102 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • Winter 2018-19 TheCoastalBend.com YO Philly’s YO Philly’s Cheese Steaks While Philadelphia’s two most famous cheese steak shops have fought for decades over who’s best, there’s no questions whatsoever where you will find the best, most authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich in the Coastal Bend, and that is YO on North Beach. The true Philly sandwich starts with a heap of thin cut steak, sautéed with onions and mushrooms and topped with melting Provolone cheese. YO is also home to the monstrous Philly Jack 1/3 lb. burger plus 1/3 lb. sliced steak, real Italian hoagies, and more--made with specialty meats and cheeses from that City of Brotherly Love. YO also serves up hot dogs, roast beef, and terrific pizzas. 3314 Surfside Blvd. on North Beach (361) 452-8750 • $$ Vietnam Restaurant Corpus Christi’s true fine dining estab- lishment is home to classic fusion cuisine born in French-influenced Vietnam, featuring recipes served decades ago in the ancestral eatery of this restaurant’s owners. Diners return again and again to enjoy the finest, creative cooking that in- cludes Chateaubriand, Chilean sea bass in a white truffle sauce, halved and roast- ed chicken and duck, grilled eggplant in fish sauce, and memorable, fusion creations like black pepper fried jumbo gulf shrimp and a redfish in mushroom cream sauce. Each evening Chef Lam offers forth off-menu features that are often seasonal in nature, and which always dazzle diners with rich flavor and spectacular presentation. Expect the fin- est service in Corpus Christi delivered by a professional, knowledgeable staff. 701 N. Water St. • (361) 852-2682 Vietnam-Restaurant.com • $$$$ Vietnam Takeniwa Asian Fusion Bistro One of the very few, non-chain estab- lishments in the SPID commercial zone, Takeniwa offers an inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy elaborate and expertly prepared sushi and all your favorite, classic Chinese dishes. Live cooking shows take place in the bistro’s hibachi area, always a huge hit with the kids, and that offers fantastic beef, chicken, pork, shrimp and lobster. Takeniwa’s multiple hibachi stations are the city’s newest and most finely constructed. You will find a sushi menu that offers something for every taste, from the safest California Roll to most exotic eel creations. Expect excellent service, skilled chefs and great attention to detail at this exceedingly popular eatery. Full bar. 5216 S. Padre Island Dr. next to La Palmera Mall (361) 336-6888 • Takeniwa.com • $$$ Bourbon Street Candy Company Everybody loves candy and this family owned shop located in La Palmera Mall has something for every taste! Kids of all ages enjoy the wide variety of classics and favorite chocolates, hard candies, toffee, fudge and even sugar free selections including dark chocolate almond bark that will make you forget about sugar altogether. Party planners from across the Coastal Bend head to Bourbon Street Candy for the best gift baskets and party favors. 5488 S. Padre Island Dr. in La Palmera Mall, upstairs next to Dillard’s • (361) 985-6077 Takeniwa