Galen Knows Tabouli! Natural, Wholesome Fare Served Up on the Strand
By Marsha Wilson Rappaport and Photography by Ashley Alagna-Duke
 Galen, the really cute kid the photo is probably one of the few folks in Galveston who can vouch for the goodness of Mediterranean Chef prior to being a full-fledged citizen of the planet. His mother, Michelle, was so determined that he get a good start in life, that she made sure that her diet prior to his arrival was filled with fresh, natural foods: “I was here all the time for Tabouli salad while I was pregnant,” admitted Michelle.
Michelle who was sitting with a group of folks from the Galveston Bible Church had Galen in tow as she dug into her favorite meal again. And Galen, now old enough to sit in a high chair was joining his mom in the process.
 This little story just illustrates that you’re never too young to start eating healthy – something we’ve all got to do these days. Given that fact you’ll be happy to know that fresh, heart healthy, Mediterranean style food is well within both your geographic and financial reach.
No need to drive up the highway looking for trendy food – its right here on Galveston Island on the Strand.
Mediterranean Chef has a wonderful menu filled with both dishes that have for centuries kept folks in that part of world healthy. Instead of a burger every day, you could try some meatless days with lunch of Hummus – seasoned puree of chick peas, a Falafel - a veggie burger served with pita bread, or join Galen in a round of Tabouli – a robust mix of parsley, tomatoes, scallions and burgul mixed with olive oil and lemon juice..
Light fare which features meat cooked in Mediterranean fashion with olive oil is another great option.
 On the day I visited I had a large, creamy bowl of shrimp bisque, followed by a Shrimp Pita. Quite frankly, I admit that I had underestimated the bisque. Unlike many eateries, this bisque really was filled with pureed shrimp. It was not only very rich, but very dense. By the time my pita came, I was pretty much on “full”.
Mediterranean Chef is owned and operated by Mazen Ziedan, who carefully plans the menu and some days personally works the kitchen. And although he loves to show off his Mediterranean roots he fully understands local tastes.
Those wanting more traditional fare can start a meal off with Chicken Drums served with a special “whisky sauce”, then progress to a 12 oz Rib Eye or Sirloin Steak. Fish and Shrimp are available. Why not try their Salmon Mashwi which features a large filet of Salmon baked over sautéed spinach, topped with grill onions, tahini sauce and pine nuts?
 Of course, if you’re a fan of Mediterranean style cuisine, then there’s no way you won’t love their selection of traditional favorites like Gyros, Moussaka, Shish Kabobs and Spanakopita.
John Webber, the Worship Leader of the Galveston Bible Church, was enjoying the day with a large group of his congregants on the Sunday I visited. The fact that Webber enjoys the food here is also a great endorsement. I’ve had his Bar-B-Que and he’s one heck of a Texas bar-b-que pit master.
The Mediterranean Chef is also a great place to just drop in for a drink or a glass of fine wine. They have a full bar and a wonderful wine selection. In conclusion, Galveston is full of great food and even better sweet treats. Yet, we all know that we’ve got to be “good” most of the time as we get older.
The Mediterranean Chef is a wonderful local spot where you can enjoy top quality all natural food, at really reasonable prices. Just substituting one meal a week with this kind of heart healthy cuisine can “do a body good”. Just ask my new buddy Galen!
The Mediterranean Chef is located on 2402 Strand, on Galveston Island. Their phone number is 409-765-7700. They’re open every day at 11 am, and open on the weekends until 10 pm. http://www.galveston.com/mediterraneanchef/
Marsha Wilson Rappaport is a local author and free lance writer who WELCOMES OCTOBER! [Yes, folks, I’m still traumatized – I admit it.]
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