Upgrades Coming to the Entertainment District

Interview with Viva Owner Ernie Del Rio and Skipjack Inc. Property Manager Lorenzo Galvan

Courtesy of Ernie Del Rio

In recent years, creatives have added to the enjoyment of the Entertainment District. From BB's painting sessions at Lobo Del Mar to drawing resident and tourist caricatures on Jim's Pier done by husband and wife Malia Quinn and John Gattas.

In October, Skipjack Inc. Property Manager Lorenzo Galvan revealed scheduled improvements to The Greens area. The Waterfront Sunset Deck on Jim's Pier will feature tall wave shade structures, colorful patio furniture, and room for around ten food trucks.

"Our stakeholders are always looking to improve and have invested here greatly on the Island," he said. "They always have great ideas."

Market by the Bay is South Padre Island's latest addition to the Entertainment District, although growth and improvement are not over.

This February, the island will see more changes in the Entertainment District.

Yummies Bistro Owner Ernie Del Rio has arranged to expand and create Viva in the space formerly known as the Painted Marlin. Viva will be South Padre Island's first Texas Urban Kitchen, with a flare of Mexican cuisine.

"Viva means live," said Del Rio. "We wanted something short and catchy."

John Gattas, and Malia Quinn's Caricature pop-up tent. Courtesy of Gattas.

Viva's goal is to offer the island an elevated dining experience. Taking his vision seriously, Del Rio hired an Executive Chef from The Culinary Institute of America and will serve lunch, dinner, and drinks on the dock.

"We hired Culinary Chef Blake Angelos," said Del Rio.

Depending on the mixed beverage license Del Rio applied for, he plans to feature drinks on the dock with teamwork from Brownsville's Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen co-founder and mixologist Juan Flores.

"We want to do a bar on the boardwalk at the greens, make a bar, and have live music there," added Del Rio.

For the summertime, Viva will have Dock and Dine. Dock and dine will allow guests to order via QR code from their boats and have their drinks taken to their boats.

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