Mardi Gras was definitely alive and well at the hotel. But here was the question I was asking: What do you wear to a black tie African Ball?

"You can wear a long gown or you can come in costume," said Hopkins.

Wow...that's some range. But people took up the challenge.

I saw a few guys dressed up like they were going on safari, others had on colorful African smocks, and some were dressed like tribal leaders. I even saw a couple Egyptian inspired outfits.

DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE FOOD
The music was great, the costumes were spectacular, but the food was out of this world.

Executive Chef Jerry Helminski let his creative juices flow and developed an African inspired menu that included nearly 25 different items.

Some of them were: Egyptian Barmia (sweet & sour okra), Sebha del Hdaree (vegetable stew with dates and almonds), D'jej Emshmel (chicken with preserved lemon and olives), and Ghanmi Meshwi b'Matisha Mkalia (roasted leg of lamb with tomato chutney and pearl pasta).

If these don't sound familiar, don't worry. I had no idea what they were either, but I tried a little of everything and it was fabulous. My favorite was the vegetable stew with dates and almonds.

Helminski has been the executive chef at Hotel Galvez for the last two years, and had a lot of fun creating the menu.

He told me he's worked in a number of cities to get his chef experience, and enjoys living in Galveston. He says the only challenge is attracting people outside of Galveston to come to the island to visit.

"But once they come out and experience something like this event, I'm sure they be back again," said Helminski.

I agree. The food was great, the people were friendly...and I hear they have newly renovated spa rooms that could be perfect for a weekend getaway.

Slideshow from the event