< Previous40 COASTMONTHLY.COM | SepTeMber 2023 FEATURE “Working in fine-dining restaurants, I was used to the best of everything, but in Cuba they had nothing, and they had to cook in difficult circumstanc- es, including power blackouts, she said. “But they prepared the most delicious food. It remind- ed me of the Sausage Sundays I grew up with in Chicago.” Now married with four chil- dren, she runs her own home- based baking and catering business called The Little Cu- bans. She enjoys catering jobs, but her real passion is sharing authentic and delicious Cuban food with customers. GUAVA & CHEESE PASTRY 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (Pepperidge Farm is fine) 1 (8-ounce) bar of good cream cheese (cold) 1 (21-ounce) container of Goya Guava Paste (Available at Amazon and many Walmart and H-E-B stores. Don’t substitute guava jelly because it will melt too much.) preheat oven to 400 F with rack in middle. prepare baking sheet with parchment paper. remove puff pas- try from freezer 10 minutes before handling. While pastry thaws a bit, prepare filling. Slice guava paste into 9 rectangles about 1/4-inch thick. Cut cream cheese into 9 segments equal to the guava paste. remove pastry from packaging and carefully unfold the 2 sheets. Cut along the 3 existing ridges and then carefully cut each into thirds (It will produce 18 rectangles after prepar- ing both sheets). rectangles should be as equal in size as possible. place 9 pieces of pastry on baking sheet and top each with 1 piece of guava and cheese in center. place remaining pastry directly on top, being careful to work quickly so pastry doesn’t thaw. place sheet into preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until it begins to brown. Cool on wire rack a mini- mum of 15 minutes before eating because the now-liquid guava filling will be very hot. Chef’s note: For an extra-crunchy crust, gently brush the top of each pastry with simple syrup immedi- ately before placing in oven. (be careful not to let syrup drip onto parchment or it will burn and ruin the finished pastry.) CUBAN BEAN STEW (POTAJE) Sofrito (medium yellow onion, green bell pepper and 6-8 cloves garlic) 2 (27-ounce) cans kidney or black beans rinsed and drained 1 (48-ounce) container broth of choice (Bone broth is best.) 1½ tablespoons Goya sazón with cilantro 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste) Optional: 3-4 slices thick- cut bacon and 2-3 green plantains (Don’t use yellow plantains. May substitute other root vegetable.) Toppings: Fresh cilantro, lime juice, sliced avocado peel and dice a medium onion and pepper. Mince garlic. peel plantain (if using) with paring knife and cut into 1-inch rounds. Cut bacon (if using). Heat a 6-quart, lidded Dutch oven over medium high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Add sofrito (onion, pepper, garlic) and cook, stirring constantly, until onion and pepper begin to soften. (Add bacon here if using). Stir in sazón, salt and bay leaf and cook 1 minute. Add beans and plantains (if using). Add stock. If serving over rice, add just enough liquid to cover the vegetables. If serving as a soup, add more stock to cover by a few inches. bring to a boil then cover, reduce to a simmer and cook 30 minutes. – Recipes from Chef Catherine Lynn Scott (Left) Chef Catherine Lynn Scott leads the El Lago Ladies Dinner Group, which meets each month at mom-and- pop restaurants. She also runs her own home-based baking and catering business, The Little Cubans, where she shares her passion for Cuban food, such as potaje, with customers. STUA r T VILLANU e VAMELISSAREKOFF BROKERASSOCIATE melissa@onyxrealtygrouptx.com mygalvestondreamhome.com 409-996-9838 ForEducators BuyingorSellingahomeisnoteasy,butIpromisetoeducateyouonthe process&setexpectationstomakethingssmootherandlessstressful. Getanexpertyoucancounton! 2527JackJohnson Galveston 2811N.Houston LaMarque 1106TreatyDr. SurfsideBeach42 COASTMONTHLY.COM | SepTeMber 2023 FEATURE GRAPE EXPECTATIONS Whether you’re casual or connoisseur, these wine purveyors have you covered story by LAURA PENNINO W ine lovers on the upper Texas coast have a wide range of places to go for sipping a glass or sharing a bottle. Here are just a few of many worthy venues suitable for casual wine drinkers to connoisseurs. CHELSEA WINE BAR On the north side of Clear Lake, this wine bar is perfectly positioned for sunset watch- ers. Visitors and regulars can choose from more than 100 hand-selected wines, with by-the-glass options starting at $8 and bot- tles starting at $29. Chelsea Wine Bar hosts Monday through Thursday happy hour specials until 7 p.m. On Thursdays, the happy hour special features $5 glasses of frosé (frozen rosé). Chelsea Wine Bar also hosts monthly wine tastings. Hand-painted murals depicting scenes originally created by Impressionist artists adorn the walls. Antique chairs, tables, settees and books decorate the interior lounge areas and create a Sherlock Holmes vibe. The outdoor patios and porches are especially popular for dog-loving wine enthusiasts — even more so in cooler weather. Chelsea Wine Bar, 4106 NASA Parkway, Suite F, El Lago FIL e p HOTO: STUA r T VILLANU e VA COASTMONTHLY.COM | SepTeMber 2023 43 A 2020 Bordeaux at Opus Bistro & Steakhouse in League City. (Opposite) An assortment of wines at Chelsea Wine Bar in El Lago. STUA r T VILLANU e VA44 COASTMONTHLY.COM | SepTeMber 2023 FEATURE HAAK WINERY This Santa Fe icon was established by Raymond and Gladys Haak, who got their grape-growing start shortly after their wedding in 1969. Gladys gave Raymond two Concord grapevines as a wedding (From top) Leslie Stewart, general manager at Main Street Bistro in League City, often highlights grape varietals or wines not readily available in local stores; Jim Pozzi, from left, his wife, Jan, Ivan Arangelov and his wife, Lidija Bikova Arangelov, celebrate earning a two-glass award from Wine Spectator at their venture Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood in Galveston. (Opposite) Charlie Felts, owner of Opus Bistro & Steakhouse, pulls a bottle from one of the wine racks at the restaurant in League City. p HOTOS: J e NNIF er re YNOLDS gift — and the rest is history. In 2020, Troy Kyle, Case Keenum, Austin Elrod and Kyle Johnston acquired Hank Winery, with Raymond Haak retaining a small stake and an advisory role. Haak Winery has won national and international awards for its madeira and is listed as the official wine provider of the Texas Renaissance Festival. This local gem offers tours and tastings, wines by the glass and by the bottle to drink on premises or take home, gift cards, live concerts, trivia nights and on-site ac- commodations. Wine Wednesdays feature half-priced glasses. Haak Winery has estab- lished six types of wine clubs and charges zero membership fees. Haak Winery, 6310 Ave. T, Santa Fe MAIN STREET BISTRO This popular League City eatery is com- mitted to offering an affordable and acces- sible selection of wines that manager Leslie Stewart describes as eclectic — ones that aren’t readily available in supermarkets or wine and liquor stores. Stewart stays current by meeting with wine representatives and sampling new wines on a bi-weekly basis. Patrons can enjoy wines she chooses from California, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, France, Italy, Portugal and other countries. Wines by the glass are priced from $10 to $17. Bottles start at $28, with Prisoner Red Blend being the highest priced at $68. Main Street Bistro also features one or more wines each month, typically white varietals during the hottest months. Main Street Bistro, 615 E. Main St., League City NUMBER 13 PRIME STEAK AND SEAFOOD Six sommeliers. More than 350 wines. Three monthly wine locker membership options. Wine dinners. Wine specials on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Wine tastings. Wine talks. It’s obvious wine is serious business here and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. This year, Wine Spectator awarded Number 13 the coveted second-level award for its wine program, also known as the two-glass award. And the food and waterfront views don’t disappoint. Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood, 7809 Broadway in Galveston COASTMONTHLY.COM | SepTeMber 2023 45 OPUS BISTRO & STEAKHOUSE Proprietor Charlie Felts, who has been in the restaurant business his whole life, loves wine. He and his team proudly offer what he calls “up-and-coming wines” from less- er-known vintners. Cabernets tend to be fa- vored among Opus Bistro patrons. The bistro offers 30 wines by the glass priced from $8 to $20. Bottles on the main wine list go for $29 to $90 and include selections from California, South America, Australia and other countries. Opus One Napa Valley wine goes for $545 a bottle, with others on the Cellar List ranging from $200 to $850 per bottle. Once each quarter, Opus hosts cozy wine dinners that feature a winemaker as a guest speaker. Opus Bistro & Steakhouse, 2500 South Shore Har- bor Drive, South Shore Harbour Resort, League City SHEARN’S SEAFOOD & PRIME STEAKS Offering spectacular views of Moody Gardens and surrounding waters, Shearn’s has won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award of Excellence each year since 2004 and has been ranked number one on Tri- pAdvisor for Restaurants in Galveston. Wines by the glass and by the bottle are available, with bottle prices ranging from $46 to $350. No shorts or flips flops allowed here. Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks, Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston THE STEAKHOUSE AT SAN LUIS RESORT Wines by the glass range from $8 to $30. Wines by the bottle start at $50 and go into the hundreds. The selection is extensive, with offerings from California, France and many other wine-producing countries. The complete wine list and prices are pub- lished on the website, which is helpful and convenient for patrons who are interested in trying a new vintner or varietal or check out whether a favorite wine will be available upon arrival. The Steakhouse at San Luis Resort, Spa and Confer- ence Center, 5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston VARGAS CUT & CATCH BY PACO This downtown elegant establishment is known for prime steaks and fine seafood dishes. It’s also known for its selection of wine, available by the glass and bottle all in a stylish setting. The online wine list is neatly organized into lists of white and red, with prices clearly spelled out to assist discerning wine enthusiasts as they study what’s available. Prices for wines by the glass start at $13. Many of the wines by the bottle are priced well below $100, some are priced over $1,000. Vargas Cut & Catch by Paco, 2102 Postoffice St., Galveston STUA r T VILLANU e VA© 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. 2001 KIRBY, SUITE 600, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019. 281.652.5588 EST. 1911 Caroline Spagnola 409-771-2859 Caroline.Spagnola@elliman.com See all my listings, scan here: 4023 Bayshore Drive • Bacliff | $1,799,000 - NEW PRICE Welcome to Pelican Run on the Bay! This magnificent West Indies inspired, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath stately residence exemplifies the highest caliber of finishes, remarkable craftsmanship, and unobstructed views of the Galveston Bay. Masterfully designed, this palatial property is an entertainer’s dream. The exterior of the home conveys a message of refined beauty that is graced with outdoor ample living space, lush tropical foliage, a 100 ft fishing pier and concrete bulkhead along entire waterfront. 3610 Bernardo De Galvez Galveston $550,000 - NEW PRICE Historical Georgian Style home one one of Galveston’s most notable streets! This centrally located home features 4 well proportioned bedrooms as well as a garage apartment for additional income. 2422 Avenue M Galveston: Silkstocking District $540,000 - NEW PRICE Desirable & significantly renovated in the Silk Stocking District(previously owned by late Mayor Lyda Thomas), bird’s eye view to parades. Property is investment ready as single-family home or separate apartments; upstairs & downstairs. 17 Campeche Estates | $875,000 Situated on a cul-de-sac, this beautifully appointed 5-bedroom residence tucked away in Campeche Estates checks off all the boxes. This stunning brick home offers a well-proportioned primary bedroom downstairs and ample space for entertaining throughout the dining room, living room, and fully updated kitchen. Upstairs you will find 4 large bedrooms, a den, and balcony overlooking serene wetlands with a view of Moody Gardens. With brand new flooring adorning the upper level and newly stained flooring throughout the downstairs, it offers a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance. Boasting a generously sized backyard, this outdoor haven offers unparalleled privacy with the distinct advantage of having no neighbors directly behind. An idyllic setting for those who cherish their personal space and serene views.48 COASTMONTHLY.COM | SepTeMber 2023 DOWN THE HATCH MEET ALFREDO HERNANDEZ He’s keeping it cool on hot summer days story by TRACE HARRIS | photo by JENNIFER REYNOLDS T ipsy Turtle Sea- side Bar & Grill, 11745 Termini-San Luis Pass Road on Galveston’s West End, stands 20 feet above the beach, boasting views of sand and sea and sun- ny skies as far as the eye can see. The open-air bar might get hot, but the good times still roll day and night. Keeping the patrons cool and quenching their thirst is bar- tender Alfredo Hernandez. How long have you worked here? I started here in Septem- ber last year. I used to work in the refinery, but I left when COVID happened. I have a lot of friends who bartended, so I gave it a shot. Where have you bartended and what experience do you have? I got my initial training at Float Pool & Patio Bar and moved on to Cooper’s Landing, which is owned by the same people as Tipsy Turtle. I also bar- tend at Grand Galvez’s pool bar. What is it like working at a beachside bar? Sometimes, we will get bad weather, but otherwise it’s great. I love being able to watch the sunset Each month, Coast Monthly chats with mixers and shakers on the local bar scene. and getting the nice sea breeze. Have you had any guests from exotic places? We actu- ally had a woman who came here from London. She claimed she was an ex-princess. I’m not sure that’s true, but I liked her accent. We also get a lot of visitors from Asia. Do you have any wild sto- ries? On July 5, I was struck by lightning. It hit the top of the building but I still felt it. My ears were ringing and I was in shock, but I didn’t need to go to the hospital. TIPSY MERMAID BUCKET DRINK 3½-4 ounces Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum 1-2 ounces blue curaçao Pineapple juice Fill bucket with ice. pour in rum and blue curaçao. Fill with pineapple juice. Stir and serve. BLOODY MARY ½ ounce Worcestershire sauce 1 ounce pickle juice ½ ounce each of lemon and lime 3 splashes Tabasco 1½ ounces Tito’s vodka Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix Garnishes: Olive, okra and pickle Fill glass with ice. Add Worcester- shire sauce, pickle juice, lemon and lime juices, Tabasco and vodka. Fill with bloody mary mix and stir. Garnish with a spear of olive, okra and a small pickle.Find your dream home. Embark on your real estate journey with a local agent. 3905 Pirates Beach Cir Galveston ∙ $425,000 Pirates Beach 2415 Avenue L Galveston ∙ $849,000 Silk Stocking Historic District 2001 36th St Galveston ∙ $410,000 Midtown Galveston, Corner Lot 2002 27th St, Unit 8 Galveston ∙ $2,450 Kempner Park 1420 23rd Ave N Texas City ∙ $315,000 Mainland Park 1301 Avenue M Galveston ∙ $675,000 San Jacinto 1623 Corniche St League City ∙ $784,000 Riviera, Waterfront, Gated Community 979 Clara St Crystal Beach ∙ 425,500 Pearl Beach 2002 27th St, Unit 1 Galveston ∙ $2,450 Kempner Park Kristi Buehring REALTOR® 713.480.3042 kristi.buehring@compass.com kristibuehring.com SOLDSOLDSOLD LEASELEASE All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All mea- surements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.Next >