ShyKatz a Labor of Love
New Eatery Joins a Summer Packed with Local Delights
Written by Marsha Wilson Rappaport
ShyKatz Deli and Bakery is a new neighborhood eatery that literally will take you back to your childhood. The menu is packed with memories in every bite. For example, although you probably don't remember the brand of soft, dense, fresh bread your mom used to serve – you do remember that sensation when you bite into a freshly grilled bologna sandwich with melted American cheese. And you weren't a food critic when you bit into a warm slice of apple pie at a family picnic. Those are “memory flashbacks” that ShyKatz evokes and it's a delightful trip back in time.
 The feelings you'll have when you drop into ShyKatz are not accidental. Co-owners Shy Leger and Kat Kerns are thrilled when you “get it”:
“We're here not only to feed people, but to feed their souls”, said Kerns.” It's all fresh and all natural”.
Both women acknowledge that their menu, which features, a host of down home basics, combined with renowned Boars Head brand meats is drawn heavily from their childhoods.
“Both of us were raised by our Grandparents.” said Katz.” Its ordinary food – cooked extraordinarily well.”
 And their menu clearly indicates that upbringing. For example, they're big on “starting off the day” right at 7 am with a full breakfast menu. You can tell it's good because members of the Galveston Police Department frequently gather there for a good, hot breakfast and a strong cup of no-nonsense coffee. According to G.P.D. Officer J. Durr:
“They are so awesome” he said. “I just love the Ham, Egg and Cheese, Sandwich with Home Fries.'
 Their breakfast menu features items as hearty as ‘SK Berries-N-Cream Cinnamon French Toast' which includes their freshly baked, warm gooey cinnamon bread, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Or you can grab a breakfast sandwich like Officer Durr and be out of the door with the tasty basics.
Their menu is spiked with old time favorites like fresh chunky chicken salad, and the kind of sandwiches people rave about. The Galveston gossip chain is all –a –twitter about their Rueben's piled high with corn beef and their fresh hot burgers.
Bakery items include cookies, sugar free cookies, muffins, cakes, fabulous pies and more.
“Because we are all about people, we also are working on our gluten free items for people with food allergies.” said Kerns.
This is just the kind of place, where people come in, pick out a favorite from their memory bank and have to come back again, and again.
 Neighbor Candis lives across the street and has become a frequent flyer at ShyKatz:
“I love the Pimento cheese”, she said.
You might notice that the quotes in this article are brief. That's because people eating at ShyKatz have no interest in talking to a journalist. It's one of those places where people, give you that annoyed smile while you take their photo and then dive back into their food.
I fully understood. I had hard time writing about my fried bologna sandwich as I flashed back to standing in my parent's kitchen, biting into warm gooey Wonder Bread and hoping I could get the pan clean before my mother got home.
It's just that kinda' of place.
Shy Katz Deli and Bakery is located at 1528 Ave. L. (Corner of 16 th And L),They serve Breakfast and Lunch, Hours are Monday – Saturday from 7 am .to 4 pm, Closed on Sunday. Call (409) 770-0500 for information or “To-Go” orders.
Food Sin of the Month
 Let's talk about Food Sin. I got a flyer in the mail from Landry's . There was a photo of something described as Crab Stuffed Avocados. I swear to you this flyer was chasing me all over my house. It sang to me – it called to me – it beckoned me until I had finally had to get to the seawall, join the happy tourists and try it.
And here's the word: luscious. Rich crab is stacked on slices of creamy avocado, and surrounded by some sort of unique fried crust. I was focused on the taste combination, but was unprepared for the texture sensation created by the combination. Landry's has been trying new “summer menus” for the past few years. But this summer, they've outdone themselves with not only the above mentioned crab stuffed avocado, but the Perloo Shrimp Stone  Ground Grits. Needless to say all of this summer largesse forced me to invest in the new Landry's Select Club Card. My excuse was the cool birthday deal – but the truth is I still have that flyer in my house……..and its calling!
Last Local Note: If you're a fan of live music you might want to grab a chair and join the crowd at Island Music on 25 th Street, Thursday nights. Last week it was David Grace, a mellow voiced troubadour from Longview. Warm summer nights and grilled hot dogs from “ Franks–A-Lot” make for a great evening out on the Island.
Marsha is a local author and free-lance writer and fisherperson who admits to stalking the 61 st Street Pier renovation project – Here- fishy- fishy- fishy! |
