February 2024 Issue

A Celebration of Sensational Coastal Bend Imagery

Now Introducing

THE GRE AT LOCAL PHOTOGRAPH Y CONTE ST

thebendmag.com 1

AT

S A MMI E RAMON Event Sales Manager

2 The Bend

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CONTENTS

2.24

photography by CISSY BEASLEY

F E AT U R E

THE GRE AT LOCAL PHOTOGRAPH Y CONTE ST

The Coastal Bend has many magnificent scenes to capture. Behind every one of these moments is a visual virtuoso with a camera in hand. To showcase the work of our area’s outstanding photographers, we hosted a photography contest, and the results are truly stunning.

6 The Bend

“Blue Tequila” was chosen as the Abstract/Artistic Photography category winner in The Great Local Photography Contest. The macrostyle image depicts the wings of a parrot at the South Texas Botanical Gardens named Tequila. Photography

by Rosa Lazaro

photography by ASHLEY PEREZ

44

ON THE COVER

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thebendmag.com 7

CONTENTS D E PA RT M E N T S

UP FRONT

CUISINE

18 Person of Interest

58 Farm to Table

GROW Local South Texas’ executive director discusses his new role, plans for the year ahead and more

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with an array of chocolate goodies

20 Social Hour 22 Giving Back Local group brings electricity to a small village in Guatemala

24 Datebook 26 Be Well Somos Yoga opens new studio on the Southside of Corpus Christi

HOME & GARDEN 30 Open House

Matthew Meza PHOTOGRAPHER

Matthew Meza’s first assignment with The Bend was in July 2023 when he helped with event coverage. From there, his photos began filling our print pages with life and color, and we’re thrilled to have him on the team this year.

Catch his work in this month’s issue on pages 18, 64 and 72.

61 5 Best

AROUND THE BEND 70 Arts & Culture Retired military physician turned mixedmedia artist shares his story

Queso dishes in the Coastal Bend you should try now

62 The Drink Three friends set out to expand this local favorite wine and tapas bar

72 Discovery Engage with the aviators of the Coastal Bend at this local flight school and club

64 The Dish PKK’s newest location offers the same great taste

A beautiful coastal home in Bayside, Texas

36 Spaces Practical tips for setting up a beautiful and functional home bar

38 Gardening Tips and tricks for growing chile pequin in the Coastal Bend

74 Looking Back

40 Entertaining

67 Table Talk

Inspiration for a La Dolce Vita-themed soiree

The latest updates in the local cuisine world

8 The Bend

A look back at the Art Center of Corpus Christi’s building

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FEBRUARY 2024

PUBLISHER

Chris Knapick

chris@thebendmag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kylie Cooper

kylie@thebendmag.com ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze jarred@thebendmag.com

M A N AG I NG E D I TO R

Alexa Rodriguez alexa@thebendmag.com

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

Kent Cooper

kent@thebendmag.com

•

VOLUME 11

•

ISSUE 2

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESIDENT

Jordan Regas

Rachel Benavides Robin Blackshear Deux Boheme Taylor Cravey Matthew Meza Debbie Noble Jason Page Lillian Reitz Benjamin Zaragosa

jordan@hilltopmediagroup.com VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Meagan Matthews

meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Luis Arjona Jillian Becquet Kayla Butts Justin Butts Kirby Conda Jacqueline Gonzalez Jo Anne Howell Terrie Moore Vanessa Perez

A C C O U N T S R E C E I VA B L E

Lisa Munson

accounting@thebendmag.com

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

READER SERVICES

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Bend is available by an annual subscription for $19.95 (12 issues)

The Bend Magazine

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BAC K I S S U E S

Back issues are $4.95 + P&H each. For back issue availability and order information, go to the-bend-shop.myshopify.com/ collections/past-issues BULK ORDERS

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To submit story ideas and letters to the editor include your full name and contact information in an email to kylie@thebendmag.com.

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10 The Bend

The Bend Magazine Volume 11 / Issue 2. The Bend Magazine is published by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. Copyright © 2024 Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. The Bend is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. The Bend reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community's best interest or in questionable taste. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

Volume 11 / Issue 2, The Bend (periodicals 25150) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 402 Peoples St. 4C, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Periodical postage paid at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bend, P.O. Box 16765, Hollywood, CA, 91615.

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12 The Bend

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14 The Bend

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EDITOR’S LETTER

VOL. XI 2.24 THRE E HIGHLIGHT S

photography by SHOOCHA PHOTOGR APHY

A Moment in Time A photograph has the ability to transcend language barriers, cultural differences and individual points of view. Images tell a story and connect people in ways that sometimes the written word struggles to manage. After all, the adage states that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Every month, our print pages are filled with images depicting the local stories that make up life in the Coastal Bend. We are deeply fortunate to have so many incredible photographers in this community to share their points of view.

To showcase this talent in the region, we decided to turn our February issue into a celebration of local photographers. We hosted our first-ever photography contest featuring 14 different categories and an expert panel of judges consisting of local educators, artists and art gallery professionals.

With close to 200 online submissions, the judging panel selected a winning image in each category––ranging from landscape and wildlife to portraiture and still life. Plus, we’ve included

two pages of editor’s picks to spotlight a handful of images our team just couldn’t get enough of.

Beginning on page 44, “The Great Local Photography Contest” includes 21 images all taken somewhere in the Coastal Bend by local artists. With each winning image, you’ll find a statement from the photographer detailing their inspiration and the equipment used to capture that specific moment in time.

To see your community through the eyes, or the lens, of someone else provides a fresh perspective to the world around you. Perhaps something you once saw as mundane — a simple break in the waves, a silo on the side of a road you drive down often, a lone table in the corner of the local coffee shop you frequent — someone else recognizes as unique or beautiful, and their efforts allow us to see that vision, too.

Photographs capture a moment in time, sure, but more than that they capture the essence of the imagery around us we often take for granted. Much like observing a painting hanging on a gallery wall, a photograph challenges an onlooker to stop and think about its meaning and the story it is trying to tell. It poses a question to the onlooker: “How does this image make you feel?”

So, dear readers, I pose the same question to you. When flipping through this month’s cover feature — or any story on the coming pages — what does it make you feel?

As for me, I feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude. I feel proud of the community these pages represent every month, and of the talent that community holds within it. I feel grateful for the opportunity to showcase that talent, for the captured moments in time and the stories told because of them.

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

PERSON OF INTEREST Tevin Gray has been involved with GROW Local South Texas in various ways for the last decade, and is now serving as its executive director. I can’t wait to see how he leads the organization into its new era. Pg. 18

SOUTHERN COMFORT & CUISINE PKK has been a beloved restaurant in Corpus Christi for decades. Now in a new chapter, the local mainstay is serving up both old and new favorites to hungry diners looking for a bit of Southern comfort. Pg. 64

ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY I first became aware of Stan Unser’s mesmerizing collagelike mixed media work when preparing for last year’s Artist Issue. Dianna Bluntzer Sherman from the art Center of Corpus Christi shared Unser’s work with our team, and I am thrilled to finally have his story in the magazine. Pg. 70 thebendmag.com 15

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2.24

UP FRONT P O I 1 8 S O C I A L H O U R 2 0 G I V I N G B AC K 2 2 DAT E B O O K 2 4 B E W E L L 2 6

In Conversation with

TEVIN GRAY

pg 18

photography by MAT TH EW MEZA

GROW Local South Texas’ executive director discusses his new role, plans for the year ahead and how the community can give support

thebendmag.com 17

UP FRONT PE RSON OF IN TE RE ST

Kylie Cooper: You accepted the role of executive director at the end of October 2023. How have the first few months been, and what inspired you to take the position in the first place?

Tevin Gray: The first few months have been more of a re-introduction to the organization. Having worked with GROW Local from the early years, I have been involved with the core development of our programming. Being a part of and helping to grow the first educational staff, running the farmers’ market and assisting in our Farm to Table Fundraising Dinner for five years provided me with a diverse background for the position.

When the [opportunity] came, having this experience made taking the role feel like a natural progression to become involved with GROW once again and get back out into the community in this capacity.

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Tevin Gray

GROW Local South Texas’ executive director discusses his new role, plans for the year ahead and how the community can give support

By Kylie Cooper

Photo by Matthew Meza

Tevin Gray’s passion for community and the importance of food accessibility can be traced back to his first job in Dayton, Ohio. He worked at a family-owned cafe where he became an artisan pizza chef. “We milled our own flour on site and made everything from scratch,” Gray recalled. “Even the wood-fired oven was hand-built, and the wood we cooked with came from the owner’s property. There was a small garden in the back that worked its way into our dishes and the owners upheld this idea of true quality, providing me with an everlasting passion for food.”

When Gray moved to Corpus Christi with his family a decade ago, GROW Local South Texas’ farmers’ market was one of the first places he began frequenting. After continuously showing up to every market and educational workshop, one of the founders, Aislynn Campbell, asked Gray to join the team. Ever since, Gray has been involved with the nonprofit in varying forms: continuously broadening his knowledge of our region’s native plants and biodiversity, cultivating food, working at various local restaurants to hone his culinary craft and developing the first-of-its-kind outdoor classroom and nature enrichment program at CC-Montessori School. Now, as he steps into the nonprofit’s executive director role, Gray is eager and excited to guide GROW Local into the future.

18 The Bend

KC: How will your prior experience with the organization inform your new leadership role?

TG: At GROW, we like to think of changes over the years similarly to seasonal changes — new seasons bring new opportunities. I have personally grown through many seasons with my educational development in teaching nature enrichment to grades first through eighth at CC-Montessori, which has provided me with a type of development I think will be a great addition to our current staff.

Speaking of, GROW Local has a great group of staff members on board that brings plenty of enthusiasm to educate, grow and care for our local environment.

This to me, is a focus point. Looking forward, I would like to see our staff’s interests and passions shine with any new directions we may take. Education and growing food will always be integrated, but I think the combined experiences will lead us to plenty of new ideas and I am excited to be a part of it.

KC: What are some of your goals for the organization in this new chapter?

TG: In 2024, we are bringing back our connection with local chefs, farmers and crafters to highlight local cuisines and creations. We recently launched our monthly Cook Local event series that will feature a multitude of local artisans to show the community how to use, cook

and preserve the seasonal foods we have available. This will expand into offering more culinary education to all ages, especially within our youth programs.

Food is a great way to educate and bring people together, and I am looking forward to bringing this pillar of GROW back into our programming.

KC: Why is an organization like GROW Local important for a community?

TG: Having a voice in South Texas has a large impact. [This area] tends to have higher rates of obesity and reduced access to healthy, nutrient-dense foods.

We directly tackle this problem with our “hands in the ground” curriculum. We teach students of all ages how to grow food and how our relationship with the environment — getting them out in nature and hands-on with the food — provides a healthy, enjoyable experience. This impact carries over to the farmers’ market, where you can buy local produce, meats, bread, dairy products and sweets all in one spot. To solidify the importance of this organization, we provide free and paid educational opportunities throughout the year to get this knowledge to our community and the up-and-coming generation.

KC: What would a successful first year in this position look like for you?

TG: A big goal for us is to become a more sustainable organization. To continue to provide the programming we currently offer and to expand in other areas, we need the support of our community.

We are looking for sponsorships and partnerships that will help foster an even bigger impact within our community.

We have our annual Farm to Table Dinner & Fundraiser coming up on Mar. 24. This year’s theme is “A Taste of Italy in Your Backyard,” and attendees will enjoy a meal prepared by the Coastal Bend Chefs and other local artisans, plus a silent auction and live music. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available on our website. This is a great way to support us in the New Year. I am excited to watch the progression, impact and growth of our community in the coming year.

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UP FRONT SOC IAL HOUR

2023 SALUTE TO THE MILITARY Aalec O'Donnell and Victoria Villarreal

Gloria Fuentes and Al Areola Jr. Keynote Speaker, Johnny "Joey" Jones

Chrissy Romeros, Kirk Patrick Bourland and Omar Davis

The 2023 Salute to the Military, hosted by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, took place on Dec. 5, 2023 at the USS Lexington.

The event celebrated local military installations, active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families that call Corpus Christi home.

Patsy Benchoff and Sherry Carrillo

photography by DEBBIE NOBLE

Darcy Schroeder and Beatriz Hanson

PATRONS OF THE ORDER OF DE PINEDA HOLIDAY DINNER Kyle and Ashley Smith, Lyn and Jeff Wigington

Sally Wallace, Ann Jones and Susan Karp

Tim and Amy Ehrman, Shannon and Bryan Gulley

An annual tradition, Patrons of the Order of de Pineda honored the parents of the 2024 season's debutantes with a special holiday dinner hosted at the Corpus Christ Yacht Club on Dec. 6, 2023.

Gabe and Lisa Guerra, Jennifer and Monty Lee

20 The Bend

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PEGGY & AVINASH AHUJA CO-CHAIRPERSONS

BECKY & MARTIN DAVIS BUSINESS HONOREES

MALLORY & DR. PAUL HEATH MEDICAL HONOREES

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024 | 6PM AMERICAN BANK CENTER HENRY GARRETT BALLROOM HEART.ORG/CORPUSCHRISTIHEARTBALL LIFE IS WHY SPONSOR

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HEART OF LIFE SPONSORS AEP Texas Peggy & Avinash Ahuja American Bank Center/OVG Hospitality ArcelorMittal Mr. & Mrs. Martin Davis Kiewit

HEART CHAMPION SPONSORS Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots · Bayside Pulmonology · B-C Equipment Sales, Inc. Butler Signature Events · Mary & Dr. Charles Campbell · CHRISTUS Spohn Health System – Shoreline & CHRISTUS Spohn Health System South · Coastal Bend Advanced Practice Nurses · Corpus Christi Athletic Club · Corpus Christi International Airport · Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital · Devary Durrill Foundation · Farmers Insurance – Stephanie Waterman · Frost Bank · Dr. Mary Jane Garza · Gulf Coast Growth Ventures · Halcyon · HDR · Mallory & Dr. Paul Heath · Nova Herin · Kleberg Bank · Laurie & Dr. Michael Mintz · Kymberley & Dr. Robert Oshman · PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital · Park Fowler & Co. · Dr. Jaqueline Phillips & Mr. Michael MacMahon · Norma & Mike Pusley/Connie & Mike Scott · Drs. Veena & Vishnu Reddy River City Hospice · Steel Dynamics · Superior Health Plan · Texas A&M University – Kingsville · TLC Complete Care · Turner | Ramirez Architects · Karen & Larry Urban Priscilla Waters, Managing Partner, Longhorn Steakhouse

HEART SPARK SPONSORS Sulu & Dr. Arvind Modak/Dr. Shalini Narang/Anju & Ken Ahuja · Parveen & Sunil Ahuja · Danny Alexander Dr. Christine Canterbury & Mr. John Murray · Corpus Christi Heart Clinic Howard Energy Partners/Trio Hot Oilers Humpal Physical Therapy · Ashrith (Archie) Reddy · Drs. Zehra & Salim Surani · Ashleigh & Dr. Travis Taylor Tribute Hospice & Palliative Care Turnkey Events

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thebendmag.com 21

UP FRONT GIVING BAC K

An Illuminated Cause Local NEC linemen help bring electricity to a small village in Guatemala

By Kylie Cooper Photo provided by Nueces Electric Cooperative

B

efore November 2023, the remote village of Matasanos in Guatemala functioned entirely without electricity. Now, with a completed mission from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International and linemen from various South Texas cooperatives, the community — consisting of over 240 villagers, 47 families, two churches, a school and a health clinic — has access to power for the first time.

Founded in 1962, the NRECA’s International program has served over 160 million people worldwide through its mission to provide access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. NRECA’s team identifies the needs of a community, mobilizes resources and volunteer groups and then sends them out to execute the mission.

Nueces Electric Cooperative CEO Varzavand “Avan” Irani shared that though electrical installations had been made in nearby communities, the village of Matasanos had fallen behind. So once the village was chosen and the project plans were made, 20 linemen from 10 different electric cooperatives from South Texas began the mission — including two NEC employees from Corpus Christi: John Guzman and Joe Rivera.

Rivera refers to the experience as one he’ll never forget. His hope is that both access to electricity and the conversations between the linemen and the villagers will have generational effects.

22 The Bend

A total of 20 linemen from South Texas cooperatives aided in the project to bring power to Matasanos.

“One cold morning, I drove up to the gate, turned my heater on and invited the kids to jump in,” Rivera recalled. “I had a chance to talk with them, sharing insights a​bout opportunities available to them. I encouraged them to explore the lineworker field, emphasizing the potential for both financial gain and personal growth. I could see it in their faces; they were really listening.”

Three kilometers of primary, highvoltage and four kilometers of secondary, low-voltage wiring were needed to bring power to the village. However, unseasonal rains, challenging terrain and a politicalrelated strike throughout the country provided challenges.

“Frankly, upon learning of these challenges, we did not anticipate our team completing the project within the allotted timeframe,” Irani said. “However, their sheer grit and determination prevailed, and they managed to finish the project almost ahead of schedule.”

Though it’s too early to measure the exact impact of Matasanos having electricity, Irani said they’ve witnessed significant success stories in similar communities within Guatemala. “These successes range from reduced time spent by children on daily chores, such as milling flour, to communities enhancing the preparation of coffee beans [a large industry for the area] to meet global standards, attracting buyers like Starbucks,” he said.

Aside from the remarkable and indescribable feeling of witnessing light bulbs illuminating Matasanos for the first time, the relationships between a group of 20 strangers, and bonds formed between these men and the local villagers, were unlike anything Irani had ever experienced.

To the credit of NRECA’s International program and the South Texas Cooperatives involved, this experience served as an invaluable reminder of NEC’s mission rooted in accessibility. Irani shared, “It brought us back to our roots and revitalized our purpose — to provide electricity to rural areas.”

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UP FRONT DATE B OOK

EVENTS

FREE ADMISSION

CALENDAR FUNDRAISER

REGISTRATION/ TICKET REQUIRED

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

FORMAL EVENT

FEBRUARY 3 FEBRUARY 11

CCSO PRESENTS: ROMANTIC MASTERPIECES

GALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH

The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra is bringing beautiful music into the new year.

The Romantic Masterpieces concert will feature timeless classics from the Romantic era, including a famous Rachmaninoff concerto, performed by American pianist Michael Stephen Brown at the Performing Arts Center. CCSYMPHONY.ORG

FEBRUARY 3 STEM FAIR

To celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” and “National Inventors Day,” the Ben F. McDonald Public Library is hosting a STEM Fair from 12:30-2:30 p.m. The children’s area and meeting rooms will be filled with innovative activities suitable for kids of all ages.

Lazy Beach Brewery invites you and your gal pals to a special Galentine’s Day Brunch at its Southside location. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., enjoy a mimosa bar, vendors, raffle prizes, delicious food and more.

LAZYBEACHBREWING.COM

FEBRUARY 14 FEBRUARY 8

FEBRUARY 8

KARAOKE FOR HOPE

14TH ANNUAL SOUPER BOWL

Esperanza de Tejas and House of Rock join forces for an evening of music and meaning.

From 6-9 p.m., sign up to sing your favorite tunes and rock out for a good cause. General admission and table tickets are available, and proceeds benefit Esperanza de Tejas.

TEXASHOUSEOFROCK.COM

From 6-8 p.m. at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, enjoy all-you-can-taste soups from Coastal Bend restaurants and vote for your favorite at this beloved event. Proceeds benefit the Center and the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Plus, each ticketholder can take one handmade bowl home as a souvenir. ARTCENTERCC.ORG

THAT’S AMORE VALENTINE DINNER

Celebrate the season of love at The Roughian's Valentine's Day dinner. Enjoy a fourcourse dinner complete with Fusili Bucati Rosa, Roman Seared Tenderloin with Caesar Potatoes and more. Purchase a seat for you and your loved ones online. THEROUGHIAN.COM

FEBRUARY 16 - 18

During this two-day event, various venues in Downtown Corpus Christi will host an array of concerts, workshops and other songwritingrelated events. This year’s programming boasts an impressive lineup of nearly 40 songwriters. CCSONGWRITERS.COM

24 The Bend

R ACH EL BEN AVIDES

2024 CORPUS CHRISTI SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

EVENTS FEBRUARY 2024

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS OUR WEBSITE AND DISCOVER EVEN MORE EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS AROUND THE COASTAL BEND.

FEBRUARY 24-25 HERPS CORPUS CHRISTI EXOTIC REPTILE AND PET SHOW

FEBRUARY 22-24

FEBRUARY 23

FEBRUARY 23-25

2024 WHOOPING CRANE FESTIVAL

2024 AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS

CORPUS CHRISTI HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Celebrating its 27th anniversary, the Whooping Crane Festival is a four-day event in Port Aransas centered around the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat. This year’s festival will feature birding trips, nature tours, renowned speakers, photography workshops and more. PORTARANSAS.ORG/WHOOPINGCRANE-FESTIVAL

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. Join the Corpus Christi Club at the Texas State Aquarium for an evening celebrating local advertising across varying platforms and media. AAFCC.CLUB

Find everything you need for a home and garden project under one roof at the 25th annual Corpus Christi Home & Garden Show. Vendors of all types will take over the American Bank Center for three days of specials, seminars, family entertainment, giveaways and more.

S HUT TER STOCK

CORPUSCHRISTIHOMEANDGARDEN.COM

Have an event you want included in Datebook?

Email your calendar events to kylie@thebendmag.com

Head out to the RMB Fairgrounds for the largest exotic reptile and pet expo in the Coastal Bend. This two-day event includes thousands of reptiles, amphibians, insects, feeders, small mammals, pet supplies and more.

FEBRUARY 24 2024 CORPUS CHRISTI HEART BALL

The American Heart Association will celebrate its centennial year with the 2024 Corpus Christi Heart Ball and its theme “All in for Heart Health.” The event will take place at the American Bank Center at 6 p.m. with dinner, guest speakers, auction items and more. HEART.ORG thebendmag.com 25

UP FRONT B E WE LL

Healing Through Home (and Om) Somos Yoga opens new studio on the Southside of Corpus Christi

By Kirby Conda Photos by Taylor Cravey

W

ithin three years, Somos Yoga has gone from a small hot yoga studio in the Six Points area to an expanded space on the Southside, and a plethora of yogic and wellness offerings throughout the community. All stemming from a dream to help heal others of their physical, mental and emotional troubles, owners Mari Gonzalez and Ryan Adames embarked upon a journey of generosity to make yoga practice accessible to everyone.

Gonzalez has a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing, and found her way to yoga with the sole intention of healing her body from aches and pains related to fighting. But after her first class, she was hooked. Gonzalez felt drawn to the physical practice of yoga, which eventually allowed her to unlock and heal other past traumas. “I was finding myself,” she said. “It was like I was coming home to myself, discovering self-love.” Only three months into her practice as a student, Gonzalez sought out yoga teacher training and went on to become an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, 500-hour Certification.

Coming from a nine-year journey playing football with college and NFL dreams, Adames was introduced to yoga through Gonzalez. He, too, was expecting to stretch a little and maybe gain more flexibility through yoga — and he, too, quickly learned it was much more than that. Yoga gave Adames newfound connection within himself. Soon after, he completed a Registered Yoga Training 200-hour Certification.

The couple’s collective experience and their desire to share space with others seeking holistic healing were driving forces in deciding to open Somos Yoga — that, and the fact that Corpus Christi was devoid of any hot yoga studios, a variation of yoga class that Gonzalez loves.

“I fell in love with hot yoga and couldn’t find anyone to let me teach hot yoga, so we opened up our own studio,” she said. In 2019, Somos Six Points was born under the philosophy that everyone who walks 26 The Bend

Head to SOMOS' website and register for one of its yoga challenges that fit your goals.

through the doors can come further into themselves, to come home.

Three short years and countless sun salutations later, Somos Southside opened in November 2023. Both locations offer a variety of classes for all levels and styles. Somos Yoga has Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Buti, Hatha and Baptiste yoga in nonheated, warm and hot temperatures — seven days a week. Along with the movement of yoga, Somos has wellness services that include sound bowls, reiki, breath work and cold plunge therapy for those seeking the entire mind, body and soul experience.

Above all, the duo’s passion in creating Somos Yoga is rooted in contributing to healing and wellness.

With the opening of the new Southside location, they are well on their way to continue elevating the collective consciousness of our community.

CONTACT 5540 Saratoga Blvd. | somos.yoga @somos_yoga_ig

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Home is Where Your

is!

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Coastline Team!

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28 The Bend

E A S I N G

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B U Y I N G

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HOME & GARDEN O P E N H O U S E 3 0 S PAC E S 3 6 GA R D E N I N G 3 8

E N T E RTA I N I N G 4 0

photography by JASON PAGE

BAYSIDE BLISS

pg 30

Owners achieve tranquil splendor in this sprawling seaside home

thebendmag.com 29

HOME & GARDEN OPE N HOU SE

30 The Bend

Bayside Bliss Owners achieve tranquil splendor in this sprawling seaside home

By Luis Arjona

I

n the quiet town of Bayside, Texas, where hurricanes have raged and resilience has been tested, a home emerges as a beacon of tranquility, blending the elegance of design with the raw beauty of the coastal landscape. Owned by the spirited duo Juan Carlos and Debbie Rios, this home is a salute to life on the water and an invitation to kick back without formalities.

This coastal home is a space where walls seem to dissolve into the horizon, and the division of exterior and interior is practically optional. Rejecting window coverings is a declaration — an embrace of unfiltered communion with the ever-changing theatrics of sunlight, moonlight and the cadence of waves orchestrated by nature.

Upon arrival, guests will see a chapel-like facade of windows. The house takes advantage of the southeastern sun from the Gulf, inviting plenty of light

Photos by Jason Page

to cascade in. “We allow all the natural lighting into our home. No window coverings or shades; we allow nature to spoil us every day, all day long,” said Rios.

The double-door entry leads to an open floor plan that seamlessly combines a reading area, a spacious living room and a striking black, white and gold kitchen.

The upstairs loft serves dual purposes as an office and a dining space, offering flexibility and an area of refuge to unwind. The bedrooms are thoughtfully designed, with the second bedroom’s access to an outdoor deck making it an inviting space for guests to lounge, enjoy the waterfront view and sip some heavily sweetened iced tea as summer rolls in.

“When we welcome guests into our home, we want them to be comfortable and to enjoy the time we spend together, and know that they are always welcomed back,” said Rios.

The neutral interior color palette and open spaces contribute to a meditative ambiance.

thebendmag.com 31

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IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 12 MONTHS* The neutral interior color palette and open spaces contribute to a meditative ambiance, and with the help of Rios’ sister, self-taught interior decorator and designer Lorie Hernandez, the decor adds another layer of warmth.

Accents of driftwood decor embellish various spaces; each piece was found along the waters of Bayside from different storms. This texture provided by the local environment supplies pieces for conversation and adds an organic element that complements the interior color scheme and well-lit spaces. Tranquility permeates through carefully chosen accents, manifesting a peace that echoes the broader sentiment of Bayside — a calm amid the storm.

The Rios home is a testament to the unpretentious beauty of living by the Gulf. This home is an extension of the lovely couple as retirees enjoy their space etched against the backdrop of Bayside’s coastal canvas.

361.288.4224 | allison-flooring.com 4400 South Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78411 HOURS: Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 5:00pm Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

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(361) 884-8541 NAACP Corpus Christi PO BOX 60715 Corpus Christi, Texas 78466 www.naacpcctx.com thebendmag.com 35

HOME & GARDEN SPAC E S

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES A JIGGER, STIR STICK, MIXING GLASS, STRAINER AND SHAKER ARE BASIC TOOLS THAT WILL HAVE YOU MIXING LIKE A PRO.

STEP BY STEP HAVE A COCKTAIL "COOKBOOK" HANDY TO INSPIRE GUESTS TO GET CREATIVE WITH THEIR COCKTAILS.

Open Bar

Practical tips for setting up a beautiful and functional home bar

By Terrie Moore

Photos by Rachel Benavides

IN THE MIX STOCK UP ON MIXERS. TONIC WATER, BITTERS, VERMOUTH AND SIMPLE SYRUP ARE USED IN MANY CORE DRINKS AND COCKTAILS.

W

hen it comes to setting up a home bar, think small but not basic. When it comes to liquor, look for small-batch distilleries where you live or as you travel. Stock a bourbon for Old Fashioneds, gin for martinis, vodka for screwdrivers, rum for mojitos and tequila for Palomas. Learn the classics then expand as your tastes evolve. It's also good practice to have a few non-alcoholic options for guest who don't drink liquor but still want a creative mocktail. Curious elixirs and zeroproof spirits are widely available and are a welcomed addition to any home bar. Above all, make it beautiful! Your home, your rules.

D ESIGN IND EX BAR AT THE HOME OF KATIE & JOHN REICHERT WILD RAG VODKA BY SOUTH TEXAS DISTILLERY ‘KATIE & CO.’ ART FRANCO MONDINI-RUIZ

36 The Bend

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thebendmag.com 37

HOME & GARDEN GARDE NING

NOW GROWING

Chile Pequin How to successfully grow the "mother of all peppers" in the Coastal Bend

By Justin Butts

T

he chile pequin is a pepper native to the deserts of South Texas and northern Mexico. This little plant, known as “the mother of all peppers,” has a big history. Peppers were unknown outside North and South America until Cortez met the Aztecs in 1519. The Conquistadors fell in love with the chile pequin peppers served in Aztec cuisine.

Cortez sent carefully packaged chile pequin seeds and plants home to Spain.

Pepper cultivation quickly spread throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, and each region over time developed its own unique pepper varieties, leading to the thousands of diverse sweet and hot peppers in the world today.

The chile pequin specifically is also known as the “Texas bird pepper.” Birds can’t taste capsaicin, so the heat of peppers doesn’t bother them, making birds the only pest to really bother this hardy, droughttolerant plant.

Look for chile pequin plants at a local nursery or order seeds online. You may also purchase a package of dried chile pequin peppers and save the seeds—but the best seed source is a neighbor with a nice chile pequin plant.

G R OW I N G U P

P O T T I N G / H A RV E S T I N G

F U N FA C T S

Height, 12” to 24”. Spacing, 18”. Plants die in a freeze but regrow from the roots. They require a minimum of four to six hours of direct sun and lots of afternoon shade. Aim for loose, well-drained soil, and fertilize each spring with four cups of organic compost and two cups each of pastured poultry manure and homemade wood ash. Mulch heavily with native leaves and water until established. These plants are highly drought-tolerant. Companion plant with Mexican mint marigold, basil or nasturtiums.

Chile pequin makes an ideal potted plant. Use a three-gallon or larger terra cotta pot and mix potting soil half-and-half with soil from your backyard, and fertilize as previously mentioned. Protect from the afternoon sun and water often during summer months. Mature peppers are small and round and should be harvested when green or left on the bush to turn red. Chile pequin is hotter than a jalapeno, but milder than a habanero. Prepare or preserve them like any other pepper.

Chile pequin seeds have a tough seed coat, so they can take weeks to germinate in the soil. When a bird eats a chile pequin seed, the seed coat is removed during digestion and deposited on the ground, ready to germinate. You can duplicate this process by soaking chile pequin seeds in a solution of one cup water and one teaspoon saltpeter (potassium nitrate) for four hours. No saltpeter on hand? Use chamomile tea.

38 The Bend

SHU T TER STOCK

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HOME & GARDEN E N TE RTAINING

Always in Bloom created stunning floral arrangements with color blocking in mind utilizing vivid, hues of blue, orange, green and yellow.

Inspired by Italian fashion in the '60s, the debutante posed for a photoshoot to create customized invitations.

La Dolce Vita

Luxe Event Decor, Enlightening Ideas, Water Street Catering, Posh & Posy, Wildflowers and L360 Photobooth were just a few of the vendors who brought this party to life.

A '60s-inspired Italian debutante celebration

By Jo Anne Howell Photos provided by Lillian Reitz

L

a Dolce Vita is an ode to a bygone era of retro style and fantastical grandeur. Escaping to the sun-kissed island of Sicily, attendees were transported to a world of romance, glamour and enchantment as the Art The color blocking Museum trend, incorporated into various details of South such as placemats, Texas was took off In the '60s thanks to various transformed fashion designers.

This became known into a lavish as mod fashion and much resembled the palazzo full artistic style of Piet of partyMondrian.

40 The Bend

goers. The celebration was brought to life with hot-heeled guests boasting inimitable fashions, vibrant florals and beautiful tables laden with eyecatching mid-century design.

Throughout the evening, partiers were treated to mouth-watering Italian tapas, live music, fabulous, real-time fashion sketches by Angela Schwengler and mannequins styled by Julian Gold with a wardrobe perfectly on theme.

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thebendmag.com 41

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In the brain, his focus includes complex brain tumors, blood vessel malformations, face pain (trigeminal neuralgia), strokes, and relieving fluid build up on the brain (hydrocephalus).

In the spine, Dr. Lewis performs muscle sparing incisions using small tubes and endoscopes to treat a variety of spinal problems. The patients often go home the same day and recover quickly. Dr. Lewis also repairs torn and herniated discs in the neck and back with motion preserving artificial discs.

Dr. Lewis graduated from Harvard University for college and Georgetown University School of Medicine for medical school.

Dr. Lewis received postgraduate training in neurosurgery from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Mayfield Clinic. Dr. Lewis also served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Lewis loves cooking and spending time with his children and his beautiful wife Kathy Graves who is a nurse practitioner specializing in Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Lewis’s hobbies include developing new spinal instruments and implants for minimally invasive spine surgery. He also teaches spinal surgery techniques with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons from all over the world.

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42 The Bend

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THE GREAT LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

JUDGING PANEL

A CELEBRATION OF COASTAL BEND IMAGERY

JENNIFER ARNOLD

VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ART AND INTERIM GALLERY DIRECTOR TEXAS A&M UNIVERSIT Y -CORPUS CHRISTI

DIANNA BLUNTZER SHERMAN

FROM GLISTENING WATERFRONT VIEWS AND VIBRANT SOUTH TEXAS SUNSETS TO A PLETHORA OF AWE-INSPIRING WILDLIFE AND CANDID SNAPSHOTS OF CITY EVENTS BURSTING WITH LIFE, THE COASTAL BEND HAS

JENNIFER GARZA- CUEN

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ART (PHOTOGRAPHY ) TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - CORPUS CHRISTI

DEBORAH FULLERTON

CUR ATOR OF E XHIBITIONS ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS

RAYMOND GRAY

SO MUCH TO CAPTURE. BEHIND EVERY MOMENT IS A VISUAL VIRTUOSO WITH A CAMERA IN HAND. TO SHOWCASE THE WORK OF OUR AREA’S OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, WE HOSTED AN ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST FEATURING 14 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES. OUR EXPERT PANEL OF JUDGES, CONSISTING OF LOCAL EDUCATORS, ARTISTS AND ART GALLERY PROFESSIONALS, WENT THROUGH ALMOST 200 SUBMISSIONS TO SELECT A WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY. PLUS, WE’VE INCLUDED A FEW EDITOR’S PICKS TO SPOTLIGHT EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL WORK!

44 The Bend

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ART CENTER OF CORPUS CHRISTI

– 44 –

MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER P PA A N D O W N E R , R AY M O N D G R AY PHOTOGR APHY

ELENA RODRIGUEZ

MANAGER OF RECRUITMENT A N D E N G A G E M E N T, A R T & D R A M A DEL MAR COLLEGE

CARLOS VILLARREAL

A D J U N C T P R O F E S S O R O F A R T, ART HISTORY & MEDIA TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - KINGSVILLE OWNER , PRODUCE GALLERY

W I N N E R

A B ST R AC T/A RT I ST I C P H O T O G R A P H Y RO SA L A Z A RO

"'Blue Tequila' is a close-up photo taken a year ago at The South Texas Botanical Gardens. I enjoy close-up and macro photography, and one of my favorite places to do this is at the Botanical Gardens. My lovely model was a resident at the gardens named Tequila. The photo was blown up, cleaned up and sized in Photoshop."

– 45 –

thebendmag.com 45

W I N N E R

A E R I A L / D RO N E P H O T O G R A P H Y J T GA R Z A

"This image is titled 'Parallel Lanes.' It is an overhead drone shot of the Corpus Christi T-heads rocking an emerald green vibe. The image was taken with a DJI Air2s, iso 100, 8.38mm, f2.8, 1/1250 sec."

46 The Bend

– 46 –

W I N N E R

S P O RT S PHOTOGRAPHY A S H L EY PEREZ

"This photograph was taken in May 2023 in Port Aransas. It showcases a local surfer, Hunter Martinez, as he catches air off a wave at Horace Caldwell Pier.

The image was shot with a Canon R6 camera and Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.57.1L IS lens."

W I N N E R

N AT U R E PHOTOGRAPHY – L A N DS C A P E OMAR NUNEZ

"I took this photo one morning while at a friend’s lake house in Mathis. The fog had set in, and I was lucky enough to capture this landscape with my Canon 3TI. This particular photo was taken in 2017."

W I N N E R

W E AT H E R PHOTOGRAPHY C I S SY B E A S L EY

"Documenting dramatic weather images by drone is natural for me, so as a strong weather system moved into the Rockport area, I was there with my drone to capture the arrival of the front line.

Despite the howling wind, the drone performed flawlessly, though I was nervous as it hovered several hundred feet over Aransas Bay. As the wind increased, I hit 'return to home' and the drone landed without fanfare. And then, I breathed. Photographed with the DJI Mavic 3 and RC Pro, June 27, 2022."

– 47 –

thebendmag.com 47

W I N N E R

A RC H I T E C T U R A L P H O T O G R A P H Y B E L I N DA H I N OJ O SA

"I took this image at lunchtime one day in Sinton. My stepdaughter and I were on our way home from spending the morning taking photos in the area.

When I saw this silo/house and the cotton surrounding it, I just had to stop and get out to take a photo. It was too beautiful not to."

"This image’s title is 'Nature’s Chase.' It depicts a dynamic moment of a Great Blue Heron mid-chase after a mullet, captured on an iPhone from a kayak in Laguna Madre. The JFK bridge is subtly present in the backdrop, adding a touch of human influence to this otherwise purely natural spectacle.

The photo, taken during the heron’s breeding season, is a simple yet powerful snapshot of nature’s everyday drama.

Taken Aug. 9, 2023."

W I N N E R

N AT U R E P H O T O G R A P H Y — W I L D L I F E G L E N N H E LW I G

48 The Bend

– 48 –

W I N N E R

W I N N E R

ST I L L L I F E P H O T O G R A P H Y J UA N C A R L O S T R EV I N O

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY K I R BY H A RG ROV E

"A bridal portrait in front of Frazier Lighthouse, taken in October of 2023. The equipment used was a Nikon z6ii with a 35mm lens and natural light only."

"I call this 'The Lonely Coffee Shop Chair.' It was taken at Lucy’s Snackbar in Downtown Corpus Christi on Sept. 21, 2023 at 4:25 p.m. The image was shot on a Sony a6500, 1/250, 1.8, 800."

"This is a photo portraying diversity and style in the Coastal Bend. This is one of my most recent photoshoots and it serves as a reminder to myself to continue improving on my skills and creating visually appealing art. In recent times, I made it a challenge to incorporate more portrait photos of two or more people in my work.

This photo serves as an example of that. Luckily, there are various locations around Corpus Christi that these ideas would be fit for.

In this particular photo, Ropes Park was the perfect location for the idea I had in mind. This photo was taken in September 2023, using a Canon EOS R a 50mm focal length lens."

W I N N E R

FA S H I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y L A RO P I L A RT E S – 49 –

thebendmag.com 49

W I N N E R

D O C U M E N TA RY P H O T O G R A P H Y A NA S E R NA

"Here you see a quinceanera taking a break from dancing.

The device model used for the image was a Nikon Z 6 with a focal length of 24 mm, F number f/2.2 and was taken Aug. 5, 2023."

50 The Bend

– 50 –

B A BY/ M AT E R N I T Y P H O T O G R A P H Y C A R L O S TA M E Z - M E N D E Z

W I N N E R

W I N N E R

LIVE MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY I R E L A RO C H A

"Photography has been my passion for over two decades, and it all started with my incredible parents. My dad gifted me a Canon AE-1 over 20 years ago, igniting my love for the craft. Before that, my mom played a significant role by allowing me to use her old disposable cameras, sparking my early creativity as I took photos of my childhood BMX friends.

P O RT R A I T P H O T O G R A P H Y H A M E E N R EY N O L D S

W I N N E R

In tribute to my passion, I named my firstborn Canon.

You’ll find the same Canon AE-1 that started it all in the photo below his feet. I’m forever grateful for my parents’ unwavering support and I’m blessed to carry on the legacy they unknowingly inspired."

"Chino Moreno of Deftones, captured during the Deftones spring 2022 tour.

The image was taken on an Olympus Stylus MJU II DLX at 35mm."

– 51 –

"This is a picture from a shoot I did in my room one night in Corpus.

It was very spontaneous and of the moment, but I think that’s when the best photos are taken. I used a tripod and a sunset lamp for this shoot and then added 'motion-like' effects using Adobe Photoshop to bring out the melancholic vibe that I was going for. The camera used to capture this photo was a Canon EOS 4000D with an 18-55mm lens. The camera settings for this photo included a shutter speed of 2.0 seconds, an aperture of f/25 and an ISO of 100."

thebendmag.com 51

H O N O R A B L E

M E N T I O N

H O N O R A B L E

M E N T I O N

A E R I A L / D RO N E P H O T O G R A P H Y L A RO P I L A RT E S

H O N O R A B L E

M E N T I O N

A RC H I T E C T U R A L P H O T O G R A P H Y JOSH G OLDSON

EDITOR'

PICKS

H O N O R A B L E

D O C U M E N TA RY P H O T O G R A P H Y J UA N RO D R I GU E Z

52 The Bend

M E N T I O N

P O RT R A I T P H O T O G R A P H Y C A R L O S TA M E Z - M E N D E Z

– 52 –

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N

N AT U R E PHOTOGRAPHY L A N DS C A P E J I M I B A N DA

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N

N AT U R E PHOTOGRAPHY L A N DS C A P E KYRA B LU N D E L L

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N

A B ST R AC T/ A RT I ST I C PHOTOGRAPHY CARLOS TA M E Z - M E N D E Z

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Aesthetics | Injectables | Lasers MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS & PAYMENT PLANS MONTHLY PROMOTIONS & EVENTS COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTS

- Volumizing Fillers - Sculptra & Radiesse - Laser Skin Resurfacing - Laser Hair & Vein Removal - Weight Loss & Vitamin Injections - Neurotoxins for Wrinkle Reduction - Non-Surgical Body Contouring - Chemical Peels and Jelly Mask Facial - Hydrafacials, Dermaplaning & Microneedling - Rosacea, Acne & Hyper-pigmentation Correction CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS: @HALCYONMEDSPA INFO@HALCYONMEDSPA.COM | 361.452.2637 7002 S. STAPLES ST. SUITE 107, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78413

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54 The Bend

Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital (CCRH) is elevating care for those in the Coastal Bend living with a range of injuries and illness.

This month our nation recognizes Heart Month. CCRH is here to guide patients with heart disease and help them regain the life they knew before their illness.

If you’re looking for a rehabilitation hospital for you or your loved one, we hope you will consider Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital. We provide specialized rehabilitative services to patients throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend area who are recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions.

361.906.3700 5726 Esplanade Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78414

thebendmag.com 55

4018 Weber Rd in Hamlin Shopping Center 361-993-4868(HUNT)

IN T ER NAT IO NA L EST 2014

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CUISINE FA R M T O TA B L E 5 8 5 B E ST 6 1 T H E D R I N K 62 T H E D I S H 6 4 TA B L E TA L K 67

SOUTHERN COMFORT & CUISINE

pg 64

photography by MAT THE W MEZA

The evolution of PKK Southern Cuisine from an uptown hidden gem to a downtown mainstay

thebendmag.com 57

CUISINE FARM TO TAB LE

Sweet Treats for the Girls Celebrate your friends this Galentine’s Day with an array of chocolate goodies

By Kayla Butts MS, RDN, LDN Photo by Rachel Benavides

L

ooking for a good excuse to show the ladies in your life some love? Look no further than the global celebration, Galentine’s Day. Created as a rebellious counterstatement to the determined romantic focus of Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s emphasizes a casual vibe to revere your closest friends.

Unlike many modern holidays — take Boss’ Day, Friendship Day and Grandparents’ Day, for example — Galentine’s Day was not created by a greeting card company to move merchandise.

The concept came from popular comedy series “Parks and Recreation.” In an episode that aired in February 2010, the character Leslie Knope treated her female friends to waffles, an act that she puts as, “Ladies celebrating ladies.”

Little did screenwriter Michael Schur know that his babes-who-brunch concept would start a platonic love movement that has taken on a life of its own. Now friends of all genders, ages and marital statuses across the globe are taking time out to say “I love you, Bestie.”

Galentine’s Day is most often observed on Feb. 13, but like many aspects of the holiday, anything goes! We’re inviting our comrades over for board games and booze with a chocolate board at the center of it all.

It’s fully customizable to suit your people’s palates; dip fruit, cookies, bacon (?) and anything else you can imagine in your favorite high-quality chocolate. We went no-holds-barred and opted for dark, milk and white chocolate to complement our favorite treats.

There’s no wrong way to demonstrate adoration for your friends. Shower them with gifts, take an overdue weekend trip or even send them a greeting card. However or whenever you celebrate Galentine’s Day, do it with love — and, perhaps, lots of chocolate.

58 The Bend

RECIPE

Chocolate Board

Serves 4-6 dessert portions PREP TIME: 15-20 minutes INGREDIENTS:

3.5 oz white chocolate, chopped 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped 3.5 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped Salty snacks: pretzels, popcorn, salted nuts, potato chips Fruit: bananas, berries, watermelon, oranges, pineapples, dried fruit Desserts: cheesecake bites, donuts, cake pieces, churros Cookies: Oreos, shortbread cookies, pirouettes, gingersnaps, chocolate chip cookies or dough Candies: marshmallows, gummy bears, caramels DIRECTIONS:

In separate small bowls, melt each chocolate for 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Dip each snack, fruit, dessert, cookie or candy in desired chocolate. Have fun alternating between entirely coating the treat, inserting it only halfway or just drizzling with chocolate. The more variety, the more interesting the board.

Place dipped treats on parchment or wax paper until set/ dry. Transfer to a large cutting board and arrange as desired.

thebendmag.com 59

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60 The Bend

C. Dale Eubank, MD, F.A.C.O.G.

CUISINE 5 B E ST

5 BEST

Queso Dips From molten queso fundido to luscious queso blanco, here are five local cheese dips to try

By Alexa Rodriguez

Photo by Robin Blackshear

YOLA COCINA MEXICANA

L ISABELLA'S BISTR O & B A R

I

t’s the ideal preamble to any Tex-Mex or Latin-inspired dish and the perfect appetizer to round out a spread of salsa and guacamole. Whether it’s the saucy version of queso cooked into a roux with green chilies and tomato or the molten version in a cast iron skillet, melted cheese and tortilla chips go together like bread and butter. Here are a variety of winners to try in the Coastal Bend.

Queso Fundido BARRIO Melty Oaxaca cheese is caramelized in a cast iron skillet over poblanos, mushrooms and chorizo and served with tortilla chips for a traditional take on a queso fundido. Order this in conjunction with a margarita flight at happy hour or preceding one of the many birria and taco dishes on the Central-and SouthAmerican inspired menu.

5717 SARATOGA BLVD.

Queso Fundido and Tortillas de Maiz YOLA COCINA MEXICANA The liquified form of queso shows up on menus more frequently, but the Queso Fundido from YOLA is a delicious deviation from the regional norm. Queso Asadero is melted in a piping hot cast iron skillet with chorizo and served with corn tortillas. The result is more reminiscent of a warm quesadilla filled with mild, rich cheese and flavorful chorizo.

Chili Con Queso SENOR JAIME’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Second to the tableside guacamole is the chili con queso at Senor Jaime’s.

Classic yellow queso dip is topped with seasoned ground beef and served with homemade tortilla chips. The generous portion is large enough for a few people to share, and tastes great alongside a selection of its noteworthy enchilada and fajita plates.

4615 EVERHART ROAD

3818 S. ALAMEDA

Cheese Dip

Chori Queso Dip JALISCO GRILL

CANCUN MEXICAN RESTAURANT The cheese dip at Cancun is a Corpus local favorite and a must-order menu item at either location. The queso blanco is melted with green chiles to create a slightly spicy and smooth topping for thick-cut flour tortilla chips, tacos or as a starter for the table. 4252 S. ALAMEDA

The choriqueso is a take on classic chili con queso made with melted Monterey jack, topped with chorizo and served with chips. The appetizer menu at Jalisco Grill is full of dishes with queso as the star, such as chori queso fries and carne asada fries. 1813 ENNIS JOSLIN

6314 YORKTOWN BLVD.

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CUISINE THE DRINK

Tannins’ South Side Arrival Three friends set out to expand the local favorite wine and tapas bar

By Jacqueline Gonzalez

T

Photos by Benjamin Zaragosa

he intimate wine bar in The Village Shopping Center near the Lamar Park neighborhood has expanded to the South Side. After unforeseen circumstances caused by the pandemic prevented Jerry Davila and Mario Fimbres, owners of Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas, from opening a second location in San Antonio, they found a location on Staples St. that encompassed the perfect open floor plan they had in mind for the new project.

Opening the second location, Tannins Wine Bar & Grill, was a major undertaking, so they brought a friend — designer and architect Daniel Solano — on board for this new venture. Drawing inspiration from wineries they visited, along with a tinge of elements from the original location, these three friends set out to bring a local favorite to the South Side of Corpus Christi.

The trio aimed to create a distinctive atmosphere with a winery ambiance, achieved by handmade wooden tabletops over barrels, walls adorned with wine bottles and other rustic elements combined with the inviting color palette and textured walls of the original location. These elements married well to create an inviting atmosphere in a brighter, more open space.

The new location’s drink selections include over 50 Texas craft beers, an extensive wine selection and craft cocktails, to provide a diverse selection for varied tastes.

Using only fresh ingredients — from freshly squeezed juices to house-made syrups infused with flavors like serrano, brown sugar and cinnamon — every detail is carefully considered. This meticulous 62 The Bend

Pictured above is the Ahi Tuna Tower made with sashimi grade Yellow Fin Tuna, spicy strawberry mango salsa, avocado and a serrano garnish served with plaintain chips.

approach extends to dehydrating fruit in-house to use as garnishes, creating an artistic display with great flavor.

Behind the bar, Courtney Fimbres, Mario’s wife, lets her creativity take center stage as she is always prepared to deliver a unique and flavorful experience with an artistic touch on classic signature cocktails.

“As the event coordinator and bartender, she gets very creative,” Mario said. “She comes up with new drinks, but she will even take a classic cocktail and put her twist on it.”

From the Old Fashioned smoked in-house to Courtney’s innovative frozen drinks, Tannins’ commitment to distinctiveness and quality is displayed in every drink at its new location.

CONTACT 7629 S. Staples St | 361-452-0285

WHERE OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP DISTILLED IN BEEVILLE, TEXAS

Third Coast Health Welcomes Dr. Hartman

Dr. John Hartman, D.O., has been practicing with Third Coast Health, a concierge medical practice, since January 2023. He arrived in Corpus Christi in 2014 to complete his residency training in Family Medicine with Christus Spohn. John immediately found Corpus Christi to be the place he wanted to work and raise a family, and soon convinced his wife, Emily, to join him here. John and Emily, a pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics, now have four children and have grown roots in our community. He enjoys spending time with his kids, going to the beach, hunting and fishing, along with attending dance recitals, and helping coach soccer and T-ball. John received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M in College Station. He earned his master’s in biomedical science along with his Medical Degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Dr. Hartman is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

THIRD COAST HEALTH

3560 S. ALAMEDA, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78411 PHONE 361-900-9969 FAX 866-235-9732

thebendmag.com 63

CUISINE THE DISH

Southern Cuisine & Comfort

The evolution of PKK Southern Cuisine from an uptown hidden gem to a downtown mainstay

By Alexa Rodriguez Photos by Matthew Meza

K

nown for its turkey and homemade dressing lunch special, warm atmosphere and the jazz music of longtime former owner Dr. Maurice G. Portis, Portis Kountry Kitchen has been a hidden gem of sorts since the restaurant’s inception in 2003.

Formerly housed in the basement of the uptown Wells Fargo building and frequented by residents of neighboring office buildings, Portis, now operating as PKK Southern Cuisine, has undergone a few changes while remaining true to its original intent: to provide locals with a southern cuisine experience, which entails more than just food.

When the time came for Dr. Portis to sell the business, Joseph and Katina Stith took their catering backgrounds and jumped at the opportunity to bring their restaurant dreams to life. Joseph, an Air Force veteran turned restaurateur, and Katina, an advocate against human trafficking and board member of the Black Chamber of Commerce, tweaked recipes, gave the basement location a face-lift after COVID and infused their southern cuisine lived experience into the menu items at PKK. In the summer of 2023, the Stiths brought the uptown establishment to downtown on Chaparral Street, complete with large southeast-facing windows, jazz, brunch and home-style daily specials the Corpus Christi clientele has come to love.

“We grew up with our grandparents and aunts that grew their own food on their own land and served it at the table. That’s what southern cuisine is to us,” said Katina. As for what she hopes PKK provides for its patrons? “Our vision is Southern hospitality — come to our table and let us feed your soul. It doesn’t matter what your race is or your relationship to the person, the table is a way to bring peace.

It brings people together. We can leave the craziness on the outside and take a breath in here.”

The comfort food draws people, and the consistent and welcoming environment keeps them returning. The Georgia peach chicken 64 The Bend

PKK is collaborating with the local jazz community to host a kick-off night at the Jazz Festival and to give jazz artists a platform yearround.

and waffles are a must-order at Saturday brunch. The warm, soft interior of the waffle is countered with the crisp exterior of the perfectly golden fried chicken and is topped with house-made syrup. Long-time favorite menu items include collard greens and “famous fried chicken,” turkey and homemade dressing on Thursdays and the smothered pork chop with a slice of sweet cornbread, green beans and mac ’n cheese.

Don’t skip the pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon with a brown sugar sauce, served at dinner only.

The Stiths’ commitment to hospitality is palpable. From their background in public service to PKK’s commitment as a second-chance employer and the generous discount offered to veterans, Joseph and Katina are solidifying PKK’s place as a mainstay in Corpus Christi. The food is good, there is no denying it, but Katina’s motto that “no one should ever be hungry” is the lifeblood of the establishment and speaks to the couple’s belief that cuisine and culture go hand in hand, and sharing that with others can go a long way in building a community.

CONTACT 213 S. Chaparral | @pkk_oasis

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Leading the Way in Modern Healthcare Our mission is to provide the coastal bend with the highest quality medical care that allows our patients to live their best lives. Our comprehensive approach addresses how you feel, how you look, and where you are at your stage in life. We pride ourselves in providing a custom, individualized treatment plan for all of our patients depending on their specific needs.

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thebendmag.com 65

Cosmetic and Advanced General Dentistry with Art, Science and Compassion

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CUISINE TAB LE TALK

TABLE TALK

LOCAL

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS OUR WEBSITE AND DISCOVER EVEN MORE FOOD AND DRINK CONTENT THROUGHOUT THE COASTAL BEND.

DINING SPOTLIGHT

Gabriela's Seafood + Tapas SEAFOOD

Gabriela's Seafood + Tapas has expanded its dining area to include an upper-level deck. The addition brings extra seating to the popular restaurant and new menu items along with it.

1 8 1 5 B ro a d w a y S t .

NEWS

WHERE TO EAT NOW

DRINK SPOTLIGHT

@ g a b r i e l a s ro c k p o r t

B R E A K FA S T

Taste at 555 BAKERY

Its 2024 menu brings delicious new breakfast bites such as the Brisket on a Biscuit and the Spinach Feta Kolache. 555 N Carancahua St. $ THUNDERSTRUCK JALAPEÑO MEXICAN MARTINI ROCK + ROLLS SUSHI @rockandrollssushilounge

Kick up the heat with this twist on the Mexican Martini.

Crafted with Tanteo Jalapeño or Habanero Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave and olive juice, this spicy libation is a crowd favorite.

15121 S PADRE ISLAND DRIVE, SUITE 101

DRINK

Driftwood Coffee COFFEE ROASTER

Now serving matcha, check out its newest seasonal sensation, the Seafoam Delight - made with its ceremonial grade matcha, pistachio syrup and milk. 4703 S Alameda St. $ DINNER

Merida's Tapas & Cantina

illustration by JAR RE D SCH UET ZE

L AT I N F U S I O N

Corn cut into ribs, grilled with chili oil and drizzled with chipotle mayo, Mexican crema, then topped with cojita cheese and cilantro. Paired with the Picosita Margarita.

Photo by Deux Boheme

Owned by longtime restaurateur Merida May Mendoza and with a culinary team led by popular local chef Gail Huesmann, this new restaurant specializes in Latin-infused fare. 15137 S Padre Island Dr. $$

thebendmag.com 67

Give the perfect gift to your loved ones this Valentine’s Day! Frame a special moment or keepsake to cherish for a lifetime.

Blocks from Ocean Drive | 3850 S Alameda | Corpus Christi, TX

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SPLENDID AVIATION TAKES TO THE SKY

pg 72

photography by MAT THE W ME ZA

Engage with the aviators of the Coastal Bend at the local flight school and club

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AROUND THE B END ART S & C ULT URE

Anything but Ordinary How a retired military physician turned to mixed-media collaging and began creating unique art

By Vanessa Perez Photo by Deux Boheme

A

fter a busy career as a military physician, Stan Unser spends retirement getting back to the craft he loved first. Growing up in a Minnesota household with two painters for parents, Unser described the sources of influence he was brought up with as seemingly endless.

“When I was a child my parents both painted, so I guess I assumed everybody did,” Unser said. As a teen, he discovered himself to be a fast learner and an impressive realist. Soon, he went on to study art and philosophy for two years in college before the untimely and life-altering loss of his younger brother.

Art took a side seat to medical school, and Unser earned his M.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1982 with an Army scholarship.

After his military service, he practiced for the remainder of his career at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, before retiring his license in 2016.

He also continued to practice his craft alongside his career.

“Even as a physician, I was still doing artwork for people sometimes, and I was proud to keep doing that,” Unser said.

70 The Bend

Unser’s work has been featured at the San Antonio Art League and Museum, K-Space Contemporary and a myriad of galleries across Texas.

Seven years into retirement, Unser says the drive to create engaging work keeps him motivated daily to stay productive. “I’m still experimenting and trying new stuff. I’ve gotten the, kind of, the style, and I’m more comfortable with abstract backgrounds and a figurative component,” Unser said, delving into the process he’s developed over the past several years. “I’m starting to use AI now for my figurative components, which is kind of cool. [With AI] you get kind of unexpected results. And I like unexpected things, because my main focus is trying to be interesting and get people to look at the picture rather than just walk by.”

Pulling influence from a wide range of artists, including Gustav Klimt and Maggie Taylor, Unser said the desire to create new and intriguing pieces, much like solving a puzzle, is a persistent pursuit in his mind.

His process is comprised of three primary parts: a Photoshop phase for combining prompted AI images and transferring those images to dissolvable paper; an acrylic phase for texture, mixed media, metal foils and gels; and an oil phase when Unser paints over his product to pull out and enhance details.

The images yielded through this process marry aspects of symbolist works with the more warm, magical aspects of surrealism that Unser terms aptly as “abstract figurative digital collage.”

While the product may be clear in mind, Unser seeks to provide work that keeps viewers engaged and formulating their own narratives. “Creating viewer involvement is my main purpose. I try to be interesting and somewhat edgy but still aesthetic without an obnoxious number of gimmicks,” he said. “I like to allow some ambiguity and abstraction that invites the viewer to create their own interpretation of the work. I want people to see it and recognize the aesthetic as something they like. I do like people recognizing the work as something they don’t see every day.”

CONTACT stanunser.com

Sat. March 9, 2024

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AROUND THE B END DISCOVE RIE S

Splendid Aviation Takes to the Skies Engage with the aviators of the Coastal Bend at the local flight school and club

By Luis Arjona

C

Photos by Matthew Meza

arving its path through the skies with a story that began during the challenging times of COVID-19, Splendid Aviation has taken flight. What started as a humble idea to fulfill a friend’s dream of flying has now transformed into a dynamic flight school, fostering a community of aviation enthusiasts.

Splendid Aviation’s roots trace back to when founder and owner Terrence Davis, inspired by a friend’s desire to fly, seized an opportunity during the pandemic. This aviation enthusiast and a group of buddies rented an aircraft out of Kleberg County Airport, and initially formed a flying club. However, the demand for accessible, quality aviation experiences quickly pivoted the endeavor into a flight school.

Before Splendid Aviation, Corpus Christi presented a challenge for those eager to explore aviation. Despite the abundance of talent, the availability to rent or fly an aircraft is limited. The organization sought to change this, offering a tailored experience to individuals who aspired to become airline pilots or pursue other aviation dreams. “Corpus has a lot of talent here,” Davis said, “experienced pilots and maintenance workers, but the area is a desert for aviation.”

Drawing inspiration from the military, particularly the Navy and Marine Corps, Splendid Aviation adopted a teaching style that individualizes the learning experience for each student. With this focus, it’s creating a community to connect with other aviation enthusiasts, be it as a hobby or profession.

The ready room serves as more than just a study space — it’s a place to hang out, fostering a sense of community and networking opportunities that surpassed initial expectations. “We’re here to 72 The Bend

Splendid Aviation offers discovery flights for those interested in seeing Corpus Christi from a bird's eye view while learning about aviation.

connect people with aviation,” said Davis of the community being built within the organization.

Splendid Aviation aims to democratize aviation, offering three routes for individuals to engage with their passion: signing up for classes to obtain a Private Pilot License, renting an aircraft for flights or engaging with the club as a member and enjoying the environment. Some students have even bought an aircraft while working toward their license, and Splendid Aviation allows members to rent an aircraft after obtaining their PPL. In a city teeming with talent, Splendid Aviation is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those seeking to soar above and beyond. With experienced pilots and maintenance professionals and a community passionate about aviation, Corpus Christi’s skies are richer, and the future holds nothing but boundless horizons for those under the wings of Splendid Aviation.

CONTACT splendidaviation.com | 361-236-2079

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AROUND THE B END LOOKING BAC K

Continued Service The Art Center’s building began as the USO

By Jillian Becquet Photo Credit Corpus Christi Public Libraries, La Retama Special Collections & Archives

100 North Shoreline Boulevard, c. 1941-42

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brought both the opening of the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and by association, the USO. The second oldest in the nation, the South Texas chapter was established on April 2, 1941, weeks after the commissioning of NAS-CC. This building on Shoreline was built as the USO in 1941; two years later City Council designated a block of land south of the building as parkland that became what is now known as Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park. The park was dedicated to Warren Sherrill, who was the city’s first casualty of WWII. While the park has continued to serve its purpose as a place for patriotic gatherings, the USO’s building met a different fate.

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As the needs of local military families changed following WWII, the USO no longer occupied the bayfront property. The building went on to serve the community, including as the county tax office and a City Hall annex.

It began to show its age in 1983 when it was put up for demolition.

But the members of the Art Community Center didn’t see a decrepit building on the bay; they saw a prime location to bring their art to the public. After a major fundraising effort, the group raised $360,000 to secure the building and went on to do a major renovation in 2000. To this day, it continues to serve as home to what is now the Art Center of Corpus Christi, bringing artists’ processes and their art to the public.

Providing Cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities thebendmag.com 75

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