Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille invites you to dine under the stars. Cosmic décor and a stellar atmosphere complement the innovative cuisine in Galaxy’s Star Bar and dining area. Ask any local, and we’ll tell you that the food at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille is always amazing. Using only the best of the best ingredients, they create contemporary dishes that are delectable to the last bite. Their award-winning wine menu is recognized by Wine Spectator, and their one-of-a-kind cheesesteak –slow roasted ribeye, caramelized onions, chiffondade romaine, pepper relish mayo, with white cheddar cheese on a house made roll—won first place in Ocean City’s Cheesesteak Competition 2009. Always on the cutting edge of culinary creations, Galaxy 66 premiered an exceptional new menu earlier this summer.
    The staff at Galaxy 66 is worthy of mention, too, for their superior service and welcoming smiles. It seems like owner Tammy is always smiling, as she hosts local fundraisers and community-minded events, like the upcoming Pink Ribbon Halloween Party on Friday, October 30.  Bartender Keith serves up premiere martinis, excellent wine, and enticing conversation, while servers like Nate mix friendly smiles with the utmost professionalism, as they attentively take care of customers, year after year.
    During Ocean City’s Restaurant Week, October 18-25, stop by Galaxy 66 for prefixed, 3-course menu options. Monday nights in October bring Moonlight Madness Tailgate parties to Galaxy, during which you can sample $3 Three Olives. Tuesday nights present three delectable courses for $30, and don’t miss Bryan Clark performing Sinatra and Motown on October 20. Every Wednesday, Galaxy 66 offers beer and cuisine pairings, plus an Open Jam with Bryan Russo at 10 p.m. Thursday is my girlfriends’ and my favorite night of the week at Galaxy—half price bottles of wine!  Jazz Fridays take place from 7-11 p.m. Also, check out football Sunday at the Star Bar, where the big games are celebrated with a Bloody Mary bar and tailgate brunch menu.
    I dined at Galaxy 66 this summer with my beautiful friend, Brandi. Nate greeted us and sat us at a lovely table next to a window and in the midst of Galaxy’s celestial decoration.  He presented us with the appetizer menu, which includes delectable options like Seared Foi Gras with apple, bleu cheese empanada, and chocolate mole; African Tiger Shrimp with pickled jalapeños and goat cheese; and Seared Scallops, which happen to be my all-time favorite. The special appetizers were Seared Rare Tuna with cantaloupe broth and Soft Shell Crab with goat cheese and salad. Galaxy’s signature Tomato Soup and delectable salads make divine appetizers too. The Seasonal Soup du jour was spicy tuna with jalapeños, mushrooms, and vegetables. The new menu includes Heirloom Tomatoes salad—layered with mozzarella, spring greens, red onions, crispy ham, and a balsamic reduction and olive oil drizzle. Other irresistible appetizers on the new menu are Sweet Peach BBQ Ribs and Lobster Wontons. Tuna, beef, shrimp, or chicken may be added to any salad to give it that extra “wow!”
    For our appetizers, Brandi and I chose the Soft Shell Crab and the Tenderloin Tips, which are Italian marinated and served with truffle Parmesan cheese fries. We also ordered a bottle of Innocent Bystander Shiraz to sip and swirl under the interior stars. The Soft Shell Crabs were the first of the season, and Brandi and I both reveled over the tasty concoction mixed with fresh tomatoes, greens, and zesty dressing. It was so good that my taste buds are now craving a soft shell crab sandwich. The Tenderloin Tips dish is as large as an entire juicy steak—more than enough for two—and the cheese fries are seasoned potato wedges. Very satisfying.
    The dinner specials were Piri-Piri Roasted Salmon, in a red hot chili sauce, with sweet potato puree, and Tandoori with coconut rice pilaf. Other entrée selections are Broiled Crab Cakes; Pistachio Encrusted Rockfish with grilled lemons, shaved asparagus salad, and braised potatoes; Romano Crusted Veal Cutlet with smoked mozzarella, basil risotto, balsamic buttered broccolini, and roasted cherry tomatoes; and Fried Chicken with buttered biscuits, sausage sage gravy, and collard greens.  The new menu also features delectable entrees like Lamb Rack; Grilled Pork Chop; Hawaiian Fish du jour; Asian Chicken with teriyaki mashed potatoes, sautéed snap peas, and citrus sauce; Pasta with shrimp, crab, ham, manchego cheese, peas, extra virgin olive oil, and red pepper flakes; Fried Green Tomato Tower with onion relish, mozzarella, and piri piri drizzle; Grilled Strip with country fries, green beans, and chili barbeque; and Caribbean Snapper with jerk rice, green bananas, coconut, and rum sauce. Lighter selections include Pulled Pork Barbeque, Whole Wheat Pasta, Crab Cake Sandwich, and Lobster Club with bleu cheese, apples, pita stars, and smoked scallop. Foie Gras, Jumbo Shrimp, and Lump Crabmeat may be added to any entrée for that extra “wow!”
    For our entrees, Brandi ordered the Hereford Filet Mignon and I selected the Perciatelli Pasta. Served with roasted asparagus and smashed potato with aged parmesan cheese, the Galaxy’s tender Filet Mignon is prepared in a truffle demi-glaze. Brandi summed up the entire dish with one simple word, “Amazing.” A combination of boursin cream, shrimp, mussels, caramelized onion, and broccolini, my Perciatelli Pasta was dripping in delicious cream sauce. The gigantic mussels on my dish slide out of their shells with one gentle scoop. The fresh jumbo shrimp are a palate pleaser too. As we sipped on our wine and polished off our entrees, Brandi and I agreed that Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille always serves the best food in Ocean City. Too stuffed for dessert, we had to pass on such sweet temptations as Cobbler with fresh fruit, Double Chocolate Cake with chocolate mousse, the Sorbet of the Day, and the Ice Cream of the day—double chocolate peanut butter cake.
    All in all, Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille’s combination of delicious culinary creations, friendly staff, and intergalactic atmosphere make the restaurant a top destination for locals and vacationers in Ocean City. Fashionistas like Brandi and I love to get dolled up and attend special events at Galaxy. We also organize frequent girls’ nights out to take advantage of weekly specials. Happy Hour at the bar brings daily specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., including 20 percent off your entire bar check.
    For more information on special events and entertainment, or to join the Grape Expectations wine club, visit www.Galaxy66BarAndGrille.com, call (410) 723-6762, or check out Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille’s advertisement in the Coconut Times. My friends and I will spend countless autumn nights sipping on red wine at the Star Bar. I hope to see you there for best bites.