[Wilma]

Dear All,

Thanks to some of the members of this forum, I have found some really nice inns in Galveston and I was wondering if anyone here knows about any really good restaurants in the area. I want this trip to be perfect and I would appreciate some recommendations.

[frenchtowner]

Wilma,

I don't know exactly what you're looking for, but it sounds like you want more of a special occasion type restaurant for your anniversary and from what I can see, Galveston may not have a lot of great choices for you there, as most of their restaurants look like steakhouses, Mexican food cantinas or low end seafood shanties. It seems that the best fine dining restaurant is located at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Spa on the ninth floor, but then it isn't rated very well online on TripAdvisor or other sites.

What I did find is a fabulous place that sounds like just the spot you're looking for. It is called Charivari Restaurant and it is located in Houston, just about an hour down (or up) the road. It is known for its distinctive European cuisine prepared by its chef and owner Johann Schuster who was born in Transylvania. What grabbed my eye about them [as relates to you] is that they were just voted the Best Anniversary Restaurant for 2008 by Citysearch.com.

So, I know that this may not meet your needs exactly, but it could be great if you can rent a car while you're there or even have a limo drive you back and forth if you have the money. Heck you might even decide that you want to be in Houston instead. If you do, we have some other recommendations for you in terms of romantic boutique hotels in Houston.

FT

[twocents]

Whenever I visit Galveston I like to go to Sky Bar for sushi. Its right downtown, the food is great and so is the spot. Also, there is this really great Authentic Mexican spot right by the beach on Seawall. I make really good Mexican food because that is what I learned to cook at home, but when I have a taste for Mexican and I am visiting the beach in Galveston this is where I go. They only accept cash here though and most of the staff doesnt speak English. Its Seawall and 8th (I think), dont recall a name but they have yellow awnings.

Also, there are two really nice cafes I like to do lunch at. The Sunflowers Bakery (512 Christopher Columbus Blvd, lunch on the shaded porch is nice-- try the stuffed avocados. And then there is the Mosquito Cafe which has awesome fresh and organic salads and sandwiches. Love this place.

[frenchtowner]

Wilma,

Just another note. I just found an incredible panoramic photo online of Galveston from The Moody Gardens Hotel. It is unbelievable. Maybe I was wrong, maybe this could be the spot for your very special occasion. Let me know what you think. I still think that restaurant in Houston sounds intriguing.

FT

[frenchtowner]

Dear Two,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Welcome to the forum.

I had heard alot about Mosquitos [website here] but not about the Sunflower Bakery [Convention and Visitors Bureau listing here]. Those stuffed avocados sound fabulous! Thanks for the tips.

Also, I tried to find that Mexican place and it seems there are 3 or 4 right on the beach at the seawall. Do you know which one it was? [see Mexican Restaurants in Galveston listings here --- some with photos]

FT

[twocents]

Hmm, I checked out that list and didn't recognize any of those names. I will have to call my best friend and ask her the name because it is going to bug me for the rest of the day.

Oh, and about the Sunflower Bakery. The actual bakery is part of the restaurant and they have incredible pastries behind those glass counters.

On the Moody Gardens. The view is incredible, but the menu is kind of boring, definitely not worth the money. If you are looking for somewhere really nice to eat on the island, try......oh, geez. I can't remember the name of anything today. Ok, its part of the four star hotel on the island, very well known and very pricy. It is a steakhouse, and it is pricey, but they have an incredible menu.

[frenchtowner]

Two,

It didn't seem like the restaurant at Moody Gardens was that great because there seemed to be no buzz factor at all about it online. In fact, I need to correct a mistake I made earlier. I said that the restaurant at Mooody Gardens isn't rated well. What I should have said is that Shearn's Restaurant and Lounge isn't even rated on Tripdadvisor.

In terms of the restaurant at the four star hotel, could it have been Hotel Galvez or The Tremont House?

FT

[LanasCountry]

Ft ..here is a recipe I think you will love!

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Serves: 2
Avocado halves are filled with a delicious mixture of shrimp, crab, and cucumber.
A wonderful light lunch, or a great appetizer for an elegant dinner!

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup flaked cooked crabmeat
3/4 cup cooked small shrimp
3 tablespoons peeled and finely diced cucumber
2 tablespoon mayonnaise (may substitue ranch dressing, if desired).
2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch paprika
2 avocados cut in halves
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a bowl, mix the crab, shrimp, cucumber, mayonnaise, and parsley. Season with salt, and pepper. Cover, and chill until serving.
2. Slice the avocados lengthwise, and remove the pit. Scoop part the flesh out of the avocado, leaving about 3/4 inch on the peel. Spoon
the seafood mixture into the hollowed centers of the avocado halves. Sprinkle the tops with paprika.

[LanasCountry]

Folks, did not mean to get off topic there, just gave recipe because
FT said the avacado sounded delicious!!

[jjett72]

Originally Posted by frenchtowner

Dear Two,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Welcome to the forum.

I had heard alot about Mosquitos [website here] but not about the Sunflower Bakery [Convention and Visitors Bureau listing here]. Those stuffed avocados sound fabulous! Thanks for the tips.

Also, I tried to find that Mexican place and it seems there are 3 or 4 right on the beach at the seawall. Do you know which one it was? [see Mexican Restaurants in Galveston listings here --- some with photos]

FT

i recommend the mosquitocafe!! ...i hate those insects, but i like the cafe. nice place!