February
Rules! Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras Rock 2010
Written By Marsha Wilson Rappaport
Galveston
Island is the place to be in February. The long, hard
winter is going to have to give way to letting the good
times roll. Alas, because we’re all trying to recover
from 2009 –we’re all worried about treating
a loved one or yourself without breaking the bank. Never
fear – the Parrot is here!
Step
1: Sunday Morning – Valentine’s Day
Start
your romantic day absolutely free! Rather than doing your
morning jog around the block, take your loved one on a
romantic walk through beautifully landscaped MOODY GARDENS.
Now that you’ve done your heart healthy due diligence
in a really romantic way, it’s time to present your
beloved with a fabulous Valentine’s Day bouquet
custom crafted by LARRY JANTZEN OF THE GALVESTON FLOWER
COMPANY.
Step
2: Sweet and Cheap Treats Downtown:
After
a romantic bite and a quick Facebook check at the TREMONT
CAFE it’s time to hold hands and walk over to the
Strand. THE NESTLE TOLL HOUSE CAFÉ is new and tasty
addition to the Strand Area. As the name implies the goodies
here runneth over. Your loved one and family members will
be thrilled with a delicious decorated cookie cake, brownies,
muffins and a range of other luscious treats. Wraps and
sandwiches are available for a quick lunch. Additionally,
festive baskets are available for both Valentine’s
Day and Mardi Gras festivities.
Moving
right along, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY is sure
to impress with its lavish assortment of premium chocolates
and specialty products. Ask Mona Shaw, to show you their
rich chocolate dipped strawberries or ask for an old fashioned
caramel dipped apple. The good folks at the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY have cleverly figured out that slicing
it for sharing it is just plain fun.
While
you’re snacking, if that special person is a lady
who loves fashion and jewelry then drop into HEAD TO FOOTISES.
Springtime means “new outfit” time and they’ve
got a lovely collection of high fashion clothing at some
down to earth prices.
Of
course, you need variety on a holiday, so wander over
to Postoffice Street. ‘HA’ BA’S is a
great fun shopping that the locals love. They feature
fun fashions at affordable prices. FULLEN HARBORSIDE JEWELRY
features high quality jewelry with unique styles that
highlight the island’s rich history.
There’s
a new kid on the block. Linda Ford has started her own
jewelry line made of “eco-smart’ sea glass.
Ask at the new “Eibands” . It’s a unique
new art form created from “untouched and unpolished”
glass from a number of U.S. Coastal communities.
Keep
wandering, there’s plenty of time left to explore
downtown Galveston. Drop by the new deck area of MOD COFFEE
AND TEA HOUSE or a quick espresso and take a moment to
enjoy the Galveston’s own little “urban hotspot”.
Heck, you can even run into the GALVESTON PACK AND SHIP
across the street and pick up a “Spa or Amazon”
Gift Card to stuff in your loved one’s “goodie
bag”. Won’t they be happy when they enjoy
some “me time” at the SPA AT THE GALVEZ, SPA
AT THE SAN LUIS OR THE SPA AT MOODY GARDENS.
Step
3: Romantic Eateries!!
Because
of the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Island is legendary for
romance and romantic dining. This is a perfect time to
drop into LUIGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO and reserve
his special “Wine Nook” for the lunch or dinner.
MARIO’S SEAFOOD AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT on the Seawall
of course takes advantage of an Italian culinary tradition
that screams “love” while looking out onto
the Gulf of Mexico. Why not let JON PAUL at the STEAK
HOUSE AT THE SAN LUIS RESORT guide you to a cozy candle
lite dinner combined with a lavish gourmet meal. BERNARDO’S
AT HOTEL GALVEZ is wonderful if you really want to “put
on the Ritz” while enjoying the unique fusion menu
they’ve developed in honor of their namesake “Bernardo
de Galvez”. On the bay side OLYMPIA GRILL, WILLIE
G’S and FISHERMAN’S WHARF offer the freshest
seafood combined with spectacular bay views.
Casual
and Hip: Beverages and Music
Of
course, there are plenty of folks who are single, or just
looking on Valentine’s Day! No need to worry, the
Island has a host great “meet and greet” spots
for the young and hip. For example, you all know how popular
“THE SPOT” ON THE SEAWALL has become. But
did you know about “DRIP”? DRIP is located
on the same campus, but has a more “trendy feel”.
It also has a vast outdoor – indoor deck. If that
doesn’t make sense to you – good! You’re
going to have to drop over to DRIP and give DENNIS BYRD
a “shout-out” in order to find out.
THE
GALVESTON RESTAURANT GROUP has a trio of trendy, yet affordable
spots downtown.
For example you can grab a cocktail at the full bar at
SALTWATER GRILL and you really upgrade your evening by
adding some of the tastiest finger food in town –
some big lump crab drumsticks. THE GUMBO BAR features
a large varietal beer selection and of course their totally
fresh, down-home style gumbo. Moreover SKY BAR SUSHI BAR
AND GRILL features not only unique beverages but a Sushi
Happy Hour that provides some of best sushi on the Gulf
Coast at prices that put the big city to shame.
Final
Step: The Piece de Résistance
So after all of this walking, strolling, handholding,
snacking and dining what can you do to top off your romantic
evening? If you’ve done your homework, you shopped
earlier at CINDIE’S for some “special gifts”.
Nuff
said!
Marsha
Wilson Rappaport is a local author and free lance writer
who is playing catch up and will get to Willie G’s
and DiBella’s next!
Step
1: Sunday Morning – Valentine’s Day
Step
2: Sweet and Cheap Treats Downtown:
Moving
right along, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY is sure
to impress with its lavish assortment of premium chocolates
and specialty products. Ask Mona Shaw, to show you their
rich chocolate dipped strawberries or ask for an old fashioned
caramel dipped apple. The good folks at the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY have cleverly figured out that slicing
it for sharing it is just plain fun.
While
you’re snacking, if that special person is a lady
who loves fashion and jewelry then drop into HEAD TO FOOTISES.
Springtime means “new outfit” time and they’ve
got a lovely collection of high fashion clothing at some
down to earth prices.
Of
course, you need variety on a holiday, so wander over
to Postoffice Street. ‘HA’ BA’S is a
great fun shopping that the locals love. They feature
fun fashions at affordable prices. FULLEN HARBORSIDE JEWELRY
features high quality jewelry with unique styles that
highlight the island’s rich history. 
There’s
a new kid on the block. Linda Ford has started her own
jewelry line made of “eco-smart’ sea glass.
Ask at the new “Eibands” . It’s a unique
new art form created from “untouched and unpolished”
glass from a number of U.S. Coastal communities.
Keep
wandering, there’s plenty of time left to explore
downtown Galveston. Drop by the new deck area of MOD COFFEE
AND TEA HOUSE or a quick espresso and take a moment to
enjoy the Galveston’s own little “urban hotspot”.
Heck, you can even run into the GALVESTON PACK AND SHIP
across the street and pick up a “Spa or Amazon”
Gift Card to stuff in your loved one’s “goodie
bag”. Won’t they be happy when they enjoy
some “me time” at the SPA AT THE GALVEZ, SPA
AT THE SAN LUIS OR THE SPA AT MOODY GARDENS.
Step
3: Romantic Eateries!!
THE
GALVESTON RESTAURANT GROUP has a trio of trendy, yet affordable
spots 
downtown.
For example you can grab a cocktail at the full bar at
SALTWATER GRILL and you really upgrade your evening by
adding some of the tastiest finger food in town –
some big lump crab drumsticks. THE GUMBO BAR features
a large varietal beer selection and of course their totally
fresh, down-home style gumbo. Moreover SKY BAR SUSHI BAR
AND GRILL features not only unique beverages but a Sushi
Happy Hour that provides some of best sushi on the Gulf
Coast at prices that put the big city to shame.