A Trip to the Texas Shore

It’s time I admit the truth. In the year and a half that we’ve lived in Texas, we really haven’t explored much beyond our own backyard. As you know, we found out we were expecting the twins shortly after we arrived here. Between bedrest, the babies’ stay in the NICU, and getting adjusted to parenting three children instead of just one, we haven’t had it in us to do a lot of travelling. Last week we decided to change that and, on the recommendation of a few friends, we headed for the Texas coast. Port Aransas to be exact.

In our previous East Coast existence, we vacationed in places like Cape May, New Jersey; Sea Island, Georgia; and Bermuda. Port Aransas, Texas, felt a little quieter and more secluded than any of those vacation spots. It’s quite a small town, and provided a nice respite from our daily lives.

The Port Aransas Beach

Relaxing on Our Balcony

One of our priorities on this trip was to locate some wonderful restaurants.  (Isn't great food always a priority?) Towards the end of the trip, we discovered two that definitely rate a mention.

My favorite dining experience in Port Aransas was Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn.

The inn is a historic site that previously served as a civil war barracks prior to being converted into The Tarpon Inn in 1886. Its 24 rooms are decorated with antiques and are known for their lack of telephones and TV. I’m told that it’s truly a place to relax and leave your cares behind.

Roosevelt’s is The Tarpon Inn’s small fine dining establishment.




The Chefs in Action at Roosevelt's























Anticipating A Great Meal



Pan Seared Snapper with Shrimp and Ricotta Ravioli

After much debate, I settled on the Pan Seared Snapper with Shrimp and Ricotta Ravioli, and I could not have been happier. The flavor combinations were absolutely divine. My husband and I also thoroughly enjoyed our appetizer of crabcakes, which were reminiscent of some of the best crabcakes we ever had in Maryland. In addition to being the best meal I enjoyed on this trip, this was easily the best meal I’ve had in Texas.

The next night we dined next door to the Tarpon Inn at Lisa Bella’s Bistro, which I would also recommend.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more details of our trip!