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4 The Bend

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9. 26 VOLUME 13

•

ISSUE 9

CONTENTS THE FIELD TRIPS ISSUE

UP FRONT 14 Person of Interest

52 Farm to Table

In conversation with dancer, choreographer and newest member of the Spurs’ Hype Squad, Anthony Milan

A “newstalgic” take on a '90s classic: the pizza bagel

16 Giving Back Corpus Christi BMX aims to create a hub for riders across South Texas

18 Social Hour A recap of the 2026 Local’s List Party Presented by AutoNation Chevrolet South Corpus Christi

20 Be Well Island Wellness & Nutrition offers a friendly approach to natural healing

23 Trend Report Natalie Werkhoven shares her current beauty and wellness obsessions

FIELD TRIP S

As classes resume, we’re taking the lessons outside the classroom. Discover five South Texas getaways ––all within a short drive––ideal for exploring historic landmarks, museums, wildlife centers and more. Embark on a family journey where local heritage and leisure intersect for the ultimate field trip.

6 The Bend

CUISINE

55 5 Best Gulf, grilled, cold-water and beyond—these are five of the best local spots for oysters

56 The Dish

Restaurateur Jason Stout opens his second dining concept at Cinnamon Shore

58 Good Taste What to expect at the Texas Food Championship this month

AROUND THE BEND 62 Arts & Culture

HOME & GARDEN

The life and art of Japanese calligraphy artist Suzy Cruz

26 Open House

64 Discovery

Inside Toby Shor’s architectural marvel filled with a personal art collection worthy of envy

As the Corpus Christi IceRays’ season approaches, we take a look at what it takes to build – and house – the team

30 Gardening How to grow arugula in your Coastal Bend garden

66 Looking Back The real-life photograph that inspired one of the city’s largest murals

BUSINESS CLASS 46 My Media Diet Local marketing agency Bucket Works co-founders share their daily media diet

48 In Focus Dr. Stephen Langley is leading Driscoll Children’s Heart Center to new heights

ON THE COVER The Japanese Tea Gardens, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Oscar Moreno.

Volume 13 / Issue 9, The Bend (periodicals 25150) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC, 813 Buford St., Ste B, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404. Periodical postage paid at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bend Magazine, P.O. Box 3065, Williamsport, PA 17701.

PHOTO PROVIDE D BY C HILDREN 'S DISCOVERY MU SEU M

FEATURE

STAY CLOSE

GO FAR

All the opportunity; none of the mileage. Your student doesn't need to leave to succeed. At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi our top-notch academics, small class sizes, award-winning faculty, and wellness-focused community provide the best environment for learning and growth — right here at home!

LEARN MORE: TAMUCC.EDU thebendmag.com 7

SEPTEMBER 2026

PUBLISHER

Chris Knapick

chris@thebendmag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kylie Cooper

kylie@thebendmag.com

•

VOLUME 13

•

ISSUE 9

PRESIDENT

D I G I TA L M E D I A C O O R D I N AT O R

Jordan Regas

Evelyn Martinez

jordan@hilltopmediagroup.com

evelyn@thebendmag.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze jarred@thebendmag.com

D I G I TA L D I R E C T O R

Alexa Rodriguez alexa@thebendmag.com

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Kent Cooper

kent@thebendmag.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Chris Aldrich

chris.aldrich@thebendmag.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Eric Graham

eric@thebendmag.com

Rachel Benavides Deux Boheme Laurie Lyng Matthew Meza Jason Page Shoocha Photography

Emily Thomas

accounting@thebendmag.com P RO D U C T IO N M A N AG E R

Emily Thomas

production@thebendmag.com SENIOR WRITERS

Luis Arjona Jacqueline Gonzalez CONTRIBUTORS

Jillian Becquet Justin Butts Kayla Butts Ava Coronado Matt Kirouac Evelyn Martinez Mark Travis Natalie Werkhoven

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8 The Bend

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10 The Bend

EDITOR’S LETTER

VOL. XIII 9.26 THRE E HIGHLIGHT S

photography by S HOOCHA PHOTOG RAPHY

Wonder, Near and Far When was the last time you went on a field trip? I don’t think it would be unfair to assume it might have been quite a while. A few personal memorable ones include my first trip to the USS Lexington, where I used a penny press for the first time, creating one of the all-time coolest souvenirs. Classic local trips also included the Texas State Aquarium and the Corpus Christi Science & History Museum, back when the main play area still had that house with foam building blocks. Then, there were the special out-of-town field trips, such as the classic Texas student’s first visit to The Alamo or Natural Bridge Caverns (penny press included). For our seasonal Travel Issue this year, we took inspiration from the pure wonder and joy that comes from a field trip. And this time, it’s not just for the kiddos, and you’re not just the chaperone. From Brownsville to Victoria, we’ve created a guide to five South Texas cities perfect for both discovery and entertainment for the whole family. With the farthest drive about two and a half hours from Corpus Christi, any of the outlined field trip ideas can be done in one day. Starting on page 32, travel writer Matt Kirouac lays it all out for you. Whether exploring the historic missions in San Antonio or visiting the Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Nature Retreat in Goliad, where you’ll find miniature Mediterranean donkeys on site, there is a little something for everyone.

The spirit of discovery carries throughout the issue, even closer to home: young talent spreading their wings; new restaurants opening their doors; the Corpus Christi IceRays’ new season and more. On another note, this month marks the last issue you’ll find photographer Rachel Benavides on our masthead. Longtime readers will be well acquainted with Rachel’s credit line; her photography has been in every single issue of The Bend since the very first in April 2014. Saying Rachel is an integral part of this publication’s success since day one would be an understatement. Aside from the founders, she predates just about everyone on both our staff and contributing team. Some of my fondest work memories will always be from photoshoots with Rachel and our Art Director Jarred Schuetze. The first shoot I worked on with The Bend was just Rachel, me and a margarita pizza. From countless cover shoots and DIY setups in Jarred’s backyard to endless meals eaten together after a food feature shoot, it’s been such an honor to work alongside Rachel, and I can confidently speak on behalf of our whole team when I say she and her work will be missed dearly. As one door closes, another opens. Eric Graham, a talented local musician our readers might recognize, has joined our team as an executive sales representative, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him. His love for both this community and publication is just one of the reasons why he’s a valuable addition to our team. Seasons are changing, both in the literal and the more figurative sense. The temperatures won’t drop, and the leaves won’t change colors, but the shift shows itself in other ways. Dare I say we should all approach it with the same sense of wonder as a good old-fashioned field trip?

KY LIE COOPER , EDITOR IN CHIEF kylie@thebendmag.com

POI: ANTHONY MILAN Corpus Christi is filled with young talent, and when it finds opportunities to shine on larger stages, you can’t help but beam with pride for our city. This month’s Person of Interest is an 18-year-old dancer and choreographer who led a team to the World of Dance Summit and became one of the newest members of the San Antonio Spurs’ Hype Squad. Pg. 14

A MUSEUM DRESSED AS A HOME I love when a search for an Open House leads us inside a home I’ve long admired. This month’s subject is just that: an iconic exterior with interiors to match. Pg. 26

SUZY CRUZ CARRIES HOME ACROSS THE COAST These days, social media is a wellspring for story ideas. I discovered Suzy Cruz while scrolling through Reels one evening. I quickly fell into a rabbit hole as she shared her life and culture so beautifully and candidly. I think you’ll be just as obsessed with Suzy as we now are. Pg. 62 thebendmag.com 11

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9. 2 6

UP FRONT POI 14

G I V I N G B AC K 1 6

SOCIAL HOUR 18

BE WELL 20

T R E N D R E P O RT 2 3

IN CONVERSATION WITH

ANTHONY MILAN

pg 14

photography by SHOOCHA PHOTOG RAPHY

The CC Hip Hop Unit founder and Spurs Hype Squad dancer discusses building a competitive team and making Coastal Bend history at the World of Dance Summit

thebendmag.com 13

UP FRONT PE RSON OF IN TE RE ST

KYLIE COOPER: How would you describe your journey from a young dancer to founding CC Hip Hop Unit? ANTHONY MILAN: Growing up in Corpus Christi, I loved dance so much that in high school I couldn’t stop thinking about what it would be like to have a real hip-hop team. I became the first student at my school to start a hip-hop halftime performance club, and even through all the trials and tribulations that came with building something from the ground up, I stayed committed to the vision. That club eventually grew into the hip-hop unit, a traveling competitive team that’s competed beyond South Texas, including the World of Dance Summit. In South Texas, especially Corpus Christi, there aren’t many opportunities for dancers interested in commercial dance or the industry side of hip hop, so creating CC Hip Hop Unit became about proving that talented dancers here deserve the same training, experiences and opportunities as dancers in bigger cities.

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Anthony Milan The CC Hip Hop Unit founder and Spurs Hype Squad dancer discusses building a competitive team and making Coastal Bend history at the World of Dance Summit By Kylie Cooper

Photos by Shoocha Photography

From watching Michael Jackson videos on YouTube as early as preschool age to attending his first dance workshop with Corpus Christi native Charles Roy at age 6, dancer, choreographer and founder of CC Hip Hop Unit Anthony Milan has known that chasing the feeling he found through dance was essential. Fresh off his team’s appearance at the World of Dance Summit, Milan auditioned for and earned a spot on the San Antonio Spurs’ dance and cheer team, the Hype Squad, becoming one of its newest members for the upcoming NBA season. Representing his hometown both near and far, the 18-year-old shares the motivation behind founding CC Hip Hop Unit, the importance of nurturing young, local talent and more. 14 The Bend

COOPER: This summer, your team became the first group from the Coastal Bend to qualify for the World of Dance Summit. What did that moment mean to you, knowing you were representing both your team and your community? MILAN: It felt like a huge win and a really surreal realization. I was honestly shocked it hadn’t happened before because Corpus Christi has had so much incredible talent for years. More than anything, it made me proud to show that dancers from South Texas deserve to be on those stages too. I hope it proves that where you’re from doesn’t determine how far you can go, and that our team opened the door for more dancers and studios from Corpus to believe those opportunities are within reach. Representing our city on a stage like that was something I’ll never take for granted. COOPER: How has becoming a mentor at such a young age changed the way you think about success? MILAN: Being so young but also leading others near my age with the same passion is more of a calling than a responsibility. Helping others puts me out of my own aspect, and it’s intimate moments like muscle memory kicking in midpractice or my dancers visibly feeling better in their body at practice. Becoming a mentor has shown me that the small wins each and every day that people don’t see then continue to build up for big moments that people do see— and honestly, the success feels better.

COOPER: Dance isn’t always viewed as a traditional career path, especially in smaller communities. What has it taken to build credibility for yourself and for hip-hop dance here in Corpus Christi? MILAN: It definitely took consistency more than anything. I had to keep showing up, putting on quality work and proving that hip-hop deserves the same respect as any other style of dance or sport. Once people started seeing our dancers grow, our accomplishments stack up and our city represented on bigger stages, the conversation slowly shifted from “Is this real?” to “What’s next?” COOPER: Many people leave home to pursue opportunities in the arts, but you’ve chosen to invest in your hometown. Why was it important to build something here first? MILAN: I’ve always believed talent isn’t the problem here; opportunity is. I could’ve waited until I left to chase my dreams, but I wanted the next generation to know they didn’t have to leave first just to feel seen. If Corpus Christi can become a city that develops artists instead of losing them, then we’ve already changed the story. COOPER: You recently earned your place on the San Antonio Spurs' Hype Squad. How was that experience, and how are you feeling about this new chapter in your career? MILAN: I’m beyond excited to start this next chapter with the Spurs, but don’t worry, my city is still stuck with me. Every opportunity I’ve been given has my city’s fingerprints all over it, and I never want to be the kind of person who only comes home when there’s something to celebrate. The auditions were a whole experience in itself, being a rookie, soaking up every bit of advice from the staff and veterans who were so generous with their time, and honestly just finding joy in making it through each day and getting a little better than I was the day before. I want my success to open doors for the next kid who thinks their dream is “too big” or “out of reach.” The greatest thing you can do with a blessing is become someone else’s blessing. Read the full interview online at thebendmag.com.

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UP FRONT GIVING BAC K

Bringing BMX Back A local nonprofit is working to create a hub for riders across South Texas By Ava Coronado Photos provided by Laurie Lyng, LL Imagery

he starting gate drops and the riders explode down the hill of the dirt track, helmets fastened and pedals turning through bumps and rollers, carving through steep berms before sprinting across the finish line. That is the experience Corpus Christi BMX, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group, hopes to bring back to the Coastal Bend, with a project to reopen the former Salinas Park track. The nonprofit is working to develop a USA BMX-sanctioned race track, creating new opportunities for local youth while strengthening community connections and filling a recreational gap that has existed in South Texas for years. BMX racing carries deep roots in Corpus Christi, with multiple tracks built in the ’80s and ’90s, and most recently with Salinas Park operating from 2012 to 2018. With a passion for BMX still alive locally, volunteers ranging from parents to former riders created CCBMX to bring opportunities to new riders while providing youth with a positive place to spend their time. “Sometimes simply having a place to belong and something to look forward to can make all the difference in a young person’s life,” Laurie Lyng, President of Corpus Christi BMX, said. “Bringing BMX racing back to Corpus Christi wouldn’t just serve our local community; it would become a hub for all of South Texas. Right now, there isn’t a sanctioned track anywhere south of San Antonio, which means families from Kingsville, Alice, the Rio Grande Valley and many surrounding communities have to travel even farther to participate in the sport.” Building a local track would allow riders to explore a new sport or continue their dream without balancing long weekend drives, work and school schedules, fuel costs, hotels and other expenses. It would also support local businesses, attract visitors to Corpus Christi and create new experiences for South Texas families. “I’d much rather see those travel dollars invested right here in Corpus Christi—supporting our own hotels, restaurants and local businesses— 16 The Bend

Follow CCBMX on Facebook for updates and opportunities to help rebuild and reopen the track at Salinas Park.

instead of spending them in another city,” Lyng added. “We love where we live, and that’s what makes this project so meaningful. Our dream isn’t to stop traveling for BMX altogether; it is to have the sport we love in the city we love. We look forward to the day when instead of driving hours up the highway, we’re simply loading up our bikes and heading to Salinas Park, just 25 minutes from our home. That's the future we’re working toward, and we truly dream of the day it becomes a reality.” This project would create yearround recreational opportunities that help promote physical fitness, expose Corpus Christi to district, regional, state and national competitions and allow young riders to pursue a beloved sport in their hometown. A design for the track is complete, and the nonprofit’s focus is now on securing funding. With commitment and community support, the vision of BMX racing returning to Salinas Park could soon become a reality.

CONTACT corpuschristibmx@gmail.com Facebook: Corpus Christi BMX

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UP FRONT SOC IAL HOUR

THE B END MAGA Z INE'S

LOCAL'S LIST PARTY 2026 P RESEN TED BY AU TO N ATI O N CH EV RO LET SO U TH CO RPU S CH RI STI

photography by MAT THEW MEZ A

In celebration of The Local’s List 2026 winners, the annual event was held at the Art Museum of South Texas, where winners across categories showcased their offerings. From tropical cocktails and interactive booths to photo ops and delicious bites, the best of local businesses gathered for an evening of community. A special thank you to our sponsors: Susser Bank, Port of Corpus Christi, TC Auto Service, Halcyon Med Spa and Visit Corpus Christi.

18 The Bend

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UP FRONT B E WE LL

Finding Balance on the Coast Island Wellness & Nutrition offers a friendly approach to natural healing By Natalie Werkhoven

Photos by Rachel Benavides

haven for local wellness enthusiasts, Island Wellness & Nutrition offers a quaint, beautifully organized storefront on North Padre Island designed for effortless discovery. The shop has become a vital resource for coastal residents seeking an approachable path to health. With small-town warmth, this educational destination stocks everything from professional-grade supplements to toiletries, homeopathic remedies, cold drinks, a few pantry staples, clean treats and more. “Every day starts with gratitude,” owner and certified functional nutritionist Stacy Samuelson shared. A former kindergarten teacher, Samuelson’s life completely changed following a brain tumor diagnosis at age 27. Facing the terrifying potential of not getting to come home to her two small children, she survived against the odds and dedicated her life to researching cellular nutrition. After returning to college at age 34 to master anatomy and chemistry, she eventually navigated a total of 13 brain tumors and eight spinal tumors. These challenges ultimately caused complete, bilateral hearing loss; however, the journey yielded profound clinical knowledge and personal insight, allowing her to connect with and deeply understand the unique health struggles of those she serves. Following her studies, Samuelson spent a decade at two compounding pharmacies, flying nationwide to attend clinical seminars. As the pandemic wound down in late 2021, she noticed people asking why similar individuals experienced completely different health outcomes from the same virus. Inspired to help them find answers, she wrote a business plan and opened the doors to Island Wellness & Nutrition in March of 2022. Samuelson’s business philosophy anchors to three core pillars: finding the “why” behind a symptom; balancing physical and mental health; and building relationships of trust where true friendships are formed. She believes that the quality of our lives is built on our choices—especially what goes into our bodies. When clients struggle with health issues, she guides them to examine dietary triggers like gluten and dairy, while also serving as a trusted resource 20 The Bend

Island Wellness & Nutrition offers a comprehensive resource for natural healing and lifestyle guidance under the expertise of owner Stacy Samuelson.

on hormone health for both men and women. Relying entirely on reading lips due to her hearing loss, Samuelson is a remarkably focused, intentional listener. “I always want to know why,” she explained. “I want to be a healthy, safe place where they can ask any question, and honestly help them to the best of my ability.” This philosophy directly extends to how she builds her team. “I can teach people the mechanics, but I can’t actually teach somebody to care,” she continued. While her complete inventory encompasses an expansive selection to meet any wellness need, Samuelson takes pride in carefully highlighting a few personal favorites. For targeted care, she features industry-leading professional brands like Thorne and Pure Encapsulations. Her diverse shelves showcase everything from mood-boosting Happy Saffron and soothing Rowe Casa Organics Magnesium Cream to modern NAD patches, versatile castor oil products, respiratory-thinning B5 (pantothenic acid) and Madison + Green Aromatherapy inhalers. Visitors can also grab fresh, organic smoothies and nutrient-dense microgreens at the counter. Alongside these staples, locally crafted items such as Coastal Bend Mushroom tinctures and hive-to-shelf favorites from Hebert Honey Texas, including raw honey, bee pollen and beeswax lip balms, are also featured. Looking ahead, Samuelson’s future vision is centered on empowering the coastal community to take active, informed ownership of their personal health journeys, creating lasting multigenerational wellness for Coastal Bend families.

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UP FRONT TRE NDING

Grounded for Fall Easing out of summer with five beauty and wellness essentials By Natalie Werkhoven

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I love local businesses, and I’d love to hear from you. Contact me on Instagram with recommendations for your local health and beauty business or product. Sharing the Coastal Bend's beauty and wellness bests is my forte! photo by ASHLEY PET TIBONE

all is upon us, and although the heat may not be indicative of it, we can certainly feel it in the air. I love keeping a memento of summer on my face with the glow of beauty drops and minimal makeup. And even if our weekdays have fully rejoined the hustle of being back to school, I appreciate spending quality time with my children as we keep up our fish hobby and visit the local aquatic stores. From supporting my family’s health during seasonal changes to creating a peaceful sanctuary at home, here are five essentials that help to keep my routines grounded and smooth.

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With just a light touch, this highly concentrated formula has adaptive pigments that even my complexion as it is buffed in. I love using the Perfect Foundation Brush to sweep just a bit onto my t-zone to keep my skin looking fresh and natural, though the product is fully buildable to achieve more coverage. The cream-balm formula can be diffused out toward the edges until the foundation is imperceptible, leaving skin looking naturally smooth and bright. Remarkably, the adaptive pigments are designed to work with your skin tone, without complicated shade matching.

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For most—if not all—skin irritations, this organic thyme tincture is the product I reach for. From insect bites and sunburn to rashes and eczema flare-ups, the formula soothes without stripping the protective skin barrier. The gentle but powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-viral product is featured in the company’s bubble bath, face and body wash and antiseptic. It’s great for pets also!

DRUNK ELEPHANT D-BRONZI AND B-GOLDI DROPS Sephora, 3818 SPID

It’s always a win when makeup is packed with skincare saviors like peptides and niacinamide. D-Bronzi Drops are perfect for adding light contour and sunkissed bronze to my cheekbones, and they can also be mixed into a moisturizer for an all-over wash of golden glow. For an illuminating highlight, I lightly tap in the B-Goldi for a beautiful champagne glow. Both drops are packed with antioxidant-rich formulas that are protective and give a radiant finish.

PURE ENCAPSULATIONS PANTOTHENIC ACID Island Wellness & Nutrition, 14330 S. Padre Island Drive

Also known as Vitamin B5, this powerful supplement is a great under-the-radar solution for thinning congestion from seasonal allergies or colds. Pantothenic acid is also a wonderful staple to support adrenal function, manage seasonal stress and regulate oil production to keep your skin clear from the inside out. Keeping an internal balance is just as important as topical skincare when navigating seasonal transitions. This supplement has quickly become a must-have for my family’s daily health.

Aquarium Supplies from Fin-Scapes and Tropical Fish Haven Fin-Scapes, 618 NAS Drive Unit 620 | Tropical Fish Haven, 6325 McArdle Road I love ending my day with a cup of hot tea as I sit and view the little worlds I’ve created in my planted aquariums, and peer-reviewed science proves that doing so has a substantial effect. Landmark studies published in the journal Environment & Behavior assessed people’s physical response to viewing fish tanks with rich biodiversity. Participants’ blood pressure and heart rates were lowered and their mood scores improved

significantly. It’s a perfect anxiety reliever that is also decorative eye candy. You can often find me perusing the aisles of FinScapes and Tropical Fish Haven, adding plants and aquatic creatures to my collection. The staff at both establishments are knowledgeable and friendly, and help make your inspiration for your underwater world come to fruition with ease. thebendmag.com 23

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9. 2 6

HOME & GARDEN O P E N H O U S E 2 6 GA R D E N I N G 3 0

A MUSEUM DRESSED AS A HOME

pg 26

photography by JASON PAGE

Toby Shor built a house that reads like a life story; one room, one color, one artist at a time

thebendmag.com 25

HOME & GARDEN OPE N HOU SE

A Museum Dressed as a Home Toby Shor built a house that reads like a life story; one room, one color, one artist at a time By Luis Arjona

Photos by Jason Page

he residence of Toby Shor is a break from usual coastal homes. The paprika and purple exterior paints a picture along the horizon line that hints at the tasteful interior, which feels a bit like the Art Museum of South Texas. Shor meets me at the front door. First impression: a mannequin in a tuxedo, positioned mid-gesture near the entrance, waiting to greet guests. The foyer, with its bright yellow accent wall and low ceiling, leads guests to the dining room. However, dinner is not the point. Guests will eat, then turn toward the living room, where the real dessert awaits: a wall of art, course after course for the eye. A few steps take you from a cozy space to the open living room. Natural light streams in through the tall windows of the double-height room, shining on a wall covered with beautiful paintings. One is by Bruno Andrade, which Shor bought before she ever considered herself a collector. “I’d always loved color,” Shor said. “I never knew, you know, people did that, that artists did that.” Color has always felt natural to her, and buying that first painting meant more than just making a purchase. Andrade became a friend, and Shor went on to collect his work. As she traveled, she met more artists and her collection grew. Her love of color shaped her taste and how she experiences art, so much so that she felt compelled to bring pieces home. 26 The Bend

Continuing the exterior color palette inward, pops of red and purple appear throughout the home.

Shor acts as my own personal docent as we walk through her home together, but she does not speak like a curator. No, there is no highfalutin’ vocabulary. When asked whether her eyes came from studying cities, architecture or art, her answer is simpler. “It’s innate,” she said. “I just see things, and I know it’s a good piece.” Shor studied anthropology, earned a master’s in city planning and worked as a city planner in Los Angeles before moving to Corpus Christi to become a TV reporter. Her jobs changed, but her curiosity stayed the same. Her home shows that same spirit. As we continue the tour, we talk about the home’s renovation. Built in 1956, the house looked very different when Shor bought it in 1991. She remembers wood paneling, shag carpet and a midcentury style that evoked

thebendmag.com 27

28 The Bend

TOBY SHOR POSES IN HER LIVING ROOM, FRAMED BY THE HOME'S INTEGRAL COLOR PALETTE.

FAMILY PHOTOS, ORIGINAL SCULPTURES AND CHERISHED KEEPSAKES FILL THE BOOKCASES, TELLING THE HOMEOWNER’S STORY.

the aesthetic of “The Brady Bunch.” Local architect Court Koester helped transform the house. Shor said he was worth his weight in gold for helping her with the renovations. She spent a year looking through magazines, gathering ideas and showing Koester what she envisioned. “The whole thing ... everything was sought out, considered,” Shor said. Koester helped with architectural elements such as the dining room area. “When you have a dinner party, you don’t want high ceilings, because it reverberates,” Shor explained. The house feels both cozy and grand, creating spaces for close gatherings and moments of awe whenever Shor has guests. She even welcomed renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta –– the visionary behind the Art Museum of South Texas’ 2006 addition –– as a guest, personally guiding him on the same tour of the home. Elements from the original home did not disappear. The original wood of the home is put on display in the theater room. The combination of

aging, patinaed wood with vintage shag carpeting creates a room that feels built for movie nights; comfortable and nostalgic where the family could gather and share time. Downstairs from the movie room, there’s a cozy corner that feels like a conversation pit, revealing more about Shor and her connection to art. A collector, she also shows her roots as an artist. The decorated bookcases tell her story, filled with family photos, her own sculptures and keepsakes. “I always loved art, but didn’t know I had any talent until college,” Shor said. A sculpting class gave her a way to express herself, and her many sculptures show how she’s grown. You can see her journey in the clay. Shor’s house tells her story. It’s a place where her taste and creativity are on display, from the renovation to the art collection. Her home is like a museum of her life, bringing together her travels, ambition, career and family. Everything feels intentional, a reflection of a life well lived. thebendmag.com 29

HOME & GARDEN GARDE NING

NOW GROWING

Arugula This “ancient aphrodisiac” is a salad's best friend By Justin Butts

p north, September usually means the end of the growing season. In the Coastal Bend, however, it's the best time to start a new garden, and arugula is a great green to focus in on. Arugula belongs to the brassica family, which also includes mustard greens, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Typically a cool-weather crop like other brassicas, arugula transplants can still thrive in September heat if given proper care. As temperatures drop in autumn, these plants develop an exceptional flavor. Its distinctive peppery heat led ancient Egyptians to prize arugula as an aphrodisiac. The Egyptians measured the energy, or heat, of herbs to gauge their medicinal benefits, and it was often served with sacred honey for the stimulative effects. When the Romans conquered Egypt, they adopted arugula as a stimulant. Pliny the Elder wrote of arugula’s ability to awaken the senses. This reputation later made arugula unwelcome in some medieval monastery gardens. It took many centuries for arugula, called rocket in Great Britain, to make a resurgence. Today, arugula is one of the most popular salad greens in America and Europe, and though it’s easy to find on grocery store shelves, there is simply no comparison in flavor and freshness to the kind grown in your own garden. Arugula also makes an ideal potted plant on the patio, or even in the kitchen window to be within easy reach at suppertime. To achieve optimal growth, maintain moist, healthy soil and make sure your potted plant receives a minimum of seven hours of daily sunlight.

G R OW I N G U P

PROFILING

F U N FA C T S

Spacing, 12”. Height, 24” to 36”. Plant in September in full sun from transplant (seeding requires cooler soil). Must have rich, well-drained soil. When planting, add several inches of compost. Additionally, add one handful of pastured poultry manure and 1/2 cup of native wood ash per plant. Water regularly until established, then twice weekly. It is essential to mulch with native leaves to keep soil cool in hot weather, or plants will wilt and die.

Harvest top leaves regularly in early growth to form a bushy plant. Take cuttings often to stimulate growth, up to 1/3 of the plant. New leaves are tender and mild; older leaves are more pungent and flavorful. In late spring, arugula bolts like a weed and flowers profusely. The white flowers are edible, spicy and delicious, but the leaves become bitter. Save the valuable seeds to replant, or to make your own distinctive arugula mustard.

Arugula is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are phytochemicals that plants create as a natural defense mechanism. When eaten, they produce beneficial compounds within our bodies, giving arugula its distinctive peppery flavor and bite and helping make it healthy as well as delicious.

30 The Bend

STOCK

GARDENER'S NOTES

thebendmag.com 31

BROWNSVILLE

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

32 The Bend

VICTORIA

SAN ANTONIO

KINGSVILLE

GOLIAD

FALL TRAVEL

FIELD TRIPS Five South Texas destinations that offer education and fun for the whole family WRIT TEN BY MAT T KIROUAC

Why can’t a weekend road trip include a trek through the Amazon rainforest, serenity in a Japanese tea garden or an overnight stay at a ranch with Mediterranean donkeys? And all without leaving Texas. Within 2.5 hours of Corpus Christi, families can experience worlds of discovery, from the hallowed grounds of San Antonio and historic battlefields in Brownsville to the wild wonders of The Texas Zoo. The perfect blend of educational and entertaining, these family-friendly field trips reveal the marvels of real-world adventure—all in our own backyard.

thebendmag.com 33

FIELD TRIP 1

16 0 M I L E S

BROWNSVILLE

2.5 H O U R S

COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM. COURTESY OF VISIT BROWNSVILLE

WHAT TO DO

TEXAS’ SOUTHERNMOST CITY, BROWNSVILLE IS A CULTURAL CROSSROADS IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. HERE, FAMILIES CAN DISCOVER HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS, NATURE SANCTUARIES, INDIGENOUS ARTIFACTS AND SO MUCH MORE.

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The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park preserves the site of the first conflict that led to the MexicanAmerican War. On May 8, 1846, a year after statehood, troops fought over the U.S. annexation of Texas. What followed was a two-year war—sparked by Manifest Destiny—that saw Mexico cede more than half a million square miles to its fast-expanding northern neighbor. Today, travelers can find replica artillery pieces at the visitor center and take a half-mile trail to the battlefield. Indigenous heritage is preserved and celebrated at the Costumes of the Americas Museum. Outfitted with vibrant apparel from North, South and Central Americas, displays honor the cultural traditions of Native peoples. Along with permanent galleries, look for rotating exhibitions like “¡Bailamos!” honoring Mexican dance customs and ceremonial pageantry.

Let imagination soar at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville, where families and kids can journey to Mars, board a shrimp boat playground and even go grocery “shopping” in the H-E-Buddy Market. The whimsical museum also hosts events, so check the calendar when you visit to see if something sparks your family’s interest. Down in South Texas, where the Rio Grande flows into the Gulf, nature is a landmark attraction. Soak in the scenery at the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, a tropical 557-acre reserve on the Rio Grande, dedicated to Texas’ only native species of palmetto. A haven for bird-watchers and butterflies, visitors can trek 3 miles of nature trails and wooden boardwalks, while the visitor center is housed in an 1892 plantation house from early sugarcane farming days.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF BROWNSVILLE. COURTESY OF VISIT BROWNSVILLE

LOLA'S BISTRO. PHOTO BY KAREN LOZA

JOLIE PETITE. COURTESY OF VISIT BROWNSVILLE

SABAL PALM SANCTUARY. COURTESY OF VISIT BROWNSVILLE

WHERE TO EAT

Jolie Petite is an all-day, all-occasions French restaurant in downtown Brownsville. Brunch includes quiche Lorraine and croques monsieurs, while dinner dishes range from escargots and duck a l’orange to steak au poivre and beef Wellington (a kids’ menu is available). And brunch is the order of the day at Lola’s Bistro, serving up chicken and waffles, tomato soup and Wagyu burgers in a charming riverside space. A casual cafe by day, Mala Copa blends into a vibe-y dinner spot by nightfall, complete with bamboo lights, craft cocktails and an eclectic playlist. The food is just as diverse, from ceviche and chiles rellenos to octopus tostadas and fish tacos. Then there’s Madeira Restaurant, a moody—and meaty—Argentine-style eatery with steaks, duck mole, bourbon-glazed pork chops and more.

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FIELD TRIP 2

86 MILES

VICTORIA

90 MINUTES

MUSEUM OF THE COASTAL BEND. PROVIDED

WHAT TO DO MUSEUM OF THE COASTAL BEND. PROVIDED

ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIES IN TEXAS, FOUNDED IN 1824, VICTORIA WAS ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED AS A MEXICAN COLONY BY MARTÍN DE LEÓN. TODAY, THAT HISTORY MANIFESTS IN ITS MUSEUMS, FINE ARTS, TIMEWORN RESTAURANTS AND THE OFFICIAL ZOO OF TEXAS.

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Animals from near and far can be seen at The Texas Zoo. It’s home to over 70 species, from the Amazon rainforest to the bayous, woodlands and plains of Texas. In addition to immersive habitats, where families can spot everything from alligators to jaguars, Texas’ official zoo offers interactive animal encounters, like black bear feedings and tortoise photo ops. Visitors can delve into 13,000 years of Texas history at the Museum of the Coastal Bend, where exhibits range from the origins of Texas ranching to an impressive collection of cannons brought by French explorer La Salle. At the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent, kids can channel their inner scientist in the Discovery Lab, create their own structures in the Construction Yard and paint and play in the Art Place. And for a performance the whole family can enjoy, the Victoria Fine Arts Center is home base for the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, as well as touring musicians and plays.

PUMPHOUSE RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT & BAR. PROVIDED BY VISIT VICTORIA

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF THE GOLDEN CRESCENT. PROVIDED BY VISIT VICTORIA

FOSSATI’S DELICATESSEN. PROVIDED BY VISIT VICTORIA

WHERE TO EAT

Keep the history theme going at Fossati’s Delicatessen. The oldest deli in Texas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been slinging tuna melts and Reubens since 1882. Founded by Italian immigrant Fraschio “Frank” Napoleon Fossati, the former saloon rounds out its menu with regional specialties like chicken salad melts and chicken “poorboy” sandwiches. Other historical haunts include Blume & Flour, a cozy coffee shop and bakery in a former cigar factory, and The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant & Bar. The latter, once a boiler house on the Guadalupe River, dates to the mid-19th century. It became a restaurant in 2010, following extensive restoration efforts, and today serves brunch, lunch and dinner menus with contemporary Texas dishes— chorizo empanadas, fried green tomato caprese salad and chicken-fried rib-eye. And for a taste of nearby Louisiana, Franklin’s Backyard Bayou features Cajun comforts—like boudin balls, fried shrimp and seafood boils—in a casual and colorful dining room and has plenty of room in its backyard area for the kids to stretch out.

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FIELD TRIP 3

14 3 M I L E S

SAN ANTONIO

2 HOURS

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK. PROVIDED BY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

WHAT TO DO

SAN ANTONIO IS A TEXAS CITY STEEPED IN LEGENDARY LORE. ROOTED IN HISPANIC CULTURE AND COLONIAL HISTORY, IT’S A SPRAWLING METROPOLIS WITH COUNTLESS DESTINATIONS, FLAVORS AND ATTRACTIONS— FROM A NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TO A MEXICAN FOOD HALL—TO FUEL A ROAD TRIP.

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Everyone remembers the Alamo, but don’t forget to dig deeper into Texas’ Spanish heritage at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (the only one in Texas), the national park preserves four 18th-century Spanish colonial missions that were established to spread Catholicism in New Spain. Travelers can learn more at Mission San José’s visitor center, set foot in the oldest stone church in the U.S. at Mission Concepción, stroll a nature trail along ancient canals by Mission San Juan Capistrano and check out the oldest Spanish irrigation system in the country at Mission Espada. From sizzling asada to hand-crafted guitars and colorful fashions, you’ll find it all at Historic Market Square. The largest Mexican market in the U.S., home to over 100 independently owned businesses across a three-block outdoor plaza, the community cornerstone celebrates the culture and cuisine of old Mexico. Savor Tex-Mex fare under

a canopy of year-round Christmas decor at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery, snack on tacos and churros at the food court and shop local vendors for everything from pottery and candles to jewelry and dresses. For some Texas zen, slow down and breathe deep at the Japanese Tea Garden. What was once a limestone quarry has been reborn as a tranquil oasis of waterfalls, koi ponds, stone bridges, floral displays and peaceful pavilions. Hungry? Dine at on-site Jingu House for ramen, bento boxes and sushi. Discover Texas’ vast natural history and cultural collections at The Witte Museum. For a century, the institution has shared Texas stories through immersive exhibitions spotlighting notable battles, dinosaur fossils, art, military memorabilia and even robotic animals. Elsewhere, little ones can get hands-on at The DoSeum, a wonderland of interactive exhibits and experiences centered around science, art and literacy.

MISSION SAN JOSÉ. PROVIDED BY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

JAPANESE TEA GARDEN. PROVIDED

BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER. PROVIDED BY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

THE WITTE MUSEUM. PROVIDED

Next, head underground to the largest commercial caves in Texas. Natural Bridge Caverns, famed for its guided lantern tours and nightly bat flights, is so named for its centerpiece attraction: a 60-foot natural limestone bridge by the cave entrance. WHERE TO EAT

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, San Antonio’s restaurants are a main ingredient in its cultural melting pot. Start with sticky buns and avocado toast at The Newstand Coffee and Sandwiches, and explore the edible wonders of Mexico at Mexico Ceaty—a food hall from local celebrity chef Jason Dady. Later, sample contemporary ChineseAmerican food at Best Quality Daughter, pristine seafood at Little Em’s Oyster Bar or finger-licking brisket and pork ribs at award-winning Pinkerton’s BBQ.

HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE. PROVIDED BY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

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FIELD TRIP 4

40 MILES

KINGSVILLE

40 M I N S

KING RANCH, INC., KINGSVILLE, TEXAS. PHOTO BY BELTON KLEBERG MCMURREY

WHAT TO DO

KINGSVILLE IS A TEXAS ICON WELL WORTH A DAY TRIP. MOST KNOWN FOR KING RANCH, COWBOY AND RANCHING CULTURE DOMINATE THE COMMUNITY, WHILE OTHER MUSEUMS AND LANDMARKS ROUND OUT A ROAD-WORTHY ITINERARY.

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Basically the ranch equivalent of Disney World, the marquee attraction King Ranch is an 825,000-acre National Historic Landmark, where visitors can take guided bus, nature and motorcoach tours. Since 1853, it’s been regarded as the birthplace of American ranching, the history of which is on display at the King Ranch Museum. In the downtown historic district, more lore is preserved at the 1904 Train Depot Museum. While King Ranch ignited a ranching boom, the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railroad (the StLB&M) connected Kingsville with Corpus Christi, and helped put the community on the literal map. This free-to-visit museum recounts Kingsville’s origins, its railroad ties and all manner of period artifacts, tools and dining car place settings. Be sure to check out the John E. Conner Museum while you’re here. Located at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the

museum is named for the university’s first history professor, John Edwin Conner, and features exhibits—like the Caesar Kleberg Hall of Natural History and the Graves Peeler Hall of Horns—documenting early life in South Texas. Round out your jaunt to Kingsville by exploring the historic downtown. One of Texas’ designated Texas Main Street cities, this area of town includes a block of shops, antiques, makers and cafes to stop into on your way out of town. You can even explore the historic block—which includes 15 historic buildings that earned the city its Main Street designation—at your own pace. The self-guided tour includes 12 stops across 1.5 miles, and takes about 45 minutes.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI

1904 TRAIN DEPOT MUSEUM. PROVIDED BY KINGSVILLE VISITORS CENTER

KING RANCH. PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI

JOHN E. CONNER MUSEUM. PROVIDED BY TAMUK

WHERE TO EAT

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or in this case, visit Kingsville Steakhouse. An apt dining destination in cattle country, the family-friendly spot features Texas favorites like chicken-fried steak and grilled calf’s liver, along with mesquite-grilled rib-eyes, T-bones and filets. A Coastal Bend gem, some of the best Indian cuisine in the area can be found at Spice Station. A hot bar filled with curry varieties, chicken dishes and even vegetarian options, along with the friendliest of service, awaits your arrival. There is nothing fancy about the place––paper plates and all––but don’t let that fool you…the flavors here are rich and satisfying.

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FIELD TRIP 5

GOLIAD

70 M I L E S

70 M I N U T E S

COURTESY OF GOLIAD STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITE

WHAT TO DO

GOLIAD MIGHT BE A SMALL COMMUNITY, WITH A POPULATION LESS THAN 2,000, BUT ITS HISTORY— AND CULTURAL LEGACY—IS VAST. THE THIRD-OLDEST TOWN IN TEXAS, ESTABLISHED IN 1829 FOLLOWING ITS ORIGINS AS A SPANISH COLONIAL SETTLEMENT IN 1749, IT’S KNOWN FOR ITS ROLE IN THE TEXAS REVOLUTION.

PA G E 4 2 42 The Bend

The Presidio la Bahía State Historic Site, dating to the 1749 Spanish colonial settlement, offers a glimpse into Texas’ earliest past. The fort, which visitors can explore on self-guided tours, was the site of the Goliad Massacre that saw the execution of over 300 Texan prisoners by the Mexican Army in 1836. The tragedy inspired a rallying cry that paved the way for independence nine years later. Located in a structure that once served as a 19th-century meat market, Goliad’s Market House Museum harkens to the community’s role in ranching and farming. It’s a homespun cultural center documenting Texas’ earliest Indigenous residents, artifacts and images of local life from centuries past and the Texas Revolution. One of the best ways to experience the outdoors in Goliad is by water. Namely, the Goliad Paddling Trail is a 6.6mile route on the tree-lined San Antonio River, accessible via Goliad State Park. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, anglers can fish for bass, catfish and sunfish.

Travelers can tap into Texas’ ranching history at Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Nature Retreat. A 706-acre working ranch dotted with cacti and ancient oaks, guests looking to stay overnight can bunk in three private cottages and engage in activities like bird-watching, bonfires, horseback riding and croquet. There are even resident Mediterranean mini donkeys that guests can feed and pet. And while you’re here, Goliad State Park & Historic Site features more fascination on land. Anchored by the Spanish colonial-era Mission Espíritu Santo, where parkgoers can tour the chapel and ring the church bell, the park boasts hiking trails, campsites, picnic tables and a visitor center with historic exhibits.

PRESIDIO LA BAHÍA STATE HISTORIC SITE

GOLIAD STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITE. PROVIDED BY EMILY BYRD/TPWD

DWELL. PHOTO BY RACHEL BENAVIDES

WHERE TO EAT

MISSION ESPIRITU SANTO, GOLIAD STATE PARK & HISTORIC SITE

For a small town, Goliad is big on flavor. Try the awardwinning cream of jalapeño soup at the homey Blue Quail Deli, and round it out with a roast beef melt, smoked turkey panini and apple cobbler. Deborah’s Kitchen Table is another cozy breakfast and lunch nook, known for its pies, pancakes and cakes, while Dwell is a colorful coffeeshop stocked with iced lattes, iced tea, fresh muffins and avocado toast.

PA G E 4 3 thebendmag.com 43

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BUSINE SS CL ASS MY ME DIA DIET

JUNE

MEDIA DIET

ME DIA

What podcast do we need to be listening to? Lexi: “Smartless” with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, and “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” both featuring weekly celebrity interviews. D’Anne: “How Did This Get Made?” featuring three comedians discussing Bor C-movies from start to finish, trying to figure out how a studio could greenlight such ridiculous movies.

IN CONVERSATION WITH

D’Anne & Lexi Buquet Local marketing agency Bucket Works co-founders and sisters D’Anne and Lexi Buquet open up their daily media diet: from essential morning newsletters and unmissable podcasts to the social media accounts keeping them informed. Conversation by Kylie Cooper

Photo by Shoocha Photography

Where do you get your news first? Lexi: CNN’s 5 Things email every morning. Every Friday includes a quiz to see how well you paid attention all week! For local, I rely on breaking news alerts from the KRIS TV and KIII TV apps. D’Anne: For local news, I visit KRIS and KIII websites. For national updates, I go to CNN. What app do you open first in the morning? Lexi: Instagram. I monitor social media for clients, so I check to make sure nothing crazy happened overnight that requires action. Then I switch to my personal feed for all the local tea and to see what my friends are doing. D’Anne: Instagram. What newsletter always gets clicked open? Lexi: The Bend’s Weekly Drop and CNN’s 5 Things. D’Anne: CNN’s 5 Things. 46 The Bend

What books are making you think? Lexi: As more of a TV watcher than a reader, I turn to books to dive deeper into what I’m watching. I like to read George R.R. Martin’s books before the “Game of Thrones” seasons and subsequent series air on HBO. Over 700 pages of a chronicled 150-year history of the Targaryen rule can really make you think... that's embarrassing. I also like music history, so I get really into books like Dylan Goes Electric! about Bob Dylan’s first performance with an electric band and Meet Me in the Bathroom about the New York rock scene post-9/11. D’Anne: I’m keen to keep it light and enjoy reading autobiographies by comedians. I like books by SNL alumni such as Tina Fey and Amy Poehler or comedy writers like David Sedaris and Judd Apatow, where I can learn the stories and creative ideas behind the jokes that have been making me laugh my whole life. Any other media you consume that people need to know about? Lexi: Some of my favorite TikTok accounts: @localtxfoodie @pbsnews @teamcoco @jack. savoie @toekneecorrado. D’Anne: @snopesdotcom on Instagram to verify what is true and what is clickbait, and @adweek in Instagram for news, insights and inspiration that is focused around my professional industry. How can people connect with you? Lexi: Instagram: @lexibucket, Facebook: @lexibuquet, TikTok: @lexibuquet D’Anne: Instagram: @dannebuquet, Facebook: @danne.buquet, BucketWorksAdvertising.com.

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BUSINE SS CL ASS IN FOC U S

From One Coast to Another Dr. Stephen Langley is leading Driscoll Children’s Heart Center to new heights By Luis Arjona

Photo provided by Driscoll Children’s Hospital

aking incredible strides toward improving cardiac health in Corpus Christi, Dr. Stephen Langley has a passion for serving the Coastal Bend. When he arrived at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in 2019, the cardiac intensive care unit had zero dedicated beds for children. Six years later, the care unit has 35 beds. Langley, who hails from a small fishing village on the southern coast of England, has moved from one coast to another to help build one of the country’s fastest-growing pediatric heart programs, serving as Chief of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery. He did not set out to build the fastest-growing program, but his arrival helped make it happen. After receiving his medical degree in London, his career brought him across the Atlantic—first to Oregon, then to Florida before arriving at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “I was super, super excited to start here,” Langley said of his first days at Driscoll, and there were a few reasons. Driscoll treated only children, something his previous hospitals were not dedicated to. The Coastal Bend, meanwhile, had long been what could be considered a medical desert, particularly for specialized pediatric care. And the hospital’s administration wanted to build a world-class heart center. Langley was keen to be part of it all. “I don’t see why a child in California, or Boston, or Michigan, should have any better care than they should in South Texas,” Langley shared. The results are worth lauding. Driscoll’s Heart Center has tripled its surgical volume over five years, now reaching 32 counties across a service area roughly the size of South Carolina. When asked what the next five-year plan looks like for Driscoll, Langley expressed excitement for the future of constant progression. 48 The Bend

Dr. Langley with a patient in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit in 2024.

“There’s no destination here. It’s about getting better constantly. It’s about having a culture of getting better,” he said. And better the hospital has gotten. According to Driscoll’s own outcomes data, it is outperforming national averages for post-surgical length of stay, resulting from highly specialized diagnosis, collaborative presurgical planning, a quality of technical repair and exceptional post-operative care. For a complex single-ventricle procedure, the Norwood procedure, Driscoll patients go home after 20 days on average, against a national median of 52. Providing such complex care at a standard that is beating national averages is a culture change that happens from within. Building that culture has required a team with members beyond surgeons. In the past four years alone, Driscoll recruited 110 additional nurses to its cardiac intensive care unit. Langley is quick to address how his function is only possible with his team, praising their work and how the nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians and administrators are all responsible for the growth of the program and improvement. As for why Langley feels so passionate about pediatric heart care, he responded not with a mission statement, but from the heart. “They didn’t choose to be born like that,” he said of children with congenital heart disease. “They didn’t deserve it. They just arrived.” The work goes beyond repairing a heart. The team understands that with each procedure, an entire family is involved and must also receive care and comfort. As a father himself, that fact is not lost on Langley. As a transplant from England, Langley mentioned how he has a place in his heart for Corpus Christi. This was a small admission, almost beside the point, but it came from a man who has been building something special with his team for the past six years. Here in the Coastal Bend, we are excited to see what the next five years bring.

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thebendmag.com 49

50 The Bend

9. 2 6

CUISINE FA R M T O TA B L E 52

5 B E ST 5 5

THE DISH 56

G O O D TA ST E 5 8

TIKI JAY’S TROPICAL DELIGHTS

pg 56

photography by JASON PAGE

Restaurateur Jason Stout opens his second dining concept at Cinnamon Shore

thebendmag.com 51

CUISINE FARM TO TAB LE

A Nostalgic Bite Pizza bagels get a glow-up By Kayla Butts MS, RDN, LD

othing says “after school in the ’90s” like snacking on mini pizza bagels while watching “Saved by the Bell.” Many Millennials will remember this nostalgic treat as a bridge from lunch to dinner, along with pizza rolls, fruity shark gummies and those vanilla cookies that we dipped in confetti frosting. Our tastes may (or may not) have changed in the past 30 years, but the warm feeling we get from biting into a long-

RECIPE

Three Variations on Bagel Bites Makes a dozen PREP TIME: 10 minutes per variation COOK TIME: 10 minutes INGREDIENTS:

6 mini bagels, halved FIG AND GOAT CHEESE VARIATION:

3/4 cup ricotta 1/2 cup fig jam 1/4 cup blue cheese 6 sprigs fresh thyme

SPICY PANCETTA VARIATION:

3/4 cup marinara sauce 1 tbsp red pepper About 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 4 oz pancetta 2 tbsp hot honey CAPRESE VARIATION:

3/4 cup marinara sauce 12 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced 6 sprigs fresh basil 2 roma tomatoes, sliced 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar 4 tbsp olive oil Ground black pepper DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Spread bagel halves with sauce or cheese. Top with desired toppings. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bagels are heated through. Garnish with fresh herbs and/or hot honey.

52 The Bend

Photos by Rachel Benavides

cherished nosh hasn’t. We decided to put a fresh spin on an old favorite. “Newstalgia” is a trending way to elevate a favorite recipe by using more flavor, finer finishes and better ingredients. Here, mini pizza bagels get an upgrade with goat cheese, fresh herbs and a spicy twist on the original. Try any (or all) of our three variations, developed with many palates and generations of pizza lovers in mind.

thebendmag.com 53

SERVICES PROVIDED BY DR. HRIDAYESH NAT, MD • 6646 S STAPLES ST. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78414

54 The Bend

CUISINE 5 B E ST

5 BEST

Oysters Gulf, grilled, cold-water and beyond—these are five of the best local spots for oysters in the Coastal Bend By Kylie Cooper Photo by Jason Page

DOKYO DAUNTAUN

ysters are plentiful when living on the Gulf Coast. Though narrowing down to a list of five top spots is a challenge, we’ve curated a list based on variety, unbeatable happy hour specials and the overall dining experience. From the heart of downtown Corpus Christi out to Port Aransas, these are five of our favorite dining options for oysters.

Water Street Oyster Bar

3 0 9 N. WAT E R S T.

For the best oyster varieties, Water Street is the way to go. Here you’ll find over a dozen options, where everyone can choose their own adventure. A few locally farmed options include selections from Clear Water, Key Allegro, BlackJack Point and Big Tree Oyster Farms. The Cupid’s Choice, Savage Blonde, Momma Mia and Pink Moon varieties all hail from Prince Edward Island.

KC’s Oyster Shack

Dokyo Dauntaun 4 2 4 N. C H A PA R R A L S T.

For a departure from Gulf oysters, the Chef’s Special Calamansi Oysters from Dokyo are an excellent choice. Sourced from Canada and the Virgin Islands, these cold water oysters, shucked to order, carry a much sweeter taste and, as Chef Miller Xu put it, “are really good for someone who wants to try oysters for the first time.”

Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar 13313 SPID

Nothing complements an evening of oysters quite like water views at sunset, and Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar knows this to be true. With one of the largest selections to choose from, you’ll find Black Magic, Savage Blonde, Conway Pearls, Cupid’s Choice and Summer Loves, just to name a few, on rotation. As part of its weekday happy hour, treat yourself to $2 oysters from 3 to 7 p.m.

1 2 5 W. RO B E RT S AV E .

Ideal for group outings, KC’s Oyster Shack offers a special treat for local oyster lovers. The space features a full-service experience, with a horseshoeshaped bar packed with icefilled troughs that makes for a stunning display. Here, you can indulge in a bounty of freshly shucked oysters and jumbo shrimp. For those hesitant to dive into raw selections, the grilled options offer a delicious entry point into the world of oysters. Since the intimate atmosphere is in high demand, be sure to check its daily Facebook posts for time slots or call ahead to secure your spot.

Paul’s Seafood Market #2 1 0 8 S. A L I S T E R S T.

If you didn’t know Paul’s Seafood Market had an actual restaurant menu, let us let you in on a little secret: For the best deal on oysters, hit up the Port Aransas location on Wednesdays. The restaurant’s special entails $1 per oyster on the half shell (yes, just $1) and all the typical fixings. Cold, shucked and straight from the Gulf, the rewards from this deal are hard to beat.

thebendmag.com 55

CUISINE THE DISH

Tiki Jay’s Tropical Delights Restaurateur Jason Stout opens his second dining concept at Cinnamon Shore By Jacqueline Gonzalez

ort Aransas’ dining scene welcomed a new addition over Memorial Day weekend with the opening of Tiki Jay’s, a coastal-inspired restaurant bringing tropical flavors and handcrafted cocktails to Cinnamon Shore. The new concept comes from restaurateur Jason Stout, who followed the success of Stout’s at the Shore with an entirely new dining concept. The former focuses on upscale coastal dining, while Tiki Jay’s was designed to offer something different. “I’ve always wanted to do a tiki bar. I didn’t go full-out cliché. I went more for a beachy tiki—clean, crisp, with a lot of bamboo,” Stout shared of the new restaurant’s aesthetic. Custom-designed tiki mugs, a clean color palette of deep greens and neutrals and textured decor elements bring this vision to life. The Star Wars-inspired tiki carvings—a nod to Stout’s love of the franchise—add another layer of personality throughout the restaurant. 56 The Bend

Photos by Jason Page

Though located within Cinnamon Shore, each restaurant is open to the public, with reservations highly encouraged.

The menu leans into tropical flavors with dishes like poke bowls combining soy-marinated salmon with jasmine rice, seaweed salad, mango, dragon fruit, edamame, carrots and sriracha mayo, while blackened drum fish tacos are topped with cabbage slaw and sriracha mayo. Other favorites include sesame-crusted salmon served with pineapple pico, coconut ginger carrot purée and miso butter, along with fresh ceviche and salads. The restaurant’s biggest seller is the pulled pork sliders. Slow-cooked for nearly 28 hours, the pork is topped with housemade barbecue sauce and cabbage slaw before being served on Hawaiian rolls. The

house-made yuca fries are another draw, served with garlic aioli and three house-made dipping sauces that have quickly become a customer favorite. “It’s a completely different menu that's not offered in Port Aransas, and it’s been a super big hit,” Stout said. Behind the bar, the tropical theme continues with more than 60 varieties of rum and a cocktail menu built entirely around scratchmade drinks. Guests can sip tiki bar classics like the Painkiller, Hurricane, Dark & Stormy, Piñata Colada and Mai Tai, or order the signature Tiki Jay cocktail served in one of the restaurant’s custom turtle tiki mugs. The core menu is here to stay, however Stout plans to keep things fresh with rotating specials throughout the year. Spam dishes and ceviche plates are already making appearances, and heartier additions, including coconut shrimp and other seasonal favorites, are planned for the fall. Tiki Jay’s is also already preparing for its first Tiki

Tiki Jay's full food and drink menu is available online.

Christmas with tropical cocktails, holiday desserts (such as a pineapple upside-down cake that we’re already dreaming of) and festive events. Open seven days a week, even during the off-season, Tiki Jay’s is designed to be a year-round destination for both visitors and locals looking for fresh coastal flavors, handcrafted cocktails and a relaxed tiki atmosphere at Cinnamon Shore.

CONTACT 125 Market St. Suites A & B, Port Aransas 361.204.7804 | @tikijays | tikijays.com thebendmag.com 57

CUISINE GOOD TASTE

A Top-Tier Taste of Texas Corpus Christi hosts the state’s official qualifier for the World Food Championships By Jacqueline Gonzalez

Photos provided by Texas Food Championship

his month, Corpus Christi’s waterfront will become the gathering place for chefs, pitmasters, home cooks and food enthusiasts from across the state as the Texas Food Championship takes over Water’s Edge Park Sept. 25-27. A weekend of incredible flavors, yes, but the event also serves as Texas’ official qualifying competition for the World Food Championships, giving competitors the opportunity to earn a coveted Golden Ticket and represent Team Texas on the international stage. Designed to celebrate the depth and diversity of Texas cuisine, the championship features 10 culinary divisions showcasing everything from barbecue and live-fire cooking to seafood, burgers, pasta and pastries. Young chefs also have an opportunity to compete, creating a stage where both seasoned professionals and the next generation of culinary talent can demonstrate their skills. Founder and president Matthew Lawson shared, “The goal is to create one of the state’s largest platforms for chefs and food and beverage professionals while showcasing everything Texas cuisine has to offer.” Although the culinary competitions take center stage, the weekend is thoughtfully curated to offer something for every visitor. The event transforms into a vibrant community celebration where guests can browse a bustling marketplace filled with artisan vendors and unique Texasmade goods, taste diverse dishes from acclaimed food trucks and watch dynamic chef demonstrations alongside live cooking face-offs. Enhanced by interactive, family-friendly attractions and live performances from 58 The Bend

General Admission and “Championship Club” Weekend Passes to the Texas Food Championship are available for purchase online.

musicians showcasing a variety of Texas genres, the championship is as much an engaging festival for the public as it is a premier culinary contest. Several signature experiences set the championship apart from a traditional food festival. The Texas Chef’s Kitchen offers an intimate, multi-course dining experience where guests can watch acclaimed chefs prepare each course in an open-kitchen setting, while the Texas Culinary Collective brings together chefs, culinary creators, cookbook authors and industry professionals for demonstrations, educational programming and meet-and-greets throughout the weekend. Rather than bringing the championship to one of the state’s biggest metropolitan areas, organizers intentionally selected Corpus Christi for its waterfront setting and destination appeal. Lawson envisioned an event where visitors could spend the day

watching championship-level competition before exploring local beaches, restaurants and attractions. “We wanted to create this as a family-friendly environment where people can come down and have a full-fledged vacation at the same time they’re experiencing a festival,” Lawson said. “Water’s Edge Park gave us everything we were looking for to create that experience.” The championship also invests in the future of Texas cuisine. Through Texas Table of Hope, the event supports scholarship opportunities for aspiring young chefs, encouraging students to pursue culinary careers while helping strengthen the next generation of industry professionals. This year’s partnership with Del Mar College’s Culinary Arts Program further reflects that commitment to education and workforce development within Texas’ growing culinary community. “Our goal is to provide all these kids full-ride scholarships to culinary school, to help elevate that next generation of talent and chefs,” Lawson said. Ultimately, Lawson views the championship as a vital platform designed to foster collective growth for Texas chefs, upcoming culinary prospects and communities such as Corpus Christi.

CONTACT texasfoodchampionship.com

Images Above: Final presentations in varying categories at the 2025 Texas Food Championship.

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60 The Bend

9. 2 6

AROUND THE B END A RT S & C U LT U R E 62

D I S C OV E RY 6 4

L O O K I N G B AC K 6 6

SUZY CRUZ CARRIES HOME ACROSS THE COAST

pg 62

photograophy by DEUX BOHEME

Connecting the Coastal Bend with Japanese culture

thebendmag.com 61

AROUND THE B END ART S & C ULT URE

Suzy Cruz Carries Home Across the Coast Connecting the Coastal Bend with Japanese culture By Evelyn Martinez Photos by Deux Boheme

efore she found her new calling in the Coastal Bend, Japanese calligraphy artist Suzy Cruz just looked for a place to dress up in her kimono. Newly arrived in South Texas, homesick and searching for any connection to the culture she left behind, she walked into the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and asked if the staff needed help. “I went and asked them if I could do cleaning work,” she said. “[I told them] that I wanted to connect with Japanese culture, and they said that I could have a booth in an event.” Now, whether teaching students and strangers during live demonstrations or showing off her sushi skills, she transforms some of Japan’s most cherished traditions into engaging, accessible experiences tailored for American audiences. In the year since arriving in Rockport, her artistry and passion for cultural exchange have already strengthened Japanese representation throughout the Coastal Bend. Kamakura, Suzy's hometown, draws visitors from around the world with its towering bronze Buddha statue and historic shrines and temples, but to Suzy, those celebrated landmarks were simply home. Leaving these pieces of her history behind and coming to America, she found the absence of familiar customs left her feeling disconnected. “Being surrounded by beautiful scenery, history and Japanese traditions [my whole life], it naturally shaped who I am,” she said. “Suddenly I moved to the U.S., and the food is different, the lifestyle

62 The Bend

Shop Suzy’s calligraphy art on her website or inside the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures.

is different, even the interior [of the] house is different.” Still, love carried her across the globe. Although she loved her life in Japan, Suzy said yes to marriage and a move across the world in 2025. The couple settled permanently in Rockport that October. Once the dust had settled, Suzy finally had time to miss home. Without a driver’s license, a social circle or the routines that anchored her life, she struggled to find a sense of belonging. Even the smallest act of comfort for her had disappeared: wearing her kimono. “I felt an identity loss, like I wasn’t myself here,” she said. “In order to feel again like myself, I wanted to create an opportunity to wear a kimono somehow. That’s when my husband found the museum.” Starting with a simple matcha workshop, Suzy’s contributions to the museum quickly snowballed. She described her demonstrations as approachable introductions to Japanese ceremonies, adapting centuries-old traditions for

309 N WATER STREET audiences experiencing them for the first time. Now almost a year into her volunteer work, Suzy presents perfectly personalized live calligraphy demonstrations in which she takes time to learn about each participant before selecting Japanese kanji characters that reflect their personality and aspirations, as well as kimono experiences for all ages and sushi workshops she often takes around the city — all uniquely informed by her previous life. “She’s amazing, like a superwoman,” Yohko Phillips said. A leader of the local Japanese Taiko Drum Club, an active museum volunteer and one of Suzy’s close friends, Phillips also found fond familiarity within the museum’s exhibits. She described how Suzy’s energy, expertise and passion for cultural exchange have the potential to reshape the region’s understanding of Japanese culture. “She has no limit [to what she can do],” she continued. “She has such a great personality. I really wanted somebody who could be like a spokesman for Japanese culture [in the Coastal Bend], and she is. ” For Suzy, her work in the Coastal Bend has only just begun. What started as a search for belonging turned into long-lasting friendships, community connections and new opportunities to stay connected to the culture she left behind. As she prepares for her next pop-up, whether at the museum or expanding to other local businesses, catch her documenting her sweet life on socials, practicing Spanish with her new local friends and, at last, finding comfort once again within the sleeves of her kimono.

TMWILDFLOWERS.COM

CONTACT @suzy.mihoko.japan | rinjapanexperience.com thebendmag.com 63

AROUND THE B END DISCOVE RY

Skating in the Sunshine As the IceRays’ season approaches, the Coastal Bend opens its doors—and beaches By Mark Travis

Photos provided by Corpus Christi IceRays

he Coastal Bend is one of the most popular migration destinations in North America, welcoming myriad species of birds and bugs from all over the continent every year. But the most foreign visitors might be a familiar yet highly specialized mammal: the junior hockey player. Traveling to South Texas from frigid, ice-hockey-crazed communities in the Northeastern United States, Canada and even European countries like Sweden and Ukraine, the players of the Corpus Christi IceRays provide locals with an upclose look at a sport that does not germinate naturally in the region. But where do the IceRays nest? For the past 20 years, Debbie Morris has been helping burgeoning athletic imports settle in South Texas. It started in 2006, when Morris and her late husband, Alan, offered to house Corpus Christi Hooks prospects. In 2010, when the IceRays moved from a pro team with grown men to a junior hockey team in the North American Hockey League, which requires players to be between the ages of 16 and 20, the Morrises decided to keep their doors open for visiting athletes yearround. “We looked at each other and said, ‘Well, why not?’” Morris said. “We’ve got baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter.” Morris’ husband passed away 10 years ago, but she has continued to house players every year, even working to expand the network of billet families in the Coastal Bend. For more than a decade, she has been the volunteer Billet Coordinator for the IceRays, a role that is part team mom and part college housing matchmaker. First, she finds families willing to take the players in and then works to find ideal pairings. The IceRays roster roughly 25 players each year; this season, the team 64 The Bend

The Corpus Christi IceRays' Home Opening weekend will take place on Sept. 19 & 20.

anticipates every player will be living with a billet family. “We inherited an unbelievable billet system,” George Manias, who took over as Chief Operating Officer and managing partner in May 2025, said. “And that’s really all Deb.” Junior hockey sits at an interesting intersection between high school and college. Some players will complete their high school education remotely while playing, but many will be in the “gap year” age range. After the IceRays recruit players to their organization, they help their players get recruited to college hockey programs across the country. As one of the southernmost junior hockey teams in the United States, the IceRays are in an unusual recruiting position. In most college sports, recruiting success often comes down to harvesting the talent in one’s own backyard. For the IceRays, and virtually all the teams in the South Division of the NAHL, this isn’t feasible. When your community is more used to building sandcastles than snowmen, a local hockey player is a rarer find than buried treasure.

But Corpus Christi’s stark contrast to the typical hockey environs has its perks. “Some of our kids, back home, they’re shoveling their driveways to be able to drive to practice,” Nick Skerlick, the IceRays’ head coach and director of hockey operations, said. Skerlick is entering his first season in charge of the team. He arrives having held a similar role with the Maine Nordiques for the past three seasons, and still resides in the Northeast, allowing him to scout the many tournaments, tryouts and showcases that are essential for constructing a junior hockey team. When it comes time to sell Corpus Christi to new recruits, three things grab their attention: climate, comfort and the Hilliard Center. “The thing I hear the most is that they love being able to go to the rink every day wearing a T-shirt, shorts and a pair of flip-flops,” Morris said. “And they have access to the beach and can play golf all year ’round.” The IceRays prove that Winter Texans can be both retirees and rugrats, and everyone in between. Being able to offer a genuine sporting arena as its home stadium is also a huge benefit for the organization. “The facility they play in, it just blows them away when they first walk in,” Morris said. Many teams in the NAHL play their official games in their practice facilities, often with limited bleacher seating, if any. The Hilliard Center, by comparison, is closer in quality and capacity to actual NHL arenas than the homes of their competitors. “It’s one of the nicest facilities in all of junior hockey,” Skerlick said. Although the Hilliard Center is a picturesque place to call home, the IceRays do share it with other tenants, as well as touring musical acts, comedians and variety shows. Depending on scheduling, the team occasionally has to bus to San Antonio in order to get practice time on the ice. Manias said the organization is interested in constructing a practice facility in Corpus Christi that would provide the team with unfettered access to ice while also offering the chance to plant some organic hockey roots for local youth interested in playing the sport. While the IceRays continue to focus on honing their players’ skills, Corpus Christi itself plays a role in developing them as young men, with some families entrusted to not just house them, but raise them as part of the community for as long as their IceRays career lasts. Even if a player spends only one season in the Coastal Bend, the bond they form with their host family is everlasting. “I’ve been to college graduations, I’ve been to weddings,” Morris said. “I’ve got what I call hockey grandbabies … I’m not sure what my life would be like without these hockey kids.”

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AROUND THE B END LOOKING BAC K

A Line Through Time An everyday moment finds new life nearly a century later By Jillian Becquet

Photo provided by Library of Congress,

Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, LC-USF34-034510-D.

Fisherman on the Jetties, Russell Lee, October 1939.

hen Russell Lee traveled through Texas, he was charged with photographing the conditions of the Great Depression, but many of his photographs here could have been taken in any year of our city’s history. What he captured was simply the everyday life of people of the time. From the earliest residents and visitors in the Coastal Bend, our coastal waters have been a destination for sustenance and enjoyment—and even treatment, in an era when doctors prescribed warmer temperatures and coastal breezes as cures for various ailments. Lee captured not the misery of the Depression, but companionship, hope and anticipation of the next bite, and the beauty locals enjoyed while waiting. 66 The Bend

If this photo looks familiar, it may be because it inspired “Temporal Tides,” a 2024 Mural Fest addition to downtown by Anthony Brooks. The mural is best viewed from the 400 Block of Water Street. Using the color and texture of the building’s brick as the rocks of the jetty along with shadows for depth, Brooks brings the scene to life in a majestic way. The transformation of this everyday moment in 1939 into a three-story-high mural in 2024 is a reminder that as the city around us grows and changes, some things remain constant. The shoreline is still a place to gather, watch and enjoy each other’s company and the view. When folks made the decision to put their lines in the water that day 87 years ago, they could not have known they were going to be part of memories formed in downtown Corpus Christi for decades to come.

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68 The Bend