Big news! The sky is the limit at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille. The swank restaurant, which is regionally renowned for its modern décor and upscale, trendy atmosphere, is proud to announce its plans to completely renovate and expand its rooftop Skye Bar. Customers who’ve participated in parties and charity events at the Skye Bar are sure to agree that expansion plans are quite exciting. Owner Tammy Patrick-Cebula, who also operates Lovin’ Life Limos, Late Night Liquor & Kegs, and Delmarva Bridal Showcase by Lovin’ Life, Ltd., is eager to get started on the renovation process during Ocean City’s off-season.
    In the meantime, the original Skye Bar is intact and ready to kickoff football season. Tailgate menus and drink specials will be available during NFL games. The open-air Skye Bar boasts unparalleled views of the Ocean City skyline and sunset. On the entry level, the Star Bar offers an equally stellar experience, with live entertainment and a “star wall” of local celebrity photographs. Friday nights are “Jazz Fridayz” in the Star Bar, featuring a performance by The Philly George Project on September 9. Catch the talented musicians’ follow-up performance on Saturday, September 10, too. Each Sunday presents “Cosmic Crush” drink specials. Moonlight Madness Monday features discounts on Three Olives and Starburst Watermelon Crushes after 10:00 p.m. Tuesdays are “Orange Tuesday” with Saturn Squeeze Orange Crush discounts. On Wine Down Wednesday, enjoy discounted wine, and on Thursday, celebrate Girls Night Out with martini specials. The crushes and martinis at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille are phenomenal, and Wine Spectator magazine awarded the restaurant with its 2010 Award of Excellence.
    The unique food recipes at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille feature the finest fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, and only the best of the best cuisine is served year round. I visited the restaurant this week with my dinner date, Joey Steward (Hertrich GMC), and we admired the spiral, multi-level dining areas with contemporary artwork and modern lighting fixtures. We sat at a table on the second level, which overlooks the Star Bar, next to a wall of windows with views of Ocean City. The lighting around the building’s spectacular exterior constantly changes color, which we could also enjoy from our table.
    Our server, R.J., welcomed us to Galaxy 66 and recited the daily specials. The appetizer of the day was Tempura Soft Shell Crab over Asian slaw with cashews, broccoli, and ginger sirachi aioli. Tuna was a second appetizer option, seared rare over a white truffled asparagus and spinach puree with fried potatoes.  The daily entrée special was seared Seabass over fresh arugula salad with goat cheese, shaved shallots, granola, and oven roasted cherry tomatoes with a pumpkin seed and brown sugar drizzle.
    Joey and I started our exquisite meal with an order of the Soft Shell Crab appetizer and Seared Scallops—a local favorite. Served with pickled jalapeños, crispy sweet peanut goat cheese, and cranberry relish, the Seared Scallops are arguably the best thing on the menu. The Soft Shell Crab is equally unique and tasty.
    For our main course, Joey and I shared the Filet Mignon and Seared Grouper. Served over smashed potatoes with aged Parmesan cheese, roasted asparagus, and a truffle demi-glaze, the Filet Mignon is my favorite steak in Ocean City. It was my first time trying the Seared Grouper, which is served with red onion, cucumber salad, ginger honey rice, and wasabi and soy. The ingredients combine to create a refreshing blend of flavors perfect for a summertime meal.
    Other noteworthy entrees at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille are Broiled Crab Cakes, Lobster Tail, New York Strip, Oven Roasted Pork Chop, and Curry BBQ Grilled Chicken. The Farmers Market Sauté is an irresistible blend of local veggies sautéed in garlic, EVOO, and white wine, and topped with a pecorino Romano and arugula salad. The next entrée on Joey’s list is the Seafood Pasta—shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and herbs in light jalapeño oil. I’m looking forward to trying the Pistachio Encrusted Rockfish. All entrées are served with housemade rosemary focaccia bread.
    Galaxy 66 also features a lighter fare menu, including its award winning Cheesesteak, which is slow roasted ribeye, caramelized onions, chiffonade romaine, chimichurri mayo, and black mountain cheese sauce on a housemade roll. Grilled Chicken, Turkey Wrap, Pulled Pork Barbeque, Seared Duck Breast, and Crab Cake are just a few of many delicious sandwiches on the lighter fare menu. Try the Lobster Club for a unique concoction of mesculin greens, bleu cheese, apples, pita stars, and smoked scallop. Crab Pizza is prepared on a flatbread crust with old bay cream, red peppers, red onions, arugula, and fresh mozzarella.
    Appetizers at Galaxy 66 include assorted Cheeses, Seared Foie Gras, Seared Rare Tuna, and Thai Mussels. The Summer Chicken Sauté is grilled white meat sautéed with charred squash, peppers, onions, and cous cous, and served over tomato broth. The Tenderloin Tips are a popular appetizer, nearly the size of an entrée. Also, try the Jamaican Shrimp served with citrus jerk rice, diced pineapple, red pepper, scallions, and pickles red onions. A delicious soups and salads menu is also available.
    For dessert, Joey and I shared a large serving of Vanilla Crème Brule—the best in Ocean City. Smores are another dessert option. Dessert martinis include Tiramisu, Root Beer Float, Chocolate Covered Cherry,  and Pineapple Upside Down.
    Joey and I agree that the service, atmosphere, and food quality at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille is top notch. We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. Stay informed of the latest events and specials at Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille by checking its website, www.galaxy66barandgrille.com or calling 410-723-6762.