Adventures in food

When a new restaurant in town opens it's doors, you can't help but be curious. The curiosity got the best of us when Gali, a Puerto Rican restaurant opened up not too far from us. I was really excited to see this as I had recently found out that the Paradise Palms Cafe that I was wanting to go back to had closed! No more Jamaican cuisine just around the corner... but now I have Puerto Rican. This could be a good thing!

Since John isn't much for trying new restaurant, Darrin and I decided that it was up to us to go check it out. That would give us the chance to see if it was something that John would enjoy. So it was Gali night! We met up with Bill and Sarah there tonight for dinner!

The restaurant itself is a small place with only about 7-8 tables and a coffee bar. It is also the home of a small bookstore in the back - a great combination! Plus for Internet lovers, Gali's also offers WiFi for it's customers!

I was somewhat surprised at the relatively short menu! There were 6 different appetizers, 6 main entrees, 3-4 sandwiches and the typical American fare of burgers. Then there was the daily special.

Darrin and Sarah both opted for the Pasteles, which they both agreed were "ok" not a lot of flavor and a very small serving - they each got ONE Pastele... that would normally be a snack for Darrin! Bill was very please with his Mofongo - it was a HUGE portion that he knew he would never eat all of! I was also very please with my choice. And for the life of me, I cannot remember what it was called. All I remember was that it was the special for the day. It was plantains, ground beef and other ingredients all put together in the same style as a lasagna, then topped with cheese. It was also served with a side of rice. YUMMY! It was just a unique combination that I had never tried before but was very tasty! I just wish that was on the regular menu!

The more time I have plantains in my food, the more I realize that I really like them! They give such a unique flavor to any dish and I have had them prepared in so many different ways that it is always exciting!

All in all we were pleased with our adventure this evening... yes we will go back, some of us will definitely order different entrees! Trying new things means opening yourself up for a few disappointments, but we learn from those disappointments and work around them!