October 2017

HOPE AFTER HARVEY

HOW A COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER IN THE WAKE OF DISASTER

2 The Bend

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Contents OCTOBER 2017 | The Hope Issue

Features

30

Monthly | Departments

Around the Bend 16 Currents 18 Conversation 20 5 Best 22 Giving Back

Hope After Harvey

Destinations 26 Quick Trip 28 Local Discovery

Health 46 Fitness 48 Be Well 52 Nutrition

Home & Garden 56 Open House 58 Gardening 60 Spaces

Out & About

64

Resurrected Identity

74

The Morning After the Storm

64 Arts & Culture 66 Celebration 68 Date Book 70 Social Hour

Cuisine 74 Farm to Table 76 Dining Guide 77 The Dish 78 The Drink

History

82 Looking Back

Copyright Š 2017 Gemstone Media, LLC. The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine is published by Gemstone Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent.

Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative.

Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

6 The Bend

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Outdoor Music Venue | Kids Under 12 - Free Admission Folk/Americana Music | Listening Room Environment Family Friendly | Non Alcoholic

UPCOMING SHOWS Ordinary Elephant - Oct 13 Doors Open @ 7:15, Show @ 7:45 TICKETS - $10 “Psalms We Sing Together” w/ Wendell Kimbrough - Nov. 17 Doors Open @ 6:30, Show @ 7:00 FREE CONCERT

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7

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas

CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Jo Anne Howell Alexa Alley Jacqueline Gonzalez Alexis Mays Jinky Romero Jillian Becquet Carlos Cooper Haylee Uptergrove

ART DIRECTOR: Will Bowling PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page

MANAGING EDITOR: Kylie Kinnett

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: jordan@thebendmag.com

MARKETING DESIGN: Jarred Schuetze

ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Kalea Bennett

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

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides

SUBSCRIPTIONS: THEBENDMAG.COM

CONNECT WITH US @

FAMILY DENTISTRY COSMETIC DENTISTRY LASER DENTISTRY

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On the cover:

VOLUME 4/ISSUE

We spent the day in Rockport a couple days after Hurricane Harvey came and left. As we walked the streets in the midst of debris and relief efforts, we happened upon Rowdy Maui, a unique and fun retail shop. There was a piece of wood propped up outside the shop that read, “Rockport Strong.” We had seen this saying written across many signs, instagram posts, and t-shirts, but something about this one felt right. It embodied this issue’s theme—hope.

EY

HOPE AFTER HARV

9

The Coastal Bend’s

Lifestyle Magaz

ine

8 The Bend

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OCTOBER 2017

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9

October | Staff Note

WHEN MINUTES COUNT W E A RE TH ER E .

FROM THE DESK OF

KYLIE KINNETT, MANAGING EDITOR I spent a day in the car with Jordan, our Publisher, Jarred, our Associate Art Director, and Jason Page, one of our photographers. It almost felt as if we were going on a road trip with each other.

We drove to Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, and Bayside. At each of our stops we delivered supplies, walked around, took photos, and spoke with different individuals. The initial purpose of this trip was to get photos for the feature in this issue. However, the trip took on a life of its own for each of us. For me, it provided a sense of hope.

Driving around each of these towns and seeing what was left of them was a bit surreal. I had seen the images of Harvey’s aftermath on my TV screen and online, but it wasn’t the same. It felt intrusive almost, to turn onto a residential street and see the contents of the inside of someone’s bedroom because the walls had been knocked down or blown away.

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10 The Bend

I had to give myself a small pep talk each time I walked up to someone in order to see if they would be willing to answer a couple of questions for an article. I’m usually not nervous when it comes to interviewing people for the magazine, but this felt different for some reason. I didn’t want to get in the way of people volunteering, cleaning, handing out food, or grieving their lost homes and businesses. Having said that, every single person I encountered that day was more than willing to talk.

They needed a listening ear. They needed to let others know how through all of this destruction, the takeaway wasn’t to pack up and leave, it was to stay, help, and rebuild. The question I asked everyone was, “how did you decide to come out here and help?” or “how did you decide to stay here and rebuild?” The answer, now, seems like a no brainer, and the question almost seems silly. It really is rather simple though. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is. What’s important is letting those who got hit the hardest know they aren’t alone, that we are here, and we care—now and always.

Corrections: On pg. 38 of our “7 Most Beautiful Women: Inside & Out” feature (September 2017), we did not include a wardrobe credit to Julian Gold. They provided the clothing and accessories for the women’s photoshoot. We apologize!

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October | Letter From The Publisher

Autumn Lanterns

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

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

Hours

H

Hope in Action

ope. It’s one of those words that gets used a lot in society. It just sounds good to say. This is why so much of pop culture is filled with words like hope, love, joy, and faith. They feel really good to talk and think about. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. Sometimes, we just need a quick emotional boost. But, the funny thing about hope is that it can just be an empty word unless we take action. Feelings come and go pretty quick. You could look up the definition of hope and easily prove me wrong, but I don’t believe hope is just a feeling or a desire for something to come true. I think a better definition of hope is expectation in action.

I think most of us were in the same boat as Hurricane Harvey approached the Coastal Bend, quickly growing from a tropical storm into a massive hurricane. There was a lot of worry and panic. Many of us who evacuated grabbed what we could and thought we might never see our homes and businesses again. Others bunkered down and prepared for the worst. I remember feeling pretty numb for a while, lacking hope. We were fortunate to not have much damage; however, we heard of many friends, family, and neighbors who lost nearly everything. Many were ready to quit. Then, something happened. People started showing up with chainsaws and gas cans. Food trucks and local businesses passed out free food in parking lots, and church groups, baseball teams, fire fighters, and government officials rolled up their sleeves and worked side by side to help clean up and rebuild. The whole Coastal Bend was coming together and hope spread like a virus.

I was nervous calling this issue The Hope Issue, because this isn’t just a pep talk or a feel good issue. However, it does give me hope as I read the feature on page 30 and our friends personal account of the morning after the storm on page 74. These stories, and many others we heard, show hope in action. It’s more than just saying hope, it’s being hope. We are stronger together and hope spreads when we share it with others.

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12 The Bend

I don’t know if you are one of those readers who reads the magazine from cover to cover each month (Thanks! We love you), but you should definitely never miss out on our “Looking Back” column by Jillian Becquet. I know few people who are more passionate about our local history than Jillian, who happens to work at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. She offers a great reminder this month that our community has rebuilt from hurricanes in the past and we will rise again after Harvey.

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REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE COMPANY COMPANY

In the midst of tragedy the Rockport-Fulton community offers a message of STRENGTH, HOPE & LOVE! We remain forever grateful to the selfless volunteers, strong leaders & tireless residents! We are not broken, only bent.

Tomorrow the sun will rise on our beautiful coastal haven... offering the promise of a new beginning.

Together we will rebuild.

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14 The Bend

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for

Around the Bend OCTOBER 2017

CURRENTS 16 CONVERSATION 18 5 BEST 20 GIVING BACK 22

What’s Inside The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey was indeed devastating. However, it also brought out the best in some of the local organizations in our community as they worked together in relief efforts.

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15

Around the Bend | Currents

Currents By: Jarred Schuetze

Italy on the Go A new Italian restaurant is coming to the Southside of Corpus Christi. Real Italian Pasta Co. has become the latest eatery to hold a spot in the Saratoga Town Center located on the corner of Staples and Saratoga. Their mission is to serve their guests fresh and authentic Italian cuisine, in a quick and convenient fashion. Indulge in one of their delicious pastas or amazing lasagnas. Don’t forget to finish out the meal with a refreshing Italian ice made in-house.

5630 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX

Saying Farewell to an Old Friend The doors of the ever so popular Water Street Seafood Company have officially closed.

Don’t panic, Water Street Oyster Bar, Sushi Bar, and the Executive Surf Club are still open. The vacant space will continue to serve as an event venue and catering service while the Water Street team plans and develops a new restaurant concept to take its place. Brad Lomax stated that their goal is to open a new restaurant that caters more to the millennial crowd of the Coastal Bend. The new eatery is expected to open in 2018. waterstmarketcc.com

Non-Profit Name Change The Food Bank of Corpus Christi was founded in 1982, and what better way to celebrate a 35th birthday than with a makeover! The rebranding of the food bank has resulted in a new name, Coastal Bend Food Bank, but has kept the same powerful mission: to reduce hunger in South Texas through food distribution and nutrition education. The name change came about to better represent the communities of the Coastal Bend, including: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces and San Patricio counties. For more information on how to help reduce hunger, visit the website below. coastalbendfoodbank.org

16 The Bend

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THE COASTAL BEND IS OUR HOMETOWN & WE’RE HERE TO HELP #COASTALBENDSTRONG The Coastal Bend isn’t just where we do business. It’s home. So we’ve seen how difficult the last couple weeks have been for our friends, families and neighbors.

We know everyone’s been preoccupied just trying to get back to normal and start rebuilding. We are here to help.

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Portland 1702 US Hwy. 181 361-777-2100 thebendmag.com 17

Around the Bend | Person of Interest

Conversation with

Robert Rocha Fire Chief for the City of Corpus Christi By: Kylie Kinnett Photo: Rachel Benavides What does it take to be a fire fighter / first responder?

There are really two ways I can answer this question. The first is, of course, the basic requirements to become a fire fighter. You have to be 19 years of age, you have to be a US citizen, and you have to be a high school graduate. The requirements that we look for would be those who are looking to make a difference and have an impact on their community, to serve the public, and to be there at a moment’s notice when an emergency arises. It is really a sacrifice to be a firefighter. The pressures are incredible, but it is still the best job in the world, if you can understand that. There is risk, but the reward is a feeling that can’t be replicated or bought.

How do you stay prepared or get prepared for a natural disaster?

It’s a city wide function. It seems like it is always either hurricane season or we are getting ready for hurricane season. In the time frame where we are

18 The Bend

getting ready for hurricane season, we are always going through our emergency operation plans as to what we would do in different scenarios.

One of the difficulties with this is that if you’ve never experienced a hurricane, you really don’t know what to expect. Only those that were here for Hurricane Celia can understand, but most of the people here were not here for that. So you are preparing for the unknown kind of. It is an all-city preparedness function—every employee of the city plays a role. So of course we are here for the public safety element of the storm. It requires the entire city working towards a positive outcome for something you don’t know what the outcome is going to be. We were incredibly lucky in this storm because of the way Harvey moved. So we didn’t experience the brunt of it the same way other parts of our community did.

What was it like during the actual storm?

There are three elements to the storm. There is the pre storm, during the storm, and after the

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storm. In pre storm, we were running calls for service, preparing the fire station, and just getting everything ready. Basically you answer the calls you can pre storm, and once the winds start to become more serious, you have to triage the calls that come in.

Fortunately during the storm, while many were hunkering down, the fire department was responding to calls still. Our Medical Director, Dr. Dan Roberts at the emergency dispatch center was able to triage calls and there were a couple we responded to actually during the storm. It’s one of those things where you have to weigh the risks versus the rewards and there was a lot of risk out there; but in a couple of circumstances we were able to get fire fighters on the scene to afford help to our citizens. One of the calls we responded to was a maternity call and that had a very positive outcome.

In what ways did local fire fighters help the city Our primary responsibility is obviously to respond to Corpus Christi. But, once we realized that Corpus Christi did not receive the brunt of the storm, we made an effort to connect with our friends from Port Aransas.

We sent a small task group to reconnect the area between Port A and Corpus Christi. We wanted to see the condition of the highway and connect with the fire department up there to see how they were doing.

In what way can you look at this storm as being a positive?

With each challenge the city has faced we have learned a little bit more on how to do our jobs better and I believe the positive response to Hurricane Harvey is due to the learning of past emergencies. We are going to learn from Hurricane Harvey and implement policies and procedures that will make it better next time. Hopefully there won’t be a next time, but as a civil servant I always strive to do better at my job and pledge that the fire fighters are going to do better with every instance we encounter.

What is your takeaway from Harvey as a whole?

I will tell you that we were blessed as a city not to have suffered more damage than we did. We had a lot of people who lost power and that affected the city. We had first responders who were not only working, but who lost homes, and to those fire fighters we are extending a helping hand. We had some responders who became homeless because of the storm and we always want to take care of our own. We have been giving a helping hand, cleaning up yards, and removing debris—it’s all a part of the job, but it doesn’t stop with just the fire fighters. We had some guys out there just walking up to people they didn’t even know to lend a helping hand. I am very proud of the fire fighters response before the storm, during the storm, and even after the storm.

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Around the Bend | 5 Best

5

Best

Places to See a Sunrise By: Jarred Schuetze Photo by: Jason Page

A sunrise marks the beginning of a new day—an awakening. It serves as a calming reminder that yesterday is history and the future is what we make of it. In the Coastal Bend, there are countless places to enjoy the sunrise. There’s really no bad location to see this daily occurrence. However, for some locals there are a handful of go-to spots to catch Mother Nature’s wake up call.

1

Padre Island National Seashore:

With more than 70 miles of undeveloped beaches, this national park is a top location for some rising sun inspiration. The vast Padre Island National Seashore allows you to travel far from any person in sight, thus providing the environment for an intimate and serene sunrise experience. Take an island breath and relax while the ocean mist breezes by and the sun slowly inches above the seascape.

nious soundscape that would make anyone feel at peace.

Traveling to San José Island, you’ll need to take the ferry from Port Aransas to the island, luckily the ferry runs 24-hours a day.

San José Island, TX

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4

2

210 Seabreeze Dr. | Rockport, TX

Shoreline Boulevard:

The downtown Marina Arts District of Corpus Christi definitely makes the list because of the countless locations you can gaze at the sunrise. Whether you take a brisk morning walk along Shoreline Blvd. or bring a cozy blanket to casually lounge on McGee Beach, the sun will welcome you with a bright haze across the bay.

Shoreline Blvd. | Corpus Christi, TX

3

San José Island:

The serene untouched island of San José is an awe-inspiring place to watch the sunrise. As the sun begins to peek over the horizon line, the calls of birds and crashing of waves muddle to create a harmo-

20 The Bend

Rockport Beach:

The quaint shore of Rockport Beach is another immensely popular spot for watching the sunrise. A perfect place to take the family for a relaxing morning stroll. Enjoy the soft bay breeze as you listen to the calming sound of tides washing in and gaze in awe of the beautiful rising sun gleaming from across the water.

5

Swantner Park:

We can all agree that views from Ocean Drive are always prime, but it’s not uncommon to see more than a few locals enjoying the rising sun from the seawall of Swantner Park. This proves to be a popular sunrise spot because of the convenient location and relaxed environment. Why not make it a weekly outing?

Wake up early, grab your morning coffee, and start your day on the perfect note.

5426 Ocean Dr. | Corpus Christi, TX

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Did You Know?

Sun gazing is a strict regimen of gradually allowing sunlight into your eyes at specific periods of the day where the lowest ultraviolet-index is occurring, sunrise and sunset. In essence, sun gazing provides beneficial stimulation to the body. The process itself negates the body’s instinctive need for food and retrains it to run on the energy of the sun. As such, the process helps increase energy, clarity of thinking, and overall health.

YOU C A N ’T REA L LY

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21

Around the Bend | Giving Back

Helping Hands How various organizations in the Coastal Bend banded together in the relief efforts after Harvey By: Carlos Cooper Photos: Rachel Benavides

O

n Thursday, August 24, 2017, what started as a tropical wave making its way to the Gulf Coast by the name of Harvey achieved Tropical Storm status.

Throughout the weekend and into the coming week, the storm would escalate to a Category 4 Hurricane, the strongest storm to hit Texas since 1961. It devastated entire cities, destroyed homes and business, flooded entire neighborhoods, and left people without power, food, clean water, and shelter for days, and in many cases, weeks.

The Coastal Bend is a thriving, diverse, and ever growing community. It’s made up of people from all walks of life, ethnicities, religions, etc. These differences do not promote division in the community, but show that everyone has a unique perspective to offer and benefits the whole in their own unique way. In the wake of the storm, the Coastal Bend showed it’s true, vibrant colors more than ever before.

Jenny Espino, a local activist, organizer, and entrepreneur, is a shining example of the spirit of the community that makes the Coastal Bend special. As an integral member of a local activist organization, the Corpus Christi Solidarity Network (CCSol),

22 The Bend

Espino and her fellow organizers rallied together to support those affected by the storm and help them rebuild their lives and homes. For Espino, there is no question if the community needs to support each other in a time of need. The question is how much can be done and how she and her fellow organizers can make it happen.

“For me as a person and for CCSOL as an organization, I think it was a matter of recognizing how easily it could have been us,” says Espino. “We never describe the work we do as charity, only as an integral part of being a community based organization that seeks to bring people closer together and be one of the first lines of defense for working people.”

Many other organizations and individuals helped to raise money and supplies. Church Unlimited served as a drop off location and held a supply drive and led numerous clean-up efforts in the impacted areas. Even now, weeks after the storm, they are continuing in the relief efforts. While they became one of the biggest drop off locations for donations immediately after the storm, they continued to send teams out to help clean up debris and in the rebuilding process. “Here at Church Unlimited, we really are just grateful to partner with our neighbors

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and get out there to help,” a volunteer from Church Unlimited said. “It doesn’t matter what your background is, everyone is just jumping up to meet others needs and that’s what is important.”

Espino also commented on the diversity of the groups that worked with CCSol in providing relief for victims. “It's not a coincidence that our efforts included the Islamic Society of South Texas, the Brown Berets, Tacos Not Bombs, and other diverse organizations and people who share the outlook that we need to be there for our community when the state inevitably fails.”

She describes their efforts as not just collecting supplies with the intent to donate to larger organizations, but rather with the intent to distribute these supplies themselves, directly to those in need.

By meeting those affected, CCSol was able to find out exactly what their needs are and how they and other organizations can help directly. CCSol was also involved in forming and sending out clean-up crews to help clean homes and neighborhoods of debris.

B&J’s pizza also collected supplies to go to hurricane victims. They partnered with Triumph Over Kid Cancer and three different high schools in town to set up a donation collection. Many of those involved in these drives spoke on why they felt their efforts in providing relief were so important.

“We’re all a big family [and] if we were the one’s hit hard, everyone else would have helped us as well,” said a high school student helping out at B&J’s Pizza, and he is right. The Coastal Bend is indeed one big family, and when our neighbors needed it the most, we banded together, and were there.

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24 The Bend

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Destinations OCTOBER 2017

QUICK TRIP 26 LOCAL DISCOVERY 28

What’s Inside Searching for an authentic Texas getaway? Look no further than the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera, Texas. Filled with dude ranches, delicious food, and plenty of places to explore, it makes for the perfect trip!

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25

building, where you will find the only jetcooled dance floor and patio in Texas, and a bandstand featuring top Texas talent every week. People come from miles away to enjoy good brews, top-tier live Country music, and above all, the good times that only the Biggest Little Bar in Texas can provide. The bar often has open-mic jam sessions, so bring your guitar and join in the fun!

Destinations | Quick Trip

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Where to Relax:

Buck Up in Bandera Cowboy Capital of the World By: Jarred Schuetze Photos: Courtesy of The City of Bandera Bandera has played an extremely important role in keeping the unique American traditions of the Texas cowboy alive. The vibrant landscape and architecture shows why it is a one of a kind city. In the 1930s, when ranching fell to an all-time low, a lone rancher decided to take in “dudes” to help him through the depression. Since then, Bandera has become a well-known homestead of innumerable Dude Ranches which attract visitors from all over the world. Just slip on your boots and take a step back in time and learn about the rich heritage of Bandera, Texas.

Where to Stay: Dixie Dude Ranch – For over 75 years, a vacation at Dixie Dude Ranch in the Texas Hill Country has been a tradition for visitors from all over the world. This Texas dude ranch is an old-time working stock ranch founded by William Wallace Whitley in 1901, and is in their fifth generation of showing guests true Texas hospitality. Situated on 725 acres, the Dixie Dude Ranch offers vast landscape views, exciting horseback rides, home-style meals, warm bonfires, and breath-taking sunsets.

dixieduderanch.com

Where to Eat: TJ’s at The Old Forge – TJ’s at The Old Forge is an American full-service restaurant and bar located on the main street of Bandera, Texas. The restaurant is a two story, 5,400 square feet venue with a modern western atmosphere. They feature a full bar on each floor and covered outside seating (2 patios downstairs / 1 upstairs). Their delicious menu is an arsenal of steaks, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and other mouth-watering entrees, appetizers, and desserts. TJ’s also has a full salad bar with a myriad of fresh veggies, fruits, fixins, and house-made dressings.

tjsoldforge.com

Where to Drink: 11th Street Cowboy Bar The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is a world-famous destination for folks of all backgrounds—from cowboys to bikers to businessmen. The bar is an old, wood-framed

Fun Facts 26 The Bend

1. The Frontier Times Museum serves tribute to the legacies of the American cowboy and ranching practices and features a 40,000-piece collection of old west, pioneer, & prehistoric artifacts.

Medina River – Winding through the Texas Hill Country is the cool waters of the Medina River. Mere minutes away from virtually any hotel, ranch, or cabin you’re staying at, the Medina River is the perfect place to unwind and relax amidst vibrant natural landscapes. Pack a lunch, grab the fishing poles, and put on your bathing suit; fun adventures are waiting for you! Be advised that some areas and parks along the Medina River require entry or parking fees.

Where to Shop: Western Trail Antiques – During your trip, do yourself a favor and head down to the Western Trail Antiques shop situated on Main Street. Walking in, you’re greeted by friendly faces and the scent of lasting history. Stroll the two-leveled building at your leisure while browsing through countless vendor shops searching for that special hidden treasure!

Whether you’re 10 or 110, you’ll find yourself captivated by the seemingly endless wonders tucked in Western Trail Antiques.

200 Main Street, Bandera, TX

Where to Explore: Swiss Alps of Texas – Take a casual drive through the self-proclaimed “Swiss Alps of Texas,” an 85-mile loop which winds through majestic vistas ranging in elevation from 1,400 to 2,150 feet above sea level and takes you across the Medina and the Sabinal Rivers countless times. First head North from Bandera on Hwy 16 to Medina then go West on Hwy 337 towards Vanderpool to Hwy 187.

Drive South on Hwy 187, East on Hwy 470 and return to Bandera via Tarpley to enjoy the rest of your day exploring the Texas Hill Country.

2. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie taped a portion of their television show, The Simple Life 2, working in the Bandera County Jail.

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27

Destinations | Local Discovery

Downtown Chic

The V Boutique Hotel offers a comfortable, yet modern, and high-end design that guarantees nothing short of a luxurious stay.

By: Jacqueline Gonzales Photos: Rachel Benavides

D

riving down N. Water Street, visitors are welcomed by a vast array of restaurants and skyscraper buildings, pleasing to the eye. Closer to the heart of downtown, lies a hidden gem, a small contemporary hotel called The V Boutique Hotel. The bright green V, emblazoned on the side of the building, greets tourists and residents alike, drawing their attention to the historical establishment with captivating stories of its existence.

The building, erected in the early 1920s, housed a variety of businesses throughout the years, including a popular nightclub in the 1940s. The walls are bursting with stories of secret passageways and hidden panels, which eventually led police to an illegal gambling ring.

Soon after their capture, the club was sold to The Town Club, and remained under their ownership for more than thirty years.

In 2001, Bac and Lien Nguyen, in an effort to continue growing downtown Corpus Christi, saw potential, and became the new owners of this gorgeous establishment.

Now, home to the exquisitely furnished V Boutique Hotel, this relic also doubles as a restaurant. The Vietnam Restaurant, located on the first floor, offers a

28 The Bend

DID YOU KNOW? double dose of aesthetic pleasure and culinary satisfaction. Both businesses have been instrumental in the increasingly growing downtown business population.

V Boutique Hotel offers 3 different room sizes: Loft, King, and Studio.

Guests are sure to feel like royalty in each room, complete with general hotel amenities, topped off with 400 thread count luxurious bedding and linens, down pillows, and comforters. L’Occitane bath products add the perfect finishing touch to their regal business presentation. Guests can expect top notch service and a high quality, luxurious experience during their stay.

Each room comes equipped with a 37� flat screen TV (the Loft room has two!)

V Boutique Hotel is conveniently located 15 minutes away from the airport, and less than 10 minutes from McGee Beach, The Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, American Bank Center, and other popular tourist attractions in Corpus Christi. With a great location, a delicious restaurant, and amenities to boot, The V Boutique Hotel is definitely the place to relax comfortably, while enjoying the beauty of downtown Corpus Christi!

Terry cloth robes are available in each bathroom.

Visit www.vhotelcc.com call 361- 883-9200 for booking details.

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Satellite cable and wireless internet access is available to each guest.

Rooms can be booked months in advance.

Pets are allowed at no additional cost (dogs and cats only).

Guests receive a special discounted rate for booking all 8 rooms.

“Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the storm season and are still trying to find their normal.” - The Hall Lighting Family

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29

After

BY: KYLIE KINNETT PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES AND JASON PAGE

here are a couple billboards along Highway 37, the closer you get to town, which tell those passing by to visit Rockport or Port Aransas. They are colorful and depict the cities as sunny, small beach towns that you won’t want to miss. Driving past these billboards on the way back to Corpus Christi after Hurricane Harvey, a category four hurricane whose eye hit our beloved community, was a sight to see. Looking at them brought a multiplex of feelings to the surface. Sadness, fear, and despair are the words that come to mind. The feeling of sadness came because a community that we hold so close to our hearts got hit the hardest. Fear arises due to the unknown—the unknown of driving through our cities that might look unrecognizable. From fear comes despair. Seeing our broken buildings and devastated homes brings despair to the forefront of our emotions. However, through all of that,

somewhere along the way, the feeling of hope surfaces and now is all that remains.

For some reason, it seems as though the worst of Mother Nature brings out the very best in humankind. If you drove around Rockport, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, or any of the other surrounding areas a couple days after Harvey did its damage, you would see two different things: the wreckage, of course, that it left behind, and also an overwhelming effort to help. On every street, at every corner, there were people.

Whether they were passing out hot meals, cutting down broken oak trees in order to create a path for residents to get to their front door, or sorting through massive piles of donations, they were there. Some were from neighboring cities, some were from other regions of Texas, and some were from places much further away.

A multi-leveled storage unit housing boats in Rockport totally demolished after Harvey.

"Nice try Harvey, we will be back!!" is written across the bottom of a boat—a testament to the willpower seen throughout these cities after the storm.

ROCKPORT “It is just what we do here in Texas,” Matt Metzger, who works for the headquarters of H-E-B in San Antonio, said. “I mean, when you see the reactions of the people here, it is so far beyond worth it. No one is worried about politics or the color of your skin right now. Everyone is just worried about helping out.”

That same response seemed to be common throughout when asking others how it felt to see so many people come together in order to help in the relief efforts. The majority of people, whether they were residents or volunteers, said the most hopeful thing they saw in all of this was people loving other

32 The Bend

Volunteers helping put meals together at the H-E-B in Rockport, Texas just days after the hurricane.

people; it didn’t matter who you were or what your background was. People dropped what they were doing in order to lend their time, money, and hands to help this community.

“At a time where it seems like people are so divided, when something like this happens, you get to see all kinds of people come together, and that isn’t a usual sight to see,” Clay Bridges, Disaster Response Unit Commander of H-E-B, said. Opinions don’t matter in the face of disaster. The only thing that matters is helping our community get back up on its feet.

There are tons of amazing stories that arose from the relief efforts. Larry Williams, owner of a food truck in Austin named Crazy Mary’s, has a home

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“It is just what we do here in Texas,” Matt Metzger, who works for the headquarters of H-E-B in San Antonio, said. “I mean, when you see the reactions of the people here, it is so far beyond worth it. No one is worried about politics or the color of your skin right now. Everyone is just worried about helping out.”

Austin food truck, Crazy Mary’s set up in a random parking lot in Rockport and people began to use it as an item drop-off location.

The marquee outside of a local restaurant turned into a thank you letter of sorts to all who lent a helping hand.

“TX STRONG” written across boards in a trailer hitch reminds us all that we will get through this together.

in Rockport that he came down to check on. He brought his food truck with 1,200 meals prepared and made it a mission to help those who needed it most.

“I’ve been coming here for five years now,” Larry said, “and this community has always been so kind to me. It was my turn to return the favor.”

Larry and his team set up in a parking lot in Rockport and began distributing meals. Soon, strangers began dropping off donations such as water, dog and cat food, and hygiene items. In no time there was a pile of items that were available for anyone who needed them. Larry quickly ran out of the 1,200 meals he brought with him; but he wasn’t done feeding people. “The food I am working off of now is purely donation based and somehow I still have food to cook for others,” he said.

PORT ARANSAS Larry Williams’ act of selfless kindness does not stand alone. People, near and far, flocked to the Coastal Bend once they saw the images of what Harvey’s wrath left behind. “Churches from places like Michigan and Oklahoma are coming down here to help us,” Savanah Stirling, a volunteer for The City of Port Aransas Parks and Rec, said. “I mean, here in Port A, we kind of all know each other, and seeing so many different kinds of people working together to help us, from all over the place, that is a really special thing—that is what brings hope to my heart.”

When sitting down with Savanah, she took a moment to express just how important this community is. With about a foot and a half of water inside and a hole in the roof, a lot of the Port Aransas Community Theatre’s equipment got destroyed. “I cried the second I pulled up”, Savanah said in regards to the

As you can tell, this oil drilling ship is not quite where it belongs. Many boats were scattered throughout the town and ended up even miles away from their proper dwelling place.

A shopping center sign in a parking lot in Aransas Pass twisted into a pile of metal.

The main hub of donation drop-offs and services in Bayside at the City Hall and Community Center. There was a mountain of items anyone could come and pick up—an example of the overwhelming amount of help we have seen.

The remnants of a residential home resembles most of the structures in the Coastal Bend after Harvey

moment she saw the theatre for the first time after Harvey. “I have been doing shows here for ten years, and just last week I was on that stage performing Lion King, and now all that stuff is gone or ruined.”

After describing what it felt like to drive around her dear Port A and see the homes and businesses of friends and family now completely gone, there was one things she said that stood out. “It might not look like it right now, but it still feels like home. This is our home and we aren’t going to pack up and leave. It is going to take a while, but we will rebuild and it will be the same little island town it was before—only better.”

Take Coffee Waves for example—their Port Aransas location faced severe damages. “The shop was kind of completely destroyed,” Taylor Leys, the Marketing Director of the Port Aransas and Flour Bluff locations, said. The shop’s front doors let in almost three feet of water and two feet of grass, seaweed, and junk.

Tearing the place down was the first thought on everyone’s mind once they saw what their home-away-from-home looked like after Harvey.

However, they decided not all hope was lost. After clearing the place out a bit, the Coffee Waves team decided they had a bigger purpose in all of this. Instead of continuing in their clean up and rebuilding process, they decided to show up every morning at 8 AM, and serve free coffee to any and everyone who needed it. It didn’t matter whether you lived in the area or if you came to help, Coffee Waves was there. It’s almost profound to see something as small as a cup of coffee lift someone’s spirits so high. “To see that first person walk up to us on that first day and cry because we were offering them coffee, that was big,” Taylor said.

34 The Bend

ARANSAS PASS When an entire community faces an event of such destruction, you would think people’s first reaction would be to throw in the towel. Yet, there isn’t a single person in any of these towns who felt that way. The option to forget about this place and start over somewhere new wasn’t on the table. This was their home—is their home. That sentiment of hope was seen in every direction. You could see it in the form of people clearing debris off the streets; in the form of a glimmer in the eye of local farmers who, even though they lost everything, decided to rebuild and remain here. That’s the thing about the Coastal Bend you see. It is a family and when one of us is down, we all rise up together, stronger than ever.

In Aransas Pass the scene could be described similarly. While, yes, there were telephone poles bent over at 30 degree angles and trees inside people’s dining rooms, there were also smiles and optimistic mindsets. Mitch Breon brought his food truck, Rock on Wheels, from San Antonio down. He set up a GoFundMe and immediately his followers began donating money to help the food truck obtain enough supplies to head down south and help. He parked in the first parking lot he found and began passing out meals. The response he and his team received was overwhelming. “These people have been through hell, and yet I have never seen so many smiles in my life. It is a beautiful thing to see,” Mitch said.

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FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

BAYSIDE In the midst of all the chaos Harvey brought with him, smaller communities, such as Bayside, got swept under the rug for a couple of days. “We didn’t have a single donation item here and that was already three days after the hurricane,” Karen Lark, the Bayside City Secretary and Municipal Court Clerk, said. “This lady started talking about us on the radio, and then, all of a sudden, the donations began pouring in.”

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A truck from the Portland PD pulled up to the Bayside City Hall and Community Center filled with cases of water and tears began to flow from Karen’s eyes. “The outpour of help and love, it has just been so overwhelming,” Karen said. Bayside, like the rest of the Coastal Bend, got hit hard. Almost every single structure in their little town experienced some type of damage. Numerous families were still living in their homes days after the storm. They had no electricity, sewage, or water, but they also had nowhere else to go.

Showers, restrooms, medical assistance, and tents with air condition and cots were set up at City Hall for any resident to use. It will be a while until the state of the city of Bayside returns to its former glory, however its residents know it will always be their home.

Powerlines in Bayside bent over to 45° angle across the road. This is what most power lines in the Coastal Bend looked like in the aftermath.

A residential home in Bayside that experienced major damage.

With the help of volunteers, we hope each resident is able to return to their homes in the near future.

These communities will need these same kinds of helping hands for months, if not years, to come. Yet, there is no doubt help will be here, ready and waiting. It seemed as though no matter the circumstance any of the Coastal Bend residents found themselves coming home to, the reaction was the same.

There was the initial feelings of shock and grief, of course. However, if there is one feeling still in the air a month after Harvey tore through the Coastal Bend, it is hope. Hope for what the place we call home will look like in the months to come. Hope for humanity and the thought that not all humility and kindness is lost. Most of all, hope for a community of people, who will rise above the devastation, against all odds, and be stronger than ever.

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GOOD PEOPLE &

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CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE

A

LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS (LSS)

s we age, the spine changes, often leading to degeneration of the bones, disc, muscles and ligaments. These together make up the spinal column. These changes may lead to a condition known as lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Stenosis comes from the Greek word meaning “choking� which results from a combination of arthritis or enlarging of the lumbar facet joints, bulging or herniating discs and/or thickening of the ligaments that cause narrowing around the spinal column which chokes the nerves and leads to leg pain and/or low back pain (LBP).

The choking can vary from mild to severe.

Spondylolisthesis which is slippage of one vertebral body over another can lead to LBP and/or leg pain as well. Symptoms include Leg pain (Sciatica) or leg pain with walking (Pseudo claudication), numbness, burning or tingling in the legs or weakness in the legs with or without LBP

Approximately 400,000 people suffer from leg pain and/or LBP from Lumbar spinal stenosis.

Patient with LSS are typically comfortable sitting or lying down but develop LBP and leg pain with standing or walking.

Diagnosis is made by a combination of symptoms, physical exam findings and MRI or CT imaging.

Treatment Consists of (Conservative) Medications, Physical Therapy, and Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections and (Non-conservative) Surgery options.

Physical Therapy: Structured out-

patient PT, exercise bike, walking in flexion with a cane or walker using a shopping cart forward flexion.

Medications: Such as Advil or Aleve for inflammation or in cases where the pain is severe a short course of pain medications is sometimes necessary.

Injections: Lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI) are outpatient X-ray guided injections done with light IV sedation with minimal to no pain in order to place steroids directly around the affected nerve roots in the stenotic canal to decrease inflammation and offer pain relief.

Surgery: Lumbar laminectomy is the most common surgery for LSS and carries a high success rate. The posterior part of the bony spinal canal is removed in order to make more room around the stenotic spinal canal and free up the pinched nerves. Surgery is not the first line treatment even in cases of severe spinal stenosis if the patient shows no symptoms.

Treatment options are tailored to each individual based on their symptoms and their needs as we treat patients and not MRI findings,

meaning some patients with severe stenosis have no pain and some patients with mild stenosis have severe pain.

Gabriel Lopez, MD CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE 3825 S. PADRE ISLAND DR. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 361.225.0089 ccpainmed.com

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3825 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, Tx 78415 (Located between Kostoryz & Weber) 361.225.0089 | www.ccpainmed.com

Gabriel Lopez, M.D. Board Certified in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

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37

DR. VIJAY BINDINGNAVELE TALKS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

O

ctober is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer affects 1 in 9 women. With the advances in medical science, many breast cancers, when caught early, have successful outcomes. Accordingly, we should be aware of methods of early detection and treatment. Early detection maximizes the chances of survival. After diagnosis, treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy and occasionally radiation therapy. Your treatment team typically includes a Breast Surgeon, Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Radiologist, and a Plastic Surgeon. Your Plastic Surgeon is uniquely qualified to help you regain your confidence by minimizing the effects of the cancer treatment on the appearance of your breasts with breast reconstruction.

as “Free Tissue Transfers.” There can also a combination of implant-based and tissuebased reconstruction. After meeting with your plastic surgeon, you can decide which type of reconstruction is best for you. The procedure can also include a breast lift, reduction, or an augmentation for the uninvolved side to optimize symmetry if required. Every woman’s situation is different.

Breast reconstruction is an important part for women both esthetically and psychologically. Implant-based reconstruction involves using expanders to stretch the tissue before placement of a breast implant. Reconstruction can also be done using tissue from your own skin, usually the abdomen, typically known

It is very important to make sure your surgeon is proficient, has completed their residency, and is board certified. Once a plastic surgeon has completed their residency, they can become a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This membership affirms that they’ve passed their board exams and follow

38 The Bend

While the whole process of diagnosis and treatment can be traumatic, the goal is to first beat the cancer and then restore and recreate as normal appearing a breast as possible.

Results are usually good and with advancing techniques there is an ever-increasing hope of returning to normal.

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the high ethical and professional standards set by the organization. There are many who have not finished their training or are not adequately trained. So they are not board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is also important to make sure that you have a good rapport with your plastic surgeon and his/her office staff.

Vijay K. Bindingnavele, MD, FACS CORPUS CHRISTI INSTITUTE OF COSMETIC & PLASTIC SURGERY 5826 ESPLANADE DR. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 361.888.7417 corpusplasticsurgery.com

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39

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR

VARICOSE VEIN RELATED PROBLEMS

D

r. Javier Alonso has treated vein problems for more than 20 years. He completed his board certification in general surgery at the University of Missouri, and his cardiothoracic board certification at the University of California –San Diego. He is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and he is also a registered Phlebology Sonographer.

He has dedicated his life to improving blood flow to arteries and veins throughout the body. As a pioneer in treatment of venous insufficiency, Dr. Alonso uses minimally invasive techniques to treat varicose veins. He is passionate about helping patients feel better and overcome their symptoms. Getting rid of painful and unsightly varicose veins not only helps patients feel better, it ultimately improves their quality of life.

He is the founder of Texas Vein & Vascular and TVV MediSpa. Dr. Alonso and the staff at Texas Vein & Vascular are here to provide expert treatment and care for vein disease at any stage.

ASK THE EXPERT: Question: How important is exercise for our leg-vein related problems?

Answer: Modern lifestyles, which are

often sedentary, frequently compromise our ability to keep good muscle tone in the lower extremities. We all need regular exercise for maintaining good muscle tone in our legs.

The calf muscle pump utilizes the tone and contraction of the leg muscles to squeeze the veins and, by doing so, moves the blood up through the leg towards the heart. Although the muscles in the feet and thighs are important, research has demonstrated that the calf muscles are responsible for at least 85 percent of the total pumping action.

If the calf muscles do not pump properly, the blood will tend to accumulate down in the leg 40 The Bend

under increasing pressure, and augmenting the chances of developing varicose and spider veins.

What can we do to increase this risk? We need to perform regular exercise for well-toned muscles, especially in the calves, so we facilitate the flow of blood towards the heart. That’s why it is in our best interest to regularly take walks or any other physical activity. All different kinds of exercise are good to improve our vein health, and walking is definitely one of the best. No matter how busy you are, my recommendation is to make time into your schedule and pump your legs with a good walk! [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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thebendmag.com

41

DEBUNKING MYTHS ON THE EFFECTS OF

CHILDBIRTH & AGING ON WOMEN’S HEALTH vaginal laxity after childbirth, declining libido, trouble reaching orgasm, and pain during intercourse.

Today there is a comfortable, in-office treatment that can turn back the clock on the aging vagina. ThermiVa is a non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment performed by a female nurse and supervised

by Dr. Eubank. Women report that this non-hormonal treatment is giving them tighter vaginas, increased sensation, perked up labia, being wet when they want to be and dry when they don’t. Read real patient reviews at www.realself.com/thermiva

Myth 3: Vitality decreases as women reach menopause.

D

r. Dale Eubank, a Board Certified Gynecologist with over 30 years of experience, debunks some myths surrounding female health throughout the lifespan.

There are many unspoken assumptions women have regarding the effects of childbirth and aging on their physical and emotional health. Some of these assumptions include the inevitability of weight gain, decreased sexual health and desire, bladder issues, decreased vitality, mental focus, emotional wellbeing and energy levels. Many women approaching menopause tend to rule out any chance of enjoying the life they once knew; however, this is a myth. Women do not have to accept these things as they age according to Dr. Eubank who practiced as an OBGYN for years before fully committing to help women throughout their lifespan maintain their self-image, confidence, sexual, physical and emotional health.

According to Dr. Eubank, it starts with women feeling comfortable to have the conversation with their health care providers about any of these issues they may be experiencing. There are many safe and effective non-surgical options available today. “We help women feel comfortable about discussing issues they previously thought were an inevitable part of aging and realize there are new, innovative, non-surgical options for feeling good and increasing vitality at every stage of life,” said Dr. Eubank.

42 The Bend

Dr. Eubank shares three myths surrounding aging for women.

Myth 1: Weight gain is inevitable after 40.

Weight gain does not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Maintaining optimal weight may become more challenging as we age due to changes in hormone levels and decreases in muscle mass but by implementing some lifestyle changes and creating new habits, people at any stage of life can lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Over the past four years, Dr. Eubank’s team of Registered Nurse/Weight Loss counselors have helped almost 800 men and women safely lose over 20,000 pounds. The medically supervised, industry-leading Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program produces sustainable weight loss by focusing on supporting patients via a very structured program as they create new habits and long term lifestyle changes involving real food – Not prepacked meals or shakes.

Myth 2: Decreased Sexual enjoyment and bladder issues are inevitable after childbirth and as women approach menopause: Many women suffer in silence after their child bearing years with bladder issues (stress incontinence), vaginal atrophy/dryness, decreased sensation due to [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Declining hormone levels can cause negative effects on a woman’s physical, emotional, cognitive and sexual health which in turn can affect every aspect of a woman’s life and intimate relationships. Bio-Identical Pellet Hormonal Replacement Therapy (estrogen and testosterone) can help restore overall health, vitality and well-being by replicating a more natural release of hormones into the blood stream versus the peak and valley effects of pills or topical synthetic hormones. Dr. Eubank said, “I am thrilled to hear my patients report feeling like their “old” selves again …or I should say their “young” selves again. It’s great to have a patient tell me “I got my “Mojo” back.

It’s time for Women to realize that they don’t have to accept declining physical, emotional and sexual health as an inevitable part of aging! If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Eubank hopes that you don’t continue to suffer in silence.

It’s time to start the conversation and seek new and available treatments so you too can say, “I got my “Mojo” back!”

C. Dale Eubank, MD ADVANCED WELLNESS & REJUVENATION 5920 SARATOGA BLVD. STE. 110B CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 361.906.1112 advancedwellnessandrejuvenation.com

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43

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Health OCTOBER 2017

FITNESS 46 BE WELL 48 NUTRITION 52

What’s Inside If going to the gym just isn’t your thing, but you’re still looking for a good workout, we have just the thing for you! Popup workouts are the newest trend and the perfect way to avoid the gym!

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

thebendmag.com

45

Health | Fitness

Pop-up Workouts Locals get creative with their workouts By: Marina Riker Photos: Rachel Benavides

I

f you dread going to the gym, you’re not alone. From waiting for machines to dealing with long-term contracts, there are lots of reasons why working out can be intimidating; but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other fitness options for you.

get in shape without having to pay expensive membership fees. Years later, he knows he made the right decision. “It’s a real fun group,” said McBee, who organizes many of the events. “You actually have a lot of members that don’t just volunteer; you’ve got walkers, slow runners, fast runners—everybody’s welcome.”

The Coastal Bend area offers ample opportunities to get you out of a traditional gym and into a more familiar environment. From paddle boarding classes to running clubs, there are plenty of inexpensive —and sometimes free — fitness options throughout the community that don’t come with the pressure that comes with signing a gym contract.

For just $20 a year, you can become a member and join dozens of runs throughout the Coastal Bend area. The group also hosts events ranging from family barbecues to meetups at local pubs, McBee said. But if running isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Jennifer Trimmier, a personal trainer in San Antonio, is planning to kick off bootcamp-style classes at dozens of locations through the Corpus Christi area starting in January.

“I was heavy; I started off by running around the block,” said Doug McBee, who is actively involved in a local running club. “And two years later, I was running my first marathon.”

Nearly 28 years ago, McBee got involved with the Corpus Christi Road Runners—a club open to walkers, joggers, and competitive runners alike since the 1970s. McBee, like many others who have joined the group, wanted to

46 The Bend

“We partner with local churches, school parks, and businesses to use their green spaces when they’re not in use,” said Trimmier. “This allows us to bring fitness into the community where people are living.”

The program, called Camp Gladiator, offers 60-minute workouts overseen by personal train-

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

ers who can ensure each participant is exercising correctly, she said. The four-week program is designed to push students a little more and more each day, but each exercise can be modified to accommodate a student’s fitness level, she said.

“We hope that takes a little bit of the intimidation out of it,” she said. “We truly are all fitness levels—we have people that haven’t worked out in 20 years to college athletes.”

Stacie Richline, on the other hand, was determined to find to incorporate her two favorite things—the ocean and fitness. “One of the things I really loved was that the city was on the water,” said Richline, who moved to Corpus about three years ago. “And I wanted something to do that could make being in the water accessible for everyone.” Richline’s Water Dog Floating Yoga (featured in our September issue) was here answer to this. ‘We were able to bring something really unique by having paddle board fitness on the water,” said Richline.

So, whatever your reason for dreading a gym might be, there are plenty of ways around working out in one. Pop-up workout classes are the perfect way to get your cardio in without having to ever step foot in a gym.

Visit www.corpusroadrunners. com for more information

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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47

Health | Be Well

BREAST CANCER

Statistics curtesy of the American Cancer Society:

Prescription for Time

The latest statistics estimate there will be 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer, along with an additional 60,290 cases of in situ breast cancer, all in American women over one year.

The best weapon in the fight against breast cancer may surprise you.

I

The American Cancer Society frequently measure surviving cancer in 5-year increments.

Using this measurement, the 5-year survival rate for women breast cancer that is stage 0 or 1 is nearly 100%.

By: Alexis Mays Photos: Steven Alford

t’s a sobering statistic that can happen to anyone: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That adds up to more than 310,000 cases of breast cancer that will be found in 2017 alone, according to the American Cancer Society. However, these days, physicians say the outlook for someone diagnosed with cancer is very bright.

The American Cancer Society encourages everyone to maintain healthy weight, diet, and exercise to help prevent cancer. Learn more at cancer.org.

“New advances are being made at a rapid pace, and the chances of being cancer free are better than ever before,” says Dr. Swetha Panati, Oncology Physician at the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center.

Dr. Panati treats patients in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas, practicing both Hematology and Oncology. She also has a special interest in breast cancer and gynecological malignancies. While breast cancer remains a common cancer among women, its symptoms can be subtle and varied, Dr. Panati explains.

“Symptoms of breast cancer can include a mass or lump in the breast, underarm lumps, nipple discharge, discoloration, or changes, breast skin erythema, and even dimpling of breast skin,” she adds. What’s even more startling, is that some patients may have no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important for women to visit their gynecologist for their annual check-up and have any changes or areas of concern evaluated. Immediate action is the main message for women, because time is an important tool in the fight against breast cancer.

“We want to catch cancer at the earliest possible stage because we can target the disease before it spreads,” Dr. Panati says. “Catching cancer early is our best weapon in the fight.”

Treatment options for women who have been diagnosed with the earliest possible stage of breast cancer offer the most treatment possibilities,

48 The Bend

and maybe even fewer visits to doctor’s office.

Dr. Walter Watts is a Radiation Oncologist at the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center. He is dedicated to managing the various treatments a woman will undergo. He explains a few of the many advantages to treating stage 0 or 1 breast cancer: “Early breast cancer affords us options such as partial breast radiation, as well as decreased numbers of treatment overall. For example, treating an early stage of breast cancer may only require 16 treatments instead of 33.”

There also are many new technologies available for treatment. One of them is a motion management technique, which creates a 4D image of a tumor. Another is a prone breast setup that helps localize radiation therapy. The best part? Both are available for women right here in the Coastal Bend.

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

“Both of these techniques are only available in the Corpus Christi area at CHRISTUS Spohn.

They allow for decreased intensity of radiation to the surrounding tissues,” Dr. Watts adds.

“This allows for a much lower chance of side effects, with improved targeting of the tumor tissue. This translates to much better outcomes with minimal, if any, side effects.”

For many women, these new technologies and treatment options will not only mean improved outcomes and decreased treatment times, but also peace of mind knowing they are beating cancer. It’s a not-too-distant future that Dr. Panati and her team work toward each day. “My hope and goal for each patient is to be able to tell them that they are cancer-free,” States Dr. Panati.

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49

Health | Nutrition

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes By: Kayla Butts MS, RD, LD, Registered, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist Most articles about diabetes begin with shocking statistics. For example, 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, including 86,000 individuals here in the Coastal Bend. Billions of dollars are spent every year on treatment for diabetes and its complications. But here’s the real cost: diabetes is an ugly, painful, and even deadly disease. Diabetes causes untold misery, heartache, and death in our own community, our own neighborhoods, and our own families.

But there is good news about diabetes that you need to know: it can be prevented.

Type 2 Diabetes

Fortunately, Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented with healthy eating practices and increased physical activity. The following lifestyle choices have been proven to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Opt for whole grains and complex carbohydrates, including brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole fruit, and starchy vegetables like squash and beans. These carbs have higher amounts of fiber and tend to release a more controlled amount of glucose that raises our blood sugar less because they take longer for our body to digest.

50 The Bend

Eat healthy fats

Consuming trans fat increases diabetes risk. Trans fats are common in fast food, margarine, fried foods, and packaged baked goods, or any food whose ingredients include partially hydrogenated oil. Fats from avocado, nuts, and olives are better for your heart and seem to protect against diabetes.

Lose weight

Weight loss is the most effective way to reduce the risk of diabetes. People who decrease their weight by 7-10% cut their risk of diabetes in half.

Move more

Type 2 Diabetes, previously known as adult-onset diabetes, happens when our bodies can no longer make enough insulin or use it efficiently. We need insulin to signal the cells in our body to absorb glucose from our blood.

When our cells become resistant to insulin, our blood sugar can get very high and stay high for much longer. Chronically high blood sugar can have significant and long-lasting effects on the small vessels in our bodies, including our circulation, eyesight, and kidneys.

Choose carbohydrates wisely

Skip sugary drinks like sodas, fruit juice or fruit drinks, sweet tea, or syrupy coffee drinks, which flood the blood stream with sugar and can also contribute to high triglycerides, lower “good� HDL cholesterol, and inflammation. Instead, hydrate with water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea.

Every two hours spent in front of the television equates to a 20% increase in diabetes risk. Reduce screen time and replace it with your favorite sport or exercise. Only thirty minutes of brisk walking every day can reduce the risk of diabetes by 30%.

Stop smoking and moderate your alcohol consumption

Smokers are 50% more likely to develop diabetes, while heavy smokers are at an even higher risk. Tobacco use increases blood sugar and promotes insulin resistance.

Excess alcohol consumption (more than one drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men) can add up in the way of calories and diabetes risk. Alcohol breaks down into glucose in the bloodstream. On top of that, many mixers and syrups used to make alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar.

The best news about Type 2 Diabetes is that it can be reversed, or better yet, prevented. Every small step forward can mean a big step towards a healthier life.

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Home & Garden OCTOBER 2017

OPEN HOUSE 56 GARDENING 58 SPACES 60

What’s Inside Modern meets chic in the form of the Baucum’s humble abode. From their vibrant mix of colors to their spacious backyard, their home is the perfect dwelling place.

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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53

Home & Garden | Home

Chateau on Southern Walking distance from Cole Park, on a quiet Southern Street in historic Corpus Christi, The Baucum house is one you can’t possibly miss—but just wait until you see the inside.

By: Alexa Alley Photos by: Jason Page

U

pon purchasing the house in 2012, as their first home together, Maddi and Joe Baucum have spent the last 5 years making it their own. “For us, character is important,” Maddi remarks when discussing the several renovation projects the house has undergone since their arrival. The spacious living areas and backyard make the house a perfect place to entertain guests and throw parties, just a couple things the Baucum’s enjoy most.

The original architecture of the house fails to disappoint with the entryway opening into an open, large living area with ample natural light and space.

When the couple first moved into the house, they even nicknamed the area “the ballroom” because of its square footage, the way the noise carries throughout the room, and the built-in bar area. The living area looks out

54 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

between past and present. The original framework of the house is nothing short of impressive, but Maddi and Joe have taken it up a notch to create a livable space that reflects their personal tastes and lifestyle of entertaining.

The aesthetic is classic with touches of their own style such as the local art adorned walls with pieces purchased from the Art Center’s annual benefit.

However, some of their most treasured pieces in the house are ones of purely sentimental nature. Such as one of the pews from the church they got married in and a live painting of them dancing at their wedding reception. “The painting is a really cool way to remember that day. I can look at it and pick out our loved ones faces, it was a really unique way to capture the memory,” they both agree.

upon the newly renovated patio area, pristine yard, and mother-in-law suite that have all been renovated to be more accommodating for guests.

The backyard area has been transformed into a large patio with a wood beamed ceiling and spacious sitting areas.

point of the house, the TV room has become Maddi’s project as a “whimsical, kid friendly” room.

Largely inspired by their daughter’s name, Haron, the room has pops of teal, bird pillows, modern and bright décor with a large fireplace and mantel with built in bookshelves.

“A large patio with room for people to gather was more functional for our lifestyle,” Maddi remarks about their decision to build a patio into what was formerly a swimming pool. The back house, complete with a modern kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom is tucked away in the yard as a quaint and comfortable suite for guests.

Their daughter’s immaculate soft pastel colored bedroom, adorned with hand painted wallpaper from China is another unique and beautiful expression of Maddi’s love for the mix of “old school and modern” elements.

While the large living area stands out as the focal

With a combination of hardwood and Saltillo tile and original and renovated architectural elements, the Baucum house perfectly embodies the tension

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Since the house is “perfect for entertaining” Maddi states, the couple has done just that. Though the whole house truly stands out as one of a kind, one of the most unique rooms is the home theater, also known as “The Baucum superdome.” A soundproof room with theater seats, a large screen TV, sound system, and chalkboard wall has hosted many A&M fans for football watch party Saturdays. This, along with their “Kentucky Derby Party” they have thrown for the last three years, are some of their most memorable times of entertaining guests in their home.

With a love for entertaining and a desire to make their home a reflection of themselves, the Baucum residence is a spacious, beautiful, and unique house that the Baucum’s can truly call home.

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55

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital – Prepared for Disaster

A

Staff members of Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital safely evacuated all patients from the hospital prior to Hurricane Harvey making landfall in Corpus Christi recently.

s Hurricane Harvey approached the Texas coast, staff at Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital was ready.

“Patient care and safety always come first— every day of our operations,” says Nicholas Nilest, Chief Executive Officer of Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital. “So we were monitoring Hurricane Harvey closely from the very beginning to ensure the safety of patients, family members, and staff.”

The hospital has emergency management plans in place to maintain a constant level of preparedness. The plans cover events that can occur outside or inside the hospital. This can include incidents like fires, flooding, power outages, chemical incidents, hurricanes, and more.

“We keep a close watch on anything that can greatly interrupt the care and safety of our patients,” Nilest explains. “As we monitored Hurricane Harvey, we knew that this could be one of those situations.”

As Hurricane Harvey continued to grow in magnitude, the hospital’s emergency preparedness team monitored the storm 24/7 and assessed potential ramifications.

“We were evaluating the storm to determine how it could potentially affect the care and safety of everyone at the hospital – patients, family members, visitors, and staff,” Nilest says. “This included considering the likelihood of a power outage, flooding, structural damage, and loss of water supply.”

Nearly two days prior to the storm hitting the Texas coast, the emergency preparedness

team made the decision to evacuate patients and close the facility.

The evacuation process included staff members meeting with each patient and their family members to assess their medical needs and to explain the departure process. The few patients who were medically able were discharged. For the majority of patients who required continued medical care, the hospital arranged transportation to Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital and Laredo Specialty Hospital in Laredo, Texas, which are affiliate hospitals of Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital.

“It’s pretty amazing how the staff came together to make this all happen,” Nilest says. “We made the decision at 12:30 p.m. that day to evacuate. We had all patients, visitors, and staff evacuated before 8 p.m. that evening. I couldn’t be prouder of our staff’s efforts to make sure our patients remained safe and continued to get the care they needed.”

Nilest says the transferred patients continued to receive medical care at the Laredo hospitals until they were transferred back to Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital five days later.

“You always prepare for these types of events with planning and drills, but hope that you never have to use them,” Nilest says. “I couldn’t be prouder of all those who rallied to ensure the patients’ continued safety and care.

From our staff, to our transport team, to our affiliate hospitals in Laredo and their teams, to the community…everyone came together to ensure that a bad situation wasn’t made even worse. I offer my heartfelt thanks.”

“It’s pretty amazing how the staff came together to make this all happen,” Nilest says.

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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57

Home & Garden | Gardening

The Most Interesting Plant in Your Garden How to incorporate kale into your own garden By: Justin Butts Photos: Rachel Benavides

I

In the frozen reaches of the North Atlantic, along the desolate beaches of the British Coast, wild sea kale grows in isolated clusters among the limestone

cliffs.

The Romans, who invaded Britannia in the First Century BC, pickled sea kale and stored it in barrels to carry on their long journeys. Sea kale is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron. To prevent scurvy, Vikings would run their ships up the rocky beaches and harvest great handfuls to boil in their stew.

In ancient times, along routes lost to history, wild sea kale migrated south to the warm shores of the Mediterranean. The farmers of Europe spent 1,000 years selectively breeding changes into the original plant.

The leaves were bred into cabbages, collards, and modern kale. The buds were enlarged into Brussels sprouts, the stem was swollen into kohlrabi, and the flowers were modified into broccoli and cauliflower. All of these garden vegetables, the brassicas, were derived from a single ancient source—the wild sea kale of the north.

These new vegetables were sent back to Britain during the Renaissance by merchants on trading ships. The English adopted these new crops and sent the seeds to the colonies in America.

Thomas Jefferson loved kale. He considered kale to be the finest of the winter vegetables, and he mailed seeds from his own plants to farmers across the country. Jefferson’s promotion helped kale become a popular vegetable in America.

October is the best time to plant kale in your own garden. Some excellent varieties include: Dwarf Siberian, Red Russian, Blue Curled Scotch, and Nero di Toscana, each variety named for the country that developed it.

Plant the tiny black kale seeds intensively in a wide bed. Thin the sweet and tender sprouts to a final spacing of fifteen inches. To confuse and repel pests, plant dill and coriander generously among your kale.

When the kale plants mature, in about sixty days, cut a few of the largest leaves at a time from each plant, but leave the plants in the ground. The leaves will quickly grow back to give you a continuous harvest of kale all the way into summer!

PROMOTION

Bart Braselton

Resilient and Strong

A

s native Corpus Christians, the devastation Hurricane Harvey wreaked on our area has been heartbreaking to the Braselton family. The Coastal Bend has been dealt a serious blow, and our hearts go out to those, in our neighboring communities, who were so catastrophically affected by this storm.

But the Coastal Bend is resilient, and strong – Coastal Bend Strong. Our communities are known for their “neighbor-helping-neighbor” attitude, and, over the last few weeks, we have seen that play out, in wonderful and dramatic ways.

The rush to help has been amazing; I know that our family and company, have been inspired, humbled, and proud of the response to get help to those in our area, that need it the most.

And, one day, when the recovery phase draws to a close, the rebuilding will begin. And, one of the building lessons learned from Harvey was the great effectiveness of the Texas Windstorm codes. That building code, which have been in place for many years, proved itself when put to the test in our communities, as it has in other Texas cities.

The Windstorm Code requires homes to be built to a higher level of construction, beyond that which is called for by the national Building Code. Each home is independently engineered to meet the code standards, and then is built, and inspected, to verify its adherence to the code.

We literally “tie-down” the home, using metal straps, from the top of the roof, down the rafters, to the joists and walls, and then bolt the walls to the slab.

The point of the code is to make the home, like our people, resilient and strong.

We build to” fortify” the home, and to increase its survivability in a storm; the goal of our construction is that you have a home to come back to, when the storm passes. with thousands or citizens now having to find temporary shelter, the importance of this survivability is clear.

As we continued our survey, we drove further into town, and saw the destruction of homes and businesses, many of which we know were built many years ago, long before the Windstorm code. As we proceeded on, we saw New Homes, with minimal damage, next to older homes, that were torn apart… the importance, and value, of the Windstorm Code was clear.

As the largest homebuilder south of San Antonio, we have done all we can to build each Braselton Home to the latest windstorm codes, and to take advantage of the most cutting-edge engineering practices, to protect our homebuyers from storm damage. We are building more homes, here along the Coast that any other builder , and we take our job, and responsibility seriously; our highest priority is to provide you a New Home, that has all the the safety and security the Code can offer, built into it.

And like our people, and our communities, each Braselton Home is built to be resilient and strong. It seems clear that it makes great sense for the future of your family, to make sure that your home (and perhaps your largest investment ever) is as strong and fortified, as possible. For more information on the code and our four star certified homes, please visit us at braseltonhomes.com

Soon after the storm, we drove to one of our nearby communities, that Harvey hit hard, to review the homes that we had built there. What we saw on the drive over, the downed power lines, the torn up buildings, gave us great concern. Did the homes survive the onslaught that we had build them to endure?

Dark days may be upon us now, but we have the opportunity to literally come back stronger and more resilient than ever before, by rebuilding and working together.

Upon entering the neighborhood, we were pleasantly surprised. These homes, subjected for many hours to the 130 + m.p.h. winds, and storm surge of Harvey, came through it all, relatively unscathed.

See you in the neighborhood, Bart Braselton Braseltonhomes.com

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent.

Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency.

And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine.

Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend GreenBuilt Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation.

Braselton and his wife, Michelle have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the Food Bank, and CASA of the Coastal Bend.

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Home & Garden | Spaces

A Farmhouse Fall Texture, height, and layering are sure to help you create the perfect fall space

pumpkins in bold patterns. These items take on a whole new bold fall outlook. Metal buckets hold blankets and any other item you may want to store, all while providing texture and height. A trio of side tables gathered together make for a great space to display pumpkins on metal stands. Add a little bit of fresh greenery for color and you have the perfect area for guests.

By: Jo Anne Howell Photos by: Rachel Benavides

T

Wooden trays go easy into the mix, piled high with handmade fabric

he second a quick nip in the air is felt, we become ready for fall.

Soft and comfy surroundings are required to create a cozy atmosphere in the fall season. The Farmhouse feel is strong and easy to

accomplish in just about any home. Just add family and friends and you have a

Farmhouse style can be simple. Just take a look around and you will probably find many decor essentials needed within arm’s reach. We all have a little Joanna Gaines in us, and even if you don’t, Thirteen & Market is here to help. They helped us pick out some items to create this

perfect fall space. This welcome spot is ready for just that and a cup of coffee.

perfect Fall space.

Liven up the entryway of your house with a few fall themed decorations! A

A pallet of white, black, tan, and a touch of green make for the perfect

wooden deacon’s bench is adorned with burlap pillows to start off the fall pallet. The bows on front of these pillows are to die for, and who isn’t a sucker for a cute bow? Toss in a lightweight throw, like these Turkish throws, and you’ve

fall farmhouse look. Wood, burlap, and metal all work together to create a space filled with character and texture. Take these tips and put your own twist on them in order to have the best looking décor this Fall.

set the base for your welcome spot.

60 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

THE PORT FOR LEISURE AND LUXURY

a legacy of style since 1955 Stroll from the seaside to lounge with the locals.

Enjoy a variety of upscale shops and boutiques.

Dine day or night at sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

Blocks from Ocean Drive | 3850 S Alameda | Corpus Christi, TX ALEX I S H U N T ER I N T ER I O R S | AN N TAYLO R LO FT

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend] 9/21/17 1:15 PM

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61

Serving South Texas Since 1947 Serving South South TexasDDS Since 1947 1947 Serving Texas Since William Tinnell,

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Alex Vial-Nadeau, D.M.D. William Tinnell, D.D.S. - Saratoga ccso-bend.pdf

1

9/21/17

12:52 AM

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra HECTOR GUZMAN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

2017-2018 Moving Music Forward

OCTOBER 14, 2017

Dia de los Mozart

C

M

Y

Mozart, Berlioz, Verdi, Bizet, and more!

CM

2017-2018 SEASON

DECEMBER 9, 2017

NOVEMBER 11, 2017

Star-Spangled Symphonic Suite

Home for the Holidays

Bernstein, Williams, Anderson, Gershwin, and more!

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An Enchanted Evening

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Piazolla, Ravel, Rimsky-Korsakov, and more!

PICK THREE & SAVE! Mini Season Subscriptions available starting at $120!

For tickets, call 361.883.NOTE (6683) or visit www.ccsymphony.org!

62 The Bend

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Thank you to our

SEASON SPONSOR

Co-season Sponsor: Seaman Financial

Out & About OCTOBER 2017

ARTS & CULTURE 64 CELEBRATION 66 DATE BOOK 68 SOCIAL HOUR 70

What’s Inside Local artist, Gerald Lopez, is inspired by the mystery behind the Luchador. As one of the featured artists at this year’s Dia de los Muertos Festival, his work attempts to bring a new life to old photos.

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63

Out & About | Arts & Culture

Resurrected Identity How local artist, Gerald Lopez, uses the mystery of the Luchador as inspiration for his work By: Alexa Alley Photos: Rachel Benavides

T

he Luchador, characterized by a secret identity behind a vibrant mask, is a person who participates in Lucha Libre or Mexican wrestling. However, for Gerald Lopez, the Luchador is an inspiration for his art in more ways than one.

Gerald Lopez, commonly referred to as “The Luchador Artist” took the aspect of mystery behind the Luchador and ran with it. He has now created many paintings and murals that you might recognize around town today. As someone who has always been attracted to art, Gerald originally studied architecture before switching his major to art.

“I have always felt a passion to create,” Gerald says when discussing his paintings and artwork in general. Now, he teaches Art History at Del Mar College and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and is a manager at K-Space. His passion for art and culture is contagious—as is his desire for art appreciation within the community.

“I liked that it was a secret identity” Gerald remarks when talking about his initial inspiration to start

64 The Bend

painting Luchadors. “The wrestler’s secret identity makes them almost a superhero figure. There is a certain mystery behind them that is intriguing to me, and it was something culturally I could relate to.”

Now, Gerald collects the colorful masks and uses them as inspiration for his paintings. However, his work goes deeper than just the appeal of the mask.

“I like to give the subjects in my paintings a new identity.” Often times Gerald will collect discarded portrait photos from garage sales or antique stores and give the person that was previously photographed a new identity.

By painting over these photos he attempts to make something that was once perhaps irrelevant, into something that would be wanted again. Gerald will work on old boards, photographs or anything that has been discarded and turn it into something new and appealing to onlookers. Much like how the Luchadors have a new identity from the mask, Gerald gives a new identity to the subjects in the photos. What was once a discarded portrait, is now an iconic character.

Gerald will be showcasing his unique, vibrant, and colorful paintings inspired by these superhero icons behind the mask during the Dia de los Muertos Festival. As for the festival itself, spectators will be able to view a real live wrestling match as well as work from artists all around South Texas who want to celebrate the spirit of Lucha Libre. Each artists will showcase 1-2 works of all different kinds. The showcase will open at the ArtWalk on October 6th and run all the way through November 17th.

So, if you are intrigued by the culture of Lucha Libre, passionate about local art, or just wanting to learn something about Mexican wrestling, then come out to K-Space on one or more of the designated nights and experience the phenomenon that is Lucha Libre!

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Court Koester

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*Discounts apply to materials only on select items; cushion, labor, and installation charges are additional. Prior orders exempt. All offers are for retail only; no contract/commercial. Prior orders exempt. See store for details on all offers and warranties. Offers expire 09/30/17. Participating stores only. Prices shown are for materials only; cushion, labor and installation charges are additional. Not all merchandise is available in all stores. Photos are representational only. Actual merchandise may not exactly match photos shown. Although we make every effort to ensure that our advertising is accurate, we cannot be held liable for typographical errors or misprints. **Financing provided by Synchrony Bank. See store for details. Subject to credit approval. With purchase of $5,000 or more. FAME-41273. 09/17.

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Allison Flooring America 4400 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 361.288.4224

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65

Out & About | Celebration

A Sweet Sixteen Summer Celebration Kensey turns 16 By: Jo Anne Howell

S

weet Sixteen calls for a sweet celebration.

When Kensey turned 16, a fun and casual backyard party with her main squeezes was all she wanted. Frozen pink lemonade was served to her friends in custom designed foam cups with Sonic straws. A Yeti was filled with cups ready to grab as they arrived, cooling down the heat from the sunny summer sunshine.

A fun party photo back drop complete with gold balloons that spelled out “yay” was hung, and friends, as they do, snapped pics all day!

A fun party activity included making fresh floral halos. The girls were guided though the DIY craft, and were then let loose on the floral, greenery, and floral wire. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy crowns were formed and worn through the party—to add an extra sweet twist.

Fresh Pink lemonade was served along with chicken strips, homemade mac-n-cheese, veggie sticks, and fruit kabobs. A teen’s snack dream and all that was needed to create the perfect day.

Hand painted lemon slice cookies (that also mimicked the invite) were handed out as parting gifts. It was a Sweet Sixteen Summer celebration to remember!

Event Planning and Styling: Jo Anne Howell, Oh Goodie Designs + Events Graphics & Invitations: Harper Gray Designs for Oh Goodie Designs Cookies: The Good Cookie Co. Frozen Pink Lemonade & Snacks: Soni Photography: Heidi Rae Photography

66 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

La Palmera Fundraiser benefiting the United Way of the Coastal Bend

HARVEY

HELP

Tradmark Property Co. and Miller Capital Advisory are matching your donation, dollar for dollar up to $150,000, to aid the United Way of the Coastal Bend - Disaster Relief Fund in immediate support for hurricane victims.

For complete details, visit lapalmera.com

text harveyhelp13 to 30306

5151 Everhart Rd. Corpus Christi, Tx

361.854.8468

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www.coastalbenddayofgiving.org

#1 WINDOW TINTING COMPANY FOR 30 YEARS

Give Online Nov. 14th & your donation will DOUBLE! Since November 2009, the Coastal Bend Day of Giving matching gift program has raised over $9.5 million to help participating nonprofits provide services to those most in need. This year, 22 matching funders have pledged $750,000 in matching grants allowing 45 nonprofit’s online gifts to double, up to $16,666 each.

Please join us by donating to your favorite participating nonprofit on November 14th.

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67

October Mark Your Calendar

editor's pick

COMMUNITY Rockin’ K Maze All October Long Rockin’ K Maze, South Texas’ very own 6-acre corn maze, is opening its doors again, and it’s sure to be a-maze-ing! The maze runs through the fall season, meaning it will be open all through October. Aside from trying to navigate the maze, visitors can also search through the pumpkin patch, grab a bite to eat at Kountry Kitchen, or do a little shopping at the Koop!

Plus, each weekend in October will feature special group discounts to celebrate local members and groups who serve our community! However you choose to enjoy the maze, it is certain to be a rockin’ good time!

FM 666 and CR 52, Robstown, 361-537-3308, rockinkmaze.com

FESTIVAL 10th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Street Fest October 28th

If you’re from South Texas, then you know one of the things that makes it so great is the rich cultural heritage we are blessed with. Corpus Christi is one of the most diverse cities in Texas, and with that designation comes a unique blend of traditions and beliefs. One of the ways we celebrate that heritage and diversity is the Dia De Los Muertos Street Fest, a colorful fiesta honoring the traditions of Mexico and South Texas! This exciting event features live music and dance, Art & Crafts vendors, Kids Corner activities, fine art exhibitions, community altar displays, and so much more. The Dia De Los Muertos Street Fest is an award winning festival, and one of the most beloved events in Corpus Christi. Grab your family and head downtown — it’s time to celebrate South Texas style!

415D Starr St, Corpus Christi, diadelosmuertoscc.com

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ARTS Dia De Los Mozart October 14th Treat yourself to an evening full of the beautiful works of Mozart at the lovely Texas A&M Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center! One of the most talented composers of all time, Mozart’s work lives on for generation after generation to enjoy, inspiring new artists and gracing the ears of all who listen. If you enjoy listening to the swirling melodies of a live symphony, and have a passion for classic music, then this concert is right up your alley.

TAMUCC Performing Arts Center, 361-883-6683, visitcorpuschristitx.org/events/2672/dia-de-losmozart

COMMUNITY Picnickin’ & Politickin’ October 18th The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce presents the second Picnickin’ & Politickin’ event! Mix and mingle with your elected officials from the State level all the way down to our local city council members. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cold beer, live music, and giveaways.

This is a great way to get involved with the community and find out more about the people in office. Tickets are available online and are $35 for Commerce Members and $45 for non-members.

402 Harbor Dr, Corpus Christi, unitedcorpuschristichamber.com

FESTIVAL Texas Jazz festival

October 20th-22nd There’s something special about spending an evening under the South Texas sky, especially next to the glistening blue waters of Corpus Christi bay. The only thing that can make that scenario even better is by infusing some soulful, melodic jazz music! Enter the Texas Jazz Festival, a three day festival featuring some of the most talented Jazz musicians of this day and age. Head down to Heritage Park, enjoy some of the delicious food offered at the festival, and jam out to some good old Jazz, one of America’s classic art forms.

Heritage Park, Corpus Christi, 361-688-1296, texasjazz-fest.org

FESTIVAL

FAMILY

Texas Fright Night Festival October 13-14th

Family Science Explorations – All About Crabs October 14th

We all know and love Fright Night’s annual haunted house in Downtown Corpus Christi.

However, this year Meta Entertainment are adding to the fun (or fright, I guess you would say)!

They will be hosting a film marathon and fashion show at The Exchange from noon to 10 pm on Friday the 13th. The fashion show will showcase numerous local brands. The fun will extend into the next day with their Street Festival featuring local vendors, a costume contest, food and drinks, a haunted house, and so much more. If you are looking for a spooky way to spend your Friday the 13th, this is definitely it!

The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center provides a unique experience for both parents and kids to learn together! This 2-hour program provides science exploration for the whole family. This particular program will focus on crabs on the Texas Coast. The program has a $5 per person fee and is open to families with children ages 5 and up. Each class can permit 25 participants so don’t wait to sign up!

2446 North Oso Pkwy, Corpus Christi, register. ccparkandrec.com

615 N. Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, (361) 904-4173

COMMUNITY Ride-In Theater (Halloween Edition!)

October 13th What better way to spend a lovely October evening than on the lawn of the Corpus Christi Water Gardens? Pull up a lawn chair, bring out a blanket, and enjoy a free screening of the 1980’s classic Little Shop of Horrors, the perfect movie to welcome the Halloween season with. Although the movie begins at 9 p.m., arrive early to enjoy food from local vendors and drinks from the full bar. You an also add some art and culture to your night by taking advantage of the Art Museum of South Texas Dollar Night admission for all Ride-In Theater guests before the movie begins! Just make sure you’re back at the Water Gardens in time for the movie!

COMMUNITY Annual Honey Tasting November 2nd The Coastal Bend Beekeepers Association has an annual honey tasting event every year in November. Their members bring local honey from their hives to share with others. The event is free to the public and fun for all ages! Come out and taste various forms of honey and learn all about the process of making them. The event will go from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and is sure to be sticky and sweet!

5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi Water Gardens, 361-825-3500, whatsupcc.org/by-location/event/3040-dollar-after-darkbefore-corpus-christi-s-ride-in-theater

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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69

Out & About | Social Hour

Ronald McDonald House of Corpus Christi - Casa de Amor Gala Photos by: Rachel Benavides

1. Tim McCoy, Bobbi Atkins, Grete McCoy, & Darrell AtkinsÂ

1.

2. Greg Ybarra & Lia Lange 3. Martha Rosen & Curtis Clark

4. Kim Wilmoth, Janice Robert, Kathryn Lutz, Kim Merritt, & Paula Ryan

5. Tracey Cazalas, Janice Robert, Amy Griffin, Kim Wilmoth, & Daniel Nash

6. Grayson Salas, Michaela Salas, Lia Lange & Patrick Kotzur

2.

3.

4.

5.

70 The Bend

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6.

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71

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72 The Bend

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Cuisine OCTOBER 2017

FARM TO TABLE 74 DINING GUIDE 76 THE DISH 77 THE DRINK 78

What’s Inside Our Farm to Table article is written by the same farmers, Justin and Kayla Butts, each month. They are a part of The Bend’s family and with Harvey taking their farm away, we wanted to hear their take on the morning after the storm.

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73

Cuisine | Farm to Table

The Morning After the Storm Harvey did not destroy the greatness of our town—it merely revealed it.

By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Benavides

A group of Homeland Security Agents showed up to the Butts’ farm days after the hurricane, without being called, and helped saw down oak trees that had fallen all over the farm.

74 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

W

e drove back to our farm the morning after the hurricane in the misting rain. There were trees down everywhere. Huge limbs, entire sections of roofs and houses, trash, and debris covered the roads. Telephone poles were down or snapped in half and power lines ran everywhere on the streets and in the lawns.

On our farm, the big trees were all blown down, some of the biggest trees in the county, each fallen in the direction of the wind on the back side of the eye.

Every leaf had been blown away, along with most of the limbs. It was a nightmare scene, a forest from hell, with huge trees interlocking their branches on the ground and the detritus of our life blowing in the wind.

Our barn was scattered in torn sections of sheet metal across the fields. Every plant we had in the ground was blown away with some plants leaving a few short stems sticking up from the sand, but mostly, there was nothing left at all. By some miracle, the animals we could not evacuate mostly survived.

Before the storm, I knew every inch of this property, every path, lane, rut, and low-hanging limb. I could walk this farm in the dark, as I had thousands of times before, to do my work. Now, I don’t even recognize the place.

I built this farm with my own hands over 17 years hacking it out of the wilderness, a true pioneer farm.

For the last six years, Kayla and I have worked it together, endless hours of labor, sweat, blood, and sacrifice.

We never asked anyone for anything, we did it ourselves—an old-fashioned, rugged independence. We put everything we had into this farm; our home, our business, our lives. Much of this work, many years’ worth of work, was wiped off the map in a single night by Harvey. We are totally and completely humbled.

The morning after the storm, we knew we could never rebuild the farm by ourselves—and we haven’t. In the extraordinary week that followed the hurricane, we were overwhelmed with love, help, support, manpower, sweat, chainsaws, generators, tools, water, food, tears, hugs, laughter, money, digging, hammering, grappling, dragging, and stacking.

At first, it was a few of our friends with chainsaws.

Then, teams of people, churches, charitable organizations, a group of special agents from Homeland Security, even the entire baseball team from Texas A&M--Kingsville, came with tools, equipment, and a willingness to do whatever they could to help. We have had many more than a hundred people at our farm and more are still coming, too many to thank here, but we will never forget them.

These folks included family, friends, and neighbors, but mostly they were people we had never met. We never asked any of them to come—they just showed up with hugs, smiles, high spirits, and vital support.

They came to rebuild.

With each day of progress, I have had to recalculate

Homeland Security Agents work together to help create a path on the Butts’ farm. Most of their beautiful oak trees got ripped out of the ground, but with the help of these selfless volunteers, optimism now fills the Butts’ hearts and minds. how long it will take us to resurrect the farm. My first projections were based on the old model of me and Kayla hacking it out by ourselves as before, pulling our children in a playpen behind us, doing all the work with our own hands.

But now, lifted by such a resilient community, the recovery of months may only take weeks. We have heard the same story from our friends and neighbors all across Rockport. Every home, every business in town, has experienced the same phenomenal support from strangers coming to help.

We are no longer battling the storm alone. We face the storm together. We are not just rugged individuals. We are a rugged community that extends ever outward.

We are starting over; our farm, our town. The only thing more astonishing than the destruction of the storm has been the recovery that followed. Power crews from all over America converged on our town within days of the storm. Rockport will tell the story of the remarkable rebuilding of our electric lines for decades to come. The linemen are heroes among thousands of heroes bringing back our power, water,

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

sewage—our civilization rising from the rubble.

Now, ten days after the storm, the leaves are already budding on the bare oak trees. The trees don’t know how to give up, they only know how to grow stronger from the broken places. We will let that spirit guide us. This town will come back and it will come back stronger.

A few days ago, we found our mailbox in a pasture.

There was a Netflix DVD inside that somehow rode out the storm. We tied the mailbox to a fence post.

The next day, even though the post office is closed, we found a huge stack of bills in the mailbox, a sort of return to normalcy. We have not yet watched the DVD; it’s something to look forward to with the return of electricity.

Rockport has always been a special place, not because of the land or the trees or the sea, but because of the people. The hurricane did not destroy the greatness of our town; the storm merely revealed it.

This is not the end of our farm or of our town. It is a glorious beginning. It is no longer me; it is we.

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Cuisine | The Dish

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Corpus Christi's Infamous Poblano Soup With a vision to spice up the Corpus Christi local food landscape, Teri Nelson-Zepeda opened the doors to Nuevo Café in 2003.

By: Jinky Romero Photos: Rachel Benavides

A

rmed with the idea of serving delicious food made from scratch and incorporating local art in their restaurant, Nuevo Café offers a menu and atmosphere that oozes creativity and originality. In the years they’ve been around, their food has been loved and praised by people in and outside the Coastal Bend community. The favorite is though, without a doubt, their Roasted Poblano Soup—and for very good reason!

Nuevo Café’s famous Poblano Soup is the kind of dish you talk about for hours, maybe even days, after you’ve had it. It’s made with fresh Poblano peppers, which they roast themselves. All ingredients that come after are fresh, natural, and only the finest of selections (much like the rest of their menu!). An extra bonus is that most of their ingredients are sourced locally. Served in a good sized bowl, this signature soup is like no other soup you’ve tasted before. It’s creamy with a distinct and comforting flavor, the kind of taste that becomes a regular craving as soon as you take your first

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spoonful. It has just the right amount of spicy kick at the end that rounds up the flavors perfectly. The soup is perfect for any kind of season but with cold weather in our midst, having a bowl (or two) of this deliciousness for lunch is certainly something to look forward to.

Their other menu options include soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts—all of which are made fresh daily! Their food has evolved since their beginning as they have incorporated items their customers have ask for, making them one of the lunch spot favorites of the community. Besides the food, the atmosphere is also something to visit the restaurant for. Their walls are covered in art from local artists with displays changing on a rotating basis.

1124 Ayres St., Corpus Christi, Tx (361) 904-0425

Cuisine | Dining Guide

Dining Guide

Corpus Christi

Padre Island

Port Aransas

Outdoor dining

Live music

American $ = Under $10 $$ = Mostly $10 - $20 $$$ = $20 and up The Bend Magazine Dining Guide is a select list of restaurants around the Coastal Bend. Implicitly, the magazine’s editors recommend all of these restaurants and they are not advertisements. Listings are updated monthly and appear based on space availability. Reviews and articles are written by our editors as a service to readers.

Restaurant owners: If you have news about your restaurant or a correction to our listing, we’re all ears! Send an email to editor@thebendmag.com or call (361) 792-3606

8te $

A shabby chic interior feel with classic comfort dishes that have a simple twist. They have it all breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 1220 Airline #250, (361) 723-0261, Facebook.com/8tecctx Andy’s Country Kitchen $ You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com Atomic Omelette & Grill $ Omelettes are just the beginning here! Comfortable atmosphere with a flavor for casual dining and handmade family recipes. 6313 Wooldridge Rd #10, (361) 334-3942, Atomicomelette.com Citrus Bayfront Bistro $ Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina.

100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com The Exchange $$ From the floor to the ceiling, the walls, to your mind, and even right down to your palate, visiting The Exchange brings a sense of “home” to a downtown experience. 224 N. Mesquite St, (361) 414-9788, theexchangecc.com

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Rockport

Hamlin Pharmacy & Fountain $

The last Soda Fountain in Corpus Christi, TX! Although they’ve expanded and changed over the many years, their old fashioned values and friendly service has remained the same. 3801 S Staples St, (361) 853-7303, Hamlinpharmacy.com Irie’s Island Food $ With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe.

503 N Alister St, (361) 749-2310, Iriesislandfood.com

MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen $$

Serves BBQ, Fried Chicken & Seafood. Big tables for big groups, they’ll also deliver!

118 Beach St,(361) 749-2271 Macdaddysfamilykitchen.com

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

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Cuisine | The Drink

Drink Beer, Do Good With Hurricane Harvey causing severe devastation to the Coastal Bend, the spirit of the people and the strength of the community have never been stronger as we help each other rebuild.

By: Jinky Romero Photos: Rachel Benavides

I

n light of Hurricane Harvey, the Corpus Christi breweries have all joined forces in creating a Harvey Disaster Relief Ale with 100% of its proceeds going to the cause. All four breweries—Lorelei Brewing Company, Lazy Beach Brewing, Rebel Toad Brewing, and B&J’s Brew Pub—are all already individually very involved in the community. As a group, it has always been a goal for them to collaborate and take initiatives together to be able to give more back to the Coastal Bend community.

Each brewery contributed ingredients in the making of this craft beer, which they’re calling the Coastal Relief Pale. All of them have their own unique and distinct taste and character, and the drink will be the perfect mixture of all four breweries. Between the four, they use three different kinds of grains, all of which will be present in the base malt of this American Pale

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Ale. It’s made of a base pale malt, a Light Munich Malt, and a Crystal 40 Malt.

Launched on September 23rd at the Alamo Draft House, the Coastal Relief Pale is delicious, light, and easy to drink. It can be described as a step above a Blonde Ale, with more flavor and character to it. It still has that nice multi-caramel characteristic but with it comes a little more hops to the beer—enough to know that it’s a craft beer. The beer will be sold in all the breweries plus various restaurants and bars all over town, so don’t miss out on the chance to have a good drink and help out at the same time.

The good people at our Corpus Christi breweries doing their best to help out in ways they can is truly a testament that it’s in darkness where you see the brightest of lights.

Cuisine | Dining Guide Surfside Sandwich Shoppe $ Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or have a nice cold beverage. Don’t forget the homemade desserts!

15113 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0505, surfsidesandwichshoppe.com

Sang’s Imperial Café $$ Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the healthiest and freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar.

4650 Corona Dr, (361) 808-8881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe

The Blue Clove $$ Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite.

1945 Horne Rd, (361) 855-2927, facebook.com/TheBlueClove

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

The Glass Pavilion $$ Casual hotel eatery offering simple American mains and views of the sea. Did we mention they also offer a breakfast buffet? Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 2nd Floor Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, Omnihotels.com

Hoegemeyer’s BBQ $$

The Grille $ Ensures you’ll always have the variety that is the spice of life! With ingredients sourced from Texas, burger patties and soups are all made from scratch.

3063 Main St, (361) 775-1000, Facebook.com/thegrillingleside

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

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

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

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

The authentic Asian cuisine made with the chef’s homemade recipe will be sure to surprise you.

415 N Water St, (361) 882-8885 facebook.com/akasushidowntowncc

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

Mike Cotten’s BBQ $$

(Corpus Christi) Bar & Grill

Boathouse Bar & Grill $$ The best thing about the Boathouse Bar & Grill is that there’s something for everyone; a mouthwatering menu, 4 full bars with HDTVs, waterfront patio dining, friendly service, and a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

15241 Leeward Dr, (361) 589-9601, Boathousepadreisland.com Brewster Street Ice House $$ Who says that you can’t have 4-star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for a concert, they have it all.

1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

Executive Surf Club $$

FINS Grill and Icehouse $$

For the past 11 years, they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb Angus beef burgers & chicken. Full bar and you “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” for the fisherman.

420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, Finsgrillandicehouse.com Stingray’s Taphouse and Grill $$ An industrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach!

401 Beach St, (361)749-2287, Stingraystaphouse.com

The Brewery $$ Brick oven pizza, pub food & burgers sound good?

How about a fresh brewed-in-house beer?

429 Alister St, (361) 749- 2739, Portaransasbrewery.com

Café BonnA-Petit $ Chef Sophie will always make you feel warmly welcomed, just as her gourmet dishes do. And don’t forget to grab a to-go dinner! 4301 S Alameda St, (361) 334-2579, Bonna-petit.com Daily Grind $ A coffee bar with personality, they offer the finest in gourmet, rustic, or straight-up coffee favorites.

Hungry? Stick around for their daily quiche specials, scones, and sandwiches. 302 S Austin St, (361) 790-8745, Rockportdailygrind.com

Fillingood Bakery $ With fresh bread baked in house, they make breakfast and lunch a delight! 3819 S Alameda St., (361) 225-4663, fillingoodbakery.com Hester’s Café and Coffee Bar $ Looking for a true family experience where love is the number one ingredient, along with the simple but important concept of quality and the healing powers of good food.

1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, (361) 885-0151, 1714 S Alameda St, (361) 885-0558, 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, Hesterscafe.com

The perfect casual family dining spot. All the while supplying the most beer on tap in the city.

309 N Water St, (361) 884-7873, Waterstreetmarketcc.com/executive-surf-club

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Cuisine | Dining Guide Hula Peach Fruit Hub & Cafe $ This locally owned tropical themed café, sources the finest produce and is committed to quality and freshness. 3823 S Staples, (361) 334-3773, Facebook.com/hulapeach JB’s German Bakery $ Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. There are no short-cuts at JB’s. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, Jbsgermanbakery.com

Sugarbakers $

Great cuisine with a French and European influence.

They use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible with mostly everything made from scratch.

2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, Sugarbakerscc.com

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

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

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

Bella Luna Downtown $$

Authentic gourmet Italian cuisine always made fresh to order in the heart of The Marina Arts District.

429 Schatzell St, (361) 887-4777, Bellalunadowntown.com

80 The Bend

Bellino’s $$

Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 8148998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinotexas.com

Brooklyn Pie Co. $ Enjoy a slice or indulge a whole “pie” of their delicious secret pizza tradition. 15326 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-1100, Brooklynpie.com Grimaldi’s Pizzeria $$ Distinctive and authentic pizza baked to perfection in a signature coal burning oven you can see right from your seat, offers a unique crisp flavor. 5488 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 980-8600, Grimaldispizzeria.com

House of Rock $ Great pizza and appetizers, cold beer, and live entertainment! Does it get any better?

511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com Mamma Mia’s $$$ Warm and cozy mom and pop Italian experience will make you feel like family. Entrées are delicious Italian culture on a plate. 128 N Mesquite St, (361) 8833773, Facebook.com/mamma-mias Mesquite St. Pizza and Pasta Co. $$ Their 60-year-old pizza oven brought in straight from Brooklyn New York makes for the perfect pizza. Plus, all the crusts and sauces are made in house.

617 Mesquite St, (361) 882-7499, Eatpizzadowntown.com Padre Pizzeria $ For over 15 years, their famous Padre pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared daily.

14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com Port “A” Pizzeria $$ Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 7495226, Portapizzeria.com Trattoria Taddei $$ The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, come down from his home region’s authentic traditional cuisine personally passed from generation to generation over many centuries.

920 Louisiana Ave, (361) 884-4400, Trattoriataddei.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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

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

Per uvian Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar $$ This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette.

The dishes are fresh takes on traditional originals from Peru. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 9458303, Costasurcc.com

Seafood Black Marlin Bar & Grill $$$ Sit indoors, sit outdoors, see the Gulf Coast from any seat in the house while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music and the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 749-4653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill. com Doc’s Seafood and Steaks $$ Lively and enjoyable selection for surf ‘n’turf in an open-air setting overlooking the water, plus live music.

13309 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6744, Docseafoodandsteaks.com Glow $$ From a renovated boathouse, they offer simply-cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce.

Bright, relaxed atmosphere with white-washed ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport.com

Harrison’s Landing $$

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

Cuisine | Dining Guide Island Time Sushi Bar & Seafood Grill $$ Stop in for fresh and inventive sushi, seafood, appetizers and desserts! Check out the weekday specials!

14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-3046, Facebook.com/islandtimesushi Laguna Reef $$ Bring in your own catch straight from your boat, or order off their tasteful menu! With excellent views of the marina, family owners & operators, Laguna Reef is the place to be. 4242 Laguna Shores Rd, (361) 937-2600, Bluffslanding.com/restaurant.php

Lance's Black Sheep Bistro $$

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

Latitude 28˚02’ $$$

Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists.

105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com

Liberty Hall $$ Herbs and vegetables grown on site, your dining experience will be unforgettable!

106 E. Cotter, (361) 749-4888 facebook.com/LibertyHallPortA Lisabella’s Bistro $$$ Casual coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting.

The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. The mermaids may even share their secrets.

5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge $$ At Rock & Rolls, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 9491110, Rockandrollssushi.com Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn $$$ Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com

Saltwater Grill $$ Unique family atmosphere with fresh and tasty seafood that will leave you coming back for more.

2401 Cimarron Blvd, (361) 993-7258, Saltwatergrillcc.com Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill $$ Extensive menu makes sure to have something for everyone. Foods made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

Seafood & Spaghetti Works $$ A unique dining experience, you’ll find the very best in seafood, steak, Italian dishes, pizza, soups, and desserts all made from scratch. 901 S Alister St, (361) 749-5666, seafoodandspaghettiworks.com Shells $$ Warm, inviting neighborhood restaurant offers a creative and far-ranging menu that reflects a variety of world cuisines. Shakes off the old and tired and gets down to real good food. 522 E Avenue G, (361) 749-7621, Eatatshells.com Shempy’s Grill $$ Laid-back setting with a variety of delightfully cooked fish will turn anyone into a seafood lover.

3913 Highway 35 S, (361) 727-0019, Facebook.com/Shempys Snoopy’s Pier $$ Outdoor dining experience and local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com The Boiling Pot $$ Roll up your sleeves and take manners to a new level for a great Cajun experience. 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-6972 The Pheonix $$ This international bistro/nouveau American fine-quality cuisine is prepared daily using many ingredients from the Corpus Christi Farmers' Market creating a constantly eclectic seasonal menu, where guests can choose to sit indoor and outdoor. 337 N Alister St, (361) 749-9277, Facebook/The-Phoenix-Restaurant-and-Bar Trout Street Bar & Grill $$$ Cajun-inspired seafood in an airy environment is a wondrous way to enjoy food and cocktails inside the nautical themed restaurant or on the outdoor deck offering marina views. 104 West Cotter, (361) 7497800, Tsbag.com

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Water Street Oyster Bar $$

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

Water Street Seafood Company $$$

Locally-owned and-operated and voted “Best of the Best” seafood. Fish is fresh never frozen, while sauces and dressings are all made in house from scratch.

309 N Water St, (361) 882-8683, Waterstreetmarketcc.com Yardarm $$$ Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating.

Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees. 4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157

Steakhouse Katz 21 $$$ Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience.

Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com Niko’s Steakhouse $$$ Committed to the motto “Great food, Great times, Great experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will exceed any steak lover’s expectations.

5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, Nikossteakhouse.com

Republic of Texas $$$$

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

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

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

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History | Looking Back

Men work clearing debris at a power plant in Corpus Christi after the hurricane in 1919.

And We Will Rise Again The Coastal Bend we know and love today has been built, and rebuilt, by all those who came before us.

By: Jillian Becquet Photo: Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

H

urricane recovery is built into the fabric of what makes the Coastal Bend what it is today. Although years pass between each major storm here, there is no denying that these storms, in the end, leave us stronger.

The 1919 storm gave us a reconstructed downtown, North Beach, and the Seawall that continues to protect us to this day. The power plant pictured above didn’t make it through, but we have a power grid now that supplies a region more populated than the people of 1919 could have ever imagined.

Most of us who walked through Harvey’s damage can imagine exactly how these men felt seeing their workplace turned to matchsticks.

82 The Bend

Those who are helping in this recovery know how tired these men were, how they hated the mosquitos, and how the man in the foreground moving debris by hand is doing so because, well, you have to start somewhere. We understand how the men standing in the back can’t, in this moment, comprehend how this city will be put back together better than ever.

The Coastal Bend has risen from the proverbial ashes a half dozen times since 1900. So today, we can be thankful for our communication methods that not only helped save lives, but are summoning recovery help, and that we know, from experience, that the Coastal Bend can rise again through the power and determination of those who love where they live.

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DESTINATION FALL MORE THAN 100 OF THE FINEST NAMES IN STYLE, SERVICES AND CUISINE Dillard’s • Macy’s • JCPenney • Express • H&M • Forever 21 • White House | Black Market • MAC Cosmetics francesca’s • Aldo • OshKosh B’gosh • PINK • P. F. Chang's China Bistro • Michael Kors • ULTA • Oakley LongHorn Steakhouse • Tillys • Buckle • Journeys • Victoria’s Secret • Grimaldi's Pizzeria Featured Fashion: Express • Forever 21 • Journeys 84 The Bend

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