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The Bend Magazine Volume 13 / Issue 7. The Bend Magazine is published by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. Copyright © 2026 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.
Better Than Good
July is special here at The Bend. Longtime readers will know there is an extra dose of local pride injected into this month’s issue every year.
It’s the kind of pride that shows up when someone tells you about their favorite taco spot, insists you try a particular hairstylist or brings up a small business they’ve been supporting for years. Around here, people are passionate about the places, businesses and experiences that make this community feel like home. That spirit is what makes The Local’s List possible.
Now in its 11th year, our annual readers’ choice poll continues to grow in ways we, of course, hoped for but are always amazed by. Tens of thousands of participants cast hundreds of thousands of votes, all in celebration of the individual contributions that shape life here in the Coastal Bend.
The Local’s List as a whole is a true feat. From start to finish, it’s a six-month undertaking with several steps along the way. We start in
February with nominations; come April, voting is in full swing; by May, we’re working on the individual components to put the issue together; and before the second week of June ends, we’re off to press.
But wait! There’s more. As we announce the winners and begin sharing the issue with readers, our team is putting the final touches on The Local’s List Party. This year, it will be held on July 31, marking its long-awaited return to the Art Museum of South Texas. It’s a rather exciting way to celebrate the people and places that have earned your recognition and votes.
Though it’s a beast of a project, it’s undoubtedly a labor of love. On behalf of the entire team here at The Bend, I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to each business that won its respective category, made it into the top five voting round or was even nominated in the first place. Being recognized as the best in your field is a rewarding feeling, and we are honored to feature you.
Local love is found all throughout the issue, of course. Like a nonprofit organization dedicated to getting kids outside with cameras in their hands. Which, by the way, results in some of the most beautiful wildlife photography I’ve seen. Or an app created by a video game developer who moved from North Carolina and decided his expertise was best lent to making it easier for anglers to find the perfect spot to cast their lines. Local innovation is in ready supply!
Now, enough from me. The votes have been cast, the results are in and The Local’s List 2026 winners await.
KYLIE COOPER, EDITOR IN CHIEF kylie@thebendmag.com
THREE HIGHLIGHTS
Back in May, I had the privilege of sitting down with Val Perez in the Firefighters’ dugout at Whataburger Field. The Corpus Christi native and Banana Ball head coach and I talked about keeping your cool in big moments, appreciating the “good old days” while you’re living them and H-E-B being the undisputed king of grocery stores. Pg. 14
I generally love the sides at a barbecue place just a bit more than the barbecue itself, and BAARE BBQ has won me over— especially the honey butter corn bread. Pg. 70
WITH HEART
One of the best things about following a local business throughout its journey is witnessing its significant milestones. This year, Indigo Laine & Co is marking a decade of crafting beautiful handmade goods with the release of a commemorative collection. Pg. 78
POI: VAL PEREZ
BAARE BBQ'S SPIN ON TEXAS BARBECUE
HANDMADE,
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The Corpus Christi native and Firefighters head coach on culture, competition
bring Banana Ball to her hometown
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Val Perez
The Corpus Christi native and Firefighters head coach on culture, competition and what it felt like to bring Banana Ball to her hometown
By Kylie Cooper Photos provided by Wildflowers
Photography TX
Most of Val Perez’s story takes place in the Coastal Bend. A Callalen native and former softball player at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, she went on to play on the Women’s National Team for USA Baseball while simultaneously serving as a firefighter and paramedic with the Corpus Christi Fire Department.
Today, she’s known to a growing national audience as the head coach of the Firefighters, one of the teams in the rapidly expanding Banana Ball universe. This specific journey from fire station to field wasn’t something she planned; a tryout, the launch of a team whose identity uniquely mirrored her own profession and a series of perfectly timed opportunities ultimately led her to the Banana Ball stage.
Having recently returned to Corpus Christi for a sold-out three game series during the 2026 Banana Ball World Tour, we dropped into the Firefighters’ dugout to talk culture, competition and what it felt like to bring Banana Ball to her hometown.
Kylie Cooper: Let’s take it back to the beginning. How did the opportunity with Banana Ball first come about?
Val Perez: I made Team USA with women’s baseball, and because of that, I got invited to a Banana Ball tryout. At the time, I really didn’t know much about it. I can’t dance, I can’t sing and I’d never done a trick play in my life, so I figured I’d just go have a good time and see what happened. After the tryout, they called and said, “As much as we’d love to see you in yellow, we have a team called the Firefighters, and you’re a real firefighter.” They asked me to join the team for its inaugural season, and eventually they called back to ask if I’d be interested in serving as head coach as well.
Cooper: So, at what point did you realize you might actually leave firefighting behind?
Perez: The entire first season, I kept telling everyone I wasn’t coming back. I loved the experience, but I fully expected to return to the fire department afterward. Eventually, they offered me a full-time position. At that point, my wife and I had some serious conversations because I had almost 10 years with the Corpus Christi Fire Department. The timing ended up working out perfectly. I hit my 10-year mark and secured my pension, and everything kind of fell into place from there. There were so many things that lined up at exactly the right time that it felt too difficult to ignore.
Cooper: The firefighter connection is such a wild coincidence. With 10 years as a firefighter and paramedic under your belt, what lessons from that career translate most directly now to coaching?
Perez: One of the biggest things is learning how to control chaos. In the fire service, if you get sped up, you make decisions that aren’t ideal. You learn to control your heart rate, control your breathing and stay clearminded in high-pressure situations. That’s just as important in professional sports. Whether it’s on a fire scene or in the dugout, you’re constantly trying to perform at your highest level while making good decisions under pressure.
Cooper: How have emergency services shaped your leadership style?
Perez: Culture is everything to me. In firefighting, you’re in the trenches with your
crew. You build trust around the dinner table, after difficult calls and through shared experiences. It’s the same with a baseball team. We spend a lot of time together, and life happens outside the game. Building a strong culture means creating an environment where people genuinely want to be there for each other, both on and off the field.
Cooper: Speaking of culture, when you evaluate players, what matters most beyond talent?
Perez: I absolutely want to know what kind of player someone is, but I also want to know who they are as a person. Everybody is happy when things are going well. I want to know how someone responds when things aren’t. Are they lifting up their teammates? Are they handling adversity well? Those things matter because they directly affect culture, and culture affects everything.
Cooper: Banana Ball is often known for its entertainment value, but what do people misunderstand about the sport?
Perez: The biggest misconception is that it’s all entertainment. Yes, there are dances and fun moments, but the level of talent on the field is incredible. These are highly competitive athletes playing under unique rules that actually increase the pressure. Every game matters, every inning matters and the competition is very real.
Cooper: What was it like returning to your hometown with the Firefighters?
Perez: It’s been surreal. This city has been such a huge part of my life. I worked at Whataburger Field when I was in college, later worked EMS shifts here and spent years coming to games and events at this stadium. Being able to come back with a sold-out crowd, honor firefighters who impacted my career and share Banana Ball with people who supported me long before this opportunity came along has been incredibly special.
Cooper: What does it feel like to be a part of something so big in its infancy?
Perez: It’s pretty surreal. When you think about the creation of soccer or basketball or any major sport, it’s wild to realize that’s literally where we’re at right now. We’re helping build something from the
ground up. Last year, we didn’t even have a rule book. We had ideas of what things should look like, but now we’re defining what a trick play is, creating standards and figuring out how the game continues to evolve.
People always talk about the “good old days,” but they usually don’t realize they’re living in them at the time. The cool thing about this era is that so much of it is being documented. There’s video, social media, articles and photos capturing all these moments as they’re happening. Hopefully, when I’m 70 or 80 years old, I can look back and think, “Wow, that was pretty incredible to be a part of.”
Cooper: What does balance at this point in your life look like?
Perez: I try to integrate my family into this life as much as possible. The more my wife and kids can be around the organization, the better. One of the things that stood out to me early on was how much this organization truly operates like a family. From the ownership group all the way down to the interns, people genuinely take care of each other. They understand that if your family is doing well, if you’re healthy
and supported, you’re going to perform better. That’s true for players, coaches and staff. As a parent, I appreciate that because it allows me to bring my family into this experience rather than constantly feeling like I’m choosing one thing over another.
Cooper: Alright, I have to ask. When you’re back in Corpus, what spots are you making sure you visit?
Perez: The first answer is H-E-B. We don’t have one in Georgia, and my wife and I literally walked down every aisle when we got into town. After that, it’s Jalisco Grill, the Taco Stand in Flour Bluff, Whataburger and usually some barbecue from my brother. There’s just something about South Texas food that feels like home.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Read the full interview online at thebendmag.com
@valperez_27 | @thefirefighters
Stories Framed by Nature
Sharp Shooter Foto focuses on fostering youth confidence and conservation
By Ava Coronado Photos provided by Sharp Shooter Photo
The story begins in the corners of private ranches and in the trees of protected reserves, with a kid behind the camera lens. Through every shutter and click, there is knowledge, confidence and a passion for nature with a desire to protect it.
Sharp Shooter Foto’s mission inspires kids to connect with the natural world through photography, encouraging creativity, building confidence and fostering a lifelong appreciation for conservation. The nonprofit organization, led by local photographers Jeff and Angie Birmingham, began with the idea that nature is a stress relief. Considering the pressure, noise and screen time kids are exposed to, photography drives them to experience the fresh outdoors.
Through free, hands-on nature photography workshops, youth from ages 10 to 18 are led by professional photographers, wildlife biologists and certified naturalists to learn about manual camera settings, composition tips for wildlife and landscape shots, ethical photography practices, how to photograph animals and handle a camera, creativity, confidence and conservation awareness. These workshops are structured through donations, which help provide equipment, instruction and outdoor experiences so students can discover confidently.
“Photography helps young people develop a personal relationship with nature,” Program Director and Master Photographer Angie Birmingham shared. “When they take time to observe an animal, wait for the right light or notice details they have never seen before, nature becomes more than just a background. It becomes something to be proud of, something to feel connected to and something they want to protect.”
These photographs tell stories that invite students to step outside, discover the world and recognize the beauty braided in nature. One shot can advocate to protect wildlife and their habitats and ecosystems while building self-esteem and joy in the photographer behind the lens. Being in
Contributions to Sharp Shooter Foto support students directly by providing proper equipment and meals during excursions.
nature improves mental health and adding in the sweetness of capturing a perfect shot provides that perfect formula for selfesteem and peace.
“The lasting impact we see is confidence, curiosity and pride,” Birmingham said. “Students begin to ask better questions, care more about what they see and take ownership of their images and experiences. Some get more comfortable outdoors, some become more creative and some start helping newer students. That is when you know the program is doing more than teaching camera skills; it is helping young people develop a lifelong respect for nature and their role in protecting it.”
So the story continues in the places it began, outside on freshwater lakes, behind fences in open pastures and down trails filled with wonder. More adventure awaits in the great outdoors, along with opportunities to see beauty, build confidence and create a lasting connection with nature through every shutter and click.
photo by Philip West
photo by Allaina Redubio
Tamara Lopez
Conviva Representative
The Leader in Senior Primary Care
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CORPUS CHRISTI
GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON
The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon was held at the Hilliard Center on May 14. Co-chaired by Dana Sisk and Jennifer Lira, the event invited survivors, advocates and community members to raise funds and awareness for women's heart disease. The Woman of Impact nominees, who helped raise funds this year, were Devary Brooner (winner), Alexa Fulbright, Nancy Durham and Adriana Hipolito-Lamont.
CATTLE BARON'S
COUTURE FOR A CURE STYLE SHOW 2026
Hosted at Concrete Street Amphitheater on April 9, the annual Couture for a Cure Style Show was cochaired by event creators Alexa Gignac and Jennifer Butler. With a theme of “Haute Havana,” the evening showcased tropical-inspired styles from Julian Gold Christi as models and dancers made their way down the runway. In support of the American Cancer Society, the event brought together the community for an evening of fashion, purpose and impact.
Confidence Starts Here
Tori Mayo’s new blueprint for head-to-toe wellness
By Natalie Werkhoven Photos by Rachel Benavides
Stepping through the doors of SKN FIT in Corpus Christi’s Lamar Park shopping center immediately reveals a refreshing, transformative take on wellness. The space is bright, open and framed by many large windows where natural light pours in, illuminating a clean palette of calming, neutral tones that moves far away from the mechanical, feel of a typical gym. It has a welcoming energy that blends boutique fitness with a chic skincare clinic. Conceived by Tori Mayo, a Registered Nurse and seasoned fitness professional, the studio’s massive opening week drew 480 attendees, proving the Coastal Bend was craving this experience-forward philosophy.
Integrating clinical aesthetics and rigorous body conditioning, SKN FIT offers a unique dual-concept experience. Mayo developed the idea for the studio while teaching Pilates, when she observed a significant overlap between clients seeking low-impact exercise and those investing in premium clinical facials. This observation led to her philosophy that aesthetic health and internal physical strength are fundamentally linked.
“In just 45 minutes to an hour a day, Pilates unlocks a deep sense of inner confidence,” Mayo said, sharing how her own journey as a mother of two fueled her desire to empower others. “At SKN FIT, the fitness and the skincare naturally feed into each other for head-to-toe wellness.”
On the fitness side, SKN FIT is making history as the first studio in South Texas outside San Antonio to feature advanced Xformer machines. These state-of-the-art reformers are bigger and wider and offer higher resistance than traditional machines, all while retaining their low impact on the joints. With no height or weight restrictions, the equipment offers true inclusivity for everyone.
Classes range from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to accommodate busy schedules.
Mayo is meticulous about every single detail, turning a workout into a true sensory journey. Clients sweat and vibe to fun, high-energy playlists, sport custom grippy-bottom socks available at the front boutique and stay hydrated via a premium water bottle refill station. Even the post-workout cooldown is a luxury ritual; clients are treated to mint-infused cold towels laundered in a chemical-free, non-irritating wash specifically chosen to protect the skin and naturally reset the nervous system.
The skincare side of the business takes the spotlight at the back of the studio. Mayo’s background working with a prominent Houston plastic surgeon and attending four to five national educational conferences a year ensures the service menu is hyper-focused on results. Alongside expert, crosstrained aesthetician Sarah Garcia, the studio offers treatments such as deeply exfoliating and hydrating hydrafacials for an instant glow and medical-grade VI Peels uniquely formulated to be safe for all skin
types and tones. For maximum rejuvenation, the studio specializes in a powerful VI Peel and neurotoxin (“tox”) combination.
Ultimately, what sets SKN FIT apart is its culture of connection. Mayo chose the timeless, luxe feel of Lamar Park with longevity in mind, wanting to build a local hub where genuine relationships could flourish. With words of encouragement subtly printed on the walls and floors, it is a safe space designed to uplift clients.
“Traditional gyms can make it so difficult to mingle and make friends,” Mayo explained. “It was so important to me that people walking through our doors have a safe space. At SKN FIT, clients organically become friends and can feel happy for each other as they hit their goals.”
Driven by passionate word-of-mouth recommendations, engaging marketing and Mayo’s dedication to building an uplifting brand, SKN FIT is already proving its concept with long-term hopes of expansion. For Mayo, the journey has been a masterclass in personal growth, teaching her to balance her infectious kindness with firm professional boundaries. Above all, the studio’s true spirit is found in its details—like a quick glance beneath one of the Xformers, where the floor displays the words “confidence starts here.”
CONTACT
3850 S. Alameda St., Unit 23 | @sknfit__ | mysknfit.com
Macie Scarborough Agent
As the temperature dips from blazing to merely balmy, my family and I prepare for a sunset cruise on our sailboat, Rosalie. It’s these moments of perfect subtraction from elements of stress, screens and schedules that I really savor as our skin drinks in my preferred red light therapy from the sun.
Effortless simplicity is a perfect beauty philosophy for when the summer heat hits, and it’s one that I am definitely embracing. I relish the glow of intentional skinloving essentials that are rooted in wellness, and designed to boost radiance and health. From a mascara that focuses on safer ingredients (making it a better daily choice for lash health) to deeply rejuvenated skin and mouth-watering summer thirst quenchers, these skin-loving summer essentials are a curation of health and simplicity that help to perfect a low-maintenance glow.
Purely Polished
High-impact essentials for achieving an effortless glow
By Natalie Werkhoven
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
@Castor_and_Glow
I love local businesses, and I’d love to hear from you. Contact me on Instagram with recommendations for your local health and beauty business or product. Sharing the Coastal Bend's beauty and wellness bests is my forte!
THE ESSENTIALS
LIMITLESS LASH MASCARA, ILIA BEAUTY
Sephora - 5425 S. Padre Island Drive iliabeauty.com
As trends shift, it is evident: Clumpy lashes are out, and ultra-separated length is in. I am obsessed with Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara in the rich brown shade “Before Dawn.” Formulated with nourishing organic ingredients such as ethically sourced beeswax, this clean choice is flake-free and effortlessly easy to remove.
CACAO TOOTH POWDER, ORGANIC WAVE WELLNESS organicwavewellness.com
Finding a clean, effective toothpaste has been a journey, but my kids and I love this Cacao Tooth Powder. Powered by enamel-strengthening theobromine (clinically proven to strengthen better than fluoride), it cleans without synthetic foaming agents. The bentonite clay, baking soda and Redmond Real Salt blend detoxifies gums and balances oral
pH. My kids prefer the regular cacao flavor, but I love both the cinnamon and peppermint flavors.
banyanbotanicals.com
For years, I’ve started my morning routine with an Ayurvedic practice of 10-20 minutes of oil pulling, helping to remove the overnight bacteria buildup sitting on my tongue and gums. I swish a teaspoon of Daily Swish while washing my face, doing my skincare and putting my contacts in. After spitting it out—never down the sink— and thoroughly rinsing with warm water, I finish my oral care routine. These certified organic oils leave my mouth detoxified, moisturized and sparkling clean with added health benefits.
VI PEEL
SKN FIT, 3850 S. Alameda St., mysknfit.com
The medical-grade VI Peel from SKN FIT is an incredibly effective, transformative treatment for revealing the most sparkly glow! After a few days of heavy peeling, and dramatic shedding, the rapid cell turnover subsides. My skin began peeling on day three and was mostly finished by day seven. The radiant reveal, once the peeling stage finished, was remarkable. Minimal makeup required for skin this fresh.
Regular readers know Island Wellness owner Stacy is one of my favorite local resources for wellness, kindness and love. Her daily, freshly made organic smoothies feature organic fruit, BPA-free cups/straws/ lids and a picky selection of clean bases like organic coconut or almond milk and hormone-free Greek yogurt. I love customizing mine with high-quality add-ins like Lion’s Mane Elixir from Coastal Bend Mushrooms or complimentary local Hebert Honey. My absolute favorite is her antioxidant-rich Pink Tide iced tea, made with organic hibiscus, green tea, lime, orange and coconut water. Delicious and truly tastes like summer. I also love the Tropical Tide and Island Green Glow smoothies. Cozy hot tea varieties like jasmine green are also available.
MINT DAILY SWISH, BANYAN BOTANICALS
photo by ASHLEY PETTIBONE
Diving In
Cool off and get zen this summer with poolside inspiration
By Kylie Cooper
by Jason Page and Rachel Benavides
The pool is a place for play, for entertaining, for rest and relaxation. In the Coastal Bend, the luxury of a backyard pool also means easy access to a much-needed reprieve from South Texas heat.
It’s in our nature to feel an instinctive pull toward water—being in or even near it has several wellness boosts. “Blue Mind” refers to biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols’ theory that water induces a meditative state with mental and physical benefits. According to MI Blue Daily, being in or near water “increases the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin; decreases cortisol; expands a person’s compassion; can lower your pulse rate; and triggers involuntary attention which is essential to problem solving and creativity.”
When Blue Mind Theory is applied through swimming, added health benefits include improved cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved lung strength and capacity, muscle building and improved cognitive function, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
This poolside retreat strikes a balance between resortinspired luxury and understated elegance; a relaxed, inviting space for sunbathing and outdoor entertaining.
Now, this isn’t new information for most, but it serves as a great reminder: not only to choose swimming as a summertime physical activity but also of why having a pool in your backyard is more than just a design choice … though it is also a great design feature.
Look to these backyard retreats in the Coastal Bend for design inspiration this season. Whether you envision a luxurious, resort-style escape or prefer the compact, industrial charm of a cowboy pool, these local oases offer ideas for every outdoor space.
Photos
Photo by Jason Page.
NOW GROWING
Turk’s Cap
The best of edible landscaping in the Coastal Bend
By Justin Butts
The brutal heat and relentless Gulf winds of July cause most plants in Coastal Bend gardens to wither and fade. But the high heat and salty air of summer inspire Turk’s cap to burst into brilliant red blooms.
Turk’s cap is native to Texas and Mexico, which explains why it grows so well in our local environment. Although technically a perennial flower, it has a growth habit more akin to that of a shrub. This versatile plant serves as a magnificent hedge or a standout feature in gardens designed for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Before planting Turk’s cap as a hedge, know that it will die back in a frost or freeze. However, the plants regrow quickly from the stems and roots. After a few years, the plants regrow extremely fast in the spring and become tall and lush—an autumn Turk’s cap hedge row is a glorious sight.
Local nurseries sell various varieties of Turk’s cap transplants, and the best choice is the traditional redflowering plant (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii). Plants with white or pink flowers are less vigorous and have fewer blooms.
Turk’s cap is best known as a hummingbird attractor. The gorgeous red flowers never fully open but remain tightly wrapped. Hummingbirds, with their long beaks, can easily reach the nectar at the center; on our farm in Rockport, our lush Turk’s cap hedgerows attract thousands of hummingbirds each fall.
In the Coastal Bend, pollinator gardens are gaining popularity as gardeners seek to attract the vibrant energy of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. By incorporating Turk’s cap into your landscape, you can prepare for an unrivaled autumn aerial display in South Texas.
GARDENER'S NOTES
GROWING UP
Spacing, 3’. Height, 5’ to 8’. Easy to grow. Hedge or specimen plant. Plant from seed or transplant in full sun. Tolerates extensive shade, but shade slows growth and reduces flower coverage. Prefers sandy soil; must be very well-drained. Add several inches of organic compost and two cups of pastured poultry manure per plant. Water regularly for the first six months. Highly drought-tolerant. Plant near other drought-tolerant plants to avoid over-watering. Mulch with native leaves. No pests.
PROFILING
Established plants can be divided with a shovel and replanted. Easily propagate Turk’s cap by taking cuttings and planting them in a pot. Creates an excellent hedge; space at 3’. Plants die back in frost or freeze. Prune plants in spring if they survive the winter or they will become leggy. Pair in garden with flame acanthus, mistflower, mealy blue sage and firebush. This combination is ideal to attract most hummingbirds and butterflies in summer and fall.
FUN FACTS
Southwestern Native Americans considered the Turk’s cap a true delicacy. Its fruit offers a flavor profile reminiscent of a blend between melons and apples, and the blossoms provide a sweet aftertaste. Both the fruit and flowers serve as wonderful additions to summer salads or as vibrant garnishes for seasonal plates. The leaves can also be brewed into a tea that’s frequently used to soothe indigestion and to treat a sore throat.
For the Record
A wedding moodboard for a vinyl-loving couple
By Jo Anne Howell Photos Provided by Katie Knotts Photography
Centered on the couple's passion for music, this wedding struck a perfect chord through its intimate details and laid-back ambiance. The venue exuded a luxurious, lounge-like energy, enhanced by a deep color palette of emerald green, dusty rose, marigold and merlot. Throughout the evening, the love of vinyl took center stage; guests enjoyed a vinyl DJ spinning upstairs and a dedicated listening room downstairs, complete with a curated crate of records to play.
Guests inscribed their well-wishes with metallic Sharpies onto a vinyl record, which served as a creative, on-theme guest book.
Downstairs, an interactive listening lounge offered guests an escape from the dance floor, providing a space where they could personally curate the atmosphere by choosing their own records to play.
SeasSee to
THE COASTAL BEND’S LUXURY CHARTER YACHT
The 92' motor yacht, Seas to See is a combination of luxury and fun. From fishing to relaxing and everything in between, this spacious vessel offers all the conveniences and comforts of home. From spacious sleeping quarters, a fully stocked galley with an amazing amount of natural lighting, and the ability to relax on the outside of the boat, both at dock or underway, the Seas to See is hands down the way to go.
READER'S AWA
CHOICE RDS
Dokyo Dauntaun, photo by Jason Page
Bayside Pilates, photo by Kylie Justus Wieland
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Winner
Día de los Muertos Festival H
Second Place: Buc Days
Third Place: Greek Festival
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Winner
Coastal Bend Day of Giving
Second Place: Crawfish for a Cause
Third Place: Fiesta de los Niños
ART GALLERY/CENTER
Winner
Art Center of Corpus Christi
Second Place: K Space
Contemporary
Third Place: Rockport Center for the Arts
BAND (ORIGINAL MUSIC)
Winner Family Affair
Second Place: Jacob Cole Band
Third Place: Animal Mood
COMEDIAN
Winner
Tina La Cochina H
Second Place: Chris Longoria
Third Place: Javi Luna
DANCE STUDIO
Winner
Tippi Toes
Corpus Christi
Second Place: Munro
Ballet Studio
Third Place: Avant Dance
DIGITAL ARTIST/ ILLUSTRATOR
Winner
Savannah Garza H
Second Place: Elisa Peña
Third Place: Ramiro Keith
FAMILY ATTRACTION
Winner
Texas State Aquarium H
Second Place: Fifth & Elm
Third Place: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
FILMMAKER
Winner
Andres Hernandez, El Roi Films
Second Place: Eric Rodriguez
Third Place: Jimmy Wilden
FINE ART PAINTER
Winner
Kaleigh Glover
Ardoin
Second Place: Joe Peña
Third Place: Jennifer Seymour
Kaleigh Glover Ardoin
INFLUENCER/BLOGGER
Winner
Haily Wilson, @localtxfoodie
Second Place: Sierra Guajardo, @_sierraguajardo26
Third Place: Savannah Hallick, @savraehallick
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Winner House of Rock
Second Place: Brewster Street
Icehouse - Downtown
Third Place: Fifth & Elm
MULTIMEDIA ARTIST
Winner
Shai Davenport
Second Place: Clover & Leaf
Third Place: Jennifer Arnold
MURALIST
Winner
Jeremy Flores
Second Place: Mayra Zamora
Third Place: Kaleigh Glover Ardoin
MUSEUM
Winner
Art Museum of South Texas H
Second Place: Corpus Christi
Museum of Science & History
Third Place: USS Lexington Museum
NATURE/LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER
Winner
Padre Island Madre
Second Place: Michelle Renee
Walters
Third Place: Laurie Lyng, LL Imagery
PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE/VENUE
Winner Harbor Playhouse H
Second Place: Aurora Arts
Theatre
Third Place: TAMU-CC
Performing Arts Center
PODCAST
Winner “Corpus Christi Originals”
Second Place: “Hey Howdy Hi”
Third Place: “Beer and a Movie”
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Winner
Shoocha
Photography
Second Place: Wet Silver
Photography
Third Place: Megan Peña
Photography
RADIO DJ/PERSONALITY
Winner
Big Frank, 99.1
Second Place: Victoria Aurelia, 95.5
Third Place: Ed Ocañas, 101.4
SCREEN PRINTING
Winner
T-Shirt Gallery
Second Place: Prickly Pair Design
Third Place: Dynasty Imprints
SCULPTOR/CERAMICIST
Winner
Kent Ullberg
Second Place: Susan Myers
Third Place: Kathleen Mekailek
SOLO MUSICIAN
Winner
Eric Graham
Second Place: Emma James
Third Place: Claudia Melton
SPORTS TEAM
Winner
Corpus Christi Hooks H
Second Place: TAMU-CC Islanders, Men's Basketball
Third Place: Corpus Christi IceRays
STAYCATION LOCATION
Winner
Cinnamon Shore
Second Place: Lively Beach
Third Place: Palmilla Beach
TATTOO ARTIST
Winner
Chris Lain, Pinnacle Tattoo H
Second Place: Kimm Loves, Purple Ink Tattoo
Third Place: Dey Navarro, Ghouly Girl Tats
TATTOO SHOP
Winner
Pinnacle Tattoo H
Second Place: Axis Tattoo
Third Place: Black Lantern Tattoo Studio
TV/NEWS PERSONALITY
Winner
Leslie Adami, KIII-TV
Second Place: Barbi Leo, KIII-TV
Third Place: Carly Smith, KIII-TV
VIDEOGRAPHER (NON-WEDDING)
Winner
Andres Hernandez, El Roi Films
Second Place: Sean Batt, BattGoods
Third Place: 29:11 Media
WEBSITE DESIGNER
Winner
The Social Butterfly
Second Place: Alexis Kadonsky
Third Place: Apex Innovative Media
Eric Graham, photo by Abbie Rasmussen
Harbor Playhouse, photo by Monica Salinas
Thank you for voting us Best Portrait Photographer
(above)
T han ks fo r voti ng o u r r e stau rants as t he
b e st i n t he coastal b e nd y ear aft e r y ear
s eafo o d m argar i ta b e e r li st fr i e s bart e nd i ng s e rvi c e s
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
BALLOON DESIGN/ INSTALLATION
Winner
Posh & Posy
Second Place: Blow & Pop
Third Place: Customized by Brianda
BARTENDING SERVICES
Winner
Water Street
Catering
Second Place: Diamond Point
Catering
Third Place: Mixologist Bro’s
CATERING
Winner
Joseph’s Lunch Box
Second Place: Water Street
Catering
Third Place: Diamond Point
Catering
CHARCUTERIE
Winner
Charcuterie & Co.
Second Place: Nauti T’s
Creations
Third Place: Diamond Point
Catering
COVER BAND
Winner
Dreams: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Second Place: JonMikael
Mrez Band
Third Place: Texas Bloodline
EVENT DJ
Winner
Johnny Hotcakes H
Second Place: Bounce
Entertainment
Third Place: RNB
Entertainment
EVENT PLANNER
Winner
Better Together
Planning
Second Place: Oh Goodie
Designs + Events
Third Place: Emily Morin, Holiday Inn Corpus Christi
EVENT RENTALS
Winner
Butler Signature Events
Second Place: The Modern House
Third Place: The Bouncer Guy
EVENT VENUE
Winner
Art Center of Corpus Christi
Second Place: The Courtyard at Gaslight Square
Third Place: South Texas
Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
FLORIST
Winner
The Blossom Shop H
Second Place: Rose Soireé
Third Place: Wild Veggie Bouquet
LIMO/PARTY BUS SERVICES
Winner
361 Party Bus
Second Place: Corpus Christi Party Bus
Third Place: Distance Brothers
Transportation
PHOTOBOOTH
Winner
Corpus Christi
Photobooth
Second Place: The Social Light
Photobooth
Third Place: Pose & Party Co.
SOUND/LIGHTING SERVICES
Winner
Skip Entertainment H
Second Place: Ed Ocañas, DJ Events
Third Place: Coast to Coast
Entertainment
WEDDING CAKE
Winner
Cake n’ Bake
Second Place: Sweet Rose
Cakes & Cupcakes
Third Place: Cakes 2 Dy 4
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Winner
Taylor Mayfield
Photography + Film
Second Place: Kaitlynn Seidel
Photography
Third Place: Cora Johnson
Photography
WEDDING PLANNER
Winner
Oh Goodie Designs + Events
Second Place: Better Together
Planning
Third Place: Caitlin Dennis, CC Turnkey Events
WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER
Winner
Taylor Mayfield
Photography + Film
Second Place: Never Have
Enough Productions
Third Place: Texas Bear Productions
Oh Goodie Designs + Events photo by Daniel Meadows
The Blossom Shop photo by Rachel Benavides
BAKERY
Winner
S&J Bakery
Second Place: Bien Mérité
Third Place: Central Kitchen
BAR
Winner
BUS
Second Place: Executive
Surf Club
Third Place: The Annex
BARBECUE
Winner
Nueces Brewing & Barbecuing
Second Place: Full Send BBQ
Third Place: El Vago Burger & BBQ
FOOD & DRINK
FOOD & DRINK
BEER LIST
Winner
Executive Surf Club
Second Place: B&J’s Pizza & Brewpub
Third Place: Tapology
BIRRIA
Winner
Dat Good Good
Second Place: El Camino
Third Place: Birrieria y Mariscos El Presidente
BOBA/MILK TEA
Winner
Mamako Cafe
Second Place: Ninja Mochi Donut
Third Place: Happy Tea
BREAKFAST TACO
Winner
Acapulco Bar & Grill
Second Place: Julio’s Easy Stop
Third Place: Southside
Barbacoa
BRUNCH MENU
Winner
Hester’s Cafe H
Second Place: Bien Mérité
Third Place: Ridley’s
BURGER
Winner
Padre Island
Burger Company H
Second Place: Wallbangers
Third Place: Boarri Craft Meats
CAFE/DELI
Winner
Hester’s Cafe
Second Place: Sugarbakers
Third Place: Central Kitchen
CAJUN CUISINE
Winner
The Crazy Cajun
Second Place: Black Monk
Tavern
Third Place: SR Boilhouse
CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN CUISINE
Winner
Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
Second Place: The Cuban Third Place: Ora’s Kitchen
CHEF
Winner
Tony Posada, The Blue Clove H
Second Place: Phoebe Trotter, Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Third Place: Meesha Graham, Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
CHINESE CUISINE
Winner
JaJa Cafe
Second Place: Drunkn’
NoodleZ
Third Place: Lei Kitchen
COFFEE SHOP
Winner
Creatures Coffee & Tea Co.
Second Place: Coffee Waves
Third Place: Driftwood Coffee Company
COTTAGE BAKER
Winner
Cake n’ Bake
Second Place: Baked Bites by Bella
Third Place: Jordies Goodies
CRAFT COCKTAILS
Winner
Nueces Whiskey
Library
Second Place: Republic of
Texas Bar & Grill
Third Place: The Mariner
DATE NIGHT
Winner
Bellino Ristorante
Italiano
Second Place: Republic of
Texas Bar & Grill
Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Padre Island Burger Company, photo by Rachel Benavides
DESSERT
Winner
Bien Mérité H
Second Place: Hester’s Cafe
Third Place: Cookie & Crumb
DINER
Winner
Andy’s Kitchen H
Second Place: Town & Country
Third Place: Price’s Chef
DISTILLERY/LOCAL SPIRITS
Winner
Coastal Bend
Distilling Co.
Second Place: Vida Caña Rum
Third Place: Aerodrome
Distillery
DIVE BAR/PUB
Winner
Vernon’s
Second Place: Tapology
Third Place: The Honey Hole
DONUTS
Winner
Gates Donuts H
Second Place: CC Donuts
Third Place: Donut Palace
FINE DINING
Winner
Republic of Texas
Bar & Grill H
Second Place: Bellino
Ristorante Italiano
Third Place: Prime Steakhouse & Whiskey Bar
FOOD TRUCK
Winner
TacoBar Street H
Second Place: Masshole Lobster
Truck - Corpus Christi
Third Place: The Most Comida
FRENCH FRIES
Winner
Executive Surf Club H
Second Place: Nueces
Whiskey Library
Third Place: Gallery 41
Water’s Edge Grill
FROZEN TREATS
Winner
Coco Cabana
Second Place: Coffee Waves
Third Place: Mamako Cafe
HAPPY HOUR
Winner
Brewster Street
Icehouse
Second Place: Water Street
Oyster Bar
Third Place: Gallery 41
Water’s Edge Grill
ITALIAN CUISINE
Winner
Bellino Ristorante
Italiano H
Second Place: Luciano’s Italian Restaurant
Third Place: Mozzafiato
KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Winner
Brewster Street
Icehouse H
Second Place: The Grove at Fifth & Elm
Third Place: Executive Surf Club
MARGARITA
Winner
El Camino
Second Place: Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant
Third Place: The BWB Restaurant
MATCHA
Winner
Creatures Coffee & Tea Co.
Second Place: Bien Mérité
Third Place: Mamako Cafe
MEAT MARKET
Winner
Boarri Craft Meats
Second Place: Moody’s
Quality Meats
Third Place: Staples Street
Meat Market
Bien Mérité, photo by Jason Page
Boarri Craft Meats, photo by Tyler Schultz
MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
Winner
Ginger Cafe H
Second Place: Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Third Place: Middle East Market & Deli
MEXICAN CUISINE
Winner
Acapulco Bar & Grill
Second Place: El Camino
Third Place: Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant
MICROBREWERY
Winner
Nueces Brewing & Barbecuing H
Second Place: Lazy Beach
Brewing
Third Place: Rebel Toad Brewing Co.
MIXOLOGIST
Winner
Thomas Salazar, Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
Second Place: Melody Vasquez, The Annex
Third Place: Tiffany McDevitt, Fork & Vines
NEW RESTAURANT/BAR
Winner
The Grove at Fifth & Elm
Second Place: Mozzafiato
Third Place: Streat Corner Kitchen
NUTRITIONAL DRINKS/SHAKES
Winner
Smoothie KingCorpus Christi
Second Place: Corpus Christi Nutrition
Third Place: Step Up Nutrition
PIZZA
Winner
Marty McPies
Second Place: Mozzafiato
Third Place: Odi’s Pizzeria
POKE
Winner
Hawaii Poke
Second Place: Hanaya Poke
Third Place: Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
RAMEN
Winner
Ninja Ramen and Thai
Second Place: Ramen Legend
Third Place: Z Counter
SEAFOOD
Winner
Water Street Oyster Bar H
Second Place: The Blue Clove
Third Place: Snoopy’s Pier
SEAFOOD MARKET
OUTDOOR SEATING
Winner
Fifth & Elm
Second Place: Executive
Surf Club
Third Place: Brewster Street
Icehouse - On the Island
PASTRY CHEF
Winner
Marjorie Pettigrove, Bien Mérité
Second Place: Jeannette Del Angel, Fika
Third Place: Amy Netek, Cookie & Crumb
Winner
Drunkn’ NoodleZ
Second Place: Pho 88
Third Place: Lei Kitchen
Winner
Paul's Seafood Market H
Second Place: V-Mart
Third Place: Morgan St. Seafood Market
SOUL FOOD
Winner
PKK Southern Cuisine H
Second Place: Smack Eats
Third Place: Southern Charm Home Cookin’
STEAKHOUSE
Winner
Ol’ Steakhouse Co. H
Second Place: Niko’s Steakhouse
Third Place: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
STREET TACOS
Winner
Jefe’s Street Tacos & More
Second Place: Tacos El Tri
Third Place: Streat Corner
Kitchen
SUSHI
Winner
Dokyo Dauntaun
Second Place: Rock & Rolls
Sushi Lounge
Third Place: AKA Sushi
Downtown
THAI CUISINE
Winner
Thai Cottage H
Second Place: Drunk’n
NoodleZ
Third Place: BKK thai
kitchen + bar
WATERFRONT DINING
Winner
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
Second Place: Snoopy’s Pier
Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
WINE LIST
Winner
Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas
Restaurant H
Second Place: Bellino
Ristorante Italiano
Third Place: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
WINGS
Winner
Birdies Wings & Bar
Second Place: The BWB
Restaurant
Third Place: Wingbar & Grill
Dokyo Dauntaun, photo by Jason Page
SHOPPING & SERVICES
SHOPPING & SERVICES
ARCHITECTURE
Winner
Gignac Architects
Second Place: Turner |
Ramirez Architects
Third Place: LEVY DYKEMA
AUTO SHOP
Winner
TC Auto Service
Second Place: Island Tire & Automotive
Third Place: Zam Automotive
BAIT & TACKLE SHOP
Winner
Roy’s Bait & Tackle H
Second Place: Marker 37 Third Place: Tackle Town
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
Winner
Four Chicks in the Park H
Second Place: Chic & Unique Kids
Third Place: Bub & Beck
ELECTRICIAN SERVICES
Winner
Mathews CCAC
Second Place: Mr. Electrician South Texas
Third Place: Budd Electric
FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Winner
Twining Tree Farm
Second Place: McNabb
Microfarm
Third Place: Cotton Branch Farms
FINE JEWELRY
Winner
Pharaoh’s Jewelers
Second Place: Camille’s Original Jewelry Designs
Third Place: Susann’s Custom Jewelers
FISHING GUIDE/ CHARTER
Winner
Baffin Bay Rod & Gun
Second Place: Joe Yocham, Yo Daddy Outdoors
Third Place: Mike Morales, Fin Factory Charters
FLOORING
Winner
Allison Flooring
America
Second Place: 361 Cabinets and More
Third Place: Alexander’s Carpet One Floor & Home
FURNITURE
Winner (TIE) Chic to Chic H (TIE) Wildflowers
Second Place: My Coastal Home
Third Place: Baba One of a Kind
GIFT/MERCANTILE SHOP
Winner
Sew Bonita H
Second Place: Wildflowers
Third Place: Sheri James
HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY
Winner
Tula Blue H
Second Place: Lavender and Lee
Third Place: Soul Ties Co. By Cassandra Bray
Chic to Chic
Twining Tree Farm, photo by Lillian Reitz
HANDCRAFTED PRODUCT
Winner
Poppin’ Natural
Second Place: Elizabeth Rose CC
Third Place: Indigo Laine & Co.
HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING
SERVICES
Winner
Mathews CCAC
Second Place: Birdwell AC & Heating
Third Place: Great Air Heating & Air Conditioning
HOME BUILDER
Winner
South Texas Home Builders
Second Place: Azali Homes
Third Place: Leos Construction & Building
HOME CLEANING SERVICES
Winner
So Fresh So Clean Cleaning Service
Second Place: A Mother’s
Touch Detailed Cleaning Service LLC
Third Place: Classy Cleaners of Corpus
HOME DECOR
Winner
Wildflowers H
Second Place: Chic to Chic
Third Place: My Coastal Home
HOME ORGANIZATION SERVICES
Winner
So Fresh So Clean Cleaning Services
Second Place: Sorted Spaces
Professional Organizing
Third Place: The Tailored Closet
INTERIOR DESIGN
Winner
Susan Castor H
Second Place: Elizabeth Welsh
Third Place: Hilda Perez-Garcia, HPG Design
KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING SERVICES
Winner
Leos Construction & Building LLC
Second Place: Stepping Out
Construction
Third Place: 361 Cabinets and More
LANDSCAPING
Winner
Coastal Scapes
Second Place: A&J Sanchez
Lawn Service
Third Place: Castillo’s Pro
Landscaping
PEST CONTROL
Winner
Pest Patrol
Second Place: Best Pest
Control Services
Third Place: BugPro Inc.
PET BOARDING
Winner
The Pooch Pad
Second Place: Puparazzi Pets
Third Place: Ruff-Inn
Pet Lodge
PET GROOMING
Winner
Grubby Paws
Mobile Pet Grooming
Second Place: Muddy Paws
Third Place: Bath & Biscuits
PET STORE
Winner
Feathered
Friends & Co H
Second Place: EarthWise Pet
Nutrition Center & Wellness
Spa Corpus Christi
Third Place: Muddy Paws
PET TRAINING
Winner
Sit Means Sit
Second Place: Elite K-9
Third Place: SK9 Harley & Sergio Dog Training
PLANT NURSERY/SHOP
Winner
Gill Garden Center + Landscape Co.
Second Place: Turner’s
Gardenland
Third Place: Planted
POOL MAINTENANCE
Winner
Moreno’s Pools & Spa
Second Place: Brad’s
Pool Service
Third Place: Blue Reef Pools
POP-UP MARKET EVENT
Winner
ArtWalk - Downtown Corpus Christi
Second Place: Grow Local
Farmers’ Market
Third Place: Padre Island
Farmers’ Market
POP-UP MARKET VENDOR
Winner
Something Baked
Second Place: Shop Wildrose
Third Place: Simply Cruz
Collections
ROOFING COMPANY
Winner
Galvan Roofing and Construction
Second Place: Texas
State Roofing
Third Place: Berryman Roofing and Siding
SPECIALTY STORE (GOODS/GEAR)
Winner
Boarri Craft Meats
Second Place: Hybrid Records
Third Place: Cabana Pantry
SURF SHOP
Winner Benjamin's Surf and Skate
Second Place: Wind & Wave
Watersports
Third Place: Dockside
Surf Shop
Gill Garden Center
Poppin' Natural
Thank you!
TRAVEL AGENCY
Winner
Rockport Tours
Second Place: Melissa Sutton, Goldgell Getaways
Third Place: Art & Kim Wallace, Cruise Planners
TREE TRIMMING SERVICES
Winner
The Tree Amigos H Second Place: Maldonado
Nursery & Landscaping
Third Place: Woodstock Tree Surgeons
VETERINARIAN CLINIC
Winner
Southside Animal Hospital
Second Place: Everhart Animal Hospital
Third Place: Animal Medical Clinic
VINTAGE APPAREL
& ACCESSORIES
Winner
Threads H
Second Place: 20/20 Vintage Third Place: Renaissance Antiques
VINTAGE RETAILER, NON-APPAREL
Winner
Wildflowers
Second Place: 20/20 Vintage
Third Place: Boxes From The Attic
WARDROBE STYLIST / PERSONAL SHOPPER
Winner
Alexa Gignac, Julian Gold Corpus Christi H
Second Place: Kim Rios, Metropolis Culture
Third Place: Liz Zuniga, 2 Jewels
WOMEN’S CLOTHING
Winner
Jewels Clothing & Accessories H
Second Place: Julian Gold Corpus Christi
Third Place: MonarchBoutique
Alexa Gignac, Julian Gold Corpus Christi
Jewels Clothing & Accessories
Wildflowers, photo by Lillian Reitz
HEALTH & BEAUTY
HEALTH & BEAUTY
BARBER
Winner
Benjamin Reyes, Faded Vision
Barbershop
Second Place: Loe Flores, Faderz Barbershop
Third Place: Kris Garza, Faderz Barbershop
BARBER SHOP
Winner
Faderz Barbershop
Second Place: Faded Vision
Barbershop
Third Place: Next LVL
Barber Shop
CHIROPRACTOR
Winner
Dr. Scott Walker
Second Place: Dr. Mikkel
Bahamondes
Third Place: Dr. Chad Peters
COSMETIC SURGEON
Winner
Dr. Vijay
Bindingnavele
Second Place: Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa
Third Place: Dr. J. Keith Rose
DERMATOLOGY CARE
Winner
Courtney Phenix, DMSc, PA-C, South Texas Dermatology
Second Place: Dr. Nathan Davis, South Texas Dermatology
Third Place: Dr. Wayne Fagan, DMSc, PA-C, South Texas Dermatology
EYEBROW SPECIALIST
Winner
Rico Cano, RicoThe AmazingLashTech
Second Place: Olivia Franco, The Beauty Studio
Third Place: Diamond Zuniga, Pressure Waxing Studio
EYELASH SPECIALIST
Winner
Lash Baby Esthetics
Second Place: Nikki Bayerlein
Third Place: Eleesa Flores, No Filter
FITNESS CLASS INSTRUCTOR
Winner
Marinna Ramirez, Corpus Christi Athletic Club
Second Place: Kami Flores, LŪMA
Third Place: Alain Escobar, AE Fitness
FITNESS STUDIO/GYM
Winner
Corpus Christi Athletic Club
Second Place: Bayside Pilates
Third Place: F45 Training
HAIR REMOVAL SPECIALIST
Winner
Tina Marie, Snatched By TMarie
Second Place: Diamond Zuniga, Pressure Waxing Studio
Third Place: Kylie Mora, Radiant Glow Esthetics
HAIR SALON
Winner
Beauty Avenue Salon + Extension Bar
Second Place: Atelier Salon
Third Place: Salon Divine
HAIR STYLIST
Winner
Madison De Los Santos, Beauty Avenue Salon
Second Place: Christopher Jarred, The Beauty Studio
Third Place: Victoria Villarreal, The Collective
HOLISTIC/ALTERNATIVE PROFESSIONALS
Winner
Corpus Christi Colonics and Spa
Second Place: La Vita Bella
Third Place: Zenfinity Apothecaria
IV THERAPY
Winner
Kole With The Flow
Second Place: Coastal Infusions Mobile IV Therapy & Wellness
Third Place: SurvIVe Infusion & Wellness
LICENSED ESTHETICIAN
Winner
Aesthetics with Lauren
Second Place: Madison
Stafford, The G Spa
Third Place: Jenna Tarpley, Golden Hour Skin
MAKEUP ARTIST
Winner
Olivia Franco, The Beauty Studio
Second Place: Katelyn Reeves
Third Place: Summer Rae
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL
Winner
Gracie Barra Corpus Christi
Second Place: Premier
Martial Arts
Third Place: Life Martial Arts
Faderz Barbershop
Corpus AthleticChristi Club
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Winner
Mariah Bean, Mindful Massage by Mariah
Second Place: Michelle Shaw
Third Place: Amanda Gomez
MEDICAL SPA
Winner
Halcyon Med Spa
Second Place: Aspire
Aesthetics & Wellness
Third Place: Coastal Glo Med
Spa
NAIL ARTIST
Winner
Samantha Ochoa, Savage Nailz
Second Place: Nailsxo.nana, The Beauty Studio
Third Place: Lina, @luvrxnailz
NAIL SALON
Winner
Kosmo Salon H
Second Place: Savage Nailz
Third Place: Classy Nails
PERMANENT MAKEUP
Winner
Gold Dust Cosmetic
Collective H
Second Place: Inked By Elle
Third Place: Brows by Gabi
PERSONAL TRAINER
Winner
Alain Escobar, AE Fitness
Second Place: Trey López, One Fit Gym
Third Place: Lexi Andrade, A2 Softball Training
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Winner
Avila Physical Therapy, Valerie Dimalanta
Second Place: Dr. Kathryn DeBerry, South Texas Pelvic Health
Third Place: Steve Hopkins, DPT, The Training Room
PILATES CLASS/STUDIO
Winner
Bayside Pilates H
Second Place: LŪMA
Third Place: Divine Moon Yoga & Pilates
SPA (NON-MEDICAL)
Winner
Woodhouse
Day Spa H
Second Place: Aesthetics with Lauren
Third Place: Skincare Butik
TANNING SALON
Winner
Third Coast Spray
Tans & More H
Second Place: The
Healthy Glow
Third Place: Beach Babe Tans
THERAPIST (LICENSED COUNSELOR/ PSYCHOLOGIST)
Winner
Kate Rodriguez, Ph.D., LPC S, My Healing Center
Second Place: Aurora Ortiz, LMFT, Family Counseling Service
Third Place: Dr. Baylea Wagener Cramer
YOGA STUDIO
Winner
Somos Yoga
Second Place: Water Dog Yoga, SUP & Barre
Third Place: Divine Moon
Bayside Pilates, Kylie Justus Wieland
Somos Yoga, photo by Taylor Cravey
We All Scream for Ice Cream (Cake)
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday with strawberry ice cream shortcake
By Kayla Butts MS, RDN, LD Photos by Rachel Benavides
With the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence upon us, it only felt right to celebrate with America’s favorite treat. Turns out, ice cream was served in America long before it became an independent nation. In 1744, Thomas Bladen, then governor of Maryland, was documented enjoying his ice cream with strawberries. America’s first president, George Washington, has gone down in history for his love of ice cream. He purchased a “cream machine
for ice” for his home at Mount Vernon so he could enjoy the sweet treat regularly.
Our Founding Father set a great precedent. Today, over 90% of the U.S. population enjoys ice cream regularly. This Strawberry Ice Cream Shortcake is the perfect way to cool down on a hot afternoon, celebrate a summer birthday or commemorate Independence Day. Even in times of dissension, Americans agree: Ice cream is a forever favorite.
RECIPE
Strawberry Ice Cream Shortcake
Makes one 9-inch layer cake
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
INACTIVE PREP TIME: 4 hours
COOK TIME: 25 minutes, plus 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS: Shortcake Sponge
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Syrup
1 cup diced strawberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 gallon strawberry ice cream
Whipped Cream Frosting
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt
Strawberry Crunch Topping
10 crème-filled vanilla cookies
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
For the sponge: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and oil it with cooking spray. Whisk eggs on medium speed for 1 minute with a hand-held or standing mixer. Add sugar to the bowl and mix for another 8 minutes, until a ribbon of batter is made when the whisk is pulled away. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl. Working in two batches, gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Fold in the butter and vanilla extract before adding the second batch of the flour mixture, and continue mixing until a smooth batter forms. Transfer batter to prepared springform pan and bake for 25 minutes, until the center is set. (While the cake is baking, proceed to the next step and prepare your strawberry syrup.) Remove cake from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
For the strawberry syrup: Heat strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a small pot over medium heat. Stir frequently; cook the mixture until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. At this point, remove the strawberry ice cream from the freezer and let it soften at room temperature for 10 minutes.
For the whipped cream: Whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt in a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Store in the refrigerator until ready for use.
For the strawberry crunch topping: Pulse cookies in a blender or food processor for 15 seconds. Add freeze-dried strawberries and pulse another 10 seconds. Set aside.
To assemble the cake: Using a wooden skewer, poke holes in the cake sponge. Slowly pour the syrup in an even layer over the cake sponge. Scoop softened ice cream onto the cake and spread it in an even layer using a spatula. Freeze the cake for 3-4 hours, until the ice cream is set. Remove cake from the freezer and frost with whipped cream. Press strawberry crunch topping on the sides of the cake and decorate with fresh strawberries.
Seni Living
“This
– Marcinell L.
Street Corn Treats
Nachos, pizza, potatoes and more—corn cups take on many forms at these local spots
By Kylie Cooper Photo by Rachel Benavides
Streat Corner Flights
STREAT CORNER KITCHEN
Sometimes the best choice is not having to choose at all, especially in a world of endless options. Enter: Streat Corner Kitchen’s street corn flights. Available as a trio of 5-ounce corn cups or three corn ribs, this flight features a classic variety, the “Flamin’ Hot” option—packed with seasoned corn, lime mayo, queso fresco and Hot Cheetos—and the “Loli’s” style, which is finished with salsa verde, chipotle crema and queso fresco.
601 N. Water St.
Elote Pie
MARTY MCPIES
Ever wonder what a corn cup would taste like reimagined as a pizza? The team over at Marty McPies sure did, and spoiler alert: It’s a genius idea. Off the specialty menu, the 12” Elote Pie starts with an extra virgin olive oil base and shredded mozzarella. It is then layered with roasted corn and a rich lime mayo drizzle before being finished with a topping of cotija cheese, chili powder and fresh cilantro.
300 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Corn Ribs
WINGBAR & GRILL
Having opened his family restaurant in the same building where he worked two decades earlier, Ivan Garcia created a fullcircle moment with Wingbar. While the menu is packed with finger-licking good wings, this appetizer is a standout. These rib-cut corn segments are generously coated in a blend of mayo, lemon pepper, parmesan and smoked paprika, offering a dish that is as flavorful as it is hands-on.
5017 Saratoga Blvd. Ste. 131
Fully Loaded Potato 501 CORN TRAIN
The chances of a Corpus Christi native saying “the Trade Center train” when asked where their favorite corn dish is are fairly high, and for good reason. Formally known as 501 Corn Train, the business opened in 1998 and has had a loyal following ever since. Traditional corn cups are available, but nothing hits the spot quite like the fully loaded potato, which essentially takes a corn cup, puts it over a baked potato, adds protein (opt for the brisket; you won’t regret it) and then tops it with barbecue sauce. The long line of customers is practically a permanent fixture at the train, which usually means the wait is well worth it. 2833 S. Padre Island Drive
Street Corn Nachos PROVECHO
Provecho is known for its familial hospitality, commitment to fresh ingredients and rich flavors, and that doesn’t stop at just the street tacos. The street corn nachos take everything you know and love about a corn cup and puts it atop a bed of crispy corn tortilla chips. These nachos are loaded with roasted corn, creamy queso, cotija cheese, cilantro and a dusting of chili powder. For an even heartier meal, customize the dish with a protein of your choice, such as carne asada, chicken fajita or al pastor. 1715 S. Staples St.
STREAT CORNER KITCHEN
The
BAARE BBQ’s Spin on Texas Barbecue
new kids on the BBQ block serve wood-fired brisket, Dutch oven jambalaya and more
By Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by Jason Page
The first thing guests notice at BAARE BBQ is the name. Pronounced like “bear,” it stands for the family members— Bret, Alisa, Aiden, Reagan and Ellis—who built the restaurant together from the ground up.
“When we say we’re BAARE, we are literally BAARE,” Alisa said. That family-first mentality extends throughout the restaurant, from the kids helping clear tables after school to Bret’s mother stepping in whenever needed. Together, they create an atmosphere akin to a backyard gathering rather than a traditional restaurant.
Located on Corpus Christi’s Southside, BAARE BBQ was born from years of craving craft barbecue closer to home. Bret, a longtime backyard barbecue enthusiast, spent years experimenting with techniques and perfecting recipes before finally deciding to take the leap into opening a restaurant.
“I just always thought Corpus was underserved on really good craft barbecue,” he said. “After about two or three years of not being able to get it out of my head, I finally gave in and said, ‘We’re going to do this.’”
That passion led Bret to train at Bar A BBQ near Houston, where he refined many of the techniques now used at BAARE BBQ. The restaurant’s custom smoker runs entirely on wood fire and is fueled by post oak from the Texas Hill Country. It’s a commitment to craft reflected in the restaurant’s guiding philosophy: done right every single day.
Operating hours for BAARE BBQ are Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or until sold out.
“You have to produce consistent results no matter what the circumstances,” Bret shared.
Everything, down from the pickles to sausage, is made in-house. Brisket, ribs, sausage, turkey and smoked chicken anchor the barbecue side of things, but the lineup of house-made sides and desserts hold their own. Instead of traditional potato salad, guests will find the restaurant’s tater tot casserole, a cheesy, creamy side with just enough heat to earn its description as “comfort food with an attitude.” The mac and cheese features a rich beer béchamel sauce for a grown-up twist on a classic favorite.
Freshly milled corn is transformed into honey butter cornbread saturated with honey and butter. The cowboy beans start with a South Texas charro bean foundation, then add brisket, sausage and bacon for extra depth and flavor. On the lighter side, the cucumber salad combines cucumbers, heirloom cherry tomatoes and red onions tossed in a house lemon vinaigrette. Prepared in the same cast-iron Dutch oven Bret once used on camping trips and Boy Scout outings, the jambalaya consists of smoked sausage, chicken, bacon and bold Southern flavors.
The peach cornbread pudding blends elements of peach cobbler and bread pudding into one decadent dish, and the Magnolia banana pudding layers vanilla pudding, homemade whipped cream, Biscoff cookies and vanilla wafers into what the family affectionately calls “the Lord’s pudding.”
Built around family, community and a passion for craft barbecue, BAARE BBQ brings together the people and traditions that inspired it from the beginning.
CONTACT
7626 S. Staples St. #111 baarebbq.com | @baarebbq
CUISINE
DINING SPOTLIGHT
TABLE TALK
Coco Cabana's New Location Now Open
ACAI & SMOOTHIES
Coco Cabana Açaí & Smoothie Co.'s new location in the Water Street Market downtown has officially opened its doors. Bowls, smoothies, waffles, crepes, avocado toast, coffee, matcha and more await.
309 N.
DRINK SPOTLIGHT
EL MARTINI GUAPO
Described as a "handsome Mexican martini with swagger," this cocktail features Gran Centenario Reposada tequila, Bauchant, fresh lime and orange juice with house made olive brine and is finished with jalapeño-stuffed olives and a tajin rim.
224 N. MESQUITE ST
LUNCH/DINNER
Dokyo Dauntaun
JAPANESE FUSION
Dokyo has entered a new era with an enhanced menu featuring an Omakase experience, happy hour deals and an expanded selection of Japanese coastal cocktails. Drawing inspiration from Japan's maritime culinary traditions, Chef Miller utilizes a Japanese-French technique to showcase seasonal specialties and premium seafood.
424 N. Chaparral St. $$
LUNCH
The Mariner COCKTAILS + TAPAS
Lunch service is now available at The Mariner from Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring high-quality, fresh ingredients, the menu highlights include a quesabirria flatbread served with consommé, seasonal salads, a lamb burger and jumbo shrimp cocktail.
108 Peoples St. T-Head $$
Tasty treats from Coco Cabana's new downtown location.
Photo provided by Coco Cabana
Seafood Boils and Bubbles
Delight in North Beach restaurant Aquabites’ signature atmosphere
By Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by Rachel Benavides
Seafood boils have long been tied to gatherings across the coastal South, bringing people together around piles of crab legs, shrimp and Cajun-seasoned flavors made for sharing. Messy in the best way, they turn dinner into an experience with everyone digging in at once. That same spirit is felt at Aquabite Market & Kitchen, where Cajun seafood boils meet waterfront dining and glowing private bubbles overlooking the water.
The restaurant has built a following for both its unique atmosphere and its seafood-heavy menu. General Manager Jason Yang said the idea behind the dining bubbles came after seeing similar concepts in Asian countries during the pandemic, eventually adapting the idea into climatecontrolled waterfront dining spaces.
“People can sit in there and enjoy the food with AC, away from the heat, rain, mosquitoes and flies,” Yang said.
Whether visiting during the day for waterfront views or after sunset when the bubbles glow against the night sky, the atmosphere pairs naturally with the restaurant’s seafood-focused menu.
Cajun seafood boils are the star of the menu, giving diners plenty of ways to customize their meal. Guests can build their own combinations with shrimp, crawfish, snow crab legs, king crab, lobster tails, mussels or clams before choosing sauces like garlic butter, lemon pepper, spicy garlic butter or house Cajun seasoning. From there, additions like corn, potatoes,
Aquabite offers preset boil combos and larger family bundles designed for sharing.
sausage, ramen noodles and eggs round out the variety of options, with each boil tossed in buttery sauces and bold Cajun seasoning.
Options like the snow crab combo and lobster tail combo arrive loaded with shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage and eggs, while larger family feasts pile on multiple pounds of seafood designed to feed entire groups.
The seafood boils remain one of the restaurant’s biggest draws year-round, especially during crawfish season when Aquabite hosts weekly Beach Boil Bash specials featuring discounted crawfish and oysters. Beyond the boils, the menu branches into sushi rolls, fried seafood baskets and appetizers like baked oysters, calamari and hush puppies, giving diners plenty of ways to mix and match flavors across the table.
Daily lunch specials include fried shrimp, oysters and fish fillets paired with Cajun fries, along with seafood sandwiches for a quicker midday option. To round out the meal, guests can pair the seafood with bottled and canned beers or one of the restaurant’s homemade drinks, such as the peach green tea, mango green tea or passionfruit green tea.
The menu also leans into lighter options through its growing sushi selection. Some of the restaurant’s most popular sushi offerings include the Aquabite Roll and Rainbow Roll, layered with tuna, salmon, avocado and yellowtail for a lighter contrast to the rich Cajun seafood boils.
In the combination of the waterfront setting, glowing dining bubbles and seafood boils built for sharing, Aquabite blends the laid-back energy of coastal dining with the kind of flavorful, handson meal that draws guests back for more.
CONTACT
5151 W. Causeway Blvd. | 361.356.6273
@aquabitemarketkitchen
AROUND THE BEND
Indigo Laine & Co. celebrates
Handmade, With Heart
Indigo Laine & Co. celebrates 10 years with a new collection inspired by its roots
By Leila Ydrogo Photos by Deux Boheme
At Indigo Laine & Co., the hum of sewing machines competes with conversation. Customers wandering through the storefront often find themselves invited behind the curtain to watch leather transform as it is cut, stitched and assembled by hand. Built into the philosophy of the local leather shop is the belief that transparency matters just as much as the craftsmanship itself.
“When people stumble across our shop, it really allows for the coolest conversations and connections,” shared founder Randi Hamlyn. “It’s not about the bags; it’s a people business.”
What began as a hobby in 2016 has grown into a recognized manufacturing business in the region known for handcrafted leather goods, wholesale collaborations and a community-centered mission. A decade ago, the first Indigo Laine bag was made while preparing for a trip, with no intention of starting a brand. Hamlyn simply wanted a durable leather tote for carry-on use, and at the time, leather wasn’t yet the makers’ focus.
is invited to
Hamlyn had been experimenting with shibori and indigo dyeing when a buyer from Dallas Market discovered her work on Instagram and offered her a free booth to showcase a collection of indigo-dyed home textiles. Suddenly, she was in need of a business name. Inspired by the indigo fabrics she was creating and her middle name, Laine, Indigo Laine was born. The leatherwork came later, but the name remained.
Growth came steadily and somewhat unexpectedly. The Indigo Laine & Co. production team now consists of five people, so the commitment to craftsmanship naturally limits production. The brand
The community
celebrate Indigo Laine & Co.’s 10th anniversary on July 24 at its Sinton storefront.
releases roughly four collections a year while balancing custom projects and wholesale accounts.
Though now embraced across the Coastal Bend, the company first built a loyal following in the Hill Country, where the founder spent much of her life. The opening of Indigo Laine’s public-facing storefront just two years ago accelerated that momentum even more, turning the shop into a destination for summer travelers and leather enthusiasts alike.
This year, Indigo Laine received one of its biggest honors yet: being named the 2026 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year by the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office. “We were up against some big people, like oil field manufacturers, so just the acknowledgment of the hard work we put in is really just the icing on the cake,” Hamlyn said. “The SBA has a huge emphasis on community building.” That’s also integral to Hamlyn and her brand, as she launched a Small Business Association in Sinton that hosts educational programs and town-wide events for local entrepreneurs.
With a decade under its belt, Indigo Laine & Co. prepares to celebrate its milestone anniversary with the launch of a nostalgic collection inspired by its indigodyed beginnings, which will be named “Blue Collar.”
Though countless designs have been made since that first year, some things never change. At Indigo Laine & Co., success is dependent on three things: hard work, exceptionally made products and the importance of treating people with kindness.
117 S. Rachal, Sinton | indigolaine.com | @indigo.laine.co
Shop Indigo Laine's limited release collections online or instore.
The Reel World
A Rockport programmer’s 361 Fishing app uses data to point anglers in the right direction
By Mark Travis Photos courtesy of Visit Corpus Christi
In the age of dating apps and social media, it’s frighteningly easy for our phones, packed with the power to connect us to every corner of the world, to make us feel isolated. This modern paradox suggests that we have been asking technology to solve the wrong problems. What if, instead of looking for singles in your area, you could use your phone to find a hover of trout or a school of redfish? Why yearn for matrimony when you can search for mackerel?
Regardless of one’s romantic status, ask any angler, and they might tell you that discovering the perfect fishing spot is a tougher task than finding true love. Dave Moore, a lifelong software engineer based in Rockport, is doing his best to assist fishers who have too often returned home with an empty bucket (or one full of unused bait, a different kind of failed pick-up line). In developing the 361 Fishing app, which provides users with fishing “hotspots” based on real-time data, Moore is offering guidance for anyone seeking a match on the mercurial waters of the Coastal Bend.
Moore’s passion for saltwater fishing is relatively recent. Growing up in North Carolina, fishing for him meant sitting on a pier in Myrtle Beach and not catching anything. But in 2016, after he and his wife Kelly had relocated to the Coastal Bend, Moore went on a guided fishing trip around Rockport, where an introduction to angling’s coalescence of art and science reeled him in.
“When you are sitting out on the water, you feel so connected with nature,” Moore said. “And then you learn about artificial lures, angling on the fly. There’s no limit to the different things you can do. It’s just a whole different world. I was hooked.”
Download the 361 Fishing App from the Apple App Store for just $5.
There was only one problem: Pinpointing the confluence of variables that determined whether a particular day or location was apt for angling proved an even greater challenge than getting a fish on the line. Water temperature, wind direction, feeding times, moon phases, rain forecast, high and low tides, bathymetry and so on. “I was looking at all the factors and thinking, ‘Even Stephen Hawking couldn’t figure this out,’” Moore said.
Luckily, Moore had made a career constructing lucid worlds out of granular data. While working for the video game behemoth Electronic Arts, Moore helped develop triple-A titles like “Star Wars: The Old Republic” and “Mass Effect,” grandiose open-world role-playing games set across fictional galaxies. With 361 Fishing, he has shifted his gaze from the stars to the sea, his focus from his imagination to his backyard. A marriage between his professional proficiencies and burgeoning passion. “That’s the beauty of the project,” Moore said. “There’s a fulfillment I get from connecting it all.”
The result is a user-friendly application that takes myriad data points from a vast array of official sources, feeds them through a proprietary algorithm and provides anglers with a list of suggested fishing locations. The app is highly customizable, allowing users to adjust which factors are most important to them (e.g., target species), while also offering anecdotal advice from local experts on more intuitive elements, such as which bait is most effective at the time.
The 361 Fishing App costs $5 to download from the Apple App Store, and a $5 monthly subscription will provide adfree access and tailored recommendations. As the name suggests, the app covers much of the coastline within the 361 area code, from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge down to Corpus Christi Bay.
As it turns out, there are plenty of fish in the sea. You just need to know where to hook.
CONTACT 361fishing.com
Showtimes on Leopard
Leopard Street had multiple theatres amid a variety of shopping in the mid-20th century
By Jillian Becquet Photo provided by Corpus Christi Public Libraries, La Retama Special Collections
& Archives, John Frederick “Doc” McGregor
Downtown was once filled with movie theatres dispersed through its shopping districts, especially on Leopard and Chaparral. The Grande, located downtown on Leopard, opened on Nov. 25, 1928. At the time, R. and R. Gulf Amusement owned four of the six theatres in town—the Grande, the Palace, the Aldine and the Melba (right across the street from the Grande). By 1930, the city’s population of 27,741 people had enough movie theatres to seat 7,000 at a time.
Despite its name and the Spanish-influenced architecture, it was the Grande’s neighbor, the Melba, that showed primarily Spanish-language films. The Spanish architecture pictured here didn’t last—R. and R. was
incredibly successful in this era and made regular updates to its theatres ranging from new carpets to complete decor changes, including entirely new facades, aimed at making return trips to the theatres fresh experiences for guests.
The facade pictured gave way to a late Art Deco style. The Streamline Moderne front, featuring a large marquee with “GRANDE” to replace the traditional theatre blade, made the exterior basically unrecognizable. The expansion of movie theatres into other areas of town led to the theatre’s closure in 1960, and the site became part of the successful Braslau Furniture Co., which moved next door in 1937. Today, the block is home to the Nueces County RTA.
1015 Leopard St. in 1940.
Providing Cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities
