Cruise Cuisine – Last Night in Sapphire

Due to an unexpected fog which kept the Port of Galveston closed, we were treated to an extra night on board the Carnival Breeze. One more night of fine dining in Sapphire – who was complaining? Certainly not our group!

 

Appetizers

This is a sample of the bread basket that was served every evening in Sapphire. It consisted of baguette pieces, ciabatta buns, and whole wheat rolls.

Bread Basket

Shrimp Cocktail

Candied Salmon

 

Main Course

Swordfish over Pilaf, with Lemon Reduction and a side of Ratatouille

Fried Shrimp and Shrimp Fried Rice with Baked Macaroni & Cheese

 

Desserts

Some of the delightful desserts we had encountered previously were again available, so we availed ourselves of the chance to enjoy them once more before the trip ended.

Nutella Tiramisu

 

The Date & Fig Pudding was a light and fluffy sort of cake, with a passion fruit custard. The intent was to poke a hole in the top of the pudding and pour the creamy custard into it. not only was I able to partake of the dessert, I also had a chance to play with my food in a socially acceptable manner.

There are several of us who can’t wait to cruise again!

–Ann Cathey

Benno’s on the Beach – Galveston, Texas

You can say what you like about the only REAL Cajun seafood is in Louisiana, but Benno’s is good enough to put that to the lie.

Benno’s on the Beach is an underground landmark for the Galveston Island. It has managed to survive many years and many hurricanes to bring some of the island’s best comfort-seafood to your table. It surprised us and we hope it will surprise you, too. Check out their full menu, including shrimp, oysters, crawfish, catfish, snapper, flounder, and daily catch specials.

Cajun Platter

We have been lucky enough to visit Benno’s a couple of times now. Christopher has already established a favorite plate there: The Cajun Platter. It features country fried oysters, grilled and Cajun spiced shrimp and tilapia, red potatoes, coleslaw, and several inches of baguette.

 

Fried Crawfish

I keep trying different things, and this trip it was the fried crawfish. I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as volume, but I was pleasantly surprised by the mound that was delivered to my table. Not only where there a ton of tails (lightly breaded and spiced), there were unsalted French fries, jalapeno hushpuppies and coleslaw.

 

Dining and Writing Cohorts

Shrimp Alfredo

One of our cohorts went for the shrimp Alfredo. The first taste told you the dish started with half a stick of butter and some heavy cream. It was thick and rich with al dente pasta and sweet shrimp.

 

 

Seafood Gumbo

The other of our dining partners ordered the gumbo and boudin. The gumbo was described as having “tons of flavor without the hot”, and it was agreed by the gumbo eaters at the table that it was nearly as good as gumbos sampled in New Orleans. Likewise, the boudin was mild and flavorful on the front and spicy on the back end, as a good boudin should be.

 

Boudan

The coleslaw that I’ve mentioned is surprisingly good. It has definite crunch, with the cabbage and carrot being shredded rather than diced to give it a nice mouth feel. The slaw sauce is mild and light, with a sweet hint of melon! it is an excellent foil to the spicier dishes.

Jalapeno hushpuppies, you ask? Why yes, that’s what they serve. These are traditional Southern style hushpuppies of cornmeal and onion, with a dash of Cajun seasoning and seeded jalapeno. They are not hot at all, and are great with all the seafood combinations available at Benno’s.

Just in case you need an extra dash or flavor or heat, Benno’s supplies Worcester sauce, Cajun Chef and Tabasco hot sauces, salt, pepper and ketchup at the table. Rolls of paper towels make up for napkins, and with some items on the menu, you will need more than one during your meal.

Seating is indoor and outdoor, right on the seawall, and every seat lets you see the surf on the Gulf of Mexico.

The Aftermath

On the 1-5 scale, Benno’s on the Beach gets:
Cleanliness – 4
Service – 4
Quality of food – 5
Flavor – 5
Pricing – 4
Overall experience – 4.5

Benno’s on the Beach
1200 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston Island, Texas 77550

— Ann Cathey