June 2016

A BITTERSWEET JOURNEY FROM SYRIA TO CORPUS CHRISTI

PHILOSOPHY

10

& Fly Fishing

island Escapes

THE ARTS ISSUE

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Contents JUNE | The Arts Issue

Features Features

Monthly | Departments

Around the Bend 14 Currents 16 Conversation 18 Gift Guide 22 5 Best 24 Giving Back

Destinations 28 Quick Trip 30 Local Discovery

Health 60 Be Well 62 Fitness

Home & Garden

44

70 Open House 74 Spaces 76 Gardening

Six Coastal Bend Artists Share How They Have Launched Their Craft Professional Guide to Fly Fishing

Out & About

34

80 Arts & Culture 82 Celebration 84 Date Book 88 Social Hour

Cuisine

94 Farm to Table 97 The Dish 98 The Dining Guide 102 The Drink

39 6 The Bend

Column 106 Looking Back

Bittersweet Journey

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MOST AWARDED I LD

I NG

IE

S

BU

NEW HOME BUILDER MEMOR

VISIT US AT THE 2016 PARADE OF HOMES

JUNE 10-12 & JUNE 17-19

find yours.

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7

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas ART DIRECTOR: Julio Studios PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas

Using nothing but the best for you

100% Organic Products ** One Free Oxygen Bar with the Purchase of an Oxygen Bar

MANAGING EDITOR: Whitney Noble AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Stefanie DeWaters

361.737.7813 | peaceofmindmassagecorpuschristi.com 602 N Lower Broadway St. Corpus Christi Follow us!

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Rosana Sargent

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Durrent PHOTOGRAPHY: Dustin Ashcraft Jason Page Renée C. Gage Kateri Reyes DISTRIBUTION: Produce Couriers Renée C. Gage Kevin Kusenberger EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: jordan@thebendmag.com

ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Sharla Wilkins Cissy Tabor Kateri Reyes Jeff King Dayna Worchel Sadique Dabale Robert Breedlove Erica Rose Bertero

Luxury Service. island Style.

THE BEND OFFICE: 309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Phone: 361.792.3606

SUBSCRIPTIONS: THEBENDMAG.COM

Copyright © 2016 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.

Finding your island lifestyle shoudn’t be difficult.

Let me make it a breeze.

Whitney Noble

On the Cover

The history of the art scene can easily be traced back to this notable brick building, in Rockport - now the Estelle Stair Gallery.

Styled by: The Bay Window Photo by: Rachel Durrent

COASTLINE PROPERTIES R E A L E STAT E

ComeCoastAwhile@gmail.com 847.830.2087

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick

MARKETING DESIGN: Ensemble Group

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May | Meet The Staff

LAST MONTH TO NOMINATE FOR

2016

A little about:

Rachel Durrent Lead Photographer

Rachel first moved to the Coastal Bend after returning to the states from Belize with her family when she was about 4 years old. They stopped at Mustang Island State Park for the first time and lived on the beach for a little while, where Rachel’s dad eventually became a Park Ranger. She and her family settled down and bought a house in Corpus Christi in 2003. During her nomadic childhood, while living on a ranch in North Carolina, she experienced her first encounter with photography. With an inexpensive 35mm camera, she chased around a group of ducks, hoping to get a good photo. Later, her mom purchased a digital camera as another school subject (she and her siblings were homeschooled), and her fascination with photography took off. She started shooting weddings at age 17 for free to gain experience, and she launched her business in 2008.

Since the first issue of The Bend Magazine, Rachel has shot many of the stunning images gracing the covers and spreads throughout the magazine. She has a God given ability for capturing the beauty all around us and telling stories with her photos. She never backs down from a new challenge and is often so determined to get the perfect shot that you have to convince her it’s alright to stop taking photos.

Along with photography, traveling is a big part of her life. She loves going places, meeting new people and seeing God's creation up close. The first mission trip she went on was in 2011 to Joplin, Missouri after the Tornado. In December, she went to Mexico and served with a church at a Children's and Women's Shelter. Rachel says her parents are her heroes and mentors. Her mom passed down a heart for loving others and her faith in God, and her dad taught her so many life skills she is grateful for.

CONNECT WITH US @ thebendmag.com @thebendmag on Instagram and Twitter #CBLife

What’s your favorite piece of art?

DO YOU KNOW A

WOMAN WHO IS

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT?

We are looking for women who light up our community by dedicating their free time to local charities.

Do you know a woman who deserves to be celebrated for their charitable works?

Nominate them today! thebendmag.com/contact

or email

Stefanie@thebendmag.com

Share with us your most special, valuable, oldest, weirdest, or interesting piece of art work! #TBArt [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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June | Letter From The Publisher

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famous 1628 oil painting by Rembrandt hangs in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts titled The Artist in his Studio. The depicted artist stands a good distance from the easel; however, he remains poised and engaged. With brush in hand, he stares deeply into the blank canvas, possibly attempting to visualize his masterpiece before making the first brush stroke. I’m not an art historian, but I do relate to the painting. As a writer, I often stare at the blank page in front of me, wondering why I can’t seem to write a single linguistic idea with purpose. Writer’s block is a difficult rut to escape.

The creative process can be a dark and lonely place, no matter what you are creating.

Rembrandt’s painting tells a beautiful story, but I don’t think it tells the whole story. For a while, I had this notion that a true artist was perhaps a recluse. I pictured the artist kindred to an island, disconnected from all to focus on their craft. Thanks to meeting Lisa Baer Frederick, June Ainsworth, and many other local artists you will discover in this month’s issue, I now have a more complete portrait of what it means to be an artist. You will see many images of these local artists working in their studios, but the pictures do not depict how connected and united the artists in our community are – a community in which we are meant to create.

Rockport is the perfect example of a community built around the arts. It could be the wildlife or subtle coastal charm that draws so many talented artists to this small, Coastal Bend town, but I think the art community as a whole plays a major role in attracting new artists. Almost 50 years ago, Estelle Stair played a major part in founding the Rockport Art Association, known today as the Rockport Center for the Arts. The artists that founded the association built a legacy of teaching and mentoring newer artists, that today it’s known as “The Rockport Way.” This is why the arts remain a driving cultural force in Rockport, which has been passed down all along our coastal communities.

If you are an artist or have always longed to get into the arts but don’t know where to start, I encourage you to discover the incredible community of artists we have all around us. This is an exciting time for the arts in the Coastal Bend, especially with the newly established Marina Arts District in Downtown Corpus Christi and their “Launch Your Craft” campaign. As many of our artists will attest, you may get into a rut. But the best way to get out is for a friend or fellow creator to extend their hand and pull you out.

Favorite Page The June issue somewhat favors the Rockport area, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. When it comes to topics like art and fly fishing, Rockport is up there with just about any city in the United States. In fact, the shallow water flats in this area make us one of the premier fly fishing destinationsin the world! Anglers and celebrities alike travel from all over to fish our bay systems. The gorgeous spread alone on page 34 is enough to make you want to drop everything and go fishing. I wish you could have seen the look of excitement on Jeff King’s face when we passed along this assignment to him. In case you were wondering, he did manage to hook a fish, but it got away.

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Around the Bend JUNE 2016

CURRENTS 14 CONVERSATION 16 GIFT GUIDE 18 5 BEST 22 GIVING BACK 24

What’s Inside Children out of school means summer, summer equates to happy, happy is a couple hours with or without the kids! Keep things fun and cool by hanging out with your family and friends, and treat yourself to a a tasty beverage at a local spot!

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Around the Bend | Currents

New Stars Added to The South Texas Music Walk of Fame

Currents

In April, new stars were added. Two home-town legends joined the other stars - Helen Erwin Donath, and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra. Ceremonies took place in the courtyard of Waterstreet Market, and representatives from the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra were there to hand cut the ribbon, alongside Donath. Donath now lives in Europe, and came home for this honor. The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

New Shops at La Palmera What’s better than bettering our mall? They’re doing just that by adding new shops, retailers, and vendors! Fashion leader H&M is coming and plans on being open for the holidays. Taking full use of space, H&M will be two-levels and approximately 27,000 square feet. Located on the Upper Level of La Palmera, adjacent to Claire’s, Doc Popcorn/Dippin’ Dots has joined forces and is coming in, with a 599-square-foot space offering shoppers a variety of Doc Popcorn’s fresh-popped, kettle cooked popcorn and Dippin’ Dots’ iconic flash-frozen ice cream, sundaes, floats, shakes and quakes.

Other new retailers include Michael Kors!

Play in Corpus Christi!

PLAY in this new indoor family entertainment center located right here in Corpus Christi! This state-of-the-art facility has received incredibly high ratings with its many amenities and low prices. PLAY allows you to control your daily playtime in their multilevel Playground, interactive virtual game center, and even has a special toddler-only space. Plan your next birthday party here, or come just to hang and do something out of the ordinary. Your PLAY, Your Way. playincc.com

Construction Started on Island Marina Dredging of the canal that will eventually be the anticipated water exchange bridge on Padre Island has begun! Plans are finally coming to fruition, which will include a marina, boat storage facility, commercial and residential development, and of course, the bridge and extended canal! Crews have begun excavation work on a 1000-foot canal through Lake Padre that will connect Packery Channel to the Park Road 22 and through to the existing Island canal system. They have started the process of moving roughly 100,000 cubic yards of sand that will be the site of the canal. When all is said and done, plans project that waterway will stretch from Schlitterbahn into Lake Padre. It’s the start of the estimated $500 million project, but, San Antonio River Walk may have some competition!

14 The Bend

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Around the Bend | Person of Interest events hosted every year where the majority of the operational budget is raised. Fundraising allows the Art Center the ability to keep the doors open free of charge six-days a week, and to offer free art educational programs for students in our area. The special events are April’s Tour of Homes, July’s Art Festival, and November’s Film Festival.

What programs do you hope to build on or establish in the future? One of our

hallmark programs is art education. Through a generous donor, we recently established a new and free program for emerging artists that thirst for the opportunity to learn techniques in new forms and mediums of art. Through this fund, we are bringing exciting, young artists from different parts of the United States to teach 3-day workshops completely free of charge. In May, New Jersey artist Andrea Williams conducted a workshop on monoprinting techniques. One of the goals for her visit was to get her to establish the use of a printing press donated to the Art Center by the legendary sporting artist Al Barnes. Barnes passed away last year. Originally from northwest Indiana, Williams studied figurative art in New York, Chicago, and Florence, and she recently participated in the prestigious CAC residency in upstate New York. We are very excited about the potential for this new offering.

What makes the Rockport artist community unique? Rockport is a slice of

Conversation with

Luis Purón Executive Director of the Rockport Center for the Arts By: Jordan Regas Photo: Rachel Durrent

Tell us a little about your background?

I am originally from Mexico, and I grew up along the Texas border, the eldest of four siblings. I have a sister who was a ballerina in Mexico City and a brother who is an artist in San Antonio. My youngest brother is a politician. My mother María, originally from Virginia, has lived in different parts of Latin America. My father is deceased. I spent my formative years at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

What is it that you love most about "the arts?" Famed artists, Edward Hopper said,

“If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.”

Art, in its many forms, exists in every community, country and culture. It has been created since the

16 The Bend

beginning of time. Today, we know that art can be a major economic force, yet we continue to question its worth. What I love the most about art is that we actually need it. It gives us nourishment in a way that other things, like food, cannot. The creation of art is a fundamental human behavior. Like language, art makes us complete human beings.

Art is also a medium to express ideas and share information. It offers us a method to communicate what we may not necessarily fully understand or know how to express.

How does the community contribute to the Rockport Center for the Arts? Over

eighteen thousand people come into the Art Center every year to attend an art opening, take a workshop, purchase art, buy a gift, or take a stroll through the sculpture garden. Underwriters, donors and corporate sponsors support three special

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paradise. One of the unique things about Rockport is the number of artists that call this city [of less than 10,000] home. Hundreds of artists live and work in Rockport, and the great majority of them have a relationship with the Art Center. The arts are a catalyst for this community, and the arts community is the very lifeblood of the city. The Art Center plays a key role in bringing the community and visitors together to appreciate and celebrate the creative spirit in us all. Artists created the association that is now the Art Center 47 years ago and have kept it thriving since its inception. Through the Art Center, artists nurtured one another, taught workshops; brought artists from other parts of the country to collaborate with them and in turn mentored younger artists. It is the Rockport way. My primary role is to represent our community as the ambassador for the arts.

Is there anything new or exciting happening at this year's Art Festival?

The 47th Annual Rockport Art Festival is July 2nd and 3rd, and it promises to be an exciting event. We bring to Rockport over 120 artists from different parts of the United States. The featured artist this year is Beaumont’s Joey Blazek. Blazek was selected as the festival’s Poster Artist. His work is well known to art collectors in the Coastal Bend as well as Art Festival regulars. Represented by Estelle Stair Gallery, he received “Best of Show” honors in the 2013 edition of the festival. Last year, he was selected as Poster Artist for the Gulfcoast Arts Festival in Pensacola, Florida. In conjunction with the Art Festival, Blazek will have a solo exhibition at the Art Center featuring over 30 original and new works.

The exhibit opens to the public Saturday, June 18th and continues through July 31, 2016.

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㈀ ㌀ 唀匀 䠀圀夀 ㄀㠀㄀ 匀琀攀 䄀 倀漀爀琀氀愀渀搀 吀堀 ㌀㘀㄀⸀㘀㐀㌀⸀ 㔀

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Around the Bend | Style

s ' r e h t Fa Dayde Gift Gui

na erence betwee iff d a s e’ er “Th ers can rd the saying… but not all fath , er th fa a You’ve all hea e e b our life to som y d. Anyone can a in d s a d a d d an e th er fath u treat tered like to help yo Here, we’ve ca d . e’ ay W D ” ’s s. d er a h d at e l F b ets the specia eriences this g p ex an r M o s y il ift g am l specia so The F ies, t type of dad, pen-air activit en o er is h iff s d et g ch ea an to rsm tment, , The Outdoo culinary depar e th in d time he desires ai . e him on trend Chef gets som p r ee k eu l at il m w A at e h Th ctly w inisto gets exa n! and The Fash ers and childre Gift on, moth

Breakfast in Bed

Pamper your hard wo rking man this Fathe r’s Day with breakfas in bed! What’s better t than pancakes and ba con? I’ll tell you! It’s Bacon Pancakes. Grab the kids and make da d a breakfast he’ll crave every Father’s Da y.

Visit thebendmag.co m for the full recipe!

18 The Bend

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The Family Man (noun) A man devoted to his family.

The Amateur Chef

(noun) The man who thinks they should apply to Le Cordon Bleu.

Damascus Chef Knife

Go Texan with this beautifully crafted, custom kitchen staple! $85 Willowcreek Custom Knives willowcreekcustomknives.com

Custom Cutting Board

Condo Weekend

Plan a stay-cation with the family at one of our favorite condos in Port Aransas! Celebrate good ol' dad while relaxing in style. $150-250 per night Village by the Beach padreescapes.com 361-949-0430

Shop Local with these one-of-a-kind, handmade cutting boards. $65 Coastline Woodworks facebook.com/coastlinewoodworks 361-549-9740

Big Green Egg This is a must-have for the Grill Master. $845 for the large Homefield homefieldliving.com 361-853-7926 1126 S.P.I.D. Suite 1 Corpus Christi

Family Farm Fun

Celebrate Father’s Day Saturday, June 18th, by treating dad to a fun morning at Four String Farm. Dads will tour the farm and learn how Four String Farm’s signature pork is raised. The class will end with free samples of dad’s favorites: bacon, pulled pork, pork chops, and did we mention bacon!! $35 (kids get in free with dad) Four String Farm Register at fourstringfarm.com to reserve your spot!

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The Fashionisto

(noun) The male version of a fashionista. Someone who is very interested in clothing fashions.

Beard Oil

Tom Ford Wayfarers These shades will keep dad right on trend. $405 Bella Jewel bella-jewel.com 361-806-2195 3636 S. Alameda St. Corpus Christi

For the bearded ones, stay fluffy and soft! $20 PRODUCE producegoods.com 361-589-8577 415 Peoples St. Corpus Christi

Don’t most dads love tacos? $24.99 Taco Gear tacogear.com

The Outdoorsman

(noun) A person devoted to outdoor sports and recreational activities.

Deep Sea Fishing Trip

No pole or tackle box needed.

Jump on board and reel in the catch of a lifetime! $65 and up Captain Kelly's Deep Sea Headquarters deepseaheadquarters.com 361-749-5597 440 Cotter Ave. Port Aransas

Surf Lessons

Surfs up, the waves are smooth, and dad loves to try new sports! $45 per hour texassurfcamps.com 361-749-6956

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Taco Snapback

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Texan Warbird Flight

Let your guy fly in an authentic WWII airplane! The plane takes off from T.P. McCampbell Airport, heads for the Port Aransas beach then up the bay to downtown Corpus Christi with an aerial view of the USS Lexington. $300 for 30 min flight Texan Warbird Adventures texanwarbirdadventures.com 1-844-FLY-SNJ4

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Around the Bend | 5 Best

Best Happy Hours

Girls night? Date night? Long day?

Happy Hours around the Coastal Bend are here to help.

Sit down, relax, and put stress behind you at one of these fabulous happy hour locations.

5

By: Sharla Wilkins Photo: Rachel Durrent

Best

1

Wednesday Happy Hour

Wednesdays are Wacky at The Back Porch. The dog-friendly bar in Port Aransas is open seven days a week, from noon to 2am, and prices for most drinks are $2.25 on Wednesdays. Enjoy the waterfront view, the large boats, and outdoor seating with your canine companion!

W. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas TX 78373 (361) 749-2800

2

Child-Friendly Happy Hour

Scuttlebutt's Seafood Bar and Grill on the island boasts one of the most comprehensive happy hours around. Their seven days a week specials run from 3pm to 7pm and feature half-price sushi rolls in addition to reduced price appetizers and drink specials. Kids are welcome and seating is available inside or out.

14254 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-6769

3

Water View Happy Hour

Come by boat or car to this water-front weekday happy hour destination! Rockport's Paradise Key features picturesque bay views and multi-level seating. Relax on the open air patio or enjoy the view from inside, courtesy of the multitude of windows.

22 The Bend

Margaritas, domestic beer and well liquors are a dollar off from 4pm to 6pm.

165 Cove Harbor N., Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-6000

4

Sake Happy Hour

Five dollar large hot or cold sake, $6 saketinis, $4 premium liquor and $3 draft beer. Yoshi Zushi's happy hour appeals to a variety of palates. Their Monday through Thursday happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm, with $6 saketinits all day Friday and Saturday.

Pair a drink special with some fabulous food!

5898 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 980-0748

5

Wine Happy Hour

Wine lovers will enjoy Vino Mio's variety of specials, open from 4pm to 12am. The wine bar offers half off appetizers and a $6 flight sampler on Tipsy Tuesdays, $20 any bottle of house wine and $9 pasta and salad combo on Wino Wednesdays, and $5 glass of merlot or zinfandel, sliders or meatball sub on Thirsty Thursdays.

4102 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 728-6445

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Around the Bend | Giving Back

Corpus Christi’s Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center

The Art of the Community By: Beth Becerra Photos: Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center

Art is everywhere at the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center.

It’s on the walls, in the tiles, and in the hands of neighborhood families who gather after school and on weekends to learn and express their creative side.

Located in the heart of Corpus Christi’s West Side, the Garcia Center, a program of the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, offers programs in art, dance, health and nutrition, family support, and literacy at low or no cost to community members. The Garcia Center features a gallery space with rotating exhibits, computer lab, art room, and a multipurpose performance space.

One of the highlights at the Garcia Center is the Arts After School Program. Children ages 5 to 12 receive tutoring, art classes, computer

24 The Bend

training, workshops and cultural activities four days a week during the school year.

The program, like many at the center, is free.

The center partners with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi for a fresh, hot meal provided free of charge to every student.

Andrea Johnson’s daughter Jade, a third-grader, attended a reading camp two summers ago. The family now regularly visits the Garcia Center for activities, including the Arts After School Program and Family Nights Out. “My goal that first summer was to beef up her

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Earlier this year, Corpus Christi native Actor, Pepe Serna, visited the center and led a discussion on encouraging the children to express themselves, be themselves, to enjoy life, and foremost, to respect each other. Serna made sure to stress the importance of reading, writing and math, as this is what will likely help them in their future endeavors.

reading,” Johnson said. “The Garcia Center fit the budget, had a convenient location, and she enjoyed it.” Since then, the Johnsons joined the after-school program, even coordinating a carpool with some other kids from her elementary school.

Jade made her own storybook, complete with an impressive cover art of the Earth. She gardens, eating herbs right from the stalk, and shines during all the activities, her mom says.

“Everytime I go, Jade is always bouncing around and smiling,” she said.

A&M-Corpus Christi students tutor, help with homework and school projects, and let students pick from the library for silent reading on any topic that interests them.

Donald Epperson, a junior biomedical science major at A&M-Corpus Christi, is one of the tutors. He has seen several of the students improve their reading and gain confidence, one in particular.

“He was in the fourth grade having trouble with first-grade words, and now he’s reading Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory all by himself,” Epperson said. “I’ve seen him jump from Ds and Cs to As and Bs in the year that he’s been here.”

A professional artist affiliated with the Art Museum of South Texas provides a 45-minute art instruction each day, covering art history, various art forms, and offering a chance for students to explore their own creativity. Completed works are showcased in the Children’s Art Gallery right in the center’s front room.

Gardening, nutrition, preparing healthy foods, among other topics make their way into the program’s schedule. The center is open to new partnerships and is interested in connecting with community artists of all genres.

“We really focus on the whole family here at the Garcia Center,” said Director Andrea Elizondo. “Art is our core and where we began, but our health programs, job fairs and community events connect this neighborhood and this city in ways that really make a difference for each family.”

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After Hours & Weekends available for Private Parties & Events

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(361)884-4BBQ or hoegemeyers.com

For Charter Reservations Call 361.881.8503 ext. 2

We’re Open Every Saturday!

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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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Destinations JUNE 2016

The tallest palm tree in the world is in Colombia, at roughly 200 feet tall!

QUICK TRIP 28 LOCAL DISCOVERY 30

What’s Inside

Stand up paddle boarding or SUP (Hoe he'e nalu in Hawaiian) is a sport that originated in Hawaii. Much thicker than your average surfboard, beginners should select a wider, longer, thicker board for the greatest stability. Tip: To stay in a straight line, take a few stokes on one side then switch to a few strokes on the other.

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Destinations | Quick Trip

Sunny and South: the other Padre Island By: Whitney Noble Photos: Courtesy South Padre Island CVB

Not just a Spring Break spot – South Padre Island is your own tropical escape, just over the Queen Isabella Causeway.

Where to Stay: For luxury accommodations, delicious dining, live entertainment, poolside popularity, and more, The Isla Grand Beach Resort is the premier resort along the Texas Gulf Coast that you’re looking for. This fancy vacationland is situated right on the beach and conveniently located near all of South Padre’s top attractions.

This beachfront resort has great onsite amenities such as two swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, restaurants, nightclub, gift shop, coffee shop, activities and really, the list goes on and on. With warm hospitality, unbeatable atmosphere, and top-notch services, you couldn’t ask for more! islagrand.com

Where to Eat: Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria has character and casual authentic Italian cuisine! Passionate about food and the family-style atmosphere, their philosophy is all about making memorable experiences for their diners.

Wood-fired pizzas, quality ingredients, beer on tap, and over 700 bottles of wine ensures that you, too, will think it’s one of the best Italian restaurant experiences you’ll have. gabriellasspi.com

Where to Drink: At the Padre Island Brewing Company, they are “Handcrafting Beer and Feeding Faces since 28 The Bend

1995” with no end in sight. Serving comfort yet upscale food, allow the beer to wash down the eye pleasing sandwiches and burgers, and to wash away your worries. Try a beer sampler to find your favorite, or choose from dozens of handcrafted brew. Check out their happy hour! pibrewingcompany.com

Where to Party: Who can turn down a little bar on the bay? Laguna Bobs is the perfect colorful island shack to eat, drink, and just let loose! Seafood, cocktails, sunsets, and live music, you’re sure to run into some fun locals and some excited visitors.

End your day here with the best views, the best ceviche, and the best company! lagunabob.com

Where to Explore: Learn a new sport at SPI Kiteboarding! Expand your horizon near the horizon, on the beautiful turquoise gulf waters. If you’re looking for the most knowledgeable and safety conscience

Did you know?

There are 34 miles of white sand beach and teal tides, more than 300 days of sunshine, and the widest point of the Island is just a half-mile!

school on the Island to learn this adventurous sport, SPI Kiteboarding is it.

Their classes are for beginners, intermediate, and advanced Kiteboarders, and are taught by IKO and PASA certified professionals.

Equipment is available for rent, and there is a shop with all the fun parts and pieces for beginners on up, and a shop filled with any water toy you could want!

SPI invites any and all thrill seekers! spikiteboarding.com

Where to Learn: Founded in 1977 by Ila Fox Loetscher, better known as "The Turtle Lady of South Padre Island," at Sea Turtle Inc., the mission is simple!

Rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured sea turtles. In the meantime, it’s important for them to educate the public and assist with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species. Originally this organization was formed to aid in the protection and recovery of the endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle. Now, it’s also all about education and conservation. seaturtleinc.org

Also notably, the Island hosts the Texas International Fishing Tournament, which is the largest fishing tournament in the state that attracts fishing enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world.

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Helping you turn resolutions into reality

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE LOCALLY

The Better Weigh Center welcomes our newest member, Dr. Jegan Gopal.

A recent graduate of the prestigious Duke University Bariatric Surgery Fellowship, Dr. Gopal is excited to bring his passion for bariatric surgery to the Coastal Bend. New patient appointments are now being scheduled.

Restoring hope and health in the Coastal Bend 361-500-2898

5826 Esplanade Dr. • Suite 102 • Corpus Christi www.BetterWeighCenter.com

Destinations | Local Discovery

Want to see it?

Please contact the Port Aransas Museum before you head out on a tour. Though they do not manage or control the lighthouse, they can give you valuable direction.

N. Alister St. Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-3800

Beacon of Beauty By: Sadique Dabale Photos: Jason Page

Local Lydia Ann Lighthouse is a Stature of Strength & Spirit

Aransas Pass Light Station (AKA Lydia Ann Lighthouse) is an historic light station in Nueces County, Harbor Island, located within Port A city limits, behind San Jose and Mustang Islands. It protects a natural Gulf pass to Aransas and Corpus Christi Bays.

he Coastal Bend undeniably has a vacation allure to its makeup. Our photogenic region is a Texas travel hot spot. From the beautiful beaches to our delightful people, it has inspired some to tout it as the “Mecca of beach and water sports.”

T

renamed the Lydia Ann Lighthouse. Lieutenant T.A. Craven, of the Coast Survey, initially proposed that a light vessel mark the pass while he was mapping out the Texas coast. But in 1853, Congress requested a second survey, which concluded that a “screw-pile” lighthouse be built.

Various things bring people to our region, but some may not realize that our history is in fact one main attraction. Yes, the Coastal Bend has a beacon that sheds light on the past as well as a bright future. This beacon is the Aransas Pass Lighthouse, otherwise known as the Lydia Ann Lighthouse that separates Mustang Island and the southern end of St. Joseph Island.

During the process of building the lighthouse, in 1855, a ship carrying building materials and workers sunk in the pass.

The crew was rescued, but the cargo was lost. A year later, new materials arrived, and the building was back on track.

The lighthouse was completed in 1857, and the keeper’s residence was later added as someone needed to keep the fire burning and look after the lighthouse.

In the early 1850s, the pass was inundated by “dangerous shoals.” On March 3, 1851, Congress approved $12,500 for the construction of the Aransas Pass Lighthouse, later

The lighthouse has seen many keepers. The most notable is Frank Stephenson. A historical marker near the tower indicates that the channel was named after his daughter.

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Shedding a Light The two main purposes of a lighthouse are to serve as a navigational aid and to warn boats of a dangerous area. The lighthouse is 65 feet tall and can be seen 60 miles out by sailors. The main reason the lighthouse was built was because of the sameness of the Texas Coastal Bend during the mid-19th century.

Namely, the landscape from Pass Cavallo, the top of the bend, to Brazos Santiago Pass, the bottom of the bend, was a line of look-alike sand hills. That sameness disoriented sailors as to their position along this 190 mile coastline.

Saturday, July 30th DONAVON FRANKENREITER enlighten. encourage. educate.

t a W O m N o c e . l s t sa e k n c o ti s r t e e p k pa tic n w o r b . n o v a don

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Keeper Stephenson had a daughter named Lydia Ann who married her father’s assistant, Thomas P. Roberts.

The Lydia Ann Lighthouse has seen many disasters from man-made to the natural, worse of which are hurricanes. None the less, her glory is always restored.

The lighthouse has also seen numerous owners.

They range from the federal government to private entities. Amidst the civil war, control of the lighthouse exchanged hands between the Confederate soldiers and the Union soldiers. In 1862, a confederate general ordered the destruction of the lighthouse, which left the lighthouse severely damaged.

In 1955, the government relinquished its hold on the lighthouse, and it was auctioned off. The lighthouse was sold to a private entity, Everett Bohls, for $25,151.

The mineral rights were sold separately. But in 1973, the lighthouse was purchased by Charles Butt, president of H-E-B. Butt has overseen numerous renovations as well as keepers. The current keeper is Billy Gaskin.

The Lydia Ann Lighthouse is a major tourist attraction, so it is not abnormal to see chartered boats taking tours around it. Since it is privately owned, tourists must get permission to tour the lighthouse. Delightful pictures can be taken aboard any boat as one explores the present through a glimpse of the past.

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Happy Kids Happy Parents

Pediatric Dentistry

paulkennedydds.com

361-992-9500

Saratoga Office:

6200 Saratoga Blvd., Bldg. 1 Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Orthodontics Alameda Office:

3435 S. Alameda, Ste. A Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Oral Surgery Calallen Office:

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

Enclave Office:

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

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Flats,

Flies & Philosophy

Professional Guide Chuck Naiser’s Journey into Fly Fishing Just the mention of fly fishing is enough to put a smile on the seasoned Rockport fly fisherman’s face. The picture of an angler, perched upon the casting platform of his poling skiff, peering ahead across a shallow, sandy-bottom flat on the hunt for a tailing redfish, is Naiser’s refuge. Just like most anglers who pick up a fly rod, Naiser never put his down.

By: Jeff King Photos: Rachel Durrent

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he phone rang. Dan Rather, former news anchor of CBS Evening News, was on the other end, calling from a payphone right outside of the Copano Provision Company. Nervousness and excitement flooded Naiser’s body; his first high-profile client was to be arriving at any moment.

After introductions and greetings were exchanged, Naiser confirmed that they were at the same location, and he will never forget the well-spoken Rather’s response to their serendipitous situation: “How fortuitous!” Naiser wasn’t sure how the trip would turn out after their initial greeting – was it a mistake to have left his pocket dictionary at home? The trip was a wild success, and it unexpectedly prepared him for the many high profile clients with whom he would guide thereafter.

It all started with a cane pole and a can of worms. Naiser grew up in East Bernard, a small, Bohemian farming community near Houston, where he would fish the local lakes and ponds, catching mainly bass. But, the bass were always predictable. When Naiser eventually fished saltwater for the first time during a family trip to Matagorda Bay near Chinquapin in his later youth, the game changed forever.

Suddenly, the catch was now unpredictable, where even a redfish could dramatically vary in size. “It had an allure to it, the allure of the Old Man and Sea,” Naiser remembers.

“The day I don’t get excited is the day I’ll quit!”

CHUCK’S FAVORITE FLY IS A SIZE 4 BEAD CHAIN CLOUSER MINNOW IN CHARTREUSE AND WHITE HERE ARE A FEW OTHER FLY PATTERNS RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL FLATS FISHING:

Merkin Crab Lefty’s Deceiver Supreme Hair Shrimp Popping Bug

Key factors to remember when selecting a fly are each fly’s size, sink rate, and color. Those factors are weighed against the weather, season, water depth and clarity, and local food sources to determine which fly to tie on. Fly selection can be overwhelming, so a local fly shop or guide service can help with those considerations.

For help selecting the right fly or tackle, visit Swan Point Landing Fly Shop in Rockport or the fly shop at Roy’s Bait and Tackle in Corpus Christi.

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While he attended Sam Houston State University earning a degree in biology, the bays around Goose Island became a frequent weekend fishing destination for Naiser and his wife-to-be. Fly fishing had not yet picked up much steam in the area through the 70s and 80s. Only a few anglers stuck with the fly, and very few guides, if any, were guiding fly fishing trips around the Coastal Bend. While still fishing with conventional tackle, Naiser was later introduced to sight casting, a new way to fish for him that would eventually lead to his transition into fly fishing.

hand, Naiser made a departure from the property and casualty insurance business and headed out to the flats permanently where he would establish himself as a professional fly fishing guide. Guiding was a natural fit for Naiser, as he already had a vast network and knew the local waters well.

This was a time when satellite imagery and a GPS were not commonplace. But Naiser didn’t need the technology - he had already spent many years learning to navigate the bay systems by getting out of the boat and walking the back bays and lakes of Copano, Mesquite, St. Charles, and San Antonio bays.

Succumbing to a friend’s constant peer After more than twenty years in the pressure to try fly fishing, in 1992, he guiding world, Naiser now maintains picked up a fly rod and realized that it provided him a quieter approach while a steady clientele who are always eager to get on the water and learn somesight casting and a better opportunity thing new. They can trust that their to land a sighted fish. An issue that guide keeps an even-keel attitude every Naiser noticed about sight casting trip, no matter how with a traditional rod and many fish they find or reel was that if he made a NOTABLE CLIENTS how bad the casting bad cast, he would have CHUCK HAS is that day. Naiser’s to bring it all the way in GUIDED THROUGH fly fishing philosophy and start over. “It might THE YEARS: is simple: “I still get be worse on the next cast,” -George H. W. Bush excited. There’s no Naiser adds. “With a fly money in this deal; it’s rod, you make a cast, and -George W. Bush not about the money. then you correct it – you -Chico Fernandez I’m doing what I want pick it up and reset your -Jose Wejebe to be doing every day. cast. The fly is so quiet What’s that worth?” He compared to a gold spoon -Nolan Ryan claims, “The day I don’t or a soft plastic.”

-Dan Rather get excited is the day I’ll quit!”

One year after, fly rod in 46 The Bend

Naiser also believes that the fly fishing industry plays an important role in the local economy. The accessibility of our bay systems from Corpus Christi International Airport and the similarity of shallow water flats in this area to other premier fly fishing destinations draw anglers from around the world. Local businesses help make these fishing trips possible and enjoyable while clients stay in hotels, eat at local restaurants, and shop the area marketplaces.

While standing on the casting platform with a fish in sight, Naiser chants instruction from the rear poling platform with such precision and passion, it becomes apparent that fly fishing is one of the most unique activities known to man. It shares qualities of both an invigorating sport and an historic art form. Technical knowledge and years of experience create an angler’s perspective that is expressed on the canvas of a cast, tying flies, and their choice approach to stalking a fish across a flat. That art form slowly evolves into a lifestyle, one that further contributes to the uniqueness of culture found in the Coastal Bend.

May we all be grateful for the artists who continue to pole us across the flats, teaching their method, with the hopes that we will experience the contagious excitement that Naiser shares.

Contact:

To book a fly fishing trip with Chuck, contact: 361-729-9314 chucknaiser.com chucknaiser@yahoo.com

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UNLIKE A N Y OT H E R SHOULD HAPPEN

A DAY

AT A PL AC E U N L I K E A N Y OT H ER.

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

O M N I H O TE L S . C O M / C O R P U S C H R I S TI

enjoy the perfect destination for your perfect day.

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361-887-1600

After leaving Syria for a more stable life in America, the Ghraowi family didn’t leave it all behind. Welcome, the Ghraowi Chocolate Company: Introducing a candied craft to new tastebuds.

By: Robert Breedlove Photos: Dustin Ashcraft

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shoes. His 19-year-old son sports a t-shirt with his curly hair tangled in a bunch and an equally scraggly goatee. He studied fine arts back in Syria and helps his dad as a translator and a graphic designer.

Bashar is a third-generation confectioner. His grandfather founded a confectionary in Damascus in 1900, and his father starting his own chocolate-making operation in 1939. Business flourished for decades. In 2011, the Arab Spring brought forth a civil uprising in Syria and then the subsequent brutal suppression by the Bashar al-Assad regime. Business became infeasible for the Ghraowis. “During the war, the supplies got very expensive because of the economic situation,” Yazan said. “In Syria, we had electricity for two hours, and then it was cut for five to six hours.”

They moved to Egypt but couldn’t quite get a hold of the proper ingredients for their style of chocolate. After briefly returning to Syria, the Ghraowis decided it was time to leave for good. Bashar’s brother, Dr. Ayman Ghraowi, has been practicing medicine for 22 years in Corpus, and proximity to family members was crucial in their relocation decision. So the Coastal Bend it was – their new American home where they’d bring their tradition and trade to our sparkling city.

The actual process of making the chocolate is not too different from chocolatiering across the world.

There really is no secret ingredient: there’s cocoa,

he name Ghraowi was synonymous with chocolate in the Middle East, but now it’s likely to become a household name in Corpus Christi. Bashar Ghraowi melds South Texas and Middle Eastern flavors in perfect synergy.

Tucked away in a suite in a nondescript office building on Agnes Street lies a culinary treasure from Syria. For over 100 years, the Ghraowi Chocolate Company has established themselves as the premier confectioner and chocolatier in the Middle East, with each generation passing down their craft to the next. However, turmoil in their home country uprooted Bashar Ghraowi and his family, and after years of traveling all over the Middle East, they have finally found a home for themselves and their business. And it’s right here in Corpus Christi.

Walking through the doors of the factory reveals a somewhat bare floor plan that’s a cross between a factory, an office, a kitchen, and an art studio. Lining the walls are various pieces of machinery and equipment from all over the world.

You’ll stumble across grinders from China, and chocolate melters from Belgium.

Bashar’s office is in the back. The chairs were passed down from his uncle and are woven with intricate tessellated detail. A portrait of his father looms behind the wooden desk, watching over the factory. On the immediate right, there is a sampling of their chocolates with a piece of paper that says “for sale” taped to the table. It’s quite a selection, but Bashar’s son, Yazan, says they are still getting settled and are not at full capacity. Yazan offers me a chocolate and calls for his father, who is already in the midst of his craft.

With the look of a steady-handed businessman, Bashar sports a neatly trimmed mustache and when he removes his apron, reveals familiar attire for many small business owners in Corpus: khaki pants, a striped polo shirt, and modest dress 50 The Bend

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Terri Durst Jenny White Jessica Bates Becca Spenst

361.877.2810 361.215.6965 361.385.0075 361.834.6555

Love Where You Live

Terri Durst, Jenny White, Jessica Bates, Becca Spenst

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History: Due to the Syrian conflict, an estimated 4 million people have fled the country over the past 5 years. Many have headed to Europe, but a couple hundred have landed in Texas.

Ghraowi uses a custom roaster from China to cook the nuts at a specific temperature and time to give them the distinct flavor that sets them apart from pre-roasted nuts. Also from China is a grinder that Ghraowi uses to grind and chop up coffee and nuts.

Sitting in a bin on the back wall of the factory is a new ingredient to the Ghraowi chocolatier tradition: the Texas pecan. “We don’t have pecans in Syria,” Yazan explained. “So we wanted to do both cultures inside each other, like the Middle-Eastern chocolate way and

cocoa butter, sugar, milk, and the various nuts and fruit fillings. Back in Damascus, Ghraowi would collect all those ingredients, grinding up the cocoa in custom-made equipment of his design and melting them into chocolate blocks. He was unable to import that equipment from Syria, so now he buys the chocolate blocks wholesale from Belgium.

From there, the chocolate is melted using a boiler and mixer to keep the chocolate consistent.

Bashar demonstrates the machine, the frothy mixture of chocolate is enough to stimulate any appetite. Next to it is the temperer machine from Belgium that keeps the chocolate at a steady temperature as Ghraowi dips and molds it.

the American chocolate way and put them all together.”

The Ghraowis view chocolate-making as a literal art form. “Since I was a kid, I grew up with chocolate and seeing how chocolate is shaped and making the chocolate,” Yazan said.

“It’s like working with clay.” In fact, watching his father’s craft encouraged Yazan to seek an education in the arts. Out of the 5,000 applicants who applied, he was one of the 100 who was accepted into the University of Damascus art program. Once he helps his father get the business and their online store off the ground, he hopes to finish his education.

“We don’t have pecans in Syria,” Yazan explained. “So we wanted to do both cultures inside each other, like the Middle-Eastern chocolate way, and the American chocolate way and put them all together.”

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The family looks to extend their Visas to remain in the United States to continue building up their business. Summer wedding season is fast approaching, meaning that many more South Texans will become familiar with the world-famous Ghraowi chocolate tradition. What a sweet treat they’ve brought to our community.

Contact: 1225 Agnes St. Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 413-8325

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Above are photos from the Ghraowi Chocolate Factory when it was up and running in Syria. Both the store and parts of the factory are pictured here.

The family looks to extend their Visas to remain in the United States to continue building up their business. By Valentine's Day, the store will most certainly be prepared, as in America, February 13th is the day with the most chocolate sales.

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Six Coastal Bend Artists Share How They Have Launched Their Craft.

Almost 50 years ago, an art movement began to take shape in Rockport, at the center, the Estelle Stair Gallery. Since the 1960s, the push in this profession has progressed its way down along our coastal communities, and now, the art scene is emerging and prominent. Corpus Christi’s Marina Arts District has captured the movement, creating the Launch Your Craft Campaign. The goal is to inspire and encourage this trade. So what does it take to truly launch your craft? Allow the stories of some of our most talented and recognized artists to influence the budding artists all up and down the Coastal Bend.

By: Whitney Noble Photos: Jason Page

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Frederick has done a complete restoration of the 120+ year old building.

QUICK FACTS OF A LANDMARK SORENSON-STAIR BUILDING:

The gallery, named for her aunt, has significant history. A fire brought the once two-story building to its knees, where it was rebuilt to its existing one-story structure in 1895. Hurricane Celia damaged the building and stock in 1970. In the late 70s, Estelle Stair moved in and housed her gallery in the (then) Sorenson-Stair building.

The Estelle Stair Gallery was established, and the Rockport Art Association was housed here.

The gallery was passed to Frederick’s mother in 1988, and then to Frederick in 1997. To pay homage to her aunt’s gallery, Frederick put the building through an extensive renovation.

In May 2011, Frederick reopened the gallery doors, and continues to facilitate an active, creative space that gives back to the community.

• Mercantile Existed at this Site 1870s-1970

MASTER ADVICE: DO:

A plaque was awarded by the Texas Historical Society in recognition of the original gallery, the Sorenson-Stair building, as a significant part of Texas history.

In 2011, the building was officially dedicated as a registered Texas Historic Landmark.

• Existing Structure Built in 1895 • Stair is pronounced "Star" • Registered Texas Historic Landmark • Oldest Commercial Building in Rockport

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Join centers, display whenever possible in your member section or in group shows.

Enter juried exhibits, approach galleries.

DON'T:

Walk in cold to a gallery and ask them to show your work. Email a portfolio first.

LISA BAER FREDERICK AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

Lisa Baer Frederick’s brush speaks to its handle, which sends a message to her hand, her wrist, her elbow, flawless movements on the canvas seem as though this “conversation” is making its way to her subconscious.

However, unbelievably enough, as she begins, Frederick has no clue what she’s painting.

“My goal is to paint an emotional response using elements of design.

Some people may describe my work as whimsically abstract,” Frederick notes. She works in layers and on various substrates. She sometimes hears people ask why she would want to do what someone else is doing?

But, she, her work, and her story are far from standard.

Frederick spent her summers in Rockport, visiting her aunt, artist and gallery owner, Estelle Stair, an original founder of the Rockport Art Association. She’d watch her, listen to her, learn from her. At age 10, she started taking painting classes with Simon Michael, a founding father of the Art Colony in Rockport. Surrounded by the latest and greatest in the Rockport art community, Frederick had the best mentors a budding artist could possibly ask for.

She continued her studies at Sam Houston State University. Mixed media is what she’s really honed in on. “It is a very popular medium of expression today. I think it’s a way to sort through the layers of our life. The world is not a quiet place, so it’s a way for me to sort through the noise and make sense of it,” Frederick says of her art form. She may take a puzzle piece from her office and incorporate it into a painting she’s working on.

Spontaneous and serendipitous improvisations alongside occasional destruction and redesign is all a part of the process.

Inspiration for her craft is derived from nature and introspection, Frederick says.

She carries on her late aunt’s legacy, as she continues to be an active participant and driving force in the Rockport art community. The exposed brick walls of the gallery are reflective of her free-style soul. Her work is original, contemporary, colorful, far from what’s typically found in most Rockport artists’ styles.

Frederick says she is a private painter, as onlookers tend to interfere with free expression.

She hopes that blooming artists don’t get discouraged and give up - that an artist isn’t necessarily born with innate talent. A desire to create is all one needs to nurture and develop a personality for self expression. If one continues to work, a personal style will emerge.

“We are all unique. What does your uniqueness look like?”

“It [mixed-media] is a very popular medium of expression today. I think it’s a way to sort through the layers of our Shapes, symbols, and color all play a role in her personal art language.

life. The world is not a quiet place, so it’s a way for me to sort through the noise and make sense of it.”

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BRAD PEARCE LIFE-CHANGING ART

“Hello from the Other Side” echoes through the speakers, the steady pulse is calming but exciting. Brad Pearce says the tempo and beat of the music that he’s listening to will actually affect his work. He’s certainly made it to the other side - from a boy with a broken foot to a successful glass blower. He’s made it. But not without the power of practice, perseverance, and pure passion.

Not many can proclaim that breaking a foot led them to their lifelong passion. It was Pearce’s senior year in high school at W.B. Ray, here in Corpus. He was 18, on the football team. This injury forced him off the team. And to graduate, Pearce now needed an additional course credit. So he took an art class.

Art now on the brain, watching the evening news with his parents, an iconic Texas painter, glassmaker, and renaissance man from Rockport was being featured. Pearce made a leap-of-faith phone call and contacted the news station the following morning. He obtained the glass blower’s name. This immediate idol of Pearce's, Steve Russell, took in the young enthusiast, and actually brought him to his studio that very afternoon. It was there with Russell that Pearce learned this craft. It changed his life’s path and purpose.

This was in 2002. After a brief time of working with Russell, it

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Recently, Pearce has begun working on cast moldings, many inspired by our coastal surroundings. “They are sort of like glass taxidermy!” he explains.

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Master Advice

His studio mascot, Frita, is a cat that Pearce found 2 years ago as a new-born kitten hiding in the building prior to renovations. Frita has been with Pearce ever since and has turned Pearce into the cat person he swore he wasn’t!

DO: Have patience!

Possessing the ability to roll with the punches that are inevitable in this line of work is really the key to longterm success. If you stay patient, jump through all the hoops and obstacles that are thrown at you, and stay focused on goals, when it's all done and the smoke clears, I guarantee that the reward will be a lot sweeter than you ever imagined.

DON'T: Deviate off course. If you’re anything like me, you will find that even with all the skill and knowledge you posses, it can still be hard to stay motivated and on track when it comes to dealing with your city, fire codes, zoning of your building, permits, and regulations. Be PATIENT!

The materials come in two forms: powder glass in raw form, and as concentrated rods of glass that mimic candy sticks. Three to four days of prep, a 2350 degree oven, plus nearly an hour of work, and a standard piece can be completed! All glass - the exquisite vases, bowls, and all sorts of one-of-a kind hand-made designs - is blown in-house. was time for Pearce to graduate. Instead of the traditional decision to attend a four year university, he chose to deviate and moved to Taos, New Mexico, where he began a more hands-on approach to his craft at Taos Glass Arts under Native American glass artist Tony Jojola. After two years there, Pearce was accepted to the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. "I went there with intentions of getting my BFA in Art and getting back to Texas.

However, Cleveland would prove to be an invaluable step in my journey. It not only allowed me to continue working, learning, and exploring glass, but it also opened my eyes to multiple disciplines. Cleveland will always be a special place to me on so many levels," Pearce recalls. In the spring of 2009, Pearce had a Bachelor of Fine Art in glass with a minor in ceramics.

After leaving Cleveland, his journey and continued education led him all over the country. After 15 years of working alongside others and learning every aspect of the trade, Pearce decided it was time to return home – to bring his craft to Corpus Christi.

Since that life-changing art class in high school, not only did Pearce know he wanted to be an artist, but he had always had his eye on one particular building to showcase his creations, cattycorner to the now American Bank Center. In 2014, after years of dead-end attempts at reaching the owner, he finally had him on the phone! An attorney from Austin,

this seller’s father had owned the building and had his shop there. Although complicated, yes, they were willing to sell!

A completely run-down and trashed space, vacant for many years, the bones were solid. This cinderblock rock-stable building, built in 1968, has seen the likes of three hurricanes. Pearce put his blood, sweat, tears, and money into transforming it into his perfect glass-blowing space. He even built the furnace himself. This not only saved him a bit of money, but, if and when something breaks down, he’ll know exactly how to fix it. The studio, officially named the Texas Project Glass Studio (TXP Glass), is Pearce’s second home.

After all the construction, "I find that my inspiration is once again coming from the endless possibilities. Now the future is what is most inspiring. What it holds in store for me, the objects that will be made, the discoveries that will be achieved, the inevitable failures that come when you test the limits of your comfort zone, and the tremendous growth that occurs when you really put yourself out there and take those risks," Pearce says.

He says that sharing his knowledge of glass with the community is what he's also inspired by. The possibly the youth of Corpus Christi might walk through his doors and discover that immediate spark of interest, much like Steve Russell did for him all those years back.

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Master Advice DO:

Understand that there is no single template for what it means to be an artist, no single chart that can guide everyone in finding their way. Get involved in the art community, go visit art galleries, get to know the people, and enter art contests!

A 4-foot anchor resides in the corner of Moltz’s living room. It was salvaged from a shipwreck in Aransas Bay. Another neat antique stands at the bottom of the staircase.

It is a 60-year-old wooden horse from a carousel from Mexico.

JAMES MOLTZ HARD WORK AND DISCIPLINE

Sterling James Moltz chisels away on a wood carving in his backyard with razor-sharp focus, similar to what you’d expect to find on an operating table. Breathtaking beams of light cast shade and introspection from the pergola above the workshop in his driveway.

Moltz started painting detailed landscapes in oils in junior high school. As a runner, he followed in the same footsteps as his mentor, his art and track coach, Mr. Scholden. Moltz has taught art and coached the track team for years. Time has taught him how to combine his professional life as an art teacher and track coach with personal and environmental aims, he says.

“It takes hard work and discipline to grow as an artist, it is demanding, and you need to meet the challenges head­on,” says Moltz.

He often works outside at his home, or teaches classes in public courtyards or similar spaces. His home may as well be called the Moltz Museum. His thinly-planked, medium-toned wood floors come from the old downtown Driscoll Hotel in Corpus Christi. But it’s what sits on these floors that is most intriguing. Moltz lives among some of the most eclectic pieces of art, artifacts, and

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Moltz got into jewelry on accident. He was remodeling a home on Ocean Drive for a friend who owned a jewelry shop (Berry’s Jewelers). He started working there and learned the process. Each of his pieces begins with a drawing.

antiques one may see in a lifetime. Many of these pieces were made by Moltz himself.

Creating mainly free-form sculptures from granite, bronze, clay, metal and wood, Moltz also fancies himself a blacksmith, painter, ceramic, and jeweler. A jack of trades in the art community, many hats fit him just right.

Moltz is a multi-tasker by nature and admits to jumping around from piece to piece. He’ll rarely sit down and work on one piece from start to finish. “Kent Ullberg [recognized as one of the world's foremost wildlife sculptors] once told me that it is hard for artists to finish their work, because they are ready to start on a new idea,” he says.

Songs and poems are also good inspiration for Moltz’ work. “I’ve always worked in a realist vein, experimenting with a variety of materials as I refine and redefine my artistic ideas. My willingness to change my palette, subject matter and media has allowed me to expand beyond my earlier work,” he explains.

Currently, he’s using old instruments to repurpose them into lamps.

“I relearned there’s never been a more exciting time to be an artist. I believe the artist is a more necessary, integral part of culture now than at perhaps any time since the renaissance.” No better time than the present.

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Currently, he is making a name for his work on painting pictures of food trucks. It all started one night when he went to go grab a taco at a nearby food truck. The street light had gone out above the truck, and all that was left was the light from inside. He took a photo of it, as the lighting was so intriguing to him. He took the picture home, and started painting. He’s not afraid to use black, such as in many of his food truck paintings, and he’ll often use a family member reference, for instance, naming the food truck after his mother.

and I would copy those, too,” Peña recalls of his beginnings.

He attended Del Mar College for Art, then off to what was then Corpus Christi State University for a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. Shortly thereafter, he moved to New York City to work in a contemporary art gallery, and there he received classical painting instruction as well as experimental techniques.

JOE PEÑA

EXCEEDINGLY BETTER

As a budding art student, Joe Peña proudly displayed his completed masterpiece to his professor, the late Bruno Andrade of Corpus Christi, so sure it was the piece to end all pieces. Anticipating the praise of his mentor, Andrade smothered the canvas black, with the blackest of paint and the largest of brushes. It was ruined in front of all of his peers.

Tears running down Peña’s face, embarrassed and simply horrified that his masterpiece had been so brutally destroyed, he went to work. Four days later, he had a painting that was exceedingly better than the first.

“My mom used to draw these faces of women on the blank areas of note pads, and I was blown away with what she could do. I wanted to make those. So I copied and copied, but I still couldn’t get them exactly as well as she did. My dad used to draw these funny cats as well,

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Today, Peña teaches art at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. “You have to be willing to destroy your work before knowing what you can really do with it,” he explains. Although he takes a slightly softer approach in teaching this lesson, he says he teaches his students that criticism is what will make them better. Back in Peña’s studio space, a pair of boxing gloves hang on the wall.

He’ll bring them out during group critiques as a reminder to have thick skin. “I weep for the horse that gave his hair for that brush,” he’s teased a student. The world of art can be tough, so you have to be tougher.

“I’m a painter in the most basic sense. Specifically oil paint, but I also work in any other painting media I can get my hands on including acrylic, ink, watercolor, etc. as well as any other medium I can work with including printmaking and photography,” he says. One thing they emphasize at the Art Department at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, is that a practitioner of the fine arts shouldn’t just settle on one media, but learn and explore everything they can. “I always tell my students that if there is ever a class being offered in underwater basket weaving, I’ll be the first to sign up.”

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Peña’s studio space is equipped with brushes of every sort, pictures of his family, pictures of meat, the skeletal system, a birdhouse, baseball hat… one side is an entire wall of books of his favorite artists. All of these items are just part of what inspire his work.

Cling wrap, mesh, rags, a screw driver…his space is anything but tidy.

It’s splendid. But the main inspirations for his work are his family, culture, and religion.

Despite Peña’s modest demeanor, you may not realize his work is showcased all over the country, and sold all over the world thanks to social media. “My first exhibit had me begging for a show at a coffee shop in downtown Corpus Christi many years ago. I know I’ll sound old by saying this, but it’s a lot easier nowadays to get your work seen with a web presence.”

“I still can’t get my mom’s faces down, or my dad’s cats. When I do, that’ll be my mark of success,” he snickers.

Master Advice DON’T:

Don’t burn bridges, you never know who will be in a position later to help you with an exhibition, job position, or client referral. Definitely don’t overprice your work when beginning, as you can always increase later, but it looks bad to decrease prices based on lack of sales. Also, don’t take criticism personally.

It is a tough field, so you need to roll with the punches. Get as much feedback a possible.

JUNE AINSWORTH PLEIN AIR ART

Photos: Rachel Durrent

Ainsworth grew up in Dallas and recalls taking art courses and working with other student artists at the Dallas Art Museum in high school with some of the most prominent Texan artists of the time. However, she eventually headed off to the University of Oklahoma where she received a degree in science, with an emphasis in petroleum geology. This was unusual for women, and brought her to work for an oil company in Kansas.

She came back to Texas after several years in the oil industry, but couldn’t put oils to rest. She revisited an old passion – oil painting.

“Most of my paintings are traditional representation; but I am comfortable with abstract. Often, I break a subject into a modern or abstract painting,” Ainsworth says.

Master Advice:

DO: My advice to beginning artists is to join local art cen-

ters. For instance, members of the Rockport Center for the Arts can put paintings in the member’s gallery each time a new show opens. Painting, drawing, and taking classes will help the new and experienced artist, as each artist has a unique talent.

She began painting again at the Beeville Coastal Bend Junior College in 1995. She moved to Rockport and continued to take classes there.

“I was fortunate to meet other artist and paint "plein air" with them. I became a part of Wind Way Gallery.” The Wind Way Gallery is where she still holds her collection today.

“As a member of Wind Way Gallery, I have an opportunity to show and sell my work. A painting starts in the artist’s brain. It is an emotional response to a scene or moment. An artist’s aim is to put this on canvas. It should not be a detailed copy of details.”

Painting, creating, and thinking dominate Ainsworth’s life. Each day brings new ideas accompanied by new challenges. Ainsworth expresses, “I am inspired by painting 'plein air'. These paintings begin as abstract shapes and can be taken in many different directions. The artist’s goal is to have a viewer of the finished work feel an excitement and an emotion.”

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SALLY MITCHELL

A NEAR OBSESSION

Photos: Rachel Durrent

A picture says a thousand words, and to professional photographer, Sally Mitchell, a few of those words include “grace,” “beauty,” and “fascination.”

Master Advice:

DO: Seek out others artists whose work you admire and ask questions. Here in South Texas, we are blessed with wonderful Art Centers in Rockport, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and other communities, where new artists can take classes, meet other artists, and begin displaying their work.

Back in graduate school, Mitchell found herself taking a course in school library/media at Southern Illinois University, which included a class in photography. When digital photography became popular, she attended workshops in that and computer editing and graphics. Her responsibilities as a high school library/media specialist included helping students develop multi-media presentations, as well as designing graphics for library programs and displays.

But it wasn’t until she retired and moved to Rockport that photography became a near obsession. She was particularly inspired by the behaviors of the herons and other shore birds. “I began photographing birds almost daily. At the same time, I began studying watercolor at the Rockport Center for the Arts and at Wind Way Gallery,” she recalls.

Anita Diebel, owner of Wind Way Gallery, invited Mitchell to showcase her photographs at the gallery in 2008. That’s been Mitchell’s primary venue ever since.

“I find inspiration in all forms of natural beauty that surround us. Photography has helped make me more aware of all the fleeting images of beauty, natural and man-made, that cross our paths in an average day,” says Mitchell.

However, her main inspiration has continued to be birds.

The more time she’s spent over the years observing and photographing them, the more she’s enthralled by their beauty and their varied behaviors and abilities. She says their lives are amazingly complex.

“I’ve learned a great deal about birds and their behaviors. Mostly I’ve learned about the incredible generosity of artists, photographers, and birders in sharing their knowledge,” beams Mitchell. She explains how constantly inspired she is by the work of her peers and their creativity and talent.

“The best advice I have for aspiring artists is to seek out others artists whose work you admire and ask questions,” Mitchell says. Here in South Texas, we are blessed with wonderful Art Centers in Rockport, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and other communities, where new artists can take classes, meet other artists, and begin displaying their work.

Birds of a feather flock together.

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BART BRASELTON

Affordable Housing in The Bend From Homelessness to Affordable Starter Homes, affordable housing is a broad and diverse topic. As a born-andraised Corpus Christian, and a 3rd generation Builder, I have spent a great deal of time studying Corpus Christi’s affordable housing needs. Over the last few years, working with, and serving on Boards of Directors of several organizations dedicated to finding solutions to the affordable housing “Crisis,” I have had my eyes opened to its many facets and challenges.

The only solution to any housing crisis is to add to the supply. But few, if any, builders can construct homes at or below the $150,000 mark, and none can achieve the $100,000 price. Luckily, our area is blessed with a homebuilding organization that helps families get into homes at a price they can afford, and they just happen to be one of the country's biggest builders. Habitat for Humanity is building homes around The Bend for families that would possibly never get one. Habitat is a non-profit, volunteer organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life in our area. Their process not only builds homes, it builds hope.

Last month, I wrote about how the issue of homelessness is intertwined with affordable housing. This month, I will explore the lower price housing options available in our city, and how one organization is helping families achieve the American Dream of Home Ownership. This organization works to make a difference in the lives of families challenged by our high housing costs.

Braselton Homes is proud to be working with Habitat for Humanity in its mission to build New Homes, and we are happy to assist the organization, in its goal to increase its capacity to build more homes each year. We are presently working with Habitat to build several “test” homes in an effort to “spark” the private market; this could make it feasible for landowners near to the test homes to get standard mortgage financing.

A great deal of the success of this program will rely on the cooperation of the City of Corpus Christi., and to date, the City’s involvement looks promising. If this project is successful, it could help rebuild entire sections of our city.

To understand why we have an affordable housing problem, we first must understand what it takes for a family to buy a home. There are 3 main items that must be taken into account for a family to buy a home: income, debt load, and the supply of homes in the area.

Please join Braselton Homes in financially supporting Habitat for Humanity; You can make a difference in the life of a local family. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and make a donation, please visit corpuschristihfh.com/ getinvolved.php.

In The Bend, the median family income is about $49,000/ year and this income level can generally afford a $180,000 home. Yet, as of this winter, Corpus Christi’s median home sales price was $200,000. And varying greatly from family to family is debt load, and high debt can quickly erode a family’s home purchasing power. Finally, as to the supply of homes, a “balanced” housing market is considered to be one that has about a 6-month supply of homes available for sale. For the last few years, Corpus Christi has had closer to a 3 month, due to the great growth our area has experienced. But, if you look at the number of lower price homes, homes under $150,000, for instance, you will find that there is only about a 1 ½ month supply. And the supply is even worse for homes under $100,000 – what many consider the threshold of “affordable.”

The need in our city is great, and I am very proud to be in the Housing Business, working towards a solution to our “Housing Crisis”. Braselton Homes is proud to partner with a great organization like Habitat for Humanity.

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See you in the neighborhood, Bart Braselton`

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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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Located in Portland’s Exclusive Northshore Community...

Serving South Texas Since 1947

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Dr. Tinnell has been practicing dentistry in Texas for over 30 years. He earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, Texas, and has extensive experience in all aspects of general dentistry. His calm and compassionate demeanor allows him to deliver quality care with a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction.

Dr. Tinnell was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. He has been an active Rotarian for over 26 years, and enjoys playing music, surfing, sailing, birding, gardening and many other other outdoor activities.

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Health JUNE 2016

Wear a running shoe as a beginner CrossFitter. Then, work into a more lifted shoe.

BE WELL 60 FITNESS 62 HEALTH SPOTLIGHT 64

What’s Inside A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment that consists of a long bar with weights attached at each end. A men's bar is about 7.2 ft long and weighs 44 lbs, and a women's bar is slightly shorter and slightly lighter at 6.6 ft and 33 lbs.

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Health | Be Well

Healing Hands Words & Photos by: Kateri Reyes

At Peace of Mind, owner Jynelle Ornelas wants to improve your mood through the healing powers of touch. That’s the ultimate goal.

• Massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 50%.

• Massage can reduce the need for pain killers by 36%.

From an early age, you could find Jynelle Ornelas, who was raised by her grandparents, massaging them at the end of the day. They’d struggle with the aches and pains of farming their land, and Ornelas made it her mission to ease their tired bodies through what would become her life-long passion. Ornelas learned very young that her own hands could provide healing relief through the art of massage.

Embracing the skills that were handed down to her, she pursued this natural talent, and in 2007, she graduated from the Austin School of Massage as an LMT. Ornelas immediately set out to share her gift in Corpus Christi. She aspired to create an environment more conducive to true healing, and forged on true human connection. So Peace of Mind Massage Therapy & Natural Healing was born.

When most people consider massage, it is as an occasional luxury. However, there is a powerful therapeutic side that serves as true functional medicine, helping to restore the body on a cellular level. This is where Peace of Mind loves to serve their clientele. From its serene downtown corner spot on Lower Broadway, Peace of Mind has been offering a wide range of massage and additional holistic alternative therapies under Ornelas’ owner-

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ship and vision since 2010.

Immediate calm and peace take over your body when you step inside. Ornelas’ created a tranquil space through the design and soothing aromas that allow your shoulders to drop and your body to be in near present harmony. Equipped with multiple treatment rooms, the spa itself is conducive to a truly private experience. They offer a wide array of massage offerings from Swedish, Lymphatic, Hot Stone, and even Wine Massage known for its highly antioxidant effects! Additionally offered are reflexology, therapeutic cupping and phototherapy. Traditional spa treatments from microdermabrasion, body wraps, waxing, facials, and manicures are also offered but with a 100% holistic approach, applying only the highest quality natural organic and toxin-free products.

With two medical licenses and a third underway, Peace of Mind often attracts clientele who are in a health crisis. Be it autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, emotional trauma and especially those battling cancer.

“It is so often that our clients come to us when they are at their worst, and we work closely with them not only in our therapies, but also in education, sharing the benefits of

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nutrition and holistic self-care to ensure they are on the path to restoring their health through true lifestyle change,” Ornelas explained. “Because we attract so many clients needing a higher level of care, we brought on board an oxygen bar; this system allows for an array of treatments that provide relief and support at a cellular level.”

It is in cancer-patient support that Ornelas finds tremendous joy in helping to foster the mind-body connection. This connection is shown through clinical research to enhance support for the sufferings that are often symptoms of the cancer treatments; she knows that these patients truly need the emotional strength to conquer their battle. As an avid educator, Ornelas knows full well that to help her clients overcome pain or disease, they must understand what is happening in their body. “So often people are holding on to lactic acid as a result of a vitamin deficiency, and it acts like a domino effect in the body; calcified knots can lead to nerve pressure that causes tingling, numbness or pain. Massage can help break these up and allow the lactic acid to be removed from the body.”

She expertly guides patients with plans to prepare for their treatments and follow-up with holistic self-care options.

Ornelas’ mission that was developed from childhood has been to connect to people through the art of touch and holistic care.

She loves journeying with people who seek her out, helping them to achieve peace and restoration through her healing hands!

What a gift to give.

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Health | Fitness

CrossFit Downtown Corpus It’s all about rounds, reps, and repeats!

By: Erica Rose Bertero Photos: Rachel Durrent

D

etermination and encouragement – these two adjectives describe not only the state of our Downtown area, but they also describe one local business. North Chaparral Street in downtown Corpus Christi is home to many tried and true restaurants, new and promising construction, and real estate for future business owners. Take a stroll past the Executive Surf Club and the Texas Surf Museum, and you might begin to hear these sounds of determination and encouragement at CrossFit Downtown Corpus (CrossfFit DTC), founded and opened by local attorney Stephen McMains and Ruben Antonio Bonilla, of the Ruben Bonilla Insurance Agency.

As previous workout mates, McMains and Bonilla have been welcomed and sustained by the downtown neighborhood when they decided to open CrossFit DTC after another area gym closed. They recognized a need for the downtown community – a current and what would become a future desire to have a space to work on one’s personal overall goals. McMains is a certified Level One instructor in CrossFit, and with the support of Bonilla as a business partner, they have much to offer the well being of Corpus Christians.

Founded in March 2015, the concept of CrossFit has certainly gained popularity over the last decade, more so within the last 5 years.

Its popularity is in part due to its universality

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as a workout. It is heavily focused in isolating and improving one’s “functional movements.”

In a one hour workout, the “cross-ing” aspect could cover anything from running, lifting, plyometrics, mobility, balance, strength, flexibility, and cardio – just to name a few of this wide-ranging spectrum! CrossFit focuses on one’s strength rather than mass in weight-lifting, on moving efficiently with the body, safety, and then on taking this knowledge out into real world situations.

In the CrossFit space, you will see a wide variety of weights, cardio machines, and equipment. Proponents of CrossFit encourage their participants to take their hard work out into their communities by entering various races, sports competitions and activities. Another aspect to highlight is the social component – Crossfitters are successful because of the group approach, the comradery, and group motivation.

At CrossFit DTC, every class, which is an hour in length, is led by a certified coach.

You can expect specialized and individualized instruction, even in a group setting. The workout is available to any age group and any level of fitness, as the workouts are modifiable and the movements can be brought to scale.

The gym offers a great beginners introduction to CrossFit through a 10-session approach.

This helps the new Crossfitter through paced improvement and progressions. They help the

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newbie and seasoned alike hone in on how the workout makes one feel, rather than how they look. Setting individual goals and being introduced to the CrossFit culture, one will realize that it is more than a workout; it is a lifestyle choice.

As part of the downtown community, CrossFit DTC offers its members a diet and nutrition program, complete with a downtown and local approach. McMains and Bonilla have partnered with various downtown restaurants to offer “DTC specials.” These meals offer healthy eating options outside of the home.

They help their participants take their goals beyond the gym and share what the downtown community has to offer, such as partaking in the Downtown Farmers’ Market, monthly ArtWalks, and local sporting competitions.

“Demand Impossible From Yourself and Get Maximum” is one of many motivational goals shared by CrossFit DTC. For overall well-being this workout might be the perfect fit for you!

318 N. Chaparral St. Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 739-0068 crossfitdowntowncorpus.com

Membership Details

: (Members pay a monthly rate for access to Open Gym & CrossFit classes.)

• Drop In Rate: $20 per class • 10 Session Punch Card: (from $150) • 2x per week membership: (from $80) limit two classes per week • 3x per week membership: (from $105) limit three classes per week • Unlimited membership: (from $125) unlimited classes

Statistics and Facts: • Created by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai in 2000.

• CrossFit workouts incorporate elements from high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, girevoy sport, calisthenics, strongman, and other exercises.

• Over 13,000 affiliated gyms have practicing members, half of which fare in the U.S. • The original CrossFit gym is in Santa Cruz, California.

• CrossFit Games started in 2007, athletes participate at the Games where they compete in workouts they learn only hours beforehand.

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Health | Health Spotlight

Editor’s Pick

Run for Autism June 4th @ 8:00am Cole Park vfitproductions.com Fire Corps 5k Run/Walk June 9th and 23rd @ 6:30pm Live Oak Park, Ingleside inglesidetx.gov Stache Dash 5K Run/Walk June 18th @ 7:45am House of Rock texashouseofrock.com Sunrise to Sunset June 20th @ 8:00am Corpus Christi alz.org/thelongestday

Relay for Life

BGB Yoga June 26th @ 3:00pm Texas Surf Museum texassurfmuseum.org

June 11th @ 6:00pm - Rockport-Fulton High School main.acsevents.org The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. If cancer has touched your life, participating in a Relay For Life event is a way to take action and help finish the fight. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those you have lost, and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever.

Beach Soccer Fest June 25th– 26th @ 8:00am Salinas Park ccexpresssoccer.org

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Left to Right: Courtney Rangel, co-chair; Karen Bonner, VP of Philanthropy; Linda Jordan, Spring Hostess and CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation Board Member; Ticia Hanisch, co-chair; Veronica Wenzel, co-chair and Linda Arnold, Director of Development posed for a photo during the Spring meeting of the CHRISTUS Spohn Ambassadors.

Sharing the

Commitment through CHRISTUS SPOHN AMBASSADORS

H

ealth care has undergone significant innovations since the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and Dr. Arthur E. Spohn opened the original Spohn Sanitarium on July 26, 1905, on North Beach.

But the one steadfast constant during the past century has been CHRISTUS Spohn Health System’s commitment to its mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

One group that helps to share that commitment in the Coastal Bend is the CHRISTUS Spohn Ambassadors.

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Left to Right: Marie Dickson, Miranda Findley, Mariannella Carlisle, and Amanda Cutbirth were interested in Dr. Lynn Rice Crocker's presentation and appreciated learning how she is an advocate for doing Kundalini Yoga along with appropriate physician-directed health care.

Founded in February 2009, they are a women’s group that gathers to learn about CHRISTUS Spohn programs and services, and health care issues affecting our South Texas community. The Ambassadors work in tandem with the CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation to foster communication and understanding of all facets of health care provided by CHRISTUS Spohn. They serve as community advocates for

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Special Promotion

the Health System, helping to answer questions and provide accurate information about the innovation and outreach occurring within CHRISTUS Spohn.

“We are committed to Corpus Christi and the people who live here, and want them to have access to the best health care possible,” McClanahan added.

“Our goal is to provide education and awareness to our Ambassadors so they can spread the good word about the services and programs CHRISTUS Spohn Health System offers to help the community live healthy lives,” says Leslie McClanahan, Vice Chair of the CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation Board of Directors and past Co-Chair of the Ambassadors Program.

The Corpus Christi group that started with 16 charter members has grown to include 80 community members with Corpus Christi luncheon meetings held three times a year during the fall, winter and spring.

Meetings are hosted by a CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation Board Member or by one of the Ambassadors, and at each gathering a presentation is given by a

Left to Right: Carol McLaughlin, Leslie McClanahan and Nancy Beauchamp Carol, Leslie and Nancy were presented thank you gifts as past co-chairs of the CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation Ambassadors.

With their leadership and guidance, the Ambassadors membership has grown from 16 founding members in 2009 to 80 members in 2016.

CHRISTUS Spohn physician, medical clinician or hospital administrator.

“Not being from Corpus Christi originally, my involvement with this program has helped me realize how fortunate we are to have a hospital system like this in South Texas,” says Courtney Rangel, current Co-Chair of the Corpus Christi Ambassadors. “The CHRISTUS Spohn staff are so much fun and the friends I’ve made through this program make residing here pure joy!”

This April, the Ambassadors welcomed Dr. Lynn Rice Crocker, who discussed the role of hospitalists and their relationship with patients and patients’ admitting physicians. Rice Crocker, DO, Chief Hospitalist, Sound Physicians, is a dedicated in-patient physician who works exclusively for CHRISTUS Spohn hospitals. It’s another great way to share CHRISTUS Spohn’s commitment to providing high-quality care in the community.

Left to Right: Becky Davis, Dr. Lynn Rice Crocker and Linda Jordan Spring Hostess, gather at Linda’s beautiful Ocean Drive home for the Spring Meeting. Dr. Crocker, Chief Hospitalist with Sound Physicians was the Guest speaker. She provided information on the important role of Hospitalists and their care of inpatients at CHRISTUS Spohn.

For more information on the Ambassadors program, please contact Linda Arnold, Director of Development for the CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation, at 361-881-3940, or email linda.arnold@christushealth.org.

Left to Right: Mary Clark, Elizabeth Susser, Meredith Morrill and Becky Davis enjoyed being together.

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Home & Garden JUNE 2016

OPEN HOUSE 70 SPACES 74 GARDENING 76

What’s Inside Dirt is much more than the nuisance collection of material that ends up on your floors when the kids come in from the playground. This nutrient and microorganism packed soil is the root of our food!

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Home and Garden | Open House

A New Refuge in Fulton, The Villas at Royal Oaks By: Nancy Roberts Photos: Jason Page

Richard Dias is the man behind the Mediterranean-style villas that are entering the scene to offer Fulton premier coastal living options. The development is minutes from the Aransas Wildlife Refuge and nestled in between Copano Bay and Aransas Bay.

It is a community of elegant villas in a setting of oak trees and water views, which provides a combination of Dias’ knowledge of the community and high-quality home construction.

O

n a long drive south from freezing cold Ohio to resort town Rockport, Richard Dias dreamt of building a fabulous future. Yes, building. Thirty years ago, he and his high-school sweetheart wife, Joy, and their two sons, Ryan and Ben, couldn’t have imagined the life they were driving toward. The warm climate and the close-knit community welcomed his family, and they felt they had found home.

Once here, Dias was asked by a friend who lived in South Texas to build condos on the golf course at the then new Rockport Country Club. And it all began.

Dias has built custom luxury homes in the Rockport Fulton area for decades and is currently overseeing the Villas at Royal Oaks in Fulton. The Villas at Royal Oaks is a gated community with a lighted fishing pier, 2-acre waterfront park, 2 nine-hole golf greens, and concrete streets and walkways. Quiet and serene, the community is

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near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

The Villas development was started in 2008, but the economy did not support the concept of luxury second homes in the $500,000 plus price range. So Dias and the developer went back to the drawing board and reinvented the community. Eight years later, in phase 1, there are 22 home sites in the first phase and a possibility of 46 home sites. The price point is $350,000 to $400,000. Currently, four homes are built, two of which have sold!

John and Cheryl Woltemate, from Houston, were the lucky second buyers. Since the 80s, they’ve been coming to Rockport and enjoying the lifestyle that it offers, much different than that of the bustling city. Cheryl’s parents moved from Houston to Rockport upon retirement, which is what brought the Woltemate’s down to the coast so often.

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Plenty of large windows allow for views of the seasoned trees and bring bright natural light in.

With a desire to own here, too, Cheryl spent countless hours reaching out to the local builders and researching the market. Having a water view was so important to the Woltemate’s, however, nearly every builder she came across wasn’t selling or building anything of the sorts that wasn’t in the million dollar range. Frustrated, Cheryl was on a mission – own a piece of paradise, see the water, and not pay millions. One day, she ran into Richard Dias. And his vision and plans for Royal Oaks were exactly what Cheryl had longed for all along.

Since that first conversation with Dias, Cheryl says “I watched the Villas at every step from the very beginning. Richard had said he might have something coming along pretty soon that would be more conducive to my price range and would be multi-family with amenities and water.”

They were sold!

It wasn’t until they re-platted The Villas at Royal Oaks for the Villas instead of the original higher-priced home plans, that buyers became interested. Re-working the whole plat, going back to drawing table, and coming up with Villas idea is attractive to so many. “They are unique and upscale, not like a high rise with a bunch of condos. They’re all custom!

Richard is a terrific builder, and he customized our Villa to where it’s the last house I’m hoping to ever buy. We want to retire down there!”

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Dias is on the board of the Rockport Center for the Arts, where he was instrumental in creating a sculpture garden at the center featuring work of the late Jesus Moroles. Jesús Bautista Moroles (September 22, 1950 – June 15, 2015) was an American sculptor who was known for his monumental abstract granite works. He lived and worked in Rockport, Texas, where his studio and workshop were based. In 2008, Moroles was awarded the National Medal of Arts. All over the world, over two thousand pieces by Moroles are held in public and private collections. One of his best known pieces, “Lapstrake” was created for CBS Plaza in New York City.

Custom is right. Dias worked with the Woltemate’s to make their Villa different than the others, to make it just right for them, their needs, and their wants. “I took out windows, sliding glass doors, put in bunk beds, extra sleeping space, etc. Richard has a superb carpenter and overall team,” Cheryl beams. Her favorite space is the screened-in patio that overlooks the water. It’s serenity at its finest.

They wanted the whole “beachy” style. Colorful, tranquil blues and greens, completely coastal is what their space evokes. It is much different than the others, which is the entire allure! No two Villas are the same.

“You can do whatever you want, as long as you’re willing to pay for it!” giggles Cheryl.

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is an 114,657 acre protected area situated on the southwest side of San Antonio Bay. The national park is located minutes from Fulton and is the winter home for the endangered Whooping Cranes. The whooping cranes fly 2,500 miles to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge from Wood Buffalo National Park in Northern Canada every year. These are the tallest birds in North American standing at 5 feet tall. The stately birds

For now, the Woltemate’s love to visit their Villa, coming down nearly every other weekend, especially to take advantage of all of the events in Rockport!

mate for life and have a leaping dance during the mating season. They have been seen wintering in Aransas Refuge since 1941 and have been endangered since 1967. Make an

Possibly the best part about the actual property itself is…the live oaks!

Cheryl loves that they didn’t landscape with the quintessential palm trees.

The oak trees give it the homey nature and shade that she says makes the property so special.

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effort to see this South Texas natural treasure and visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. fws.gov/refuge/Aransas

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Coverage for all the things you care for.

• Automobile Insurance • Homeowners Insurance • Life Insurance

JACK ALSPAUGH

jalspaugh@farmersagent.com 5922 YORKTOWN BLVD, BLDG 2 • CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78414

Call 361.232.4717 today for Auto, Home, Life and Business.

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Home and Garden | Spaces

Creating a ‘Man Cave’ By: Cissy Tabor Photos: Jason Page

Cavemen, wild men, hunters, and gatherers... let's make a comeback through the Man Caves!

Develop some unused space, either under roof or not, where you can expect to “get away” without leaving your home.

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For the past decade ‘man caves’ have popped up inside homes, outside homes, in garages, toolsheds and basements. Lloyd, my very talented husband, created a comfortable man cave that’s proven to be enjoyed by women and kids, too! Friends rarely come to our front door. Instead, they make their way through the back, straight to the man cave. It’s where we all escape.

Some days or nights it feels like we’re in a tiki hut, an island get-away. Often it’s a sports bar where the refrigerator is always filled with cold beer. There is just something special about watch-

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ing football on TV outside.

This three-sided walled space arrests the catapulting wind, allowing peaceful dining at the bar and table. The high mounted TV provides viewing for those seated inside or out on the patio nearby. The picture frame paneled walls are splashed with sports memorabilia and nautical motif.

Adding more pleasure to this multifun experience, Lloyd built an Italian brick oven for making pizzas, which doubles as a romantic fireplace on a chilly night. Everyone enjoys THIS cave!

DEL MAR COLLEGE

FOUNDATION

June 17th and 18th, 2016 Marker 37, Corpus Christi, Texas

Pizza oven:

The brick oven doubles as a pizza oven or small fireplace.

Captain’s Party Friday, June 17th

Tournament Saturday, June 18th

For information, to pay, or sign up: www.delmar.edu/foundation Contact: Natalie Villarreal nvillarreal7@delmar.edu 361-698-1031

Presented by surveyors

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Turning your dream home...

This baseball bat is signed by Hooks players, then displayed on hooks!

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...into reality Grill:

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361-688-8956 | ASaenz@wbm.com www.mortgagesbyaide.com 5026 Holly Road, CC TX 78411 NMLS 197464 | NMLS 117371

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Home and Garden | Gardening

Nature’s Most Perfect Fertilizer The Best Fertilizer is Free and You Already Have All the Ingredients!

By: Justin and Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

Compost is nature’s most perfect fertilizer. If you want the lushest lawn, the sweetest vegetables, and the brightest flowers, you need compost in your landscape.

C

fish bones, banana peels, coffee grounds, and vegetable trimmings. Manure is a good example of nitrogen for compost.

Compost adds structure to sandy soil while loosening and enriching clay soil. Your homemade compost delivers the ideal balance of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), as well as the full range of micronutrients, in a way that plants can easily absorb.

Begin by locating your compost pile in a shady area, preferably beneath a big tree. Lay down a base of raked up leaves and small twigs. Next, add a layer of nitrogen material, such as kitchen scraps. Immediately cover the scraps with another layer of carbon to prevent flies and off-odors.

Continue to add layers of carbon and nitrogen until the pile is 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Every shovelful of compost is teeming with billions of healthy bacteria. The heating action of compost is caused by these bacteria eating the material in your compost pile. You can heat your compost pile to an internal temperature of 140 degrees simply by feeding these beneficial bacteria from your kitchen scraps and other household waste.

Compost “cooks” at 140 degrees. Everything in the pile breaks down and recombines. Keep your pile moist, but not dripping wet, just like your garden soil. You do not need to turn a well-layered compost pile, because good aeration, or “porosity” is built into the pile.

omposting is the process nature employs to create new soil. Your homemade compost duplicates what happens on the forest floor when plants and animals die in the leaf litter and regenerate as healthy soil.

Compost is Recycling Compost is the oldest and best form of recycling. In fact, cities across America are now requiring citizens to separate their trash into compost bins.

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How to Make Compost

It takes about three to five months for a compost pile to finish. You know the compost is ready when it smells like the sweet soil at the bottom of the forest, and the materials you placed into the pile are no longer distinguishable.

How Do I Use Compost?

The average family in The Bend produces nearly half a ton of compostable waste each year. More than 60% of the waste in our local landfills could have been used to make compost, which is such a valuable product.

Spread your finished compost a half-inch thick on your vegetable and flower beds and also around your shrubs, hedges, and trees. You can use a small compost spreader to easily apply compost to your lawn in the spring and fall.

A good compost pile is roughly 80% carbon and 20% nitrogen material. Carbon is your raked-up leaves, small limbs, brush clippings, or hay. Nitrogen is your kitchen waste, such as

By harnessing the power of compost, you can use the energy of your household waste to beautify your landscape, rather than losing it as trash to a landfill.

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YOU NEED THE BEST TRAINED AND EQUIPPED HOME INSPECTOR TO SPOT MOISTURE PROBLEMS.

Moisture does more damage each year to homes in the US than everything else combined.

What your inspector can’t see can hurt you. At Signature Inspection Services we are trained and equipped to spot expensive potential problems, including moisture problems, from top to bottom, that other inspectors can’t “see”.

Nifty Lift. While other inspection services may be content to use binoculars from across

Infrared Camera spots moisture problems invisible to the naked eye. We are trained on and deploy a state-of-the-art infrared camera on all inspections. We routinely spot moisture intrusion issues around windows, doors, flashing and plumbing using this special camera.

The sooner moisture issues are discovered the easier they are to repair.

the street to “inspect” your roof, we deploy our lift to get “up close and personal” with every roof we can’t safely walk. Moisture problems often start at to top and work their way down.

Invisible Moisture Problems with Siding. Any type of home

siding, from stucco to brick, can allow significant structural damage if not properly installed. We have the training and equipment to provide certified stucco and siding inspections that discover hidden problems from moisture. The photos show some of the damage we’ve discovered that was invisible until revealed by our testing and inspection. Left un repaired, moisture problems with siding can, and have, turned beautiful and expensive homes in to “tear-downs”.

Signature inspection Services is ready to help ensure that your home purchase doesn’t come with expensive, undiscovered moisture problems. Call for your moisture scan home inspection or our more in-depth moisture analysis inspection.

INSPECTION SERVICES TREC License # 10330 Call Anytime 361-230-2312 www.signaturehomeinspectors.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Improving the Quality of Life in the Coastal Bend since 1981 For over 35 years, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has helped area residents achieve their charitable goals. During this time over $93 million in non-profit grants and student scholarships have been made. For the past seven years, the Foundation has organized the Coastal Bend Day of Giving which last year topped $1.9 million for charities providing needs of the most vulnerable in the Coastal Bend. If you would like to join with us please call 361.882.9745.

DENTAL SERVICES: • PREVENTIVE • RESTORATIVE • COSMETIC • TMJ PAIN • ENTERAL SEDATION

COMPASSIONATE MODERN DENTISTRY

for the entire family

737 EVERHART RD. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78414 | 361.992.7631 | DEREKJCHANGDDS.COM 88 The Bend

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Out & About JUNE 2016

ARTS & CULTURE 80 CELEBRATION 82 DATE BOOK 87 SOCIAL HOUR 88

What’s Inside Nothing says summer like sprawling out on a blanket on a grassy lawn, a picnic basket of goodies within reach, your family and friends giggling beside you, and...a giant movie projected on the side of the American Bank Center!

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Schedule of Movies:

Out and About | Arts & Culture

• Grease 2 Presented by Chuy’s 6/24 • Cry-Baby Presented by Chuy’s 7/15 • A League of Their Own 8/12 • Mighty Ducks 9/9 • Poltergeist 10/21 (subject to change) *Free of charge and picnics welcome.

Bikes and Blockbusters

Running monthly until October, the Corpus Christi Ride-In Theater offers a unique cinematic experience outside on the lawns of the Watergardens.

By: Robert Breedlove Photos: Rachel Durrent Summertime marks the beginning of blockbuster season, where moviegoers cram themselves into sticky-floored theaters for $7.50 just to watch a movie on the big screen. However, this summer, the Corpus Christi Ride-In Theater is offering a different kind of cinematic experience, one that brings nostalgic classics outside and on the lawn.

Set at the downtown Watergardens outside the Art Museum of South Texas, the Ride-In Theater is a free, monthly, nonprofit event organized by members of local businesses. “We wanted to promote a healthy living style among young professionals,” said Karol Stewart, Chair of the Ride-In Theater Board of Directors.

Attendees are encouraged to ride their bikes or take public transportation to get to the site. At 6:45 pm, the food trucks will open, vending anything from tacos to barbeque to kettle corn. If the food trucks don’t suit your fancy, Stewart says people are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and blankets and lay them out on the lawn. Bringing alcohol into the park is prohibited, so Corpus Christi Liquor Catering will have a full mobile bar serving up alcoholic refreshments, accepting cash or credit cards.

After attendees fill themselves up with grub, they’re invited to participate in pre-show activities and games. Oftentimes, these are themed around the featured movie of the night. The feature itself begins at 9 pm and is projected

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onto the back wall of Selena Auditorium at American Bank Center.

The lineup is an eclectic mix of musicals (Grease 2 and Cry-Baby are the June and July features, respectively) to sports (A League of Their Own and Mighty Ducks are August and September) and even horror in their October feature, Poltergeist. Although most of these films seem to reside on the Generation X side of 80s/90s nostalgia, Stewart says the whole family is invited, “This is a great time for everyone of all ages.”

The sponsors of the Ride-In Theater are decidedly local. “We want people to come down, enjoy the shoreline and support local businesses,” Stewart said.

Downtown CrossFit and the Law Offices of Ruben Bonilla sponsored May’s screening of Rocky. Chuy’s restaurant (a relative newcomer to the Coastal Bend) is sponsoring Grease 2 and Cry-Baby and will bring exciting additions to the movie experience. Sponsorships are still available for the August, September, and October features. Still as a 501c nonprofit organization, the Corpus Christi Ride-In Theater relies on donations and volunteers. “We’re always looking for creative types willing to help us out,” promotes Stewart.

Sounds like popcorn has a new home.

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Shannon’s

Distinctive Fashion

361-993-6608

6646 S. Staples St. 126 Corpus Christi, 78413

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Celebrations Bride: Alice Cotten Groom: Zach Reynolds Date: June 27, 2015

How did he propose?

Zach and I love the beach, and we really love South Padre Island. We had the trip planned with our families as a short weekend get-away before the summer ended. I thought a proposal was coming, but I also knew he didn’t have a ring (and he didn’t). We flew to SPI and when we went through security I was watching him and his mannerisms.

Zach gets nervous when he has something valuable or has something on his mind, and he was too relaxed. He didn’t take anything out when he went through security and he didn’t check a bag. He was far too relaxed to have a ring with him. I really didn’t know what to think, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. The next day we were all at the beach, and I went out in the water and his parents followed me out there. At the time I didn’t know this, but he was asking my parents for

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my hand in marriage. A few hours later he pulled out a box and said “I have something for you.” He popped the question; I said yes! I cried and we celebrated. I went up to the condo and told my parents, family and friends. We got dressed and celebrated with wine and a nice Italian dinner at Gabriella’s with our favorite people, our families! It was an amazing weekend, and it could not have been better! We’ll always have that memory to look back on. PS: Turns out he had the ring shipped to the resort straight from the jeweler!

Who or what has been the most helpful and/or inspiring throughout the wedding planning process?

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Create a Event!

My girlfriends who had just recently got married were so helpful in the planning process, especially my Matron of Honor, Kara Rod Thyen.

What part of the planning process was most stressful yet most rewarding?

Planning an out-of-town wedding was very challenging, but I wouldn’t have changed it because Corpus is home for us. South Texas has a special place in our hearts, and that is why we chose to have our wedding in Corpus.

We wanted our out-of-town guests to get a feel of where we came from and having our reception overlooking the sparkling city by the sea was exactly what we wanted!

What was your absolute favorite part of your special day?

Our Ceremony, it was very meaningful to me. Having my hometown preacher, Brother Bill, officiate our wedding in my hometown church was very special. Also, having my family cater Mike Cotten’s BBQ really

personalized our wedding. Thanks to my brother Michael Cotten and my cousin Chris Knaus!

Were there any surprise moments throughout the day?

My dad and I danced to “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw, and when it was over he had the DJ immediately play “Great Balls of Fire.”

It was a complete surprise! He twirled me around so fast- we had a blast!

Any advice for future brides?

You are going to want to re-live this day. So try to remember everything- take a deep breath and look around you. It’s the only time in your life when you have all of your favorite people in one room. Enjoy every moment; it’s truly the best day of your life!

Also, hire Jo Anne as your wedding planner and everything will be gorgeous and taken care of! She was so fun to work with during this special time, and I knew I could depend on her.

Locations

Vendors

Florist: Barbara’s Flowers

Ceremony: River Hills Baptist Church

Wedding Planner: Jo Anne Howell with Oh Goodie Designs + Events

Food: Mike Cotten’s BBQ

Reception: Omni Hotel, Corpus Christi Ballroom

Photographer: Pam Hults pamelahultsphotography.com

Décor: Butler Signature Events Cake: Brides Cake- Shannon Cantu; Groom’s Cake- Gary Homan

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Specializing in Event Rentals: • • • • • • • • • •

Tents Tables & Chairs Linens LED Lighting Staging & Dance Floors China*Glassware*Flatware Catering Equipment Custom Props Draping Lounge Furniture

Rental * Design * Décor For all your life Celebrations!

Boutique Showroom!

5826 Wooldridge Rd.

www.ButlerSignatureEvents.com

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Out & About | Date Book

June

Mark Your Calendar

THEATER The Little Mermaid June 3rd – July 17th Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab, to restore order under the sea. Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Harbor Playhouse, (361) 888-7469, harborplayhouse.com

COMMUNITY Harbor Bridge Walk June 5th Every Sunday, following the monthly First Friday ArtWalks, locals and visitors alike get together and take in breathtaking views from atop the Harbor Bridge. Enjoy this bird's-eye perspective from one of Corpus Christi's most iconic structures with uninterrupted aerial views of the USS

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Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and the Downtown skyline. The event begins at Heritage Park, and the walk begins at 8:30 am. Join this Corpus Christi tradition! Heritage Park, (361) 882-2363, marinaarts.com

FAMILY Fathers’ Day Free Weekend June 18th – 19th Just say “It’s Fathers’ Day” and dad gets in free Saturday and Sunday of Fathers’ Day weekend! Take a walk with the important dad in your lifeenjoy the gardens, Resident Reptiles, Gator Lake, trails, boardwalk, Parrot Talk at 1:30 pm both days, and other fun guy stuff! Sorry, only dads are free- all other non-members pay general admission! But buy the special man in your life a membership this weekend, at 20% off, for a year’s worth of free admission, Turner’s Gardenland, Nature’s Boutique and other discounts, FREE Saturday classes, plus 250 Reciprocal Gardens!

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, (361) 852-2100, stxbot.org

BENEFIT

FAMILY

The artRageous: Diez Años

Sea Stories

June 10th

These 30-minute, monthly programs combine reading and wildlife as a way to build early language skills, pique curiosity for nature, and support ‘family learning time’ in a safe and exciting environment. Texas State Aquarium, (361) 881-1204, texasstateaquarium.org

artRageous is a major fundraising event for The Art Museum of South Texas, as it generates community support to benefit the Museum’s exhibition and education programs.

Enjoy a unique evening of music and festivities while supporting the arts in South Texas. The evening will pair an activity/concept with a previous exhibit that has occurred in the Legorreta Building over the past ten years. The Art Museum of South Texas, (361) 825-3500, artmuseumofsouthtexas.org

June 11th and 17th

FESTIVAL 68th Annual Shrimporee June 10th – 12th Attend the largest shrimp festival in Texas organized by the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce. This festival includes a parade, carnival, shrimp eating contest, great outhouse race, men's and women's sexy legs contest, live culinary tent, over 100 arts and crafts booths, and two stages for live entertainment!

Aransas Pass Community Park, (361) 758-2750, aransaspass.org

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COMMUNITY Rockport Market Days June 18th Held monthly, come on out and enjoy “A Day By The Bay” shopping, listening to great music, and eating at the delicious food court. You’ll find over 100 booths filled with quality merchandise, arts and crafts, plants and produce, jams, jellies, salsa and other canned products, national distributors, handmade clothing, woodworkers, yard art, all types of jewelry, pottery, and more.

Rockport Festival Grounds, (361) 557-7575, rockportmarketdays.com

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editor’s pick MUSIC

Brewster Street IceHouse’s 10th Anniversary June 2016 3rd – The Spazmatics 4th – Aaron Watson w/Ned Ledoux & Cameran Nelson 9th – The Turnpike Troubadours w/ Old 97’s & The O’s 10th – Erotic City – A Tribute to Prince Brewster Street Ice House is celebrating 10 Years of Food, Family, & Fun! They’ll be celebrating this 10 Year Anniversary for the entire month of June. Join them for some of the biggest concerts in South Texas and enjoy food and drink specials all month long!

Brewster Street IceHouse, (361) 884-2739, brewsterstreet.net

BENEFIT Great Expectations Speaker Series Luncheon June 22nd The Women’s Shelter of South Texas along with Title Sponsor Flint Hills Resources is proud to announce the Luncheon will be featuring Award-Winning Actress and Activist Kathy Najimy. Najimy is best known for her memorable performances in over 25 films including Sister Act and Hocus Pocus, along with several TV projects and voiceover work.

Delightful and warm, Najimy shares her message

with candor and refreshing humor. Her belief in social justice and advocacy encourages audiences to work toward making the world a better place. American Bank Center, (361) 884-2900, thewomensshelter.org

FESTIVAL 47th Annual Rockport Art Festival July 2nd – 3rd Over 120 Artists, Live Music & Food, an A/C Party Tent, Kids' Activities and more! Rockport Center for the Arts, (361) 729-5519, rockportartcenter.com

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Out & About | Social Hour

Brunch on the Bay

1.

2.

Photos by: Rachel Durrent

1. Trevor & Lauren Prewett, Isla & Liam 2. Samantha & Edie Garcia, Alexa Gignac 3. Leslie Almaguer, Abel Del Bosque, Veronica Alvaradom Abby Starr, Travis Pollard, Tra' Valadez 4. Matt Adler & Marjorie Boudreaux 5. Justin Moreno, Abbey Martinez, Miranda Martinez, Jaime Martinez, Hillary Pena, Clarissa Rodriguez

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4.

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Out & About | Social Hour

Style Show & Luncheon

1.

2.

Benefiting: The Humane Society & Adoption Center of Rockport-Fulton Photos by: Gabriel Mancha

1. Mary Taylor, DeeAnn Simpson & Vikki McClenaghan 2. Kathy Roberts-Dougless 3. Jayne Jackson Boe, Carole Attwell

3.

& Eileen Vincent

4.

4. Honoree Judy Staley 5. Cheri Penry, Susie Black and Nancy West 6. Leta Laymon, Myrteel Ward & Kathy Noble

5.

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Cuisine JUNE 2016

FARM TO TABLE 94 THE DISH 97 DINING GUIDE 98 THE DRINK 102

What’s Inside Corpus Christi may as well be nicknamed "Taco Town" as we have some of the best tacos around - whether they're chicken, beef, or the fresh catch of the day! Flour or corn tortilla, spicy salsa or cold guacamole...we love our tacos!

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Cuisine | Farm to Table

Where the Soil Meets the Sea: Enjoy summer’s harvest with fresh wild-caught fish and grilled vegetables.

By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

In the hot days of summer, the seasons come together for many of our favorites: tomatoes, squash, basil, eggplant, and even speckled trout!

Just as there are peak periods for vegetables, there are good seasons for fishing in the waters of The Bend. Make the most of your summer harvest with this light and healthy pasta recipe that features the best of the turf and the tides.

The key to this dish is the freshness of the ingredients. If you are lucky enough to have friends and

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family who fish, you can get incredible game fish freshly caught in the Gulf. You can’t buy game fish retail, but you can stop by Morgan Street Seafood any time for the best catches of the day.

Some of the best fishing waters in the world are at our doorstep, and we should harvest from them when we can. The sweet, mild meat of speckled

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trout needs little improvement, so we season it simply with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

We picked our produce from the garden at the peak of ripeness. We grow a wide variety of rare heirloom vegetables from seeds sourced from around the world. Each bite is a celebration of tradition and culture packaged in red, orange, yellow, or striped green skin.

Grilling your vegetables adds a layer of smokiness to the dish. We also used the grill to cook this beautiful trout fillet in a grill basket, which allows the fillet to remain intact without falling apart or splitting into pieces. It allows you to easily turn the fillet and pull it from the grill the moment it cooks to perfection.

There are many layers of subtle

flavors in this dish. The roughly chopped squash and eggplant give it a nice texture, while the capers and kalamata olives add a sharp and salty contrast. The speckled trout brings a mild flavor of the sea without overpowering the dish.

The spaghetti alla chitarra is a substantial pasta—a good base to hold up this dish. This pasta is filling without being too heavy for a summer’s day.

You can enjoy this guilt-free spaghetti, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and the lean protein your body craves.

The summer is in full swing. Now is the time to reach out to local farms and fishmongers for the best of the harvest, which is slowly but surely making The Bend the best food destination in Texas.

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Grilled Speckled Trout & Heirloom Vegetables Serves 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 2 eggplant, cut into 1/2" slices 3 summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/2" slices 1-2 lbs speckled trout filet, cleaned and scaled 1 package spaghetti alla chitarra (about 17 oz) 2 bay leaves 1/4 cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 3-4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped (may substitute 12 ounces canned San Marzano) 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1 tbsp capers 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Freshly squeezed lemon juice Salt, to taste Red pepper, to taste Directions: Preheat grill on high heat. Fill large pot with water, salt, and bay leaves and place on high heat.

Season fish, eggplant, and squash with salt and pepper and drizzle with half of the olive oil. Place seasoned fish in a grill basket.

Place eggplant and squash lengthwise on grill. Grill for two minutes over direct heat, and then move to indirect heat for 12 minutes until fork tender. Grill fish over indirect heat for six minutes on each side. Remove from grill and allow vegetables to cool to room temperature before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Add spaghetti to boiling water. In a large sauté pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, and two cups pasta water and cook, stirring frequently for two minutes. Add grilled vegetables, basil, salt and red pepper to mixture. Cook for two more minutes, until vegetables are heated throughout. Strain pasta once it is al dente.

Serve pasta immediately, topped with vegetables and fish. Apply a generous amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice prior to serving.

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”

Cuisine | The Dish

Harrison’s Landing By: Dayna Worchel Photos: Rachel Durrent

Where the Dock’s a Rocking, the Eatery is Epic, and the Watering Hole never runs dry.

H

ave you had too much to drink, or is this dock swaying? At Harrison’s Landing on the People’s Street T-Head, it’s likely the latter, but perhaps it’s both!

Because here, guests can literally dine on the water on the floating back dock and sip at Tiki Bar. Or, they may enjoy a scrumptious array of freshly-prepared, made-from-scratch meals inside the restaurant featuring an indoor tavern or on the outdoor patio, where authentic Hurricane cocktails are served up using the same recipe as the drinks sold at the Pat O’Brien’s restaurant in New Orleans.

Kyle Horstman, general manager there for four years, said the inspiration for the fresh seafood, certified Angus beef, vegetables and homemade sauces on the menu comes from the desire to offer dishes that come from local sources.

“We like to buy from local vendors, like Groomers Seafood and Corpus Christi Produce. We make everything from scratch in our own kitchens. Nothing is heat and serve,” he said.

Best selling dishes include the red snapper tacos,

and customers also love the ½ pound certified Angus beef burgers, Horstman said.

Owners Bill and Cathy Harrison returned to the restaurant business in 2010 after previously owning The Lighthouse restaurant from 1985 to 2000, Lynn Cates, chief executive officer of the Harrison’s Landing enterprise said. Bill Harrison passed away in 2011.

“They picked the T-Head because Bill loved the marina,” said Cates, who has worked for the Harrison family for 25 years.

They offer one-hour sunset and lunchtime cruises on their boat, The Japonica. The boat may also be chartered and is available for birthday parties and company meetings. Sail boat cruises are booked by appointment and typically last about two hours.

Cathy’s Boutique, which features clothing and unique items from local artists, is next door.

Eating, drinking, shopping and boating – yes, this establishment pretty much sums up the Coastal Bend!

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About:

The Harrisons originally got into the restaurant business when they built The Lighthouse Restaurant on the Lawrence Street T-Head in 1984.

They closed that restaurant and left the business in 2000 after selling it to Joe’s Crab Shack. They moved to the People’s Street T-Head in 2009 and established what began as a small convenience store to sell supplies and snacks to boaters. The shop morphed into the boutique.

The restaurant was really an afterthought!

Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday, 3 pm to 7 pm 108 Peoples Street T-Head Corpus Christi, TX 78401 info@harrisonslanding.net 361-881-8503

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Dining Guide Corpus Christi Padre Island Port Aransas Rockport Outdoor dining Live music

$ = 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

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Cuisine | Dining Guide

American 8te $ A shabby chic interior feel with classic comfort dishes that have a simple twist. They have it all breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 1220 Airline #250, (361) 723-0261, Facebook.com/8tecctx Andy’s Country Kitchen $ You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com Atomic Omelette& Grill $ Omelettes are just the beginning here! Comfortable atmosphere, with a flavor for casual dining and handmade family recipes. 6313 Wooldridge Rd #10, (361) 334-3942, Atomicomelette.com Citrus Bayfront Bistro $ Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com 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 $$ Herbs and vegetables grown on site, your dining experience will be unforgettable! 106 E. Cotter, Port Aransas, TX 78373, (361) 749-4888 MacDaddy's Family Kitchen $$ Serves BBQ, Fried Chicken & Seafood. Big tables for big groups, they'll also deliver! 118 Beach Street Port Aransas, Texas 78373, (361) 749-2271, acdaddysfamilykitchen.com 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 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

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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/postcc Town & Country Café $ Down-to-earth this diner next door serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 992-0360, Facebook.com/town-country-cafe

Asian Aka Sushi $$ Creative and daring rolls that work well together.

The authentic Asian cuisine made with the Chef’s homemade recipe will be sure to surprise you. 415 N Water St, (361) 882-8885 Sang’s Imperial Café $$ Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the healthiest and freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 8088881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe TakeNiwa $$$ Sit in Hibachi and watch their talented chefs prepare your dinner. Or dine yourself to juicy steak and full sushi bar, your choice! 5216 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 356-6888, takeniwa.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 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

Cuisine | Dining Guide

Barbeque Hoegemeyer’s BBQ $$ Smoked freshbarbecue 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

French Bleu Bistro $$$ True playful twists to classic French bistro dishes.

The chef’s commitment to the use of fresh, local, peak of the season products is evident in the quality of each dish. 500 N Water St, (361) 887-2121, Bleubistrocc.com Dragonfly $$$ A fine multitude of international backgrounds to the cuisine prepared entirely from scratch daily by the owner and culinary artist. The menu is full of unforgettable flavor profiles to satisfy any craving.

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

Bar & Grill 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 concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

Executive Surf Club $$ The perfect casual family dining spot. All the while supplying the most beer on tap in the city. 309 N Water St, (361) 884-7873, Waterstreetmarketcc. com/executive-surf-club FINS Grill and Icehouse $$ For the past 11 years, they've featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb Angus beef burgers & chicken. Full full bar and you "You Hook 'Em, We Cook 'Em" for the fisherman. 420 West Cotter, Port Aransas 78373, (361) 749-8646, finsgrillandicehouse.com

Stingray’s Taphouse and Grill $$ Anindustrial-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

Brick Oven Pizza, Pub food & Burgers sound good?

How about a fresh brewed-in-house beer? 429 Alister Street, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, (361) 749- 2739, portaransasbrewery.com

Italian Authentic New York Pizza $$ True, authentic New York Pizza right in your hands in Corpus Christi, complete with red-checkered tablecloths. 5838 S Staples St, (361) 986-1151, Eatmorepizza.cc Bellino’s $$ Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinotexas.com 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

Venetian Hot Plate $$$ Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com Bella Luna Downtown $$ 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 Port “A” Pizzeria $$ Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 749-5226, Portapizzeria.com,

Mediterranean

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

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 IndoPakistani specialties. 7009 S Staples, 103, (361) 946-9834, Gingercafecc.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

Mexican

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, as well asall the crusts and sauces are made in house. 617 Mesquite St, (361) 882-7499, Eatpizzadowntown.com Panjo’s Pizza & Pasta $ Ditch the pomp and circumstance, and eat the way your Italian Grandma intended. Fuss free and real, classic, and a true local secret! 2744 Highway 35 N, (361) 729-1411

The Brewery $$

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Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen $$ Brick-oven-fired Italian entrees and New York style pizza down south. The simplicity of a causal Pizzeria with the freshness of a fine Italian restaurant. 6418 S Staples St, (361) 986-0620, Nypizzeria.com

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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) 945-8303, 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

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Cuisine | The Drink

The Best Bloody Mary This brunch-time cocktail is a meal in itself! The Bend’s Brunch on the Bay event was a huge success – the people, the food, and of course, the cocktails!!

By: Whitney Noble Photo: Rachel Durrent

The Bloody Mary Mix-Off was a fun highlight, and after many marvelous Mary’s, a debated discussion, and a (tipsy?) judging session, a winner was crowned!

And the winner is…The Post!

Many restaurants competed to win the Bloody Mary award - a plaque designed specifically for the winner to take home and hang on their restaurant's wall. Of all the delightful variations, one stood out.

“Our house made Bloody Mary mix is a recipe that’s top secret, but it includes many ingredients you have around your house or are easy to come by, such as: cracked pepper, garlic powder, fajita seasoning, onion powder, Tabasco, Worcestershire, and olive juice.

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Our Bloody Mary’s are served in a pint glass with 1.5 ounces of vodka, garnished with bacon, celery stalk, cocktail onions and olives, lemon, lime, and salted rim,” says James and Susan Gonzales, owners of The Post at Lamar Park.

And it tastes juuuuuust right. Special thanks to our judges, Herb Lancaster, Enes Yilmazer, and Courtney Pollard.

411 Doddridge St. #102 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 452-0907

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This cocktail is the perfect morning mixed drink, as it includes both your healthy tomato juice alongside crisp veggies, it’s been touted as “the world’s most complex cocktail.” Since the early 1920s, this “hair of the dog” beverage has restorative properties needed by many on a Sunday morning around brunch time.

Cuisine | Dining Guide Black Sheep Bistro $$ A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-4819, Blacksheepbistro.net

leave you coming back for more. 2401 Cimarron Blvd, (361) 993-7258, Saltwatergrillcc.com

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

Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill $$ Extensive menu, makes sure to have something for everyone.

Foods made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

Glow $$ From a renovated boathouse, offers a 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 $$ Tavern on the Bay at Harrison’s Landing is Corpus Christi’s newest outdoor restaurant & bar located in the heart of the city’s marina, and is the only place in town with a floating bar! 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, Harrisonslanding.net Island Time Sushi Bar and Seafood Grill $$ 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 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 yet, family-friendly setting. Remarkable gourmet twist to the lunch fare, a poolside eatery, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 7494222, Cinnamonshore.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

Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge $$ At Rock & Roll, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, Rockandrollssushi.com

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.com/The-PhoenixRestaurant-and-Bar

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

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) 749-7800, Tsbag.com

Saltwater Grill $$ Unique family atmosphere with fresh and tasty seafood that will

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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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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Al Armadillo, Agent 361-985-7488

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Out & About | Looking Back

Queen of the Sea: A Spirited Sculpture By: Jeff King Photo: Rachel Durrent

Often overlooked, the iconic Queen of the Sea at Lower Broadway and Peoples Street paved the way for public art in the Coastal Bend.

Pompeo Coppini was commissioned for over twenty-six public works of art in Texas alone, one of which is the “Spirit of Sacrifice,” aka The Alamo Cenotaph that stands in Alamo Plaza in San Antonio.

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he early 1900s were a defining time for Corpus Christi and its evolving identity. Alongside the Broadway Bluff renovation project, the Daughters of the Confederacy commissioned Pompeo Coppini, a famed Italian-born American sculptor, to design a sculpture in honor of fallen Texans of the Civil War. Ironically, Coppini was abhorrent of war, and in 1914, he crafted a sculpture that symbolized peace and captured the spirit of Corpus Christi.

Coppini chose to depict Corpus Christi as a young maiden, being crowned by Father Neptune and Mother Earth, holding gifts of a bouquet and the keys of success in her hands. Coppini’s perspective captured the identity of the city found in its unique geography,

where earth and sea meet to bestow the gifts needed for industry and a prosperous future.

By 1990, the Queen of the Sea was in desperate need of preservation efforts. The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, who helped fund the original project, sponsored a renovation project that was completed by Ron Sullivan, an art professor at Del Mar College.

Sullivan must have known that the sculpture’s preservation meant much more to the Coastal Bend than its aesthetic appearance – the Queen of the Sea was Corpus Christi’s first public work of art, paving the way for a century of artwork that is now further celebrated by the Marina Arts District and the local artists who strive to beautify Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

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