Cooler Weather Means Comfort Food
By Marsha Wilson Rappaport and Photography by Ashley Alagna-Duke
Rejoice! October is here and the “you know what season” is essentially over. Time for blissfully beautiful days and nights without the A/C blowing. It’s also time for all of us to creep outdoors to enjoy good food and friends. And there is no place better to start than family owned and operated Di Bella’s.
You know Di Bella's. For the past 21 years, Joann, Charlie Di Bella’s and his brother, have provided a cozy nook for family and friends to dine. This is THE local eatery for many Galvestonians. It inspires loyalty not only in local diners, but even in staff.
For example, Nanette has been a waitress for 19 years and she says: “This is a friendly, homey atmosphere,” she said. “We have a lot of regulars. We know people by their first names and they appreciate it.”
 The entry and walls of Di Bella’s is filled with the kind of Island history that so enthralls you that you are almost surprised at the great service that gets your food to you piping hot and filled with fresh smells. As you munch on your garden fresh antipasto, you find yourself searching the historic photos on the wall for historic resemblances to folks you know today.
Charlie Di Bella’s explains: “We were lucky these photos miraculously survived both Ike and the fire,” he said.
Of course, you know, as neat as reading the wall is you’re really there for the great food. Fall weather somehow makes you hungrier. Even though we don’t live in the north where the seasons change dramatically, there is just something about the temps hitting the 60 degree mark at night that makes you want to keep warm. And there is no better way to keep warm than to order Spaghetti and Meatballs at Di Bella's. I was being difficult on the day I visited, so I asked for Angel Hair Pasta. After polished off my crisp garlic bread and my fresh salad, I was ready to dig in. The day I dropped by my workday had been extremely stressful. One bite of the perfectly cooked al-dente pasta, topped by Di Bella’s savory, thick red sauce and hearty meat balls and I sighed:
“I feel better now.”
Of course the menu at Di Bella’s as we all know is filled with a wide range of classic meat and seafood dishes. For example, prior to the “I” word, I would drop into Di Bella's anytime I felt a cold coming on. Sounds strange, but I swear that one serving of the shrimp scampi, loaded with fresh garlic would knock out my sniffles.
Seafood lovers will find any pasta they choose can be topped with Shrimp or Crab. Those craving Steak can combine tender filets with pasta or even crabmeat. If you’ve never had traditional Veal Piccata, this is the place. Their veal is fork tender and drenched with rich flavors. And of course if you’re in a traditional mood their lasagna, manicotti and ravioli are just what your memory ordered!
 If I sound like I’ve really know the menu here, you’re right. I think I was on their doorstep, writing stories almost as soon as they opened. In a 21 year period I doubt if I’ve missed anything on the menu. And I fully admit that now I’m probably trying to exercise those good times off of my hips
Dibella’s has an excellent wine menu and a full bar, that also serves as a local hotspot.
In 21 years, you can tell a lot of great stories about a restaurant. But let me share this one. On a weird level, being local and eating a local place means being understood and loved. You are always greeted with a smile. I had a moment at UTMB a while back. I was draped in a furry pink robe and a backdraft night gown after days in the hospital and I was having a really bad hair day. When they wheeled me on the elevator, they wheeled me into Joan Di Bella. She didn’t even give me time to be embarrassed. She gave me a big smile, hugged me, chatted about something and made me promise to get back to Di Bella’s as soon as I could get there. And I did. Time to visit an old friend – visit Di Bella’s.
Di Bella’s Italian Restaurant, 31st and Ave P, Galveston, Texas 77550, Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am 2 pm, 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday: Closes at 10 p.m., Saturday – Sunday open at 5 p.m. And Closed on Monday.
Good News: The 61st Street Pier is open. It’s still owned and operated by the Menna family who fought like the rest of us to rebuilt and get on with life. Grab a rod and come on down. And even if you don’t fish, grab your family and enjoy the spectacular views.
Food Sins of the Month: Roadhouse Bar B Que is finally opened. It’s between 61st and 53rd Street on Stewart Road, right at that funny curve before the school. I have big love for BBQ and I need to try it out first. Well – they served me fork tender pork ribs and potato salad with generous chunks of potato. We’re getting off to a good start. I’ll sneak back and take a cell phone shot next. I get attached to good ribs fast and I don’t want my heart broken.
Sneak Peek at The Black Pearl now open on 23rd and Market – BIG pieces of fish, fantastic shrimp salad in savory dressing – same rules apply – don’t want to get my heart broken, so I’m takin’ it slow.
|
