy 87 (409) 684-2384

La Playita Mexican Restaurant 703 Madison Port Bolivar (409) 684-1383

Galveston Bay Safaris (409) 392-6002

Ocean Grille in Crystal Beach Plaza 2275 Hwy 87, Suite 15 409-684-0011 Steve’s Landing 1290 Bay Vue Dr. Crystal Beach (409) 684-1999 Stingaree Restaurant 1295 N. Stingaree Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-2731 Tiki Beach Bar and Grill 1369 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach (409) 684-9594

PLACES TO STAY cabins/vacation homes All I Need 987 Biscayne, Ramada Beach Subdivision. Sleeps 4-6. (409) 782-4965 Sands of Time 988 Hamilton Dr. Crystal Beach Sleeps 10. (409) 960-9151

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theLOCAL

AUGUST 2015

I Love Nails 2275 Hwy 87, Ste. 9 (409) 684-9095

SHOPPING Harold's Garden Depot 1755 Hwy 87 (409) 684-1755 Home By The Sea Decor (409) 684-9550 Latitude 29.2 Surf Shop Open 7 days a week 9am - 6pm (409) 684-0594 Maven's Boutique & Tanning Salon 2275 Hwy 87, Ste. 16 (409) 684-1094 2nd Going 1050 Bay Vue Dr. WednesdaySaturday 9am - 3pm The BIG Store 2385 Hwy 87 Open 7 days a week 7am - 9pm

Tropical Accents 2950 Hwy 87 WednesdaySaturday 10:30am - 5pm, Sunday noon - 4pm (409) 684-0009

CHURCHES First Baptist Church of Port Bolivar 523 Nelson Street, Port Bolivar (409) 684-8976. Sunday school 10am Service Times: Sundays 11am & 6pm, Wednesdays 7pm First Baptist Church of Crystal Beach 1260 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach 409-684-4413. Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship 10:30am First Baptist Church of High Island 1368 Weeks Avenue, High Island Sunday School 9:30am Service Times: Sundays 10:30am & 6pm, Wednesdays 7pm Our Lady By The Sea Catholic Center 2400 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach Sunday Mass 8am holyfamilygb.com Crystal Beach Community Church 1020 Diamond Road, Crystal Beach Sunday Service 10:30am Thursday Bible Study 6:30pm crystalbeachcommunitychurch.org Bolivar Peninsula Church of Christ Hwy 87 at Tidelands, Crystal Beach 409-782-2305 Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Worship 10am Port Bolivar United Methodist Church 12th at Madison, Port Bolivar 409-684-7510 Sunday Worship 2pm Bay Vue United Methodist Church 1411 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach 409-684-6678 Sunday Worship 9am Food & Fellowship 10am St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 1308 Weeks Avenue, High Island 409-286-5164 Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship 11am Lighthouse Apostolic Fellowship 343 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach 832-318-2364 Sunday School 10am, Sunday Evening 6pm Tuesday Bible Study 7pm

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HOMES FROM THE 400’s

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