Before the words written here paint a picture filled with scrumptious images of the food available in Galveston during Restaurant Week, it’s important to interject a few bytes of somber truth: there is hunger on Galveston Island.
For example, St. Vincent’s House is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Galveston. It’s been serving the community continuously since 1954. St. Vincent’s House accepts food donations but must purchase food from the Galveston County Food Bank in order to meet the increased demand. In the past four years, the number of people needing food from the “Loaves and Fishes” Food Pantry at St. Vincent’s House has risen a dramatic 33%. These people are not transients, dropping in for a quick bite on the run. The rise represents thousands of our friends and neighbors, working families from all cultural backgrounds, who are struggling with the economic realities of the national economy. Therefore as you enjoy the following articles about the wonders of our local food scene, keep in mind the reason for the season: The Galveston County Food Bank is much needed and deserves our support.
The Farley Girls Café
The return of Ryanne Duzich and Rosmond Thormahlen to Galveston Island as business owners is no less than the return of local restaurant royalty. They’re the daughters of Dianne and Marion Duzich, the developers of Fisherman’s Wharf, Waterman’s, The Spot and FishTales. And like their parents, the girls bring a passion for perfection to their chosen profession. Ryanne graduated from a Culinary Arts School in Austin, and her sister Rosmond is a graduate of the prestigious Johnson & Wales University – College of Culinary Arts in Miami, Florida.
“We grew up in this business and had been trying out concepts before we opened the Farley Girls in August this year, said Ryanne. “We wanted to provide good food at a good fair price. In order to insure the quality we even hired Juan Cordona as our Chief Chef.”
The Farley Girls Café is the epitome of trendy. The light and airy ambience features lush green walls, combined with natural brick. Ryanne notes that like most of the buildings in Galveston that survived Ike, the original estimates for remodeling, had scant resemblance to what it actually took to create a significantly new type of eatery:
“I can’t say enough about Al Fichera and Fichera Builders, ,said Ryanne. “We had underestimated the damage from Ike and he had the experience to make this happen.
The service is counter order and pickup facilitated by those cool vibrating pagers. But the wait time is minimal and perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Quick Bites
Although it’s been reported prior to this, there is simply no way to get around the sheer delight of the Shrimp and Grits at Farley Girls. The warm grits layered with Gouda cheese and mushrooms are a perfect bed for the rich, perfectly grilled shrimp. Even the small slivers of crispy, “Nann” bread accent the dish by providing a way to literally sop up every last bite of this exquisite dish. Although this particular dish is featured on the Restaurant Menu at an outrageous price, it’s also featured on their regular menu at a slightly higher but still outrageously low price.
The Farley Girls’ have a number of distinct dishes on their menu, but vegetarians will be pleased to find items like a Panini Veggie which features seasonal roasted vegetables, feta cheese and babganoush spread as well as Panini Caprese which features Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, and Arugula spread with pesto.
The Farley Girls Café’ is packed with new diners – it’s growing into a local legend fast! Drop in.
Farley Girls Café
“A Little Bit of Everything”
801 Postoffice Street
Galveston, Texas 7755-
409-497-4454
Hours: 10:30 am. To 3 pm.
Sunday Brunch: 8:30 AM TO 3 pm.
Parking Is Free – Lot West – Ask for Validation
Price – Low/Moderate – Good Value
The Tremont Café
Because their café is located in a hotel the locals may be missing a gem of restaurant that’s perfect for everyday dining. The menu here includes some wonderful Hearth Baked Flat Breads including a smoky BBQ Chicken with smoked Gouda, Mozzarella, Red Onions and Cilantro.
However, let this serve as an invitation to the locals to influence new Executive Chef Executive Chef Michael Jacobson. One of the items on the Restaurant Week Menu isn’t on the regular menu and it would do a body good if it could be placed there. The Meatloaf Panini here is superlative. It’s thick, warm and seasoned perfectly. Paired with a cup of Tomato Basil Soup, you have reached comfort food nirvana! Time to campaign!!
The Tremont House Café
A Wyndham Grand Hotel
2300 Ships Mechanics Row
Galveston, Texas 77550
409-763-0300
Good Medicine – Medicinal Purposes Bar & Grill
This eclectic little East End eatery tucked away on a corner of 7th and Winnie is hiding some of the Island’s greatest comfort food. It’s a wonderful neighbor hangout will a full bar and a generous selection of domestic and imported beers and wines. Word of mouth has already spread about their thick and hearty soups including a rich Baked Potato Soup, Seafood Gumbo and Soup of the Day.
However, if you drop in, don’t leave without ordering their generous portion of fall-off-the- bone Smoked St. Louis-style Ribs. Served with a tart, German Style Slaw, it’s so much and so good you really will need a take-home box.
The atmosphere is really cute and filled with neat mannequins dressed in local medical and Mardi Gras Garb. There’s even a real ambulance parked out back in the free parking lot in case you over eat. Medicinal Purposes Bar and Grill is one of those great community based eateries designed for locals who want a filling meal out, in a fun atmosphere at affordable prices. Slide on over and enjoy!
Medicinal Purposes Bar & Grill
712 7th Street – 7th and Winnie
Galveston, Texas
(409) 974-4365
Hours Daily: 11 am – 2:00 am.
Medicinal-Purposes-Bar and Grill.com
Free Parking Lot
Price : Low/Moderate – Great Value
Marsha Wilson Rappaport is a local author and free-lance writer.
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