Updated 8.27.09
On the first anniversary of Hurricane Ike, here is an update of some of our old favorites and new finds on Galveston.
Waiting for a scoop at La King's: Syd Kearney : 29-95
Bistro LeCroy
It was good to see owners Tommie LeCroy and Barbara Davis holding court at their regular table. The restaurant, which re-opened Aug. 11, has been a favorite of mine since its opening five years ago. I love the crawfish pies with their deftly spiced gravy, and LeCroy's dark, flavorful gumbo is the best on the island. The invitingly open space with its dark woods and views of the bustling-again Strand can't be beat. The restaurant is serving lunch daily and is doing some dinner business, but call ahead before making the trip. When asked about regular hours, the answer came back, "It's complicated." And that's fine. Rather a limited chance to get my gumbo than none at all.
La King's Confectionery
This old-fashioned ice cream parlor is looking as old as ever. And that's a good thing. With its vintage posters, quaint white metal furniture, glass counters filled with hand-dipped chocolates, gummi bears and taffy, and an army of uniformed soda jerks ready to serve you heaping scoops of ice cream, La King's a must-stop for visitors to The Strand. You can order any number of fancy sundaes, but sometimes just a single scoop of apple pie ice cream can make your day.
Here's a look at other new and newly reopened restaurants:
Capital Q BBQ
The best-smelling place in Galveston. That's what I'm calling this spanking new barbecue joint on Seawall Boulevard. The barbecue — brisket, dry-rubbed pork ribs and all-beef sausage — is served cafeteria-style, and an attractive dining room with a large bar juts across it. I predict when the heat dissipates, Capital Q's large patio overlooking the Gulf will be a favorite with tourists and the locals.
Tremont Cafe
The Tremont House is one of Galveston's gems. It's new cyber cafe offers gourmet breakfasts, paninis and pizzas and specialties such as cider-cured pork tenderloin cooked in a brick oven.
And, yes, this is Galveston beach.
Boudreaux's on the Bayou
This off-the-tourist-path place abuts Offatts Bayou and has a large deck and lawn seating overlooking the water and the rebuilding city. In the evenings, it's more bar and live music venue than restaurant, but don't let that keep you from stopping by. During a recent lunchtime visit, I had some of the best fried catfish I've eaten in years. And the buzz is that the enchiladas, an off-the-menu lunch special, are Galveston's best.
Chopin Mon Ami
Ever had the Italian creme cake at Di Bella's? Well, it came from this little bakery. In the spring, the bakery opened its doors for lunch. Since then, the neighborhood folk have been streaming in for Judy Elemndorf's Shrimp Burger. Daily specials range from Smothered Pork Chops to King Ranch Chicken. And there's sandwiches made with the bakery's popular jalapeno bread. A visit isn't complete without sampling something out of the pastry cabinet. (Hint, hint: Try the pineapple upside down cake.)
Olympia : The Grill at Pier 21: Syd Kearney ; 29-95
Olympia : The Grill at Pier 21
If you're a fan of Olympia Grill on Galveston's Seawall, then you'll be very surprised by its new dockside sister operation. No patriotic Greek-inspired, blue-drenched decor, no blaring folk music and no parking-lot patio. Olympia The Grill has a stylish and subdued dining room, a soft jazz soundtrack, a long sleek bar, an open kitchen and an inviting dining patio (with its own bar). The menus are similar and similarly priced, a couple of dishes are a smidge higher at the The Grill. And there's some upscale additions here too, such as Grilled Scallops Greco, a sharing-sized seafood sampler and a couple of steaks. Here's to hoping there is room for both of these restaurants on the island.
Island Grill
Greasy spoon has encyclopedic menu that includes sandwiches, salads, Mexican dinners, Chinese lunch plates and homey favorites such as meatloaf and liver & onions. Most intriguing (and read "intriguing" as "yuk"): The Idaho Sunrise plate, a breakfast of rainbow trout, two eggs and country potatoes.
Gumbo Bar
This newcomer on Postoffice is a charmer. Owned by the same folks who own Yaga's Cafe on The Strand, this promising restaurant takes its inspiration from a shellfish-steaming emporium in Vegas. For more on the Gumbo Bar, see the Snack on This report.
901 Postoffice
This new restaurant housed in a historic cottage near UTMB offers a fine-dining room that is all about romance and refinement. It's currently open only for dinner.
Crawfish pie at Le Croy's: Syd Kearney : 29-95
The venerable Clary's remains closed.
Some 29-95 recommendations:
Waterwall on The Strand won't be coming back. Don't forget sushi happy hour at Sky on Postoffice, ceviche at Sunflower Bakery (odd recommendation, I know, but it's damn good) and a latte at Mod.
I'd skip 901 Postoffice. The food is un-inspired, service is hurried and way over-priced for what you get.
So Syd, not a big fan of fried trout for breakfast? That one cracked me up. My wife has been suffering from my predilection for fried fish before 8AM for years.
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