Galveston is known for its laid-back coastal vibe, rich history, and, of course, seafood. However, despite its proximity to the water, not all Galveston restaurants are sourcing fresh Gulf seafood.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, we’re bringing you part one of the crew’s road trip to Galveston in search of the area’s freshest seafood.
Host Chris Shepherd set out to sort out the local spots that are sourcing locally and serving up some of the best dishes in town. His search led him to two must-try spots – one of the oldest restaurants in Houston, Gaido’s Seafood, and one of the newest, The Fancy.
Founded in 1911, Gaido’s remains a family-run restaurant four generations later. Chris sat down with Nick Gaido to learn the history behind the restaurant and how it’s built a name and earned a James Beard award with its fresh, Gulf-to-table seafood like American Red Snapper and Texas-raised Gulf oysters.
Nick explains how the restaurant has thrived for 114 years by staying committed to tradition and quality while adapting to changing times and tastes. With dishes that change with the fresh catch coming from the waters just outside the restaurant and staples like the Pecan Crunch that keep people coming back every year, Chris sees no reason that Gaido’s won’t last another 100 years.
A short trip down the seawall from Gaido’s, Chris finds the Fancy, a one-year-old restaurant tucked inside Hotel Lucine. Here Chris meets Chef Matt Sweeney who’s building a menu of seasonal dishes from what he can source locally. Taking his local approach a step further, Sweeney works not only with local seafood providers, but also one of the few farms on the island, Seeding Galveston, to get the freshest product in Galveston.
With a rotating menu of Gulf seafood, Texas-raised beef and Galveston producer, Chris says he’ll drive the 50 minutes from Montrose to Galveston just to eat here.
Galveston is home to hundreds of restaurants, so these aren’t the only Chris found on the island. Watch the episode for the hidden gem Chris stumbles upon for the perfect morning pick me up (Good Dough) -- and stay tuned for part two of the crew’s Galveston adventure next week!
- “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 2 of “Eat Like a Local”
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 28: FARM TO TABLE: Where Houston restaurants get the most fresh and flavorful produce
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 29: Houston Texans fans! These are the best bites you’ll find at NRG Stadium
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 30: What to order at some of Houston’s best neighborhood restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 31: Bring on the cookies! ‘Eat Like a Local’ visits some of the best bakers in town
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 32: This cocktail laboratory has a secret entrance
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 33: THEN AND NOW: How one of Houston’s most popular fried chicken restaurants came to be
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 34: Indian food to celebrate during Diwali and all year round
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 35: Pho and more 🍜 These Houston area restaurants have mastered the art of making noodles
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 36: Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of West African cuisine in Houston
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 37: DELI-cious! Sandwiches and more are on the menu in this ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 38: Take a tour of Houston’s tasty tamale scene with ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 39: The best of Houston’s Pakistani food scene
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 42: Meet the chef behind Houston’s Michelin Star restaurant BCN
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 43: So many perfect sandwiches 🥪 The journey to find the best across the Houston area
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 46: Rise and dine at exceptional Houston breakfast restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 47: Young Houston chefs put their own unique spins on Mexican food and it’s delicious
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 48: ‘Eat Like a Local’ lassos up tasty bites at RodeoHouston
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 49: Johnny Carrabba and the first family of Houston restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 50: Get the scoop on some of Houston’s most delightful ice cream shops
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 51: Meet the man behind Houston’s finest sushi restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 52: A Texas Classic: Chicken Fried Steak
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 53: ‘Eat Like a Local’ presents the best and most indulgent desserts featured on the show