November 2016

2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

Farms, fishermen and fresh eats

LEGACY OF THE LEXINGTON

Local Veterans preserve history of WWII aircraft carrier.

SETTING THE STAGE

Local musicians are starting a movement.

BUDDY WALKER HOME FURNISHINGS Would Like To Invite You To Our

Christmas Open House!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2016 FROM 10AM - 6PM

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US FOR ALL OF OUR OTHER DECORATING SEMINARS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH AT 2:00PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH AT 2:00PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH AT 2:00PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD AT 2:00PM

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Buddy Walker Home Furnishings 4434 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, Texas 361-857-2263

The most magical Christmas store in all of South Texas • Custom Florals • Free Christmas seminars every Saturday in November • Vast range of gorgeous and affordable Christmas decorations • Wide selection of lit Christmas trees

Over 46 years serving South Texas 4 The Bend

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REAL ESTATE TEAM

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Membership matters:

Dr. Gentile is member of the elite American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and others too many to mention.

He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Did you know that in most states including Texas, any licensed physician can perform cosmetic procedures without being Board Certified in Plastic Surgery? Cosmetic surgeons such as Dr. Gentile have completed rigorous training in facial plastic surgery and plastic surgery. It is incumbent upon YOU to check that your surgeon is indeed Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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Dr. Gentile has been practicing exclusively cosmetic surgery, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments for over 25 years employing the latest techniques. His concern for safety led him to develop the first in-office accredited surgical center in South Texas 20 years ago.

Dr. Herve Gentile is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top plastic surgeons with the nation’s highest credentials. He is nominated by the American Registry in the top 5% of America’s most honored professionals. Dr. Gentile is listed by Best Doctors©, Consumer Research Council of America©, and Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors© guide, as well as, many other professional accolades. All of these are chosen by an impartial resource that catalogs the top quality doctors after peer nomination with an extensive research and screening process.

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8 The Bend

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Contents NOVEMBER 2016 | The Food Issue

Monthly | Departments

Features

Around the Bend 20 Style 22 Currents 24 Conversation 26 5 Best 28 Giving Back

Destinations 32 Quick Trip 34 Local Discovery

Health

90 Fitness 92 Be Well

Home & Garden 98 Open House 102 Spaces

36

A Look at Local Food Artisans

Out & About

106 Arts & Culture 108 Celebration 110 Date Book 112 Social Hour

Cuisine

46

Setting the Stage

The USS Lexington Tells Stories

52

118 Farm to Table 122 The Dish 123 Dining Guide 126 The Drink

Column 132 Looking Back

Copyright Š 2016 Gemstone Media, LLC. The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine is published by Gemstone Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent.

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

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

10 The Bend

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Representing Buyers & Sellers for Hunting & Recreational Properties Current Properties for Sale:

327 acres, Duval Co. - $2,645 ac 1,321 acres, Duval Co. - $1,670 ac 464 acres, Duval Co. - $2,495 ac 209 acres, Duval Co. - $1,695 ac 3,881 acres, Webb Co. - $1,500 ac 100 acres, Jim Wells Co. - $3,690 ac 500 acres, Jim Wells Co. - $2,150 ac 120 acres, Jim Wells Co. - $3,958 ac 240 acres, Jim Wells Co. - $2,395 ac 166 acres, Brooks Co. - $2,933 ac 344 acres, Brooks Co. - $2,395 ac 2,728 acres, Bandera Co. - $5,260 ac

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas

MARKETING DESIGN: Jarred Schuetze

ART DIRECTOR: Nillo Studios

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Durrent

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page Renée C. Gage Gabe Mancha

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS:

MANAGING EDITOR: Whitney Noble

jordan@thebendmag.com

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Stefanie DeWaters

ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com

THE BEND OFFICE:

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Rosana Sargent

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

CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Sharla Wilkins Jeff King Jo Anne Howell Erica Rose Bertero Caroline Randall Freeman Lexi Buquet Jinky Romero

THEBENDMAG.COM

VOLUME 3/ISSUE 10

Jon Busbee, Broker Boerne, Texas (210) 218-6114

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

2016

FACES of The

On the Cover Fresh produce and herbs are the new wave of trendy eating. Healthy and flavorful, pick by the bushel! Photo by: Rachel Durrent

The Coastal Bend’s Lifestyle Magazine

Jerry D. Moren, Agent Corpus Christi, Texas (361) 290-0970

Coastal Bend

Farms, fishermen and fresh eats

NOVEMBER 2016

LEGACY OF THE LEXINGTON

Local Veterans preserve history of WWII aircraft carrier.

SETTING THE STAGE

Local musicians are starting a movement.

BUSBEERANCHES.COM 12 The Bend

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THE PORT FOR LEISURE AND LUXURY

a legacy of style since 1955

A variety of upscale shops and dining just a stroll away from the seaside 3850 S Alameda | Corpus Christi, TX

ALEXIS HUNTER INTERIORS | ANN TAYLO R LO F T BKK THAI KITCHEN & BAR | CHICO’S FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK FRANCISCO’S SALON | GOLDSMITH J EWE LE R S GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY | HESTER’S CA F E J ULIAN GOLD | LIT TLE PAPER CROWNS | M A R KE T PETER BARR DESIGNING J EWELERS PIL AR FASHION & FOLK ART | TALBOTS | T H E PO S T

Kennedy dental Care Pediatric Dentistry paulkennedydds.com

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Saratoga Office:

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

Orthodontics Alameda Office:

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

Oral Surgery Calallen Office:

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

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Enclave Office:

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

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13

November | Meet The Staff

Thanksgiving Pies Order Yours now!

Meet the Staff

Jarred Schuetze, Associate Art Director & Ad Designer Jarred Schuetze is a recent graduate of Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design & Advertising and minor in English. A Corpus Christi native, he moved back to the Coastal Bend because of his unhealthy obsession with palm trees. After attending one of The Bend's local events and meeting with the Publisher (Jordan Regas), he found himself with the incredible opportunity of joining the Coastal Bend's premier lifestyle magazine as an Associate Art Director & Ad Designer. Driven by passion and his vision to cultivate beauty, he is hard working and up for any challenge. Aside from spending his days putting his degree to use, he can be found sketching palm trees in his little brown book or playing tug with his French Bulldog.Â

CONNECT WITH US @

Hamlin Pharmacy Bakery 3801 S. Staples St. (361) 853-7303 14 The Bend

thebendmag.com @thebendmag on Instagram and Twitter #CBLife

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What's your favorite way to prepare seafood?

Send us your tastiest recipes! #TBFavRecipe

Serving South Texas Since 1947

Chad Allen, DDS, MS Dr. Chad Allen has the ability to care for all of your dental needs and at one location!

He takes his time to get to know you personally and determine your fears and expectations. He strives to make your time in the dental chair as comfortable as possible. Call his office today to enhance your dental experience!

Services: · Comprehensive Care · Veneers · Dental Implants · Crowns · Teeth Whitening

General Dentists: Prosthodontist: Sarah Medina, DDS Chad Allen, DDS, MS William Tinnell, DDS Alex Vial-Nadeau, DMD Nancy Coll, DMD Charles Allen, DDS

Corpus Christi: (361) 854-7999 525 Doddridge Corpus Christi (361) 992-8900 6200 Saratoga Blvd #102, Corpus Christi

Portland: (361) 643-0416 101 Cox Drive, Portland, TX allendentalgroup.co

361.651.1200

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RoseCosmeticSurgery.com

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15

got zoe?

November | Letter From The Publisher

Living the Simple Life

4146 Flour Bluff Dr. - $1,999,000

40 Great Lakes - $464,900 Approximately 80 acres

2121 Oso Bay Ranch Rd. - $1,995,000 1502 Cantera Trail - $525,000 Waterfront/Approximately 15 acres

I

will never forget the first time my family and I drove out to Four String Farm in Rockport, Texas. I grew up in the city, so anytime I drive down a dirt road, I feel like Alice in Wonderland falling down a rabbit hole. The farm is a little slice of paradise. A river runs through the property, and the mature trees form a canopy over the fields of green, leafy vegetables. There is something magical and mysterious that constantly draws people out to Justin and Kayla Butt’s small pioneer farm. It’s a beautiful, simple life.

4891 Ocean Ocean Drive $985,000 3275 Dr. - -$1,250,000 Over 3/4 acre

Zoe Gottlich #1 Top Producer

I think we all long for this in a way. It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of life. Since meeting the Butts, I’ve realized even the simple life on the farm comes with its own set of challenges. It’s early mornings, it’s dirt under your fingernails, it is blood, sweat, and tears. And in addition to obstacles beyond human control, running a farm in the Coastal Bend is not incredibly lucrative.

It turns out the simple life is not the easy life. Farming demands hard work and discipline. But most of all, farming requires passion.

Justin and Kayla Butts are great story tellers. When I handed them the assignment to tell the stories of a few local food artisans in the Coastal Bend, I knew it was in good hands. They know the joys and heartaches of the farmers and fisherman you meet in this month’s issue. The heartbeat of each story is the fire under all four producers. It’s not about the money, and it is certainly not about the fame; it’s about bringing order out of chaos, cultivating or growing something good and useful that brings happiness to all who come across their hard work. Living the simple life might not be easy, but it is quite rewarding.

Jordan Regas

7 consecutive years (2009-15)

361.813.9460

zoe.gottlich@coldwellbanker.com

www.gotzoe.com

16 The Bend

Favorite Page

I was lucky enough to meet Terry Leber this month at the USS Lexington photo shoot. He is a local Veteran who served on the USS Lexington before it was decommissioned. This month marks the 25th anniversary of the ship being decommissioned for the second time before finding its home in Corpus Christi. Terry really made the ship come alive for me. I am truly grateful for Terry Leber and the other Veterans who volunteer time to preserve the Lexington’s legacy and pass along their knowledge and stories to the next generation.

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Richard L.L. Ingraham D.D.S.,D.D.S. M.S, , M.S. Richard Ingraham

Ingraham a Reason Reasonto toSmile!

Smile!

IngrahamOrthodontics Orthodontics Promotes Promotes a The Association of Free Orthodontists recommends all Consultation children see anby orthodontic specialist CallAmerican to schedule your 1st Orthodontic Exam and December 22nd by age 7. Patients from 7 to 77 and beyond respond well to orthodontic treatment.

Enter to WIN FABULOUS PRIZES! $500 off Full Orthodontic Treatment • Apple Watch • GoProINCamera • $100 VisaCARE! Card Dr. Ingraham has earned the reputation for EXCELLENCE ORTHODONTIC

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We invite you for a 1st Complimentary Orthodontic byorthodontic December 22nd Patients from 7 to 77 and beyond respond well to orthodontic treatment.

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If you are considering orthodontic treatment, your search ends HERE! If you are considering orthodontic treatment, your search ends HERE! Enclave Office Enclave Office 5525S. S. Staples, Staples Bldg.

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The bottom part should be split color like before.

Put blue border around Dr. Ingraham’s picture.

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FULFILLING YOUR HOME BUILDING & REMODELING DREAMS

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Around the Bend NOVEMBER 2016

STYLE 20 CURRENTS 22 CONVERSATION 24 5 BEST 26 GIVING BACK 28

What’s Inside One way for men to boost their style using one item is with a pocket square! These fancy fabrics can even be folded nine different ways! These pretty squares date back 600 years, the original handkerchief!

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19

ennett B Around the Bend | Style

& His Blazers

Hitting the town is what Bennett Maddox does best, and in his exclusive wardrobe, he sure knows how to BRING IT. With his diversified and designer dress code, confidence is Bennett Maddox’s most impressive accessory.

By: Whitney Noble Photo: Bethany Wilson 20 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

“When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.”

–Coco Chanel

"When wearing a monochromatic ensemble, a pop of color is always a must."

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

Studio C Gallery

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

Hours

Mon-Fri 11am - 2:30pm Sat-Sun 10am - 2pm

Bennett’s Closet Staples: In a tailored blazer, funky flats, the perfect popof-color pocket square, a quick spritz of Versace cologne, and Gucci shades, this outfit takes Bennett from a morning meeting, to a business luncheon, then out for cocktails with friends.

Catering Available!

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Around the Bend | Currents

Currents

Shipt To Launch H-E-B Grocery Delivery Shipt, an app-based grocery delivery service, announced the expansion of their on-demand grocery delivery service to Corpus Christi beginning on September 27th! This expansion follows Shipt and H-E-B’s recent partnership designed to bring the convenience of grocery delivery to customers across the state of Texas. Shoppers will have the option to order their groceries through Shipt’s app where members shop a full selection of groceries, note any preferences, choose a onehour delivery window and pay for their order. Shipt connects members directly with its reliable shoppers who hand pick the items and deliver the order as soon as one hour after it is placed. Talk about service!

22 The Bend

Release the Leash There are two, (yes two!) dog parks about to grace our city. The first of Corpus Christi’s new public dog parks will be at the new Bayshore Park along the bayfront at the south end of Bayshore Park near Furman Avenue. The park is funded through a confidential party’s generous donation, so no taxpayer money is needed.

Soon, you and your favorite furry friend can play with each other and like-minded pals. As fun as walks are, off-leash playtime allows for more exercise and a nice, tired pup later on. The park will be approximately an acre in size, and there will be two areas, one for large dogs, another for small dogs. It will be maintained by the city, and construction will soon begin. There is a second dog park in the works right now for Bill Witt Park off Yorktown Boulevard. Woof for joy!

Aransas Pathways Reopening of Tule Marsh East Aransas Pathways has announced that their renovations of the Tule March East (Rockport Demo Garden and Wetlands Pond) are completed. The Pathways team has provided improvements to the property that involved replacing an entire section of the boardwalk, adding interpretive signs, and a new well with a solar pump and panels. In an effort to ensure the birds have a water source, this pump will allow water to be redirected over to a pond area during periods of drought. What’s more, the Pathways Bridge has just been restained to protect it from the elements, and a 12x12 observation deck with ramp is being built at the Holiday Beach Pond along with shoulder parking there as well. Come check out the progress to “Your Pathway to Adventure…”

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23

Around the Bend | Person of Interest What typically draws people to experience an escape room?

People are always looking for something different to do for date night, birthday parties, bachelor(ette) parties, or just fun with their friends, and escape rooms provide that!

Visitors from out of town Google “fun things to do” within a city and find us. In fact, we’ve heard that some people now plan their vacations around cities that have an escape room, so we’re happy to put Corpus on that map.

Another very big draw of escape rooms is for team building. Companies, large and small, are bringing their staff members, because it is such a great way to build camaraderie, use critical thinking, be challenged, and, just laugh together!

What are some typical reactions people have afterward?

Whether they escape the room or not, people are generally smiling, laughing, talking about this clue or that, thanking us for a great time!

Oh, and asking when our next room will be open, because they can’t wait to do it again.

We have the best job in the world!

Conversation with

11th Hour Escape OwnerPauline Doorn Engage in the Escape By: Jordan Regas Photo: Rachel Durrent

What is the story behind escape rooms? Where did they come from?

An escape room is an adventure game whereby you come with your friends, family, co-workers, teammates…or get matched up with complete strangers, if you don’t mind! The group needs to find clues, solve puzzles and attempt to escape the room within a set period of time, in our case, one hour. At 11th Hour Escape, you are truly immersed in the scenario and physically handle the clues and puzzles while using your brains and teammates to solve the room.

How did you get started in the industry?

My husband, Cap, and I experienced one in another city about a year and a half ago, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I can’t look at ordinary objects without thinking about how they could be made into a puzzle! Plus, Cap has a talent for making the physical space immersive to the theme. We’ve always been entrepreneurs AND game people, so it was a natural fit for us.

24 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

How challenging is the escape room?

We’ve had customers tell us it is challenging but do-able. Plus, 11th Hour Escape is unique because we offer 3 levels of difficulty for every room we create: Easy for those who are new to escape rooms, Medium for those with some experience, and Difficult for those who consider themselves experts. People want to be challenged but not be overwhelmed.

What does the future hold for 11th Hour Escape? How many rooms in Corpus Christi?

We’re so excited by the warm welcome the community has given 11th Hour and are open to how God leads. We currently have Pirate Captives open and are actively working on our second room, Anti-Gravity. We do see the benefit of additional rooms beyond those so that larger groups can be accommodated at the same time, so that’s a possibility if the community expresses interest.

Contact: 11th Hour Escape is located at 4455 S. Padre Island Drive, #105 and can be reached at (361) 429-2424. You can book online at 11thHourEscape.com as well as find them on Facebook, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Twitter and Google.

Meet Our Pediatric Dentists

THE PERFECT VODKA FOR ANY DRINK A VODKA SO FINE THAT IT GOES WELL WITH EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. MAKE YOUR FAVORITE DRINKS WITH OUR ONE-OF-A-KIND RUSHMORE VODKA.

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Paul A. Kennedy Jr. D.D.S. M.S.

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VISIT YOUR NEAREST WB LIQUORS TODAY AND DISCOVER OUR GREAT SELECTION OF LIQUOR, WINE, AND BEER.

Maria B. Tiefenbach D.M.D.

Nicole B. Pruitt D.M.D.

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Shanan Brown M.S. D.D.S.

As pediatric dentists, we focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime! www.paulkennedydds.com • 361.992.9500

Let’s Celebrate!

361-413-0090 LIKE US ON

OR

DESIGNSBYDECOR@GMAIL.COM FURNITURE

GIFTS & ACCESORIES

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5

Around the Bend | 5 Best

Best

Chili Bowls The favorite food group of Texans!

Words & Photo by: Jordan Regas

Chili is an art, a craft, and a Texas tradition. Everyone claims to have the best chili recipe in town, so we decided to break down the best combinations of beef, beans and chile peppers in the Coastal Bend.

1

Jesse’s Homemade Chili

Why: Jesse’s famous chili is a staple of the Corpus Christi dining scene. Jesse’s recipe is top secret and made from scratch daily, so there is not much that we can say except that you have to try it! The fine ground beef makes for a smooth texture and taste. Enjoy by itself or on pretty much anything.

How: Top it with piles of cheese or smother it on a burger. Also, great for Frito Pies or chili cheese fries.

Brisket Chili

Why: There is not much that chef Kristoffer Busk can’t do with food. Shoreline Sandwiches Co.’s Brisket Chili can surely hold its own amongst a host of sandwich options. This chili is full of brisket, pinto beans, tomato, onions, jalapeños and cilantro. This thick and delicious recipe tastes fresh and hearty and will satisfy the largest of appetites.

How: Enjoy a small cup with one of your favorite sandwiches.

Where: Shoreline Sandwich Co., Uptown, 600 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401

3

Corn Bread and Chili

Why: This homemade chili comes full of brisket straight off the smoker at Hoegemeyer’s Barbeque Barn in Downtown Corpus Christi. This recipe screams Texas in multiple ways. Along with the chopped brisket, Shiner or Lone Star beer is poured into the pot

26 The Bend

How: Enjoy alongside or on top of fresh, skillet baked corn bread made from scratch.

Where: Hoegemeyer’s Barbeque Barn, 711 Concrete St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401

4

Where: Hamlin Pharmacy, Hamlin Shopping Center, 3801 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi, TX 78411

2

as it simmers all of those delicious flavors together. You better call ahead and get it while you can because it’s only available on special days.

Homemade Chili

Why: Get this traditional delicious chili by the cup, bowl or pint. This classic Texas bowl of chili comes loaded with beans, beef, onions and cheese.

Cheese and onions can be ordered on side.

How: Enjoy with their homemade toast or saltine crackers.

Where: Price’s Chef, 800 S Alameda St., Corpus Christi, TX 78404

5

Chili and Bean Bowl

Why: Kiko’s famous chili gravy family recipe is typically used to cover their popular enchiladas, but why not mix in some delicious charro beans and pile on shredded cheese? Filled with hearty chunks of beef, this chili features a unique blend of peppers and spices that gives it the perfect amount of kick for any taste buds.

How: Enjoy with tortillas or on top of Kiko’s famous enchiladas.

Where: Kiko’s Mexican Food Restaurant, 5514 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78411

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Don’t Mess with Texas Chili • Traditional chili originated in Texas.

• Chili was recognized as the official “state dish” of Texas in 1977.

• Legend has it that the outlaw Jesse James (1847-1882) once gave up a chance to rob a bank in McKinney, Texas because that is where his favorite chili parlor was.

• “Bowl of red” is a slang term for chili.

• The two essential ingredients for chili are just beef and chile peppers.

What’s on Your Wish List?

Fuller Lips Smoother Forehead Better Jawline No Double Chin Clearer Skin Smaller Tummy Slimmer Hips

Best Prices of the Year!

Consultations: 361.561.0240 [the lifestyle of the coastalChristi, bend] thebendmag.com 27 Doucet Med Spa • 7121 S. Padre Island Dr. magazine #206 Corpus TX 78412 • doucetmedspa.com

Around the Bend | Giving Back

The Gift of Food

Hunger breaks hearts, but food brings hope.

By: Julie Havelka Photos: Rachel Durrent

Presently, 1 out of 6 in our community suffer from food insecurity. The Food Bank of Corpus Christi is committed with compassionate and compelling energy in response to the area needs.

O

n any given day, one may enter the warehouse at the Food Bank of Corpus Christi and find faithful workers and volunteers diligently unloading, organizing and assembling packages of food. One may also find a local business presenting a generous supply of canned goods on behalf of employee donations. The operation found at our local Food Bank is a meritable display of partnerships at work within our Coastal Bend community- at work to reach the same goal and provide a sustainable meal to those most in need.

September served as “Hunger Action Month” and brought awareness to the reality of food insecurities.

Anyone who walked through the door was asked, “What could you not do on an empty stomach.”

Common answers were, “I can’t focus at work,” “I can’t ride my bike,” or “I can’t take care of others.” It’s a simple but powerful question. Many of us have felt our tummies rumble a time or two but most have never felt the true physical and mental pain of going 28 The Bend

days without substantial food.

To understand the vast impact the Food Bank has in our community is truly humbling. They are the hub to receive and supply over 8.5 million pounds of food each year. The Food Bank has built relationships with area retailers and wholesalers to rescue excess perishable foods from their shelves.

Logistics and careful planning play a tremendous part to move food quickly and avoid going to waste.

Notably, retrieving the unsold food is both ethically and economically favorable. Based on orders placed by the 133 local programs within the 11 county area served, food is packaged, paired with client needs, and delivered respectably. Recognized as the first in the nation to provide diabetes nutrition education, the Food Bank can also provide guidance to help manage one’s health.

The “Backpack Program” is an incredible project that ensures no child goes the weekend without having access to nutritious food. School officials identi[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

fy high-risk food insecure children. They are given a nifty pack of food supplied by the Food Bank to take home on the last day of the school week. No child should return to school on a Monday morning with an empty stomach.

The Food Bank of Corpus Christi works daily to close the gap of those affected by hunger. However, continued support from volunteers and donations is crucial to the continued efforts to provide stability in our community. As the holidays approach and you find yourself in the spirit of giving, think local.

Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Inc. 826 Krill Street Corpus Christi, TX 78408 (361) 887-6291 foodbankcc.com

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30 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Destinations NOVEMBER 2016

QUICK TRIP 32 LOCAL DISCOVERY 34

What’s Inside Lost Maples are native hardwood trees that will thrive in the rocky alkaline soils of the Hill Country and Central Texas. Many thousands of these trees have been planted throughout the state in the last twenty five years and have grown successfully. These beautiful maple trees are called “Lost” because there are only a few small native populations of them.

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Destinations | Quick Trip

Changing Beauty Lost Maples A Fall Lover’s Paradise Lost Maples State Natural Area Lost Maples Winery, Photos: Courtesy Jack Emsoff

By: Whitney Noble Photos: Courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife & The Lodges

Who says Texas doesn’t have seasons? In this National Park, you’ll think you’re in colorful leaf-changing heaven. You may know Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. Visit any time to see abundant wild­flowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River.

Where to Stay: When the kids rush in and exclaim, "Bunk Beds!" you know this is going to be a special vacation.

But this cabin at The Lodges isn't just for families, as couples will also enjoy the comfort of the cedar and cypress king size bed. The open floor plan of this 522-square-foot cabin with woodsy interior makes for a great family vacation with full kitchen and no television – truly unwind and unplug here. Enchanted with flickering fireflies, warming campfire, and nighttime stargazing, bonding here is easy. lostmaples-

cabins.com

Where to Eat: The Laurel Tree offers a romantic dining experience.

Their guests are spoiled with a menu that changes weekly and features only the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The chef is trained in French cuisine and marries the dishes to Texas Hill Country roots. Take some special time before or after your meal to meander through the pecan grove and visit the herb and vegetable gardens. Among their amenities are fresh flowers, candlelight, and fireside seating as the weather changes. Bring your own wine! Another unique 32 The Bend

aspect is their treehouse dining room that was built

by Treehouse Masters, as seen on the television show. utopiagourmet.com

Where to Fish: Cook your own catch! The Medina Lake offers both swimming and fishing. At a maximum deapth of 152 feet, you can catch largemouth bass, white and hybrid striped bass, channel, blue and flathead catfish. Fish on!

Where to Drink: Lost Maples Winery and Polvadeau Vineyards is not to be passed up. Nestled in a canyon along the crystal clear waters of the Sabinal, surround yourself with friends, a glass of wine, and natural beauty. They believe that if you honor and respect the grapes, they will render wine that is to be celebrated as much as it is to be celebrated with. The hearty and robust Black Spanish/Lenoir grapes in this vineyard were originally brought to Texas

by Spanish missionaries to make communion wine. Today, they form the basis of their distinctive wines. lostmapleswinery.com

Where to Fall: Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn.

The show varies, depending on weather conditions.

Keep an eye out for the weekly Fall Foliage report, [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

This Natural Area covers 2174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River. Acquired by purchase from private owners in 1973 -1974, the site was opened to the public on September 1, 1979. The annual visitation is approximately 200,000 visitors.

Known for its magnificent fall foliage, it's a spectacular place to visit any time of year. updated all throughout the season. Hike the trails, but be mindful to stay on the designated ones. The natural area contains steep and rugged terrain. Try to tread lightly, as bigtooth maples have shallow roots, and you can hurt the trees by walking over them. But they are worth the colorful view!

Where to Shop: Bears Market is newly open! The Buckstop is the name of the convenience store attached to Bears Market and they have gasoline. Bears Market is enormous, contains a beer cave, a great assortment of wines, huge selection of gifts, cards, antiques, French milled soaps, picnic supplies, kitchen goodies, spices, jams, jellies - the list goes on and the best part is it is all good quality. Also, there is a coffee bar, and a gummy bear bar with assorted candies, and 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream and a deli. Really, what more could you want?

bearsmarket.com

Where to Camp: Choose from 30 campsites with water and electricity, or for the more rugged camper, back­pack to one of six primitive campsites. Campsite amenities include: picnic table, fire ring, water hookup, restrooms nearby, 30-amp electric hookup, shade shelter over picnic table, and back-in RV parking. The sites are clean, as all campers practice “Leave No Trace” principles as the park contains sensitive natural and cultural resources. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples/

fees-facilities/campsites

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Destinations | Local Discovery

Visit Today!

• Public shows every Tuesday from 6-7pm • Adults – $4 Children (ages 4-15) – $3 Seniors (ages 55+) – $3 Children under 4 – free • Cash or check only. Tickets go on sale at 5:30pm.

Reservations encouraged for groups of 30 or more.

• November–December Program: Season of Light

THE WOLLMAN PLANETARIUM

Group presentations (of five or more) can be scheduled by

appointment during weekday mornings. The Wollman Planetarium can cater to any group with a variety of program topics, including ancient

astronomy, cosmic colors, forces of flight, Dark Matter and much more. The fee is $2 a person for scheduled group programs.

• Many holiday traditions center around lights, especially during the winter solstice. Explore the reasons for various religious traditions, catch a few Northern winter constellations, and discover the possible astronomical explanations for a “Star over Bethlehem” in this captivating, lustrous, and non-denominational presentation.

An Out-Of-This-World Adventure South Texas’ first-class ticket to outerspace By: Lexi Buquet Photos: Renée C. Gage

Located at King High School, the Robert Wollman Planetarium is a source of pride and inspiration for more than just stargazers.

W

alking into the round, spacious theater, the lights are dim. Guests choose from any one of the 100 comfortable, theater-style seats, all offering an unobscured view of the dome above, 33-feet in diameter. The room begins to darken to nearly pitch-black, and eyes slowly adjust to reveal an entire sky full of constellations, positioned exactly how the Corpus Christi night sky appears on this very day.

The Robert Wollman Planetarium at Richard King High School is the largest facility of its kind south of San Antonio. Unlike many planetariums that now rely on modernized digital star projectors, the Wollman Planetarium is equipped with the original Venus GOTO Star Projector purchased in 1967, giving the most realistic, authentic representation of the night sky, made up of thousands of stars of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

34 The Bend

In addition to a fascinating tour of the stars, highlighting the stories behind recognizable constellations and their historical significance, visitors also experience an extraordinary 360° video across the domed ceiling. Varying month to month, the video may take guests on a thrilling journey through the solar system, or they can experience the exhilaration of a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut.

Thanks to the “space race” with the Soviet Union in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Corpus Christi was fortunate to acquire federal government funding during the construction of King High School to build the planetarium and purchase the star projector in time for the school’s opening November 1967. At that moment, Corpus Christi Independent School District became one of the leaders in subjects like Earth Science, inspiring the next generation of explorers right here in the Coastal Bend.

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35

ORGANIC Life

A Closer Look at Local Food Artisans By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

36 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

THE COASTAL BEND OF TEXAS

is one of the toughest places in America to grow food.

The reasons for this have to do with soil type, annual rainfall, incessant wind, and blistering heat, not to mention prolonged drought, periodic flooding, and occasional freezes.

You can measure these factors against other regions with arable farmland to know why cultivation here is uniquely difficult.

These pages feature four local producers of The Bend, plus a local chef who brings their food to life.

There is a vegetable farmer, a beekeeper, and because we are on the water, there are fishermen. Our chef offered recipes for each producer to show how to turn their wholesome ingredients into beautiful meals.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Our friends asked us to introduce these producers, because we also know the joy and hardships of relying on nature for a living. We hacked our farm in Rockport out of the wilderness, a true pioneer farm. We sell what we grow to individuals, retail, and to restaurants. We are, more or less, making a living.

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RECIPE

Oyster Stuffed Drum Ingredients For the fish 3-4 lbs locally sourced Drum (David Fanchier) For the oyster stuffing

David Fanchier

COMMERCIAL DRUM FISHERMAN

½ cup mayonnaise 1 whole egg (Four String Farm) 1tablespoon chives Juice of one lemon Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup bread crumbs

HOW ONE MAN IN ONE SMALL BOAT FEEDS THE BEND David Fanchier was born to fish. You might say he has saltwater in his blood.

Clyde Fanchier, David’s father, started taking him fishing when he was just out of diapers. As a boy, Fanchier stayed with his dad on a houseboat in Baffin Bay several days a week, just to be closer to the fish. Fanchier has been fishing now for forty-five years.

Fanchier’s commercial drum business is one man and one small boat. Still, this fisherman catches nearly 50,000 pounds of fish every year.

He sustains his astounding production by going out six days per week, every week of the year. In the summer, he catches between 200 and 500 pounds of fish per day; in winter, it can be double that amount.

Fanchier’s income is based on the sheer tenacity of math, the slow addition of one fish at a time hauled heavily into the boat, day after day. There is no sick leave, no paid vacation, no time off. It’s an old-fashioned equation for earning a living.

Delivery of his catch occurs each morning to Mor-

38 The Bend

1 lb fresh oysters (Miller’s Seafood)

gan Street Seafood. Charlie Alegria, the owner, sits at his workbench to gut, head, and filet the fish as customers stand in line and call out their orders. It is as fresh and good as any fish, anywhere.

For the relish

Fanchier, like Alegria, is a man of integrity. Fanchier can leave his catch at Morgan Street Seafood and never look at the scale. He knows Alegria will mark the exact weight every time. That type of handshake agreement, that type of trust, is rare in business these days.

1 tablespoon red onion

David Fanchier is the real-life embodiment of Ernest Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. He goes out into the dark water every morning in a tiny boat to take his chances, to grapple with the writhing and slippery weight of big fish, to make his living from the sun-drenched waves. He brings home his catch, a few dollars each day. He is simple, humble, faithful, and kind.

This lone man, this artisan of a by-gone age, supplies the folks of The Bend with some of the best seafood in the world, and few people even know his name. But he is out there for us, every day, out on the glittering water, living his faith through fish.

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1 each mango 1 each serrano pepper 1 tablespoon brown sugar Juice and zest of one lime Salt and pepper to taste Dice all ingredients and mix well.

Let stand 15 minutes.

Directions Source a quality, local drum. Cut the fish into 3 inch wide strips approximately 9-10 inches long.

Season the fish to taste, and place inside a well buttered ring mold. Place 4 oz. of oyster mixture in the center of the fish, sprinkle with a bit of bread crumb. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes.

Place cooked fish in the center of the plate.

Gently remove the ring mold. If it sticks to the fish, run a small paring knife between the fish and the mold. Arrange the desired accompaniment around the fish, and top with spoonful of mango relish.

Curtis Miller MILLER SEAFOOD

IT TAKES MORE THAN A BOAT TO BRING IN OYSTERS IT TAKES STAYING POWER Life on an oyster boat is not for the faint-hearted.

You will stand in the blistering hot sun for hours, bent over your sorting table, rapidly separating the spiny catch, then dredging up another batch as the boat drones in circles above a bed of oysters. Or perhaps it will be a cold, cutting wind, with needles of rain in your face, your body aching with fatigue. But still, your frozen hands must flash tirelessly to sort the catch, as you get paid by the pound.

Curtis Miller is a tough man. You don’t acquire a fleet of oyster boats on the Texas coast without being tough. But he didn’t start with a fleet. Miller began his career forty years ago catching one oyster at a time.

At ten-years-old, Miller waded into the bay behind his house in Port Lavaca with a plastic bucket to pluck oysters from the shifting sand. He shucked the oysters with a Bowie knife and sold them to his neighbors.

At age 13, he got a job as “freezer boy” in a big shrimp house. Then, in 1981, Miller’s father bought a shrimp boat, from Miller’s uncle, and young Curtis signed on as a deck hand. That single boat was the genesis of Miller’s Seafood.

Today, Miller manages a fleet of up to fifty oyster boats; some he owns, most are leased from

independent fishermen who deliver their catch to Miller’s expansive warehouse. From there, Miller sells his oysters across Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and up the Eastern Seaboard.

Competition on the water can be fierce as fishermen fight to stay in business. Miller has survived and built a sterling reputation, while many in the industry have gone bankrupt or simply given up.

It takes more than a boat to dredge up oysters; it takes discipline, insight, and staying power.

Oyster fishing is more than a business for Miller.

“It’s a way of life,” he said. When he talks about his children, his face lights up and his kindness shines through. Miller reveres his father, who taught him to appreciate the little customers just as much as the big ones.

Miller took this advice to heart. He still works the counter at his store, handing bags of shrimp and oysters to his loyal customers, smiling, personally thanking each one.

If you have ever eaten oysters on the half-shell at Water Street Seafood, or by the pint at a Winn-Dixie up in Birmingham, chances are good they came from Miller’s Seafood. And you can be sure that Curtis Miller, oyster fisherman, is thankful for you.

RECIPE

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Ingredients Local shrimp (Miller’s Seafood) Local bacon (Four String Farm) Blackening spice Salt and pepper Barbecue sauce Fried local spinach leaves (Jamie Bustos) Roast local tomatoes (Jamie Bustos) Balsamic reduction

Directions Season the shrimp as desired. Wrap with high quality bacon. Place on baking sheet with the tomatoes. Bake at 350°F until bacon is crisp and the shrimp are done.

At this point the presentation is up to you.

You may toss the shrimp in your favorite sauce, or arrange them as the picture shows. This is more a method than a detailed recipe. Experiment with it; your mistakes will be delicious and every preparation will get better.

JAIME BUSTOS

TERRA MADRE MINI FARM A LOCAL FARMER GROWS A HEALTHIER CITY ONE VEGETABLE AT A TIME Jaime Bustos is a man with a mission. “I guess you could say I have a cause,” he said. His cause is a healthier city.

Madre Mini Farm, after Slow Food’s global smallscale farming network.Terra Madre is Italian for Mother Earth.

Both of Bustos’ parents died of diabetes, and it runs in his family. While Bustos is free of this disease, he has seen firsthand how it wrecks lives. Bustos knows that a healthier diet is the key to a happier life. His produce does more than feed people; it makes their lives better.

When Bustos started his garden, he had just retired after 37 years at CCAD. The arduous work of farming fit his retirement and personality. His tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and broccoli quickly expanded beyond his backyard, so he leased some land from Pee-Wee’s Animal Shelter to plant. He now has approximately an acre of vegetables under cultivation.

Ten years ago, Bustos heard a story on the local public radio station about the Slow Food movement based in Torino, Italy. That story inspired him to become a farmer. He named his new farm Terra

40 The Bend

Bustos designed his produce business around the Downtown and South Side Farmers’ Markets. He believes an acre of vegetable production and two

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

markets is plenty to keep him busy. “There is a lot happening with on-going preparation to grow vegetables, whether you’re weeding or preparing a bed or loading produce for the market,” he said. He and his hired helper sometimes work nights to get transplants into the ground before the rabbits eat them, but he prefers to garden in the cool hours of early morning.

Bustos fertilizes his plants with composted horse manure from the stock at Pee-Wee’s Animal Shelter. He tries to grow vigorous, healthy plants that are strong enough to withstand pests and disease on their own. That way, he doesn’t have to spray them with chemicals. He uses cardboard as mulch and weeds his garden with a rolling torch that burns the weeds out of the soil.

Most of all, he’d love to see more young people get into farming but knows it’s a hard sell. He hopes to make converts among them to vegetable gardening. Jump-started by a global farming movement he heard on public radio, Bustos is changing the world, one vegetable at a time. And he wants you to join him.

TOP OUTLETS FOR LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD IN THE BEND

Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

Morgan Street Seafood

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Fresh seafood: shrimp, oysters, drum, snapper, flounder, and more Monday – Friday 9 am – 5pm; Saturday 8 am – 12 noon 1602 Morgan Ave., Corpus Christi, TX 78404 (361) 881-9288 facebook.com/morganstseafoodmarket

Produce, eggs, cheese, baked goods, honey, art and crafts, locally canned goods, coffee, and more. Food trucks and live music.

Every Wednesday from 5 pm – 8 pm Art Center of Corpus Christi located at 100 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401 ccdowntownfm.com

Kimmi’s Fine Foods

For the salad

Locally raised meats, organic produce, gluten-free and vegan products, and natural beauty supplies Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday 10 am–2 pm 111 N. Austin St., Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-4443 kimmisfinefoods.com

16 oz spinach (Terra Madre Mini Farm) 1 cup gorgonzola cheese (Thompson’s Farm) 1 cup fresh strawberries For the pecans ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons water Pinch cayenne pepper

Four String Farm

2 cups pecan halves For the vinaigrette 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup sugared strawberries, quality preserves will work just fine ½ - ¾ cup oil of your choice (Vegetable oil is recommended.)

Directions Begin with the pecans. Bring the sugar and water with the cayenne to a boil. Add pecans. Reduce flame and stir constantly. Sugar will begin to crystalize on the pecans. When the moisture is gone, remove from heat and pour pecans on baking sheet to cool. Be very careful, they will be very hot! Next, the vinaigrette. Place the vinegar and the strawberries in a food processor. Blend well while slowly adding the oil until it reaches desired consistency. To compose the salad, place spinach on whatever dish you prefer. Arrange the strawberries, pecans, and cheese on the plate and drizzle with dressing.

This salad can be served tossed as well.

Grass-fed beef, pastured pork, pastured chicken, eggs, and chemical-free produce 211 Spring Ln., Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 688-3802 Register for a Farm Share at fourstringfarm.com

Corpus Christi South Side Farmer’s Market

Kingsville Farmer’s Market Produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, canned goods, coffee, arts, and crafts Fourth Saturday of every month from 9 am–12 noon Kingsville Downtown Pavilion located at 230 N 6th St., Kingsville, TX 78363 kingsvilletexasfarmersmarket.com

Padre Island Farmer’s Market Produce, eggs, cheese, baked goods, honey, art and crafts, locally canned goods, coffee, and more. Food trucks, live music, and yoga.

Every other Thursday from 4 pm–8 pm 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418 facebook.com/IslandFarmersMarket

Produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, canned goods, coffee, arts, and crafts Every Saturday from 9 am–12 noon 5800 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78413 farmersmarketcc.org

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41

up to five miles to mate with a wild male bee, then return to the hive to produce her domestic brood.

Gray said this would be like a farmer sending his sows into the wild to mate with feral boar hogs, then getting them back to the barn to throw a litter.

Keeping twenty-five hives is a full-time job for a small-scale honey producer. Good hive management requires the touch of an experienced and thoughtful beekeeper.

“We’re just like other farmers,” said Gray. “We pray for rain, we get dirty. There are those days when you get hot, the bees are angry, you’re angry, and you wonder why you’re doing this.” But then, Gray connects with his customers, and they reignite his passion for the business.

“I have customers who love this honey, they just adore it. It makes them so happy,” Gray said. “Nobody ever got that kind of joy out of a supermarket.”

You can find Yellow Rose Honey at your local farmers’ market. Be prepared to stand in line. This honey is popular. But the wait is worth it, because your personal jar of honey will be unique to you, and there is no other honey like it.

Dennis Gray

YELLOW ROSE HONEY WHERE NO TWO JARS ARE THE SAME If you look closely at a jar of honey from Dennis Gray, you will notice something peculiar: there is “stuff ” in it, tiny black particles. Some of the jars are lighter or darker in color. Each jar of Yellow Rose Honey is unique.

heating and filtration systems at big honey processing plants remove all those particles. Industrial honey is refined into an identical sameness of color, texture, and consistency. “But real honey is never like that,” he said.

Gray explains that you want those tiny particles; pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, and other natural elements, in your honey. According to Gray, the “stuff ” is what makes local honey so healthy and so delicious.

Gray can see differences in his honey from one harvest to the next, from two hives side-by-side, and even differences in the honey harvested from the same hive.

“Industrial honey is sugar water,” said Gray. The

42 The Bend

Gray explains how domestic bees require wild, feral bees to reproduce. A domestic queen will fly

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Honey Goat Cheese Ice Cream Ingredients 10 whole eggs 5 cups heavy cream 1 cup local goat cheese (Thompson’s Farm) 1 cup local honey (Texas Yellow Rose Honey)

Directions Churn the ice cream the old fashioned way.

Serve with grilled seasonal fruit, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of bee pollen. .

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CHEF DEAN SPRAGUE EXECUTIVE CHEF

AN AWARD-WINNING CHEF IS TAKING LOCAL FOOD TO THE NEXT LEVEL Chef Dean Sprague meticulously places spinach from local grower Jaime Bustos onto an oversized white plate.

“Food is one of the closest relationships you can have with someone,” said Chef Sprague. “You’re trusting the chef with something you’re putting into your mouth to nourish your body. We take that responsibility very seriously, and are committed to creating dishes that are healthy and delicious. It’s our passion, and we love it.”

A veteran chef of thirty-three years who was awarded “Chef of The Year” by the Texas Chef ’s Association for the Coastal Bend in 2015, Chef Sprague visits the Downtown Farmers’ Market every Wednesday to purchase any remaining groceries from local producers at full retail price.

“They trust me to be there, and we want to support what they’re all about. They have to make a living just like we do,” said Chef Sprague. He works as he talks, adding generous crumbles of local gorgonzola to the now colorful salad plate.

We asked Chef Sprague to do what he and his team do every weekend—develop recipes with ingredients from each of our featured local producers, and he created one stunning recipe after another.

44 The Bend

“One of the great things about our team is that we have a lot of people with a lot of strengths, and they bring a lot to the table. Everyone plays an important part,” said Chef Sprague. He explains how his Sous Chef, Harold Ramos, and the rest of the talent at The Glass Pavilion work together every week to create a new featured dish using local ingredients.

Chef Sprague hopes to inspire other chefs to get out of their comfort zone and join the local food movement. “Go to the market,” he said. “Introduce yourself. Get to know these people. They want to sell to you.”

His passion for supporting local producers has invigorated the atmosphere at The Glass Pavilion, from the wait staff to the accounting team. And the customers are taking notice. Ironically, most of the patrons of The Glass Pavilion are tourists who stay at the Omni. But area residents have started coming in for weekend brunch to enjoy a taste of The Bend.

When a customer asks where the locally-sourced shrimp comes from, the wait staff can point out the window to a passing shrimp boat. Chef Sprague smiles at this. “Corpus Christi is not known as a food destination,” he said, “and we’re hoping to change that.”

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

The Glass Pavilion, Omni Hotel, 2nd Floor 900 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Waterfront Specialists of Texas 361-729-6500 | Cell: 361-774-9424 | www.RockportProperties.com | Mark@RockportProperties.com 14 La Buena Vida | La Buena Vida, Rockport Texas Dramatic waterfront Estate home on 2 lots in gated community.

Stately foyer with domed ceiling. Formal dining, 2 story great room with fireplace, walk-in wet bar. Chef’s kitchen-Miele ovens, walk-in pantry, granite, island and breakfast bar. Huge master Suite down with exercise room. Mother in-law suite with kitchenette and sitting room plus additional guest bedroom. 4 bedrooms and game room with wet bar up plus terrace. Covered outdoor kitchen, in-ground pool, boat dock and lift, two double garages. Impact windows and doors, surround sound. $2,250,000 | #125198 1 Blue Heron | Key Allegro, Rockport, Texas Premier Key Allegro home with panoramic views of Aransas Bay on wrap-a-round deck. Truly an entertainer’s dream amidst an outdoor covered cabana bar and kitchen. Heated pool, hot tub, 7 bedroom /6.5 bath, master suite with balcony access. Open floor plan features island kitchen with granite countertops and spacious living area. A few other features include numerous wet bars, game room, and elevator. Separate guesthouse has access to the covered boathouse, which encompasses 30’ foot boat slips. Total square footage does not include the covered outdoor pavilion and living space! $2,235,000 | #126825 2503 Turkey Neck Circle | Harbor Oaks, Rockport Texas Exquisite waterfront Haven with dramatic flair. Architectural details include motor court, commanding entry door, Pyramid Hip Roofs in/out, stone columns, interior fire pit w/copper flue, copper vent hood, walls of windows and interior courtyards.

Outdoor entertaining at its finest w/10,000 sf Clear Heart Cedar deck, heated pool, dining pavilion, multiple living spaces, landscape lighting, boat dock and boat lift. Chef’s kitchen with granite, oversized island and stainless appliances. Secluded master wing with 2 bedrooms, 2 luxurious baths, fireplace, walkins. 3 guest suites each with private entrance. $1,995,000 | #125967 Aransas Princess Penthouse | Port Aransas, Texas Rooftop Paradise! Port A's sunrises like you've never seen from your ocean view master suite with 1,600 square foot rooftop patio.

Panoramic views second to none. Designer features included in sale of this magnificent home from furniture, top of the line appliances, accessories which all convey along with all artwork on the walls.

Kitchen features convection oven, granite, trash compactor, Franke stainless sink, ice maker and wine refrigerator. Electric storm shutters. Amenities include boardwalk to beach, 2 pools, and tennis courts. First class on the beach can be yours! Call Danny Clark at 210-378-7787 $1,000,000 | #126834

Members of Rockport, Corpus [the Christi, and Victoria MLS | ‘As seen in duPont Registry’ lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend] thebendmag.com

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Setting the Stage A grassroots movement aiming to grow love for original music and local musicians in Corpus Christi is taking shape around The Churchyard.

By: Jordan Regas

On a Friday night in early October, a small crowd sat scattered across the lawn next to City Church beneath the stars and strands of bright globes. Other than the faint noise of traffic flowing down Staples Street, the only sounds heard inside The Churchyard were the folk melodies and gripping lyrics of The Independent Thieves, a local folk duo.

The audience, both young and old, listened and swayed along to the music. This was the exact scene Steven Hansen envisioned three years ago when a member of City Church (where Hansen works), who designs music venues and clubs around town, decided

to take advantage of a large empty lot sitting on the church's property.

“He really liked the music at City Church and helped us get into this building and saw we have this nice outdoor courtyard area, all fenced in. And he asked, ‘What if we make a venue out of this?’ I didn’t think he was serious, but he did it,” said Hansen.

As a musician, Hansen lives and works here and is always looking for places to play. Hansen is a singer-songwriter first in his approach to music. He loves the poetry of music and then listening

to the story. When he first envisioned The Churchyard, we wanted to try to create an environment where people listen to the music and lyrical poetry.

The Churchyard is designed to be family friendly. All ages are welcome and 12 and under are free. They don’t serve alcohol, but there is always free water and pizza and Green Light Coffee for sale. The whole point of this venue is to build a listening environment. It’s always original music and writing. Hansen wants the next generation to learn to enjoy original music and build a culture that supports original music in our city.

Before moving to Corpus Christi, Hansen worked as a studio engineer at Music Lab in Austin and has engineered live sound for South by Southwest (an annual film and music festival in Austin). So when he was handed the keys to this intimate, outdoor venue, he knew he had a special opportunity – he just had no clue where to start.

Hansen wasn’t a promoter or a venue manager, so he called his friend Casey Lain. As the owner of House of Rock, Lain has been an active proponent of the local music scene for decades. “Casey helped me envision a contract and what it would look like to reach out to this group of people. So he helped us get in touch with Terri Hendrix, who was our first show.

She came down here with Lloyd Mains, and about a hundred people came out to the show,”

Sound Machine Studios Mason Shirley grew up watching his dad’s band practice and became fascinated with how all the instruments worked together. He and his brother were in bands themselves, so in order to record their songs, he got some basic equipment and set up a make shift recording studio in his garage and realized how much he loved the technical side of music. He taught himself the basics and started recording other bands in high school. He keeps his prices competitive, so that anyone getting their start in the industry can afford it. Most of the bands take advance of online crowdfunding platforms. A producer can really shape the final sound, like a director of a movie, they can help achieve a particular sound that a band is looking to achieve. Mason plays a lot of different instruments and has built a network of studio musicians to help solo musicians achieve the sound of a full band.

Mason has produced albums for musicians, such as the Jake Ward Band, Nathan Bonnes, The Independent Thieves, and many others.

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Corpus Christi Songwriters: Founded in 2014, CC Songwriters hosts several events throughout the year. Events include In The Rounds (an Open Stage for original music only) the second Sunday of every month at House of Rock and CC Songwriters Presents: Showcases every three months at House of Rock and The Churchyard. The organization also hosts workshops and retreats throughout the year and the Corpus Christi Music Awards & Conference.

recalled Hansen.

“We’re not a bar, we’re not a club, we’re a listening room,” said Hansen. “We’re not trying to push an agenda other than promoting good music and listening environments in our town. We want to get better music here and help people listen to and enjoy it live.”

The first two seasons were tough for Hansen. As a one-man operation, he was running a little thin. It was a challenge getting people to come out to shows and handling the misconception that The Churchyard only promotes Christian music and artists.

However, just this season, he started seeing some response from the community and more people came along who shared his vision. Garrett Wieland, of the band Independent Thieves and host of Some Call It Folk on KEDT, made it out to a couple shows and jumped on board to help book musicians and promote the venue.

Both Hansen and Wieland connected with the Corpus Christ Songwriters (CC Songwriters) association, the brain child of Jimmy Willden and David Martinez.

The organization's goal is to promote the writing of original music in Corpus Christi.

Together, with the help of CC Songwriters, The Churchyard hosted the first Songwriters Showcase, where up-and-coming local musicians can play an extended set to an attentive audience.

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“We put it on and opened the doors as a free event. We had four local artists, and it was a really good show. Most of the time, we are very careful about who we bring in.

I want to make sure that the quality is at a high level. I want people to know that no matter who is playing at The Churchyard, it’s going to be good,” said Hansen.

For Garrett Wieland and other local musicians who write and produce original music, it’s difficult to find places to play, so they adapt and play covers. But sometimes playing covers just doesn’t promote a community that encourages artists to write and produce their own art. Two years ago, The Independent Thieves recorded their own studio album at Sound Machine Studios with Mason Shirley, located on the same campus as The Churchyard.

“We want to be highly invested in the local scene and help develop the local artists so that they can be inspired to keep producing art in this town and inspire local artists and inspire our culture to love original music,” said Hansen.

Waiting in the wings for next season are bands like David Ramirez and Shaky Graves. However, it’s not too late to catch the last show of 2016 featuring Nathan Bonneson November 18th at 7:30 pm. You just may walk away with a favorite new song.

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LEGACY OF THE

L E X I N By: Caroline Randall Freeman, Photos: Renée C. Gage and USS Lexington Archives

FROM VETERAN TO VOLUNTEER, TERRY LEBER SHARES SOME STORIES AND HISTORY OF THE USS LEXINGTON, THE POISED SHIP THAT BEFITS OUR BAY.

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G T O N THE BLUE GHOST

The USS LEXINGTON got its nickname, “The Blue Ghost,” during WWII. The Japanese reported the LEX sank no less than 4 times. Despite kamikaze and torpedo hits, the USS LEX was only wounded, repaired, and came back to fight. Tokyo Rose, the American commandeered by Japanese, was reportedly the first to dub the LEX “The Blue Ghost.”

D

uring the summer of 2000, on a trip from San Antonio to the beach, Terry Leber drove across the Harbor Bridge with his wife and grandson. As he came to the crest of the bridge, he laid eyes on what was once his home over 40 years ago—the USS LEXINGTON Navy Aircraft Carrier. Stunned and in awe, he had no idea the USS LEX resided in Corpus.

“When I saw it I was assuming it was in port, so I didn’t even know at first that it was a museum.”

He jokes, “I was so in shock I almost drove off the bridge!”

Excitedly, Leber brought his family aboard to give them an impromptu tour. “We drove over and spent the rest of the day on the LEXINGTON. I had my 4-year-old grandson with me [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

showing him everything on the ship…eventually, we made it to the beach!”

This month marks the 25th anniversary of the ship being decommissioned for the second time.

The USS LEXINGTON was commissioned in 1943, but soon after it became a legacy ship. The LEX Museum’s website explains, “LEXINGTON was originally named the USS CABOT. During World War II, final construction was being completed at Massachusetts’ Fore River Shipyard when word was received that the original carrier named USS LEXINGTON, CV-2, had been sunk in the Coral Sea. The new carrier’s name was changed to LEXINGTON.” She lived two lives before her permanent home was made in Corpus Christi—a warship shooting thebendmag.com

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WAR TIME FACTS 5.5 million visitors since the museum opened in 1992 The flight deck is over 2 acres Only aircraft carrier during WWII that wasn't painted camouflage Her planes destroyed 372 enemy aircraft in the air, and 475 more on the ground She sank or destroyed 300,000 tons of enemy cargo and damaged an additional 600,000 tons The ship’s guns shot down 15 planes and assisted in drowning 5 more Total Arrested Landings: 493,248

Japanese submarines and a training carrier that prepared every Navy pilot who flew in the Vietnam War. Between 1943 and 1962, the USS LEX saw extensive service through the Pacific War. She then lived several more decades as a training carrier before being decommissioned in 1991. According to the museum, “With an active fund-raising campaign in place and strong community support, the Corpus Christi City Council endorsed a $3 million dollar bond sale to finance the project.” Though several other communities vied for LEXINGTON, with a strong and supportive community, the USS LEX was awarded to Corpus Christi.

On June 8 in 1992, the United States Navy officially signed over the USS LEX to city officials and a week later she was towed to North Beach.

The USS LEXINGTON was opened to the public in October 1992.

Leber is currently a volunteer tour guide aboard the USS LEX—and an amazing one at that— but his history with the aircraft carrier began in 1969. While attending college in Ohio, he de54 The Bend

cided to take a leave of absence to join the Navy.

Leber’s next two years of active duty working aboard the legendary aircraft carrier were enthralling, educational, tough, and empowering.

Following his exciting and eventful two years of active duty, Leber headed back to school.

His active duty on the ship built credit toward college, and paid for a substantial portion of his tuition. However, he gained more than college credit. “I was a different student before and after my military experience…I went back as a man.”

He spent his time as a member of the Air Operations Division. “Day to day, we managed all the squadron’s schedules, assigned radio frequencies, and did lots of record keeping—from every pilot’s fuel status to how many touch-and-go landings they did. I also worked the radar domes as Air Traffic Control to make sure every pilot was where they needed to be.”

When Leber needed a moment to himself, he’d head to the flight deck, one of his favorite parts of the ship. He reveals, “It looks like chaos but it’s an absolute dance. Everyone knows what they’re doing. It's a pleasure to watch. Every [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

“I love that the younger generations who only see World War II as a story in a textbook can see it come alive here. People of all generations connect with the Vietnam era, and those who come to Corpus Christi on vacation really have a reason to come see this ship.”

chance I got I’d come down and watch the flight deck. I could go out at 3am and it’d be dark and quiet, and then a screaming jet would come in for a landing.”

Despite his essential time on the Gulf-stationed aircraft carrier, he says he learned very little about the ship’s story. “It wasn’t until I became a tour guide that I learned all the amazing history.”

Leber says, “I love that the younger generations who only see World War II as a story in a textbook can see it come alive here.

People of all generations connect with the Vietnam era, and those who come to Corpus Christi on vacation really have a reason to come see this ship.”

After living for years in San Antonio, Terry Leber retired to Corpus Christi to be closer to family. He says it was an easy decision to become a volunteer at the museum. Not only does he get to meet other veterans, but with a smile, he says, “My favorite part is when I connect with that one person in a group who all of a sudden has an interest in history and in the ship and they start asking questions.”

“I got to give a former captain a tour. He brought his family, son and grandson. I got to tour 3 generations. It was an honor and I

was intimidated. How do you tell the captain of a ship about his ship? But we both ended up asking each other lots of questions and it was a great day—also, I had a 93-year-old gentleman who had been on this ship when it was a WWII war ship in the 1940s. I could ask questions and he knew stuff nobody else knew,” Leber revels.

It’s an honor and privilege to meet veterans like Terry Leber. A guided tour by him on the very ship he served upon is nothing short of extraordinary. When aboard, do yourself a huge favor and speak to one of the many men dressed in yellow. These veteran volunteers bring the illustrious history of the USS LEXINGTON back to life. [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Fuel Storage: Ship’s fuel: 1,500,000 gal fuel oil, Aviation fuel: 440,000 gal Daily Fresh Water Capacity: 120,000 to 180,000 gal Daily Food Consumption: 97 dozen eggs, 164 gal milk, and 660 pounds of meat Crew (Officers and Enlisted): 1943 to 1963 approximately 3,000 men; 1963 to 1991 approximately 1500 men and women

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend Photography by Raymond Gray

The Coastal Bend is fortunate to have so many entrepreneurs and business professionals whose talent, expertise and creativity have a positive impact on our communities and make this region an excellent place to live. The Bend Magazine invites you to meet some of the faces behind our most prominent, local businesses. They are leaders in their field; they are game-changers; they are the Faces of the Coastal Bend.

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

Amy Atkins, Melba Carrales, Joe Ingle, Karen Stipp, Renee Carter, Jessica De La Garza, and Susan Geissel [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend] 58 The Bend

The Face of

CONSTRUCTION & MORTGAGE LENDING 1st COMMUNITY BANK HOME LOAN CENTER for building, buying or refinancing a home, first communitY bank is the trusted choice

Welcome Home!

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting experiences…and one of the most important. Understanding and navigating the home loan process is often intimidating, but First Community Bank’s Home Loan Center team can help.

First Community Bank has been voted Best in Mortgage Lending for eight consecutive years in the Caller-Times Best of the Best readers’ poll. This reflects the reputation we have developed through friends and family referrals, and the trust customers place in us.

Local. Personal. There’s no substitute for being able to talk in person with your prospective lender. At First Community Bank, we’ll sit down with you and answer your mortgage questions. Our loan application, approval, processing, closing and underwriting are all done in house, which means you get the personal attention you expect and deserve.

361.993.9703

A proven track record. We’ve been in the home mortgage business for years, helping people finance and build their first home, move to a larger house, or buy their long-awaited dream home. We also can refinance your existing mortgage.

Our knowledge of the South Texas market and our expertise in every facet of mortgage lending brings complete professionalism and attention to detail to your transaction.

The best service. Our renowned service begins with free pre-qualification, so you know in advance how much house you can afford. We have a step-by-step guide to building a home on our website, because the build process is different to buying a pre-existing home. Our online application form allows you to apply for loan at your convenience.

Building, buying or refinancing…whatever your reason to talk about home loans, talk to the best. Visit the First Community Bank Home Loan Center online or in person, or give us a call.

We’re here to help you picture yourself “at home.”

First community Bank is an equal-opportunity housing lender. Member FDIC

FCBOT.com

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY DOUGLASS MILLER Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Douglass, received a BS in Computer Science from Texas A&M - Corpus Christi before founding Straight Edge Technology in 2006. He and his wife Kristina stay busy with their children Lincoln, London and Briggs. For more than a decade, Douglass has made it his goal to take away the pain and headache that technology brings to businesses. However, Douglass’ passion goes far beyond general IT support, he cares about helping businesses utilize the right technology tools to increase efficiency and profitability. Douglass acts as a technology consultant. He sits down with each client to discover the problems before they occur, and develops a specific IT solution for each client. For Douglass, IT support is more than sitting around until something breaks, it’s about building a relationship, being proactive, and helping businesses get the most out of their technology investment. Straight Edge Technology services all types of businesses in South Texas, but specializes in Healthcare related industries. Their managed services model gives companies access to, not one, but eight engineers on staff. Each engineer offers a unique expertise and is ready to assist on a moments notice. Technology is always changing and becoming more critical each day. However, IT support does not have to be frustrating or time consuming. Douglass hopes to change the way businesses think about IT support in the Coastal Bend!

361.653.1777 5151 Flynn Parkway Ste. 217 Corpus Christi, TX straightedgetech.com

2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

family Dentistry Dr. charles allen Dr. Charles Allen has had the distinct gratification to age as a dentist during a time when technology has blossomed. Respecting the dentistry of his father, Dr. William Allen, he is able to blend the skills and knowledge of the past with today’s technology. Dr. Charles Allen has extensive experience in Dental surgery, root canals, cosmetic dentistry and limited orthodontics. He served during Vietnam as a Navy dentist and is an accomplished sailor, windsurfer, scuba diver and most importantly a dentist with 43 year of experience.

Dr. Charles Allen, and the entire team at Allen Dental Group, treat their patients the way they would want to be treated, with kindness and integrity. They offer conscious sedation to help the patient remain fully relaxed through any procedure. They use advanced technologies and efficient systems to best serve their patients and enjoy making a complete difference in the lives of their patients.

With today’s technology, dentistry is virtually pain free, allowing Dr. Allen to restore most of the patient’s teeth in one visit.

Lamar Park: (361) 854-7999 525 Doddridge, Corpus Christi Saratoga: (361) 992-8900 6200 Saratoga Blvd. #102, Corpus Christi Portland: (361) 643-0416 101 Cox Dr., Portland

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FACES of The

Coastal Bend

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The Face of

TOWING Customer Service and Community Support Tow Together Since 1998, family-owned Apollo Towing Service has built a company – and a reputation – of reliability.

Today, Apollo is the preferred towing company for most major auto clubs, auto dealers and local law enforcement in the Coastal Bend.

Consumers can depend on new, recognizable towing vehicles, and feel secure with professional, trained uniformed tow operators with identification credentials.

Apollo uses 24/7 dispatching and GPS tracking to ensure rapid response. They provide roadside assistance such as jump starts and tire changes, as well as emergency and scheduled towing, and 4x4 pullouts.

And when it comes time for the “heavy lifting,” Apollo is ready, providing commercial and industrial clients with semi-, bus and multi-axle towing; heavy equipment hauling; oilfield equipment transport and cargo load and off-load services.

Apollo Towing is renowned in South Texas for integrity and customer satisfaction, but many people don’t know about its commitment to community and tradition of service. The company supports some 20 organizations and events including the Corpus Christi Police Department and Officers Association, Terry Labonte’s Roam For A Home Foundation, The York House, Buc Days and others, and has been recognized with a Mayor’s Commendation.

361-853-0003

For the sixth year, Apollo Towing’s Project No Excuse will provide a free tow and ride home for those who make the smart choice not to drink and drive during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate, but do so safely,” said Apollo president Dave Resendez. “One call to us can prevent an arrest or an accident. We’re proud to offer this service to encourage responsibility and safety.” Apollo also provides the service during Spring Break.

Another Apollo hallmark is the Shattered Dreams program. The company works with local high schools to stage mock severe car crashes, educating students on the importance of safety behind the wheel, and the horrific results of drunk or distracted driving.

“We strongly believe in educating and empowering the people in our communities to operate vehicles safely, and that starts with young drivers,” said Resendez. “Our staff is equipped and trained to respond to any roadside, tow or recovery need, but we also want to do all we can to reduce accidents and injuries. That service to community is truly the heart of Apollo Towing Service.”

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2016

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PHYSICAL THERAPY Scott Humpal, PT Welcome to HUMPAL PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE center

Scott Humpal grew up in a small town in Nebraska. He played basketball, baseball, and football, among other sports. Despite his sports background, however, it wasn’t athletics that made him decide to become a physical therapist. For Humpal, the journey began with a soap opera.

After watching one particular episode of General Hospital, Luke had been injured. He had a Physical Therapist who worked with him and took him from being paralyzed to walking again. From then on, Humpal knew this was the field he wanted to be in. After graduating from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a degree in physical therapy in 1988, he came to Corpus Christi. With a vision to revolutionize the industry in our city, he opened his own practice. Humpal P.T. offers almost any treatment imaginable in the rehab industry, and has an indoor therapy pool onsite at all locations. Humpal Physical Therapy has been around for over 27 years now, and it is one of the most trusted practices in the city. Despite the high volume of patients, Humpal makes sure that everyone gets the same thorough care that they would have gotten at a small clinic. They have six clinics around the Coastal Bend, and employ only the best. Each patient is guaranteed to receive exceptional treatment designed to return them back to their previous functional lifestyle.

361.854.2278 5026 Deepwood Cir. Corpus Christi, TX humpalphysicaltherapy.com 64 The Bend

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2016

FACES of The

The Face of

Home Building Mr. Bart Braselton Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of Braselton’s building in the Bay Area.

Braselton Homes has won many local, state and national awards, including the Fastest Growing Builder in the United States, and earns consistent Top 100 or Next 100 rankings in annual lists compiled by Professional Builder and Builder Magazine. National Energy – Efficient “Green” Homebuilding awards include the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award from the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency from MASCO, the building industry’s leading Green-building supplier. Locally, Braselton has won numerous Parade of Home Awards, and has been selected as the Corpus Christi Builder of the Year, twice in the past eight years.

A leader in local housing issues, Bart serves on the Boards of two local affordable housing organizations, The Community Development Corporation and the Corpus Christi Jobs and Economic Development Board. Braselton also has focused on “Green” Energy - Efficient home construction, and is a founding member of the Coastal Bend Green Built Council. The builder of the popular Eco-Home, Braselton Homes is the largest builder of energy efficient homes in the Corpus Christi Bay Area, having constructed over 60% of all green homes in the two county areas.

A graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi, Bart goes beyond building homes to building stronger communities.

Braselton Homes is involved with numerous charities, including the Food Bank of the Coastal Bend, The Salvation Army, and the American Heart Association. Currently, Bart also serves on the Board of Directors of the United Chamber of Commerce, and the Coastal Bend Home Builders Association. Bart and his wife Michelle have two small children at home, and are active with Braselton Homes in the community, and church organizations though out Corpus Christi.

(361) 991-4710 | 15337 Yorktown Blvd.

Suite 10-D Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Braseltonhomes.com

Coastal Bend

The Face of

Luxury HomeS Real Estate Zoe Gottlich Welcome to the HOME of Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel Realtors

Zoe Gottlich is the #1 top producer for the last seven consecutive years at Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel.

She holds a BS degree in Economics and is a member of the International President’s Circle with Coldwell Banker, which is the top 6% of all agents worldwide.

Zoe and her husband Mark are third generation Corpus Christians and live in Zoe’s childhood home, which her parents built in 1947. They have 2 children in their mid-20’s, Grier and Cecile.

The greatest compliment she receives is referral business from previous clients. The gratitude from buyers and sellers speaks volumes to the level of service she provided for them. Market knowledge, skilled negotiation, problem solving, creative marketing, and listening to client needs combined with a trustworthy, honest, and enthusiastic attitude are the key ingredients to her ongoing success.

Whether it is a small home or a million dollar estate personal real estate is usually the largest investment for families and Zoe’s clients are relying on her real estate expertise. Zoe is passionate about her profession and she finds it extremely rewarding to help people realize their dream of buying or selling a home in the coastal bend.

361.813.9460 5034 Holly Rd Corpus Christi Zoe.gottlich@coldwellbanker.com gotzoe.com 66 The Bend

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

island Development Mr. ALex harris

very successful title insurance agency. Harris has been involved on Padre Island all his life and wanted to see aggressive growth. Quickly, he found there was a need he’s built them primarily on Padre Island and Port Aransas, and the numbers are astounding! Over 390 town homes already built, 50 units are under construction, and an additional 160 are under design and development. As the markets grew, Harris found additional opportunities to partner with other investors and start even more projects. His newest joint ventures have been the East and West coast to explore new ideas to keep Brite Star Construction developments innovative and realize that they must capitalize on having an awesome going beyond what other builders do is noticeable. Customers have their cell phone numbers and even on the weekends, these cell phones are being answered. If there is a problem, Brite Star is there to solve it. If they don’t have integrity, they feel they do not have anything.

361.701.3896 | 361.533.7286 5926 S. Staples Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 britestarconst.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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FACES of The

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The Face of

Island Real Estate coastline properties meet the experts that make up Coastline Properties

For 20+ years, Coastline Properties has welcomed buyers, sellers and renters into the homey and neighborly family that owner Cheri Sperling has fostered.

Geographically and economically, a lot has changed over the past two decades, but Coastline Properties commitment to service has always been the top priority. All members of the team will go above and beyond to make each and every client as comfortable and as informed as possible. For a smooth experience from start to finish, Coastline Properties will be your power source, your advocate, your eyes and your ears. Each Real Estate Agent and the Property Management Team has the knowledge, charisma, and vigor to get the job done, and get it done right. Search no further, let Coastline Properties be your specialist for the Corpus Christi, Padre Island & Coastal Bend Real Estate Marketplace.

Their performance will move you! Come Coast Awhile‌ 361.949.0101

14717 South Padre Island Drive

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

FURNITURE & DESIGN Bethany Gravell Bethany Gravell, owner of DÉCOR: Furniture, Gifts, and Accessories in Portland, has spent her life studying design.

She was raised in a design oriented family and followed through to her bachelors in interior design. Bethany has worked on projects from large scale commercial to high end residential. She opened her own design company in 2008 and in 2015, she expanded her passion for design by opening DECOR, a full-service furniture store that offers a fantastic variety of furniture, gifts, accessories and art. This eclectic and fun store is family-owned and operated. They are passionate about bringing their patrons nothing but the best in customer service and pride themselves on getting to know each and every client to better serve their own personal styles. It’s important for them to help create inviting and functional spaces in which people feel completely happy, all while getting the best bang for your buck. From modern and industrial to transitional furniture, DECOR has the perfect piece for any room.

361.413.0090 1027 US HWY 181

Portland, TX

Facebook: Decor Furniture

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FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

PAIN MEDICINE Dr. Gabriel Lopez Dr. Gabriel Lopez got his beginnings as an anesthesia resident at Loma Linda University after graduating from the Medical School at UT Houston Health Science Center. He then proceeded to complete a Pain Fellowship at UTHSC in San Antonio. In 2006, one year after moving to Corpus, he started his own practice, Corpus Christi Pain Medicine. Now, a decade later he operates a two-physician practice with 18 employees.

They are a mix of medical assistants, referral specialists, office managers, and billing specialists who are all incredibly hardworking, some are bi-lingual, and all of them treat each other like family. With the motto “Making Lives Better” the doctors at Corpus Christi Pain Medicine go above and beyond to find an answer to treat each patient’s pain. Their patients are their biggest marketers, and the doctors know the importance of listening to each patient along with a thorough physical exam to diagnose their problem. The doctors love to joke with their patients as humor and laughter can be very helpful in making a patient in pain feel at ease. Dr. Lopez hopes to open up his own surgery center in the near future in order to continue bringing cutting edge technology to treat and relieve pain in the Coastal Bend. When he is not treating patients, he enjoys his favorite hobby, spending time with his mother, his wife and his 2 daughters.

361.225.0089 3825 S Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX ccpainmed.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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FACES of The

Coastal Bend

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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

The Face of

CREATIVE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS ENSEMBLE GROUP Ensemble Group is a creative digital solutions provider specializing in website design, graphic design, IOS and Android Phone Apps, and software development. Founded in 2002, they are a team of passionate individuals who raise each other’s game. Ensemble Group’s greatest asset is their exceptional team, who are super heroes in disguise. They meet every project head on and work to develop the perfect solution. The team goes into the challenge ready to listen, ready to learn, and open to new ideas and new technologies. They are constantly challenging each other to go a little further.

Ensemble Group’s successful collaboration creates the perfect environment for innovation and problem solving. The collective intelligence of the team includes expert developers (technical), an accomplished designer (creative), a strong project manager (bird’s eye view) and a knowledgeable client (stake-holder). They are driven to provide the best customer experience and build trust with each and every client. The whole team loves what they do and will continue to refine their digital services to help clients stand out in the new digital era.

The future is bright at Ensemble Group. They are proud to be a part of and work in the Coastal Bend and gives back to the community by helping local non-profits with their digital services. On the lighter side, they are ping pong pros and welcome any local challengers. www.ensemblegroup.net 361.884.6396 [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

ENDODONTICS DR. JERED KING, DMD DR. DONALD ANTHONY, DDS Welcome to HOME OF SOUTH TEXAS ENDODONTICS

South Texas Endodontics came into being in 2012. It was the combination of Dr. Donald R. Anthony who has practiced endodontics here in Corpus Christi since 1981 and Dr. Jered B. King. Dr. King came from a background of 8 years in the US Air Force. He is the only Board Certified Endodontist in this area.

They wanted to form a partnership to allow them to provide outstanding state of the art endodontic services. These services includes all facets of endodontic care. South Texas Endodontics stays on the cutting edge of technology with digital radiography, Carl Zeiss operating microscopes with Zenon light source, and Endodontic specific software (TDO). For 361.992.7871

The entire dental team including doctors, front office, and assistants are committed to providing the best experience possible. Our staff is very well trained and very patient oriented. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Within a year we will be moving our office to a brand new complex being built in the McArdle/Everhart area. This new location will give us much needed space as well as easy access for all our patients. Follow the progress at www. southtexasendo.com.

737 Everhart RD. Corpus christi

southtexasendo.com 74 The Bend

the anxious patients various methods are used to facilitate treatment such as the use of nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

PErSONAL LINES INSURANCE Jack “Gary� ALspaugh Gary Insurance Group Agency was formed in late 1999 as an Employee Benefit Agency in Dallas, TX. With changes in the health insurance industry, they looked at other opportunities to expand the business and brought the business to Corpus Christi in 2014. Since then, they have experienced tremendous growth, even being recognized as one of the fastest growing Farmers agencies in the state. The group has always been a customer-centric organization operating on the very basic principal that the client is always first. They have put forth a strong committed staff who is committed to serve clients understand the offered coverages and help them get those coverages that protect their property and love ones. The customer is the driver at Gary Insurance Group Agency, and the staff takes the time to educate all clients on the choices they have and benefits of those choices. Gary Insurance Group is dedicated to building a relationship and not just a transaction with our clients, the future will surely provide growth and greater opportunities to serve the Corpus Christi and surrounding areas.

361.232.4717 5922 Yorktown Blvd Bldg 2 Corpus Christi, TX garyinsurancegroup.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

PEST CONTROL MANAGEMENT Kent Nielsen Welcome to THE HOME of pest patrol

Pest Patrol is as grass roots as the pests themselves. For 27 years and counting, the exterminating company has built themselves on service, relationships, and, ridding your home or business of those pesky critters. The owner, Kent Nielsen, attributes much of his company’s success to the staff. The managers have been there for over 16 years, and many of their technicians have been at your service for well over a decade. Their favorite word? “Yes!” They strive to deliver the service that their customers have come to expect. You will not find an automated phone system here – these are simply folks who understand local problems. Serving on the Texas Pest Control Association Board and being involved in many local organizations such as Driscoll Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, Red Cross, The Ark, Halo Flight, Young Life and Tuloso Midway Education Foundation, and Triumph Over Kid Cancer, to name a few, they are ever present throughout the community. There is not a day that goes by that they do not say, at Pest Patrol, “The customer is the reason why.”

361.852.4002 Corpus Christi, TX pestpatrolcc.com 76 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

Landscapes McNamee Landscapes & Nursery John Bivens, owner of McNamee Landscapes and Nursery, has spent many days behind a desk, holding executive level positions for companies like Whataburger, Papa Johns and Dean Foods. However, his passion has always been for creative woodworking and landscaping on his own properties. When the opportunity arose to acquire McNamee Landscapes, he saw a unique way to unite his creative side with his managerial background.

John is passionate about understanding our local climate and creating landscapes that thrive in it. He spends his off time testing palms, yuccas and other draught tolerant plants in our native soils, against straight line winds and salt spray on his thirty acre mini botanical garden. Clients love the opportunity to see the plants first hand and find it helpful to see the plants in their maturity.

The expertise and service at McNamee goes beyond design and plants. John is proud to offer the Coastal Bend one of the largest selections of stone and boulders in the region, providing installation of stone patios, walkways, fireplaces and fire pits.

McNamee believes that the business is about, and will always be about, their customer. Each customer’s needs are different.

So in effect, McNamee becomes the customer’s private consultant, expert resource and problem solver.

Today, John serves on the Board of Directors for the South Texas Botanical Gardens and has enjoyed working on major landscaping projects, such as The Shops at La Palmera, Plains Capital Bank building on Shoreline, La-Z-Boy’s new retail location and Unifirst corporate office. John doesn’t just focus on commercial jobs. He has handled a large number of residential landscape jobs, using his expertise to beautify homes throughout the Coastal Bend.

(361) 438-8281 | 160 U.S. 181 Taft, TX 78390 mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

Cosmetic Surgery Keith Rose, M.D. Welcome to Rose Cosmetic Surgery center

Understanding a patient’s desires and working with them to achieve their dream is the focus of the Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center. Dr. Keith Rose begins by discovering who the patient is beneath the skin before determining how to help the patient achieve their cosmetic surgery goals. He believes listening to the patient and understanding their goals is the cornerstone of any great result. This is why patients have traveled from all over the state to see Dr. Rose for their aesthetic surgery needs.

Dr. Rose helps patients explore the wonderful options available for augmenting natural beauty and turning back the clock through plastic surgery. Personalized care and creating beautiful, natural results are what boost both doctor and patient satisfaction. Dr. Rose is an internationally recognized surgeon who has performed over 2,500 plastic and reconstructive surgeries and trained numerous surgeonsaround the world on three different continents. Working with organizations like Team 5 Foundation and CURE International feeds his passion for plastic surgery along with his private practice. Corpus Christi is incredibly blessed to have Dr. Rose, his surgery center, and his philanthropic efforts.

361.651.1200

5025 Deepwood Cir Corpus Christi

rosecosmeticsurgery.com 78 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

FITNESS PRODUCTS ALBERT KESSLER Welcome to THE HOME OF HEST FITNESS PRODUCTS

Since 1981, Hest Fitness Products (HFP) has been one of the oldest Specialty Fitness Equipment companies in the nation, hand picking the best manufactures in the industry to offer their customers. From their sales team of certified personal trainers, to their commitment to quality customer service, superior products, and “always the best price guaranteed,” the continued success of HFP is dependent upon their customers’ trust - and they are dedicated to preserving that. The sales team has an indepth knowledge on the human body and nutrition that aid in changing lives. So much so that HFP is most often recommended by doctors due to their quality products and staff. With a few awards under their fitness belts such as voted the national award “Best Independent Specialty Retailer of the Year” a few years back, winning over 15 years “Best of the Best Place to Buy Fitness Equipment,” and also voted “Best place to work,” it’s no wonder they’re a company to be reckoned with. A strong message they’d like to convey to customers is to take the preventive approach to health. Do not wait until you have no choice!

361.814.4378 4730 S Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi HESTFITNESS.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The FaceS of

Orthopaedics

Hip & Knee Replacement Justin Klimisch, M.D. South Texas Bone and Joint is the only Orthopaedic Surgical group in Corpus Christi to focus on Sub-Specialty Orthopaedic Surgery. They have doctor’s that specialize in all different areas of musculoskeletal medicine. South Texas Bone & Joint is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care our communities have come to expect and deserve.

Dr. Justin Klimisch is board certified and earned his doctorate of medicine from UTMB School of Medicine. He remained at UTMB, completing his internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery.

Later, Dr. Klimisch completed an accredited fellowship in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Klimisch serves as the Medical Director of Disease Specific Care Certification for Hip and Knee Replacement at Doctors Regional, where he also serves as Chief of Surgery. He stays at the forefront of the latest technological advances as a consulting surgeon, and trains other surgeons from around the nation in the latest evidence based hip and knee surgery techniques. He specializes in computer navigated and robotic surgery.

Dr. Klimisch and the entire staff at South Texas Bone and Joint are proud to continue their mission of providing excellence in professional healthcare services throughout South Texas and beyond.

From event sponsorship to volunteering, their physician’s and staff give back to the community through local organizations, such as The Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Women’s Shelter, Toy’s for Tots, American Cancer Society, Rise School Corpus Christi, American Heart Association, CASA and YWCA to name a few.

361.854.0811 601 Texan Trail | Suite 300 | Corpus Christi SouthTexasBoneAndJoint.com 80 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

The FaceS of

Orthopaedics - Spine Surgery

John P. Masciale, M.D. & John M. Borkowski, M.D. John P. Masciale, M.D. and John M. Borkowski, M.D. have been treating men and women afflicted with spinal disorders for over 38 years in their combined private practices. Spinal health is literally the backbone and foundation for musculoskeletal function and quality of life. Although our passion is to intervene with corrective surgical intervention done with the highest level of expertise, we strongly adhere to the principles of prudent non-surgical care and conservative measures whenever possible to resolve issues with pain and compromised function. We are backed up in every sense by outstanding staff and hospital systems to effect the highest level of care possible for our community. We are blessed with other associates at South Texas Bone and Joint who sub-specialize in other areas of the orthopedic realm such that the totality of orthopedic intervention can be brought to bear on musculoskeletal disease to help ensure the best outcome and treatments for our patients for years to come.

361.854.0811 601 Texan Trail | Suite 300 | Corpus Christi SouthTexasBoneAndJoint.com

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

Orthodontics Roxanne Robertson, dds, ms A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. A beautiful smile elicits confidence and is infectious, and at Star Orthodontics, they know this is priceless.

Committed to providing patients with the most desired results, their team of talented orthodontists (Drs. Roxanne Robertson, Colin Mihalik, and Stephan Ramsay) work together to create the most beautiful and pleasing smiles. The team specializes in helping children, teens and adults achieve admirable and healthy smiles using customized orthodontic care. Offering a full range of braces to fit each patients’ lifestyles and needs include traditional metal braces, clear braces, gold braces and InvisalignŽ as they understand each patient has different needs and different treatment plan ideals. At this state-of-theart facility, the unique environment is equipped with the most advanced technology available, and their lab is in house! Brace yourself, as this highly-skilled, motivated team will make you feel right at home.

361.992.2483 4750 SPID Ste 101 Corpus Christi info@starbraces.com

82 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

2016

FACES of The

Coastal Bend

The Face of

Fine Home FurnishingS Buddy Walker Home Furnishings Welcome to the HOME of Buddy Walker Home Furnishings

What makes a house a home? Fine furnishings certainly help, and that’s exactly what Buddy Walker Home Furnishings has to offer. As a family owned and operated business for over 45 years, they have pride in quality products and a high standard of service. A qualified staff stands behind their full design services and interior decorators to ensure your home becomes the one you’ve always dreamt of. For those visual shoppers, they’re able to create a fun, life-like sketch with the desired 361.857.2263

4434 SPID Corpus Christi

furnishings to really help customers visualize how the furniture, window coverings, floors, etc. will look in your specific space. In addition to their complimentary design service, they’ll deliver all inventory and set up and arrange it! The owners are regularly shopping for inventory, allowing the showroom to have constant new arrivals streaming in so there’s always something new and exciting to choose from. After all, homes need accessories, too!

buddywalker.net [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Hollon Safe Company 227 44th St. Corpus Christi, TX 78405 1-888-455-2337

Jessica Gilmore & Zack Gilmore Owners

QUALITY. DURABILITY. WE LOCALLY MADE. BUILD

QUALITY.

Hollon Safes are designed, assembled and/or manufactured right here in Corpus Christi, Texas. Hollon Safes are designed with much higher security than any other gun safe available in the state. Zack Gilmore and his wife

HOLLON SAFES ADHERE TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF DESIGN Find our safes locally at these retailers.

AND DURABILITY IN THE INDUSTRY. Jessica started Hollon Safes 10 years ago, and have since provided quality safes throughout the Coastal Bend and the United States.

ABC Keys & Safes

2619 Ayers St. Corpus Christi, Tx 78404 (361) 884-5922

Eagle Lock & Key

Come by and visit our SCRATCH & DENT OUTLET 227 44th St. Corpus Christi, TX 78405

Visit us online - we have loads of safes

to choose from. Or search for dealers (888) 455-2337 | hollonsafe.com 14254 S P I D , #107 across the country in our nationwide 227 44thChristi, St., Corpus TXnetwork 78405 at Hollonsafe.com Corpus TX 78418Christi, dealer

The Republic Gun Safe has 300% THICKER steel then anything else on the market!

Danny Burns, Sales Manager, danny@hollonsafe.com Also like us on facebook.com • Hollon Safe (361)National 949-2233 [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend] 84 The Bend

Buy a Hollon Gun Safe get a free pistol safe RG-22when Gunyou Safemention with 2-hour this ad!

Fire Test Certification

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Special Promotion

Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of Braseltons building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second BBA in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent.

A Home for the Holidays

A

t no time during the year does the kitchen shine as the focal point of a home as much as it does during the Holiday Season. From candy apples at Halloween, to Thanksgiving’s pumpkin pie, to the Christmas feast, your family and friends will spend the next few weeks gathered around your kitchen, enjoying time spent together, and time-honored family recipes.

When we design our homes, we always keep this in mind.

From kitchens designed to accommodate everything from homework to cocktails at the island, to energy star-rated appliances that will make the perfect cookies for Santa, we design and build you the home of your dreams - complete with a family room made for football parties, and neighborhoods designed with kids on bikes in mind.

This emphasis on family living has always been our focus. As third generation builders in South Texas, the Braselton family has always pursued the best for our communities, because we 86 The Bend

live and work in them too! As part of our Thanksgiving rituals every year, we spend time giving back to the Coastal Bend, to ensure that our community is vibrant for many generations to come. This includes an annual campaign for the Food Bank, as well as our continued work with the Salvation Army, helping them to build a facility for homeless women and children.

We are so appreciative of these opportunities - to help to make sure that everyone has plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, especially those most vulnerable in the Coastal Bend.

So from our family to yours, we invite you to come visit one of our neighborhoods this fall. Imagine your family gathered in your new kitchen, cheering on your favorite team, and then heading out to the neighborhood parks, for a game of your own!

Happy Thanksgiving and see you in the neighborhood, Bart Braselton [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local,state, and national awards, including the Fasterst Growing Builders in the U.S., and has grown into one of the Nation’s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, and Builder Magazine.

Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards. Presently, he serves on the Board of the Community Development Corporation, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the Coastal Bend GreenBuilt Council, and President of the Board of the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation.

Braselton and his wife, Michelle, have 5 children, and are active church members at Corpus Christi’s Church Unlimited.

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Expert

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| 160 U.S. Highway 181 West Taft, TX 78390 | www.mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com Revision #:

Scale:

Landscape Plan: 1

Landscape Design by: Donna Mazzola

Date: 3/24/2015

1" = 10'

Schade

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We are independent agents representing more than 50 of the top insurance companies.

We are dedicated to finding you the best coverage for the lowest price for all your home, auto or business insurance needs.

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88 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Health NOVEMBER 2016

FITNESS 90 BE WELL 92

What’s Inside Triathlons believe to have origins in France around the 1920s, and were called "Les Trois Sports." The first modern swim/bike/run event to be called a 'triathlon' was held at Mission Bay, San Diego, California on September 25, 1974. It became an official Olympic sport in 2000.

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Health | Fitness

Blanche & Her Bike By: Sharla Wilkins Photos: Dustin Ashcraft

Cycling Past the Finish Line to Win After Win

TRIATHLON LEVELS: Sprint: Swim 0.5 miles/ Bike 12.4 miles/Run 3.1 miles Olympic: Swim 0.93 miles/Bike 24.8 miles/Run 6.2 miles Half Ironman: Swim 1.2 miles/Bike 56 miles/Run 13.1 miles Ironman: Swim 2.4 miles/ Bike 112 miles/Run 26.2 miles

90 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

This local triathlete and her modified road bike earn medals across the state as she continues to win athletic competitions almost 20 years after she first learned she loves to cycle.

"I'm

super competitive,” Blanche Holt, President of the Corpus Christi Triathlon Club, laughs as she explains her love of triathlons. The athlete, who holds over 100 medals from various events, has been involved in competitions since being introduced to cycling in 1997 through the Corpus Christi Athletic Club.

Hired in 1988 as an instructor at the Athletic Club, the part-time fitness trainer had no prior experience. She learned about exercise through the Club, and eventually moved into the Director position for three years. She currently holds over nine different certificates for teaching fitness classes.

The Athletic Club acquired bikes and began cycling/spinning classes in 1997. As Director of the Club at that time, Holt was required to teach one of each class. “I absolutely had no love for wanting to get on a bike and just spin in class; that was not my thing,” explains Holt. However, the forced exposure to cycling showed her that she actually enjoyed the experience.

“You’re either going to love it or you are going to hate (cycling),” she says. Holt’s enjoyment of indoor cycling eventually progressed to riding outdoors, and she was introduced to triathlons through cycling members of her classes.

Participating not just in triathlons, Holt also competes in - and wins cycling races and marathons. This past May, she competed in the Beach to Bay marathon and won the Overall Masters Female with her worst marathon time ever. “That’s how bad everybody did. It was so hot and horrible,” Holt says. The athlete has traveled all across the state for competitions, recently winning Overall Female Masters at the Springs Back Triathlon in Fulshear, Texas, with a time so good she qualified for nationals.

Holt is involved in multiple fitness groups around town, both for cyclists and runners, including the Corpus Christi Triathlon Club and the Corpus Christi Roadrunners. “We work together at lots of different events and help out and support each other’s organizations,” she explains.

As President of The Corpus Christi Triathlon Club for two years running, Holt supports and is on the committee for Conquer the Coast, an annual cycling event that gives distributions to organizations to give to charities. The Triathlon Club directly supports Bikes for Kids and Colin’s Hope.

For those interested in starting a new fitness routine, Holt says, “You have to find some sort of workout routine that you really like. If you don’t like it, you’re not going to stick with it.” Holt strongly suggests having an accountability partner or group, and she herself regularly trains with others.

Beginner cyclists should research bikes well before buying one and know that the idea that a lighter bike is a faster bike is a myth.

While a good bike is important, the cyclist on the bike creates the speed. “It’s only going to go as fast as the person on it.”

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Health | Be Well

"I think you live longer here, I really do." - Charles Lucas "You have a lot of role models for growing older here... they stay really active" - Carol Lucas marketing team visited their home and was able to tell them what possessions would fit into their new apartment and where. The Lucases stayed in guest quarters in the complex prior to making their decision, so they could really get the feel of living at Mirador, and Carol Lucas says that experience was a large deciding factor in making the move.

“That was very difficult,” Charles Lucas says, about downsizing so as to fit into their apartment. And the Lucases feel freer, not having so many possessions weighing them down. “When we die, we don’t bury our furniture with us,” Charles Lucas says, laughing.

Residents can cook in their kitchen or have the option of eating in the dining room most days. Seating with friends can be reserved in advance, seniors can dine alone, or they can be directed to occupied tables with open seating. “They make it as comfortable as possible,” says Carol Lucas.

“We’ve sort of taken care of our future here,” Carol Lucas says. Assisted living requires a move to the The Plaza, where memory support, rehabilitation facilities, and skilled nursing care are available. “They have a place for you to fit in, whatever is happening,” explains Carol Lucas.

A Tough Transition By: Sharla Wilkins Photos: Jason Page

Despite the downsizing, a local couple has found that making the move to senior living has been full of surprises and adventure.

With the amenities of a vacation, residents enjoy a truly unique retirement.

“I

t’s like living on a cruise ship,” Carol Lucas, tenant at Mirador for over a year and a half, explains of residing in the independent senior living facility. Sitting on the couch in her well appointed apartment next to her husband of 50 years, Lucas discusses their relatively new lifestyle.

“We loved our home. It was really hard to leave,” shares Carol Lucas.

But, as Charles Lucas says, they knew they were getting older, and wanted to have a chance to enjoy all the amenities an independent senior living facility provides. Even so, the transition was tough.

Both in their 70s, they began entertaining the idea of moving out of their house and into an independent senior living facility after some of their friends had made the transition. A member of the Mirador 92 The Bend

There are always activities, clubs, and outings, such as a trek to the Texas State Aquarium, a trip to the Corpus Christi Symphony, or a visit to the library. Some residents volunteer or continue to work. “We constantly strive to enhance their lives from physical, intellectual, social and spiritual aspects on a daily basis,” explains Mirador executive director Aaron DeNovellis.

Charles Lucas enjoys the social aspect of living in independent senior living, and the new friends they’ve made. “We’ve met such interesting people,” he says, a note of excitement in his voice. Her advice for those contemplating moving to independent senior living is to, “come early. If you come in and get sick immediately, you don’t get to enjoy what’s provided.” Charles Lucas credits moving to senior living with a longer life, “I think you live longer here, I really do.” “You have a lot of role models for growing older here,” Carol Lucas says, sharing stories of a vibrant resident in her mid 90s. “They stay really active.”

Top Local Retirement Communities • Brookdale (Portland and Corpus Christi) • Mirador (Corpus Christi) • Garden Estates (Corpus Christi) • The Waterford (Corpus Christi) • Gulf Pointe Village (Rockport)

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LADIES | GENTLEMEN | LITTLE ONES | ACCESSORIES | HOME | GIFT | DESIGN CONSULTING 1700 STATE HIGHWAY 361, SUITE E ∙ PORT ARANSAS ∙ 361.749.1881 ∙ WWW.COASTALCLOSETPA.COM

94 The Bend

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Q&A What made you decide to pursue conducting?

While I was in college studying to be an oboist, I thought I would try a conducting class just to see what it was like. I thought if I where going to play in an orchestra one day that I should understand what it is like on the other side. My first day on the podium I conducted the first movement of Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony.

After the first 5 notes I knew that conducting was exactly what I wanted to do. I love the sound of an orchestra and the idea of working with this giant “instrument” and my talented musical colleagues was all I needed to pursue this incredible career.

Tell us a little bit about the program you will be conducting with the CCSO?

Meet The MAESTRO THE CORPUS CHRISTI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IS ON THE SEARCH FOR THEIR NEXT MAESTRO. THE FIVE FINALISTS ARE SHOWCASING THEIR TALENTS AS GUEST CONDUCTORS THROUGHOUT THE CURRENT SEASON. Maestro Aram Demirjian kicked off CCSO’s 2016-2017 season with guest violinist Jennifer Frautschi in early October. Up next on the ballot is Robert Franz, taking the stage on November 12th with musician Changlu Wu on the pipa. As Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival Orchestra, and Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony, Maestro Franz’s appeal as a first-rate conductor and enthusiastic award-winning educator is acclaimed by critics, composers and audiences of all ages.

Maestro Franz is in increasing demand as a guest conductor whose recent engagements include appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra, the Baltimore and St. Louis Symphonies, and the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina in Italy. This season he will add several concerts with the Phoenix Symphony to his active guest conducting schedule.

Maestro Franz has worked with some of today’s finest classical soloists, including James Galway, Joshua Bell and Rachel Barton Pine, as well as top pops artists such as Chris Botti, Idina Menzel, and Judy Collins.

In addition to his current posts, Franz served as the Music Director of the Boise Philharmonic from 2008-2015, The Mansfield Symphony in Ohio from 20032010, Resident Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic from 2005-2009, and Associate Conductor of the Louisville Orchestra from1997-2006. He continues to serve as Music Director Emeritus of the Carolina Chamber Symphony, an orchestra that he founded, and provides educational programming workshops at the National Repertory Orchestra during the summer.

The concert program I am conducting is really a collection of pieces that are about place. In each work, the composer has created a “Soundscape” to take us on a journey. Mendelssohn wrote his 3rd symphony after a visit to Scotland. The pipa concerto by Lan-Kui Han takes us to the mountains of northwest China. The pipa is a traditional Chinese instrument that is like a lute (relative of the guitar) and has such a distinctly beautiful sound. With each of these pieces I want to transport the audience to a land far away. For me, one of the most exciting aspects of live orchestra music is that we can explore a world larger than our own, and this program is designed to be the vehicle for that exploration.

If you could say one thing to entice people who have never been to a CCSO concert, what would it be?

I think the most important characteristic that a person needs to bring to a concert of the CCSO is a sense of curiosity. If you bring that we will take care of the rest. Listening, watching and experiencing these professionals performing on stage with a unified purpose and with total commitment is awe-inspiring.

When you’re not conducting, what can we find you doing?

I love spending time with my family…watching our girls play volleyball, cheerlead and perform in choir and band is a thrill for me. I also make sure that I take time for myself by way of running, yoga or being outside. I travel so much that this is an important part of staying healthy on the road. Finally, if you find me at home for a stretch I will invariably be fixing something or doing some sort of renovation on my house. I love bringing old homes back to life!

For more information: ccsymphony.org 361.883.NOTE (6683)

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Home & Garden NOVEMBER 2016

OPEN HOUSE 98 SPACES 102

What’s Inside Purple has been associated with the color of royalty and power since the ancient world, wearing purple robes and signing documents in purple ink. Queen Elizabeth I enforced a rule that forbid anyone except close members of the royal family to wear the color, too.

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Artfully Ranchy

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Home & Garden | Open House

Modernize the Antiquated By: Whitney Noble Photos: Jason Page

Katharine Guerra Cherry Picked Her Home on Cherry Hill Despite walls of windows overlooking one of the most desirable locations on the Corpus Christi Country Club Golf Course, Guerra transformed her 1970s home into a fresh and forward space without being loud and boisterous. Graceful, yet captivating, she gave this old gal some new shoes!

W

hen Katharine Guerra was a little girl, she remembers driving by a home on Cherry Hill that simply captivated her. “There was just something magical about it,” she says. Last year when her real estate agent called and said “I found your forever home,” she knew she had to drop everything and go see it.

“When my Google Maps took me to the front drive, there wasn’t any doubt in my mind…this was our home. It was the house I had admired since I was a young. Life had been leading us here, and this was our next chapter,” she twinkles.

So Guerra bought the home and moved in with her two children, Eduardo and Sophia, and dog, Evie.

Walking into the house you are greeted with breathtaking views of the Country Club golf course and amazing trees.

Here, smack dab in the middle of the city, and all you see are coastal greens and beautiful palms. The natural light is organic, hallways are linear, and the entire home feels solid and peaceful.

This country club pleasantry certainly had some charm.

The idea was to ditch the dated, hold on to the alluring original amenities, and glamorize it! “My style is unique

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and is always evolving; has been that way ever since I was a child (my poor parents!). I am a single mom and work from home with two kids under the age of ten. It’s important that we cultivated an inspiring and forgiving space where creativity is encouraged, and we can all blossom,” she says. While the architecture of the house was motivating, the aesthetics were very unique to the original owner’s style. But Guerra knew exactly the direction she would take it.

“I love clean lines, lots of black, and luminous accents. While I wasn’t sure where to start, my dear friend, Jo Anne Howell (Oh, Goodie Designs) was up to the challenge and called Ryan Rios with Square Foot Design Studio,” she beams of her friends.

Together, they looked for elements that would engage their minds. The home, ever evolving, has had the likes of Ashley Woodson Bailey come and fit the entry for one of her pieces, and Square Foot come to hang seven different styles of wallpaper.

They also were steady in following the rule of threes. The living room has three shiny and intriguing gold coffee tables that make the room simply exquisite. Another way they chose to bring drama was by adding a pop of color. Black and white reign supreme, but the dining room in particular is special. It is graced with the color of royalty - purple.

“The dining room is all in the stars. It is at the heart of the house; you see it from the outside and it is celestial. It is probably the poshest space in the house. It’s primarily purple, and purple is my power color.

There are so many elements that make this room come together from the plush velvet chairs to the oversized photographs by Matthew Scott (MattGeo Photography). Jo Anne surprised me with these prints that really sing to my love of astrology! They are so rare and special. There is this amazing geometric wallpaper on the ceiling that sets the perfect backdrop for the large and luxe Jonathan Adler Giant Sputnik Chandelier,” Guerra says. They really put every effort into keeping the most artistic purchases local. The room is femme fatal, and yet, it’s worthy of James Bond in his finest tux.

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The guest bathroom is admittedly one of Guerra’s favorite rooms, due to a few very special elements. One is an original letter written by Dean Rusk, former Secretary of State. It tells the reader to not sweat the small stuff, and that if you live your life in a perfectly normal and relaxed manner, everything will be all right in the end. They also have two lights called Jeeves and Wooster that are fun and surprising hats. Then, the wallpaper is an entrancing shade of red that flows from floor to ceiling.

These all combine to make this tiny space of a guest bathroom one of the most engaging rooms in the house.

“This house makes people smile; there is a lot of personality here. I think the mix of colors and textures that were incorporated through the wallpapers, furniture, and textiles makes you want to keep going,” she explains. There is a lot to touch and feel here, not only with your hands but with your heart.

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Slab H.A.P.P.Y. O

n top of their 75 mix-ins, Marble Slab Creamery owners Jose and Faye Rosenthal love to sprinkle a lot of community support into their three, locally owned ice cream parlors.

When work brought Jose and Faye Rosenthal to Corpus Christi 20 years ago, they had never seen a Marble Slab in their life. They took their young children to the Saratoga location for the first time and fell in love with the concept. They visited so often that Jose, who worked as an accountant, thought it might be a better deal to own the store outright. Surprisingly, the current owners were planning to move soon and took him up on the offer. Since re-opening the first store in 1999, the Rosenthal’s have opened two more locations, in Portland and now in the Shops at La Palmera.

Two of their locations consistently rank in the Top 10 out of 600 Marble Slab Stores nationally.

Each Marble Slab is independently owned, which makes each one unique. All 69 flavors are made from scratch on site. With 75 mix-in options, customers create their own ice cream combination or choose from a long list of creations. Also, they offer ice cream cakes, cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches and even push pops!

Serving their customers and the community is what the Rosenthals pride themselves on. They offer free WIFI at all locations and stay open until 11:30pm on weekends for those late night ice cream outings. If they are missing your favorite flavor, they will happily make it for you. There is always a Military Discount and discounts for uniformed Fire Fighters and Police Officers and their families to thank them for their services.

“We just really love giving back to the community,” - says Faye Rosenthal.

Originally from Mexico City, the Rosenthals embrace the Coastal Bend as home and are happy to be a part of the community they serve. Not only do they provide jobs for many local students, they constantly give out coupons to local schools and fundraise for youth clubs and other local organizations. School principals will participate in Celebrity Scoop Night, raising money for their school by serving students and their families ice cream.

“They help us, so we are happy to help them. If the school doesn’t raise much money, we will try to match what they raised,” - says Jose Rosenthal.

In addition to sports and education, once a year the Rosenthals fundraise for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Between August 15th and October 15th, they take donations at the store and donate a percentage of the sales for one day.

Owners Jose & Faye Rosenthal Ice Cream makes people happy and brings together friends and family in a fun and safe environment.

The Rosenthals are remodeling their original Saratoga location this month, and hope it continues bringing happiness to the community for years to come.

w w w. m a rble sla b . c om [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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Home & Garden | Spaces

Farm to Table Thanksgiving By: Jo Anne Howell Photos: Renée C. Gage

What’s better than family, friends, and FOOD! Set your table to showcase thanks, peace and harmony, then use a rolling cart for the gorgeous display of eats!

G

ather friends and family for this favorite holiday! Imagine feeling the autumn air while sitting among large oak trees and whistling wind. That is the vision for this month’s styling. An abundance of food and fall favorite desserts. A large wooden table set the base for our day. Layered with genuine Italian marble tiles used as place mats, we placed a white porcelain buffet plate charger and accented with a large plum buffalo check plate and a custom designed dinner plate.

Each place setting was accented with clean line bronze utensils on top of a plum folded napkin. And a wooden feather placed perfectly aside

102 The Bend

each plate welcomes guests.

Mix antique goblets with wine glasses for a change of pace. This is easy to do with Grandma's china mixed with your more modern choices.

Don't be afraid to mix and match!

An abundance of wild greenery with purple berries placed on the table allows for an easy yet attractive centerpiece. Paired with large glass vases and metallic pumpkins, it’s all that was needed for this Thanksgiving table scape.

A side bar cart is always useful, making room for your side dishes and

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main attraction, the turkey. This side cart could also house plates, utensils, napkins, even beverages for your day. As host or hostess, pass from the cart to leave your table free of extra dishes.

White pumpkins are on trend for this season. Take yours to the next level by adding gold and bronze leaf. Purchase gold leaf at your craft store and apply with spray adhesive.

Follow directions on the gold leaf package. These pumpkins popped with their metallic glow, and the bronze utensils and gold serving ware was a perfect match.

Setting the Thanksgiving scene is easy when using your surroundings.

Fresh eggs from the farm's chickens made for a beautiful prop as well as conversation piece. Bringing in interesting and festive pieces add to your table. It was easy to take from farm to table with a beautiful setting.

Styling: Jo Anne Howell Oh Goodie Designs +Events Dining table and chairs, side cart, cotton wreath, candle holder, benches and light fixture: Chic to Chic Furniture Custom design dinner plate and dessert plate: Harper Gray Studio for Oh Goodie Designs Large glass vases, wooden boxes, wooden bowls, wooden trays: Wildflower by Terri Moore Pies: Home Sweet Home Bakery by Amy Netek Macarons: Moonlight Macarons by Kathryn Andreas Feast: Hoegemeyer's Barbeque Barn Location: Four String Farm, Rockport

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Dorothy Hood (1918-2000), Copper Signal, 1977, oil on canvas, 109 1⁄2" x 81" Collection of the Art Museum of South Texas

THE COLOR OF BEING/EL COLOR DEL SER: DOROTHY HOOD (1918-2000) The first major retrospective of the early Texas abstract artist and renowned 20th century Modernist, featuring 160 works. This vibrant exhibition springs to life through interactive interpretives, providing a rich, immersive experience.

Experience It In Corpus Christi! September 30, 2016 – January 8, 2017 HaveYouSeenDorothy.org

This project is funded by

from the City of 104 The Bendgrants Corpus Christi through the

Arts & Cultural Commission.

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Out & About NOVEMBER 2016

ARTS & CULTURE 106 CELEBRATION 108 DATE BOOK 110 SOCIAL HOUR 112

What’s Inside The Rockport Film Festival was founded in 2007 by Roc Curry. An award winning filmmaker himself, Roc saw the need for independent cinema in the Coastal Bend. He asked for the Art Center’s involvement, and, luckily, the newly hired Art Director, John Aasp, had a film background.

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Out & About | Arts & Culture

Cinema with Charm The 10th Annual Rockport Film Festival showcases a multitude of voices and stories By: Jimmy Wilden Photos: Contributed by Filmmakers

C

elebrating its 10th year, the Rockport Film Festival returns November 3rd – 5th, bringing an array of independent feature-length and short films to South Texas.

And all for your viewing pleasure.

This year, the festival proceedings will break from the norm and kick off with their Red Carpet Party on Thursday, November 4th at the 1867 Rh Wood House, one of Rockport’s oldest homes.

Recently renovated, the Red Carpet Party will serve as the house’s debut as a rental/event space. Also on hand will be food catered by local restaurants and beverages supplied by Shiner and Tequila Cavalino. This all leads up to the premiere of the opening night film, “Honky Tonk Heaven,” screening under the stars!

As for Elena Rodriguez, Rockport Film Festival Director, watching the festival grow and become such a mainstay in the seaside community of Rockport-Fulton year after year, makes all of the hard work worth it.

“I love film. Just seeing the variety of viewpoints and ideas that can be expressed through film on the big screen makes it all worthwhile,” said Rodriguez. “Rockport has a plethora of painting, drawing, and crafts, but the cinematic arts are the one art form it was lacking until ten years ago. I'm happy and proud to bridge the gap in the artistic offerings of this town.”

Friday and Saturday are the main days for true film fanatics, as the festival will be screening selections from all over the world, falling within six categories of films: Documentary Features, Narrative Features, Documentary Shorts, Narrative Shorts, Animated Shorts and Student Shorts.

Many different viewpoints and artistic expressions will be on display, making the festival a one-of-a-kind experience.

106 The Bend

“Just keep an open mind and be prepared to experience all the different ways to tell a story,” said Rodriguez. “Talk to all the filmmakers attending (we usually have 10-20) and learn from their experiences.” According to Rodriguez, the filmmakers featured in this year’s Rockport Film Festival range from amateurs to experienced, and are from Texas and beyond.

“What makes the Rockport Film Festival stand out from all the others is how charming and intimate it is,” said Rodriguez.

As for the town of Rockport itself, Rodriguez points out the wide variety of people from different places and backgrounds that have come to call the town home, and whom have welcomes the festival with open arms. “This is not a homogenous town, but an eclectic variety of people,” she said. “This makes it a perfect space for the multitude of voices and stories that are shown during the Rockport Film Festival.”

Tickets for the 10th annual Rockport Film Festival are on sale now.

Plan your weekend accordingly, and dive head-first into the creative side of life.

The 10th Annual Rockport Film Festival has selected five larger-than-life feature-length films, including: •The Red Carpet Party Premiere Under the Stars: “Honky Tonk Heaven” - directed by Brenda Greene Mitchell and Sam Wainwright Douglas •“Rivering” - directed by Bill Parks •“Everything In The Song Is True” - directed by Doug Morrione •“Brewed in the 210” - directed by Marco Ortega •“Chicken People” - directed by Nicole Lucas Haimes For tickets and more information, visit: RockportFilmFest.com

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Full House

by DRV

Luxury Asset Hauler

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Out & About | Celebration

A Wedding of Love, Linens, & Lace Bride Samantha Martinez Cunningham’s “something old,� took transformation in her most tasteful vintage-inspired special day.

B

ringing together the Bride's love of all things vintage and the allure of the industrial vibe of the Soloman Ortiz Center was the wish for this adorable couple, Samantha Martinez Cunningham and Patrick Cunningham, March 5, 2016.

The brick walls and ship yard feel of the venue together with the vintage lace detail was a match made in event heaven for event designer Jo Anne Howell. Marrying the two design details was a joy when planning this event. The Bride and her Mother wanted a beautiful, sophisticated feel for the big day.

Many details, from the industrial bulb lights that hung vertically against the distressed brick walls and ship channel viewing glass wall, to delicate lace table linens matched with gold chiavari chairs and soft candlelight, brought the look together.

A sign-in table was created with an

108 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

antique dresser layered with lace bunting with Queen Anne's lace and soft floral. A vintage typewriter was placed for guests to make their well wishes to the happy couple.

Antique wooden ladders were staged with old white-washed shutters as shelves for a Groom's cookie display. Layered with more vintage lace bunting and vintage ceramic vases and collectable china, the display placed in front of the brick wall with special lighting was a sweet success.

Before the reception, the sweetest ceremony took place at the Bride's home church. The intimate look and feel of the wooden pews and sun-lit stained glass set the scene for true love in person.

At the reception, dinner was served to guests on mix-matched gold and silver edged china. Loving toasts were made by family and friends, then everyone danced the night away! Under the lights of the Harbor Bridge, the perfect bubble get away was made as the newlyweds dashed off into the night.

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Linens, Napkins, China & Chairs: Butler Signature Events Venue & Catering: Soloman Ortiz Center

Floral: Sandra Sauceda with The Blossom Shop Cookies: Fillingood Bakery

Cake: Simply Elegant

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Out & About | Date Book

November Mark Your Calendar

MUSIC

Maestro Robert Franz Nov. 12th

Maestro Franz is Conductor and Music Director of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra and Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and is Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony. He has appeared as guest conductor with the Buffalo, Louisville, and Carolina Chamber Orchestras. TAMUCC Performing Arts Center, (361) 883-6683, ccsymphony.org

ART

Tis the Season Exhibit Nov. 4th – 25th

The first Friday reception will take place on the 4th at 5:30 – 7:30pm. This pottery, jewelry, glass, wood, and metal exhibit will be up for show and sale through November. Port Aransas Art Center, (361) 749-7334, portaransasartcenter.org

COMMUNITY Harbor Bridge Walk Nov. 6th

Every Sunday, following the monthly First Friday ArtWalk, locals and visitors alike get together and take in breathtaking views from atop the Harbor Bridge. Enjoy this bird’s-eye perspective from one of Corpus Christi’s most iconic structures, with uninterrupted aerial views of the USS LEXINGTON, Texas State Aquarium and the Downtown skyline.

The event begins at Heritage Park and the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Join this Corpus Christi tradition!

Heritage Park, (361) 882-2363, marinaarts.com

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COMMUNITY Padre Island Farmers’ Market Nov. 10th

Fresh produce, homemade goods, live music, activities for the kids, and much more.

14030 Fortuna Bay Drive, padreislandfarmersmarket@gmail.com, facebook.com/islandfarmersmarket

FESTIVAL

Veteran’s Day Celebration BBQ Cook-Off Nov. 12th

Come out to this great event and help support our Veterans! There will be live music (including Wings Over Society), a car show, free haircuts for veterans, bbq cook off competition, a kids cook off, games for children and adults, photo booth, food trucks, and merchandise vendors. Fun for everyone!

Corpus Christi Greyhound Race Track (361) 215-4625, burnpits360.org

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COMMUNITY A La Mano Nov. 18th

You can enjoy the A La Mano Food Truck event every last Friday of the month, with the exception of November & December, which are held on the third Friday. Good music, great food, amazing experience on the bay–what more could you want?

Corpus Christi Bayfront, (361) 561-2000, visitcorpuschristitx.org

editor's pick ties r a p ion ns t a u d gra s Reunio es Clas te Parti rties Privastmas Pa tings Chri ness Mee ners Busi arsal Din ering Rehe ption Cat Rece

BENEFIT

Fur Ball 2016 | Nov. 19th The 19th annual masquerade fundraiser is put on by Paws & Claws to raise awareness and funds for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Enjoy an evening of entertainment by the Space Rockers, dancing, and live and silent auctions to benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Open for Lunch Mon - Fri (11a-3p)

Corpus Christi Country Club, pawsandclawscctx@gmail.com, gchscc.org

After Hours & Weekends available for Private Parties & Events

Home of 9 All-You-Care to Eat Sides & Homemade Cobbler (while it lasts)

(361)884-4BBQ or hoegemeyers.com

ART

A Christmas Carol Nov. 18th – Dec. 18th

This timeless classic is a spectacular musical, which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he goes through a series of strange events after being warned by his former business partner, Jacob Marley, to change his ways. This brilliant musical follows Scrooge on Christmas Eve, as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, which leads him to ultimately discover the true spirit of Christmas.

Harbor Playhouse, (361) 888-7469, harborplayhouse.com

Terri Durst 361.877.2810 Terri Durst 361.877.2810 Jenny White 361.215.6965 Jenny White 361.215.6965 Terri Durst 361.877.2810 Jessica Bates 361.385.0075 Jenny White 361.215.6965 361.877.2810 Jessica Bates 361.385.0075 Jessica Bates 361.385.0075 Becca Spenst 361.834.6555 361.215.6965 Becca Spenst 361.834.6555 Becca Spenst 361.834.6555

Terri Durst Jenny White Jessica Bates 361.385.0075 Becca Spenst 361.834.6555

Love Where You Live

FESTIVAL

2nd Annual Hot Tamale Festival Nov. 19th

MUSIC

Eli Young Band Nov. 17th

Performances by Eli Young Band with Sam Riggs & Shane Smith on the pavilion stage. Concrete Street Amphitheater, (361) 884-8085, concretestreet.net

Terri Durst, Jenny White, Jessica Bates, Becca Spenst

Love Where You Live

Terri Durst, Jenny White, Jessica Bates, Becca Spenst

Where Love WhereLove You Live

YouBates,Live Becca Spenst

Terri Durst, Jenny Jessica Bates, Becca Jessica Spenst TerriWhite, Durst, Jenny White,

Tamales, Tamales, Tamales... It’s all about the Tamales! The CC Hot Tamale Street Fest will be showcasing South Texas’ best tamales. The festival will showcase the beautiful Marina Arts District of Downtown Corpus Christi.

Have your fill of a variety of Tamales from some of the best restaurants in town and top it off with a selection of beers and beverages. Peoples Street, cchottamalefest@gmail.com, cchottamalefest.com

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Featured Property

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Out & About | Social Hour

1.

Avant Garden Gala Photos by: Gabriel Mancha

1. Jennifer Willis, Brad Bailey, Ashley Woodson Bailey & Julie DeWalt 2. Amy & Kevin Liles, Judy Woodson & Barbara Head 3. Lisa Kennedy & Peggy Fagan

2.

2.

4. Angelica Vela & Katharine Guerra

3.

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4.

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1.

Out & About | Social Hour

The Bend's 7 Most Beautiful Women: Inside & Out Charity Event Presented by:

Photos by: Rachel Durrent

1. John & Susan McCain, Kevin & Judy Busenlehner, Brent & Joanna Busenlehner, Dr. Amanda McBride, Marianne & Pete de la Houssaye

3.

2.

2. Pete Guajardo, Angelique Guajardo & Delia Aguilar 3. Susan & James Gonzales 4. John White, Arther Grando, Angie Flores, Linda McKamie, Elda Leal 5. Erika Franco, Keith & Erika Rose, Phyllis Rose, Marsha Attaway & Guillermina Olea 6. Cheryl & Anthony Sanders 7. Jacqui Florez, Lauren De La Garza, Ashley, Ley, Alissa Chapman, Chrisina Mueller & Kallia Shook

Special Thanks:

TODD

5.

DISTRICT 32

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

4.

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Special Promotion

Rick Rogers, longtime tournament chairman, tees off at the Grand Classic.

Pat Rogers (from left), Rick Rogers and Ham Rogers

CHRISTUS Spohn Richard King III Grand Classic raises funds for new Level II Trauma Center

BY Will Leschper

The CHRISTUS Spohn Richard King III Grand Classic returned October 17 at the Corpus Christi Country Club, with sunshine welcoming nearly 150 players.

Beecroft Construction was the presenting sponsor of the annual event. This year’s proceeds will go toward the new Level II Trauma Center at the Shoreline campus. The Trauma Center is the only one of its kind in South Texas, providing life-saving services to a 12-county region, and serving as the go-to facility in the event of a catastrophic event. The Trauma Center ensures that 2,500+ seriously-injured patients per year have rapid access to the highest level of clinical trauma services at all times. The Trauma Center will be a separate medical facility verified by the American College of Surgeons and designated by the State of Texas to deliver highly-specialized timely treatment of severely injured patients.

The Level II Trauma Center will include: • Four Trauma Bays to accommodate physicians, nurses and equipment needed for life-saving procedures.

• A designated Trauma Elevator that will transport seriously injured patients and their trauma team directly to the Trauma Operating Room in under two minutes, saving valuable time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

• A Radiology and Imaging Center, including MRI and CAT Scan equipment, so trauma patients do not have to be transported to another area of the hospital for radiology procedures.

• Highly skilled trauma physicians, specialists and nurses on the Shoreline campus at all times.

The Foundation is grateful to all of its wonderful sponsors and supporters, including: B.E. Beecroft Co., Inc. Corpus Christi Produce Company, Inc. CHRISTUS Health McCarthy Building Companies CLK Architects & Associates

Susser Family Foundation Andrews Distributing Company Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.

Hospital Housekeeping Services Niner Investments American Bank

Camacho Demolition & Recycling

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Hospital

Barcom Construction Flint Hills Resources

Radiology & Imaging of South Texas HALO-Flight

Urban Engineering Allegiance Mobile Health

Gulf Coast Paper/ Diversey The Bar-B-Q Man

Corpus Christi Caller-Times KIII-TV

Forrest Development AEP Texas

Target Well Service File Pro

Phillip M. Plant Brad Snyder

Brandt Companies LLC

Felix Tapp

Republic Services Perkins+Will

Crothall Healthcare Aramark

Karen Bonner, Vice President of Philanthropy for the CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation, discusses the new Level II Trauma Center at the Shoreline campus with the media.

Dugan Eye Institute

Ed Hicks Family of Dealerships H-E-B

Ernie Gunderson (left) and Shane Denny play on the team sponsored by Gulf Coast Paper and Diversey

Drake and Nancy Beauchamp Marco Electronics Information: 361-881-3505;

ChristusSpohnFoundation. org.

Corpus Christi Rehab

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Spohn Associates Laura Garcia (left) and Stephanie Gutierrez

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Gynecomastia Many men have an enlargement of breast tissue that is bothersome to them. A large percentage of men develop it as a part of the physical changes that occur during aging. It can also occur during puberty as a result of hormonal changes as well as certain supplements, drugs and steroid use. There are some medications that can help, but the results aren’t very predictable and the medications are not FDA approved.

Surgical treatment offers a reliable way to restore the normal appearance of the chest so that self confidence is regained, which can be especially important for young men. Treatment usually involves liposuction and direct excision of the gland beneath the nipples. The incision is small and usually not noticeable, and results can be dramatic and quickly seen. The downtime from this procedure is usually two to five days.

www.corpuschristiplastics.com

Being at a healthy weight is key for successful results before and after gynecomastia surgery. Significant weight changes after liposculpture can affect the outcome of your surgery.

After you decide you want plastic surgery, the next step is to pick your surgeon. It is very important to make sure your surgeon is well trained, has completed his/her residency, and is board certified. In plastic surgery, a membership in the American Board of Plastic Surgery confirms that your surgeon has successfully completed residency, passed their board exams, and follow the high ethical and professional standards set by the organization. Not all are board certified. It is also important to make sure that you have a good rapport with your plastic surgeon and his/her office staff.

Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele At The Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele, MD, FACS, is a board certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. They put the patient first and strive to provide the best care with the highest standards alongside the latest proven technologies at the best value. Dr. VJ, as he is known by many of his patients, has been performing these procedures in Corpus Christi for the past eight years.

Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele Where Beautiful Results & Experience Meet.

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5826 ESPLANADE DRIVE, SUITE 101 CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78414 (361) 888-7417 CORPUSCHRISTIPLASTICS.COM [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Cuisine NOVEMBER 2016

FARM TO TABLE 118 THE DISH 122 DINING GUIDE 123 THE DRINK 126

What’s Inside The first pies were thought to be made by the Greeks, and were predominantly filled with meat. It's only been in recent history that pies became a sweet treat!

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Cuisine | Farm to Table

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Pies 3a Party By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent

Is there such a thing as too much pie?

Friends, can we share a secret? We love pie.Yes, we are all about healthy eating, but we love pie. We love, love, love pie.

But, we have to be honest, we don’t love the obscene level of sweetness in most pies. The purpose of pie is not to deliver the maximum concentration of sugar (or in the case of storebought pies, high fructose corn syrup). The best pies deliver a range of subtle flavors balanced by their natural sweetness.

We set out to make three of our favorite pies even better using quality, wholesome ingredients.

Buttermilk is a classic pie of the Deep South. We borrowed techniques from another custardy favorite, crème brulee, to give this down-home dessert a touch of elegance. We steeped a vanilla bean in the tangy buttermilk to intensify the flavor.

We also sprinkled sugar on top and caramelized it with a torch to add texture. The flaky homemade pie crust is the perfect complement to the silky filling.

Not much compares to the heavenly crunch of pecans in a good pecan pie. But, unfortunately, the gelatinous filling in most pecan pies is high fructose corn syrup.

We asked ourselves, what can give our pie that wonderful sweet gooeyness without the corn syrup? Dates! Of course!

Coupled with maple syrup, chopped dates achieve the ideal level of natural sweetness.We made the rich crust from buttery shortbread cookies to contrast with the confection of the filling.

Apple pie is a tradition of the holiday table. Our version celebrates the natural tart sweetness of apples with a quick caramel sauce of butter and sugar. This simple approach demands a high-quality eating apple with exceptional flavor that will stand up to heat. We like the Fuji variety for this pie.

We sliced our apples into thin strips and rolled them into the shape of roses. This pie, filled with flowers, may be the prettiest thing on your Thanksgiving table.

Yes, we love pie, because it is more than just pie. Pie is family, home, and celebration. Pie is old friends sitting at a table, drinking coffee, and talking. Pie is our children, standing on tiptoes, reaching up to the table for more. Pie is all the best things in life.

You don’t make a pie every day, so when you do, make it good. Make it really, really good.

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Buttermilk Brulee Pie Crust: 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 tbsp sugar ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp baking powder 6 tbsp butter, cold 2 tbsp shortening, cold 2-3 tbsp ice water Filling: 1 cup buttermilk 2/3 cup sugar ½ cup unsalted butter 4 egg yolks 1 whole egg 1 vanilla bean Dash salt Juice of one lemon 2 tbsp sugar Directions: Crust: Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, quickly work in butter and shortening until the pieces are peasized. Add enough water to form a soft dough, taking care not to over mix. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling out. Roll out dough, prick all over with a fork and place in a pie pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry begins to turn golden around the edges.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine buttermilk and butter over medium heat. Scrape out the insides of the vanilla bean and add it to the buttermilk mixture. In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, salt and lemon juice well. Remove buttermilk from heat once it begins to boil. Let buttermilk cool for 15 minutes. Whisk egg mixture into the buttermilk. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 45 minutes or until the outside edge of the custard has begun to set and the inside is still jiggly.

Let the pie cool for 15 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sugar over the top of the pie. Caramelize the sugar using a torch.

Show Stopping Apple Pie Wheat Crust: ¾ cup wheat flour ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt 1 tbsp sugar ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ cup shortening, cold and cubed ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed 2-3 tbsp milk, cold Apple Filling: 4 tbsp unsalted butter

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4 large apples (recommend Fuji), rinsed and cored, sliced across the center in thin slices 4 tbsp sugar Juice of one lemon 1 tbsp apricot jelly, melted Directions: Crust: Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Using your fingers or a pastry blender, quickly work in butter and shortening until the pieces are lentil-small pea sized. Add enough milk to get a soft dough formed, taking care not to over mix. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling out. Roll out dough and place in a deep dish pie pan. Prick all over with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry begins to turn golden around the edges.

Filling: Melt butter in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Add apple slices, sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice. Cover apples and stir occasionally, until apples become malleable, about 5 minutes. Remove apples from pan and place on a clean workspace. Reserve cooking liquid.

Place three layers of apples at the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Cut a slit across the radius of the remaining apple slices. Fold an apple slice in on itself until a spiral shape is formed. Keep adding more apple slices until you’ve reached the desired size of your rose.

Repeat until your pie has been filled. Pour reserved apple cooking liquid over finished roses. Brush apples and crust with apricot preserves. If desired, return to the oven for 20 minutes, or until pie is heated through.

Pecan Date Pie Shortbread Crust: 16 butter shortbread cookies (2 5.3 oz packages) 6 tbsp butter, melted Pecan Date Filling: ¾ cup packed medjool dates (about 12 large dates), pitted 3 eggs 1 cup pecan halves ¾ cup maple syrup 4 tbsp butter, melted ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla Directions: Crust: Puree cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs. Add melted butter, and press into the bottom of an oiled pie pan.

Filling: Spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray and finely mince dates. Alternately, use a food processor with oiled blades.

In a large bowl, beat eggs well. Add dates and remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour mix into prepared crust.

Bake pie at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.

FREE Bundtlet when you present this coupon

Corpus Christi Moore Plaza 5425 South Padre Island Drive, Ste. 167 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 980-1000 nothingbundtcakes.com Expires 11/30/16. Limit one offer per guest. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at bakery listed. Must be claimed in-store during normal business hours. No cash value.

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Cuisine | The Dish

Make your party fresh too!

Not only are they open to hosting all kinds of events at their cute and quirky spot, Fresh! Café also caters to business and private functions. Give them a call at (361) 2106911 or visit their website freshcafecc.com.

505 S. Water St. #545, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

The Café That Love Built By: Jinky Romero Photos: Rachel Durrent

Volunteers and community support helped Ricci Neer revive a local hot spot into her new restaurant, Fresh! Café.

What started as a Facebook group of roughly 20 people grew into a community willing to give their time and resources to revive a place that was once close to their hearts.

N

ot a lot of business owners can boast that the people wanted them to open so badly that they made it happen by themselves. But Corpus Christi native, Ricci Neer, can definitely give her baby, Fresh! Café, that distinction.

When the Tango Tea Room closed down last June, Neer was going around the city, teaching classes about clean eating and “high vibration” food.

A friend of hers advised her to set a permanent location for what she did; somewhere people could easily find her – an anchor spot.

“Two weeks after the place closed, I woke up one morning and thought ‘Oh my goodness, the Tango’s the anchor spot,’” she said.

From there, she started an Indiegogo campaign to help raise funds for her opening. Neer created a Facebook group to get some help from the people

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who loved the place, too. In three and a half weeks, that group went from 20 members to over 300.

About 50 people showed up to the Tea Room to help her revitalize the area with positive energy, good vibes, and amazing food.

“It was just a really beautiful experience,” Neer recalled.

Being a crowd-funded restaurant is not the only thing that sets Fresh! apart. With Neer’s passion for clean eating, she created a menu that is organic, healthy, and completely fresh. They source all ingredients locally, like their grass-fed beef, which they get from a local ranch. Everything is made to order, no microwaves or holding tables. This restaurant makes sure that whatever you order, it’s at its freshest and best quality.

Their Egg, Smoked Gouda, and Porkloin sammie looked amazing from the get go. It’s made with

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homemade organic bread stuffed with fresh, organic spinach and mushrooms, and it came with a side of citrus infused tomatoes, which they grow on their own. The stigma that organic dishes lack the delicious flavor of their contemporaries flies out the window with one bite.

The good stuff doesn’t stop there. Fresh! also has a fine selection of teas from all over the world. In their “experience” station, you can sniff and experience their teas before you decide which one to order. They can customize it for you with their wide range of sweeteners and milks, and you can enjoy it in their Corpus Christi Tea Room.

“It’s like walking into your living room!” people would tell Neer. They weren’t wrong. Fresh! is a place designed to give its customers a place to relax, chat, and eat good and clean. In a world of fast food and to-gos, everyone needs a place to slow down.

Dining Guide Corpus Christi Padre Island Port Aransas Rockport Outdoor dining Live music

$ = Under $10 $$ = Mostly $10 - $20 $$$ = $20 and up The Bend Magazine Dining Guide is a select list of restaurants around the Coastal Bend.

Implicitly, the magazine’s editors recommend all of these restaurants and they are not advertisements. Listings are updated monthly and appear based on space availability. Reviews and articles are written by our editors as a service to readers.

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

Cuisine | Dining Guide

American 8te $ A shabby chic interior feel with classic comfort dishes that have a simple twist. They have it all breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 1220 Airline #250, (361) 723-0261, Facebook.com/8tecctx Andy’s Country Kitchen $ You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com Atomic Omelette& Grill $ Omelettes are just the beginning here! Comfortable atmosphere, with a flavor for casual dining and handmade family recipes. 6313 Wooldridge Rd #10, (361) 334-3942, Atomicomelette.com Citrus Bayfront Bistro $ Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com Irie’s Island Food $ With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe. 503 N Alister St, (361) 749-2310, Iriesislandfood.com Liberty Hall Inferno $$ Herbs and vegetables grown on site, your dining experience will be unforgettable! 106 E. Cotter, Port Aransas, TX 78373, (361) 749-4888 MacDaddy's Family Kitchen $$ Serves BBQ, Fried Chicken & Seafood. Big tables for big groups, they'll also deliver! 118 Beach Street Port Aransas, Texas 78373, (361) 749-2271, acdaddysfamilykitchen.com The Grille $ Ensures you’ll always have the variety that is the spice of life! With ingredients sourced from Texas, Burger patties and soups are all made from scratch. 3063 Main St, (361) 775-1000, Facebook.com/thegrillingleside The Groove $$ A little something for every discriminating craving with an eclectic dining experience. Nothing is ever frozen or put in a fryer! 2001 N Hwy 35, (361) 729-3663, Thegrooverockport.com

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

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

The authentic Asian cuisine made with the Chef’s homemade recipe will be sure to surprise you. 415 N Water St, (361) 882-8885 Sang’s Imperial Café $$ Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the healthiest and freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 8088881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe TakeNiwa $$$ Sit in Hibachi and watch their talented chefs prepare your dinner. Or dine yourself to juicy steak and full sushi bar, your choice! 5216 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 356-6888, takeniwa.com

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

Stick around for their daily quiche specials, scones, and sandwiches. 302 S Austin St, (361) 790-8745, Rockportdailygrind.com Hester’s Café and Coffee Bar $ Looking for a true family experience where love is the number one ingredient, along with the simple but important concept of quality and the healing powers of good food 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, (361) 885-0151, 1714 S Alameda St, (361) 885-0558, 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, Hesterscafe.com

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Cuisine | Dining Guide

Barbeque Hoegemeyer’s BBQ $$ Smoked freshbarbecue on a strong German heritage background and a satisfaction for something unique.

South Texas barbecue that comes from the heart.

711 Concrete St, (361) 884-4227, Hoegemeyers.com

French Bleu Bistro $$$ True playful twists to classic French bistro dishes.

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

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

Bar & Grill Brewster Street Ice House $$ Who says that you can’t have 4-Star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

Executive Surf Club $$ The perfect casual family dining spot. All the while supplying the most beer on tap in the city. 309 N Water St, (361) 884-7873, Waterstreetmarketcc. com/executive-surf-club FINS Grill and Icehouse $$ For the past 11 years, they've featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb Angus beef burgers & chicken. Full full bar and you "You Hook 'Em, We Cook 'Em" for the fisherman. 420 West Cotter, Port Aransas 78373, (361) 749-8646, finsgrillandicehouse.com

Stingray’s Taphouse and Grill $$ Anindustrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach!

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

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The Brewery $$ Brick Oven Pizza, Pub food & Burgers sound good?

How about a fresh brewed-in-house beer? 429 Alister Street, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, (361) 749- 2739, portaransasbrewery.com

Italian Authentic New York Pizza $$ True, authentic New York Pizza right in your hands in Corpus Christi, complete with red-checkered tablecloths. 5838 S Staples St, (361) 986-1151, Eatmorepizza.cc Bellino’s $$ Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinotexas.com Brooklyn Pie Co. $ Enjoy a slice or indulge a whole “pie” of their delicious secret pizza tradition. 15326 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-1100, Brooklynpie.com Grimaldi’s Pizzeria $$ Distinctive and authentic pizza baked to perfection in a signature coal burning oven you can see right from your seat, offers a unique crisp flavor. 5488 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 980-8600, Grimaldispizzeria.com House of Rock $ Great pizza and appetizers, cold beer, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? $$ 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com Mamma Mia’s $$$ Warm and cozy mom and pop Italian experience will make you feel like family. Entrees are delicious Italian culture on a plate. 128 N Mesquite St, (361) 8833773, Facebook.com/mamma-mias Mesquite St. Pizza and Pasta Co. $$ Their 60 year old pizza oven brought in straight from Brooklyn New York, makes for the perfect pizza, as well asall the crusts and sauces are made in house. 617 Mesquite St, (361) 882-7499, Eatpizzadowntown.com Panjo’s Pizza & Pasta $ Ditch the pomp and circumstance, and eat the way your Italian Grandma intended. Fuss free and real, classic, and a true local secret! 2744 Highway 35 N, (361) 729-1411

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Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen $$ Brick-oven-fired Italian entrees and New York style pizza down south. The simplicity of a causal Pizzeria with the freshness of a fine Italian restaurant. 6418 S Staples St, (361) 986-0620, Nypizzeria.com Venetian Hot Plate $$$ Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com Bella Luna Downtown $$ Authentic gourmet Italian cuisine always made fresh to order in the heart of The Marina Arts District. 429 Schatzell St, (361) 887-4777, Bellalunadowntown.com Port “A” Pizzeria $$ Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 749-5226, Portapizzeria.com,

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

Mexican Molé $$ The vision lies in freshness, tradition and distinction; Mole’ is where true Central Mexican Cuisine can be enjoyed. 6042 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 334-6081, Molerestaurant.com

Per uvian Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar $$ This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are fresh takes on traditional originals from Peru. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 945-8303, Costasurcc.com

Seafood Black Marlin Bar & Grill $$$ Sit indoors, sit outdoors, see the Gulf Coast from any seat in the house while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music and the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 749-4653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

Your Holiday Helper We’re ready to help you with special meals, parties and office meetings during the holidays!

Fall & Winter Catering Classics are Back: • Pot Roast Dinner Packages - a full meal featuring juicy pot roast with your choice of sides, herb focaccia bread and assorted desserts.

• Best Pumpkin Coffee Cake - have a slice for dessert today or order a whole cake for parties. The perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon and cloves makes this cake so craveable that people give them as gifts.

• Call or order online for holiday help!

Corpus Christi 1416 Airline / 361-992-4649 5325 Saratoga / 361-980-8300 jasonsdeli.com

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Cuisine | The Drink

New Tea in Town By: Whitney Noble Photo: Rachel Durrent

A finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea, this drink is believed to have some serious health benefits!

enjoyed hot or cold. It has a pure and smooth taste with notes of sweet grass. Bloom uses only organic matcha, because tea leaves have no protection from harmful pesticides in chemical fertilizers that are used in conventional farming.

Tea time with matcha embodies traditional spirituality and meditative style, and in our modern times, this tea takes the form of lattes, noodles, and ice cream! But you can also enjoy the new tea from Bloom CoffeeWorks in Portland, while searching the isles of HEB.

To drink this super tea, matcha is typically dissolved in either water or milk. Drink up and feel the tranquilizing comfort.

Matcha is whole green leaves ground up to create a fine powder. Packed full of calming energy, the way the plants are grown and harvested is relatively unique. The process begins with the green tea plants being grown in the shade for roughly three weeks before they’re harvested. It’s due to this shaded growth that the plant grows more theanine (a constituent of green tea) as well as caffeine.

The incredible benefits of matcha come from this combination of theanine and caffeine along with powerful antioxidants called catechins.

When used daily, matcha can help improve skin health, immunity, and metabolism, and can be

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Fun Fact Bloom orders their matcha from a company called Encha. You can find recipes and more information about why this green is so amazing on their website: encha.com.

1600 Wildcat Dr., Portland, TX 78374 (949) 813-6568

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MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

GREATER THAN LAST YEAR!

A new school year brings a fresh start—and Mathnasium is here to help set the stage for success!

Together, we can make this school year greater than last year!

SAT, ACT, STAAR Test Prep Risk-Free Assessment Math Help and Enrichment

Test Prep

Homework Help

Mathnasium of Corpus Christi

361 444-6746

mathnasium.com/corpuschristi

7426 South Staples St., #203 Corpus Christi, TX 78413

SHOP. DINE. BE MERRY.

Santa Photos now through December 24th The sights and sounds of the season begin here.

128 The Bend

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

lapalmera.com

Get Ready for Winter

Cuisine | Dining Guide Black Sheep Bistro $$ A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-4819, Blacksheepbistro.net Doc’s Seafood and Steaks $$ Lively and enjoyable selection for surf ‘n’ turf in an open-air setting overlooking the water, plus live music. 13309 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6744, Docseafoodandsteaks.com Glow $$ From a renovated boathouse, offers a simply cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce. Bright, relaxed atmosphere with whitewashed ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport. com Harrison’s Landing $$ Tavern on the Bay at Harrison’s Landing is Corpus Christi’s newest outdoor restaurant & bar located in the heart of the city’s marina, and is the only place in town with a floating bar! 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, Harrisonslanding.net Island Time Sushi Bar and Seafood Grill $$ Stop in for fresh and inventive sushi, seafood, appetizers and desserts! Check out the weekday specials! 14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-3046, Facebook.com/islandtimesushi

Latitude 28˚02’ $$$ Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists. 105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com Lisabella’s Bistro $$$ Casually coastal elegance yet, family-friendly setting. Remarkable gourmet twist to the lunch fare, a poolside eatery, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge $$ At Rock & Roll, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, Rockandrollssushi.

com Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn $$$ Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)7491540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com Saltwater Grill $$ Unique family atmosphere with fresh and tasty seafood that will leave you coming back for more.

2401 Cimarron Blvd, (361) 993-7258, Saltwatergrillcc.com Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill $$ Extensive menu, makes sure to have something for everyone. Foods made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill. com Seafood & Spaghetti Works $$ A unique dining experience, you’ll find the very best in seafood, steak, Italian dishes, pizza, soups, and desserts all made from scratch. 901 S Alister St, (361) 749-5666, Seafoodandspaghetti.com Shells $$ Warm, inviting neighborhood restaurant offers a creative and far ranging menu that reflects a variety of world cuisines. Shakes off the old and tired and gets down to real good food. 522 E Avenue G, (361) 749-7621, Eatatshells.com Shempy’s Grill $$ Laid back setting with a variety of delightfully cooked fish will turn anyone into a seafood lover.

3913 Highway 35 S, (361) 727-0019, Facebook.com/Shempys Snoopy’s Pier $$ Outdoor dining experience and Local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com The Boiling Pot $$ Roll up your sleeves and take manners to a new level for a great Cajun experience. 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-6972 The Pheonix $$ This international bistro/nouveau American fine-quality cuisine is prepared daily using many

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Cuisine | Dining Guide

ingredients from the Corpus Christi Farmer’s Market creating a constantly eclectic seasonal menu, where guests can choose to sit indoor and outdoor. 337 N Alister St, (361) 749-9277, Facebook.com/ThePhoenix-Restaurant-and-Bar

Yardarm $$$ Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating.

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

Trout Street Bar & Grill $$$ Cajun-inspired seafood in an airy environs is a wondrous way to enjoy food and cocktails inside the nautical themed restaurant or on the outdoor deck offering marina views. 104 West Cotter, (361) 749-7800, Tsbag.com

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

Steakhouse

Vietnamese

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

Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com

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

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

Niko’s Steakhouse $$$ Committed to the motto “Great food, Great times, Great experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will exceed any steak lover’s expectations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, Nikossteakhouse.com

Water Street Seafood Company $$$ Locally owned and operated and voted “Best of the Best” seafood. Fish is fresh never frozen, while sauces and dressings are all made in house from scratch. 309 N Water St, (361) 882-8683, Waterstreetmarketcc.com

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

CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE, P.A.

“Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better”

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

Specializing in Interventional Pain

Rudy Garza, M.D.

Are you suffering from ChronicBoard Pain?

Eligible in Pain Medicine Fellowship Dr. Lopez and Dr.Garza may be able to help.Trained in Pain Medicine

• Treatment options include injections * that reduce orall alleviate Treating typespain of and/or chronic pain a variety of pain relieving medications

* Most insurances accepted

• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited back, neck, * Both Drs. are to fluent in Spanish joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.

• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending

on insurance.

3825 SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415

(Located between Kostoryz & Weber)

• Accepting Medicare, BCBS, Spohn, Humana, Humana Gold, Cigna, 361.225.0089 | www.ccpainmed.com | Workers “Se Habla Español” Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, Comp insurance and many smaller ones.

Specializing in Interventional Pain

|

Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Board Certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology Gabriel Lopez, M.D. Board Certified in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

130 The Bend

3825 SPID Corpus Christi, Tx 78415 (Located between Kostoryz & Weber)

361.225.0089 • www.ccpainmed.com • “Se Habla Español” [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

Rudy Garza, M.D. Board Eligible in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

CAL1187791

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Countdown to the new year at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. Starting at $259 per night, the package includes deluxe accommodations, late checkout and two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Gala. The Gala will feature continuous live music, an elegant dinner buffet, champagne toast at midnight and much more.

Live Bands | Hot Sauce ATX • BRutherz Individual tickets • $100 361-887-1600 • OmniHotels.com/CorpusChristiNewYear

*Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Semiformal or Western formal attire required; black tie optional. Dress code strictly enforced. [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

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History | Looking Back

The Eleventh Hour By: Jeff King Photo: Photo provided courtesy of the University of North Texas’ Portal to Texas History

The news of the Armistice with Germany on November 11th, 1918, reaches the Coastal Bend.

O

n the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918, the fighting of The Great War would cease on the Western Front as Germany and the Allied nations affected an armistice at Campiègne, France. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day in the United States: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

World War II was to follow with the greatest mobilization of American forces in history. After the events of World War II, the 83rd Congress recognized the need to honor American veterans of all wars, so Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

The United States of America has engaged in numerous wars and conflicts since 1954, and the number of American veterans grows with each engagement. These men and women of courage put their lives on the line for the freedoms we enjoy daily in this country. This month, let us take time to express our deep gratitude to our many veterans for their service.

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Thank you

To every veteran, The Bend Magazine thanks you for your service and sacrifice!

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

361.651.1200 RoseCosmeticSurgery.com

[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]

thebendmag.com

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Phase II Available

Taylor Adcock 361-701- 3896

taylor@britestarconst.com villagebythebeach.com

PRICED FROM

$239,900 AND UP

Another Project by Britestar Construction

134 The Bend

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Located Near Packery Channel