The Moody Gardens Culinary Team and Food & Beverage team earned the 1st Place People's Choice Award at the Texas Restaurant Association Galveston Chapter's annual Epicurean Evening, competing against more than 35 of the island's top restaurants.
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On April 16, 2026,the Moody Gardens Culinary Team and Food & Beverage team went head-to-head with more than 35 of Galveston Island's top restaurants at the Texas Restaurant Association Galveston Chapter's annual Epicurean Evening — and walked away with the 1st Place People's Choice Award.
The event, themed "A Taste of the Gulf," brought together some of the island's most celebrated kitchens inside the Moody Gardens Convention Center for an evening of live music, a silent auction, and — most importantly — incredible food. Attendees sampled dishes from restaurants across Galveston and cast their votes for the best of the night. When the votes were tallied, the crowd had spoken: Moody Gardens was number one.
Our chefs brought a lineup that showcased creativity, technical skill, and bold Gulf Coast–inspired flavors. Here's what they put on the table:
A crisp pastry shell filled with lobster, finished with an edamame wasabi puree, spicy-Hondashi Kewpie, and a dusting of nori. This dish was a masterclass in balancing texture and umami, pairing the sweetness of lobster with the punch of Japanese-inspired accompaniments.
Plump shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce, topped with pickled red onion and cabbage, micro cilantro, and served on a banh mi bun. A fresh, vibrant bite that delivered on every level — crunchy, tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat.
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Chocolate shells filled with vanilla bean raspberry cake, lemon cheesecake mousse, and an orange lemon passion fruit truffle adorned with edible pearls, graham crumble, and a key lime dust. Each piece was as beautiful as it was delicious — a true showstopper.
If your experience with Moody Gardens starts and ends at the Aquarium or Rainforest Pyramids, you're missing out. Our property is home to a talented Food & Beverage operation that serves guests across multiple restaurants, bars, and event spaces — from casual dining to curated culinary experiences throughout the year.
This People's Choice win isn't just a trophy for the team. It's a reminder that when you visit Moody Gardens, you're stepping into a destination where the food is crafted with the same care and ambition as every other experience on the property. Whether you're grabbing a bite between attractions, enjoying a drink at the bar, or attending one of our special dining events, you're being served by an award-winning team.
The Epicurean Evening is Galveston's premier food and beverage showcase, hosted annually by the Texas Restaurant Association Galveston Chapter. It brings together top local restaurants for a tasting competition where attendees vote for their favorites. Beyond the food, the event supports scholarship opportunities and workforce development programs for students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary arts — making it a meaningful night for the entire Galveston food community.
We're incredibly proud of Chef Bobby, Chef Aaron, Chef Kristi, and the entire Moody Gardens Food & Beverage team for this well-deserved recognition. This award reflects the dedication, creativity, and passion they bring to our kitchens every single day.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Plan your visit to Moody Gardens and discover a side of the property you might not have expected — one plate at a time.
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