More GypsyJoynt – Galveston, TX

We covered a little place called GypsyJoynt in Galveston previously. We enjoyed it so much, we have gone again a few times.

It turns out they add new things to the menu all the time, usually in the form of specials. They also still have hidden gems for us to discover and rediscover all over the regular menu. We’d like to share a few we recently ran across.

Muffeletta Pizza – olive oil base, olive relish, mozzarella, salami, ham, mortadella, Provalone and Parmesan. We thought it sounded good and decided that it tasted better than it sounded!

 

Big & Sloppy – burger smothered in housemade chili, and cheddar, sweet potato tots and housemade pickles on the side. Normally this is on a beautiful bun, but it was ordered bunless for a lower carb experience.

 

Nola Rays – Cajun BBQ shrimp and crawfish tails on Focaccia, mixed greens, tomato, and avocado sauce, with house fries on the side. The lid was lifted for this photo to give you an idea of the stuffing inside.

 

Vita Viva – Focaccia burger with bacon, cheddar, mixed greens, tomato, onion, housemade pickles and mayo, with house mac-n-cheese on the side.

 

On the 1-5 scale, Gypsy Joynt still gets:
Cleanliness – 4.5
Service – 3
Quality of food – 5
Flavor – 5
Pricing – 3.5
Overall experience – 4.2

Gypsy Joynt
2711 Market Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
409-497-2069

— Ann Cathey

Something New from Denny’s

Denny’s is a southern US institution, and like a lot of institutions, it has great pancakes, but everything else can be a gamble. In this case, that gamble paid off. After the cruise aboard the Carnival Breeze, I figured anything set before me might be a bit of a letdown. I was happily proven wrong.

I hadn’t been into a Denny’s for a while, and was very pleasantly surprised to find a new “skillet” on the menu: Smoky Gouda Chicken & Broccoli.

“Roasted seasoned chicken with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and broccoli served atop whole grain rice. Topped with Italian cheeses and Gouda cheese sauce.”
– Denny’s Menu

Smokey Gouda chicken & Broccoli Skillet

 

The dish you receive never looks quite like the advertising photos, but this one was tasty enough that I really didn’t care. the chicken was tender and not overcooked. the broccoli was firm, but not super crunchy. The mushrooms and onions were done to a turn rather than partially raw or blackened. The Gouda sauce, while supported by other cheeses, was well flavored and had just the right thickness to it.

I recommend this dish and it’s companion, the Smoky Gouda Prime Rib & Broccoli Skillet, to anyone who has a liking for cheese!

— Ann Cathey

Birds in Flight

Just in case there are any bird watchers in the audience, I was able to add a few to my life list on the cruise along with seeing many old friends. While these particular birds are not roasted or fricasseed, they might still be of interest to some folks.

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a small pelican found in the Americas. This possibly immature specimen was photographed in the Port of Galveston.

I’m not sure what this specimen is, though it was flying blithely along side the Carnival Breeze in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico when it was photographed.

 

A feral chicken was the only bird spotted during our stop in Montego Bay, Jamaica. apparently what used to be a household food bird there, became a neighborhood standard as the bird ran loose and bred. I’m told by a local that they are everywhere and are treated sort of as community pets.

 

Frigatebirds (also listed as “frigate bird” or “frigate-petrel”) are a family of seabirds  which are found across all tropical and subtropical oceans. This specimen appears to be a magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens). It was photographed along the coastline of George Town on Grand Cayman.

 

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is also called fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk across it’s rather cosmopolitan range. It appears on all the continents with the exception of Antarctica, though this specimen was photographed along the coast of Cozumel, Mexico.

 

My bet is on this bird being some species of cormorant. This specimen was perched on the forward rigging of the Carmival Breeze while we were at sea in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Any assistance in identifying the two unknowns is most appreciated.

— Ann Cathey

 

Gypsy Joynt – Galveston, Texas

In a building that has survived multiple hurricanes, a little hippie restaurant opened that’s a definite winner. Gypsy Joynt is an eclectic mix of atmosphere, food, coffees, and desserts that’s sure to grab your attention. Don’t be fooled by the exterior where the flagpoles proudly bear bandannas, t-shirts and jeans, this place rocks.

From the time we walked in to the time we left, we were treated to an array of Rolling Stones music. Seemed to be the sound of the day and we didn’t mind in the slightest. The dj booth is built of what looks like scavenged wood, with racks of LPs, and a command station presided over by a computer that rules the sound system. I didn’t get too good a look at the rest of the goodies in the booth, as there was so much more to see.

There’s a lot of dark wood, including the tables and mismatched chairs, that helps to give a comfortably cave-like feel to the interior, Shawls hung over the windows, scarves and beads from the ceiling, with a scattered mix of period posters, toys, and other implementada ranging from the late 50’s to the mid 70’s along the walls. The bar top (they do serve beer) where you place your order, is cut from an old pool table. The slab still has it’s felt jacket, and the pockets their leather baskets.

Pick up a menu and be prepared for a wild ride!

From pizza to focacia sandwiches and wraps, to salads to a truly decadent dessert bar, this place seems to have a little bit of everything.

 

Smoretella – Nutella, toasted marshmallow, Graham cracker.

Autumn Cocoa – fudge, pumpkin spice, homemade pumpkin marshmallow.

 

 

Rocco Rocks – mac-n-cheese and brisket pizza. Think what you will, but one of our tablemates called it “possibly the perfect pizza”.

Big & Sloppy – a chili cheeseburger that might best be served on a plate instead of a burger basket! I ordered bunless and was not disappointed. The grilled sirloin patty was served up beneath sliced cheddar and a ton of house-made chili. The chili wasn’t hot, which was a very pleasant change from today’s trend toward scorching your face off, though it usually comes with hot onions and jalapenos. Yes, those are sweet potato waffle fries.

 

I Love Lucy – This lovely combo sandwich was ordered as a wrap. Stuffed with ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, house-made pickles and mustard, it was a tasty and filling meal when coupled with the sweet potato waffle fries.

 

House-made pickles – What a pleasant surprise! With a firm crunch, these thick wavy slices come in somewhere between hamburger dills and kosher, with a sweet afterglow on the back of the tongue.

 

When next you are on Galveston Island and feeling a bit peckish, skip the Strand and give this Joynt a try.

On the 1-5 scale, Gypsy Joynt gets:
Cleanliness – 4.5
Service – 3
Quality of food – 5
Flavor – 5
Pricing – 3.5
Overall experience – 4.2

Gypsy Joynt
2711 Market Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
409-497-2069

 

— Ann Cathey

MOD Coffehouse – Galveston TX

Founded in 2001, MOD enjoys a corner space along Postoffice Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Galveston. With a staple of Fair Trade, Organic coffee and teas, MOD strives to bring the best coffee, teas, espressos and home baked goods, and the warmest welcome every day. They also offer smoothies and Italian sodas as well as wine and beer.

MOD offers daily beer and wine happy hours, too. As of my writing this, there is not yet a menu available online, but it’s coming.

From the study loft, to the open air space with comfy chairs, to the cafe style room filled with mix and match tables and chairs, to the lovely arbor covered outdoor patio, MOD has a comfortable space for you to enjoy your drinks.

Art on the Walls is a MOD showcase for new local artists. Every six weeks a new artist is invited to display their work.

MOD hosts many more such entertaining and community-minded activities. Live music on the patio, poetry night (dates and times fluctuate), local artist and author exhibits, book groups, creative writing groups, a lovely arbor covered patio, study nooks, and free wi-fi. The folks at MOD recycle, too, having a special relationship with a local farm who takes used coffee grounds to mix into their fertilizers and soils.

Spaces are available at MOD for small group meetings (6-8) or reserve the community room for larger events (up to 50). Contact Holly at MOD 409-765-5659 for information and availability.

This is another dog friendly business, welcoming polite dogs on leashes. Bicycles are also welcome, and even have parking space available.

If you just can’t get enough of MOD, you may want to take some home to brew for yourself. They make their teas and coffees available, as seen on the website:

Organic Fair Trade coffee available by the cup or by the pound and ½ pound

         Espresso beans available by the pound and ½ pound

         Herbal teas available by the cup or in bulk

The Wandering Texans enjoy MOD as often as possible, and are pretty sure you will like it, too.

Honey Bee – vanilla honey latte

On the 1-5 scale, MOD Coffeehouse gets:
Cleanliness – 4.5
Service – 4
Quality of food – 5
Flavor – 5
Pricing – 4
Overall experience – 4.5

MOD Coffeehouse
2126 Post Office Street
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 765-5659

— Ann Cathey

Nautical Antiques – Galveston TX

Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor is the full name of the shop in question. Tucked away on a side street just off the Strand in Galveston, this antique emporium has a specialized theme – anything to do with ships and the sea. From hatch doors to glass floats to fine china taken from wrecked cruise ships, there seems to be a little bit (or a lot) of everything you might imagine available for collectors of things nautical, and theme decorators. I would imagine items in this store would make excellent movie props as well, if they have not already!

See for yourself. The owner was nice enough to allow me to take pictures inside the store to share with readers here on the blog.

Helm wheels, compasses, sea chests, lanterns, signage, oars, throttles, spotlights, carved wooden sea life…

Hatch doors and covers, rudder gears, glass fishing floats…

Retired navigational charts, more lanterns and fishing floats, bobs, colors (flags)…

Colors (flags), brassworks, sailboat art, life preservers, bilge pumps, net floats, carved marlins, tikis…

Signal flags, portal windows, silly signage…

Netting, galley stairs, deck boards, ventilation covers…

Large block-n-tackle…

Loose mount compasses with histories, diving helmets, pulleys, knot samples…

Dinnerware salvaged from oceangoing vessels (pictured dishes from the Evergreen Line)

Gauges, throttles, cleats…

Did I mention glass floats?

Brass bells, rope…

In short, this place seems to have a little bit of everything having to do with ships and the sea!

Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor
2202 Mechanic Street
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 539-5469

— Ann Cathey

 

Stuttgarden Tavern – Galveston, TX

Touted as the “Best Lil’ Beer Garden in Galveston”, Stuttgarden Tavern is located on the east end of the Historic Strand area, just off 21st Street. It is an open air patio style restaurant serving food, beer on tap and bottled, wine, and featuring a greenhouse-enclosed full service liquor bar.

 

 

The food is German or has a distinctive biergarten bent, and is outstandingly tasty.

 

 

 

Irish Nachos – waffle fries topped with minced meat (pulled pork this time), cheddar cheese, bacon bits and sour cream. [photo]

 

 

 

Sauerkraut Balls – delightful balls of sauerkraut, breaded, fried, and offered up with dipping sauces.

 

 

 

Banger & Mash – bratwurst (choose from hot, cheese stuffed, mild or seasonal) served with mach potatoes and gravy and braised cabbage.

 

Gouda Brat – served on an oversized hot-dog style bun, this bratwurst is covered in sauteed mushrooms and onions, with a lavish application of smoked Gouda beer fondue. (Pictured is the seasonal brat, stuffed with mixed venison and other meats.)

 

 

Brat Sampler Plate – a variety of brats to choose from (hot, cheese stuffed, mild or seasonal) , with ‘kraut and cabbage sides.

 

 

 

The Steven – a half pound of beef served with house made BBQ sauce, house made pickles, a fried onion ring and cheddar on a grilled bun.

 

 

The Traditional Burger – a half pound of beef served with lettuce, tomato, house made pickles and shaved onion on a slightly sweet grilled bun. (Photo includes Swiss and avocado.)

German Potato Salad – served cold or warm on request, featuring sliced red potato, bacon, green onion, and house dressing.

Order in or for takeout. You can even call in an order for pick-up any time during the kitchen hours.

This place is also dog friendly. Their website proclaims, “We like dogs… Dogs are always welcome on the patio.”

On the 1-5 scale, Stuttgarden Tavern gets:
Cleanliness – 4
Service – 4
Quality of food – 4.5
Flavor – 4.5
Pricing – 4
Overall experience – 4.2

Stuttgarden Tavern on the Strand
2110 Strand Street
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 497-4972

–Ann Cathey

Murdoch’s Bathhouse – Galveston, TX

Murdoch’s as seen from Murdoch’s!

Bathhouse? As a matter of history, Murdoch’s was originally a bathhouse that rented bathing suits and provided showers for Island visitors. Built on the sand of the beach in the 1800s before the seawall was constructed.

Without the protection of a Seawall, the 1900 storm destroyed the bathhouse. Although the structure was rebuilt in 1901, the storms of 1909, 1915, and 2008 were so violent, that reconstruction was required after each. When Murdoch’s reopened in 1910, it had 542 rooms, 251 for women and 291 for men. The cost at the time to rent the bathroom services were 25 cents.

Racks of conch and clam shells, that have been a Murdoch’s feature since at least the 1960s.

In spite of such storms, Galveston gets an excellent share of sunny days all through the year, but modern visitors are not all interested in getting sand between their toes. Murdoch’s is a full blown tourist trap full of all kinds of souvenirs, but it also has an outstanding spot to relax, have an beverage, and listen to the wind and waves.

Grab a seat ad relax for a while.

Murdoch’s is a long-standing seawall tradition on the Island, offering seashells and toys, t-shirts and shorts, hats and sunshades, and tons of other cute, kitschy, brightly colored memories of your visit. The building is built out over the surf on piers, just as the original building had been back before Hurricane Ike. There are two entrances leading into wide, airy showrooms, connected by a long stretch that houses more gifts, a bar, and an outdoor covered porch. You can sit in one of the many rockers and simply be, watching tourists on the seawall side, or the waves and gulls and tankers all the way to the horizon.

It’s a great place to sit back and relax for a little while in between walking stretches of the seawall, or without having to fight off kids, sand, and overzealous seagulls.

Watch out the for the pigeons, though. As with pigeons anywhere, they beg. They also flock in the area around the building and net beneath it side by side with their seagoing cousins.

The Pleasure Pier as seen from Murdoch’s.

Murdoch’s Bathhouse
2215 Seawall Blvd
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 762-7478

— Ann Cathey

Galveston Railroad Museum – Galveston, TX

While we have been to Galveston numerous times, we have yet to make the time to stop in at the Railroad Museum at the end of the Strand. Built inside the former Sante Fe Union Station and an adjoining building, this is the largest museum of it’s kind in the southwest. We understand that it’s an insightful visit to part of American history, a chance to crawl around inside an assortment of period rail cars, as well as an informative look at model railroading.

A steam engine displayed in a museum courtyard.

Shearn Moody Plaza entrance located at 25th and the Strand.

There are over 4.5 acres of exhibits both in and out of doors, and rail cars from the late 19th and early 20th centuries for your self-guided touring pleasure. There are steam engines, mail cars, and even a caboose in the yard. Inside you might imagine what waiting for a train was like in the depot, or get a feel for the opulence of period dining cars.

The Harborside Express, an actual if abbreviated train, runs most Saturdays between 11am and 2pm, allowing passengers a ride in an authentic red caboose.

Your parking is free with paid admission in the lot at 2602 Santa Fe Place, across the street form the Museum entrance. Park for the entire day, visit the museum, and stroll the Historic Strand for shopping and dining.

Group rates are available. The museum may also be rented for special events.

The Railroad Museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm in summer, and 9am – 4pm in winter. The only exceptions are for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Mardi Gras.

Tree sculptures across the street from the Museum.

Galveston Railroad Museum
2602 Santa Fe Place
Galveston, Texas 00000
(409) 765-5700

— Ann Cathey

Food Porn – Episode 7

This episode of Food Porn is brought to you by places we have visited. The food photos were, as they have been in this series, culled from stock photography. I’ve added a little info about each one, though I’m told they speak for themselves.

 

 

Roast Beef Sandwich from WhichWich, Conroe, Texas

 

 

The Wicked with spinach, WhichWich, Conroe, Texas

 

 

Bronco Burrito on a whole wheat tortilla, Galveston, Texas

 

 

3 egg omelet with fried potatoes at 105 Cafe, Conroe, Texas

 

 

 

 

Swiss & Mushroom Burger at 105 Cafe, Conroe, Texas

Fried crawfish at Benno’s on the Beach, Galveston, Texas

 

Cajun Platter, including fried oysters, shrimp and fish, at Benno’s on the Beach, Galveston, Texas