September

SEPTEMBER 2014, ISSUE 6

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Health

fashion

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Nights in NOrthshore

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100%

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FEATURES Events

P.44

Social Hour P.12 Wedding Bells P.50

The Arts

John Martell Photography P.20

Health

Healthy Lifestyle P.22

Community

P.24

Beyond the X’s & O’s P.34

Spectacular Spas P.40

Home

Buddy Walker Trends P. 58

Cuisine

The Dish P.61

Farm To Table P.64

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(STAFF)

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas ART DIRECTOR: Julio Studios OPERATIONS: Kaley Regas MANAGING EDITOR: Carol Pate MARKETING & EVENTS: Stefanie DeWaters PHOTOGRAPHY: Rachel Durrent Michael Diamante Bellezza Photography

Operations Kaley Regas

Marketing Consultant Lori Bodine

Managing Editor Carol Pate

CONTRIBUTORS: Cissy Tabor Justin Butts Kayla Butts Krystal Villarreal Mecklin Ragan Fares Sabawi

DISTRIBUTION: Kevin Kusenberger 361.792.3606 SUBMISSIONS: editor@thebendmag.com ADVERTISING: info@thebendmag.com THE BEND OFFICE: 5262 S. Staples. St. Ste.300 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Phone: 361.792.3606 THEBENDMAG.COM Copyright Š 2014 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.

Events & Marketing Stefanie DeWaters

Never blend in!

Experience the unusual at Bay Window!

Lead Photographer Rachel Durrent

Culinary Editors Kayla & Justin Butts

705 HWY 35 N Rockport, TX facebook.com/TheBayWindowRockport

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Design Studio 3636 S. Alameda, Suite H Corpus Christi, Texas 361-851-8052

SUSAN CASTOR collection

Retail Showroom 1908 Highway 361 Port Aransas, Texas 361-749-0524

P.61

P.47

“Serving as your judge has been my honor and privilege. Nueces Country is my home and as a judge I believe in the same thing you do-hard work, fairness, and the desire to do what is truly right for our community. I would appreciate your vote!�

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

BABY STEPS O Jordan Regas, Publisher

SEPTEMBER IS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH “But promise me that you won’t forget about me after I’m gone. That you won’t be so sad that you stop working to find a cure. Just because I didn’t make it doesn’t mean we can’t still do it. And I’d feel better knowing that someday this won’t happen to kids like me.”

- James Ragan, Valentine’s Day 2014. {Read the full story on p. 24} It’s been inspiring to see the nation rally around ALS awareness. This month, I challenge the Coastal Bend to rally around the goal of one of our own who is no longer with us. Please continue James Ragan’s fight against pediatric bone cancer. Learn more or donate at:

n September 12, 2013, my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world inside Bay Area Hospital at 6:23pm. I’m not sure if anyone forgets the rush of excitement, wonder and fear that comes with meeting their child for the first time. Seeing Gemma, my daughter, felt like stepping from one world into the next. Needless to say, my wife and I didn’t sleep much that night. Despite our extensive research and purchase of nearly every top selling baby book on the market – we stared wide eyed at our baby girl without a clue. It’s fun to think back on that time, but to also remember all those little moments leading up to her first birthday this month. I remember the first time she sat up on her own and the day she learned to crawl, making a straight line for the electrical outlet and every other danger around the house. As I write these words, she is learning to take her first baby steps. Gemma likes to grab my fingers and precariously throw one foot in front of the other as she stumbles toward her new goal.

I could go on and on about my daughter, but let me get to the point. If you haven’t been counting, I am proud to announce the sixth issue of The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine!

We are just a few months away from finishing our first year as a publication. It’s been a fun journey, somewhat similar to becoming a father. We strive each month to bring you unique stories and information with photos and design that shine as bright as the unique region we call home. It takes a lot of people and a lot of effort to fill a book full of blank pages on a monthly basis. I guess the old proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” could apply to magazines as well.

Thanks to you, the Coastal Bend community, we are growing faster than I could have ever imagined. Thank you for all of your support and feedback so far. I hope you continue reading and sharing your stories and ideas. My wife and I began the magazine with hopes of becoming the essential lifestyle magazine for The Coastal Bend. I have so many hopes and dreams for what “The Bend” will become down the road, but for now, we just keep putting one foot in front of the other, getting closer to our goal. Thanks for reading!

JORDAN REGAS

TRIUMPHOVERKIDCANCER.ORG

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Comforts of Home Let Your House Have Some Fun!

Painted Shabby Chic Furniture With a Rustic Finish Colorful 100% Cotton Bedding, Shower Curtains, Rag Rugs & Table Linens Women’s and Junior’s Clothing

103 S. Austin Street Rockport, Texas (361) 727.1471

Private Consultation Available By Appointment

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EVENTS

(CALENDAR)

11th Annual Conquer the Coast September 20th, 2014 Corpus Christi Bay www.conquerthecoast.org

Conquer the Coast packs so much into one ride that no other cycling event quite compares.

The event has become South Texas’ premiere cycling event, growing steadily each fall with over 1,500 cyclists participating in one of the three rides last year. Cyclists of all ages and skill level can take part in the annual event with three different courses to challenge the best and also generate new fans to the sport.

The 10-mile cruise, 25-mile ride and 65mile ride all start and finish at Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks.

HummerBird Celebration

September 18th - 21st, 2014 Rockport-Fulton High School and Middle School

www.rockporthummingbird.com

Celebrates the spectacular fall migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the stars of the show. Other probable sightings are Rufous, Black-chinned, Buff-bellied and Allen’s hummingbirds. The celebration offers something for everyone, from backyard birders to more experienced birders who can expand their knowledge. Topics and activities are available to meet every interest. Birding Bus Tours, Birding Boat Trips, special programs, outdoor exhibits, HummerBird Banding, and two vendor malls are just a few of the features of this event. FMI 361-729-6445

5th Annual Wings Over Port A September 26th - 27th, 2014 Port Aransas Civic Center www.portaransasparrotheads.com

Get ready for a beach party! A go-go around a bonfire when you arrive Friday evening. Sailors wanting to cast off before the sun sets also can climb aboard a boat chartered for members as a special treat. The Party with a Purpose highlight of the weekend is an annual dinner and auction to raise money for the community, set for Saturday night at the Port Aransas Civic Center.

Local favorite, the Bad Monkeys, will be swinging by with the music.

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13th Annual Skeet & Trap Shoot and “Burning Meat and Shooting Skeet” BBQ Cook-Off

September 12th & 13th, 2014 Corpus Christi Pistol & Rifle Club www.abctcb.org

ART

CELEBRATION OF FLIGHT MIGRATION FESTIVAL

ART WALK

September 27th-29th Hazel Bazemore Park

Every First Friday 5:30-9:00pm La Retama Park

JAZZ FOR PINK

September 26th, 2014 Heritage Park www.xraydocs.com/jazzforpink

SHELIA ROGERS: OCEANS OF PLASTICE

Celebrate the lives of women and men in the Coastal Bend who have survived breast cancer!

Enjoy the sounds of blues, jazz and other rhythmic sounds from Zenteno Spirit, presented by Radiology Associates LLP. All funds benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer annual walk and fundraiser.

4th Annual Run Amuck 5K Fun Mud Run

July 11th - September 14th Art Museum of South Texas RED DOT AUCTION

September 8th-11th Del Mar College 15TH ANNUAL CORPUS CHRISTI FALL HOME & GARDEN SHOW

September 12th-15th American Bank Center

September 27th, 2014 Gulf Coast Racing www.jlcc.org

DOC MCGREGOR SPEAKEASY GALA

5K run with muddy and wet obstacles for the big kids and 1K of muddy fun for the little kids! All participants will receive a medal and awards for top three individuals in all age divisions. Dress up!

Run also has a costume contest for Best Overall, Best Couple, and Best Group. Entertainment will include music, food, & beverages for participants.

Presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Texas Coastal Bend Chapter (ABC-TCB). Proceeds will go toward scholarships for students at the Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend. Friday, Mixer beginning at 5:30pm, and a Calcutta Auction beginning at 7:00pm. Saturday, shooting will begin at 8:00am, with lunch being served at noon and awards being presented around 5:00pm. New this year, happening alongside will be the ABC “Burning Meat and Shooting Skeet” BBQ Cook-Off. Don’t miss out!

September 27th Corpus Christi Science and History Museum

MUSIC/ ENTERTAINMENT “OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS”

Starting August 14th to September 13th 7:30pm Thursdays & 2:30pm Saturdays Aurora Arts Theater MIRANDA LAMBERT PLATINUM TOUR

September 13th American Bank Center TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD – THE MUSICAL

September 5th-28th Friday and Saturdays at 7:30pm

FISHING HAYNIE OWNERS TOURNAMENT

September 5th Redfish Bay Boat House ANGLERS ON WHEELS II

September 26th & 27th Port Aransas

SPORTS RUN FOR BLOOD 5K

September 6th Water Gardens 3RD ANNUAL YWCA GLO & GO FUN RUN

September 20th Water Gardens

LO CAL MARKET DAYS DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

5-7pm every Wednesday La Retama Park SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET

9am Every Saturday Parking Lot of 5800 Everhart, Corpus Christi ROCKPORT MARKET DAY

September 20th Navigation Festival Grounds, Rockport

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EVENTS

(SOCIAL HOUR) Did we catch you around the bend?

The Forever Braselton Kids CASA Playhouse Raffle

1. Adam Black - winner of the playhouse!

2. Bart & Michelle Braselton, The Braselton Twins Breanne & Bryson 3. The Forever Braselton Kids CASA Playhouse 4. Diana Booth, Eric Newman, Brandon, Amber & Adam Black, Bart Braselton and Page Hall

Benefitting CASA of the Coastal Bend Location: La Palmera Mall

Photos: Rachel Durrent 1.

2.

3.

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Documenting Life

One MOment at a time

www.BellezzaPhotography.com

Linking People to Success...

Sterling Personnel is the Coastal Bend’s premier staffing firm.

We are hometown folks working to bring the best companies and best employees together.

Let us be your link to success.

Call Today 361.854.5151 w w w. Ste r li n g H i re s . co m 3833 S. Staples, Suite N103 | Corpus Christi, Texas

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EVENTS 1.

2.

1.

4.

MAP of Texas Shrimp Boil

3.

Location: The Galvan House 1. Mila, Jessica, Amadeus, Nick & Raymond Gignac, Karin Scott 2. Jim Klein & Matilda Saenz 3. Stacy & Nueces County Clerk Diana Barrera 4. Susan Turpin & Chris Madrid 5. Irme Roldon & Judge Deeanne Galvan 5.

6.

4.

5.

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Dr. Paul A. Kennedy, Jr. Dr. Paul A. Kennedy, III

Orthodontist:

4 Locations

Dr. Timothy A. Kuhlman

Oral Surgeon:

Saratoga Office:

Dr. Ronald R. Schlimmer

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

Pediatric Dentists: Dr. William B. Haley Dr. Maria B. Tiefenbach Dr. Nicole B. Pruitt Dr. Refugio Gonzalez, III Dr. William C. Berlocher Dr. Rex Wildey Dr. Jonathan Hanks

Alameda Office:

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

Calallen Office:

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

Enclave Office:

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

General Dentists:

paulkennedydds.com 361-992-9500

Dr. Richard J. Campbell Dr. Alissa M. Hall Dr. Annie Rothe

Momentum for Your Business PlainsCapital Bank is a strong bank.

A Texas bank. And now we can be your bank. As we grow in the Coastal Bend area, we’re proud to help businesses reach their goals with strength, stability, momentum and personal attention from proven local leaders.

361.939.5600 PlainsCapital.com

Your PlainsCapital Bank Coastal Bend Team: Gary Wilson, Coastal Bend Region Chairman; Frank Hastings, Corpus Christi President; Mark Esparza, Alice President; David Barnhart, Victoria President

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(COASTAL TRENDS) (left to right) Caroline in a classic navy tweed dress with silver threads and matching belt by Biscotti, Harlan sporting a patterned Ellen dress and bow-tie necklace by Persnickety, Hannah wearing a black and ivory Macie Jane Dress by Persnickety

Baby &

Ballet

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Hannah displays a blue striped dress with pink trim and pom pom details, with navy and pink tights, both by Mimi-Pi

The adorable Ava in an ivory and light blue tweed dress by Mayoral

Wardrobe: Belly & Baby & Hopscotch Photos: Bellezza Photography Location: The Lamar Park Shopping Center

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The girls are ready to dance!

Little Ava in a lilac tutu dress with sequin bow detail and knotted back by Mirella, Harlan in a black leotard with Swiss dot netted neckline and puff sleeves with a pink swiss dot tutu by Mirella, Hannah in a black camisole leotard with rhinestone neckline and Swiss dot back detail by Mirella and hot pink shorts with mock skirt by Bloch, Caroline in a light pink skirted cami leotard by Bloch.

(left to right) Jordan is beautiful and bright in an eye catching Ava and Harlan join Jude Connally dress.

Hannah.

Ava wearsoutfit Camille’s Sympli a turquoise rocking gives her just the right horse romper while amount of confidence Harlan is in a fox and comfort.

Rachel’s teerelaxed, in deepyet lavender dressy with Ivymulti-colored Jane top is paired carnival skirt, all by with the perfect fitting Lemon LisetteLoves whiteLime pants.

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The medical spa that feels like a spa At TVV MediSpa, we pride ourselves in offering you the latest and greatest in non-invasive cosmetic medical procedures.

Services: • Injectables • Laser Treatments • Cool Sculpting • Hydrafacial

• JuVaShape • Permanent • Airbrush Tan Cosmetics • Massage • Body Wrap

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Location: 5242 Holly Road Corpus Christi, TX

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Mention you saw our ad in The Bend Magazine and receive Two Months for the Price of One [ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend ]

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(ARTS)

Fine Art Photographer - Rockport, TX

“Typically, something that I would enter into a photography contest is something that won’t sell. A photo that is different and unique or a gorgeous angle is precisely what wins a contest but won’t sell”

| | PHOTOS: RACHEL DURRENT|

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It takes a special artist with considerable skill, extreme patience and a little bit of luck to take on the challenge of wildlife photography. John Martell is one local photographer who fits the description.

His gallery is located on 302 S. Austin St. adjacent to The Daily Grind, but his office stretches far beyond manmade walls.

Although John shoots stunning wildlife images all over the country, he is primarily known for capturing colorful displays of Rockport/Fulton’s coastal charm.

One of the pitfalls to being an artist is that your business sense is not always engaged. Having a father who was an engineer and a mother who was an interior decorator, John fell in love with art at an early age and has always embraced his creative side. His mother gave him a Polaroid camera at a young age and quickly fell in love with the art form, but art does not always sell itself.

“Typically, something that I would enter into a photography contest is something that won’t sell. A photo that is different and unique or a gorgeous angle is precisely what wins a

photo contest but won’t sell,” says Martell. Not everyone is a photo critic, but most people do enjoy decorating their home with a taste of the Coastal Bend’s charm. Possibly due to his mother’s influence, Martell fills his gallery with bright images of coastal life in multiple color schemes that allow the beauty of the outdoors to fit nicely with interiors. With that said, Martell still leaves room around the gallery for a few of his personal favorites.

practically synonymous with local birding. The Whopping Crane is one particular endangered species that travels to our region during the winter season, drawing photographers and birders from all over the world. One of Martell’s finest photos, First Feeders, is a captivating portrait of barrel hogs, white tailed deer and a pair of juvenile whooping crane twins (the only ones in the world at the time) all grazing behind a soft cloud of morning fog.

According to Martell, frames are becoming comparatively less desirable. “We find in here that people are more in tuned to the subject matter. It used to be that people would have these gold, ornate frames without even knowing what was inside.

Now, if someone has a dollar to spend, they want the subject matter. So we don’t have too many pieces framed in here,” explains Martell. The gallery does feature photographs on a variety of materials, including canvas, water color paper and metal. Aluminum prints are unique, offering the perfect alternative for decorating outdoor patios or boats.

The humming bird is another subject matter Martell is fond of. Every year, around mid-September, Humming Birds come through the region on waves of wind but have to fuel up in Rockport. The spectacle is highlighted by Rockport’s Annual Humming Bird Festival, featuring birding tours and special lectures. Martell will participate as a repeat lecturer on photographing small birds and humming birds. It never fails to fill up. According to Martell, photographing humming birds can be difficult, but he is happy to share a few helpful tips and tricks.

Local wildlife photography is

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John Martell Photography 361.729.8000 302 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382 johnmartellphotography.com

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(HEALTH)

Journey to A Healthy Lifestyle Words: Jon Perez

Photos: Rachel Durrent

“Seek your goal without compromise”

BEFORE

Why did you decide to start living a healthy lifestyle?

Just prior to embarking on my fitness journey in May of 2010, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with A-Fib. The medical staff was preparing to ‘Shock’ me the following day if my heart didn’t reset by itself. Thankfully, it did.

The episode concluded with the doctor telling me that “I would have an early death or a stroke by the time I was 35 and it was up to me to take responsibility.” He then turned around and walked out.

That was my “Ground zero!” I realized I had been given second chance to live and needed a serious change in my life.

During the time leading up to this event, I was drawn to the late night infomercial advertising the P90X workout. I always knew that when I was ready to make a change, that would be my vehicle.

And so it began. May 17, 2010 at 5:45 a.m. Day 1 of P90X in my garage. It was certainly brutal, but I continued. My back was against the wall and my life was on the line. Failure was not an option.

I lost 35 lbs in my first 90 days.

Another 35 lbs in the second round of 90 days. And 30 lbs in the third round. I literally lost 100 in my garage with a pair of Dumbbells, a pull up bar, DVD’s and “Why power.”

Friends, family, and neighbors prices my transformation along the way and wanted the same success.

I became part of the Beachbody

AFTER Coaching Network to ‘Pay it Forward.’ I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to help hundreds of people online through our programs and community support.

In 2012, Beachbody introduced the opportunity to become a Certified P90X Trainer. I knew that would be the next chapter in my life.

I became certified and opened the doors to my own gym, Studio X. We specialize in Group & Personal Training. Over the past two years, we have helped hundreds of people directly in our community! We offer a truly unique gym model that focuses on cutting edge fitness systems, nutrition coaching and an incomparable support system.

We have created a community of adults who are sharing the journey of living a healthy lifestyle!

What is your primary source of exercise and outdoor activities? How often?

I continue to use the same programs that helped me lose 100 lbs and have now kept it off for 4 years; P90X & INSANITY. I exercise for thirty minutes, twice a day Monday-Friday and am hour with our INSANITY Class on Saturday at Studio X.

What has been your biggest hardship along the way?

Time. Nutrition. Life. Most people can’t find the time to make exercise a part of their daily habits. I’ve

found that once you schedule your time accordingly, 1/2 the battle is won. I was very fortunate to have the support of my wife and family to allow me the time daily to regain my health.

Nutrition plays the biggest role in someone’s success or failure. Thankfully, our systems offer the complete package. Along the way, I’ve acquired the expertise of local nutritionist Adam Young to fine tune my plan. My clients will attest just how accountable I keep them to their daily workouts and caloric intake.

And then, life happens. The unexpected. You miss one day due to working late. The next day it’s errands and so on. One day turns into a week. One week turns into two. Then you’ve created a new habit of not exercising again.

I’ve learned over the past four years that goal setting is art. We must start with the end vision in mind, identify all obstacles and build our “Why” to be stronger than any excuse.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?

My grandfather, Beto Garcia, has been my biggest inspiration in many aspects of my life. First, as a devoted Catholic, he has been our family’s spiritual leader. He attended mass daily, for years. Second, his house has been where our family gathers for every occasion.

Third, he exercised daily. Typically walking around his neighborhood around Saxet. And finally, as a musician. He was a well-recognized drummer and founder of

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the Annual Texas Jazz Festival.

As I reflect my current life, I realize that I hold the same virtues dear to my heart. Church, family, exercise and music. It’s through his life as a leader that has help me identify my course.

What is the fitness PhiWWlosophy you live by?

I spend a lot of time with personal development books, audio and attending seminars with world renowned speakers. I understand the importance of goal setting the system to being successful.

I’ve created a motto of “Seek your goal without compromise.”

Give your best advice for someone who wants to start a fitness regime and a healthy lifestyle.

It begins with a vision and “Writing” down a S.M.A.R.T. goal. Something that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Then, working with an accountability partner and a support group that is on the same journey is vital. Acquire the assistance of a professional who can provide the best program for you. At Studio X, we strive to build relationships with our clients and work equally as hard to help them reach their goal. I invite everyone to try us for an entire week for free.

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years of life | BY: MECKLIN RAGAN, JAMES’ SISTER |

Imagine, for a moment, that you just turned 13 years old - somewhere between the 7th and 8th grade. Maybe you want to be a professional athlete, doctor, lawyer, politician or even a rock star. You and your closest friends are ready for a summer of fun and excited for what your futures holds. Now imagine that over the next 7 years, 8 of your close friends die, not from random accidents, but from various diseases or conditions. By the time you are almost done with your sophomore year of college all of your close friends from home - from growing up - are gone. You are the only one left.

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I am 23, and I have never experienced anything like this. My parents are in their mid-fifties, and they have never experienced anything like this.

But my younger brother, James A. did. In 2006, James A. Ragan was diagnosed with a type of pediatric bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. At first, it was just in his left leg, and doctors had to remove most of his leg to save him. His dreams of becoming a DI tennis player were torn away from him, but at least he would be alive. And, as hard as that was, about a year later, James learned that even surgery would not save his life. The cancer had metastasized to his lungs, and he then underwent countless rounds of chemotherapy, experimental treatments, drugs and surgeries to his lungs, chest wall and diaphragm. It was as dark a time as I believe any child can have, but in the midst of all of this James made the most of his moments, and found ways to make the most of a horrific situation.

James always maintained a smile, a hopeful attitude and worked tirelessly at school, golf and cancer issues. Since that time, James and I held annual fundraisers to raise money for cancer research, but it was done individually and not as a foundation. In 2010, we organized a non-profit called Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation (TOKC) to start and fund the Children’s Sarcoma Initiative at M.D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. TOKC committed to raise 1.5 million dollars, to be matched

by M.D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, and the money would create a fund, which would award grants to support new research into 26

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pediatric bone cancer. We met that goal in 2014. James’ vision was a world without children’s cancer, and I and the rest of the TOKC board members, now more than ever, are determined to make that vision a reality. The most promising step in cancer research in recent years has been whole genome sequencing for adult cancers. As with other types of research, little work has been done in whole genome sequencing for pediatric orphan cancers due to cost.

Yet genome sequencing is essential to providing the knowledge and understanding necessary for researchers to learn how to cure pediatric cancers. For that reason, TOKC’s newest project, The Childhood Genomic Research And Sequencing Project - because the key to curing pediatric cancer is within our GRASP. GRASP will provide longitudinal whole genome sequencing for pediatric orphan cancers, starting with medulloblastoma, pediatric bone cancers, and pediatric melanoma. In addition, to help us remember James each year, we are starting the “Wingman” program. The issue of wings was always special to James because his thoracic surgeon had a unique method of making the incision so that the curved surgical scars across the back brought wings to mind. His pediatric patients always referred to them as “Angel’s Wings.” So, each year we will have a special pediatric cancer patient - “James’ Wingman” - as our guest at all of our functions so we can always remember James and the reason why spreading awareness and supporting

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pediatric cancer research is so important.

In addition to his work with TOKC, James also helped M.D. Anderson and other cancer related organizations in their fundraising and awareness efforts. Most importantly though, he spent many hours with other kids who had terminal cancers simply trying to brighten their last days. The work that he did, coupled with his kindness, energy, happiness and optimism, allowed him to build a remarkable reputation among people from many different walks of life. At the same time he was building that reputation, Geraldine Moriba and Jamila Rowell began plans for a documentary on pediatric sarcoma. Geraldine had been diagnosed with a terminal sarcoma a few years earlier, but had miraculously survived after treatment at M.D. Anderson. That experience motivated her and her close friend Jamila to tell the story of pediatric sarcomas through documentary. After hearing about James’ compassionate nature and the work he was doing in spite of his cancer, they contacted James to ask for his help.

James was always willing to help someone who asked for it, and even though he was traditionally a very private individual, he and our family agreed to allow Jamila, Geraldine, and their film crews to share in our life over the next year or two. James believed that the more publicity and awareness that exists regarding pediatric cancers, the more people will act to help fight it. All he asked in return, was that we, his family, be given the raw video interview footage so we would have great film and audio to remember him by.

Geraldine and Jamila are now nearly finished with the documentary “Until 20.” It is based on James’ gratitude for having been given 20 years of life, instead of bitterness over not having more. We hope that this film brings education, awareness and understanding of the issues of pediatric cancer, and hope that that understanding leads to progress in the efforts to find cures. As James said:

FOR MORE INFORATION ABOUT TRIUMPH OVER KID CANCER triumphoverkidcancer.org

Facebook: Triumph Over Kid Cancer

Adddress: 723 Coleman Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Phone: 361.883.8652

UNTIL 20 DOCUMENTARY kickstarter.com/ jects/1626710201/ until-20-a-featuredocumentary-film

“I remember saying and believing that pediatric cancer was going to stop with me. Now it looks like I’m not going to see that happen. But promise me that you won’t forget about me after I’m gone.

That you won’t be so sad that you stop working to find a cure. Just because I didn’t make it doesn’t mean we can’t still do it. And I’d feel better knowing that someday this won’t happen to kids like me.”

-James Ragan, Valentine’s Day 2014.

[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend ]

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| SPECIAL PROMOTION |

An M.P.G. Rating for your New Home One of the most important things we look at, when buying a car is its MPG- miles per gallon.

Today, Fuel Efficiency is one of the most important factors in our car-buying decision. Keeping fuel costs down on our vehicle means more money in our pockets every month, period.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a measurement like M.P.G. to use when purchasing a home- a number that qualifies how energy efficient the house is , to ensure that you won’t be spending more than you bargained for on your monthly utility bills?

I’ve got good news for you- THERE IS such a measurement!! It’s called a H.E.R.S. (or Home Energy Rating System) Score, and it was created by the Residential Energy Services Network in 1995.

With a home’s H.E.R.S. score , you can compare the cost to operate a New Home vs. a Used Home, a larger home vs. a smaller one, and even a Coastal Bend Green Built (CBGB) home vs. a typicallyconstructed home. The H.E.R.S. system is so beneficial, and accurate that the U.S. Government used it to create their Energy Star Rating system, as well as Energy Efficient Mortgages.

Understanding the system is simple. The HERS points are on a 0 to 100 scale; a home that scores a 100 is a home built to the Energy Code, and a home with a score of 0 ( a Net Zero- Energy Home) is a home that saves, or creates, as much energy as it uses. As you can see, the lower the Score, the better- the lower the Score, the more energy efficient the home is

Unfortunately, not all New Homes have excellent H.E.R.S. ratings; many Builders have not improved their construction methods, or their Scores, since the 70’s. So, It is very important ,when buying a home ,to check the HERS Score, just as you would investigate the M.P.G. rating for a new car.

The easiest way In The Bend to insure you are buying a home with a good H.E.R.S. score, is to purchase a Coastal Bend Green Built (CBGB) home; ALL CBGB Homes, certified as built GREEN, require a HERS Score, making them among the most energy efficient homes in the area. be sure to ask your realtor to find out the score of any home you consider- this knowledge can save you money over the life of your home!

-H

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Come out and see what gives a New Home a good M.P.G.

For More Information: 361.991.4710

www.braseltonhomes.com

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ME

HERS Score

See you in the Neighborhood!

And, just to compare…. That same 2140 square foot home, built in the 1970’s ,will score a 150, or a rating of more than twice that of a New Braselton Home. And, the bill on that 1970’s home…since its twice as inefficient , the bill will be about double.

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So, you may ask…just how realistic is this? it just sounds too good to be true. New Homes could not be performing that much better than Used Homes, Well, we are so confident in the HERS, system that at Braselton Homes we are employing it to guarantee the Air Conditioning bills for our homebuyers.

The Bend boasts many homes with low HERS scores for you to tour; we have built almost 1000 Green homes in the last 5 years. At Braselton Homes, we have 6 model homes for you to see, all of which are rated with HERS scores….one at a 41 !

So, let’s translate the HERS Score into real dollars. A 2,140 square foot Braselton home, with a score of 69 (which means the home is 31% more efficient than the code), will have an expected monthly average electric bill of only $129. Yes, you read that correctly.

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So, the average savings for purchasing a New Home will buy all your gas each month! (By the way, so far our best HERS score is a 29…a home that is 71% more efficient than code. Its bills?

How about $185 /month, for 4500 square feet. )

Diamond

Platinum

Eco-Home Monthly Electric Cost

$108

Certified

Average Used Home Monthly Electric Cost

$441

Monique Ahlers Monique Ahlers

Southern Charm

REALTOR® REALTOR®

Monique Ahlers REALTOR®

361.813.5025

SpeakWithMonique@aol.com

coldwellbanker.com/website/moniqueahlers PACESETTER STEEL REALTORS® Each office is independently owned and operated.

361.813.5025 361.813.5025

w

5017 Saratoga Suite #105 Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 993-3323 www.SouthernCharmCC.com

www.villacostagroup.com JESSICA BATES 361.385.0075 AMY BROWN 361.779.0177 BECCA SPENST 361.834.6555

SpeakWithMonique@aol.com SpeakWithMonique@aol.com

coldwellbanker.com/website/moniqueahlers coldwellbanker.com/website/moniqueahlers

L ove W h e re Yo u L i ve

Search All

PACESETTER STEEL

REALTORS PACESETTER STEEL ® Each office is independently owned and operated.

REALTORS ®

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Corpus Christi Homes

Infant & Children’s Clothing, Shoes & Accessories...

Now Carrying Dancewear

kristengilstrap.com Kristen Gilstrap | REALTOR® 361.425.4451

kristen@baxterbrooks.com

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Located in the Lamar Park Shopping Center 3818 S. Alameda 361.991.2540

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MORE THAN

CONQUERORS

Ainsley’s angels of south Texas is conquering the Coast

Mission: “In addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events, Ainsley’s Angels of America aims to build awareness about America’s special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life, by promoting awareness, providing education, and participating as active members in local communities.”

www.ainsleysangels.org

Words: Cissy Tabor // Photos: Michael Diamante

With the wind in his face, Charlie Jones smiles and waves his arms as his fans, relatives and friends cheer him on towards the finish line. Charlie, a disabled 16 year old, is the Captain of his racing team.

A license plate attached to his racing chair reads “CAPTAIN CHARLIE.” On his team are Angels, or able bodied runners who push Charlie for the length of a race.

Ainsley’s Angels is a volunteer program for children, teens and adults who are unable to experience endurance events on their own, such as running and cycling races and triathlons. A team is made up of a non-ambulatory individual (Captain) and able-bodied runners (Angels). Ainsley is the daughter of US Marine Corp Major Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter and his wife, Lori, from Lake Charles, Louisiana. At age three, Ainsley was diagnosed with INAD, Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, a rare terminal illness that slowly causes paralysis. Ainsley has inspired the creation of this public charity, Ainsley’s Angels, in eight states.

The Rossiter family members have participated with Ainsley in more than 70 races.

A few months ago a new chapter was created in Corpus Christi by Michelle and Rusty Jones, myTEAM Triumph: Ainsley’s Angels of South Texas.

The rapid growth of this chapter, which boasts 24 captains and 64 angels in just four months, prompted the Lake Charles organization to advance them ten racing chairs and Ainsley’s Angels t-shirts.

“They had never seen a chapter come in so strong so they helped us out,” explains President Michelle Jones. The South Texas program is slowly repaying the Louisiana chapter through small fundraisers and private donations.

A local benefactor, The Argenta Project, also helped Ainsley’s Angels of South Texas with a commitment to donate one racing chair ($1000) per month for a year. The growing fleet of 11 racing chairs required co-founder, Rusty Jones, to purchase a trailer to transport the Captains’ chairs to race sites. He ‘stepped out in faith’ is how wife, Michelle explains her husband’s purchase of a fourteen foot enclosed trailer. But within a week a generous offer to pay for the trailer came from Bay Area Bicycles and Amigos Equipment Corporation after Michelle gave a presentation about Ainsley’s Angels at the Corpus Christi Triathlon Club meeting.

Since inception, Ainsley’s Angels of South Texas has participated in several local races and one in Lake Charles, LA. “We are committed to doing one to two races a month for our Captains,” says Michelle.

“Also, a lot of captains don’t get to get out of town so we would like to offer Captains one destination race a year where we help with lodging and travel.”

Helping with expenses is one of the organization’s fundraising goals and another is to purchase conversion racing chairs which can convert from a

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chair that is pushed, to one that is pulled behind a bike. The cost of one conversion chair is $3000.

Thursday evenings are training sessions for Captains and Angels. Several young Marines recruited by an Angel runner, US Marine Corp Major Anthony Navarrette, show up for practice and pair up with their Captains who are excited to see them. A few parents run with their child but often parents of Captains come to the practice and walk. “They come and interact with other parents of children with disabilities. It’s a time for them to talk to someone else who understands,” said Michelle. Starting at Corpus Christi’s Bay Area Bikes on Airline, participants run to Rodd Field Road and back for three miles.

Drivers will honk and wave as they pass the runners wearing their Ainsley’s Angels

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t-shirt. Michelle has had people sign up to participate after seeing the runners and then connecting to the Ainsley Angels’ website. “Corpus Christi has opened their arms to us. It has been amazing,” says Michelle.

At an August 5K Glow Run by Outlaws Come Out and Play, 11 Captains and 18 Angels took part in the race along sand and turf. The enormous support for this organization was demonstrated by the large crowd gathered at Park Road 22 on a muggy Saturday night in Corpus Christi.

The racers wore glowing arm and neck bands and the racing chairs were covered with glow-in-the-dark rings. More than 50 family members and friends erupted in cheers while teams crossed the finish line.

Kayla Norris of Portland and Aaron Wag-

ner, a Marine Corp Lieutenant stationed in Corpus Christi, were two of the more experienced Angels at the Glow Run, as both have participated in three previous races. Kayla, who was never active in sports or athletics prior to joining Ainsley’s Angels is now running 5Ks and is team coordinator with partner Angel, Patty Doty, also of Portland.

Aaron is an athlete who has won several races with Captains of Ainsley Angels.

Also racing in the Glow Run for his first endurance event was 16 year-old Captain Jordan Sosa. “He was a little nervous at first, but he loved it,” explained Elizabeth, Jordan’s mother. “We usually do horseback riding but Jordan outgrew it and this gets us all out,” she added, and all out they came. Fifteen of Jordan’s relatives showed up to cheer for his team. Elizabeth plans to run in a future event with her son. “Michelle is going to help me train,” she says with a smile.

At the close of the race, Michelle presents a medal to each Captain. “We let our Captains borrow our legs for a day,” she says to the crowd. Rusty gifts each new Captain with a board filled with hooks to hang their medals and the inscription “Roll with the Wind” painted across

the top. These boards are crafted and painted by Rusty.

He also makes the license plates with team names attached to the racing chairs. A busy man behind the scenes, Rusty is the equipment manager who hauls the trailer, loads and unloads the Captains’ vehicles at each event and makes sure the racing chairs’ tires are filled with air on race day.

Ainsley’s Angels wasn’t yet a thought in the mind of parents Rusty and Michelle Jones when they decided to start running to get healthy. “Charlie wasn’t getting any smaller. He’s 16 years-old. We have to lift him. He doesn’t walk,” Michelle said. In March, Rusty, Michelle and Charlie entered the ‘Biggest Loser’ race in Austin. At the event, they met people from Ainsley’s Angels of Southeast Texas and this lead Michelle to contact Ainsley’s Angel founder, Kim Rossiter. She was seeking information on raising funds to acquire a conversion racing chair for Charlie. “Once I called him, he said yes I’ll help you get the chair, but I want you to start a chapter in Corpus Christi. I said I don’t know about that. But being a Marine Major he talked me into it, and it has just snowballed and has been amazing. We haven’t looked back,” said Michelle. Eighty-

“Corpus Christi has opened their arms to us.

It has been amazing,”

three pounds lighter and several races later, Michelle is certainly healthier. “I never thought I would have even run a 5K, much less two a month! I guess I could say I owe my health to these kids,” says Michelle.

Rusty, Michelle and Charlie run in all races they organize for Ainsley’s Angels. Everyone involved with this 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization is a volunteer. The bigheartedness of the Angels goes beyond the pushing and pulling of Captains, to financial generosity. Angels create internet CrowdRise1 pages to raise funds for the needs of the charity and for conversion racing chairs for the Captains. They pay their own race entrance fees and even buy their Ainsley’s Angel t-shirt they proudly wear for each event. Racing directors such as Corpus Christi’s Freddy Ramirez graciously exempt Captains from paying race entry fees.

Created only five months ago, Ainsley’s Angels of South Texas is not limiting their fun to running but are already practicing to participate in cycling and swimming events in September. Several Captains and Angels have signed up for Corpus Christi’s ‘Conquer the Coast’ 25 mile bike race and ‘Keep Texas Wild Triathlon’ at Lake Corpus Christi.

Brave Captains and Angels strive

for more adventure together.

Experienced Angels Patty, Anthony and Aaron will participate in the organization’s first triathlon in September. A swimmer in college, Aaron is prepared for the swimming portion of the triathlon. During a trial swim at Lake Corpus Christi, Aaron wore a harness with a line attached to a raft, holding seven year-old Captain JaiMarie Davis. In another raft was Charlie Jones with Mom and Dad, (Michelle and Rusty) swimming on each side. “The kids loved being on the water! That made us super excited about doing this,” said Kayla, team coordinator.

Experiencing these endurance events together bring joy to all involved. “We’re honored that the families allow us to take their kids and participate in these events,” said Michelle. Two days after his first race, Captain Jordan Sosa hadn’t taken off his medal. “He wore it everywhere.

He is so proud of it. His Mom made him take it off at bedtime so he put it under his pillow,” Michelle said. The runners also value the joy of the race. Pushing their Captains toward the finish line is “a heartwarming thing for us and it means a lot to them.

It’s a priceless experience,” said Aaron.

ROLE MODELS | WORDS: FARES SABAWI | PHOTOS: RACHEL DURRENT |

Sports are more than X’s & O’s, game plans, WORDS: FARESand SABAWI athletic ability PHOTOS: RACHEL DURRENT

Whether it's in football, cheer or dance, these coaches and instructors are committed to the children's development. Coaches make bonds that are tough to break, creating a positive influence for children to look up to.

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[ the lifestyle magazine of corpus christy ]

“We don’t turn any child away.

They need positive role models,” Nease said. “That’s the biggest thing for kids right now.”

FLOUR BLUFF YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE Flour Bluff Youth Sports League’s aim is not only to progress children in their athletic endeavors, but to help children improve their community as well.

That’s just one cornerstone of the FBYSL when it was founded by football coordinator Dave Nease and other parents earlier this year.

“I guess you can say I’m the founder, but I wouldn’t say that,” Nease said. “A bunch of our closest comrades came together and this is what we created.”

After coaching in a different football league in Flour Bluff, Nease and the other FBYSL board members looked to make a new organization with a fresh and open start.

“We always hold [our meetings] in a public forum so everybody can come,” Nease said. “If you’re a paid member and you want to know how much money we have, we open everything up. We have nothing to hide.”

The FBYSL has already received support from Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez, who wrote that kids in the Coastal Bend needed more positive influences, a concept that Nease found important to promote as well. In fact, that’s why the FBYSL allows kids to join the league even if their families can’t afford it.

“We don’t turn any child away.

They need positive role models,” Nease said. “That’s the biggest thing for kids right now.”

The FBYSL aims to go beyond the realm of sports to teach kids life lessons. One of the lessons is making sure kids are succeeding academically before they can focus on sports.

“If kids are making under 75, they have to bring their homework to practice. We have tutors that are willing to help,” Nease said. “It encourages them to be students way before they’re ever athletes.”

Aside from that, the children in FBYSL have already committed several hours to community service and have helped donate school supplies and money to different non-profit organizations, Nease said.

have the only competitive cheer team in Flour Bluff, along with NFL certified coaches to help children play football safely.

“Myself and Tobin Hill [assistant football coordinator] went to Houston for the Coach’s Combine Clinic to get that certification so we can instruct our coaches,” Nease said. “Football is not a violent sport if it’s taught correctly.”

The FBYSL have already started their football season, but they promote other sports in the Coastal Bend that need enrollment, keeping sports strong in South Texas.

This is not to say their focus isn’t on their sports though, as they

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“(Dancing) has always been in my life,” Dossett said. “People always ask me when I’m going to stop, but I don’t want to that.”

PORTLAND DANCE Kathleen Dossett makes a living teaching dance, but she wouldn’t call it a job.

It made sense for Dossett, who has been dancing since she was three-years-old, to eventually have her own studio. In 1977, she did just that when she opened the Kathleen Dossett School of Dance in Portland. “(Dancing) has always been in my life,” Dossett said. “People always ask me when I’m going to stop, but I don’t want to do that.”

The school has been largely successful, Dossett said, but she’s never had to get the word out herself.

“I don’t really advertise,” she said.

“We mainly have returning students and people find out through word-ofmouth.”

Dossett teaches a variety of styles, including ballet, tap and jazz, but it doesn’t end there.

“It’s so much more than just coming to dance once a week,” Dossett said.

“Along with dance, we teach them self confidence and self-esteem, discipline, respect for one another and respect for themselves.”

The point of the school is to show students an outlet to express themselves.

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“I want them to let their inhibitions down,” Dossett said. “They’re here to learn but it should be fun too.”

The girls put their talents on display once a year, when Dossett puts on her annual summer recital for the students.

Because most of her students return, Dossett is able to witness them grow up.

“A schoolteacher has a child for one year, but for me, I get to be a part of their lives from when they’re three until they’re 17 or 18,” Dossett said.

Most of Dossett’s former students still keep in touch with her because of the bonds they create.

“When they graduate, it’s heartbreaking for me because it’s like I’m losing one of my children,” Dossett said. “I’m happy to see them spread their wings and go but it leaves a hole in my heart.”

Dossett said she’s able to maintain the dance studio with the support of her husband, Martin.

“My husband is so supportive of what I do,” she said. “He’s really allowed me to continue to do what I love.”

DISTINCTIVE LANDSCAPES START HERE

As a full service landscape company, we are your one stop shop for landscaping in the Coastal Bend. We not only provide design and build services – we have one of the largest wholesale & retail rock yard and nurseries in the region.

Wondering where to start is where we love to start

Dream: First off, we listen to you – what you like and what you don’t like. We take your ideas and grow them into the landscape of your dreams. Let us take a look at your property and go over the site plan.

Design: Next, we combine your vision with our experience and expertise. We consider the location’s climate, soil and square footage when drawing up a custom design for your property.

Budget concerns? No problem, we can give you plenty of options to choose from.

Deliver: From start to finish, we are fully equipped to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

We deliver what we promise and guarantee what we deliver.

Call for your free consultation: (361) 528-2759 Landscape Design & Installation, Stonework & Hardscapes, Outdoor Kitchens, Poolscapes & Patios, Sprinkler Systems & Drainage Systems, Nursery, Stone & Boulder Yard 160 U.S. Highway 181 West Taft, TX 78390 www.mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com

DONNA MAZZOLA, Landscape Designer

Q: How often should I water my plants?

A: It’s really important to water, at least every other day. In the heat of this summer with no rain, daily watering of potted plants is necessary in full sun areas, especially small pots with little depth. Potted plants in shaded areas are okay every other day.

The best time to water is in the evening. With drip irrigation, it can be effective at pretty much any time of the day. If you are using a hose or sprinkler, the heat of the day is not good because the water hits the leaves and evaporates. Morning or evening is the best time.

“We want to make sure they’re not only enhancing their abilities to become better athletes but teaching them teamwork and discipline is also very important.”

Competitive cheer teams practice for months just to perform a two-and-a-half minute routine. It takes dedication and discipline, and that’s why Chris Torres and his wife, Sadie, started Modern American Cheer (MAC).

Located at 4855 S. Alameda, the gym has state-of-the-art equipment to help kids excel when it comes to cheering.

“When you go to most competitive cheerleading gyms, they’re old-style garages,” Torres said.

“The ‘modern’ twist we put on there is that we have modernized equipment.”

It’s not just the equipment that sets MAC apart, but their approach to cheering too. Torres said rather than working on just the routine, children are coached with more structure, focusing on athleticism, stretching and cardio.

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MAC CHEER

All coaches are certified to make sure that each cheer team is tumbling safely.

MAC’s gym opened last January, but Torres had been looking into the prospect of a new gym since the fall. The idea was to provide a new outlet not just for his 10-year-old daughter, Hailie, but the rest of the Coastal Bend as well.

“Our daughter had developed a passion for the sport and we wanted to give her a better opportunity to help her grow,” Torres said. “We also wanted to provide another outlet for the community to get together and enhance their skill.”

Along with the dedication it takes to cheer competitively, Torres said the bonds that the children make with each other and the coaches prepare them for the next stage of life.

“There’s things we teach them

that they can use later in adulthood,” Torres said. “We want to make sure they’re not only enhancing their abilities to become better athletes but teaching them teamwork and discipline is also very important.”

MAC’s different cheer squads have practiced four days a week since April to prepare for the start of cheer season in October. Torres said the most important thing is to see these teams grow as they look forward to getting their first season as a team under their belts.

“Our number one goal is always to improve the athletes’ developments,” he said.

[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}

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| SPECIAL PROMOTION |

SPECTACULAR

SPAS

You deserve a day of relaxation and pampering.

These spas are at your service‌

Anthony’s Aveda Concept Salon & Day Spa

Anthony’s Aveda Concept Salon & Day Spa is a full service luxury retreat equipped to pamper you from head to toe. With over 40 employees on staff offering a range of services, they are fully accommodated to handle walk-in requests and work around your schedule.

Their premier salon services allow you to feel at ease, knowing you are in good hands. Relaxation comes easy with the tranquil ambiance. With refreshing spa treatments and rejuvenating massages, you will leave Anthony’s feeling like a whole new you.

817 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi, TX // 361. 994.9401 // anthonysdayspa.net

Services • Cut

• Color • Highlights • Hair Extensions • Manicures • Pedicures

Ursula Arredondo, Licensed Aesthetician Experience: 12 Years

What is your approach to Skin Care?

Every client is different. We find out what they want to achieve and what their focus points are. Usually the biggest battle is with blemishes and wrinkles. Everyone wants to stay young.

What are some skin to-dos?

Moisturize daily and wear sunblock, especially if you are going to be outside a lot. Toning is important and exfoliating is not something you have to do daily, but a couple times a week should do.

What are some skin don’ts?

Don’t bake out in the sun without sunscreen. Smoking • Shellac is very bad for your skin. It will start to break down cell development and cause wrinkles. Avoid drinking heavy RACHEL RAMEY // PHOTO: MICHAEL DIAMANTE • WORDS: Waxing amounts of alcohol, but make sure you stay hydrated if you do consume alcohol.

• Body Treatments • Massage • Facials

Favorite skin care product?

I like the AVEDA Beautifying Vitamin E Jojoba Oil. It’s food for your skin. If you live in Texas, it’s a must. It’s perfect for anyone who lives in a warm environment. You can use it even after plastic surgery. It helps with scaring and keeps the skin moisturized and replenished.

TVV MediSpa

TVV MediSpa is a medical spa with the same atmosphere and luxuries of a day spa. Housed upstairs in the Texas

Vein and Vascular building, their expert staff is physician supervised by Dr. Javier Alonso. Their signature ser-

vices include the Hydrafacial, a water based microdermabrasion that is easy on the skin and good for all skin types; Coolsculpting, which gets rid of the stubborn fat pockets, and JuvaShape, a radiofrequency laser that complements

the CoolSculpting experience providing tightening of the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Energy-based

devices and lasers including skin tightening, non-surgical body contouring, painless hair reduction and tattoo removal

are routinely performed. In addition, they carry doTerra Essential Oil, along with PCA, Rodan and Fields (makers

of Proactive) and Hydrafacial MD skin care. A TVV MediSpa spa favorite, Jane Iredale makeup, is the only line of

makeup approved by the American Cancer Society. TVV MediSpa offers an assortment of permanent cosmetic

services, with an on staff certified Xtreme eyelash technician. Facilities include a complimentary shower and sauna session for guests to enjoy with their massage or body wrap.

5242 Holly Rd., Corpus Christi, TX // 361.994.7500 // tvvmedispa.com

Sara Butler, Licensed Aesthetician Experience: 9 Years

What are some skin to-dos?

I always educate my clients on homecare. It really is a team effort; you can always come in and get your treatments, but homecare factors in about 80% of the end result. Your daily regiment should include your cleansing, toning, and spot treatment; sun block is a definite, especially being down here in South Texas.

What are some skin don’ts?

A major don’t is avoiding direct sunlight without sunblock.

That will most of the time cancel out any treatments you receive.

What is your favorite skin treatment?

I would have to say the Hydrafacial, because it is a results driven facial. It detoxes the skin and cleans out the pores.

It’s still pampering, but the outcome is so extreme from the time you walk in to the time you leave. It is definitely a great starter treatment. JuvaShape is another great treatment. It’s good for all skin types and there are not a lot of contraindications with the treatment. You really notice results quick. This is a great treatment that complements CoolSculpting. You can alternate treatments so patients get rid of fat pockets, lose cellulite and tighten skin at the same time.

Services

• Laser Services:

Hair Reduction, Skin Tightening, and Tattoo Removal

• Hydrafacial

• PCA Peels

• Airbrush Tanning

• Botox

• Body Wraps:

Hydrate, Detox, Scrub

• Massage • Sauna

• JuvaShape

• CoolSculpting

• Permanent Cosmetics

100%

COTTON OVERSHADOWED BY TURBINES AND SHALE TALK, REMAINS AN OLD INDUSTRY. IT MIGHT REST SKIN DEEP, BUT FOR SOME FAMILIES - COTTON RUNS IN THE BLOOD | BY: Carol Pate | PHOTOS: Rachel Durrent |

T

he sun melts over Taft Texas, ending another long day of scorching heat. Splashes of warm pastels are mixed together by giant turbines in the dry air. White flakes gather along Highway 181 like snow mounds.

Children and family members gather to capture a special moment in the field before it’s too late. All of it can only mean one thing: its cotton-picking season in the Coastal Bend. But dry days can be a detriment to our local economy in ways we are not aware. Memories of last year’s lost cotton crops weigh heavily on the minds of local farmers. This is dry farming, there is no water to use for irrigating the fields. Droughts are a constant concern in this area, so our farmers are accustomed to being at the sky’s mercy.

ers are still used today, cotton pickers with bale wraps are becoming more common. They form the large round bales seen in the fields at harvest time.

No one knows this better than Larry Svadlenak. A native of Taft, Texas, Larry has been involved in farming all of his life. Larry’s passion for farming was passed on to him by his dad. “My father was born in Taft, at home on his family’s 160 acre farm.” His grandfather later sold that land, and bought 520 uncleared acres just south of Taft. Larry’s father, Svad as he is affectionately known, began farming a section of this land in 1953. “The federal government regulated all the land at that time, and I was allowed to grow cotton on only a portion of the acreage,” says Svad. “I worked the fields myself with only one or two hired workers. This was before the cotton picker came along, so we were out there picking cotton by hand.

It was tough, but I loved it!” When Larry was born, Svad had a new sidekick.

“I would take Larry in the tractor with me when he was just a baby in diapers,” remembers Svad. “As he grew, I could just see the spark of excitement in his eyes when he was with me on the farm.

I knew he had cotton farming in his blood.”

Eventually the farm grew in size, and more hands were hired. Svad built sev46

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eral cinder block buildings to house the hands during harvest season, as well as any family members they brought with them. Larry remembers being told that each crew on the different farms had a crew leader. Each man’s bag of cotton was weighed by the crew leader, and he was paid accordingly. The work in our hot South Texas sun was extremely grueling. “Every weekend, the hands would all go out to North Beach with their families and play in the water and just relax,” says Larry. “Come Monday, it was back to the fields. The work was very hard.”

Advancements in farming throughout the decades have changed the way cotton is planted and harvested. The industry has come a long way since the days of mule farming and picking cotton by hand. Larry remembers as a child climbing in the cotton trailers to stomp the cotton. “It was always a lot of fun when I was little,” Larry laughs. “Of course by the time I was older and my body was big enough to actually compress the cotton, I didn’t like doing it anymore.” By the late 1970’s, module builders where invented and replaced the cotton trailers. While module build[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}

Larry knows quite well the gamble that farming can sometimes be, yet there is no other life he would rather have.

Larry farms 2,000 acres in San Patricio County, just a “modest farm” by his account. On that land he grows cotton and sorghum. “All of the local farmers are well aware of the extreme weather conditions we face. No rain or too much rain can ruin your year,” states Larry. In January of each year, farmers have the opportunity to purchase insurance to cover their crops in case of loss. Therein lies part of the farmer’s gamble. They have to foresee the outcome of the growing season that lies before them and take out insurance accordingly. “Last year was a no-brainer. I’m sure most of us took out a high amount of insurance, knowing that there probably wouldn’t be much rain.” That would have been a good gamble since last year there was almost no cotton produced. But a bad year such as that has far reaching effects on our local economy. Hotels and motels see a decline in business when the harvest season is bad due to the lack of farm workers in the area. Restaurants and other businesses also see a face a drop in commerce when this vital industry suffers a setback.

Yet even without cotton in the fields, a very obvious change to the local landscape has been the Papalote Creek Wind Farm, which is located on much of the farmland in San Patricio County. Completed in 2010, the 196 wind turbines produce enough electricity to power about 114,000 U.S.homes. The wind farm is a project of E.ON Climate and Renewables North America, and as part of the agreement to build the farm here, they have upgraded more than 200 miles of county roads, much to the delight of local farmers. Larry grins when he thinks of one problem he encounters with the turbines. “Every once in a while a turbine will throw off the GPS signal in the tractor for a couple of minutes, affecting the row markers. But other than that, there are no problems with the turbines in the fields.”

“I would take Larry in the tractor with me when he was just a baby in diapers,” remembers Svad. “As he grew, I could just see the spark of excitement in his eyes when he was with me on the farm. I knew he had cotton farming in his blood.”

PHOTOS: DLG Photography

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ONE BALE OF COTTON WILL PRODUCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS… Men’s Handkerchiefs

8,700

Men’s Dress Shirts (Long & short sleeve)

540

Men’s Woven Sport Shirts

770

Men’s Work Shirts

420

Although the skies are clear and there is little rain in sight during this year’s harvest, the fields have seen enough of this life sustaining element to produce a profitable crop. Workers in the field are revving up cotton strippers, boll buggies and module builders, while module trucks are busy transporting cotton bales from the fields to be processed. Local gins are buzzing with activity, hotels and restaurants are enjoying an active season, and farmers are heaving a sigh of relief. Larry looks over his fields as the sun sets in the west. He takes a deep breath of clean country air, and a smile crosses his face.

From Top to Bottom: 1. The modular feeder breaks up cotton bales and feed cotton into the gin. 2. Inner workings of West Portland Cotton Gin. 3. Gin stands seperate seeds ans lint from the cotton.

Men’s Woven Undershorts

1,640

Men’s Knit Briefs

2,340

Men’s Sleeveless Undershirts

1,930

Men’s Dress & Sports Trousers

270

Men’s Work Trousers

260

House Dresses

610

Street Dresses (Knit & Woven)

520

Women’s Knit Panties

3,370

20’ x 40’ Terry Bath Towels

1,230

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[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}

Surgical Weight Loss • Gastric Bypass • Gastric Sleeve • Gastric Band • Revisions

Surgery in Corpus Christi!

Medical Weight Loss • Physician Guided • Metabolic Testing • VO2 Testing • Nutrition Counseling • Exercise Counseling • Medication Management

Several plans to fit your needs!

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361-500-2898

www.BetterWeighCenter.com

Wednesday, October 15th Make sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 15th and join us for a day of hunting, food, and fun!

To reserve your team’s spot today or for inquiries, contact Stephanie Knox at 361.265.0509 or stephaniek@haloflight.org.

We appreciate your support and look forward to your participation!

PRESENT THE 2014

NA

AJA

DOVE SHOOT [ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend ]

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(WEDDING DAY)

The Big Day!

Bride: Tess Christine Montagna, Texas Groom: Michael Stephen Webster, New York Date: February 15, 2014

Location:

Ceremony and Reception: Cinnamon Shores, Port Aransas

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[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}

The Food

The Bling?

Catered by Venetian Hot Plate Catering, Port Aransas

Photographer:Mary Stephens Photography, Houston

Our food was AMAZING! My brother-in-law and close family friend, Linda Halioua own Venetian Hotplate Catering, in Port Aransas, Texas.

For cocktail hour we had prosciutto wrapped shrimp, scallops, asparagus. Also had bruschetta and mussels with pancetta in a white wine herb cream sauce, which was spicy!

For dinner we had the choice of filet medallions or chicken breast with Florentine topping of spinach and artichoke, along with homemade lasagna, a huge salad, and tasty bread. It was incredible!

Florist: Razzle Dazzle, Corpus Christi

Cake: Gary Homan & Company Cakes, Corpus Christi We had chocolate and vanilla cupcakes instead of one big cake and grooms cake! They were beautifully decorated with sparkly sunflowers on each one! We had a bride and groom lady bug (love bugs) on our cupcakes. The groom lady bug had a bow tie on and the bride had a sparkly veil; they were precious! Gary also made us boot cookies for dessert. The cookies matched my boots perfectly, that I wore to in the wedding; they were amazing!

We had Sunflowers everywhere, in the entrance, on the tables, decorations, and a tattoo! All the bouquets were sunflowers and baby’s breath for the men’s boutonnieres. They were beautifully done!

Décor: Razzle Dazzle, Corpus Christi We had a rustic theme for the wedding. We had old antique picture frames, burlap table clothes, with wooden center piece platforms, mason jars, and floating candles. We also had big wooden whiskey barrels set up for the bar area and had huge lanterns throughout the reception as well. The entrance was our favorite, decorated with sunflowers, lights, and draped cloth. We loved it!

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WEDDING BELLS

Q&A

Michael: The opportunity to celebrate the day with all who were able to attend.

1. What are you and your groom’s story?

6. Were there any surprise moments throughout the day?

Tess:

Michael and I met through a fitness/endurance event called GoRuck. We were long distance for 6 months, until I moved to New York after he proposed.

Tess:

Our biggest surprise happened 3 days before the wedding, when we found out all the groomsmen, including some friends and family would not make it to the wedding, due to a huge ice storm on the East Coast. On the wedding day, Michael’s parents and two kids showed up 2 hours before the wedding and traveled 3 days to get to Texas, from New York. It was a great surprise!

Michael:

We met through GoRuck as Tess said. I lived in NY and her in Texas. After a little more than a month of talking on the phone and facetime I flew to Texas to meet her for the first time. A whole lot of phone conversations and a few more trips back and forth later and we got married.

Michael: So the biggest

2. How did he propose?

Tess: Michael proposed to me in my truck, while I was driving 70mph down a highway.

He apparently asked for my dad’s approval to marry me, but my dad told him, “You’re asking the wrong person.”. So it took Michael a few days to talk with my mother and ask her next. Needless to say, the ring was “burning a hole in his pocket” and he couldn’t wait any longer to give it to me!

Michael: She was doing at least 75mph…. I had it all planned out. We were going to the beach and I was going to ask her right there in the Gulf of Mexico…..Romantic right?… well if her mother had showed up to the beach that day like I had hoped that’s how it would have happened… so yeah I didn’t get to ask until the next day and we weren’t going to the beach so I pretty much just slid it on her finger on the way back to Austin.

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

Tess: My sister and mother!

My sister made some jewelry for my bridesmaids and me, along with some decorations for the wedding. My mom helped me every step of the way. She wanted the whole thing to be very “Tess” and even surprised me with buying cowboy boots and wore them to the wedding!

Michael: Tess… I just had to show up.

4. What part of the planning process was most stressful?

Tess:

None of it was. I flew into Texas and booked everything in one weekend, including finding my dress after I tried on 3 others before that.

Michael: I would say our biggest challenge was time itself. Getting everything done and trying to make sure everything was just right was the most stressful.

surprise/moment of realization was getting ready for the big day and 90% of my friends were unable to make it. It was almost too much to think about when we first landed in Texas and found that when we turned our phones back on that just about everyone who was traveling to Texas for the wedding had their flights cancelled. Still saddens me when I think about how bad I wanted them all there for that day. The silver lining was the determination of my parents and kids to make it to the wedding. An 8 hour car ride, 3 plane rides another 3 hour car ride and all together 3 days later and they made it 2 hours before the wedding. They even left the next morning to go back home… I love them for that.

7. Any advice for future brides?

5. What was your absolute favorite part of your special day?

Tess: Be happy, plan the

Tess:

day around good weather.

Being with friends and family, in Texas, and having BOTH of my parents walk me down the aisle to Michael. Also having my 90 year old grandpa there was an amazing blessing.

[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}

day, enjoy it, and relax!

Michael: Plan your special

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53

(HOMES) Nights in NorthShore

Brant used a tropical theme in the front yard and accented with a limestone retaining wall.

Landscape lighting completes the look, casting the movement of the palm fronds onto the house.

PHOTO: RACHEL DURRENT

M Much thought and planning went into the home that Brant and Carol Pate designed and built in Portland’s NorthShore subdivision. As recent empty nester’s, they had a different focus on what they wanted in a new home. A large and com-

fortable master bedroom was a must, as well as a spacious office from which Brant

could work. Being blessed with a large family in the area, they also wanted an open kitchen, dining and living room that would accommodate family gatherings with

ease. The couple pored over magazines and gathered ideas for years, and eventually decided on the design that would become their home.

“Our style is what I like to call ‘soft contemporary’,” says Carol. “We kept with straight lines and simple patterns in everything from the exterior design to the

cabinetry to the decor. Nothing is overly ornate in our home, and that is just how we like it.” The first feature one sees when entering the house is a natural slate wa-

terfall flanked by recessed lighted niches, setting the tone for the relaxed feel of the

home. The unique entertainment center in the living room is partially covered with limestone, which is also featured in the kitchen and dining area. Granite completes

the hearth and the photo shelf, and the upper portion of the wall contains lighted niches for art. “The pair of Dorado above the fireplace wasn’t my first pick, but fishing is my husband’s passion, and I want our décor to reflect who we are,” muses Carol. “Plus, the coloring of the fish matched the palate of the room,” she laughs.

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The kitchen is complete with a gas range and professional vent hood, as well as a Hoshozaki ice maker and a dual zone wine refrigerator. The oversized island provides plenty of room for family and friends to gather and a separate wet bar serves as a great space for appetizers and drinks. The adjacent dining room is highlighted by a custom mosaic mirror and a granite dining table made specifically for the space. Double doors lead to the large patio and outdoor kitchen that offers a magnificent view of the golf course and natural tree line of North Shore’s tenth hole.

The master bedroom features a large seating area lined with windows overlooking the green. “This is my favorite room of the house,” says Carol. “The palate is neutral and calming. It’s a great place to unwind from a busy day.”

In the master bath are separate closets boasting built-in dressers and shelving. “We don’t need extra furniture in our bedroom for clothing. It is all contained to one space,” she adds.

The planning for this house has definitely paid off for these empty nesters. The home has been used for wedding events, gatherings of family and friends, and quite evenings alone. They are currently working on designs for a spa area in the back yard. They have no specifics yet, but whatever they decide on will certainly coincide with the tranquil feel of their home.

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[ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}

The water feature was a gift from Brant’s parents soon after the completion of the home

The open concept of this home makes it ready for entertaining

The master bathroom has a spa-like feel with a walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub.

| SPECIAL PROMOTION |

Casual Elegance

with Tone on Tone at

Buddy Walker Home Furnishings 58

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4434 S. Padre Island Dr. 361.857.2263 buddywalker.net

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59

(CUISINE) DINING GUIDE

THE DISH

Check out these great places to dine around

The Chartroom, where everything is fresh.

the Coastal Bend or let us know your favorite at thebendmag.com!

The Chartroom & Grog Bar Charting a New Course in Key Allegro 60

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The Chartroom & Grog Bar 39 Mazatlan Dr, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 790-2450 chartroomrockport.com

N

{Chef Mike Lynch with GM Benny Fontana}

early floating in the heart of Key Allegro is The Chartroom and Grog Bar in Rockport, TX. Built within the Key Allegro Marina, it is one of few dining establishments where guests arrive by land or sea. If you are looking for a good excuse to divert from the monotonous cycle of everyday life to chart a new course through a maze of luxury homes and pillars of palms that grace the way, we have found it. Staying true to the Rockport vibe, The Chartroom is characterized by its simple elegance and coastal charm. The intimate room is covered with classic charts of local water ways. Guests are welcome to dine outdoors on the cozy porch, watching the sun set over the marina.

The Grog Bar, a large octagon anchoring the outdoor porch, is named after their signature drink – “The Grog”. All hands aboard vessels of the British Royal Navy would receive their daily Grog, rum mixed with water, fruit juice, sugar and spice, at midday. The old maritime tradition lives on at The Chartroom and Grog Bar. The daily grog might be an old-time tradition, but The Chartroom is charting a new course behind its new captain. Head Chef Mike Lynch, formally with The Grape in Dallas, took over just five months ago. He recently partnered with local farms like Four String Farm in Rockport, TX, to provide fresh local produce. Starting this month, they are offering “farm to table” options for guests on special occasions. It fits perfectly into his philosophy of using fresh ingredients and staying loyal to local merchants. Fresh fish are delivered daily their door and filleted in house. Grass fed beef will be newest addition to the menu. If you choose to experience it for yourself, we recommend the Signature Crab Cakes for starters followed by the Diver Scallops with Risotto and a Light Seafood Crème Sauce or fresh Texas Redfish over Fingerling Potato Succotash.

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DINING OUT Snoopy’s Pier $$

13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi (361) 949-8815 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

CORPUS CHRISTi

(361) 884-2739 Mon - Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Authentic New York Pizza

$$ 5838 S. Staples Street Corpus Christi, Texas (361) 986-1151 Tues – Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Citrus Bistro $ 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 882-2047 Mon- Fri: Lunch Only

Vietnam Restaurant

Niko’s Steakhouse

$$$ 701 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 853-2682 Mon-Fri: Lunch and Dinner Sat: Dinner Only

Bleu Bistro

$$$ 500 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 887-2121 Mon-Th: Lunch and Dinner Fri-Sat: Dinner Only

Aka Sushi

$$ 415 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 882-8885 Mon-Fri: Lunch and Dinner Sat: Dinner Only

Bellinos

$$ 3815 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 814-8998 Tues-Sat: Lunch and Dinner

Brewster Street Ice House

$ 1724 N. Tancahua Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

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$$ 5409 Saratoga Boulevard, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 992-2333 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Mamma Mia’s

$$$ 128 N Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 883-3773 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

Molé

$$ 6042 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 334-6081 Tues – Sun: Lunch and Dinner Sat – Sun: Breakfast

Yardarm

$$ 4310 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 855-8157 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

Katz 21

$$$ 5702 Spohn Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-1221 Mon-Th: Lunch and Dinner Fri-Sat: Dinner Only

Thai Cottage

$ 5830 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 993-0777 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Russos Coal Fired Italian Kitchen

$$ 6418 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 986-0620 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Grimaldis

Republic of Texas

$$ 5488 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 980-8600 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Water Street Seafood Company

Sang’s Imperial Café $$ 4650 Corona Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 808-8881 Mon-Sat: Lunch and Dinner

$$$$ 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 887-1600 Mon-Sun: Dinner Only $$ 309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 882-8683 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinnerw

Saltwater Grill

$$

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2401 Cimarron Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 (361) 993-7258 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Mesquite Grill $ 224 N Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-8870 Mon-Fri: Lunch and Dinner; Sat: Dinner Only BonnA-Petit

$ 4301 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 299-5127 Mon-Sat: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hoegemeyer’s BBQ

$ 711 Concrete Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-4227 Mon-Fri: Lunch Only

TakeNiwa

$$ 5216 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 356-6888 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

PORT ARANSAS

Venetian Hot Plate

$$$ 232 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-7617 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

Tues-Sun: Lunch Only

Molé $$

Seafood & spaghetti works

$$ 901 South Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-5666 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

6042 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 334-6081 Tues – Sun: Lunch and Dinner Sat – Sun: Breakfast

Latitude 28˚02’

$$$ 105 N Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 727-9009 Mon-Sun: 5pm until last table

PADRE ISLAND

ROCKPORT ChartRoom $$$ 39 Mazatlan Drive Rockport, Texas 78382 (361) 790-2450 Tues - Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Shells

$$$ 522 E Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-7621 Weds-Mon: Lunch and Dinner

The Pelican Club

$$$ 914 Tarpon St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-0580 Weds-Sun: Dinner Only

Lisabella’s Bistro

$$$ 5009 Hwy 361, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-4222 Tues-Sat: Dinner Only

Café Pheonix

$ 229 Beach Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-9277 Mon-Th: Lunch Only; Fri-Sat: Lunch and Dinner

Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn

$$$ 200 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-1540 Mon-Sun: Dinner Only

Irie’s

$ 503 North Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-2310

Glow $$ 1815 Broadway St, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 727-2644 Mon-Sun: Dinner Only The Boiling Pot $$ 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, Fulton, TX 78382 (361) 729-6972 Mon-Th: Dinner Only; Fri-Sun: Lunch and Dinner Shempy’s Grill

$$ 3911 Highway 35 S Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 727-0019 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

o e of Central Mexic

Only the Freshest!

Entirely Homemade!

Truly Authentic Cuisine of

Mexi co

OPEN Tues-Thrus 11-9 Fri 11-10 Sat 9-10 Sun 9-9 Full Bar molerestaurant.com

$$$ 14701 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Chisti, TX 78418 (361) 949-2224 Tues-Fri: Lunch and Dinner; Sat: Dinner Only

Black Marlin

$$$$ 258 Snapdragon Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-4653 Mon – Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Black Sheep Bistro

$$$ 15201 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-4819 Mon-Sat: Dinner Only; Sun: Lunch Only

Scuttlebutts

$$ 14254 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-6769 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Snoopy’s Pier

$$ 13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-8815 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

Doc’s Seafood and Steaks $ 13309 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-6744 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

(361) 334-6081

A T a st

Dragonfly

portland pep’s

$ 1807 US 181, Portland, TX 78374 (361) 643-1361 Mon-Sun: Lunch and Dinner

6042 S. Padre Island Dr. @ Airline Gulfway Center

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(FARM TO TABLE) PASTURED PORK CHOPS Words: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

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T

o prepare a truly authentic and original dish, sometimes you have to hunt for your ingredients.

You must hunt for prickly pear cactus fruit in the wild, because it only grows in the sun-soaked desert. Begin your hunt soon; these fruit are ripe only through the end of September.

Cactus fruit favors the bold: you must brave thorns, rattlesnakes, and the burning sun to gather your harvest.

But if you have a taste for adventure, you will fall in love with this sweet scarlet fruit.

Your hunt may even become a tradition, as it was for the Native American Indians of South Texas. For thousands of years, local Indians survived the long hot summers on the fruit of the prickly pear.

To avoid the thorns, use tongs to pluck the ripe fruit from the cactus. Cut away the skin to reveal the crimson pulp. This pulp makes an intensely sweet and tangy reduction--the perfect complement to the saltiness of your pastured pork chops.

Pastured pork chops are very different from the conventional chops you find at the supermarket. These porkers are raised in the forests and fields of local farms, which is how they acquire the designation “pastured”.

Pastured porkers slowly develop a rich flavor as they fatten on native forage—acorns, roots, vegetables, and grains. The famous Iberian pork of Spain is raised in the same manner.

Your pastured chops are dry-aged to intensify their flavor and tenderness, and thickly cut to retain their moisture while developing a nice sear on the grill.

You can find your pastured chops from farmers at the South Side or Downtown Farmers’ Markets in Corpus Christi. And you must find your cactus fruit in the wild.

But once you have your ingredients in hand, your work as a chef is mostly done. All you need is the heat of the grill to unlock the natural flavors of a feast your friends and family will not soon forget.

This dish is local and completely original. It is the fruit of a good hunt. It is the pure distilled flavor of our own land—and The Bend never tasted so good.

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Pastured Pork Chops with Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Reduction Serves: 6-8 Prep time: 30 mins Inactive prep time: 12 hours Cook time: 30 mins

Ingredients: 4 thick-cut pastured pork chops ½ cup salt freshly ground black pepper 4 tbsp olive oil For prickly pear cactus fruit reduction: 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp olive oil ¼ onion, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup red prickly pear cactus fruit, freshly juiced (approximately 4 cactus fruit) 1/2 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar 1 cup fresh basil, diced salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Brine pork chops: Dissolve a half cup of sea salt in a large pot. Submerge pork chops in salt water, cover, and let soak in refrigerator overnight.

Preheat grill to 400°F. Remove chops from brine and pat dry.

Allow chops to reach room temperature and coat with olive oil and pepper. Grill chops on direct heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until well seared. Move to indirect heat and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Remove from heat and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to rest.

While pork chops are cooking, using a knife and tongs, carefully remove the skins of 4 large cactus fruit. Place the peeled fruit into a cheesecloth and squeeze rendered juice into a measuring cup until desired volume is reached.

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Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized sauce pan. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant (approximately 1 minute). Add prickly pear fruit juice and balsamic vinegar to pan. Once boiling, reduce heat and continue to simmer until sauce is thickened and its volume has been reduced by half. Add salt and pepper, as desired. Remove from heat and add fresh basil. Drizzle reduction over grilled pork chops. Serve.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 4 oz (1/2 pork chop with reduction) Amount per serving Calories 299 kcal Fat 17 g Sat fat 10 g trans fat 0g Cholesterol 88 mg Carbohydrate 8g Sugar 3g Fiber 0g Protein 28 g

Variety is our spice New Orleans Muffaletta

Mediterranean Wrap

Chicken Pasta Primo

Manager’s Half-Sandwich Special

Wild Salmon-wich

Garden Fresh Salad Bar

And so much more... [ the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend ]

Taco Salad

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