Spectacular Sunset over Galveston Bay Friday, September 23

Review of Waterman's Restaurant

So Mike and I left our comfort zone in Galveston's East End and drove to the West End to sample the offerings at Waterman's restaurant. Waterman's is right by the Galveston Country Club and is an older place with an awesome view of the sunset over Galveston Bay. The decor is Driftwood Chic.

What were the odds it was a seafood place? (100 to 1).

We seldom drink a cocktail but were intrigued by the Lafitte Splash, a rum/triple sec/fresh strawberry/lemonade concoction that was light and refreshing. I had their lobster bisque which reminded me of Gaido's Watkins bisque but more lobster-forward and Mike had their gumbo which was dark and just as it should be.

My entree was the Southwest Snapper which is coated with tortilla crumbs and topped with lump crab, pico de gallo and avocado. Delicious and perfectly cooked! Mike seems to be on a fry-kick so he had fried shrimp which were chicken-fried style with a substantial coating but he pronounced them excellent.

It was well worth the drive down the island--funny how it seems a long way when you are in Galveston but you would think nothing of it in Houston!

UPDATE: This weekend we recommended Waterman's to friends who were in Galveston. They tried it and liked their fish entrees, but Jenny, who is a self-confessed creme brûlée snob, thought their version was too watery

Taps at Sunset: Corner of Postoffice and Moody Streets

Every evening at sunset an old Marine veteran plays taps at the corner of Postoffice and Moody Streets. Last Saturday night Mike and I were fortunate to be at that intersection at the right time so I filmed the video above. The event begins with a constable driving up sirens blaring and lights flashing. He blocks the intersection with his car, gets out and salutes. Then the bugler begins to play. A crowd has gathered and most put their hands over their hearts or salute. After he finishes the crowd applauds and disperses. 

Spectacular Pink Sunset Over the Gulf

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2016

This is NOT retouched or photoshopped in any way. The beach, water and sky were just this dramatic shade of pink at sunset. The effect lasted about 5 minutes. So awesome!

Review of Shy Katz Deli and Bakery

The word "bakery" tempted Mike and me to venture over to the Shy Katz Deli and Bakery for lunch. It's located in the East End residential area between Broadway and the Seawall and is clearly a popular spot for the neighborhood.

Inside the decor is eclectic/hippie/Christian and it's a good thing there is so much to look at on the walls because Shy Katz operates on Island Time. It's a very friendly and homey atmosphere.

Mike had soup and salad and reported the tomato basil soup was good but not as good as Sunflower Cafe's version and his egg salad and bacon sandwich was done well. I had their chicken salad sandwich on croissant since it is a speciality but found it too bland for my taste.

Bakery offerings are slim (a couple of different varieties of cupcakes, cake slices and scones) but looked good. We didn't try any on this trip in the interest of our waistlines, though. 

Breakfast is served all day and I think that is probably the place's strong suit after seeing what others were having and the interesting breakfast items on the menu. We will be back to try those.

August 5, 2016 Harborside Mercantile 

Your faithful Galveston reviewer is back! Once Mike heard there was an interesting new restaurant on the Strand I knew duty called, and we checked it out on a recent stay in Galveston.

Harborside Mercantile is in one of the vintage buildings on the Strand and inside its decor is shabby chic, reminiscent of the style of Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame on HGTV. Which matches the "Southern Comfort Food" theme of the menu.

Mike had fried oysters and grits--the oysters were really creamy, large, and deliciously covered with a light cornmeal breading. The grits were heavy on the cheese but with a tangy flavor.

Speaking of the cornmeal breading, I had a field green salad that was notable because of the chunky fried green tomato croutons and their crab cake which was pure lump crab with tiny bits of yellow and zucchini squash--light and perfect on a summer evening.

For a moderately priced restaurant they have an extensive wine and beer list. And one of the desserts available is milk and warm chocolate chip cookies which would delight the kids.

We plan to return and I recommend you give it a try if you are in the mood for some good old Southern/Cajun seafood.

July 17, 2016 Art Walk and Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream

Your intrepid Galveston reviewer is back this morning with a word on something different: Art Walk. Mike and I attended this event several times, including last night after dinner. 

Art Walk takes place several times a year on Postoffice street where most of the Galveston art galleries are located. The galleries are open, serving refreshments, and crowds turn out to enjoy the evening and wander in and out of the galleries. 

Lots of families and dogs were sighted and Mike may have indulged in a white chocolate raspberry ice cream cone from Hey Mikey's Ice Cream! But I'm not telling....If Art Walk is on when you are in town, I think you will enjoy it.