August 2010 - Cover

Downtown Update
Chaparral St Parking lot.

The parking lot on the Schatzell / Chaparral corner lot on the 500 block of Chaparral now has spaces available for lease to anyone who cares to apply.
Rates are currently $50pm for Downtown residents.
Application forms may be obtained at the DMD offices at 223N Chaparral St, Ste A or you may telephone 361-882-2363 for additional information.

Morgan’s Sports Bar and Grill.

Opening mid August, Morgan's Sports Bar and Grill,  located at 601 Chaparral St, on the corner of Peoples and Chaparral will have a full bar and feature DIRECTV sporting events to include NFL Sunday ticket and NFL network so football season it will be the place to be.  The grill side will have bar food, jalapeno poppers, fried green beans, nachos, etc as well as burgers, chicken sandwiches,  philly cheese steak, and hot or cold salads.  It will not open for lunch right away but hope to do so about 3 weeks after the initial opening.

New Downtown Mural.

K Space Contemporary will be unveiling a new mural at the 1st First Friday ArtWalk KickOff Party on August 6th. The mural is located in the La Retama ramp leading to the Downtown tunnel.
 Teen painting students in K Space Contemporary’s Grande Art Adventures worked on the mural, titled Aquatic Center. The workshop was led by Patrick Richards of Architectural Details and Michelle Smythe.  The ramp walls have been transformed into a scene of realistic stone framework with windows revealing underwater scenes of kids in a swimming pool.   It looks as if the kids are in an aquarium as you walk through the mural - almost like they are swimming in a water-filled storefront building.   Everything in the painting is oversized so that visitors are confronted with four-foot-tall kids’ faces peeking out of the aquarium.  K Space sends out special thanks to sponsors of the mural: Grande Communications, City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation, Corpus Christi Gas Department, Ashmore Paint and the DMD.

August at the Art Center
Ceramic art by The Clay Studio Group

The Moxie Files: Abstract Acrylic Paintings by Kim Walton
Nexus Art Collective: Stephanie Chambers, Casey Cooper, Dan Davis, Sheila Gritte, David Longnecker, Jeanine McCain, Carole Mauch, Marilyn Morgan, Virginia Taieb, Mary Terry
Before They Were Legends: photos by Jaime Zamora of rock musicians who performed at the Memorial Coliseum before they became international celebrities

August 2010 - First Friday ArtWalk

First Friday ArtWalk
By: Jennifer Cave-Rhea

Humble beginnings and Thursday nights dot the path of what once was a little known get together of a shared love for art and an idea of what the Downtown area could transform itself into.  Starting Friday August 6th at 5:30pm in La Retama Park, the First Friday ArtWalk Kick-off event begins with a joint Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the Honorable Mayor Joe Adame and Chair of the Downtown Management District, David Loeb. Immediately following the ribbon cutting The Electrotypes will take to the stage to mark a new era for both the ever expanding ArtWalk and the Downtown district that it calls home. Music, fun and festivities are open to all until the conclusion of the first ever First Friday ArtWalk with a prize drawing around 8:45 PM in the park.

For those that have never before experienced ArtWalk a little history lesson may be helpful.  What now sprawls over the Downtown area, up and down the never ending one-way streets was once limited to five venues and a budget that left a lot to be desired.   Word of mouth and the use of traditional and social media (more on that later) have helped the event reach out to existing and new businesses and expand on what each new venue could add to the experience.

Obviously the ArtWalk did not manifest itself into what it is today without the help of a few key individuals and a shared goal.  It all started in 2003 with then DMD Director Norma Urban and her assistant Heidi Hovda. It normally involved a single venue or was centered around a single City block with invitations to artists to display their works. In 2007 numerous businesses expressed interest in participating in EVERY ArtWalk and it became an event in which any Downtown business could participate. 

The ArtWalk is not just an event in which Downtown businesses bask in the rays of free advertising but they also put in a huge amount of effort in the revitalization of a once forgotten Downtown as longtime ArtWalk devotee and K Space Contemporary Director Michelle Smythe remembers, “We have participated in the ArtWalk since its inception in 2003.  We have also worked with the DMD to paint murals on the Lichtenstein Building and decorate Downtown for Christmas. K Space artists worked with students to paint the    traffic control boxes around Downtown, and K Space artists also painted the DTown tram that transports ArtWalkers from venue to venue.”  In 2009, Alan Albin joined the DMD as Special Projects Coordinator and he deserves a lot of credit for growing the event with his regular visits to venues and encouragement of even more Downtown businesses to join the Artwalk as it helps reconnect Corpus Christi residents with their Downtown. “Each business has a part to play in the revitalization of Downtown but many folks have no idea what exists here already and ArtWalk is helping to change that situation,” said Albin.  He is a great believer in Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as “traditional” Web Sites when it comes to promoting ArtWalk and with over 1,200 Facebook fans, and an ArtWalk Twitter account for instant interaction, Albin wants to use every available angle for getting the word out. “In the future we’re fixing to have some live streaming video from ArtWalk events and also have volunteers “Tweet” as they ride the tram and visit venues,”  “We are hoping to encourage local videographers, anyone from an amateur Blackberry enthusiast to professional film makers, to submit video of ArtWalk events which we will then package between "branded" start and end pieces for use in Social Media and perhaps even in TV advertising.” 

“Produce Gallery, on Peoples Street, has been very active in the ArtWalk branding process and have put a lot of work into helping us get to where we are today; embarking on the process of fixing the First Friday ArtWalk brand in the public consciousness.”

Back to the present we find ourselves at an exciting new beginning for the ArtWalk.  As “First Fridays” begin we have the comfort of knowing that ArtWalk has not only evolved for the better but now forms the base vehicle for events Downtown.  Numerous sponsors including the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, K Space, Produce Gallery and Whetstone Graphics aim to make this a memorable event while artist David L. Phillips has agreed to sponsor ArtWalk for 12 months by donating an original piece of artwork each month to the prize draw held at the evening’s conclusion.  For those who wish, the absolutely free DTown Tram is ready to transport you from venue to venue while the always entertaining HOBO fills the air with their unique “honkadelic” sounds. You can collect raffle tickets from each venue visited and participate in the ArtWalk prize draw, which ensures a chance to win the original David L. Phillips piece of art, or just enjoy the complimentary refreshments, unique entertainment and numerous discounts offered at many ArtWalk venues.

The evolution from a five venue, low-budget operation to the current 43 venues and perhaps a slightly increased budget exhibits the real idea of what our Downtown can become.  The effort of a few individuals, numerous businesses and sponsors, showcases the investment, dedication and resources that have been channeled back into Downtown to revive this area that was once written off by so many.  As a passionate proponent of ArtWalk I encourage all residents and visitors to take part in this “First Friday” ArtWalk experience and enjoy the businesses of Downtown in an atmosphere like no other.

August 2010 - August ArtWalk

ArtWalk Moves to First Friday!
By Michelle Smythe

Friday, August 6th marks a momentous event for Downtown.  The ever-popular ArtWalk is moving to a much easier-to-remember time – the First Friday of every month.

The August ArtWalk is the biggest ever. Forty-three businesses throughout downtown are now participating in the event.  As always, Downtown businesses will feature art, music, refreshments, specials and discounts.

To celebrate the 1st First Friday, the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District is hosting a kick-off party in La Retama Park.  La Retama Park is located at the triangle between Mesquite, Peoples and Schatzel Streets. 

The party begins at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 pm with Mayor Joe Adame.  The Electrotypes will play live music of the 80’s, 90’s and today.  The party will also feature a mini art festival and the unveiling of a new mural called “Aquatic Center”.  The tram will be standing by with Hobo aboard to entertain you as you ride to other venues. 

Nearby, the House of Rock will feature live music by Neal Edwards and works of art by the Coastal Bend Artists, Troy Maddox, and Vincent Alvarado.

At K Space Contemporary, don’t miss OPP: Other People’s Projections, a video installation showcasing video works from Rockport artist, John Aåsp, Corpus Christi native John Medina and others. OPP: Other People’s Projections explores ideas of identity through self-reflexivity, pop culture and humor. K Space Contemporary is also hosting a special one-night exhibition of works by area youth created in Grande Art Adventures summer workshops at K Space and the Go Red Youth Art Contest. 

New businesses on the south end of Downtown (next to Tango Tea Room) are joining ArtWalk.  lJupiter Lotus Art Gallery, STUDIO 111 and Rize Efeks, are anxious to greet new customers.  Be sure to visit Monica at Infinite Surprises, a new shop specializing in custom purses, belts, dresses, curtains and decorations.

Cassidy’s Pub will feature De La Paloma, a shop whose goal is “to bring beautiful, hand crafted items straight from the artisans hands to you.” De la Paloma has a large selection of crosses, jewelry, and original artwork from artists throughout South Texas and Mexico.  De La Paloma has something for everyone.

The Art Center is featuring contemporary artist and educator, Kimberly Walton.  In her exhibition entitled “The Moxie Files,”  Kimberly Walton will showcase a recent series of abstract acrylic paintings.  Desiree’s at the Art Center will be showing works by the Treehouse Art Collective.

ArtWalk venues at Water Street Market include: Betty’s Trash to Treasures, Eclectique, GiGi’s Intimate Apparel, The Gold Bug, Shop & Music, Surf Club Records, Texas Surf Museum, Whetstone Graphics, and Wow! The Smallest Gallery in Texas at Betty’s. Other venues include: Axis Tattoo, Business Interiors of Texas, Chic to Chic Furniture, Nueces Lofts, Produce Gallery, the Yachting Center and SegCity Corpus Christi where folks can take a tour of the bayfront on a segway.  And there are many other venues!

ArtWalk will wrap up at 8:45 pm in La Retama Park with drawings for door prizes and a drawing for the grand prize – an original work of art.  Local artist David Phillips has donated a work of art to be given away in the drawing at the end of the night.  To win, ArtWalkers may collect tickets at various venues, then drop them in the drum at La Retama Park.

Artwalk information and maps are available at any participating location. Traveling between venues is easy; walk or catch the DTown tram, which provides free transportation to five stops throughout Downtown.  Free parking is available and all venues are near favorite Corpus Christi eateries. Admission is FREE.

ArtWalk is a great opportunity to check out what’s happening Downtown and see the exceptional talent of our local artists, musicians and performers.  For a complete list of events and venues visit www.artwalkcc.com or join us on Facebook at  . www.facebook.com/artwalkcc.  We will also be experimenting with Twitter on August 6th so follow us @artwalkcc and feel free to contribute by “Tweeting ArtWalk using the hashtag #artwalkcc.

ArtWalk is presented by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District and K Space Contemporary.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of or a participant in the ArtWalk, or have any art related business, suggestions or ideas in regard to the Art Walk, contact Alan Albin, Downtown Management District (alanalbin@dtowncc.com, 882-2363) or Michelle Smythe with K Space Contemporary (info@kspacecontemporary.org, 887-6834).

August 2010 - SegCity Corpus

SegCity Segway Tours and Sales
by Peggy Heuston

Tim and Peggy Heuston lived in South Dakota for many years where Tim had been in the John Deere business for 29 years and Peggy worked as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. After constructing 21 ground floor townhouses/apartments in Pierre, S.D., they looked for and found a good manager and were then able to pursue their long time dream of moving to a warmer climate and living by the ocean. Peg and Tim purchased a home on the island but it wasn't long before retirement lost its initial delight for them and they began a quest to look for a business to own and operate in the beautiful sparkling City by the Sea that they now call home.

Trying to think of something to do for a living in Corpus Christi they consulted their network of friends and found that some had taken Segway Tours in Sonoma wine country and had a blast. So Peggy dragged Tim to Galveston to try Segways for themselves at Segcity. They had so much fun and met the nicest people with Segcity that they instantly looked in to starting their own touring company under Segcity’s franchise.  Segcity Corpus started as a glimmer in Tim and Peggy’s eyes as they realized they had found a business that is extremely fun and entertaining for people combined with the ability for them to work on  the beautiful bay front and seawall of Downtown Corpus Christi.
Segcity has been successfully promoting guided tours and selling Segways for several years in San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Galveston.  Their knowledge and encouragement was very helpful and they welcomed the Heustons to promote this cool little machine to more people.  Many people love to own their own Segway, and the Heustons can help realize that dream, but many more just want to build it in to their vacation or weekend by going on a guided tour and that is exactly what SegCity Corpus Christi is here to promote.

They had found the right business, the right people to help them get started and become an authorized Segway Tour Company, and they were off and running. Most coastal cities or cities that have something to show off already have Segway Tour companies.  Corpus did not but it does have the most awesome seawall, bay, and beaches with many sights to see such as “Voyage” a self-guided walking tour of the scale model solar system, "Orion's Belt" by Robert Perless , the Water Garden, the new Bayfront Water park, the Ship Canal, the Lexington, The Columbus Ships, the T-Heads and L-Head, Heritage Park, the Museums and much more.  The planets’ distances from each other are clearly comprehended when you are able to experience it on a Segway.  There are so many things that can be pointed out on the Segway tours that even locals are amazed at some of the information provided.  Tim has researched the history of the bay and has many interesting tidbits and facts to impart.  It is a wonderful treat for a family and there are plans to start an evening tour that will be spectacularly beautiful. 

A very important thing that people need to know is that they cannot rent out unaccompanied Segways and there are some good reasons for this policy.  The Company offers guided tours.  This is primarily because, although Segway riding is very safe, most people do not have a good understanding of the sophistication of this type of personal transporter.  Legally, they can go anywhere a person can walk. There are five gyroscopes in each Segway which makes it self balancing.  There is a computer on board that detects your body movements one hundred times a second.  You have to know about the machine to ride it and each rider is given a ten minute lesson before their tour starts.  If the machine were to get wet it could be damaged although it can handle a mild rainy day.  Segways do not like big bumps and need level sidewalks with handicapped corners on the street to navigate safely.  There are Segways with big tires that can be used on sandy beaches but they use more power and drain their batteries much quicker.  The sand is not near as much fun as seeing the sights on a Segway as it effortlessly speeds along the sidewalk at up to 12 miles an hour.  They are very economical as they are completely rechargeable and do not use gasoline. 

So the bottom line is to go on a guided tour and have the most clean, green family fun you have had in a long time together.  Seriously, people have a blast on these tours, they spend the whole time with a big happy smiles on their faces and say it made their vacation.  Older people often think they will not be able to ride but they soon find that, once you get comfortable with “the controls” , they really can – and it beats walking miles in the heat and humidity!  It isn’t hard to learn.  Younger people catch on quickly but they have to be able to see over the handlebars so they can’t be too young.  The recommended minimum age to participate in a Segway authorised tour is 14 years.   Athletic ability is not important, learning what the machine can do is the key.  Your spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, everyone remembers their first Segway Tour and who they were with at the time.  It is memorable and fun and really  not as expensive as you might think.  There are group rates if you bring in more than four people for a tour.  If money is tight, you can take a shorter tour.  Most people have so much fun, they want to be on the Segway for at least an hour anyway and 1.5 and 2 hour tours are also available.  Call some friends, ask that special person out for a date or take the family on a tour they will never forget.  Right now we are open 7 days a week and no tour is too big or too small as we can make it happen to fit your needs.  We are located centrally, close to the Downtown hotels and  the seawall at 403 N. Shoreline Drive.  
Call or check the web site to make a reservation or check current prices and offers:
361-562-4050
SegCity Corpus

This QR code will take you straight to the website:

SegCity Corpus Christi also has a Facebook page and you are welcome to post pictures and comments from your tour at SegCity Corpus on Facebook

See also the article by Fanny Chirinos from the Caller Times on Friday July 16th:
Caller Times article

August 2010 - Thai Spice

Downtown Thai Experience
By: Jennifer Cave-Rhea, Photographs by Steven Rhea

The Thai Spice Restaurant has graced the Downtown area for almost 5 years after a move that would literally give Water Street a new and exciting flavor after husband and wife business owners Paul and Pennee Chanyaman chose to move the restaurant from “Restaurant Row” on South Padre Island Drive to Downtown Corpus Christi. “I like the relaxed atmosphere Downtown compared to S.P.I.D. There is more progress Downtown than there is on S.P.I.D. plus, there was no Thai restaurant Downtown”, said Chef Pennee.

After three years at the S.P.I.D. location the owners felt a move to find a less crowded and more progressive Downtown location would be an improvement.  Their hunch was right as business has grown tremendously since the relocation. To show their appreciation to patrons and the Downtown area they recently invested almost $200,000 into renovating their restaurant, “I want the restaurant to be elegant looking”, said Pennee.

Not only has Chef Pennee demonstrated her passion for the restaurant with artful décor and attention to even the smallest of details, but also as she hand picks the food and wine list. “I use only the very best quality of ingredients.” “My wines are also selected carefully”, says Pennee. She cooks using the freshest of ingredients; her dishes contain no MSG and only use Angus beef. Thai Spice is also one of the very few places in Corpus Christi that offers 100% vegan dishes. “If you come here and order vegan I will cook it separately. I am very respectful of your belief”, said Pennee.

While it may not look like a small mom and pop restaurant that’s exactly what Thai Spice is.  Paul and Chef Pennee put in long hours, seven days a week to serve patrons “You have to put your heart, soul, life into a business”, said Paul.  When asked why they decided to open a restaurant, he laughed and said “Pennee loves to cook and she has cooked for me for thirty years”.

As it is with other Downtown businesses, Paul and Pennee have invested time and money into the area with hopes that the City of Corpus Christi returns the favor by encouraging growth and development in the area.  Presently, patrons mostly consist of locals with a spattering of tourists and a loyal group of business professionals who enjoy the daily lunch specials. “I hope the City promotes [Downtown] and is more progressive. We need more tourists,” said Pennee.

Thai Spice is located at 523 North Water Street. They offer lunch specials and traditional Thai dinners with a selection of beer and wine and Wi-Fi is available. Stop by for lunch or dinner and visit with owners Paul and Pennee.   By the end of the meal, they will make you feel like part of the family.

Check out their web site at Thai Spice Restaurant
Or give them a call on (361) 883-8884


Thai Spice Restaurant Review
By Jennifer Cave-Rhea

Having no prior knowledge of Thai cuisine prior to visiting with Paul and Pennee in the course of writing this article I was determined to try it out for myself; the following article is my impression of Thai cuisine and especially Thai Spice in Downtown Corpus Christi – enjoy, I did:

As I walked out of the mid-day heat and through the front doors of Thai Spice I was overcome by the cool and serene atmosphere within. Instantly I was met by husband and wife owners Paul and Chef Pennee Chanyaman along with a cold glass of hibiscus tea and promises of a delicious lunch to follow.  The hibiscus tea could only foretell of what was to become an eye opening and palate pleasing experience as this was my first time with Thai food of any kind. 

I have driven by this building on the corner of Peoples and Water Street numerous times and yet have never stopped in to eat. Perhaps worried about the menu or the fact that I had no idea if I would even like Thai dishes; this was looking to be a thrilling experience for me.  The menu was very easy to understand and the choices were enticing but I deferred to Pennee (she is the Chef) to order for me. Her choice: the Crystal Noodle, a zero-carb chicken and beef entrée along with a red curry dish served with beef, chicken and vegetables.  As if this were not enough she added a side of rice and paratha flat bread (think Thai tortilla)

As Chef Pennee was busy in the kitchen I had a moment to really focus on my surroundings and the interior decadence of the restaurant. All linens were straight and tightly folded, all tables and chairs were in their proper place and beautiful floral arrangements framed the entrance.  Large pieces of artwork hung from the walls and depicted the history of the world along with Thailand’s monarchy.  With a quick glance it’s easily seen that every inch of the establishment is treated with the utmost attention to detail.

Further inspection of the menu found numerous choices for moderately priced daily lunch specials all including soup or salad, fresh fruit, rolls and steamed rice. The dinner menu offers signature entrees and traditional dishes served with salad and brown rice.  All dishes are prepared with the finest available ingredients and are accompanied by numerous beverage choices.

The beautiful presentation of the entrée and side dishes made my mouth water before I had even taken a bite.  As I was a Thai food newcomer, Chef Pennee and Paul gave me a crash course in how to properly eat Thai food.  From the first bite of paratha and curry to the last piece of chicken in the Crystal Noodle entrée I was delighted.  While spicy, the dish was not hot as I had expected and was full of flavor. A perfect balance of spicy red curry and the sweet flavored crystal noodle with its steamed broccoli with watermelon on the side made for an absolutely perfect first experience.

I must say that after today’s visit I may have found my new food obsession! I look forward to my next visit to Thai Spice and hope that you consider bringing your family and friends to experience an enjoyable lunch or dinner any day of the week as the restaurant is open 7 days from 11am to 11pm. Thai Spice strives to create an atmosphere that caters to both casual and intimate dining while serving traditional Thai food that has truly made a fan out of me.