I’m just following the map at:  http://www.galvestonparrot.com.

Some suggestions while at the Lone Star Rally:

BIG PIG from Capital Q BBQ - Seawall East

Seawall East:

Seawall: Mario’s on the Seawall

Pizza from Wood Burning Ovens: Perfect crusts, generous  toppings  and gourmet offerings for  those who don’t want to go with the flow.

Capital Q  BBQ

Fall off of the bone ribs;  brisket, fabulous sides , full bar and  outside patio on the gulf . Ask about their collard greens – trust me on this!

The Spot and Drip!

Heck – you already know about the best burgers in the land.

West End:

Moody Gardens

Terrace in the Hotel:  Ask about their Seafood Salad combo and Turkey Burger !

Postoffice Street:

Gumbo Bar

Deep, dark thick roux and big shrimp,oysters, crab and fish. Ask about their Soft Shell Crab Po-Boys with crisp cabbage on homemade roles instead of lettuce. AND..don’t forget the sweet potatoe fries.

Saltwater Grill:

Big, hunking Crab Drumstick  or Lobster with Brown Butter Sauce over Risotto.

O’Malleys:

Roast Beef Sandwich on warm bun with rich Au Jus – more!

Rudy and Paco’s

Grab and go Empanadas!

Bayside:

Olympia Grill:

Freshest Fish, Biggest Shrimp,  Ouzotini’s, and more with outside deck and Galveston Bay at Sunset!

Fisherman’s Wharf and Willie G’s:

Shrimp in as many ways as you can imagine and  Crab Bisque to Die for!

Welcome to Galveston!

Imagine this:  the cool breezes of fall in Galveston combined with a soaring vista of the Island. Add a refreshing drink, a plate of fresh Gulf Shrimp and good friends.  Imagine no more- it’s all available on the Roof Top at the Tremont House.  The rains will cease this week and when they do – this will be the place to be.  gcg

If you’ve never been to this lavish brunch, you’ve been missing a serious family treat. The brunch is filled with Gulf Coast goodies, like fresh Gulf Shrimp. There’s an Omelet Station,  Pasta Station and Carved Select Meats.  And although the dining room is classy, the island tradition of casual dress on a Sunday morning is both welcomed and expectation.

Yudy Nunez, is the Executive Sous Chef for The Hotel Galvez, The Tremont House and the Harbor House at Pier 21. She’s from South America and her boundless enthusiasm for bringing a fresh perspective to the menu at Bernardo’s at the Galvez  is infectious.

“We have fresh tamales too,” she cheerfully informs me as she invites me to forget my calorie count for the day.

Therefore, reflect, remember and enjoy the traditional Sunday Buffet at Bernardo’s at the Hotel Galvez.  Better still reward yourself for getting up that early – you deserve it!

Looking good is truly better than feeling good. Because if you look good enough – people will tell you that and ultimately, you will feel better.

That being said, after your bar-b-que wears off, forget about the dishes and make a run to downtown Galveston.   AT NOON – Drive to 25^th Street. Stop near Strand and Shern Moody Plaza and look across the street.

Constance Dryden and her chic boutique “NEFERTITI”  are back.

I got a sneak peak today. The colors are lavish, and the designs are chic yet –forgiving. That’s right my plus size friends – we’re  being catered to.

Moreover, in order reward her regulars; select items will be 65% off. Her grand SNEAK PREVIEW  re-opening will be from NOON – 4 p.m.

NUFF SAID – BE THERE!

Downtown Galveston knows how to have fun!

By Marsha Wilson Rappaport

It’s the last fling of the summer season. Why enjoy part of Labor Day weekend by exploring some of the new culinary offerings on Galveston Island.  The “island” is long past the days of fried shrimp and french fries.  A new breed of world class chefs have taken residence and are determined to make their mark in many of the renovated Hotels and Resort properties.

Houstonians are spoiled by the quality of fare offered by Landry’s Restaurants  . If you need any proof, only Landry’s would import Steakhouse GM, Jon Paul, formerly of Tony Vallones, to oversee a series of gourmet wine and spirit dinners on site at the San Luis.  Believe me,you’ll never see Tequila as green slush with salt, once you’ve tasted a menu  that includes  Milagro Limon Marinated  Cerviche  and and  Ancho Marinated  Ribeye drizzled with a rich Tequila Lime Beurre Blanc . This feast was prepared Master Chef Gaston Martinez who has actually warmed a sauce pan with  Food Channel Great Mario Batali. News tip: According  to  Jon Paul and Landry’s insider Laura Lee Gourley  this fabulous event will be  held  quarterly.

Have I got your attention? Good. Then take a drive east on the Seawall and visit the Hotel Galvez, a historic resort hotel with a hot new modern menu at Bernardo’s .  Try Blackened Red Fish resting on a bed of stone ground cheese girls, bathed in rock shrimp cream, accompanied by grilled veggies. Now imagine that dish and more in a candle lit, romantic setting, staring out into the Gulf of Mexico with a pianist tickling the ivories.

Downtown Galveston is filled with goodies you may have not explored.  The Galveston Restaurant Group has opened several of their treasures on Postoffice Street. The Gumbo Bar features, custom ordered, gumbo with shrimp, crab, and oysters freshly steamed and fresh from the Gulf of Mexico swimming in traditional, dark southern roux. Saltwater Grill mixes it up with  jumbo crab “lollipops” and , juicy  lobster tails, perched on a bed of slightly nutty, cheesy,  brown, butter risotto.

Need a quick snack?  Mod Coffeehouse on Postoffice Street features hot java, teas, Wi-Fi and tasty bits like Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna or West African Peanut Stew. And the newly opened Wi-Fi café at the Tremont House features a Curry Chicken and Mango Salad perfect for lunch or great with late night drinks in their renovated lobby.

Obviously, Galveston Island means you are  surrounded by gorgeous views of the sea.  Tend to your inner seafarer by grabbing a thick juicy burger or custom cocktail at The Spot on the Seawall or enjoy the views bayside, while munching  jumbo shrimp or sipping an “Ouzotini”  at the new Olympia Grill at Pier 21.

Labor Day is fun with friends and Family.  Enjoy the day with Family and Friends at Moody Gardens or Schilltterbahn and let your inner pirate cruise culinary delights– after the kids are worn out.

Want to know more about Labor Day Galveston?:  http://www.galvestonparrot.com or http://www.galveston.com

Life is returning to normal. Parking is an cool issue again. The Gumbo Bar and Skybar were filled inside and outside.  Rudy and Pa-cos and Saltwater were filling up. Even the Stork Club was overflowing with the thirsty.

Mod has a number of perfect light lunch specials, that complement a hot cup of Joe , while you’re surfing the web in their wireless cafe. For example, Monday features Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna and Thursday features Spanikopita.  Friday features West African Peanut Stew a vegan dish with fresh veggies, swimming in a sauce brimming with light curry undertones.

Free Wi-Fi, Patio Dining and Live Music on the Weekends?

We’re movin’ ahead Galveston!

GCG

I love this Island – but we really need to work on some Historic Neon Signs!

(At least for a while.)

GCG

Who knew:  The taste of Tequila is even affected by whether it’s grown in the “highlands” or the “lowlands” of a specific region of Mexico.

Although I will share the whole story in a later post, I needed to immediately thank Jon Paul , The Steakhouse Manager for hosting a fabulous evening. Moreover, he shared the good news – this dinner format will now occur quarterly with a new featured spirit at each dinner.

Those who appreciate a unique culinary experience would benefit by checking in with the San Luis in order to “book early.”

THE YUMMY DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

GCG