In our monthly Table Talk series, we gather food and drink news in one place for your convenience. From restaurant openings to new offerings at local establishments, here’s what we’ve got our eyes on in the Corpus Christi food and drink scene this month.
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TASTE at 555 Expands to Local Dive Bar
Home of the OG brisket kolache, locals know and love Taste at 555 for its mouthwatering kolaches. At the beginning of May 2024, the restaurant announced its expansion into the kitchen at Vernon’s. New menu items at the Vernon’s location are already generating buzz, with perfect-for-the-bar bites such as brisket street tacos and a BBQ bean bowl. Lunch and dinner options include a big ‘ol burger—complete with a half-pound Boarri Craft short rib—and whipped egg salad and smoked chicken salad served with a fresh baked roll. Though operations at its original location continue, the new spot serves breakfast Monday through Saturday from 8-10 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The dinner menu begins at 5 p.m. and continues service until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The Blue Clove Seafood Bar & Grill Introduces Small Batch Custard
Repeat Local’s List winner in the Chef and Seafood categories, The Blue Clove Seafood Bar & Grill knows a thing or two about preparing delicious bites. Adding to its lineup of scratch-made delights, the restaurant recently introduced a pop-up, small-batch ice cream concept, Churn & Burn Small Batch Custard. Made in-house by Joe Rodriguez, each pint includes fresh ingredients with new flavors dropping weekly. The latest flavors include dulce de leche and cookies and cream.
Omni Corpus Christi’s New Restaurant Opens
The Glass Pavillion, one of Omni Corpus Christi Hotel’s in-house dining options, underwent renovations and a complete rebrand. Now called Switchgrass Landing, the hotel describes the new restaurant as an “eclectic beach-inspired eatery where every meal feels like a seaside vacation.” Led by Chef Dean Sprague, C.C.C., Switchgrass features brand-new breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Enjoy chilaquiles, crunchy cinnamon roll French toast or breakfast sopapillas for the most important meal of the day. Lunch servings include Chef’s Famous Crab Cakes, Ocean Drive Mahi Tacos and herbed garlic shrimp. Rounding out the menu with dinner offerings, you can indulge in grilled chicken reposado, crab-stuffed flounder or short rib mac & cheese. Officially open for business, you do not have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy Switchgrass Landing.
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New Culinary Market, Deli and Wine Bar Now Open in Rockport
Housed in a historic building in the heart of Rockport, a new culinary market, deli and wine bar, Pik-Nik, opened its doors earlier this spring. Owner Genevieve (Gen) Thompson started the business as an elevated pop-up picnic service and has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar offering everything from bulk seasonal pasta and veggie salads to dressings, sauces and deli meats. Take items to go or dine in and enjoy seasonal, made-to-order sandwiches, flatbreads, locally sourced, scratch-made desserts and a full-service coffee bar. Pik-Nik opens 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays.
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Birdies Wings and Bar Pairs Wings and Craft Cocktails
Who doesn’t love a new go-to wing spot? Bridies Wings and Bar opened in January 2024 and quickly garnered rave reviews online. The menu includes various wing and tender combo baskets, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll even find a chicken and waffle dish! But, Birdies’ attention to craft cocktails truly sets it apart from your average wing spots. Blackberry Aperol margarita, anyone?
