Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille invites you to dine under the stars, both inside and out. Cosmic décor and a stellar atmosphere complement the innovative cuisine in Galaxy’s Star Bar and dining area. Breathtaking sunsets and the star-filled night’s sky set the scene at Ocean City’s only rooftop, open air bar—Galaxy’s Skye Bar.
    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, white cheddar cheese on house made roll—won first place in Ocean City’s Cheesesteak Competition 2009. Always on the cutting edge of culinary creations, Galaxy 66 is slated to premier their new menu next week.
    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 events like her Fashion Emergency Luncheon, which benefited the American Red Cross.  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.
    I dined at Galaxy 66 on Tuesday night 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. Look for the new menu to include 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 collared greens.
    The new menu will feature delectable entrées 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. The new menu will also premiere lighter side selections, including 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 slid out of their shells with one gentle scoop. The fresh jumbo shrimp were a palate pleaser too.
    As we sipped on our wine and polished off our entrées, 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 like the upcoming benefit for Atlantic General Hospital and PRMC Cancer Institute on May 28th. We also organize frequent girls’ nights out to take advantage of Skye Bar specials like Bloody Mary & Champagne Brunch on Sundays, $3 Three Olives on Mondays, Margarita & Corona discounts on Tuesdays, three courses for $30 on Wednesday, and half-price bottles of wine on Thursdays. Happy Hour at the bar brings daily specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., including 20 percent off entire check. Galaxy 66 books only the best local entertainment, proudly presenting open jam with Bryan Russo on Wednesday nights, and special appearances by Love Seed Mama Jump.
    For more information on special events and entertainment, or to join the Grape Expectations wine club, visit www.Galaxy66BarAndGrille.com <http://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 summer nights watching the sunset from the vantage point of the Skye Bar, and I can’t wait to sample the Caribbean Snapper on Galaxy’s new menu. I hope to see you there for best bites.