Olympia Grill on Galveston Island

Ya just never know what "jewel" you'll find on Galveston Island. This past week, the hubby Bear and I spent some time visiting with the fun folks at Moody Gardens to plan an upcoming conference. Before we left I "googled" vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Galveston and came up with 3 options. They all looked pretty good. One of the gals at Moody Gardens recommended one of these options, so the choice was easy.

Olympia Grill is located down on Pier 21 by the Harbor House and Willie G's. Right on the Bay, graced with a deck all the way around, it offers a beautiful view. The decor was modern, hip, clean and sophisticated. It was a bit nippy so we set inside next to a window over looking the water. As we were escorted to our table, we were graciously greeted by the wait staff.

The menu offered a long list of great wines, but since I don't partake anymore, we chose not to order. There was such a great variety of foods from which to select. I love places that offer something for me, the Vegan, and something for the hubby Bear, "trying hard cut back on animal flesh, and doing very well." Among the mouth watering choices, we found:

*Wild Gulf Shrimp Avocado Cocktail
*Clams Bourguignon
*Keftedes (Greek meat balls)
*Tzatziki Sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumbers & garlic)
*Skordalia (garlic & olive oil)
*Melitzano Salata (roasted eggplant & Feta cheese)
*Grilled Gulf Shrimp
*Grilled Sesame Tuna
*Spaghetti Marinara & Keftedes (homemade Greek style meatballs)
*Gyro Plate with tzatziki sauce
*Filet Mignon
*Vegetarian Pita w/ lettuce, Feta & hummus
*Vegetarian Plate Greek salad, lentil soup, hummus, dolma, tiropita, spanakopita & tzatziki sauce
*Grilled Vegetable Trio Greek salad, layered grilled veggies served w/ tiropita & tzatziki sauce

Well, as soon as I saw Dolmas, I knew had to have those. Bear chose the chicken soup, turkey burger with fries... (what can ya do... I guess when ya have a burger.. no matter what type... ya gotta have those fries.) He said the chicken soup was really very good because it did not have the bold taste of sodium that accompanies most chicken soups.

I was glad it was nippy cuz I was in the mood for some steamy HOT soup, so I chose the lentil soup, along with the Greek salad, a plate of dolmas with hummus. The soup was absolutely extraordinary. No salt and the flavors of basil, oregano & garlic were fabulous. And... it was steamy HOT. The salad was great with greens, spinach, red onions, tomatoes, cukes and Kalamata olives. I had a tough time with the dolmas, however. They were "bathed" in olive oil. Since I don't "do" oil.... I had to try and soak off as much oil as possible before I ate them. They were not the best I've had. No spice at all, but the grape leaves were tender and flavorful. The hummus was very good, basic with no surprises.

All in all, the meal was great, the prices were affordable, & the service was exceptional. I was just so thrilled to find a place that both Bear and I could enjoy together for once.

So, the next time you are on the island, take some time and visit the Olympia Grill and try one of the many great selections... whether you are a meat eater.. or vegetarian or vegan... there is something for everyone!

Until next time.......

GOOD HEALTH TO ALL!!