March 2019 Issue by The Bend Magazine

PORTRAITS

MODERN MASTERS

High-Fashion Home Meets Next Level Hospitality

SHOULD HAPPEN

Bring your dream wedding to life with Omni. From sunset ceremonies with views of the bay to ballroom parties featuring delectable cuisine, the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel is committed to giving you a day nothing short of spectacular. Leave the details to us while you relax and enjoy the perfect destination for your perfect day. AT A PLACE UNLIKE ANY

OMNIHOTELS.COM/CORPUSCHRISTI 361-887-1600

Kennedy Dental is proud to have served the Coastal Bend for 50 years. Our practices o er both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. At Kennedy Dental Care, your child’s comfort comes ﬁrst and our unparalleled commitment to the highest level of pediatric dental care has earned the trust of generation after generation in the Coastal Bend.

TOTAL SURFACE CONCEPTS

ReTooled breathes life into the unexpected subject of tools by profiling 28 visionary artists from the Hechinger Collection. In the 1980’s, John Hechinger’s booming chain of hardware stores led him to purchase a new company headquarters and collected art to beautify the offices. Hechinger’s acquisition of a tool-inspired collection of diverse 20th century art that was accessible and engaging to all audiences. This exhibition furthers his mission by showcasing the diverse range of ideas, materials, forms, and creativity that encompass modern art. Highlights from the Hechinger Collection Washington, DC. Gift of John and June Hechinger.

JANUARY 25 – APRIL 28,

IMAGE LEFT: Stephen Hansen, Man on a Limb (detail), 1985, papier-mâché, 72 in. x 48 in. x 24 in.

IMAGE RIGHT: Arman, Blue, Red, Brown (detail), 1988, mixed media, 48 in. x 61 in. x 5 in.

What interior design style influences your current homestead?

My home is definitely a mixture of styles. While my furniture has a late 60s vibe, the color palette seen throughout the house is much more contemporary.

I definitely like to do a minimalist style with furniture and pops of color with artwork from local artists to add flavor!

PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas

ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick

MANAGING EDITOR: Kylie Cooper

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Daniel Coleman

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides

COPY EDITOR: Steve Gill

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page Aaron Garcia

CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Jo Anne Howell Jacqueline Gonzalez Jillian Becquet Kirby Tello Jessie Monsivais

SUBMISSIONS: kylie@thebendmag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: thebendmag.com

OFFICE 309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606

Mid Century Modern with a slight industrial nod. I love the seamless flow of indoor to outdoor space and the attractive use of natural materials throughout the home.

I aim for a mid-century modern meets bohemian chic style in my home. I like structural pieces and neutral color tones with whimsical touches like faux fur pillows and dreamcatchers.

ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com

NEWSLETTER: thebendmag.com

On the Cover:

Every spring, we create an issue revolving around the home and interior design. We strive to find a home filled with both a beautiful design and a loving family. The Sahadi home – which you’ll find on the cover and on pg. 40 – exceeded all of our expectations. The mixture between mid-century design, minimalistic tendencies, and high-fashion accents creates a modern masterpiece. (photo by: Jason Page)

SPARKS of JOY

Our home is the latest victim of the Marie Kondo wave sweeping the nation. If you are unfamiliar with her book or Netflix series, allow me to fill you in. She is an expert in the art of tidying up. A part of her system is laying out everything you have, be it clothes, toys, books or any category in excess, into one big pile. As you begin sorting through it all, the next step is to decide which items “spark joy” in you. It sounds rather simple; however, it really is an eye-opening exercise. I was a little surprised by some of the things I was fine parting with and others that I would keep at all costs. It wasn’t necessarily the price of an item that affected my decision, but more so the value I put on it. Essentially, there is an emotional value behind everything we have in our homes. They are a holding place for our life’s story.

page 42 in this month’s special home edition, I realized there is a good story behind most things we love about our home and just because two items don’t “match,” doesn’t mean they can’t go together.

I can’t really pinpoint my wife and I’s unique taste in design, but I believe it falls somewhere between modern and cozy. On the wall in our kitchen is a collection of art by one of my favorite local artists, my daughter, Gemma. I don’t know how much they would sell for in a galley, but the pieces are priceless in my eyes. I am a big reader and I proudly display many books and magazines in our living room. My wife is gracious enough to allow this; however, I was proud of myself for donating a large stack of old books to Goodwill earlier this year.

Our home should be a place that brings us joy. There is not one correct way to design a home. So much of what goes into making a home a place that brings joy to those who occupy it are tied to the owner’s stories. After reading the feature on

Speaking of design, I want to congratulate Jarred Schuetze on his promotion to Art Director this month. Behind every great design is a lot of heart and passion, and Jarred is someone who pours himself into not only his work, but everything he does. So much of our team’s heart and soul gets put into the design of each issue and we hope this edition brings and little extra spark of joy to you and your home.

– JORDAN REGAS, Publisher

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

1. CCISD “All-Stars” is a great program composed of 200 student-athletes with special needs who get to learn team work and the will to win! p. 30

2. An exciting new book about the art community in Rockport is releasing soon. Read more about Boats, Bays, and Birds on p. 80.

3. Chef Gail Huesmann finished second-place in the 2016 edition of the television show Cutthroat Kitchen and a couple of her award-winning dishes can be enjoyed here in the Coastal Bend. p. 104

Helping Patients Reach Their Goals

At Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital , our team delivers advanced rehabilitative care and close medical supervision to help our patients regain their maximum level of function and independence following an injury, illness, or surgical procedure. We focus on helping each patient develop and meet their own unique goals, such as performing daily activities, returning to work, or participating in leisure activities. Our interdisciplinary team approach and care plans are individually tailored to help ensure our patients receive effective treatment and the level of support they need to reach their goals.

Our general rehabilitation program offers treatment for conditions such as:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) recovery

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases

• Congestive heart failure (CHF)

• Post-surgical care following cardiovascular procedures

• Debility from illness

• General weakness, deconditioning, and loss of independence

To learn more about our comprehensive approach to medical rehabilitation, please call us at 361-906-3700.

AROUND THE BEND

ROMANCEbudding

BY:

While the majority of fashion savvy persons are swooning over the age of modern romance, we can't help but to be drawn back to the blossoming era of true romance. Defined waists, billowy sleeves, and soft, romantic florals. There's something to be said about timeless silhouettes and a dreamy vintage wardrobe.

JARRED SCHUETZE PHOTOS BY: AARON GARCIA STYLED BY: KIMBERLY RIOS

'Stylist Statement'

I love a romantic stroll through the garden, which brings us to the inspiration behind my styling. This shoot definitely allowed me the opportunity to play with interesting prints, bold colors, and fabulous fabrics. I'm not typically a fan of florals, though when done in brocade or chiffon they instantly become timeless classics!

- Kimberly Rios

we are proud to be home for the best of south texas

winners of the 2018 “the local’s list” from THE BEND magazine

ALEXIS HUNTER INTERIORS

ANN TAYLOR LOFT

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR

CHICO’S

FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK

FRANCISCO’S SALON

GOLDSMITH JEWELERS

GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

HANLEY • WOOD

HESTER’S CAFE

JULIAN GOLD

MADRE MEXICAN FISH HOUSE (open fall 2018)

MARKET

PILAR FASHION & FOLK ART

TALBOTS

THE POST

DR. CHAD ALLEN, DDS

LEGACY

• Dr Chad Allen is a third generation Corpus Christi dentist who has studied all over the world but chooses to call Corpus Christi home.

• His father, Charles Allen, continues to practice at their Saratoga o ce. His continued love for dentistry has no end in sight.

SPECIALIST

• Dr Chad Allen is the specialist of the Allen Dental Group.

• He is a certiﬁed specialist in Prosthodontics which includes the complexities of Implants, Veneers and comprehensive rehabilitation.

• Besides his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Specialty, Dr Allen has a Masters in Oral Biology concerning the TMJ.

• Dr Allen is a Fellow in the International Team for Implantology and has spent time in Geneva and Bern, Switzerland studying implant dentistry.

CARING

• Dr Allen has helped lead several dental mission trips to Mexico and now works with Timons Ministries in Corpus Christi.

• He supports local charities such as New Life Refuge Ministries, Annapolis Christian Academy and City Church.

TALK of the TOWN

The Grid System

Grids are an essential, powerful tool in the world of design. The use of repeated visual elements is a technique artists and designers commonly use in their daily practice, and this holds true when styling a home interior. When you repeat elements, the intervals between those repetitions can create a sense of harmony in the eyes of the viewer while providing essential movement to a space. Using these repeating patterns will ultimately bring much-needed texture and consistency to any home.

BY: JARRED

SCHUETZE PHOTO BY: AARON GARCIA

SOCIAL LOVE

IN YOUR BOX

Did you know our newsletter readers were the first people to purchase tickets for the 4th Annual Brunch on the Bay Presented by Neessen Automotives? Well, they were! If you felt a little saddened by that sentence, then you need to make sure and subscribe to the Weekly Drop, online now. Getting the Weekly Drop in your inbox every Friday morning is like waking up with the freshest, hyper-local highlights, recaps, events, and more. You also get the opportunity to see inside each month's issue before everyone else. And, after all, who doesn't love a little exclusivity.

Instagram Shoutouts

This month's Instagram shoutouts all have a coincidental vibe of relaxation. Maybe our subconscious is trying to tell us @balinesespaporta @the_indigo_leopard_home, and @can2creativecompany for these awesome photos showing the natural beauty of where they live! Show us how you are living your best Coastal Bend life @thebendmag) for a chance to be featured right here in the magazine each month!

ALL STARS CAN SHINE

CCISD Special Olympics and the will to win

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

The Special Olympics program runs nationwide to offer a goal, finish line, or basket to anyone who wants to score. But there’s uniqueness in all chapters, and the CCISD “All Stars” are no exception. Composed of over 200 pitchers, bowlers, runners, catchers, and throwers, they are student-athletes with special needs who come together with one mutual goal: to win. Or, to be brave in the attempt. That’s the All Stars motto that motivates them through all seasons.

Led by coaches Melinda Escamilla and Carleigh Mitchell, the program is one that’s innovative and fun for its athletes.

“We’re trying to create an environment that allows our athletes to thrive, and one that really focuses on abilities; and, we build on skills,” says coach Carleigh Mitchell. “That’s our focus and what we try to instill in volunteers, and just make sure our athletes know, as well.”

CCISD All Stars Athletes ages 8-22 come together, no matter their skill level, for weekly and biweekly practices where they build training and teamwork skills.

“There’s stretching, backwards, forwards,” recalls William F. Ruzicka, longtime athlete and multiple medal winner. “There’s lots of running: Go, go, GO. Faster!” Ruzicka also stresses the importance of working in a team, together.

In addition to being a prominent part of the All Stars team, 21-yearold Andrea Whitmore, handles both her school work and a part-time job. “I’ve been involved [with the program] since elementary school,” says Whitmore. Some of her favorites are volleyball, tennis, and track and field, but she really does it all.

“It’s been good,” Whitmore says about learning how to win with her team. “I like playing along with them, and interacting with them.”

Through the program, Whitmore and Ruzicka have learned how to swim, toss, catch, endure, and sometimes have those moments where hard work has prevailed over everything. But the most important thing for them is being able to play: even with Whitmore's job on the Texas A&M University campus, and Ruzicka’s hefty school schedule.

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With the expertise of coaches Escamilla and Mitchell, and small adaptations to all the sports offered, the two swiftly run the program’s year-long sports schedule. But, aside from the coaches’ hours of observation and encouragement, their team thrives off parent and community involvement. From the moms and dads who drop off and pick up the children to the cheering supporters in the crowd, and those who take up the opportunity to volunteer as a coach, the athletes are able to continue their programs.

“We should, as a community, not underestimate these kids’ abilities,” says Coach Melinda Escamilla. “Come competition day, they surprise all of us. They can go the distance, they have the endurance required for practices, and have actually learned from us. We see it all displayed out on the court.”

Mitchell recalls the competitiveness in the air during a volleyball tournament, where Special Olympics teams from other districts came together at Del Mar College to compete on the court.

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Robert Ray (Fri), Jagertown (Fri), The Zeppelin Project (Sat), Cristina Amaro - Selena Tribute (Sat), Earth To Mars (Sat), and More.

The Olympics team is watched by everyone in the community. But what spectators may find is that for the team members, working together and trying to achieve a goal isn’t that different a story from more typical athletic teams. “Everything is similar. The agony of defeat, the victory, you know? It’s what we strive for,” says coach Escamilla.

And, at the end of the day, the CCISD Special Olympics programs remind us that all stars

Don’t wait for symptoms!

Are You At Risk For Lung Cancer?

Are Currently You A Smoker?

Did You Smoke Extensively In The Past?

Did You Inhale Second-Hand Smoke

For A Long Period of Time?

Were You Exposed To Asbestos or Radon?

Despite advancements in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, lung cancer remains the leading cause of death in the United States because it is o en not found until the disease has reached an advanced stage. But like most cancers, the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed the greater the chances of survival.

IDENTIFY CANCER … EARLIER

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans are the most eﬀective, cutting-edge advancement in cancer detection today ... available to patients at high risk of getting lung cancer. With a physician referral, patients are able to schedule the new exam that identiﬁes lung cancer earlier and more accurately like never before.

CANCER CAN’T HIDE!

Low-dose CT technology captures images of the entire vascular system from multiple angles giving cancer less chance to hide. In addition, Radiology Associates’ newly upgraded 64-channel platform allows for faster and more accurate images to be created in multiple planes in mere seconds. In addition, the low-dose CT exam is superior to conventional x-ray and CT scans oﬀering 60% less radiation.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

• 55 – 80-years-old

• and have a history of heavy smoking (a pack a day or more)

• and are a current smoker or quit within the past 15 years

• or have had extensive exposure to second-hand smoke

• or have a history of exposure to radon

• have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos

1. TANNINS WINE BAR AND TAPAS has this hybrid board they load up with Texan pecans, apple slices, black forest ham, brie and more for a savory compilation that complements all sides of their extensive wine menu. Along with this unique board, make sure to ask your server about the BYOB – the Build Your Own Board – policy. We couldn’t ask for more!

3855 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411

2. KATZ 21 STEAK AND SPIRITS builds their boards with seasonal ingredients, including whatever artisanal cheese is in store and imported, as well as domestic meats that are trending. Seasonal preserves vary, and are always a nice surprise – perfect with sides of baguette, as well.

5702 Spohn Dr S, Corpus Christi, TX 78414

BEST

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ

PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Meats, cheeses, berries, oh my. These are the boards that pin our interests, and do so in a savory marriage between salts and sweets that we can all agree to celebrate. Charcuterie boards are the wine buddy we never even knew we needed – an arrangement of breaks in between sips for artisanal bites. Whether you enjoy them with a glass or as standalone treats, here are where we enjoy the boards that bring it all together.

3. THE POST AT LAMAR PARK doesn’t mind impressing the dinner crowd with the fan favorite on their menu, the artisan meat and cheese platter. You can leave it up to this local grub spot to know where to find the best seasonal meats and cheeses. Honey, olives, and dried fruit adorn this selection nicely to complete the perfect board.

411 Doddridge St #102, Corpus Christi, TX 78411

4. D’CANTERS WINE AND DELIGHTS isn’t playing around when they bring out their Latina Spice tray. This one features Spanish chorizo, capicola, and chipotle goudu – three C’s that sound so savory. If pushing the heat is your thing, D’Canters has the ideal option. Thankfully, you won’t have a hard time pairing up a choice from their extensive wine menu to your tray.

4238 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412

5. GREEN LIGHT COFFEE’S new food menu is on board with the charcuterie trend. Cuts of cured salami, fresh prosciutto, and mozzarella with a show-stealing centerpiece of pesto-coated olives make any evening ritzier. You can even sub the coffee here for a glass of their house red wine to complement your board.

7426 S Staples St #107, Corpus Christi, TX 78413

MONICA BENAVIDEZ

BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN?

As soon as I had my own apartment/space, I got bit by the design bug. Using paint, furniture, and decor to transform the look and feel of a space (on a budget!) is an exciting challenge that I love to write about and share with my readers.

WHAT IS "MONICA WANTS IT"?

Monica Wants It, my blog, aims to provide inspiration, ideas, and DIY tutorials to help people create magazine worthy homes no matter their budget.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO START THE BLOG?

In April 2009, a month before my wedding, I decided to start a blog about all the things I wanted to buy for our apartment after the wedding. Hence the name, Monica Wants It. A year or so after that, we bought our first home and it morphed into a DIY and home décor/design blog. I do essentially write about what I want in my home, so the name has stuck around for nearly a decade.

WHERE DO YOU PULL INSPIRATION FROM?

Textiles, florals, art and patterns are things I look to draw inspiration from when designing a space. I also love the thrill of the hunt for a perfect accessory or a unique piece of art to really make a room pop. I can often be found shopping at the local antique shops in town!

IF YOU WERE A HOUSEHOLD ITEM WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

I'd definitely be a grand crystal chandelier because of my obsession with all things sparkly and ornate.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is feminine glam meets modern traditional. I love bold florals, girly colors, and metallics juxtaposed with the hallmarks of traditional décor and design.

Interior Stylist and Home Décor Blogger aims to help others build their dream home on a budget

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 ST BAR

SUN 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

MEET THREE OF CORPUS CHRISTI’S TOP GUN GODDESSES

BY: EMMA COMERY ILLUSTRATIONS BY: JARRED SCHUETZE

rom Shoreline Boulevard to sandy Padre Island, airplane propellers hum the song of the Corpus Christi skies. Home to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, which produces about 400 new aviators each year, our city by the sea is where many aviation careers take off – literally. This is where Former President George H.W. Bush received his wings, where the iconic Blue Angels once called home. After graduating from flight school in Corpus, many young pilots spend eight to 20 years flying for the military before launching second careers as commercial pilots. While only 6 percent of commercial pilots are female, there’s a steady increase in the number of women taking to the skies, and many are training and flying right here in our own backyard.

So, how does a pilot get her start? “When I was 12, the Blue Angels flew over my house,” Lieutenant Carie Boothe remembers over caffeine at Coffee Waves. “That was a showstopper. I decided right then that I was going to the Naval Academy. In my family, we make decisions, and it happens.”

This isn’t just big talk. Admission into the Naval Academy is highly competitive, requiring a nomination from a congressperson or senator. Boothe was nominated by her congressman and both her senators. The Navy set high standards; Boothe went higher.

In flight school, she hoped for jets, but when the Navy assigned her an SH-60 Romeo Seahawk, a helicopter, she says, “It was the thing I didn’t want that turned out to be the most amazing.”

Now, as an instructor at NAS CCAD, she trains young aviators in the Texas T-6, a sporty two-seater plane with a no-nonsense ejection seat. She’ll spend three years in Corpus, and she plans to hit up her favorites – Executive Surf Club and the Lexington – a lot. “I learned to two-step at The Dirty Bird,” she admits, a little shameful, a little proud.

Easy-going and convivial, Boothe makes friends everywhere she goes, and she has a healthy outlook on work and relationships. “Military life requires all of you,” she says, matter-of-factly. “If these two worlds don’t collide, the military life will suffocate you and the personal life will suffer.” Boothe is determined not to let that happen. “Someone once explained work to me as the expression of the love by which you are loved. In the 10 percent of time you get to spend with your loved ones, the love you receive from them becomes incarnate in your work.”

Like Boothe, Lieutenant Amanda Lowery Kemper graduated from the Naval Academy, where she felt empowered early on as Company Commander for 150 students.

Also like Boothe, Kemper began as a helo pilot before transitioning to the T-6. Helicopters, which she says are “like a wonkavator,” took her on multiple tours and deployments across the Eastern Hemisphere.

But for now, she’s staying put (no deployments) in Corpus, which she loves for the active downtown and easy access to nature. Better yet, her husband is stationed at NAS Kingsville. The couple spent much of their first year of marriage apart while Kemper was deployed. “Anyone with a job has to make certain sacrifices,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to have time with Greg here. We have two dogs, we bought a house. To have that stability here – to reconnect” It’s beyond words.

As she tells a story about a particular role model at the Academy, she could almost be describing herself. “Commander Overstreet was one of those women you see and think, ‘I want to be like her.’ She had command authority without being harsh.” One of the first female pilots to fly an E2 Hawkeye and a mother of two in a time when the flying/parenting balance was a little trickier, Overstreet was an outspoken proponent for the Career Intermission Program, which worked to make family life easier for Navy personnel. For Kemper, Overstreet

was proof that she didn’t have to choose between flying and family. With a little flexibility, she could have it all.

Whether they realize it or not, women like Boothe and Kemper have come full circle to serve as role models for the next generation of female pilots – pilots like Lieutenant Junior Grade Allyson Strachan, who informs me that the number of women currently in flight school is higher than ever before. “That matters to me,” she says definitively.

Strachan has spent a year in Corpus mastering the T-6. Her first solo flight was “exhilarating” and “a confidence builder.” She sounds like a woman in love. “I was doing something I never thought I could do. But in the Navy, it’s crawl, walk, run, and then you’re soloing.”

Strachan didn’t always think she could be a pilot. “I just couldn’t see myself in that role,” she explains. As captain of the Naval Academy ice hockey team and a George J. Mitchell Scholarship winner, she’s underselling herself. But, many of her mentors were pilots, and she says, “Your mindset changes when you meet someone who’s done it.”

In flight school, she made the top grades necessary to pursue a jet track. Soon she’ll leave Corpus, and admits being sad to leave. “I didn’t know what to expect when I came to Corpus, but I love it.” (She’s mildly obsessed with Turner’s Gardenland.)

Strachan doesn’t take her chance to be a jet pilot for granted. “A lot of women before me had the courage and personality to do things without influences, without help, without exposure. But, a key part of all the decisions I’ve made in life has been exposure to other women and their decisions and experiences. It matters that the women before me were trailblazers, that they turned around and said, 'Hey, you can do this, too.'”

Over 100 years after the first woman took flight, pilots like Boothe, Kemper, and Strachan continue the pioneering effort, reminding us how easily one moment, conversation, or person can change the trajectory of our lives for the better. So, whatever your dreams, prepare for takeoff.

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MODERN

MASTERS

High-Fashion Home Meets Next Level Hospitality

BY: KIRBY TELLO PHOTOS BY: JASON

PAGE

ust off bustling Ocean Drive, tucked into secluded Tanglewood Drive, is the stellar estate of Mary Margaret Ara, M.D., Reagan Sahadi, Esq., and their two young boys. The home exudes a stately presence, notable even upon pulling into the driveway. From such a dramatic entry, one might be inclined to think this is the type of home in which your mother tells you to remove your shoes and to refrain from touching anything in case it breaks. Except, in this household, that could not be further from reality.

While preparing to interview and photograph Dr. Ara’s home for this feature, our team was warned that getting to her home might be a little “tricky,” and that Google Maps may not serve us correctly when trying to find the location. Since a good majority of our team are digital natives, we did not heed this advice, and on the afternoon of our

scheduled meeting, one by one, each of us dialed Dr. Ara’s mobile phone asking for directions. After a ring or two, she answered the phone with the warmest hello and an endearing giggle as she guided us to her home. Each of us were unaware she had just answered two phone calls before ours, shepherding our media herd down Ocean Drive and along the tucked-away side trail leading to her home.

The house was built in 1971, prior to Hurricane Celia. The stunning angular design of the exterior is a remnant from the mid-century design aesthetic that began in the 1960s and is still heavily coveted in home styling today. With great care and attention to detail, the modernism introduced to American suburbs post-war is preserved throughout, and the home is curated to look like it comes straight from a magazine (which it now does.) All kidding aside, this beautiful structure embodies something that transcends far beyond these pages – this home, has a soul.

'Standout Piece' artwork created by local artists adorn most of the walls in the Sahadi home. This particular abstract expressionist piece was done by painter, Jerry Bass.

'Native-American Chief laid with a cold one'

“I saw this piece in New Mexico. I thought it was hilarious. Here is this dignified man, looking very serious, but he’s just there, sitting back, enjoying life.”

From all the main pieces such as tables, couches, and chairs to every little accent item, not only was the design well thought out, but every design choice comes from a place of love. As we walk through her home chatting about this lamp and that rug, Dr. Ara reveals a story behind nearly every piece we point to in awe. She gazes at the pieces in her home with a proud look and begins to tell each individual origin story.

We start in the massive foyer, where a muted abstract canvas specially commissioned for Ara adorns the main wall. Its black and gray base is accented with strokes of gold, in a precursor to the overall design inspiration for the home. On the black curio beneath the painting sits a special statue of a Native American Chief, who is laid back and has just cracked open a cold one. “I saw this piece in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on a trip my husband and I took back in early 2018," she says with a smile reminiscent of someone recalling a fond memory. "I thought it was hilarious. Here is this dignified man, looking very serious, but he’s just there, sitting back, enjoying life.” Fast forward a few months and Sahadi had orchestrated a special delivery of the piece that delighted Ara, who found the package underneath the family Christmas tree. “I don’t know how he did it,” Ara exclaims. “This thing is so big and heavy, and when I saw the unmarked box a few weeks before Christmas I thought, ‘Well that can’t be jewelry.’”

'Test of Time' Ara wanted a unique bathroom filled with colors and patterns her kids wouldn’t outgrow. She landed

on this detailed wallpaper reminiscent a bookshelf painted in watercolors.

We make our way into the formal living room, where Ara explains its inspiration was birthed when she first saw the Kerman rug accented with hints of purple, at Kaskas Oriental Rugs in Austin. As a common theme seen throughout the house, various rooms and their aesthetic began with just one item – a rug, a pillow, an art piece – and the n the rest of the décor followed after and in line with the original piece’s elements.

She fell in love with the broad color palette withiin the textile of the rug and its asymmetrical knot-on cotton foundation. The strength of the fibers makes the rug durable and abrasion-resistant, which is a welcomed added benefit when there are two young boys around. Nearly every room in Ara’s home is graced with a Kerman-style rug.

Her use of the lattice-patterned rugs adds soft contrast to the distinctive sharp lines that are characteristic of the home’s original architecture. Custom pillows – piping and all – have been commissioned to coordinate perfectly with the rugs and artwork that make up the décor in each room.

In areas where the eye isn’t immediately drawn to a Kerman, the focal point is the custom hardwood floors. In fierce commitment to dress her home with local designs, all the woodwork has been done by Cory Hooper, owner of All Custom Wood Floors, Inc. here in the Coastal Bend.

The open floor plan allows us to move seamlessly from the living room to the study where the wallto-wall built-in bookshelf houses volumes honoring Texas history, collectibles from travels, and a myriad of family photos. Even the layout of accent pieces in the bookshelf has a geometric quality that continues the sleek, very smart quality to the space.

'Honestly Abe' the most stunning and iconic piece in the home: a painting of Abraham Lincoln, made exclusively for the Sahadi family by Louisiana-based artist Ashley Longshore.

Many of the larger furniture pieces – i.e., sitting areas, the main dining table, accent tables and chairs – are from or inspired by Restoration Hardware. And while many pieces have been custom-made to compliment the major furniture selections, Dr. Ara can find design inspiration from just about anywhere.

“I start by looking online to get an idea of how I want a room to look,” says Ara. “From there, I get the big pieces and then start to piece together everything else around it.” She has gone as far as La Grange and even Round Top, Texas, to hunt down antiques at the Original Round Top Antiques Fair.

Now, I promised I wouldn’t give away all her design procurement secrets, but I will say this: Dr. Ara knows the art of design that “goes together,” which doesn’t necessarily mean everything has to “match.” I’m sure if you bump into her and are eager to know how she does it, this incredible woman may drop a few of her tips.

The most stunning and iconic piece in the home resides in the family living room, perched along the custom gold-flecked rice paper wallpaper. It is a painting of Abraham Lincoln made exclusively for the Sahadi family by Louisiana-based artist, Ashley Longshore. Fitting with the common thread of purple and gold

throughout the home, the custom Longshore uses the colors and flair that are a nod to one of the family’s most beloved getaways –New Orleans.

Walking through the Sahadi home, it is hard to find only a handful of unique showstoppers to profile here. I can barely let Dr. Ara finish answering my previous question without cutting her off by saying, “Okay, but what about this?” and pointing to the next interesting find. For example, there is a rack for pots and pans hanging in the oversized galley kitchen (which she has plans to soon renovate into an expansive open floor concept) scored from 2nd Street in New York City. One can’t help but to

'Heritage comes home' art in the formal dining room is from a Lebanese artist and was gifted to the family by Sahadi’s mother; it’s particularly special being that it's a piece of their family heritage.

stroll through the home in complete awe. With every turn comes a different stunning accent piece or article of furniture that begs your attention, luring you in to find out more.

The artwork in the formal dining room is from a Lebanese artist and was gifted to the family by Sahadi’s mother; it’s particularly special since it is a piece of their family heritage. Not to mention the floor-to-ceiling windows lining the entire exterior of the home facing the backyard area and pool. There are numerous areas like this, ones worth pointing out and dissecting. Every element in the home comes together to create this modern masterpiece, one that is certainly a breath of fresh air.

In the days of frantic Marie Kondo tidying up by ridding ourselves of items that don’t add value to our lives, I can’t find a single item within these walls that does not “spark joy.” The home itself has this sense of joy exuding from within its walls – not only making this home remarkable to look at, but bringing a level of warmth and hospitality to all who enter.

STUDIO - 3636

DESIGN SHOWROOM - 1908 STATE HIGHWAY 361 PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS 78373

DESIGN

S ALAMEDA ST # H, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78411

DESIGNERS

CHRISTY FARLEY

COURT KOESTER

JUDY BUCHANAN

KATHY RUMBAUGH

RHONDA BOSQUEZ

SUSAN CASTOR WILSON

HIT THAT RESET BUTTON!

Lloyd Stegemann, MD, FASMBS

Dr. Lloyd Stegemann completed his medical school training at the University of Texas in Houston, TX and then entered into general surgery residency training at the University of Texas in San Antonio, TX. He currently serves as the Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at Bay Area Hospital and South Texas Surgical Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX. He has been roundly praised for his clinic’s multi disciplinary approach to obesity management and his emphasis on creating an environment that promotes patient success. Dr. Stegemann is a sought after author and speaker by patients and professionals on the topic of obesity, weight loss surgery, and surgical aftercare. He has developed a post-operative program called The Prescription For Success After Weight Loss Surgery© which has helped hundreds of patient’s achieve long-term success after surgery.

Jegan Gopal, MD

Jegan Gopal, MD is the newest member of The Better Weigh Center. Dr. Gopal specializes in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. He grew up in Los Angeles, CA where he attended and graduated with Honors in Biochemistry at UCLA. Dr. Gopal is passionate about weight loss surgery, and the major positive impact it has on the general health of his patients and their quality of life. He has experience in gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery. He is candidate member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, and American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Additionally, he has presented at Obesity Week and has published in Bariatric Times. In his spare time, Dr. Gopal enjoys biking, basketball, traveling, and drawing.

Surgical Weight Loss

After weight loss surgery, resolution rates for the following medical conditions may be as high as:

When you’re surrounded by 20-something five-year-olds on a daily basis, your self-care routine is your best friend. We sat down with local teacher Esther Izaguirre, to find out all her tips and tricks to keeping both her skin and mind fresh.

of the

QUEEN COURTS

Hilary Marold’s life-long success in racquet sports

BY: LAURA SHAVER PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

hen she was four years old, Hilary Hilton Marold’s mother placed a little paddle and a tennis ball in her hands and took her to a beach club in their hometown of Santa Monica, California. Right away, onlookers noticed her impeccable eye-hand coordination. Hilary returned to those courts every weekend with her father. By age 9, she was playing competitive paddle tennis, and was beating the adults by age 12.

The success found in her youth only grew with time, and Marold, now 68, is the only athlete (female and male) to hold a record number of national titles in four racquet sports: tennis, platform tennis, paddle tennis/pop tennis, and pickleball. She has been called the “Queen of the Racquets,” and just last year, the Corpus Christi Country Club opened its first pickleball court, dedicated to her.

Pickleball – which Marold says is “so fun to play” – is quickly growing in popularity in Corpus Christi. She loves to stop by the court at the country club to visit with players and give free tips. She still plays competitively, too, having won national singles titles in her age group eight times since 2009, and she travels the world with her sponsor, Paddletek, to teach others the sport.

“When I was young, people used to think you couldn’t play more than one racquet sport because each would take away focus and

skills from the others,” says Marold. “But, I know they all help each other.” During her childhood, Marold would play competitive tennis and get back to the beach to play paddle tennis in the same day. “I had a lot of very good coaching and excellent lessons, paired with a God-given talent.”

In 1973, with her nationally recognized name, she beat former United States National and Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs in a singles paddle tennis match – before he famously played Billie Jean King in a “Battle of the Sexes” match and lost. In 1976, Billie Jean King placed Marold on the cover of her foundation’s magazine, womenSports, with the tagline, “The other woman in Bobby Riggs’ life.”

Throughout her athletic career, Marold has been featured in Sports Illustrated, People, Us, Sky, Racquet, womenSports, and PaddleWorld magazines, and she has done sports broadcasting for ABC, CBS, and NBC. In 1977, she was the only female athlete invited by CBS to compete against five world-class male racquet athletes in the World Racquets Championships, and the following year, she assisted Bud Collins and John Newcombe for NBC’s coverage of Wimbledon.

Marold’s career has taken her many places and has placed her among many esteemed athletes. In 2014, she received the “Spirit of Texas” award from the United States Tennis Association-Texas

MARCH 22-23

for sportsmanship and high level of excellence. She has been inducted into three Halls of Fame: the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame, the USA Paddle Tennis Hall of Fame, and at Marlborough School in Los Angeles, CA.

This March, Hilary and her husband, Charlie, will compete in the USTA National Husband Wife Grass Tennis Championships, which they have won a few times over the years. In April, they will celebrate 40 years of marriage. When he is on the court at the Corpus Christi Athletic Club, she is on a treadmill or walking the grounds. “I love to compete, it’s so much fun, but I also love to just stay active.”

Next on Marold’s agenda is the US Open Pickleball Championships in April in Naples, Florida. In 2018, she won the Open women’s 65 singles and women’s 65 doubles titles.

“I’ve been lucky,” says Marold of her health, athletic career, and opportunities, “and I have really enjoyed it.”

Hilary Marold’s National Titles

United States Tennis Association (USTA)

18 national balls, 7 gold balls (1980s), and Nationals 1989 Buick Mixed Doubles Tennis Championship

American Platform Tennis Association (APTA)

11 national championships (1975-1982, Hall of Fame, 1998)

United States Paddle Tennis Association (USPTA)

17 national championships (1967-1974, Hall of Fame, 2012)

(USAPA)

• Increased Sensitivity and Intensity of Orgasm

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• Dramatic and Long lasting results.

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Esther Izaguirre’s

go-to beauty products

BY: ESTHER IZAGUIRRE PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

rowing up, my mom encouraged me to start using my little cremitas to take care of my skin. As a teenager, I didn’t value the wisdom she was imparting. A decade later, as signs of aging began to emerge, I finally understood what she was talking about.

A combination of hitting my 20s, teaching five-year-olds, and daily stresses of life made me realize it was time to research and invest more time in finding what works for me. Through trial and error, I finally found products that work for my skin and keep me looking, as mami says, a “jovencita.”

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

There are not enough words to describe how much I love this product! It has a gentle formula which leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and fresh. A little goes a long way – another reason this is my all-time favorite cleanser.

Product available at Dillard’s, $10-$20

Bobbi Brown Remedies CollectionSkin Clarifier No. 75 Pore & Oil Control

This little bottle of serum is absolutely magical. Searching for something to help minimize pores and balance my complexion, I was ecstatic when I found this product. Since I began using it, my skin looks and feels brighter. I use this as my second step in my face regimen every morning and night; two to three drops do the trick.

Product available at Dillard’s, $47

Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate

This antioxidant serum infused with ginger root, sunflower oil, and tamanu oil helps my face look fresh and revitalized all day long. I use it every morning to help reduce the appearance of fatigue for energized, radiant skin. It’s the perfect effortless pick-me-up!

Products available at Dillard’s, $47 -$123

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

The perfect night companion to the Daily Reviving Concentrate, this serum contains lavender essential oil, primrose oil, and squalene. I honestly look forward to my nightly application because, aside from smelling divine, it leaves my skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated – all while working hard to replenish and enhance my skin’s recovery process while I sleep. The result is visibly smoother, more radiant skin by the time I wake up.

Product availale at Dillard's, $49-$125

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

Created as a five-in-one eye serum that firms, hydrates, smooths, visibly lifts and restores the youthful shape of eyes, this product makes it simple to take care of the delicate area around my eyes. Aside from being lightweight, it leaves my eye area feeling lifted and luminous.

Product available at Dillard’s, $48

Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment

I am 32 and, at times, still have to worry about pimples. Although it’s never fun to get a huge one on my chin or nose, I can always count on this spot treatment to zap any blemishes trying to live their best life on my face. Applying this combination of salicylic acid, frankincense, and ginger root extract overnight assures me of seeing a difference in the morning.

Product available at Dillard’s, $18

Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray

This spray treatment is the newest item I’ve added to the small collection of hair products I truly love. It has 25 benefits that help nourish, protect, and give my hair a smooth and shiny look day in and out. It can be used as a leave-in or rinse-out hair treatment.

Product available at ULTA, $24

Living Proof Full Volume Blast

My hair: I have a love/hate relationship with it. Most days it’s love, but there are moments I consider cutting it short to see how I like it. Knowing it’ll never happen, I make time to look for great products to benefit my long locks. This styling spray – wow! It adds just the right amount of volume and body where I need it, especially on those mornings I’m short on time.

Product available at ULTA, $15-$29

Clinique Moisture Surge

This moisturizer gives my skin a major boost! I have combination skin, and was worried this moisturizer would be too heavy. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the opposite effect. It always leaves my skin dewy and looking ohso-healthy.

Product available at Dillard’s, $39

CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE,

CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE, P.A.

Gabriel Lopez, M.D.

“Making Lives Better”

Rudy Garza, M.D.

Board Certified in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Are you suffering from Chronic Pain?

Dr. Lopez may be able to help.

Board Eligible in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

• Treatment options include injections that reduce or alleviate pain and/or a variety of pain relieving medications

* Treating all types of chronic pain

* Most insurances accepted

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

* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish Gabriel Lopez, M.D.

* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish

SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415

• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending on insurance.

Located bet ween Kostor yz & Weber) www.ccpainmed.com | “Se Habla Español”

• Accepting Medicare, Spohn, Humana, BCBS, Humana Gold, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, BCBS Blue Advantage, Workers Comp insurance and Christus Health Silver.

Specializing in Interventional Pain | Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine

Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology

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

The Garden of Your Dreams

and vegetables always taste better that those bought at the store! So, whether its fruits, vegetables, herbs or ornamentals, a Braselton Home is ready with plenty of gardening space in both the front and back yards. Braselton Homes include a landscaped front yard, conditioned for South Texas, and there is always room for you to add a personal touch of color and variety.

At Braselton Homes, our landscaping is always “Xeriscaping,” which is the use of specific types of grass, plants, and trees, to create a water efficient and cost effective way of maintaining your lawn and landscaping. With Xeriscaping you don’t have to choose between watering your garden or keeping the grass green in order to avoid a huge water bill. Braselton Xeriscaped yards use less water because it uses the water provided more effectively.

Braselton Homes also offer the ability to add a rain barrel to your house for collection, storage, and reuse. Plus, we can take it one step further by running a drain line directly from your air conditioners condensation line

to the rain barrel. This drain line can produce up to 100 gallons of fresh water per week, in addition to collecting the beneficial rain water from your roof.

Finally, after you have done your homework on what you want to grow, and when you have the garden ready and the seeds planted, the advantages of having a BraseltonBuilt home start to pay off. You get not only a beautiful home, built for you and personalized to your tastes, but also a low water bill, good clean water, and conditioned soil for your garden.

At Braselton Homes, our goal is to provide you not only a nice area for your garden to grow in, but also a beautiful home and neighborhood for your family to grow up in. We have 7 fully furnished model homes, spread all around the Corpus Christi Bay Area, that are open 7 days a week, for you to tour. From the $180’s to the $480’s, we have a neighborhood for you. And, it has a garden space.

For more information visit us at braseltonhomes.com

See you in the neighborhood!

– 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 The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency. And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’ s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend Green Built Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Braselton and his wife, Michelle have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the ECF Community Center, and the Food Bank.

BART BRASELTON

HOME & GARDEN

The McCauley home is filled with the perfect mixture of farmhouse, coastal, and modern designs. Living only a couple of miles from the beach, they wanted to curate a home with a beachy, yet sophisticated vibe.

the SEASIDE FARM HOUSE

Mid-90’S home merges coastal accents with farmhouse simplicity to achieve harmony

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

rom neutral colors and beach treasures to farmhouse accents, it’s impossible not to perk up the minute you enter the classic and effervescent home of Emily and Matt McCauley. Both avid beach-goers, it only made sense they’d fall in love with this gorgeous mid-’90s home on the Island. Like any eager homeowner, they had a vision, and embarked on their new project.

Emily is the owner of Green Sea Designs, a shop with custom pressed marine algae, and also runs a DIY and home décor blog called “Table and Hearth.” Her passion for coastal home décor is evident through the detailed descriptions of her projects, and the creativity behind her vision abounds not only through her blog posts, but also in her home.

Living only a couple of miles from the beach on North Padre Island, the McCauleys wanted their home décor to reflect a coastal, beachy environment. Their vision incorporated a cozy layered decorating style, brimming with a variety of patterns. The vibe feels very much at ease through the combination of pale, neutral shades with weathered textures, and it’s filled with ocean treasures, which makes it fit in well on the island.

The true character of the home shines through in the living room. The pale, neutral shades with earthy textures allow their décor to evoke the sea with the colors and feels of nature. Elements such as the wooden

pelican and heron statues purchased at the Rockport Art Festival add personality to the space. A large DIY wall display board, painted with salt wash for a coastal look, showcases three oars collected by Matt, lending a nautical touch. The formerly pickled oak kitchen received a rustic farmhouse makeover, complete with gray cabinets, shiplap walls, a shaved river rock backsplash, industrial barstools, and various DIY projects.

Those DIY elements reflect the old adage, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Emily’s penchant for turning architectural salvage items into craft projects allows her to think outside the box, and revamping or completely repurposing these bargain items keeps the look casual. A wall organizer, made from rustic shutters, helps keep the family on track, while an old door with a chipped looking paint texture keeps the kitchen’s coastal farmhouse vibe, while separating it from the laundry room.

Their two-year-old, Connor, basks in his own version of a repurposed and neutral style via his coastal nursery décor. Emily let her creative prowess flow freely in this room. A strategically designed DIY driftwood mobile, secured by a fishing line, hangs over an iron convertible crib, giving the nursery a whimsical and playful vibe. A shiplap wall in Peppercorn sets a soft color palette for the nursery furniture to stand out, and a standard closet door is replaced by a vintage farmhouse door to create visual interest and accentuate the room with more

texture. Hanging storage crates, baskets, and bins allow Emily to keep her son’s belongings organized without depriving the room of stylish charm.

The master bedroom showcases familiar coastal elements in neutral shades, along with nautical rope picture hangers, and a full-length mirror made from an old rustic door. Emily trades the pale, neutral colors in the guest bedroom for a dark grayish navy shade called “Outerspace” in what she proudly heralds as the “fun room.”

Industrial pipe shelves add storage space for a collection of signed baseballs, frames, and other personal items, while shadowboxes on the wall showcase concert memorabilia accrued over the years since they’ve been together, which adds a touch of romance and fun to the aesthetic of the room. Nautical rope hanging shelves, made by a few boards salvaged from a scrap wood pile, allow for more storage while freeing up floor space.

Driftwood, Emily’s favorite decorating staple, can be seen spread creatively around the home – the most eye-catching display is in the form of large pieces drilled together to make a decorative fireplace cover. Other beach-inspired treasures such as faux coral, algae prints, shells, and glass buoys highlight the natural beauty of coastal décor.

The combination of Emily's DIY mentality and the love they have for their coastal environment come together in the most perfect way. The home, in every sense, feels warm and inviting due to the personal touches the McCauley family has put into every room. There is a feeling of familiarity that overcomes you upon walking into the home and a wave of comfort that stays with you as you walk out the door.

DIY DRIFTWOOD MOBILE HANGS OVER AN IRON CONVERTIBLE CRIB, GIVING THE NURSERY A WHIMSICAL, COASTAL VIBE

Secrets for Getting the BEST CORN

The oldest crop in America is still the best for the backyard

BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Corn was the first major food crop of Native Americans more than a 1,000 years ago and it now remains the dominant food crop in modern America.

However, very little of the corn grown today is eaten directly by people. Most corn is used for animal feed, corn syrup, and ethanol for cars. A few ears of hybridized GMO corn wind up on the grocery store shelf If you want your own delicious, freshly-picked, non-GMO corn, you have to grow it yourself. These tips will help you get started.

First, it is important to remember that corn is self-pollinated. Each corn plant possesses both the male and female reproductive parts. The tassel, the star at the top of the corn, is the male part. The corn silk flowing out of each cob is the female part.

Wind blows pollen grains from the tassel down to the silk to pollinate the corn. When a grain of pollen touches a strand of silk, a tube forms within the silk strand down to the cob. This pollination sets a corn kernel.

There are between 700 and 1,000 potential kernels on each corn cob. You want as many of these kernels pollinated as possible to develop a full ear of corn. If you get an ear of corn with missing kernels, the cob was not fully pollinated.

To ensure maximum pollination, plant corn densely. Plant several short rows close together, or several plants in a mound, rather than long single rows. Also, plant only one variety per stand so there is no cross-pollination.

Plant your corn in well-tilled, well-drained, heavily composted soil. Sow the seeds every few inches about an inch deep, then thin the sprouts to 10” to 12” final spacing. Water well until established, but do not overwater once cobs form.

The corn ear worm can burrow beneath the husk to eat the kernels. Drop a small amount of mineral oil into the opening at the tip of the husk to eliminate them.

The corn is ripe when pinching a kernel yields milky to clear juice. The ideal way to tell is to pull back the husk and taste it—you will know!

The best overall sweet corn variety is the Silver Queen. The varieties Incredible and Peaches & Cream are also good. You can find these seeds at Moore than Feed in Rockport, probably the best seed resource in the Coastal Bend.

For field corn (less sweet, tastes “cornier”), try our favorites Oaxacan Green or Cherokee White Eagle. Order these seeds online from Baker Creek Seed Company at rareseeds.com.

PHOTO

Distinctive Landscapes Start Here...

the ANATOMY of a BED

Liven up this mundane task with these tips and tricks

BY: JOANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS

BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Whether it’s the fluffy pillows, the turned down duvet, or the dreamy blanket, every detail matters when curating the perfectly made-up bed. Rolling out of bed doesn’t always have a positive connotation; however, it can take an upbeat turn when you upgrade your routine and make it a point to make your bed each morning.

Perfect Foundation:

Mattress covers make a difference. Don’t ever think otherwise. They protect your mattress from spills and dust. Plus, they add an extra layer between the mattress and your sheets.

Speaking of Sheets:

Learning to fold a fitted sheet is another story. But, it is so important to have a tight fit from corner to corner. Maybe I should do a class on this? But, that's a thought for another day.

Layer on the flat sheet. Some blogs say these are becoming a thing of the past. But, if that's your thing, here are some tips. If your flat sheet is patterned, lay it on upside down so the pattern shows when you turn back your bed. Pro tip: always have two sets of sheets. The golden rule is one for the bed and one in the wash.

Top it Off:

Time to layer on the comforter or duvet! Choose your preference between the two and turn down the top quarter of the cover. You can include the top sheet in the fold down if you wish. Don't forget this is placed upside down so you see the pattern in the fold!

Piles of Pillows:

There are even rules for the number of pillows on your bed. A King size bed requires three Euro Pillows and a queen or double bed requires two. Decorative pillows can be added to your liking.

Now, seriously, making your bed can become a mundane chore; but, it should be routine. Make it fun and interesting by swapping out your linens for the season. Adding blankets is a good way to pop in both color and texture. Adding a bench at your foot board is an easy way to keep you from sitting on your freshly made bed. Use the bench as you would a chair or just to style interesting trays and knickknacks.

So, what are you waiting for? Go make that bed!

All pictured items available at Chic to Chic

OUT & ABOUT

ARTS & CULTURE 80 CELEBRATION 84 DATEBOOK 86 SOCIAL HOUR 88

The art community and culture in Rockport, Texas is one well known to people across the Coastal Bend. Decades of the area’s art history will now reside inside printed pages of a new book. What’s Inside

The Art Throughout the Pages

Rockport history to be bound in local book

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

ocumenting the development of an art community is an idea that frequently crosses the minds of many persons in charge of art centers, but often never actually gets to happen. Co-authors, Kay Betz and Vickie Merchant, as well as Steve Russel, whose work will be featured on the book's cover, will be showcasing this community in a neat book bind when Boats, Bays, and Birds is released.

“We have collected enough art to fill three books since Rockport has attracted thousands of artists over the years,” says Merchant. “All proceeds from sales of the book will help fund the History Center’s exhibits and educational programs. And, we believe it will continue to help attract cultural tourists and art lovers to the area to help with our economic post-Harvey recovery.”

The artists and volunteers attached to the History Center in Nueces County, Texas have plucked up the passion to research and publish a book that’s going to provide a detailed, colorful insight into the story of the blossoming art colony in our region over the years. The resultant publication will be all-encompassing, cataloguing the contributions of all the different types of hands who have played roles in the growth of the colony from its earliest stages up to date, ranging from the volunteers to the world-renowned artists who have made the region their fort across the years.

Besides Aransas County’s devoted art followers, bigger hands from Texas also took interest in this project. Charles Butt, of H-E-B, was all for the book upon hearing about it, and with the help of Regina Garcia of the H-E-B Gulf Coast Region, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions ended up donating $37,500 for the book. We can also thank the

of the H-E-B Gulf Coast Region, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions ended up donating $37,500 for the book. We can also thank the Texas Historical Foundation for donating to the book, which will make a nice addition to Texas history documentation.

An early glimpse into the contents of the book will reveal some unique aspects that will probably be of interest to readers. Unlike the typical publication that an art lover would find in a gallery, one centered exclusively on the works of artists, Boats, Bays, and Birds promises to be a documentary of the broader story of the communities in Rockport and Fulton. It will narrate the stories of the earliest settlers in the area, as well as the role that distinguished visitors to the region played in transforming a relatively isolated countryside into a popular art conclave.

Even more crucially, the account will provide a touching story of the way that the interaction of humans with the “unspoiled landscape” resulted in one of the most compelling art societies ever created in the United States – and in the midst of all this, the emergence of the History Center.

“Much like a tidal pool, the colony has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it continues because of unique, purposeful, and colorful people who have cared about art.,” says Betz.

“Each chapter is followed by representative ‘portraits’ of those who were part of each time period or theme, making their mark in the mosaic of the colony. Some are well known; others are not. One of the principal tenets of the book is that volunteers who contributed time and energy behind the scenes are as important to the overall success and sustainability of the art colony as the charismatic artist – the hobbyist painter who took lessons, volunteered and made refreshments for art openings or the former banker or socialite who raised money for initiatives and programs.”

STROKE

Risk Factors, Warning Signs, Types of Strokes, Brain Changes, and Recovery

COGNITIVE REHABILITATION AFTER BRAIN INJURY

C ognitive rehabilitation is a systematically applied set of medical and therapeutic services to improve cognitive funtction.

Specialists who manage cognitive deficits are: Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Neuropsychologist.

HOPE: A STROKE RECOVERY GUIDE

1. Helpful Information: a collection of important poststroke issues and suggestions for how to address these concerns.

2. Opportunity through self-advocacy: find out how to be an active participant in your recovery and why it is so important.

3. Preventing another stroke: life-saving information about how stroke awareness, symptom recognition, and how to decrease your chances of having another stroke.

4. Excercises and recommendations: two illustrated excercise programs to help you gain strength and range of motion.

• 800,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year, one every 40 seconds

• Stroke is the leading cause of long-term dis ability in the USA and the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer

• Of every five deaths from stroke, two occur in men and three occur in women, 25% of all strokes occur in people under the age of 65

PREVALENT COGNITIVE DEFICITS

• Impaired safety and judgment

• Reduced ability to think abstractly

• Rigid in routine

• Difficulty understanding cause and effect

• Poor task sequencing

• Diminished empathy

• Disorganized language

• Impaired social skills

• Impaired social use of language

• Poor attention

• Disctractability

• Perseveration

MAIN: 361.500.0600

ADMISSIONS: 361.500.0700

ADMISSIONS FAX: 361.500.0710

• Impulsivity

• Hypersensitivity to auditory or visual stimuli

• Poor multi-tasking

• Difficulty shifting from task to task

• Forgetfullness

• Confusion

• Slow Processing

• Poor problem solving

CELEBRATION of LOVE

Angelique and James say I do

BY: JOANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

ove has never been sweeter than when Angelique and James said "I do." Before an intimate group of family and close friends, the couple promised their lives to one another in a beautiful church ceremony.

Laughter and joy filled the air as guests were greeted for dinner and dancing that evening. Guests sat at communal tables and dinner was served. Toasts were made and the cake was cut all in the name of love and a happily ever after. The bride and groom chose a delicious tiered cheesecake in place of a traditional wedding cake and was the per-

fect ending to a savory dinner. Bold black and white stripes accented the décor with a variety of white floral and lush greens. Each of these elements came together to create a beautiful and romantic scene.

Dancing went into the night under the neon lights. The happy couple took to the dance floor and nothing could stop them from smiling ear to ear.

Guests took home a sweet treat in the form of a boxed macaron and left with the feeling of love in their hearts.

EVENT DETAILS:

Wedding Planning: JoAnne Howell, Oh Goodie Designs + Events

Venue and Catering: Ara’s Euro Fusion

Floral: Sandra Sauceda

AVINASH AND I HAVE USED CHELA AND HER TEAM ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. WE HAVE ENJOYED BOTH THE QUALITY OF THE MEALS AS WELL AS THE KNOWLEDGE THAT ALL DETAILS WERE BEING HANDLED IN A PROFESSIONAL & COMFORTING MANNER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THIS TEAM. -PEGGY AHUJA

FESTIVAL

Barefoot Mardi Gras March 2nd

Join the locals for a colorful and unique beach parade followed by a festival of food, family fun, and live music. The parade is free and the festival is $5/person. Don’t forget about the King & Queen’s Ball following the festival at 7:30. Let the good times roll!

Padre Balli Park, 15820 Park Road 22

FESTIVAL

3rd Annual Corpus Christi Brewery Festival March 3rd

This long awaited annual festival features over 14 breweries, half of which are local to the Coastal Bend. Spend the day with your local neighbors sharing beer and laughs in the beautiful sunshine. The festival is free and family friendly, and all alcoholic beverages will be served in a commemorative festival glass.

Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N. Shoreline Blvd.

EVENTS TO KNOW

COMMUNITY

Loca for Local Pop Up March 6th

There’s no better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than heading out to BUS to support the incredible women behind some of the most popular brands and businesses in the Coastal Bend. Shop from over 26 fabulous local vendors, enjoy live music, food trucks, cocktails and tons of entertainment. The event is free to enter and family-friendly.

Bar Under the Sun, 702 N. Chaparral St.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Beach Boys March 29th

The boys are back in town. The Beach Boys that is. Don’t miss your chance to witness the legendary musical stylings of the baggie wearing, Huarachi sandaled, bushy haired Beach Boys. Tickets start at $53 and are available online at Ticketmaster.

American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd

FESTIVAL

1st Annual Tequila, Taco, & Cerveza Fest! March 9th

¡Vamos Corpus Christi! The infamous Tequila, Taco, & Cerveza Fest is coming to the bend. The fiesta showcases 40+ tequila brands and flavors to taste, unique taco recipes from local food trucks, and of course cold cervezas! ¿Que mas? The festival also features mariachis, live luchadores matches, lawn games, tacos, margaritas, street vendors, and more! Tickets are available for adults ages 21+.

Downtown Corpus Christi, Chaparral St.

COMMUNITY

2nd Annual My Country BBQ CookOff & Concert March 29th

Food trucks, beer, live bands, vendors and mouth-watering BBQ. Plus over $1,000 in cash prizes and trophies for multiple categories. Concrete Street Ampitheater, 700 Concrete St.

BOOTS& BLING BALL

1. Tressa Majka, Meridith Carter & Cassie De La Chapa

2. Connie Esparza & Al Gallo

3. Lacy & Ken Harrelson

4. Tara & Kevin Mihm

5. Dr. Chad Allen, Amy Allen, Drew Becquet & Lauren Becquet

6. Michael & Catherine Clark

7. Brennan Wells & Luliia Prokhorova

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

CUISINE

A classic New Orleans atmosphere has joined the heartbeat of Downtown Corpus Christi in the form of VooDoo Niteclub. With various drink specials and an environment unlike anything in town, this might be your new Friday night hotspot.

IRISH-AMERICAN

IRISH-AMERICAN FAVORITES

THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY, EAT LIKE AN IRISH-AMERICAN AND ENGLISH KING

BY: JUSTIN & KAYLA BUTTS

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Corned beef and cabbage is an Irish-American favorite on St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s a tradition only in America, not in Ireland!

The Irish have a complicated history with corned beef. For centuries, English lords owned most of the land in Ireland. These lords fattened their cattle on the rich grasslands of their Irish estates. Irish peasants slaughtered the beeves and preserved them in barrels as corned beef to be shipped to England.

The Irish themselves, locked into generational cycles of poverty, watched English cows eat Irish grass, only to be butchered by Irish laborers for the rich landlords in England. The Irish came to resent the corned beef and cabbages grown from their land and labor for the benefit of those who kept them impoverished. The Irish migrated to America in two great waves during the potato famines of the 1800s, and quickly rose to prosperity and power in the big cities of the East Coast. Wealth and privilege gave the Irish new opportunities and new appetites. They could now afford the corned beef and cabbage that, in the old country, had been reserved for the elites. With freedom, democracy, and capitalism, the Irish could finally eat like English kings.

Corned beef is salt-cured meat. The name comes from the large grains of salt, called “corns” by the English, used to cure the meat. Brining gives corned beef its unique flavor.

Corned beef curing recipes originally called for saltpeter or a similar nitrate. These nitrates, which give the beef a characteristic red color, help prevent botulism in the canned product. However, nitrates have been linked to cancer. You can make corned beef just as well with no nitrates, which gives the meat a browish color instead of a deep red.

If you hope to celebrate with corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day, you must prepare in advance. Let your beef roast brine for a week or so prior to cooking to achieve that distinctive corned beef flavor. Use a sturdy brining bag. Place the bag of brine and roast in a pot (in case it leaks) in the fridge. Turn the bag every couple of days to redistribute the brine.

Cooking your corned beef and cabbage is a wonderfully simple one-pot preparation. Simmering the vegetables with the roast adds layers of succulent flavors. We paired this dish with a specialty brew called 1799 Stout by Lazy Beach Brewery in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Corned beef and cabbage is an Irish-American tradition, but this food is really about prosperity in a land of freedom. Here in The Bend, all of us, Irish or otherwise, are free to eat as well as any English king or queen!

RECIPES

Corned Beef & Cabbage

Serves 8 Prep time: 30 minutes

Inactive prep time: 7-10 days

Cook time: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup kosher salt, plus 2 tsp

½ cup brown sugar

3 tbsp pickling spice (see recipe), divided

2 quarts water

5 lbs brisket, trimmed

1 bunch carrots, peeled and quartered

2 lbs fingerling potatoes, halved

1 small head of cabbage, chopped

Optional: stone ground mustard

Pickling Spice

Ingredients:

1 tbsp black peppercorns (or 1 1/2 tsp ground pepper)

1 tbsp mustard seeds (or 1 1/2 tsp ground mustard)

7 dried chilis (or 1 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes)

6 bay leaves, crumbled

1 tsp coriander seeds (or ¾ ground coriander)

1/2 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)

6 allspice berries (or 1/2 tsp ground allspice)

1 oz of fresh, peeled ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

5 cardamom pods (or ¼ tsp ground cardamom)

3 whole cloves (or ¼ tsp ground cloves)

Directions:

Heat a cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add all whole ingredients to pan and toast, stirring, until fragrant, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a mortar and grind with a pestle for about 2 minutes, until coarsely ground. Alternately, if using ground spices, mix well in a small bowl.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sour cream

¼ cup prepared horseradish

Juice of 1 lemon

¾ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

Place salt, brown sugar, 2 tbsp pickling spice and water in a large pot over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Place the brisket in a brining bag or 2-gallon zip top bag and add the brine. Remove any air, seal the bag, and lay it flat inside a food-safe container. Store in the refrigerator for 7-10 days, turning the bag over every 2-3 days.

Remove from the refrigerator, drain, and rinse the brisket. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven, with just enough water to cover it and 2 tsp salt. Add remaining pickling spice (about 1 tbsp) to cooking liquid and place over high heat. Once water boils, decrease heat until simmering. Cook for 2 ½ hours. Add carrots and potatoes and cook an additional 40 minutes. Add cabbage and cook for a final 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve corned beef with vegetables and a choice of mustard or horseradish cream sauce.

WE LOVE CREATING

BEAUTIFULSMILES

Vela Dental Centers offers family, implant and cosmetic dentistry in Corpus Christi and Kingsville. Our dentists and team are committed to providing you and your family with not just excellent dental services, but excellent customer service. Visit any of our 3 dental ofﬁces for all of your general dentistry needs. Our stateof-the-art ofﬁces make use of the latest in dental technologies and techniques. Along with general dental care, our dentists provide quality cosmetic dentistry. We can also conveniently straighten your smile with ClearCorrect or 6 Month Smiles, achieving great results in as little as 6 months! Replacement of missing teeth with dental implants as well as full mouth rehabilitation will help recreate your smile! The use of digital imaging, laser dentistry, and additional advanced technologies helps us provide you the best care available.

Benjamin Vela, DDS, Henry J. Arredondo Jr., DDS, Cameron Egan, DDS and Amber Patel, DDS have happily provided dentistry in Kingsville and Corpus Christi, Texas

ANEW ORLEANS VISION

VooDoo Niteclub’s Gothic-Victorian Vibe

BY: JESSIE MONSIVAIS

PHOTOS

BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

ocal owners of Bourbon Street and VooDoo Niteclub, Amy and Lee Noack have had their eye on Downtown Corpus Christi with the intent of bringing something new and fresh.

“When we looked at this spot, we almost envisioned it immediately,” says Amy Noack. “We wanted to pay tribute to the glory days through name recognition and the feeling of old-school New Orleans.”

VooDoo Niteclub cultivates classic Gothic Victorian New Orleans design with French antique upholstery, thick crown molding, and elaborate plasterwork with opulent motifs.

“Coming into this, we had a vision, and what came out was even better than we ever dreamed of,” Amy says passionately. “Every time I walk in here at night when the sun is down, and the lights are low, and the music is going, it brings me chills. It’s so cool and different. This is nothing like Corpus has.”

The club features a 50-foot bar garnished with go-go dancers, and space to dance. The chandeliers add elegance and create ambiance with a light show to accompany bumping jams from DJ King G. Fully fit to organize a Girls’ Night or bachelor party, VooDoo Niteclub offers VIP areas set with a cocktail server, bottle service and mixers, and a sparkler presentation. “We felt Corpus needed a place to get dressed up and have a place to go out with the girls, or a place to dance – something different.”

“Every time I walk in here at night when the sun is down, and the lights are low, and the music is going, it brings me chills. It’s so cool and different. This is nothing like Corpus has.”

Much like New Orleans, it’s a place you can’t really explain unless you’ve been there. VooDoo Niteclub is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, offering drink specials all night long.

The dedication the Noack's have put into creating a new place for people to venture out to when downtown is comendable. The attention to detail within Voodoo's walls is both magnificant and submerssive. For a couple of hours, on a Friday night, you might just think you've teleported to New Orleans.

Contact:

317 N. Chaparral

Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 (361) 444-1011

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

8TE $

A shabby chic interior that features classic comfort dishes with a modern twist! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. 1220 Airline Rd. #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 casual homestyle dishes with everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts, and all with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com

THE EXCHANGE $$

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

HAMLIN FOUNTAIN & GIFTS $

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. 3801 Staples St, (361) 853-7303, hamlinfg.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

PADRE ISLAND BURGER COMPANY $$

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

SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $

Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or have a nice cold beverage. Don’t forget the homemade desserts! 15113 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0505, surfsidesandwichshoppe.com

THE BLUE CLOVE $$

Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite. 1945 Horne Rd, (361) 8552927, facebook.com/TheBlueClove

THE GLASS PAVILION $$$

CORPUS CHRISTI PADRE ISLAND

ARANSAS

BAR&GRILL

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

THE GROOVE $$

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

THE POST $$

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, along side a beer or cocktail of course! 3850 S Alameda, (361) 452-0907, thepostlamarpark.com

TOWN & COUNTRY CAFÉ $

This down-to-earth diner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 9920360, Facebook.com/town-country-cafe

ASIAN

AKA SUSHI $$

Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine is made by a masterful chef with scratch recipes that will blow your mind. 415 Water St, (361) 882-885, Facebook.com/akasushidowntowncc

SANG’S IMPERIAL CAFÉ $$

Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 808-8881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe

VIETNAM RESTAURANT $$$

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

Z COUNTER $

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and more. 51220 Airline Rd #155, (361) 991-1115, z-counter.com

BARBEQUE

HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$

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

BOATHOUSE BAR & GRILL $$

The best thing about the Boathouse Bar & Grill is that there’s something for everyone; a mouthwatering menu, full bars with HDTVs, all on waterfront patio dining. 15241 Leeward Dr, (361) 589-9601, Boathousepadreisland.com

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE $$

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

EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB $

The most beloved casual dive dining spot serving up the best in burgers, beer and live music. Make sure to stop by on Tuesday nights for $2 Pints! 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

FINS GRILL AND ICEHOUSE $$

For years they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb. Angus beef burgers and delicious chicken dishes plus a full bar. They’re also home to the “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” service for all the fisherman out there. 420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, Finsgrillandicehouse.com

STINGRAY’S TAPHOUSE AND GRILL $$

An industrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach! 401 Beach St, (361)749-2287, Stingraystaphouse.com

CAFÉ

FILLINGOOD BAKERY $

With fresh baked goods made in house, they make breakfast and lunch a delight! 3819 S Alameda St., (361) 225-4663, fillingoodbakery.com

HESTERS CAFE $

This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up invintive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, hesterscafe.com

JB’S GERMAN BAKERY $

Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, Jbsgermanbakery.com

SUGARBAKERS $

Made from scratch French and European cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The perfect spot for a simple breakfast or lunch with the family. 2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, sugarbakerscc.com

FRENCH

BLEU BISTRO $$$

True playful twists to classic French bistro dishes. The chef’s commitment to the use of fresh, local, peak-of-the-season products is evident in the quality of each dish. 500 N Water St, (361) 887-2121, Bleubistrocc.com

DRAGONFLY $$$

A 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

ITALIAN

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

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, Bellinostexas.com

BROOKLYN PIE CO $

Enjoy a slice or indulge in a whole “pie” of their delicious, family-secret pizza traditions. 15326 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-1100, Brooklynpie.com

HOUSE OF ROCK $

Top notch pizza and appetizers, cold beer, cocktails, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com

MAMMA MIA’S $$$

Warm and cozy mom and pop Italian experience will make you feel like family. Entrées are delicious Italian culture on a plate. 128 N Mesquite St, (361) 883-3773, Facebook.com/ mamma-mias

PADRE PIZZERIA $

For over 15 years, their famous Padre pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared daily. 14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com

PORT “A” PIZZERIA $$

Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 749-5226, Portapizzeria.com

TRATTORIA TADDEI $$

The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, from his home region’s traditional cuisine passed from generation to generation over many centuries. 920 Louisiana Ave, (361) 884-4400, Trattoriataddei.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

PERUVIAN

COSTA SUR WOK & CEVICHE BAR $$

This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are exciting, fresh takes on traditional dishes from South America. Perfect for ending a long beach day. 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

GLOW $$

From a renovated boathouse, they offer simply-cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce. Bright, relaxed atmosphere with white-washed ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport.com

HARRISON’S LANDING $$

Local waterfront treasure serving up the best in casual dining, relaxed happy hour, and leisure shopping experiences 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, harrisonslanding.net

LANCE'S BLACK SHEEP BISTRO $$

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

LATITUDE 28˚02’ $$$

Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists. 105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com

LISABELLA’S BISTRO $$$

Casual coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com

RED FISH WILLIES WATERFRONT GRILL $$

Enjoy a casual laid back evening of fine dining, there is something for all seafood lovers at Willie’s. With a vast menu and award-winning dishes, you won’t be disappointed. 322 Huff St., 361.758.9991, redfishwillies.com

ROCK & ROLLS SUSHI LOUNGE $$

At Rock & Rolls, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 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)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$

Extensive menu makes sure to have something for everyone. Food made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. Make sure to stop by during happy hour for drink specials. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

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

WATER STREET OYSTER BAR $$

Long-standing and beloved Corpus Christi landmark serving up oysters, sushi rolls and fresh Gulf seafood in a historic, brick building in the heart of downtown. 309 N Water St, (361) 881-9448, waterstreetmarketcc.com

YARDARM $$$

Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating. Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees. 4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157

STEAKHOUSE

KATZ 21 $$$

Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dryaged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com

NIKOS STEAKHOUSE $$

Committed to the motto “Great Food, Great Times. Great Experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will truly exceed any steak lover’s expectiations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, nikossteakhouse.com

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS $$$

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend. A multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, omnihotels.com

THAI

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$

BKK is brining a modern twist to the traditional Thai dishes. Their menu is filled with tasty items you are sure to love. 3850 S Alameda, Ste. 27, (361) 334-0857, bkkthaikitchenbar.com

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

THAI SPICE $$$

Family owned and operated for over 12 years, this restaurant is an intimate fixture providing curries, noodles & other traditional Thai dishes in a upscale relaxed atmosphere. 523 N Water St, (361) 883-8884

Championship FLAVOR

ail Huesmann, Executive Chef at the Black Marlin Bar and Grill in Port Aransas, Texas, is inspired by her community and food. “Everything inspires me; food and people’s passion for it. I love to learn about the food that people love and replicate it for them,” she says.

Gail began working in the hospitality industry in 1984, but her culinary journey started sometime around 1969 in her great-grandmother’s kitchen. Gail spent her childhood surrounded by some amazing home cooks and bakers, making delicious food that fed the body and soul.

“The fact that I formalized my culinary training years later at Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago never truly eclipsed the home training I’d had,” Huesmann says.

She spent several years as a Chef Instructor at the Le Cordon Bleu and Robert Morris University, both in Chicago. “To be a great instructor, one must be ‘spot on’ with every demo and every lecture. I still practice even the most basic kitchen skills on a daily basis.”

Huesmann started competing in the food sport back in 2013 at the World Food Championship during its second year of operation. “Wholly under-prepared for what I would experience, I jumped into the sandwich category with entries I still love but (now) would do quite differently,” she says. “Now, when I compete, I bring the best of what I’ve learned about Texas Gulf Coast food and the heart-warming traditions of comfort food.”

Gail Huesmann brings gold to Black Marlin

Since then, Huesmann has achieved a second-place finish on 2016’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” Top Ten in the World Food Championships Recipe category for breakfast foods, and most recently second place in 2018’s WFC Chef category. She also has succeeded with first place wins for the 2016 Taste of America Challenge for the state of Texas, and 2018 Taste of the Island.

For us, the great news is that her award-winning dishes from the 2016 and 2018 World Food Championship are on the menu at The Black Marlin. The top-selling item is the shrimp and grits, which starts with a creamy creole base and an exceptional cheese that is special ordered out of Utah to bring flavor into the whole dish. The shrimp are cooked in heavy cream, adding even more flavor to the plate and furnishing the most cheesy, cheesy grits with lots of flavors. “The love we put into it is a totally different style,” says Huesmann.

The shrimp and crawfish étouffée won most recently in the 2018 WFC Championship. A perfect balance of seafood, the shrimp and crawfish are prepared in a creamy creole style base. This dish has the Cajun trinity of onions, celery, and bell pepper, mixed with corn in a creamy sauce that goes on top of white rice. “That’s the dish that got me the golden ticket to the World Food Championships,” Huesmann says excitedly.

With a goal of keeping Port Aransas, and the Coastal Bend at large, on the culinary map, Huesmann is dedicated to making sure the area is a food destination for natives and visitors alike.

Contact:

258 Snapdragon

Port Aransas, TX 78373

(361) 749-4653

LOOKING BACK

A Home for the Library: The Jones Home’s Literary Legacy

For decades, the most fashionable Corpus Christians built their homes atop the bluff downtown. South Broadway was filled with elegant homes with large porches and lawns overlooking the bay. Many of these family names – Hirsch, Doddridge, Schatzell – are familiar to those who drive the streets of Corpus Christi today. Of the many homes that lined the bluff a century ago, only four have survived. One of those lost was the home of Walter Whitby Jones. He was one of the area’s richest cattlemen, and his family still operates his ranches today.

W.W. Jones was powerful in business, but also in civic and political affairs. He bought out other stockholders to become the sole owner of the Nueces Hotel in 1919. In 1937, he added four stories to his newly purchased building across the street, formerly the Sherman Building. Now the Nueces Lofts, the Jones Building is on the National Register for its architectural significance.

Built by Dan Reid, later the city’s mayor, the Jones family home was striking – certainly a mansion by Corpus Christi standards. Though it was valued at $35,000, the City paid $26,000 for the property and opened the La Retama Library there on Oct. 11, 1937. For two decades, until its demolition in 1957 to build a parking lot for the First Presbyterian Church, Corpus Christi residents walked past the fragrant magnolia tree on the lawn and into the home to check out their books.

BY: JILIAN BECQUET PHOTO COURTESY OF: CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Built in 1907, the Jones home stood at 511 South Broadway.