Elegant and enchanting, Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille is in a league of its own in Ocean City. For those of us who love to wine and dine, the restaurant is a top pick. My friend, Natalee DeHart, and I were delighted to visit Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille on Tuesday evening for a tasty bottle of wine and savory meal. We arrived at the busy restaurant to find the Grape Expectations Wine Club sampling six hors d’oeuvres paired with six different wines from around the world. The contemporary dining room was packed with wine enthusiasts and several members of the Seacrets staff, who were celebrating a birthday bash.
    Natalee and I opted to sit at the Star Bar, where bartenders Keith and Rich greeted us and presented us with a wine list. Galaxy 66 is recipient of the Wine Spectator 2008 & 2009 Award of Excellence. After studying the extensive list of red wines from Argentina, Chile, Australia, France, Italy, America, and more, we selected a Spanish rioja—Bodegas Vina Salceda Reserva.
    As we sipped our robust cocktails, Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille’s gracious owner, Tammy Patrick-Cebula, greeted us and introduced us to the restaurant’s new menu. Headed by co-executive chefs Stuart Diepold and Jason Myers, the new menu features delectable items such as Strawberry Salad, sweet and spicy agave BBQ Ribs, and Gemelli Pasta—cajuned beer sauce, green peppers, white onions, cherry tomato, old bay sausage, shrimp, and Smith’s Island crab topped with asiago cheese. Of course, classic favorites from menus past remain on the list of selections, such as Tenderloin Tips, Pistachio Encrusted Rockfish and Filet Mignon.
    For our appetizer, Natalee and I ordered the Mussels. Served with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and compound herb butter in a basil wine lemon herb cream sauce, the Mussels are mouthwatering. Keith presented us with a basket of fresh Rosemary foccacia bread, hot out of the oven, to soak up the hearty broth. A popular appetizer at Galaxy 66 is the Tenderloin Tips, which are Italian marinated and served with truffle Parmesan cheese fries. This starter dish is large enough to count as an entire meal. I always smile and think of my friend, Kathy Hayes, when I see Seared Scallops on the menu. Paired with pickled jalapeños, crispy sweet peanut goat cheese, cranberry relish, and port reduction, the recipe is one that Kathy routinely orders when we meet at Galaxy 66 on Thursday nights for half-priced bottles of wine. Other irresistible appetizers on the menu include Seared Tuna, Sesame Seed Shrimp, Cheese Selections, and Seared Foie Gras—served with pretzel chocolate peanut butter bark, chocolate vinaigrette greens, and pan drippings and fluff.
    The salads at Galaxy 66 are impressive, as well. In addition to Caesar and Caprese Salads, the Strawberry Salad is a seasonal combination of spring greens, goat cheese, apple chunks, red onions, strawberries, toasted almonds, and strawberry vinaigrette. I recommend the Bibb Salad, which is a concoction of candied sweet walnuts, craisins, red onions, bleu cheese crumbles, yellow beets, and grainy mustard white balsamic vinaigrette. Complement your salad with a bowl of Galaxy 66 Tomato Soup or the seasonal soup du jour, which was Italian Vegetable Salmon and Halibut Stew on Tuesday.
    The intergalactic décor in the Star Bar, coupled with the ocean breeze wafting through the rooftop Sky Bar, makes Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille a dazzling destination. The restaurant’s signature entrées set the bar for innovative cuisine. Natalee ordered the daily special, Crab and Lobster Gemelli Pasta, which is tossed with spinach in a champagne tomato cream sauce and topped with manchango cheese. I selected the Filet Mignon, which is prepared with a truffle demi-glaze, roasted asparagus, and smashed potato with aged parmesan cheese. We agreed to share both dishes. Words cannot express the satisfaction we felt as we devoured our entrées. “This is the most delicious filet I have ever tasted,” exclaimed Natalee.
    Grilled Pork Chop, Seared Halibut, and Broiled Crab Cakes are a few more staple dishes on the entrée menu.The Garlicky Roasted Chicken includes coconut jasmine rice, grilled pineapple skewers, and jalapeño and chive emulsion. The Blackened Grilled Mahi is prepared with strawberry sake purée, gingered bok choy, and shoestring potatoes. Fried Green Tomatoes is a seasonal dish that you must try, and the Grilled Ribeye is served with carmelized onion and blueberry sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, and mojito bbq.
    Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille offers a light fare menu, including Pulled Pork Barbeque, Seared Duck Breast, Crab Cake Sandwich, and Turkey Wrap. Pizza lovers may order the flatbread crust Pepperoni Cheese Pizza—with salami, ricotta, mozzarella, and basil tomato sauce—or the Shrimp and Crab Pizza with spinach and goat cheese garlic spread. The Lobster Club is topped with mesculin greens, bleu cheese, apples, pita stars, and smoked scallop.
    Last, but not least, Galaxy 66 has won Ocean City’s Cheesesteak Competition two years, consecutively. Slow roasted ribeye with carmelized onions, chiffonade romaine, chimichurri mayo, and white cheddar cheese on a house made roll, the award winning Cheesesteak won my vote in 2009 and 2010.
    As Natalee and I basked in the afterglow of our filet mignon, Tammy returned to tell us about her fundraising efforts. Not only is Tammy a savvy restaurateur, but also she is an entrepreneur who genuinely cares about giving back to the community. She is constantly hosting charity and fundraising events. Currently, Tammy is participating in the “Dancing with the Delmarva Stars” contest for the Wellness Community of the Eastern Shore. The dance-off takes place at Salisbury University on May 22. To vote for Tammy, donate funds, or buy tickets; please visit the event’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108627132497286. Also, visit Galaxy 66 on Wednesday, May 19, when Tammy will host a “Drinking with the Stars” fundraiser for The Wellness Community. The event will feature popular guest bartenders, including Natalee DeHart.
    Galaxy 66 Bar and Grille hosts live jazz bands each Friday from 7-11 pm for its “Jazz Fridayz” series. This weekend, see Philly George Project on Friday and Saturday. The next Grape Expectations Wine Club meeting will be on June 8. Galaxy 66 offers a plethora of weekly food and drink specials, too. Tuesday nights present three courses for $30, and Thursday nights offer half-priced bottles of wine. Happy Hour takes place every day from 3-6 pm at the bar, and includes 20 percent off your check. For more information about Galaxy 66, or to join the wine club, please visit www.galaxy66barandgrille.com <http://www.galaxy66barandgrille.com/> .
    It may sound like a cliché, but you can take it from me that dining at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille is truly an out-of-this world experience.