Discover 361 Summer 22

OYSTERS then I realized pretty early on that
CHIPO everybody liked my bread better
than mom's bread because I put
INGREDIENTS: Using half of the spinach/onion/ more white flour in it,” he said,
bacon mixture in the fry pan, spoon laughing.
24 large fresh oysters into individual oven-safe oval Au
3 strips of bacon Gratin dishes. Sprinkle a layer of “I realized that I could please
Large onion Panko crumbs over the mixture. people by feeding them,” Chip
18 oz. of fresh spinach said. He explained his family was
Panko breadcrumbs Place 3 to 4 large Texas oysters very religious and they “turned
Mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz.) over the crumbs, then sprinkle with vegetarian – vegan actually – by
Non-smoked paprika Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle more the time I was 6. … They went
Chiltepin pepper seeds Panko crumbs and another final way crazy about the whole thing.”
Kosher salt layer of the spinach mixture. By the time he was 7, he was
roasting fish or trapping small
DIRECTIONS: Cover each serving with game and cooking it over a fire
mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with where his parents couldn’t see
Cut 3 strips of bacon into non-smoked paprika. him.
fine slices. Finely chop ½ large
onion. Sauté the bacon and onion Place the dishes on a baking pan “I didn’t subscribe to all of
together. Add a few Chiltepin and place in the oven to broil for their ways of doing things.”
pepper seeds if available. about 10 minutes (until bubbly but
not burnt). At age 13, he left home “and
Chop 18 oz. of fresh spinach and never looked back.”
add to the bacon and onion with a Serve while hot.
bit of Kosher salt. Stir and set aside Serves 8 Chip met his wife, Mary Jane,
to keep warm using residual heat. on May 18, 1969. They married
exactly five years later.

“I never had an oyster ’till I met
Mary.”

Mary Jane revived his interest
in cooking. He said when he was
with Mary Jane, he had the same
feeling as when he was a kid –
that he could please people with
his food.

“I found if I served her some
goodies, it garnered me some
favors. Did I say that correctly?”
he said with a laugh.

He said his ideas, techniques
and creativity with food were
the result of “practice, practice,
practice.”

“Just play with your food.”
Chip especially enjoys cooking
using an open fire or wood-
burning oven.
“I still cook on my own
fireplace four or five nights a
week.”
On this particular Sunday
afternoon, Chip, with the help
of his friend, Scott McHaney,
demonstrated several specialties
using fresh Texas coastal seafood.
Scott is a chef, caterer and
businessman well known for his
cooking talents, as well.
Working in Scott’s well-
equipped kitchen and using his
large wood-burning backyard
oven, the two worked in tandem,

| CONT. ON PG. 52

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 51

| CONT. FROM PG. 51 Chip’s Ceviche, Chip’s Chile Relleño joke to him.
with Chip directing. It was like and “Oysters Chipo” take time, Chip insists that everything be
watching two dancers, they seemed especially if being prepared together.
so in tune. Several hours, in fact. fresh, as in right-off-the-boat fresh. For
the shrimp in his stuffing for the Chile
Watching Chip work in the kitchen, When cooking, Chip works with his Relleño, he went to Port Lavaca’s Big
it quickly becomes apparent he hands, literally. Even when moving the Bear Seafood Co. The red snapper
doesn’t follow any type of book or poblano chiles in the outdoor oven came right off a friend’s fishing
written recipes, although he said he he used his hands rather than tongs. expedition. It is the freshness of the
has written many in a journal over the He removes the seeds from them by ingredients that makes the biggest
years. It was Scott who helped gauge hand, rather than a spoon. difference, he said.
the amounts of various ingredients as
they worked through the three dishes It is obvious he enjoys the textures, He also said everything he cooks
that would be presented that evening. flavors, aromas and tactile sensations can be “played with” in terms of
of handling the food, making clear altering ingredients and amounts
“playing with my food” is not simply a according to a person’s tastes.

CHILE RELLENO

W/SHRIMP STUFFING

INGREDIENTS: When cool, remove the outer Using a round bottomed
skin carefully, then slice open from “Scotch” bowl or wok, lightly coat
8 large poblano chiles bottom (leaving the top of the chile with extra virgin olive oil and use
1 medium sweet onion intact, including stem) and remove a fairly high heat (but not high
8 oz. small portobello mushrooms the seeds. Set aside on a tray. enough to burn the oil).
1¼ cups of uncooked Texmati
rice (to make 2½ cups of cooked Finely chop the sweet onion, Pick up each stuffed chile
rice) shrimp and the mushrooms. individually, place the egg mixture
6 oz. golden raisins on top and gently slide it into the
Tequila (enough to soak the Over a medium heat in a large pan then coat the balance of the
raisins) fry pan sauté the finely chopped chile with the egg mixture until fully
1½ pounds of fresh Texas Gulf medium sweet onion, shrimp coated. Fry until crisp and golden.
wild shrimp (NEVER FROZEN) and chopped small portobello Use a paddle utensil to remove the
1-2 Tbls of dry white wine mushrooms in butter. chiles from the pan.
6 eggs
1 to 2 oz. of Parmesan cheese Add the cooked rice to the It is best to cook the chiles only
4 oz of mozzarella cheese onions, shrimp and mushrooms, one or two at a time in the pan
4 oz of Oaxaca cheese stirring thoroughly. to prevent them from sticking
4 oz of mild cheddar cheese together.
White flour (about ½ cup) Add the golden raisins and stir
Extra virgin olive oil until completely mixed. Remove Remove from heat and serve
from the heat and stir in all the with a sour cream-based dip of your
DIRECTIONS: cheeses. choice.

Place golden raisins in a small Take each opened poblano chile Serves 8
bowl and cover with tequila to soak and stuff with the rice mixture,
for about an hour. rolling the chile in your hands to
maintain its shape. Place each
While the raisins are soaking, stuffed chile face down on a floured
cook the Texmati white rice (you will pan and sprinkle with additional
need about 2½ cups cooked rice). flour until they are fully, but lightly,
coated.
Using an open flame such as
an outdoor fire, flame from a gas Separate the six eggs and beat
stove, or broiler, cook 8 large the egg whites in a cold bowl until
poblano chilis on a broiling pan they form peaks and beat the
(if using oven) or grill. Turning egg yolks until fluffy for about 2
frequently, cook the chilis until minutes. Gently fold the egg yolk
thoroughly wrinkled, but not mixture into the egg whites.
burned. Let cool.

52 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

As Chip and Scott worked

CHIP’S CEVICHE together, one thing was also
clear about these particular
recipes. Finely chopping many

of the ingredients is the key to

a successful dish, especially the

ceviche.

While sipping wine as they

worked, Chip and Scott expertly

diced and chopped onions,

tomatoes, chiles, cilantro,

mushrooms and seafood. Using

good tools is important to the

process, and timing is everything.

Some parts of the recipes must

rest and soak while other elements

are being prepared. Of course,

tasting every dish, at each stage of

development, is vital. This includes

INGREDIENTS: thoroughly and pack down. Cover checking out the tequila before
with Saran wrap and set aside in the soaking the golden raisins in it.
1 pound of Texas coastal fresh refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
red snapper Chip prides himself on cooking
2 large Serrano chile peppers exactly the correct amount for each
4-6 limes
Kosher salt Peel four avocados then slice serving.
4 Roma tomatoes lengthwise in half. Remove the When dinner was served, “oohs
1 small, sweet onion (Vidalia, pits. Place each avocado half on a
Walla Walla, Texas Spring Sweet) Romaine lettuce leaf, fill with the and ahhs” and “this is fantastic”
½ bunch cilantro mixture. filled the dining room. There was
4 avocados not a crumb left when the table was
Serves 8 cleared. Everything was perfect. Of
course.

8 leaves of Romaine lettuce A Superb Experience Awaits

DIRECTIONS:
Squeeze the juice of 4-6 limes
and put aside in a small bowl. Live Music Every Friday & Saturday Night

Chop the fresh red snapper very
fine and place in a large ceramic
bowl. Cover the snapper with ¾ of
the lime juice and set aside.

Slice the Serrano chile peppers in
half, remove the seeds, then chop
very fine and add to the snapper.
Let rest for about 10 to 15 minutes
while you prepare the rest of the
vegetables.

Slice 4 Roma tomatoes in half,
remove the insides so they are clear
of seeds and juice. Then finely chop
the tomatoes. Finely chop the small,
sweet onion. Rinse cilantro and
chop using both stems and leaves.

Remove the mixture from the Thursday-Saturday 11AM-10PM | Sunday 11AM-6PM
refrigerator and add a three-finger (361) 412-7677 |111 Ripple Rd Victoria, Tx 77905
pinch of Kosher salt and additional
lime juice if needed. Stir.

Add the onion, tomato, and
cilantro to the mixture. Mix

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 53

WAbaHoteveaedr

STORY BY AMBER BAGWELL | SPECIAL TO DISCOVER 361
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUY VU | [email protected]

Craig Griffin, owner of Charlotte Plummer's in Rockport

Charlotte Plummer’s SeaFare
Restaurant stays afloat with
a little creative thinking

Business as usual has taken on an which, in addition to the restaurant, Outside of the Charlotte
entirely new meaning in almost includes The Inn at Fulton Harbor and Plummer's SeaFare Restaurant.
every industry since COVID-19 T.G.'s Beachware & Gifts right across
started wreaking havoc with illnesses, the street.
deaths, and economic devastation—
including restaurants, especially Griffin purchased the restaurant in
locally. 1995 and, after undergoing a massive
renovation and expansion, opened in
According to the National April of that year.
Restaurant Association, about 90,000
restaurants have temporarily or “We have had a trifecta of disasters
permanently closed since the start of since Harvey hit in 2017. I remember
the coronavirus pandemic. being at the border of Kentucky and
Tennessee on a Monday watching
For Craig Griffin, 69, owner the solar eclipse peak and then
of, Charlotte Plummer’s SeaFare hunkering down in the hotel in the eye
Restaurant in Rockport, the of Hurricane Harvey that same Friday
uncertainty of the last two years has
weighed heavily on his businesses, | CONT. ON PG. 56

54 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Medium fried shrimp with fries.

Capt. Tommy’s Crab Tower.

Borrowing Money
Doesn’t Have to be Hard

At First Community Bank, we get it, which is why we make the
process as easy as possible, including all approvals being made
locally. Stop by and see Monica if you are looking for a commercial
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you through the process step-by-step.

For friendly, award-winning service, trust First Community Bank.

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Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 55

| CONT. FROM PG. 54 Jay Johnson and his wife A’lisa Johnson few decades. Charlotte Plummer’s is
with a friend after we boarded up enjoy lunch. family,” Lattiere said.
everything we could,” said Griffin. summer of 2020, with Wednesday the
only day off for many of us, no salad “We just celebrated 27 years and
Despite their best efforts, all 45 bar, wearing a mask the whole time.” I can’t say it has been easy, but I can
rooms at the hotel were destroyed. Lattiere, along with other work staff say it has been worth it,” said Griffin
It was shuttered for four months and a solid lineup of loyal patrons, still ruefully. “It has been challenging,
while being rebuilt. The store and kept trucking along. but we all need that in life. Knowing
the restaurant sustained damage “We’ve been going to Charlotte’s what I know now, I would still make
and closed as well, but were up and since 1999 and we always have a great that purchase in 1995 that led me to
running more quickly after repairs time. The food and service is great today.”
were made. and the oysters are the best,” said
longtime patron, Martha Cabrera, of Griffin moved to the area when he
“Then we had the deep freeze of San Antonio, who was dining with pal was in eighth grade and finished high
2021 and we are still knee deep in the Frankie Jones. “Going to Charlotte’s school before moving to Texas A&M
pandemic,” continued Griffin. “We is a must whenever we are here so we Universtiy for his bachelor’s degree.
are fortunate to be open and it is only are glad to see the doors still open.” He finished with his master’s degree at
due to some quick thinking that kept In this year’s State of the Restaurant the University of Texas.
us afloat. We rented a 60x60 feet tent, Industry report, more than half of
set up picnic tables, and moved the restaurant operators said it would Though he is a restaurateur now,
restaurant outside. We left the front be a year or more before business Griffin’s career has been in oil as a
dining area open for those that were conditions return to normal. Food, geophysical explorer and, prior to
handicapped.” labor, and occupancy costs are that, he worked at The University of
expected to remain elevated, and Texas Marine Science Institute as a
The restaurant and store closed continue to impact restaurant profit Marine Resource Developer.
for about six weeks, but used the tent margins in 2022. Ninety-six percent of
remedy for six to nine months. The operators experienced supply delays “I’m a hybrid,” joked Griffin.
hotel closed for about 30 days. or shortages of key food or beverage Though Charlotte Plummer’s,
items in 2021 and these challenges which originally opened in the mid-
“When the announcement was will likely continue in 2022. 70’s, wasn’t open when he lived here,
made that we were going to be “Labor is a serious issue and I have his father had retired in the area so
re-opening, we were told we would a feeling it will be for a while,” said he had eaten at the restaurant many
be closed on Wednesday and doing Griffin. “We need workers. We need times.
outdoor dining only. Working in the help. Spread the word.” “I bought the place because of the
tent was hard and hot, but it worked,” “I have seen several hundred fried shrimp. Best in the world then,
server Nicole Lattiere, 36, who has people go in and out at Charlotte's, and it’s the best in the world now.
worked at Charlotte Plummer’s since but the thing that keeps me here Between the fried shrimp, the crab
1998, said about working outdoors. is the ones that are consistent. This tower, the pepper crusted tuna, and
“Luckily, some time later, we were restaurant is nothing like a chain everything else on the menu, it is a
back inside and a little bit of normalcy restaurant and almost everyone that win/win,” added Griffin. “Park your
returned. We made it through the works here has been here for three car here, and you don’t have to leave.
years or more. Many of them are You have the Inn and store across the
IF YOU GO around the 10 year mark, and some a street, the restaurant, the pier to fish
from—and we will even cook your
CHARLOTTE catch for you.”
PLUMMER'S
SEAFARE
RESTAURANT

Where: 202 N. Fulton
Beach Road, Rockport

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.,
Sunday-Tuesday and
Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday; closed
Wednesday.

56 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Pepper crusted tuna steak.

IT’S A chicken fried steak

The bar inside of Charlotte Plummer's. TEXAS
thing!

cobb salad

Server Nicole Lattiere puts up glassware 234 E Main St | Port Lavaca
inside of Charlotte Plummer's.
361-553-5555

View our Menu online!

TXTraditions.com

Follow us on Facebook

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 57

DAY TRIP

2 4 H O U R S IN ROCKPORT Bruce Koach’s installation “Thank You Ellwood City” is part of the “Thoughtfully Handcrafted”
exhibit at the Rockport Center for the Arts. It was constructed from maple, steel and brass.

Sun, surf, arts and food
await visitors to Rockport

STORY BY MARK ROSENBERG | SPECIAL TO DISCOVER 361
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIT MACAVOY | [email protected]

Rockport is located just an hour from town’s beloved beach, Rockport boasts a
Victoria, but by the time you’ve crested boatload of outdoor adventures. Those
the causeway across Copano Bay seeking to escape the sun, meanwhile,
and reached the beaches, fishing boats, can enjoy museums and art galleries as
and pastel-colored storefronts that fill this well as bayside restaurants serving up
coastal town, you’ll feel much farther away freshly caught seafood. Altogether, these
than that. attractions help explain why Rockport has
been named one of the five best coastal
Whether it’s casting a line off Fulton small towns in America by USA Today a
Fishing Pier, peering through binoculars to half-dozen times.
spot one of the 400-odd species of birds
that visit this part of the Gulf Coast, or “We’re on a peninsula and so we have
simply napping under the palapas at the Aransas Bay to the east and we have

58 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Copano Bay to the west,” said Sandy The white chocolate bread pudding caps off the
Jumper, vice president of marketing meal at the Old Fulton Seafood Cafe & Deli.
and promotion at the Rockport-Fulton
Chamber of Commerce. “If you’re a The red drum, served with lemon and butter, green beans and rice,
water lover, then that’s your draw.” steals the show at the Old Fulton Seafood Cafe & Deli.

Hurricane Harvey ravaged Rockport The Reuben at the Old Fulton Seafood Cafe & Deli
when it made landfall in August represents the deli side of the restaurant.
2017, leaving homes and businesses
destroyed. But the town has made Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 59
an impressive comeback. Case in
point: the newly rebuilt Fulton Fishing
Pier, which reopened in the summer
of 2021, was filled one evening this
spring with tourists and locals hauling
in catfish and black drum.

“Having the hurricane was
devastating for all of us — I personally
lost my home — but we rebuilt and
we can keep rebuilding,” Jumper
said. “We’ve had new businesses,
new growth. We’re just focusing on
what we have: a new coat of paint on
the town.”

What follows is a 24-hour itinerary
that provides a taste of all that
Rockport has to offer.

10 A.M.: GOOSE ISLAND
STATE PARK

If you’re heading south on SH 35,
hang a left at the 7-Eleven just before
the causeway and head for the coast.
You’ll wind up at Goose Island State
Park, which provides a gateway to the
wildlife of Aransas Bay. The park sits
just south of the renowned Aransas
National Wildlife Refuge and offers
opportunities for birding, fishing and
sightseeing along its marshes and
tidal flats.

Along with its more than 120
campsites and 1,620-foot fishing pier,
one of the park’s main attractions is
the “Big Tree,” an enormous live oak
that is more than 1,000 years old. Pro
tip: if you come during the winter
migration season, the private ranch
just east of the tree along Lamar
Beach Load is a prime location to spot
a pair of whooping cranes from the
road.

NOON: LUNCH AT OLD
FULTON SEAFOOD CAFE
& DELI

Once you’ve gotten your fill of
flora and fauna, head across the
causeway and toward downtown
Rockport. Before you reach town, stop
for lunch at the Old Fulton Seafood

| CONT. ON PG. 60

The bed in the king suite at
the Lighthouse Inn.

The king suite at the Lighthouse Inn. Rooms at the Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay
| CONT. FROM PG. 59 overlook the pool area.

Cafe & Deli. The restaurant is easy exhibition space and a convention Rockport’s main attraction. Located
to miss, since it’s tucked into a strip venue, scheduled to open this August. just blocks from downtown, Rockport
mall adjacent to the Aransas County Until then, the Center for the Arts is Beach sits on a spit of land jutting
Courthouse, but it features a diverse housed at a downtown gallery, where eastward into the bay, which means
menu with some of the best seafood it will host an exhibition from June to you’ll quickly feel far away from
in Fulton. July featuring artwork from past and everything. The palapas that line the
present poster artists for the town’s beach provide shade and a hint of the
Owner Janis Adams opened the annual Art Fest. Caribbean.
restaurant by the beach in 2012 but
was forced to relocate after Harvey. The Art Fest, which will feature The beach is an ideal spot for
It started as a deli, and still serves artworks on auction from more than families, with shallow water for
up hearty Reubens and lasagna, but 120 artists, takes place from July 2-3 wading, multiple playgrounds, and
Adams said most regulars these days this summer and serves as a fundraiser picnic tables galore. The water tends
come for the seafood. for the Center for the Arts, which to be warm and the beach is reliably
helps provide free and affordable arts clean and well-kept. There’s a fishing
“We want to make sure people can programming in Rockport year-round. pier at the eastern end. A day pass is
get fresh seafood,” she said. “I’d say $10 — well worth an afternoon of sand
that’s our biggest calling card.” 2 P. M . T E X A S M A R I T I M E and sun.
MUSEUM
Both the crab cake and the red 5 P. M . C H E C K I N AT T H E
drum, served with fresh vegetables This museum, located right by LIGHTHOUSE INN AT
and rice pilaf, were delicious. For the Rockport Beach and just across the ARANSAS BAY
more adventurous diners in your party, street from the harbor, is an homage
there are items found on few other to the state’s maritime history. Its If you’re looking for a special place
local menus, including fish veracruz exhibits feature everything from to stay in the Rockport-Fulton area,
as well as escargot and frog legs. antique fishing gear and replicas you’d be hard pressed to do better
In short, there’s something here for of boats to an exhibit on the state’s than The Lighthouse Inn. This elegant
everyone, but this cafe still does the offshore oil and gas industry, making hotel features an unbeatable bayfront
classics as well as anybody else. for a fascinating visit. Those who climb location and Victorian-style décor
to the top floor will be rewarded with that often draws comparisons to the
1 P. M . R O C K P O RT C E N T E R an overlook providing views of the Titanic, said Rhonda Byars, the inn’s
FOR THE ARTS entire harbor. director of sales.

This local institution exemplifies 3 P. M . R O C K P O RT B E A C H Hurricane Harvey toppled the
the resilient spirit Rockport showed inn’s tower and flooded the entire
in the aftermath of Harvey. After the Alright, we’ve waited long enough. first floor, but the inn was quickly
hurricane destroyed its building, Time to grab the cooler and the remodeled and renovated. Today, it
the center obtained grants to build collapsible chairs and make moves for
an impressive new facility featuring

60 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

The Texas Maritime Museum
overlooks Rockport Harbor.

Families play in the surf at VC
Rockport Beach.
Summer Fun Fashions
features dozens of spacious rooms
with patios or balconies opening sassyantlerboutique.com
directly onto the water. Book early
to reserve a room with a view. (Pro 3059 FM 236, Victoria, TX
tip from Byars: Families can book a across from Dollar General, Upper Mission Valley Road
king suite adjoining a double queen
room, with a door connecting the 361.894.4772 • Tues-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm
two.) Amenities include a tiled pool
and hot tub, outdoor barbecue grills Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 61
and gazebos, a private fishing pier for
guests, handicap accessible suites, a
weight room, a full-service bar in the
lobby, and a complimentary breakfast
buffet every morning. A public boat
launch sits right next door.

6 P. M . F U LT O N F I S H I N G P I E R

At the Lighthouse Inn, you’re just
a stone’s throw away from Fulton’s
fishing pier, which is a perfect place
to head before sunset. The pier offers
an ideal vantage point to cast a line
or just soak up the glow of the fading
sun. If you catch something good, the
inn’s restaurant will cook it for you,
Byars said.

7 : 3 0 P. M . D I N N E R A N D
DRINKS IN FULTON

Restaurants abound in Fulton, and
the walkable strip just north of the
Lighthouse Inn includes several worthy

| CONT. ON PG. 62

Opportunistic seagulls hang out near those
with food at Rockport Beach.

The “Big Tree” is thought to be Jose Silva, visiting from San Antonio, lands a gafftopsail
one of the largest live oaks in the catfish at the Fulton Fishing Pier.
United States. Flags billow in the wind at Capt. Cady’s Bait
House and Seafood in Rockport.
| CONT. FROM PG. 61

options. If you’re visiting on a busy
weekend, however, you may want to
get in line early, because some of the
more popular places tend to have
a lengthy wait. Seafood restaurants
include mainstay Charlotte Plummer's,
which features outdoor seating right
on the water and a menu running the
gamut from ceviche to fried shrimp;
The Boiling Pot, which serves heaps of
Cajun-spiced seafood for your table to
share; and Moondog Seaside Eatery,
a no-frills option with a bayside deck
and phenomenal Po’ boys.

On many nights, you’ll be able to
find live music to enjoy along this strip
of restaurants.

EVENING STAY AT THE
LIGHTHOUSE INN
9 A.M. BREAKFAST

Grab a bite to eat at the inn’s
complimentary buffet — or, if you’re
looking for something off the beaten
path, drive back through Rockport to
the red Tacos El Guero truck west of
town on Market Street. The little truck
may be easy to miss, but the tacos
are both affordable and delicious.
They’ll fill you up for the drive home,
or, if you so choose, another day in
Rockport.

62 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SO HAPPY Joe and Brandee Bratton, owners
of Cryo Depot in Victoria.
TOGETHER

One of Victoria’s health and wellness
power couples give us the cold treatment

STORY BY AMBER BAGWELL | SPECIAL TO DISCOVER 361
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUY VU | [email protected]

Even before walking through the door of A wall of past cryotherapy clients.
the Cryo Depot at the corner of Main
and East Rio Grande streets, the signs
of what shapes the philosophy of the couple
who own the building and facilitate the cryo
and the recovery that happens inside are
etched in the cement steps, ‘Together We
Are Unstoppable’.

64 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

The full-body cryotherapy machine. Joe and Brandee Bratton are very
goal driven and visitors sense that
It is incredible and we vibe almost immediately. They set
have MADE A LOT of goals for themselves as individuals, a
DREAMS COME TRUE couple, and, after a consultation, for
their clients. Then, they map out how
- Joe Bratton they are going to make that happen.

Natalie Jaschke closes her eyes as she gets The services they offer at the Cryo
the cryotherapy facial treatment. Depot are plentiful and address a
multitude of issues and can be used
as preventive measures as well.

In addition to the cryo facial,
Brandee, 48, works on internal
healing, body sculptings, Kundalini
Yoga, energy balancing sessions, 40-
day weight loss program, and tarot
readings.

”We are all aging. It is an inevitable
process. It is in how we choose to age
that makes all the difference.”

“The cryo facials create visible
pressurized liquid nitrogen vapors
to your face and neck. It stimulates
the production of collagen which
helps decrease pore size and is used
to diminish blemishes and scars,
accelerate healing, and improve
skin conditions, such as breakouts or
rosacea,” she said.

The subzero treatment is cold, but
not painful as the client feels their
pores tightening the first session, she
said.

A long-time client, Natalie Jaschke
said she started going to the Cryo
Depot because she knew it was time
to do something for herself.

“I decided to give Cryo Depot a
go. It is a treatment that is between
me and Brandee. It is a safe haven
and I feel comfortable, and I feel
good. It is what I need. What my body
needs, ” Jaschke said.

“I have been coming regularly
and these facials, and Brandee, is
not something that I am not willing
to give up. It feels good. These guys
are my friends. And I can see the
difference. What is not to love? I’ll
keep coming.”

Joe, 50, runs the full body cryo
chamber, leg compression, and other
things that help clients with muscle
soreness, spot treatment for injuries,
and overall wellness.

“The full-treatment of the cooling
chamber only lasts three minutes so
it is palatable and not at all like an
ice-bath, which is a comparison that

| CONT. ON PG. 66

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 65

FOR MORE INFO
OR TO MAKE AN
A P P O I N T M E N T:
Call 361-550-3884.

| CONT. FROM PG. 65 Bratton opens up a tube that is used for
full-body treatment.
just doesn’t fit,” Joe said. “And you A mural inside of Cryo Depot.
can step out at any time if it becomes
too uncomfortable. But honestly, it
happens so fast, that you are in and
out before you know what hits you
and your body is beginning that
healing process almost right away.

“I want people to overcome their
anxieties about it, walk through the
door and at least meet us, talk to us,
and let us show you around. If it isn’t
your thing, then it isn’t. But give it a
fair chance. You and your body will
thank you later,” Joe said.

It is an inspiring story and a
romantic story, wrapped in one. Joe
is the inspirational one, the visionary.
Brandee is intense and makes things
happen . As a whole, they just work.
And their presence leaves people
feeling different.

“I can’t tell you how fulfilling it is
to help others, hold each other up,
depend on each other, yet remain
our own people, wake up together,
work together, and lay down at night
together, with your better half,” Joe
said. “It is incredible and we have
made a lot of dreams come true. And
we have a lot more we want to do.”

In addition to their wellness
services, they also have Ravens
Garden in the back that they use as
their apothecary to grow herbs to
make salves, teas, and tinctures they
sell at their night markets that usually
run September and April. They use
these as add-ins, mixtures, or stand
alones for products in the shop along
with teas and coffee and a few other
things.

They also have a coffee shop with
their own mixtures. Customers can
order coffee or tea during their visits.

66 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Come Visit

HOURS: Oldest Fine Arts Museum in the Crossroads

SUNDAY - MONDAY: Upcoming Schedule
CLOSED
Title: ISMLESSNESS
TUESDAY - WEDNESDAY Artists: Vincent Paul Martinez Jr. & Conrad Kofron
9AM - 3PM Date: June 10th - July 31st
Synopsis: These works will survey an artistic friendship that began 20 years ago. We have
THURSDAY - SATURDAY always found times in our lives to take a weekend ever so often to focus solely on collaborative
9AM - 9PM paintings. Together we create an identity free from our own devices. It is a visual democracy that
leads to works we would have not /could not produce by ourselves. I think it is necessary to show
144 N Courthouse Square • (361) 722-0977 individual pieces from Vince and myself, but the focus should be on the collaborative friendship.

Admission is Always Free • Donations are Gladly Accepted
Open Thursday & Friday Noon-5pm, Saturday & Sunday Noon-4pm.

Closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.

Calendar subject to change. Check our website for the latest information

306 W. Commercial St. • Victoria, TX 77901 • 361.575.8228

www.NaveMuseum.org

12 TAHNNUAL

2022

BE CONNECTED EVERYWHERE

• Internet • Streaming • Fiber • Phone • IT Solutions

(361) 573-1102

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 67

CULTURE & EVENTS

The Hot Attacks

take audience for a ride on

‘MUSICAL
ROLLER COASTER’

STORY BY JON WILCOX | [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KIT MACAVOY | [email protected] AND JON WILCOX | [email protected]

After years and years of together. with a strong focus on Louisiana and
performing throughout the At a late April performance at Zydeco styles, Moeller, a lifelong
Crossroads, members of The Hot musician who spends his days working
Attacks have come to a realization. Victoria's Forum Club, the Hot Attacks as a barber in downtown Victoria, said
got feet tapping and heads nodding pigeon holing the band, now a four
Fame, money and the allure of with a marathon three-hour show. piece, into any one genre is missing
making it big are just distractions The guitar solos were straight from the point. The band plays music they
compared to the magic that happens the summer of '69, and the vocals not only personally love but also
on stage. seemed to speak directly to the souls songs their audience is craving in the
of their audience. At one table, a moment.
"Energy is real important in music," pair of rowdy drunks yelled requests.
said Billy Moeller, who has been with At other tables, people wrapped in These days, the band is best
the band since its inception decades conversations couldn't help but tap described loosely as a "blues" band,
ago. "There's an energy that the their feet and nod their heads to the but mainly because the blues are a
musicians put out, and there is an beat. central influence to just about every
energy that the listeners send back to form of popular American music from
the musicians. I feel it all the time." "Our dynamic is a point of pride," country and Western to soul to jazz to
said Josh Burris, bass player for The psychedelic and surf rock.
With each member bringing a Hot Attacks. "We try to take you on
vast amount of personal musical a musical roller coaster. We can take "We can go from Hendrix to Bob
experience, that energy is focused it way low ... but we can also get wild Wills," Moeller said. "We just play
into a consummately professional and crazy." music we like and hope the crowd
sound that the band has cultivated likes it."
over years of playing and practicing Although the group began in 1987

68 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Josh Burris sings at a small but
intimate show at The Forum Club.

Billy Moeller focuses on his guitar during a
show at the Forum Club in Victoria. Moeller

has been with The Hot Attacks since their
inception in 1987.

At just about every one of their Phil Wright, middle, hammers the drums
shows, which are often intimate while Steve Solis, to his right, nails a guitar part.
despite their blissfully soulful sound,
there's at least one person who UPCOMING SHOWS
connects with their music in an almost
spiritual way. 8 P. M . J U N E 1 7 9 P. M . J U LY 2 9

"Some people just need it," The Palms Lounge Forum Club
Moeller said. 6162 Farm-to-Market Road 725, New 1901 E. Red River St., Victoria
Braunfels
That's a feeling the band members 9 P. M . A U G . 2 6
know all too well themselves. 7 P. M . J U N E 1 8
Although they most often perform Forum Club
cover songs, the energy, soul and Indianola Fishing Marina 1901 E. Red River St., Victoria
musicality they bring to the stage is all 8 Bell St., Port Lavaca
their own. 9 P. M . S E P T. 3 0
9 P. M . J U N E 2 4
Moeller and Burris are joined Forum Club
by Steve Solis on lead guitar and Forum Club 1901 E. Red River St., Victoria
Phil Wright on drums as well as 1901 E. Red River St., Victoria
tambourine player Mike Pozzi, who 9 P. M . O C T. 2 8
sometimes accompanies the group. 6 : 3 0 P. M . J U N E 2 5
Forum Club
Together they have about 150 The Texas Zoo 1901 E. Red River St., Victoria
years of musical experience. Despite 110 Memorial Drive, Victoria
differing backgrounds, they share
one thing in common — a powerful,
irresistible desire to make music.

For Burris, music was just part of
growing up.

| CONT. ON PG. 70

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 69

| CONT. FROM PG. 69 of how much fun it is to play with so long, they have even written a song
His father and grandfather were them. just for her, “The Darla Shuffle.”

musicians, so it was only natural for “To play drums with these guys, Their technical abilities are
the Burris family to spend weekends you have to really know your styles certainly advanced, and they
singing and playing "old time country of music,” he said. “You never know demonstrate an incredible ability
music," he said. what they are going to hit you with,” to feed off the crowd’s energy. For
he said. Holmberg, listening to them play live
These days, he serves as president is something more. It’s an experience
of the Victoria Area Music Association Darla Holmberg, a Victoria native that simply fills her with joy.
and runs a luthier business where who started seeing The Hot Attacks
he works on all manner of stringed play as early as the 1980s, said there’s “It’s like you can’t help but
instruments. something special about the band move your body to the beat. It’s
that is hard to put into words. very magnetic,” she said. “It’s
Like others in the band, Solis enrapturing.”
doesn't just make music with the Hot She’s been following the band for
Attacks. Solis, who majored in classical
guitar, also plays for a local mariachi
group.

Wright is also a church musician at
two Victoria churches, Zion Tabernacle
Christian Center and House of Bread.
He said keeping up with the band’s
many, many genres and hundreds of
songs they play can be difficult even
for a lifelong musician such as himself.
But that’s OK, largely in part because

TO BOOK THE BAND Mike Pozzi plays the tambourine, taking periodic
breaks to accept drinks from the audience.
Call Josh Burris at 361-578-3808
or email [email protected]

The Hot Attacks perform hundreds of songs ranging in all Our DYNAMIC is a
manner of styles. The band is best described as a “blues” POINT of PRIDE
band, but ultimately, they defy genre.
- Josh Burris
70 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

12 ATHNNUAL
2022

CROSSROADS Hours
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
361.212.3078 Sunday-Thursday 11:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday-Saturday 11:00AM - 10:00PM
Courses Based on Individual Learning
Styles, Levels, and Abilities Victoria Mall | 7800 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77904 | (361) 233-8077

We’re Over 100 Seabreeze
Half Way There! Rockport, TX

Gulf Bend Center is now recognized as a COME JOIN THE FUN at THE BEST Artisan &
Certified Community Behavioral Health Crafter Markets in TEXAS! We offer over 150
Clinic by the State of Texas. This new Amazing Vendors, Helicopter Rides, Awesome
certification enables Centers to provide a Food Trucks & Alcohol, a 1600 square Foot
comprehensive range of mental health and Tent with LIVE MUSIC, Seating, Pet Friendly &
substance use disorder services to individuals.
free Face Painting for the kids.
Thanks to the generous support of community members
just like you, we’re over half way to our goal of bringing Come Join Us the 3rd Weekend
of Every Month from 9am to 4pm
expanded mental health services to our community!
For more info you can reach us at 361-314-2226 or
YOU can be part of this exciting project [email protected]
with your tax deductible donation.
Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 71
Visit GulfBend.org today
to donate & learn more

6502 Nursery Drive |Victoria, Texas 77904
(361) 575-0611

OUT and
ABOUT

WITH TONY VASQUEZ

SEE WHO WAS OUT Photo by Danny Vivian
AND ABOUT AT:
Haley Krebs, Jennifer Wendel, Cindy Wendel,
• Victoria Ballet Theatre's "Tutu & and Jennifer Trevino
Tennis Shoes" Race at Riverside
Park Victoria Ballet
Theatre's
• The Junior League of Victoria "Viva
la Misión" Charity Ball "Tutu & Tennis
Shoes" Race
• Polo at McFaddin benefitting The
Nave RIVERSIDE PARK
MARCH 2022
• "Mystery in the Garden" fundraiser
for Theatre Victoria

• Wild about Wine at the Texas Zoo
• Taste of the Trail dinner dance

fundraiser benefiting The Chisholm
Trail Heritage Museum
• Victoria Fine Arts Association's
JAM Fest event, featuring Jason D.
Williams

Stephanie Wood, Margaret Luker,
and Lori Burris

72 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Bradley and Courtney Schmidt Jason and Sharon Elder, Torin and Melissa Bales,
and George and Debbie Boozalis

The Junior League
of Victoria

"Viva la Misión"
Charity Ball

SPRING CREEK PLACE EVENT CENTER
MARCH 2022

Keisha Smith

Jordan and Allison Fries James and Jessie Law, Caitlin and Kyle Harris,
and Andrea and Caleb Wilson

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 73

James and Lesli Gietz Steve and Cherise Branch

Polo at McFaddin
Benefitting The Nave

MCFADDIN RANCH POLO GROUNDS
APRIL 2022

Jennifer Trevino, Crystal Lara, Gabriela Benoit
and Amy Blanchett

Josh and Desiree Lebar Spring Taylor, Erin Hately, Cari Hawn,
Madeline Williams and Veronica Copeland
74 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Henry Emiliano and John Michael Urbano Amanda Rocha

Mystery in the Garden

VICTORIA EDUCATIONAL GARDENS | APRIL 2022

Ashlie Thomas and Beth Thomas-Kostella

Nina and Michael Milam Rachel Klotzman, Vanessa Heinold and Brenda Tally

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 75

Deidre and Daylan Gwosdz

Wild About Wine
TEXAS ZOO | APRIL 2022
Heather and Charles Hauboldt

Luther and Teresa Easley

Stephen and Kristyn Koch Carol and JR Amaya

76 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Eric and Dawn Draper Will Oliver, Cindy Griffin
and Kathy Frels

Jonathan and Kelli Halepeska

Zach Wendel
and Diana Thibodeaux

Taste of the Trail Dinner
Dance Fundraiser

Benefiting the Chisholm
Trail Heritage Museum

BELLEVUE RANCH | APRIL 2022

Jeremy Welch and Brady Boehl Kate Welder, Lauren Hawes, Jessica Espinoza, Casey
Johnston, Erica Bancuch and Josie Adams

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 77

Kate Keating, Ben Keating, Jason D. Williams Laura Koliba, Geri Schroeder
and Kathleen Keating and Teri Murray

Victoria Fine Arts
Association's

JAM Fest Event,

featuring Jason D. Williams

CLUB WESTERNER | APRIL 2022

Heather and Mark Kimmey

Alyssa Meeks and William Myers, Aaron Gary Moses, Shannon Mitchamore
and Tiffany Corbell and Carly and Chris Wall and Bill Wendlandt

78 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

Yoakum Area
Chamber of Commerce
Shop  Dine  Explore
www.yoakumareachamber.com
105 Huck • Yoakum
361.293.2309
[email protected]

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 79

UPCOMING

Calendar of Events

JUNE 5 | THROUGH | SEPTEMBER 30

VICTORIA THE CHAMBER FREEDOM 5K FOURTH OF JULY MILLER LITE BLASTOFF
July 4 CELEBRATION
RIVERSIDE FOOD TRUCK FEST 7:30 a.m. July 4
https://www.facebook.com/ Riverside Park Victoria Community Center
riversidefoodtruckfest/ https://racemob.com/races/215526- Hosted by the city of Victoria and
Glazer’s Beer and Beverage
NAVE MUSEUM varra-july-4th-2022-firecracker-5k
June 9 - July 31
Vincent Martinez THE SAT.,
Aug. 18 - Sept. 18 DUCKS OCTOBER
Summer Camp Art Display
306 W. Commercial St. ARE 29TH,
361-575-8228 BACK... 2022

VICTORIA BACH FESTIVAL VICTORIADUCKSAFARI.COM @VICTORIADUCKSAFARI
June 4-11
https://victoriabachfestival.org/
https://www.facebook.com/
VictoriaBachFestival/

7TH ANNUAL HALEY SINGER MEMORIAL
GOLF TOURNAMENT
June 11
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Victoria Country Club

1,000 STRONG 5K OVERCOMING
OBSTACLES RUN
June 18
7:30 a.m.-noon
Patriot Park
Tickets · $40 - $45
www.eventbrite.com/e/1000-strong-
overcoming-obstacles-5k-run-
tickets-263867844827

GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO DE VICTORIA
PRESENTS: EL COLIBRÍ
June 25
6:30 p.m.
1002 Sam Houston Drive

VPI HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
June 25 - 10:00am-5:00pm
June 26 - noon-5:00pm
Tickets $20
361-573-1878;
[email protected]

80 Summer 2022 | Discover361.com

ANNUAL ROCKPORT-FULTON HUMMERBIRD
CELEBRATION

Sept. 15-18

SHINER

43RD ANNUAL SHINER HALF MOON
HOLIDAYS
July 1- 2
Green-Dickson Park, 65 County Road 350
www.shinerhalfmoon.com

VIVA TEXAS FILM FESTIVAL INEZ YOAKUM
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 16-18
DeLeon Plaza INEZ MARKET DAY 94TH ANNUAL YOAKUM TOM TOM
https://www.facebook.com/ July 30 FESTIVAL
events/681609026327743 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 3-4
2411 Garcitas Creek Road, Inez, Yoakum City Park
CUERO http://www.yoakumareachamber.com/
NORDHEIM
JUNE ART MONTH YORKTOWN
A month full of events that will inspire 3RD ANNUAL GHOST TOWN DRIVE DOWN
the Art in the Heart of all of us June 25 OVERNIGHT PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION 2-7 p.m. OF THE ABANDONED YORKTOWN
Cuero Municipal Park Broadway Bar & Grill MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
FIREWORKS IN THE PARK 208 Broadway St. June 10
July 4 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cuero Municipal Park ROCKPORT Yorktown Memorial Hospital
728 W. Main St., Yorktown
EDNA FULTON MUSIC IN THE PARK
June 24, every Friday, weather Local Foster Children
SUS SCOREKEEPER MEMORIAL permitting Need Your Voice
July 2 7-10 p.m.
5:30 a.m. Fulton Harbor Park, 402 N. Fulton Volunteer or
Texana Raceway Park Beach Road Donate to Golden
258 County Road 412 http://members.rockport-fulton.org/ Crescent CASA!
events/details/fulton-music-in-the-
GOLIAD park-06-24-2022-52217 361.573.3734
goldencrescentcasa.org
WAYBACK WEDNESDAYS ROCKPORT ART FESTIVAL
Every Wednesday June-July July 2 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and
10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 3 - 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Presidio La Bahia Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E.
https://www.goliadcc.org/community- Laurel St.
calendar/wayback-wednesdays/ https://www.rockportartcenter.com/
GOLIAD MARKET DAYS artfest
Second Saturday of each month,
year-round ART WALK DOWNTOWN ARANSAS PASS
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Art Walk, BBQ, & Blues
Downtown Goliad on the square July 2
https://www.facebook.com/ Art Walk, 5-7 p.m., Blues, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
GoliadMarketDays/ https://business.aransaspass.org/
https://goliadcc.org/visit-goliad/goliad- events/details/art-walk-downtown-
market-days/ aransas-pass-07-02-2022-5050

Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 81



DORNBURG LAW 12 ATHNNUAL
Aggressive Criminal Defense 2022

Brent & Terri Lynn TDEEFXENADNINSG
Dornburg
SINCE 1999

Get to know our experienced lawyers
We provide representation on all felonies, misdemeanors, expunctions, nondisclosures of criminal
records, and more. We are located in Victoria, Texas, and we have helped thousands of clients

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your call the same day. We will be there for you every step of the way!

101 W. Goodwin Ave., Suite 305 • Victoria, TX 77901
361-570-4444
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Summer 2022 | Discover361.com 83

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EXPERIENCE

AT CITIZENS