Yaga's

Goombay Smash

A A A Comments By Debbylou Mountjoy Wednesday, Oct 3 2007

In this town, longing for a change of season or wardrobe is a colossal waste of time. So my favorite beach boy Sammy and I decided to take advantage of Houston's endless summer and embrace the sun and surf. Grabbing the SPF 50, off we went to Galveston and its sociable seawall. After a superb day spent riding the boogie board, admiring tan, taut bodies and forgetting we had grown-up jobs, we hit the Strand for a predinner cocktail. Yaga's (2314 Strand St., Galveston, 409-762-6676) was giving out good vibrations, so we ventured in. This self-proclaimed tropical cafe was a good mix of local hipsters, weekend visitors and energetic staff. Everyone seemed to be buzzing about the band setting up, Honeybrowne — an edgy, garage-country, local favorite. As Anthony described his ocean potions, I noticed the welcoming ceramic Proteus atop an elaborate mosaic arch decorating the bar. It was a good omen. Fully on board for the whole sun-and-fun thing, I chose a coconut rum drink, the "Goombay Smash." The concoction was sweet as cotton candy and pink as our noses, and it celebrated everything summer. After ordering another round, we made our way to the small patio out back to pay our respects to the setting sun. It was then that I realized that I'm not really a sweater fan.