< PreviousLifetimeGuaranteeNever to Fade!SeveralColors toChoose From!HOUSTON’S LARGEST POLY FURNITURE DEALERPoly Chairs $249FREE DELIVERY*FREE ASSEMBLY* In Galveston Countynormally $399Million DollarRusticL.M.T. RusticWe Carry a Full line ofI-45I-451764Exit 132004NWSE5301 Gulf Freeway, LaMarque (I45 South, Exit 13)409-986-7600 FREEGift Card $3000000 0000 0000 0000 Good Thru 00/00with the purchase of any 22 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2016Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the united States, features 22 parades, 30-plus concerts, 20 balcony parties and, of course, millions of beads. Here’s what’s on tap for the second week of the celebration. For a full schedule of Mardi Gras! Galveston activities, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLLParadesDANNY WEBER MEMORIAL FIRE TRUCK PARADE [7 p.m. Feb. 5]The parade begins on The Strand at 20th Street, proceeds west on The Strand to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to The Strand.KREWE BABALU 11TH ANNUAL “ALL KREWE PARADE” [8 p.m. Feb. 5]The parade begins on Ship’s Mechanic Row at 25th Street, proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to The Strand and west on The Strand to 25th Street.KREWE OF MAXIMILIAN PARADE [9:30 p.m. Feb. 5]The parade begins on The Strand at 20th Street, proceeds west on The Strand to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to The Strand.KREWE D’ESPRIT ROSAIRE PARADE [11 a.m. Feb. 6]The parade begins at Kempner Park, 27th and Avenue N. From there, it travels south on 27th Street to Seawall Boulevard, west on Seawall Boulevard to 31st Street, north on 31st Street to Avenue N and east along Avenue N. The parade ends at Jack Johnson Park, 27th Street and Avenue M.Mardi GrasEntertainmentBUDWEISER STAGE, 2300 STRAND[Feb. 5]5 p.m. Toy Subs6:45 p.m. Fred andrews and Honeybrowne10:30 p.m. Cory Morrow[Feb. 6]Noon al White and The Chaparral band2 p.m. eleventh Hour4 p.m. O.G.r.e8:30 p.m. Dimitri’s rail11 p.m. Sprung[Feb. 7]11:45 a.m. revis2:30 p.m. raptureELECTRIC STAGE, 21ST STREET AND MECHANIC[Feb. 5]5 p.m. Studio 54 Dance Party8 p.m. DJ Playboy10 p.m. DJ bizonne[Feb. 6]Midnight DJ Pistol b5 p.m. Southbeat Music Pre-Party8 p.m. DJ NonStopp9:30 p.m. DJ erok11 p.m. DJ T. Gray[Feb. 7]Midnight DJ Kyle bergSOUNDS OF NEW ORLEANS TENT, 22ND STREET AND STRANDZydeco music, crawfish and a draft beer wallPhoto by Jennifer Reynolds COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2016 23Z KREWE 22ND Z PROCESSIONAL [1 p.m. Feb. 6]The parade begins on Ship’s Mechanic Row at 25th Street, proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to The Strand and west on The Strand to 25th Street.HOUSTON CHRONICLE NEAUXS KREWE PARADE [2:30 p.m. Feb. 6]The parade begins on The Strand at 20th Street, proceeds west on The Strand to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to The Strand.LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER PARADE [4:30 p.m. Feb. 6]The parade begins on The Strand at 20th Street, proceeds west on The Strand to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to The Strand.KNIGHTS OF MOMUS GRAND NIGHT PARADE [6:30 p.m. Feb. 6]The parade begins on Seawall Boulevard at 23rd Street. It proceeds west to 25th Street travels north on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, east on Ship’s Mechanic Row to 21st Street, north on 21st Street to The Strand and west on The Strand to 25th Street.KREWE OF BARKUS & MEOUX PARADE [1 p.m. Feb. 7]The parade begins at 20th Street and Harborside, south on 20th Street, west on The Strand, turns around at 25th Street and travels east ending at 21st Street and The Strand.MARDI GRAS CHILDREN’S PARADE [2 p.m. Feb. 7]The parade begins at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place, travels south on 25th Street, east on Postoffice Street, north on 19th Street, west on The Strand and ends on 25th Street and The Strand.KREWE OF AQUARIUS FAT TUESDAY PARADE [6:30 p.m. Feb. 9]The parade begins on Postoffice and 25th streets travels east on Postoffice Street to 19th Street, north along 19th Street to The Strand, west on The Strand to 25th Street.Balcony PartiesELECTRIC MARDI GRAS BALCONY PARTY5 p.m. Feb. 5 and noon Feb. 6, 21st Street and The StrandKREWE BABALU BALCONY PARTY5 p.m. Feb. 5 and noon Feb. 6, 2228 StrandMARDI GRAS KING’S COURT BALCONY PARTY5 p.m. Feb. 5 and noon Feb. 6, Trolley Station, 2021 StrandMARDI GRAS! HEADQUARTERS BALCONY PARTY5 p.m. Feb. 5 and noon Feb. 6, 23rd Street and The StrandMARDI GRAS PARADE VIEWING PARTY3 p.m. Feb. 6, Island ETC, 2317 MechanicMARDI GRAS BALCONY PARTY5 p.m. Feb. 6, Fishtales, 2502 Seawall Blvd.A&M MARDI GRAS PARADE VIEWING PARTY6 p.m. Feb. 6, The Tremont House, 2300 Mechanic St.GALVESTON FAT TUESDAY PARTY5:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 2300 StrandPhotos by Stuart VillanuevaA partnership with businesses to conserve Galveston Island’s natural resources.These businesses collect contributions to conserve and enhance public access to Galveston Island’s natural resources through a 1% donation added to your bill. Please be sure to ask for 1% To Conserve Galveston Island be added to your bill. Your donation will be used to acquire land for conservation and create public amenities for the enjoyment of Galveston’s natural resources for generations to come.Look for the 1% logo where you shop, stay, eat or play, and show our partners you appreciate their commitment to Galveston’s natural resources. For more information go to www.toconservegalvestonisland.org1% To Conserve Galveston Island™ is a program of the Artist Boat, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.To the business partners helping us conserve Galveston’s natural resources. Business Partners:THANK YOUPhoto by Jim Olive PhotographyBobbin and Weavin Apparel 409-795-7565Texas Coast Beach House Rental www.texascoastbeachhouserental.com 512-350-7120Seasons Gourmet Food and Grocer 409-789-2885 2701 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550G. Lee Gallery www.gleegallery.net 409-370-7350 2215 Post Office Street, Galveston, TX 77550Brax Easterwood Design www.beaia.com 409-354-8976 2728 Avenue Q, Suite 2, Galveston, TX 77550Latitude Home Services www.latitudehomeservices.com 409-392-8017K&E Klean 4 U www.keklean4u.com 409-750-2342The Kitchen Chick www.thekitchenchick.com 409-497-2999 528 23rd Street, Galveston, TX 77550Oasis Juice Bar & Market www.oasisjuicebar.com 409-762-8446 409 25th Street, Galveston, TX 77550Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees www.galvestonparkboard.org 409-797-5144 2328 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550The Yoga Haven www.theyogahaven.net 409-770-9995 2507 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550The Emporium at Eibands 409-750-9536 2201 Postoffice Street Galveston, TX 77550The Witchery www.witcheryonline.com 409-515-0669 2116 Post Office Street, Galveston, TX 77550Clay Cup Studios www.claycupstudios.com 409-762-2529 2201 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550Outrageous Boutique 941-587-4538 405 22nd Street, Galveston, TX 77550Gulf Coast Renewable Resources www.gulfcoastrenewableresources.com 409-766-0208Speedy’s Printing www.speedysprinting.com 409-763-1666 715 24th Street, Galveston, TX 77550Urban Resort www.urbanresorthome.com 409-433-5410 411 25th Street, Galveston, TX 77550 Upholstery Plus Fabrics www.greatupholstery.com 409-502-1940 2228 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550Cottage on14th Street http://www.vrbo/336445Economy Liquor Galveston www.economyliquorgalveston.com 409-763-6091 1911 23rd St., Galveston & 16708 D San Luis Pass Rd, Jamaica Beach TX Affaire D’Art Gifts and Gallery www.affairedart.com 409-539-5357 2317 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550Katie’s Seafood Market www.katiesseafoodmarket.com 409-763-8160 1902 Wharf Road, Galveston, TX 77550Blue Water Grill & Ignoble Pizzeria www.facebook.com/ bluewatergrillgalveston.com 409-974-4934 16708 San Luis Pass Road, Galveston, TX 77550Happy Pretty You www.happyprettyyou.com 409-765-5505 1615 23rd Street, Galveston, TX 77550Bronco Burrito broncoburrito.com 409-762-9344 4917 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550 Dr. Detail www.drdetail-galveston.com 409-740-7500 6611 Stewart Road, Galveston, TX 77551 IslandFramed islandframed.com 409-256-0062 515 25th Street, Galveston, TX 77550ShyKatz Deli & Bakery www.facebook.com/shykatzdeli 409-770-0500 1528 Avenue L, Galveston, TX 77550Island Flowers www.facebook.com/pages/ Island-Flowers/ 531995026843534 409-789-3500 202 25th Street, Galveston, TX 77550Gigi’s Pampered Pets www.facebook.com/ GigisPamperedPetsGrooming 409-539-8002 120 20th Street, Galveston, TX 77550Island Brainworks L.L.C. www.islandbrainworks.com 409-599-7268 2220 Post Office Street, Galveston, TX 77550Coronado Palms Coastal Cottage www.flipkey.com/ galveston-cottage-rentals/p613682/Aunt Margie’s Bait Camp 409-526-4155 1811 61st Street, Galveston, TX 775512123 Avenue K $145,000EAST END TREASURES / VICTORIANS509 16th Street $289,0002810 Ave N 1/2 $295,000CAMPECHE SHORES NEW BUILD9815 Tulum Court $339,9004/2.52807 Izamal Court $329,0002/2CONDOMINIUM10811 San Luis Pass Rd #2120 $144,9001/16 Park Lane $379,0004/319 Back Bay Circle $159,0003/2NEAR WEST ENDPending with Contingency2319 Avenue M $517,500MIDTOWN MYSTIQUE2918 Avenue P 1/2 $189,0003/23/2.5New Price4320 Avenue R $149,0002/1Vacation Rental2327 45th $174,500Price Reduced3824 Avenue S 1/2 $179,0002/1Vacation RentalTHE GOOD TIMES ALWAYS ROLL IN GALVESTON! HAPPY MARDI GRAS!26 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2016Story by Marissa Barnett Photos by Stuart VillanuevaPicking up a cup of coffee is no longer a choice between straight black or cream.As the morning staple en-joys more popularity than ever, indepen-dent shops dot the Texas coast offering wide-ranging menus that some baristas describe as an endless selection.There’s mocha, a chocolate-flavored variant of a latte sometimes topped with whipped cream. Or an Americano, which consists of hot water added to a shot of espresso. Then there’s cortado, an espresso cut with a little bit of warm milk.And making the perfect cup of joe isn’t just about pushing a button on a machine.Baristas might go through extensive train-ing and are constantly practicing different drinks and techniques to hone their craft. In some cases, a piping hot beverage may be topped off with an intricate design of a chain of hearts or a tulip.At Mod Coffeehouse in Galveston’s down-town, where University of Texas Medical Branch students cram for tests and isle busi-ness owners and artists mingle, a popular beverage is the flat white, a coffee drink that originated in Australia and is made by pouring velvety-textured milk over a shot of espresso.Two longtime baristas, Hanna Gonzales and Cory Clark, even went to Barista Camp in Atlanta last year to learn more about mak-ing specialty coffees.The training entailed about eight classes, a practical exam and a written exam, said Gonzales, a barista at Mod for more than four years. Those classes ranged from coffee seeds to steaming milk to customer service.“There’s a whole coffee chain of custody from seed to cup, which you’re taught to honor,” Gonzales said.The classes also dived into latte art, designs poured from frothed, steamed milk on top of a coffee beverage. To make latte art, the drink has to be hot. And the micro Perfect pourFor area baristas, coffee is an art formUnique shapes and patterns can be made in coffee drinks using stencils and some cinnamon or chocolate powder.foaming during the milk steaming process is essential. The design itself comes down to technicalities, including the distance from which the milk is poured and the way a preparer moves the hand.“If there’s latte art happening, chances are eight out of 10 times the drink is well made,” Gonzales said.Some baristas measure their latte art talents through competitions. There’s even a World Latte Art Championship, which this year will be held in Shanghai, China. Closer to home, Houston coffee houses frequently host “latte art throw-downs,” where baristas go to show off their skills.“You’re judged on contact, symmetry and color infusion,” Gonzales said.Competitions are a series of one-on-one COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2016 27rounds until the last two standing baristas square off, she said.“The culture is just so cool, it’s super laid-back,” she said. “You’re watching other peo-ple and learning from other people in these throw-downs who all have the same passion.”Coffee culture is the big attraction, es-pecially at smaller, independently owned shops. Gonzales worked at Starbucks before joining Mod. While she enjoyed Starbucks, her experience there was worlds apart from Mod, she said.“It’s so much different working for a mom-and-pop, and I don’t think I could ever go back,” she said. “There’s this strong sense of community and people linger with their drinks and catch up with each other.”As an added bonus, the baristas are in-credibly passionate about the craft, she said. When she goes out for coffee on her own, Gonzales said she likes to order a flat white, a cortado or just a regular drip coffee — the best drink to use as a measure.A properly poured shot of espresso is meant to be a little smoky in flavor, she said. Other ways to measure a good cup are by (Above) Designs can be poured from frothed, steamed milk on top of coffee beverages. (Left) Barista Hanna Gonzales pours cream at Mod Coffeehouse in Galveston.the temperature and texture of the steamed milk, which shouldn’t be too hot and should have a little thickness.“When you’re getting a good flat white or cortado, you can taste everything that went into it,” she said. “But I try not to be too much of an elitist about it because every-thing is going to vary from shop to shop and that’s the beauty of specialty coffee.”For baristas and coffee enthusiasts, the thrill of the new era of coffee is its endless potential. Even after seven years of working as a barista, Gonzales is convinced the menu is ever expansive. Modifying drinks and ex-perimenting with new flavors and combina-tions is all part of the art.“I don’t think there’s a stopping point to what you can know or do with coffee,” she said.The options for different brews and drinks are a result of imagination, creativity and a lot of experimentation, baristas say.Some drinks are piping hot, while others are cold and refreshing in the hot Texas summer.At Art of Coffee, which opened about six months ago near the Kemah Boardwalk, trained baristas whip up different caffeinated concoctions — sometimes using specialty adds such as amaretto or coconut.Baristas there went through training classes in Dallas, where they learned the art of temperature, grinding beans and how to properly clean espresso machines, Jimmy Sims, co-owner of Art of Coffee, said. When they returned, other Kemah residents delighted in getting to be the taste testers, he said.“Coffee is not just dripping out of a ma-chine anymore,” Sims said. “It’s an art.” “Coffee is not just dripping out of a machine anymore. It’s an art.” – Jimmy Sims28 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2016Compiled by Sue Mayfield Geiger | Photos by Stuart VillanuevaSure, we have our share of Starbucks in these parts and are glad about it. But we also have plenty of independent shops to keep us caffeinated. Corre-spondent Sue Mayfield Geiger spent a few weeks sipping her way across the upper Texas Coast to find favorite old hangouts and some new ones, too.In hot pursuitSip your way across the upper Texas Coast at these coffee shopsCustomers await their orders at Mod Coffeehouse in downtown Galveston.CA PHE PHINIt’s pronounced “ka-fey-fin,” and means coffee made in little stainless steel brewers — called phins — used for brewing Vietnamese coffee. beans are shipped monthly directly from farms in the Vietnam highlands. The 100-year heritage roasting method adds a bit of sweetness to the finished product. This family-run coffee shop snugly tucked away on the side of a strip center, with its soothing Zen atmosphere, also whips up smoothies, healthy sandwiches and desserts. Stay awhile and peruse magazines and books or strike up a chess match with a tablemate.1354 E. NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay281.333.0729facebook.com/phincoffeeCOFFEE CONNECTIONThe sign out front says: “There two kinds of people: 1) Coffee drinking, and 2) Sad people.” It becomes apparent that everyone inside Coffee Connection are not only happy coffee drinkers, but people who care about community. at the Christian-based, nonprofit entity, everyone works on a volunteer basis and all profits are donated to charity each month. The hot caramel latte and cold caramel pecan frappé are popular, but the brownie frappé — made with pieces of real brownies — is a favorite with locals. With cushy chairs for sitting and Sally, the stuffed giraffe, to welcome you, you’ll feel right at home.9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Texas City409.229.1355coffeeconnectiontc.comDUNN BROTHERS COFFEEat this neighborhood hangout with burlap bags of coffee beans stacked high inside and a nice, big dog-friendly patio outback, students with laptops blend right in with corporate types and writers finishing up their novels. although Dunn brothers is a chain operation, the managers make every effort to create a hometown vibe. Internationally, Dunn brothers partners with Fair Trade uSa and rainforest alliance, visit many of the farms where it buys coffee and verifies first hand that farmers are adhering to sustainable farming practices. New this season: Mayan Mocha and Spiced brown Sugar Latte.201 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood281.993.5455facebook.com/DunnBrosFriendswoodART OF COFFEEThe manager/barista isn’t a coffee drinker, but he knows his way around an espresso machine and how to whip up any drink of your choice. an art deco lounge area with a lot of black and white leather seating is the perfect spot to sip, chat and enjoy all the art hanging on the walls for sale by lo-cal artists. Frappé drinks have artsy names such as rembrandt, Da Vinci, Picasso, Monet and renoir. If it’s your lucky day, the homemade banana pudding will be on the menu. a nice tropical outdoor patio adds to the ambience.609 Bradford Ave., Kemah281.532.6371facebook.com/ArtOfCoffee15BARBAZZARrecently opened in the former Pollo Campero space, you won’t recognize the interior. The uptown urban design attracts not only hipsters but coffee connoisseurs of all ages, especially those with a bit of a chocolate addiction. Custom designed belgian chocolate bars anyone? barbazzar roasts its beans in-house. Look to your right after you enter and take a gander at the giant roaster. For the purist, cof-fee can be made in Chemex glass carafes or a French press. This is a father-and-son owned establishment opening a second location soon at the baybrook Mall expansion.702 Bay Area Blvd., Webster281.332.1735barbazzar.comSome Like It HotROGERS MALT SHOPPEOne longtime patron said of this neighbor-hood hangout: “Whatever the hot topic or latest rumor around town might be, it will be discussed, hashed and criticized with very little held back here.” Known for the same group of men who have been solving the world’s problems over coffee and breakfast for decades, this is the place to eavesdrop. You’ll rub elbows with Dickinson’s finest while getting a good cup of coffee at the shop with a 1950s vibe. Brenda Ybarra has worked here since 1980 and will be happy to make menu suggestions.4410 state Highway 3, Dickinson281.534.2566facebook.com/Rogers-Malt-Shoppe-111684355534869SEABROOK CLASSIC CAFÉAn institution of sorts that’s been making locals happy for decades, the Seabrook Classic Café may not have an extensive coffee menu, but it does serve a decent cup of java to go along with your mile-high piece of pie. Known for its house-made desserts, the cafe serves pies that have people coming back time and again. And, of course, it’s hard to resist a steaming, hot cup of coffee to pair with the popular banana cream pie — only available the first week of each month — or the coconut cream pie topped with a mountain of me-ringue or the pecan pie full of gooey richness.2511 NASA Parkway, Seabrook281.326.1512seabrookclassiccafe.comSUGAR BEAN COFFEE AND CREAMThe residents of Evia on Galveston’s West End have their very own coffee shop within walk-ing distance. But even if you don’t live there, you’re welcome to stop by and enjoy a cup of warm goodness. Sugar Bean’s sunny coastal interior will jump-start your morning and put a smile on your face. Friendly baristas, water views and a killer coconut mocha latte are top draws. Sit by the fireplace or walk outside to the gazebo to capture the essence of this village-like atmosphere.11 Evia Main, Galveston409.974.4473facebook.com/sugarbeancoffeeandcreamEditor Laura Elder contributed to this listing. COASTMONTHLY.COM / FEBruArY 2016 29Barista Cory Clark prepares coffee at Mod Coffeehouse in Galveston.HAPPY COFFEE SHOPA relative newcomer to the island coffee scene, owner randy Abramson serves up good coffees and hot drinks — a signature one is the chai tea — with much praised baked goods and daily noodle, rice and curry dishes from her native Cambodia. She recently introduced a Cambodian pork sandwich to the menu. Abramson is a skilled barista, serving up perfectly foamed cappuc-cinos and other espresso drinks. Happy Cof-fee Shop, small and cozy, is aptly named, with a laid-back island vibe and Wi-Fi.5102 Broadway, Galveston409.974.4492JIMMY’S ON THE PIERSitting just below Jimmy’s and on the famous Galveston Fishing Pier, this shop offers spe-cialty coffees, lattes, chai beverages, classic espresso, cold brew, cappuccino and more. Enjoy a hot beverage from the ever-changing chalkboard menu and sip your selection out on the pier, taking in one of the best views in Galveston. Cordoba is the house brew.9001 Seawall Blvd., Galveston409.974.4383jimmysonthepier.comMOD COFFEEHOUSECollege students flock here to study, locals come to sip their favorite lattes, while tourists drop by because they’ve heard about this icon of a coffee shop in the island’s down-town. Mod serves good coffee and is a great spot for people watching — inside and out. Along with the hot beverages, Mod also is popular for its beverages. Munch on wraps, an espresso brownie or the Cowboy Cookie. On weekend evenings, the outdoor patio fea-tures live music — weather permitting. Inside cozy meets comfort and design meets foam atop your cup of Katz brewed coffee, micro roasted in the Houston Heights.2126 Postoffice St., Galveston409.765.5659modcoffeehouse.comMURDER BY CHOCOLATEYes, it’s a mystery theater, but it features a comfy coffee lounge with a revolving fire-place door and partitioned rooms in a “clue mansion” design. You could join in the fun and attend one of the many shows in which you can be the star or a behind-the-scenes detective. Or, just pop in and enjoy one of the specialty coffee drinks with intriguing names such as Houdini Hazelnut, Check-mate Mocha, Nancy Drew and Dr. Watson. Dessert items include a Dark Shadows choc-olate pie, Killer Cookie — fudge brownie sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies covered with marshmallow cream — and Murder on the Oreo Express with Oreo mousse. Agatha Christie would be proud.18201 S. Egret Bay Blvd., Clear Lake area281.992.1888murderbychocolate.com/coffee-shopNext >