< PreviousWith sapphire-blue lakes and ruby-gold sunsets... gemstone tinted houses dot the emerald setting of Evia. Reflecting the charm of “Old South” port cities — the timeless home designs of Evia embody the classic architecture of yesteryear, while offering all of the modern conveniences and amenities.Suzanne Brayman409.744.5557SBBTexas.comFind Galveston Isle’sTrue Treasure- 121. a time honored practiceTradition Lives On. Tradition Lives Here2. the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generationNow enrolling for the 2017-2018 academic year. Call 409-765-5534, visit www.oconnellprep.com, or stop by 1320 Tremont, Galveston Island. O’Connell College Preparatory SchoolEstablished 1847 Grades 9 62 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017Coastal CuisineOn a winter day, these hot spots ladle up savory comfortStory by Lindsay Canright | Photos by Jennifer ReynoldsOn cold winter days, people in these parts tend to seek comfort and sustenance in a bowl of gumbo or chili. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But area eat-eries have other offerings for anyone wanting to spice up their routine.Here are just some of the soups and the places that serve them:Soup’s onJINYA RAMEN BARThe long-held favorite of college students across america, ramen is making a culinary comeback. you won’t find generic seasoning packets at Jinya ramen bar in Webster. The restaurant uses quality ingredients, from broths prepared with highly filtered wa-ter, to perfectly cooked poached egg toppings.18299 Egret Bay Blvd., Webster; 281.549.6609; www.jinya- ramenbar.comBLVD. SEAFOODWhen it comes to chowder, New england is the capital. but bLVD. Seafood’s recipe could compete with the best, and the bonus is, you get to enjoy it on the Texas Coast. Made with coconut milk and potato, the finished product is luscious and creamy and doesn’t skimp on the seafood.Seawall Boulevard at 28th Street, Galveston; 409.762.2583; blvdseafood.comNOBI PUBLIC HOUSEFoodies know that yummy things can happen at cultural intersec-tions. Nobi Public House is the clever melding of two distinct-ly different concepts — part Vietnamese night market, part highbrow british pub. at Nobi, chicken noodle and wonton soups are offered daily, but the pho — a true labor of love — is saved for Pho-nunday Sundays, which begin at noon sharp.241 E. NASA Parkway, Webster; 832.932.5111; www.nobipub.comHOLLY BERRY TEA ROOMJust far enough from the interstate to exude small-town charm, Holly berry Tea room is in the com-pound of cottages at Founders Square in League City. Here, warmth radiates at all angles from the friendly servers to the pots of soup bubbling in the kitchen. Hungry people flock to the shop on Fridays to order the Loaded baked Potato Soup, which is rich and filling and served with a topping of cheese, chives and crispy bacon.501 E. Main St., Suite 4, League City; 281.557.4433; www.hollyberrytearoom.comTHE ORIGINAL MEXICAN CAFÉThe curative powers of chicken soup are widely accepted, but who feels like cooking when you have a cold? Islanders and visitors need not venture far to find a hearty bowl of Caldo de Pollo, which can be ordered to-go at The Original. Served with COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 63the freshest fare around. Soups are a specialty here. With its vel-vety texture and gingery bite, the Carrot Ginger Soup is far from garden variety and is among the favorites.408 25th St., Galveston; 409.762.0803; www.eatcetera.netTHE TEA HOUSE UNDER THE OAKS“When it’s gone, it’s gone.” Heed the warning and make sure to secure your serving of butternut Squash Soup at this quaint restau-rant and tea house under the oak trees for which League City is known. It’s served on Fridays and Saturdays.610 E. Main St., League City; 832.905.3909; www.thetea houseundertheoaks.comNEPTUNE SUBSWith its piecemeal décor and sturdy wooden booths, kitschy Neptune Subs is a little slice of americana off state Highway 146. alongside its namesake subs, Neptune serves soup, as the menu will tell you, “when it’s cold outside.” Owned by a native New yorker, the restaurant’s clam chowder earns high marks for its simple, stick-to-your-ribs quality.1917 Bayport Blvd., Seabrook; 281.474.3973; www.neptune subs.comGAIDO’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTThe kitchen at this culinary centenarian has been helmed by different chefs over the years. One of those chefs, Wade Watkins, turned out a soup so slurp-worthy, it came to bear his name on the menu. The sinfully delicious Watkins bisque has a creamy seafood base with baby shrimp, pureed tomatoes, carrots, onions and spices.3828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; 409.761.5500; www.gaidos.comFARLEY GIRLS CAFÉWhen it comes to comforting meals, this café has what the doc-tor ordered. and a lot of doctors order there. a quick jaunt from the university of Texas Medical branch, the bustling east end eatery is known for its sumptuous Shrimp and Grits and soups du jour. The Tomato basil is quite tasty, but the Poblano Soup is a revelation with a hint of spice and plenty of flavor.801 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.497.4454; www.farley girls.comTAQUERIA EL JALICIENSEIt might be housed in a beige, Texas City strip mall, but inside, Taqueria el Jaliciense is bright and lively. It’s a go-to for locals hankering for solid Tex-Mex, but the food and soups lure people from all around. Try the Pozole, which is spicy, delicious and chock full of hominy.2013 10th Ave. N., Texas City; 409.945.8997EATCETERAThe popular spot in the island’s downtown is serving up some of tortillas for dunking, this restor-ative concoction brims with fresh vegetables and noodles.1401 Market St., Galveston; 409.762-6001; www.theoriginal galveston.comCourtesy photo(Opposite page) A popular choice at Jinya Ramen Bar in Webster is the spicy Chicken Ramen, with chicken broth, chicken chashu, spinach, spicy bean sprouts, Tokyo nevi and green onion with thin noodles. At Holly Berry Tea Room, in the compound of cottages at Founders Square in League City, the rich and filling Loaded Baked Potato Soup is topped with cheese, chives and crispy bacon. (Left) The Carrot Ginger Soup is among the favorites at EATcetera in Galveston. (Above) A rich and velvety Butternut Squash Soup is on the menu Friday and Saturdays at the Tea House Under the Oaks in League City.64 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017Enjoy Outdoor Living at Its BestOutside OasisOutdoor Living• Outdoor Patios • Kitchens • Bars • Fireplace Pits• Pergolas • Sheds • Hardscapes • Landscaping & More• Free Estimates• TDI CertifiedCall today! 832-317-9509sales@outsideoasis.comwww.outsideoasis.com1002 Aspen RoadClear Lake Shores, Tx 77565281-334-5225OpusBistro.net66 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017Take a VacaTion on canVas www.VacaTiononcanVas.com2204 PosT office sT. GalVesTon, TX 77550 roberT@VacaTiononcanVas.com 409-974-4066TREASURE TROVEDresses, Purses, Tops, Shorts, Jewelry, Shoes, Exotic Soaps,Candles and so much more! Plus sizes, also.2719 61st Street • Mon - Wed & Sat. 10-6 • Thur - Fri 10-7 • Sun. 12-5 • 409-737-9900 • www.giftsandgarments.com My FavoriteGift Store forValentine’s Day COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 67FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 1-800-445-00905222 Seawall Boulevard • Galveston Island, Texas 77551800.445.0090 • 409.744.1500 • sanluisresort.comPLAN YOUR Valentine’s DayWITH US!68 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017The GalleyQuick Crawfish BisqueClassic Mardi Gras meal will leave plenty of time for parties and paradesStory, photo and recipe by Alicia CahillCarnival season is my favorite time of year. From the glittering pag-eantry of the krewe parties, to the slice upon slice of delicious king cake, these days of revelry are remarkable.Sadly, one cannot live on king cake alone. Before stepping out to attend the mad rush of Mardi Gras parades, parties and get-to-gethers, make this quick crawfish bisque. It comes together swiftly, leaving you plenty of time to don your mask and costume. Laissez les bons temps rouler!QUICK CRAWFISH BISQUEServings: 6INGREDIENTS1 tablespoon olive oil1 medium-size yellow onion, diced1 red bell pepper, diced2 celery stalks, diced2 garlic cloves, minced6 tablespoons unsalted butter5 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 10-ounce can of rotel tomatoes with green chiles, drained2 teaspoons kosher salt½ teaspoon black pepper½ teaspoon cayenne pepper1 32-ounce carton seafood stock4 fresh thyme sprigs2 bay leaves1 pound fresh or frozen peeled crawfish tails, if frozen thaw first¼ cup dry sherry cooking wine½ cup heavy whipping cream1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon hot sauce, more to taste2 tablespoons fresh thyme, optional garnishLoaf of crusty French breadDIRECTIONSIn a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. add onion and bell pepper and cook until tender, stirring frequently. add celery and garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant. remove mixture from the pan, set aside and wipe pan clean.add butter to pan and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour until combined. reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, until roux turns pale brown, (the color of peanut butter). add onion mixture, rotel, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 min-utes. Whisk in stock, thyme and bay leaves, and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.remove bay leaves. Transfer mixture to a blender, or use an immersion blender, and process until smooth. return bisque to pan, and place over medium-low. Stir in cream, lemon juice, hot sauce, crawfish and ¼ cup cooking wine. bring to a low simmer, and cook until heated, about 5 minutes. Spoon into 6 bowls, and top with additional thyme leaves. Serve with hot sauce and crusty French bread. alicia Cahill is the owner of The Kitchen Chick, 528 23rd St. in Galveston. COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 69www.doylelawfirm.net6710 Stewart Road, Suite 300, Galveston, TX 77551 • 409-744-9783Doyle Law Firm is headed by Patrick Doyle, the owner of South Land Title. Ethan Baker, Jana Hartnett, Donnie Quintanilla, Dennis Bettison and Jeff Adams are available to prepare documents and assist in real estate title matters.Other areas of practice include Banking, Business Transactions, Family Law including Divorce and Custody, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Taxation and Civil Litigation.LOCALRESPONSIVEDECISIVEwww.southlandtitle.netSouth Land Title has 21 locations closing transactions throughout Brazoria, Brazos, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery & Waller Counties. 6710 Stewart Road, Suite 200, Galveston, TX 77551 • 409-744-0727Book your party atWaterman’sRestaurant and BarSeafood • SteaksSpirits • SunsetsPrivate rooms overlookingGalveston Bay for:holiday partiesweddings • receptionsbirthdays • showersCustom menu or buffetCateringCall today:409-632-0233www.waterman-galveston.comNext >