2023 Food & Wine Guide for South Walton - Summer Edition

FOOD & WINE GUIDE

for South Walton

A DINING DESTINATION

Inlet Beach’s 30Avenue offers something to satisfy every palate

A FOOT IN THE DOOR

Top Spots in South Walton to get a dinner reservation

FEATURE STORIES

18

24 Chef Spotlight: Matthew

38 Community loses trio of culinary icons Harriet Crommelin, Dominic Damiano, Brannon Janca

48

56

About the Cover: The Surfing Soldier noodle bowl from Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar is a feast for the eyes and the palate!

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES

Greetings fellow foodies, I hope this issue of the Food & Wine Guide for South Walton finds you and your family enjoying the sun and sand of our beautiful slice of paradise.

With the spring festival season behinds us, we hope you are out exploring all the culinary offerings that our area has to offer.

With the growing popularity of private chefs in our area, be sure and check out page 32 for the latest with Chef Dan Vargo and Fine Coastal Cuisine.

On the east end of 30A and South Walton, 30Avenue is quickly becoming the gathering spot for locals and

tourists alike. Be sure and visit all their eateries (story on page 18) as they continue to grow.

And finally, the first half of this year saw our community lose three icons of the restaurant community here in South Walton (story on page 38). Harriet Crommelin, Dominic Damiano and Brannon Janca all left a lasting mark on not just the culinary industry, but our community as a whole. Their influence will no doubt remain decades into the future.

Enjoy your summer adventures and be sure to use our restaurant guide (pages 74-82) as your road map to all the culinary delights South Walton has to offer. Bon appétit.

Phil Heppding Publisher phil@30afoodandwine.com

Shades Bar & Grill

Shelby’s Beach Bar and Grill

Havana Beach Bar & Grill

THE BEAUTY OF OPTIONS

The South Walton dining scene has a lot to offer, venuewise. From air conditioned interiors, palatial patios, waterfront views, lakeside relaxing: we definitely have options.

With that said, there is a growing trend here along the Emerald Coast for those wishing to opt for “D. None of the above:” hire a private chef. You might want to avoid crowds, you’ve got a big party and could never be seated together, you decide to stay close to home because of young children, need total control over the menu due to allergies –whatever the case may be – you also have options!

Check out our Top Spots List on page 34 for some of the best private chef businesses in the area, as well as the section in our famous Restaurant Guide, which begins on page 74. These talented professionals will work with you to plan your meal(s), do all the shopping, cooking and –perhaps best of all – cleaning up, all in the comfort of your home or rental.

Didn’t plan far enough ahead to book an in-home chef? No worries, you still have options! Find our Tops Spots for Takeout on page 11 to find the eateries offering grab-and-go meals, online ordering and to-go beverages.

Keep it casual, go all out, or something in between. Plan the meal that fits your crew best, and enjoy the beauty of options!

Michelle Farnham Managing editor editor@30afoodandwine.com

Scratch Biscuit Kitchen

FOOD & WINE GUIDE for

South Walton

Owner/Publisher | Phil Heppding phil@30afoodandwine.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Michelle Farnham editor@30afoodandwine.com

Contributing Writers | Lauren Sage Reinlie, Liesel Schmidt, Pam Windsor

DESIGN

Creative Director | Mark Kerley

SALES

Phil Heppding | phil@30afoodandwine.com

2023 FOOD & WINE GUIDE FOR SOUTH WALTON www.30afoodandwine.com facebook.com/30afoodandwine instagram.com/30afoodandwine Twitter: @30afoodandwine.com

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amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen

The Perfect Pig

Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar

• By Lauren Sage Reinlie

ROLL-ING INTO THE FUTURE

INLET BEACH – Christy and her dad Terry, the team behind Spell Restaurant Group, had always wanted to add a sushi concept to their ever-expanding line-up of eateries in the 30A area. Before Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar opened in Inlet Beach in 2019, they had to go to Panama City Beach or Destin for a whole sushi experience when the craving hit.

“We actually had a sushi infusion concept in our pocket if we found the right location,” Christy said. “We just hadn’t been able to find it.”

When the owners of Shaka approached them about taking over the restaurant, they were happy to discover it would be an excellent fit for their company. They took over operations in April.

It helped that the restaurant’s chef, James Sargent, was someone Christy and her dad had their eyes on if they ever had the chance to open their own sushi concept. “He is very well known in our area,” Christy said. “He’s the sushi king of 30A. His food is fabulous. So it’s fun that we

are actually getting to take that over and have the concept we had always wanted.”

Sargent was raised in a military family, traveling worldwide and falling in love with different cuisines. In Hawaii, he discovered sushi. At age 15, in Pensacola, he began his career at a Japanese steakhouse and has worked his way up since. He prides himself on serving the freshest fish, placing overnight delivery orders from Hawaii for specific filets.

The chef’s unique creations rotate, but some of his signature roll mainstays include the Double Red Flag with smoked salmon and avocado wrapped in soy paper and topped with tuna tartare; the Black Shangri-La with softshell crab, aioli, and green onion topped with eel; and the Locals Only Roll with yellowtail, bacon, aioli, cream cheese, tempura, and green onions, topped with avocado, pickled jalapeño, togarashi, and a soy reduction.

The menu also features options for those not inclined to consume raw fish. Appetizers include grilled octopus, Continued on page 10

8

a Korean beef bulgogi plate with seasonal kimchi, and salmon cakes. Entrees include Kalbi beef short ribs served with seasonal kimchi, seared yellowfin tuna, and fried rice plates. Ramen and udon noodle bowls are also available with options such as the Bodhi Bowl with pork broth, ramen, pork belly and tenderloin, pickled veggies, softboiled egg, mushrooms, cilantro, and bok choy.

The drink menu features a variety of hot and cold sakis. Beer and wine are available, as are cocktails such as the Peach Plum Mule with vodka, saki, citrus, Serrano pepper, peach syrup, and ginger beer; the Rosemary gimlet; and the Gin-ger Drop made with gin, sake, fresh ginger, and ginger beer. The bartenders are always coming up with creative seasonal offerings as well.

Shaka’s interior is decorated with a light and airy vibe. It includes a sushi bar where guests can see offerings being prepared.

“It’s such a beautiful, bright, cheery space,” Christy said. “I just love the decor.”

A covered outdoor patio is screened in and has heaters for cool weather. “When the weather is beautiful, everybody wants to be out there.”

The restaurant offers both inside and curbside pick-up and has a popular delivery service through 30A Grub2Go. Christy said Sargent is also interested in bolstering his private event catering when he visits a home or another location to create his signature rolls for 10 or more guests. She is excited to see what other ways Shaka can expand.

“The team seems really eager to get guidance and to grow that business more,” she said. “We see a lot of growth potential.”

Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar is located at 13625 U.S. Hwy. 98 East, Suite 5 and 6 in Inlet Beach. They are open from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Reservations are not accepted. Find more information by calling 850-909-0030 or visit their website at shaka30a.com.

Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar continued from page

TOPS SPOTS For Takeout in South Walton

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

12805 Hwy. 98E, Suite R101, Inlet Beach (30Avenue) • amici30a.com

amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen

12805 Hwy. 98E, Suite Q101, Inlet Beach (30Avenue) • amigos30a.com

Angelina’s Pizzeria & Pasta

4005 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • angelinas30a.com

Blue Mabel

2260 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • bluemabel.com

Bud & Alley’s

2236 E. Co. Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach (Seaside) • budandalleys.com

Fish Out Of Water

34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach (WaterColor) • www.foow30a.com

Shades Bar & Grill

10952 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach • shades30a.com

Shaka Sushi & Cocktail Bar

13625 US Hwy. 98E, Suite 5, Inlet Beach • shaka30a.com

VKI Japanese Steakhouse

4552 US Hwy. 98E, Santa Rosa Beach • vkijapanesefl.com

AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN

Shades Bar & Grill •

By Lauren Sage Reinlie

SIT A SPELL IN THE SHADES

INLET BEACH – In 2016, restaurateurs Christy Spell and her father, Rick, took over George’s at Alys Beach and what is now LaCo in Seacrest Beach. Rick stayed in Memphis. Christy and her then-boyfriend Drew Terry moved to Inlet Beach, with nothing except the restaurants anchoring them to their new home.

It didn’t take long to find a new community at Shades Bar & Grill, a neighborhood sports bar that had been a longtime locals’ hangout. (It actually opened in a shack in Seaside in the mid-80s.)

“We got to know a lot of their staff members, and they are now friends of ours,” Christy said recently. When she and Terry were married a couple years later, they took the after-party to Shades following their reception. The place had become a big part of their lives.

Over the years, Spell Restaurant Group acquired a small empire of restaurants in the area, including Saltwater Grill in Panama City Beach, and La Crema Tapas & Chocolate and Edward’s in Rosemary Beach. So when the owners of

Shades came to them a couple years ago and said they were looking to sell, Christy was thrilled. It was a dream come true and on April 1, Spell Restaurant Group officially took over the business.

“This is a huge honor that these guys approached us and entrusted us and that we were one of the first people they contacted when they got ready to pass it on,” Christy said. “I have big shoes to fill and want to make sure that we make them proud and continue on the great success that they’ve had.”

NOT ROCKING THE BOAT

Christy said she does not have plans for any significant changes anytime soon. Instead, she and her father are spending time listening to and learning from their staff members.

“We don’t want to come in and rock the boat and screw up the great thing that the prior owners have created,” she said. “We want to hear from our staff. What do they think they would like to try and see us do differently?”

The “thing” Christy doesn’t want to screw up is a beloved sports bar with high-quality food, a great family-friendly atmosphere, late-night eats and drink service (they are open until 1 a.m.), and a clientele of devoted regulars.

The menu features elevated items not typically considered pub grub.

For example, the steak hibachi is a New York strip with hibachi fried rice and yum yum sauce. The pan-seared redfish is served with a goat cheese grit cake, haricot verts, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a béarnaise sauce. The creole fish and grits dish includes fried redfish, smoked gouda grits, barbecue beurre blanc, and micro pea tendrils.

Salad portions are oversized and come in four options, including Caesar and avocado and shrimp.

Of course, a patron sometimes does want some bar food with their beer and baseball. Shades has that, too, but with some delightful surprises, such as the spicy goat cheese burger, the meatless Beyond Burger, and the N.H.C. sandwich with Nashville-style hot chicken on a brioche bun.

Dozens of exciting beers are available on tap, and adult drink selections include creative cocktails and wine.

Over 20 screens feature sports throughout the year. Shades is a popular spot during college and NFL football season. Patio seating is available, with one television screen outdoors, as well. A small game and arcade room appeals to the kiddos.

In addition to all that, Christy knows from experience that the tight-knit staff keeps the place such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

“Our team members, they’re not our workers,” she said. “They’re family to us.”

Shades Bar & Grill is located at 10952 E. Co. Hwy. 30A in Inlet Beach. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day. They do not accept reservations, but can be booked for private parties. For more information call 850-231-9410 or visit their website at shades30a.com.

amici • amigos • friends

• By Pam Windsor

LIKE DINING WITH FRIENDS

INLET BEACH – When the Corchis family opened amici 30A Italian Kitchen, they wanted to offer exceptional food in a setting that was warm, comfortable, and inviting.

“Our intention was to have a gathering spot for our local community,” family matriarch Amy Corchis recalled. “Obviously, it was intended for our visitors and tourists, as well, but we wanted to have a place that could become a mainstay, kind of a regular hang out for our community. And local support has just meant everything to us.”

With popular homemade dishes like Amy’s “famous” 30A meatballs, lasagna, fettuccine Bolognese and many others, it quickly became a local favorite.

“Our Lily’s chicken piccata is probably our top-selling dish since we brought it on the menu several years ago,” Amy said. “And our happy hour pizzas are a big deal for us, especially during dine-in happy hours, when all pizzas are 10 bucks a piece.”

They named the restaurant amici, which is the Italian word for friend. Several years later when they opened a Mexican restaurant right next door, they continued the theme and named it “amigos” – the Spanish word for friend.

“We named them ‘friends’ because my husband and I left home in 1991 and moved about 10 times due to his job before we settled here, and our friends became our extended family. So, it really pays homage to those friends who were there for us and supported us, lifted us up, celebrated our kids, and were there for the highs and lows. It’s friends who have really gotten us to where we are today.”

George – who retired after running resorts and casinos for 30 years – and Amy decided to open a restaurant business that would include their four grown children. Jordin, Nathan, Alyssa, and Lily are all actively involved.

“George is Mr. Hospitality for sure and he’s an expert in this field,” Amy said. “I feel really honored and blessed

Photos by Chandler Wililams – Modus Photography

my kids get to learn from him because I think he’s one of the best.”

Like amici, amigos has quickly become a much-loved dining spot. Favorite menu items there include fajitas, honey sriracha chicken tacos, burnt end brisket tacos, burritos, more.

“Amigos has become a great sister property to amici. They play off each other really well and we have many of the same guests come to both.”

FUN ON A BUN – AND TO-GO

The Corchis Hospitality group is now planning to add two more restaurants to the mix. One will be amici/amigos Takeout Kitchen and the other, friends 30A Burger Bar.

“The food is going to be great at friends,” said Amy. “It’s going to be burgers, chicken sandwiches, shakes, and that kind of nostalgia-type stuff my husband and I grew up with and miss very much. So, we’re super excited about that.”

They hope to have both open by early fall.

Amy said they want guests at all of their restaurants to experience fantastic food, terrific service, and the feeling that when you come inside to dine at any one of them, people are happy to see you.

“We have a phenomenal team. Most have been with us since day one. We don’t have a lot of turnover, which is awesome. So, whether our guests are visitors or locals, they get to know our team members. We remember them when they come back, and it really is a wonderful environment. We love what we’ve created here, and we love living here. It’s home to us.”

amici 30A Italian Kitchen can be found at 12805 US98, Suite R101, in Inlet Beach. Reach them by phone at 850-909-0555. amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen is at 12805 US-98, Suite Q101, Inlet Beach, and their phone number is 850-909-0444. Both restaurants are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit them online at www.amici30a.com.

30Avenue •

By Michelle Farnham

VACATION RELAXATION DESTINATION!

INLET BEACH – Oh, the tyranny of choice. A trip down Scenic Highway 30A – whether as a tourist or a local – offers so many opportunities. Dining, entertainment, shopping: it has it all! There is one complex on the far East side of 30A, however, that offers all these amenities in one convenient location: 30Avenue.

Known as the place “Where shopping, food and fun meet, work and play,” 30Avenue is an outdoor lifestyle center offering everything from salons to retail spaces, healthcare facilities to professional offices and fitness centers. Make a day out of your time there enjoying the Summer Concert Series, with live music Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Nestled among these destinations are more than half a dozen dining opportunities, making 30Avenue a parkonce-and-enjoy-your-day kind of place.

“30Avenue is a gastronaut’s dream! The array of restaurants available here is unmatched,” explained Stephanie Madden of 30Avenue. “Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, fresh-off-the-hook seafood, a fun brunch with friends or authentic Italian cuisine, we’ve got you covered.”

AJA ELEVATED ASIAN KITCHEN

One of the newer kids on the block, Aja Elevated Asian Kitchen comes from the mind of Master Chef Tom Catherall. Pronounced {ay}+{zhuh}, here you’ll find authentic Asian cuisine ranging from stir-fry to noodle dishes, to sushi and sashimi.

Start with the shrimp & chicken dumplings, a tuna carpaccio roll, some char siu pork belly ramen, and finish with the tempura fried banana topped with sea salt caramel.

Enjoy an adult beverage from the full bar, as well as the Party on the Patio happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily,

Photos by 30Avenue

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

including drink and appetizer specials.

Open daily for dinner, Aja is located at Suite T-101. Call 850-493-6437 or visit www.aja30a.com.

AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN

Among the more veteran anchors of 30Avenue is amici 30A Italian Kitchen, one of the Corchis Hospitality Group restaurants.

Tempt yourself with a fresh caprese salad, the limited quantity burrata and sea salt with crostini, arancini rice balls, a salsiccia pizza, and round out your feast with a slice of flourless chocolate cake.

Happy Hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. seven days a week and includes special buys on pizzas, select pastas and drinks.

Visit amici 30A daily for lunch or dinner at Suite R101, online at amici30a.com or call 850-909-0555.

AMIGOS 30A MEXICAN KITCHEN

Right next door is sister restaurant amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen (do you see the name trend?), serving cooked-toorder cuisine from south of the border.

This is the place for fresh-made guacamole and chips, a brisket burnt ends quesadilla, the crispy black grouper burrito bowl or pork pastor taco, finished with tres leches cake. The bar shakes up a wide selection of margaritas, beer, wine and seltzers as well.

Take part in the daily Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. for discounted drinks, white queso and tacos.

Find amigos 30A in Suite Q101, online at amigos30a. com, and by phone at 850-909-0444.

CANOPY ROAD CAFE

If breakfast, brunch or lunch is part of your day’s plans, there’s Canopy Road Cafe. Here you’ll find traditional diner favorites, but with a twist!

Split an order of fried green tomatoes, try the Italian avocado toast, choose from five Benedicts, six handhelds, 10 pancakes, four French toasts, a trio of omelets, seven breakfast skillets, salads, sandwiches, or burgers. Seasonal

specials add even more variety.

Find Canopy Road Cafe in Suite B100, open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Reach them at 850-9090104 or online at www.canopyroadcafe.com. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Continued on page 20

Aja Elevated Asian Kitchen amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

30Avenue continued from page 19

CUVEE 30A

Another mainstay of 30Avenue is Cuvee 30A, from Chef Tim Creehan. A Wine Spectator Award-winner, you’ll find celebrity specialities like Amy Grant’s Seared Tuna Rare and Vince Gill’s Pecan Crusted Grouper.

From the appetizers menu you might start with escargot with ciabatta, a Kurobuta pork chop or bone-in filet entree, and round out the meal with Jerry White’s chocolate banana cream pie with caramel sauce.

Sample beer, wine and cocktails during Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30, as well as discounts on bar menu bites from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Cuvee 30A is found at Suite D101 and open for dinner six nights a week, closed Sundays. Make a reservation or peruse the menu at cuvee30a.com.

GOATFEATHERS SEAFOOD MARKET & CAFE

If it’s fresh seafood you’re after, step into Goatfeathers for a seafood restaurant, fish market and specialty store all in one. Food is available dine-in or get your freshly steamed meal to-go.

Here you’ll find all the classics: shrimp, local fish, oysters, scallops, soft and hard shell crab, as well as a few “turf” options. Even the kiddos have their own menu.

Early Bird specials and happy hour run 3 to 5 p.m. excluding holidays and Raw Oyster Mania goes from 3 to 4 p.m.

Open for lunch or dinner seven days a week, Goatfeathers is in Suite O101. See the selection at www.goatfeathersseafood.com, or call 850-909-0090.

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES/ MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY

To sweeten up your trip to 30Avenue, veteran sweets shop Great American Cookies/Marble Slab Creamery will be returning this summer! After seven years in Suite R102, the combo store relocated to WaterColor Crossings in Novem-

ber 2022, but Madden announced they will be re-opening a second location back at their old stomping grounds.

“They will be situated near Canopy Road in a larger and newly renovated suite. Exciting times ahead!” Madden shared.

IDYLL HOUND PROPER

Adopting the mantra “Great Food. Better Beer. Proper People,” 30Avenue’s first gastropub, Idyll Hound Proper, is slated to open this summer, offering lunch and dinner seven days a week. An offshoot of Santa Rosa Beach-based Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, expect to see local brews expertly paired with cuisine from Chef Nick Walton.

For more information, visit them in Suite E101, online at www.idyllhoundproper.com, or call 850-909-9041.

The entire 30Avenue complex is located at 12805 U.S. Hwy 98 East, in Inlet Beach, and is open year-round.

Goatfeathers Seafood Market & Cafe

Canopy Road Cafe

COCKTAILS of 30A

PINEAPPLE GINGER MARTINI

By Josh Brown

LaCo: Latin Coastal Kitchen

ingredients

• 2 ounces Tito’s Vodka

• 2 ounces pineapple juice

• 1/2 ounce ginger syrup*

method

Add ice to a shaker. Pour all ingredients over the ice. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with fresh-cut pineapple. *To make your own ginger syrup, combine 10 ounces of water, 8 ounces sugar and 6 ounces freshly grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Let steep for 4 hours, press through a fine mesh strainer and chill.

Outcast Seafood • Outcast Bar & Grill

• By Pam Windsor

OUTCASTS WELCOMED

SOUTH WALTON – Outcast Seafood in Miramar Beach and Outcast Bar & Grill in Santa Rosa Beach are relatively new restaurants already known for terrific food with bold flavors, a high-energy wait staff, and a fun and dynamic atmosphere.

“We wanted to create the kind of place we want to go to and that’s exactly what we did,” said Justin Maloy who owns both restaurants along with business partner, Alan Puzio.

OUTCAST SEAFOOD

Outcast Seafood opened last year in Miramar Beach in an 1,100 square foot space a couple of miles from the beach. It makes up for its small size with amazing seafood and a dining experience to remember. It’s popular for its seafood boils, red beans and rice, and more. If you’re coming with a group, check out the Big “O.” It serves several people and comes with two pounds of Alaskan

snow crab, two pounds of head-on Gulf shrimp, two ears of corn, two potatoes, andouille sausage, and Outcast’s signature sauce.

If you’re a big snow crab fan, you may want to go all-in for snow crab. Outcast has some of the biggest snow crab legs you’ll find anywhere, and every pound of seafood comes with an ear of corn and potato.

With a wide and varied menu, you’re likely to find something for everyone. And if you’d like an alcoholic beverage with your meal, there are local specialty wines and craft beer available.

OUTCAST BAR & GRILL

Outcast Bar & Grill in Santa Rosa Beach opened earlier this year with more than triple the space, more menu options, a full bar, an outdoor patio, and late night dining available seven days a week.

You’ll find terrific seafood here, too, but the Bar & Grill also has burgers, chicken wings, fried and grilled chicken, and more.

“Our burgers are awesome,” said Maloy.” We make a signature burger called the Little Sin. It’s called Little Sin because it’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and has a little bit of heat to it. It’s a half-pound patty with bacon, mayonnaise, house made barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and we top it with ‘Outcast candy’ which is sweet, 30-day brined jalapeños in brown sugar. It’s our most popular burger to date.

The chicken wings are also fast becoming a big hit. Soaked for 24-hours in a signature brine, they’re big, fresh, and juicy and come with blue cheese, ranch, or an array of other homemade sauces.

If you’re up for a cocktail, check out a couple of Outcast Bar & Grill’s signature drinks. One is the Outcast Bloody Mary, made with the bar’s own bloody Mary mix, unique vodka blend, and topped off with a made-from-scratch pork rind. Another is the Black Pearl, which starts off with Jack Daniels, then adds several other ingredients, including blackberry liqueur, which gives it the black shine that led to the name.

ROCKING OUT

Whether you’re dining out at Outcast Seafood or Outcast Bar & Grill, you can look forward to enjoying some rock and roll music – in one form or another.

“Outcast Seafood is small, so we just have music playing over the speakers,” Maloy said. “We have a much larger speaker system at Outcast Bar & Grill, so during the summer we’ll have live music there Friday and Saturday nights.”

Maloy said the goal with Outcast is to create an enjoyable dining experience that keeps people coming back.

“We’re here to build a brand in this community. When you see ‘Outcast’ you know it’s going to be quality and there’s a lot of love put into it. We know if we have good service, great food, and a rock and roll atmosphere, it should work. The feedback has been fantastic. We’re already looking forward to doing Outcast No. 3 next year.”

You can visit www.outcastseafood.com to see menus for both restaurants.

Outcast Seafood is at 10859 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 404, in Miramar Beach. No reservations, seating is first come first served and open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; call 850-719-4214.

Find Outcast Bar & Grill at 4942 U.S. Hwy. 98 #1 in Santa Rosa Beach. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. No reservations, first come first served; phone is 850-409-6447.

THE NEW CHEF IN TOWN

By Michelle Farnham

included the kitchens of prestigious luxury resorts across the U.S., such as J&G Grill at the St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Homestead Resort in Utah, and the 5-star Forbes-rated The Lodge at Sea Island Resort in Georgia.

Q: Coming from out West, what do you think of our beach?

A: The Emerald Coast is beautiful. The stunning beaches were one of the reasons we moved here and the pace is much slower. We enjoy cozy weekends in our small town and the community has been wonderful to be a part of. I’m very interested in exploring the fantastic culinary scene here in South Walton. I’ve already started trying some of the local restaurants here at the resort and I’m loving the fresh Florida seafood.

Q: What does your typical workday look like?

SANDESTIN – Chef Matthew Krueger is a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry, having graduated from the Art Institute of Salt Lake City where he received a degree in culinary arts. Before coming to Ovide as executive chef in the fall of 2022, his career

A: I don’t really have a typical workday. Every day is different, and that’s what I love about my job. Most days, I start in the kitchen working hands-on with the team. We really focus on consistency and providing a level of excellence. I spend the afternoons with our local vendors discussing new products and ingredients we can incorporate into our menus.

Continued on page 26

Matthew Krueger continued from page 24

Q: Are you excited to work your first summer season?

A: So excited! The past few months have given my team and me the chance to experiment, try new foods and offerings, and prepare for this coming summer season. Coming from Park City, Utah, I definitely understand the seasonality of the market and the expectation of our guests. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and we are planning to launch several creative menu items at Ovide and The Lobby Bar.

Q: How would you describe the menu at Ovide?

A: The menus are conceptualized by Chef Hugh Acheson, who is very well known across the U.S. for his roles on TV shows and his James Beard Award-winning restaurants. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with him to create menus for Hotel Effie and Ovide. Our cooking styles are similar, and it’s been really fun learning new techniques from him. He’s a great partner as he gives myself and the team a chance to be creative and try new things.

Q: Have you expanded the menu in your time there?

A: Yes, I’ve been able to expand the menu to include Asian-inspired Southern dishes that I think are unique to this area. Additionally, we have a seasonal menu that we launched late last year. For $50, guests can choose a starter, such as Blue Ribbon Gumbo or Crispy Fried Rice, an entree such as the Sweet Potato Gnocchi or Bone-In Pork Chop and a dessert like the Chocolate Pecan Pie and Key Lime pie.

Q: What are your favorites from the Ovide menus?

A: The Poulet Rouge. The skin of the chicken gets so crispy and really locks in the juices. Served with sweet potato puree, warm mushrooms, and an apple and herbs salad, it really is the top dish on the menu. I could eat it every night. We also have a fantastic Braised Short Rib, which has kilt greens, parsnip butter, broccolini and crispy shallots. It’s very tender and flavorful. In terms of drinks, we have a fantastic wine list by Steven Grubbs, who curates all of the wines for Hugh’s restaurants.

Q: What kind of food do you eat when you’re not at work?

A: You may be surprised at this, but my favorite thing to make is pizza! I make fresh dough and homemade pizza sauce, we load on the toppings and pop it in our wood fire pizza oven. It always comes out delicious.

Q: What should readers know about Ovide?

A: Not only is Ovide a great place to eat, but also a really beautiful place to visit. I think sometimes people associate Ovide with celebratory meals like birthdays and anniversaries – and it is a great place to celebrate! However, we also serve brunch on the weekends with a great Bloody Mary bar, and breakfast/lunch daily. In addition to our seasonal menus, we feature 4 to 6 holiday menus every year. When traditional standalone restaurants are closed, we embrace the holidays and special events by coming up with unique dishes curated with seasonal ingredients for an unforgettable dining experience.

DISHES of 30A Bomber Burger

By Chef Jim Shirley • The Bay, North Beach Social Chef Jim Shirley’s Bomber Burger is a sight to behold. Made with two 4-ounce beef patties and dripping with Super and Street Sauces, this masterpiece is topped with caramelized onions, an Asiago cheese crisp and roasted tomato. It’s the sandwich so nice, Shirley’s served it twice, at both North Beach Social and The Bay.

The

Bay • Farm & Fire • North Beach

By Michelle Farnham

EATING BY THE DOCK OF THE BAY

The Bay is located at 24215 Hwy. 331 and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Happy Hour each day from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information including live music and other outdoor fun, visit baysouthwalton.com or call 850-622-2291.

FARM & FIRE

Across the street from The Bay is Farm & Fire, dubbed “The meeting place.” Featuring a seasonal menu that rotates offerings, staff carefully curate the beverage program to pair well with eats.

From the “To Share” menu, try the fig and brie naan, the Korean pork bites, or hand-rolled dumplings. Farm Features include an 8-ounce Wagyu burger, lo mein, Gulf redfish, or rotating pizza specials. Find sushi, nigiri and sashimi here, too, like the Dr. Feel Good Roll (hamachi, lemon and fire sauce), The Steel Fox Roll (ginger fried shrimp, cucumber and eel sauce), or the Crunchy Munchies Roll (ginger fried shrimp, tuna, cream cheese and tempura crunchies).

SANTA ROSA BEACH – As the head of Jim Shirley Enterprises, entrepreneur and chef Jim Shirley is a well-known culinary name here on the Emerald Coast. Among his empire is a trio of restaurants located at the foot of the Route 331 bridge on the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, uniquely positioned for water views and stunning sunsets, in addition to innovative eats.

THE BAY

The “OG” eatery of Shirley’s Choctawhatchee Bay collection is aptly named The Bay. Specializing in Gulf Coast Southern cuisine, The Bay is home to award-winning local seafood, house-made sushi, a wide bar selection including draft beer, wine and cocktails, and both indoor and outdoor seating.

Notable small plates include the house-made pork cracklings with a selection of dipping sauces and the Point Washington spring rolls filled with alligator! Sushi is made to order with combos like the Kelli Roll (ginger shrimp and spicy tuna) or the Jon The 2nd Roll (yellowtail, spicy mayo and a baked spicy tuna crunch).

Signature large plate options include Faux Ya Ya, Shirley’s re-imagined take on shrimp and grits, made instead with fried polenta cakes. Seafood options include oysters, shrimp, or Gulf fish – each served fried, grilled or blackened. Also enjoy char-grilled steaks, sandwiches, sides and desserts. Secure your seat with a reservation, order food for pickup, or have it delivered by 30A Grub 2 Go, all via their website.

Farm & Fire is located at 24200 Hwy. 331 and is open Sunday to Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 4 to 10:30 p.m. Check out the menu at farmandfiresouthwalton.com or call 850-622-3871.

NORTH BEACH SOCIAL

The newest spot in Jim Shirley’s empire is North Beach Social, conveniently situated downstairs from Farm & Fire. This open-air beach bar offers your choice of patio seating or dig your toes in the sand at one of the beach tables. NBS is an opportunity to try the best of what Jim Shirley is doing here in South Walton, as the menu is a collection of his greatest hits. Order his famous Grits a Ya Ya, the Bomber Burger, tuna poké bowls, fish tacos, or pecan pie stuffed cheesecake (yes, you read that right.)

A family-friendly place, the kids menu offers fare fit for younger palates, or start your meal with the likes of fried cheese curds, fried pickles and hot peppers, or raw Gulf oysters. For breakfast, you might order the breakfast tacos, an organic acai bowl, or sip on something off the libations menu.

Located at 24200 Hwy. 331 South, North Beach Social is open weekdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekends. Visit www.northbeach.social or call 850-622-8110.

The Bay Farm & Fire North Beach Social

Photo by Kurt Lischka

By Michelle Farnham

SHIRLEY SIZZLES BY THE SEASIDE

(vodka, pineapple, coconut and vanilla ice cream), the Cold Fashioned (bourbon, citrus and bitters) or the Frojito (rum, lime, mint, syrup).

Hold the booze on your frozen concoction or make it a double! A selection of draft beers is also available.

Open seasonally, find b.f.f. at 83 Central Square in Seaside and online at www.thegreatsoutherncafe.com/bff.

THE CHICKEN SHACK

Move a few feet to the East and you’ll stumble upon The Great Southern Cafe’s Chicken Shack! Inspired by every mama’s fried chicken, Shirley offers sweat tea-brined bird as a meal or a sandwich, along with such sides as Brussels sprouts slaw, sweet tater tots and loaded potato salad. Bone-in chicken is cooked to order (so plan ahead) or order online for take-out. Can you say “beach picnic”?

SEASIDE – Few people have left a greater mark on the South Walton area than Chef Jim Shirley, who first set up shop here in 2006, triggering the roll-out of new eateries every few years. After 17 years of filling bellies and wetting whistles, Shirley has eight local brands to his name – five of which call Seaside Central Square home.

GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE

One of the most iconic and requested restaurants along the Emerald Coast is Shirley’s local flagship, Great Southern Cafe. Serving what he calls “New-fashioned Southern cuisine” Great Southern tells the story of the chef-owner’s history through Gulf-fresh ingredients.

Start your day with an order of tomato Benedict, beignets, fresh-squeezed juice, or the house specialty: grits and grillades with its slow-roasted beef and veggies on Gouda grits.

The lunch/dinner menu offers such Southern delicacies as crisp frog legs, blue crab claws, and the Great Southern Seafood Plateau: a feast of oysters, shrimp, lobster tails and marinated jumbo lump crab.

Here you’ll find steaks, salads, sandwiches, and Shirley’s signature dish: Grits a Ya Ya, made with shrimp, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, all on a bed of Gouda cheese grits. Don’t miss happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. daily from the extensive bar.

Great Southern is located at 83 Central Square and is open 365 days a year for breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. and lunch/dinner from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit thegreatsoutherncafe.com or call 850-231-7327.

B.F.F.

Attached to Great Southern is one of Shirley’s newest spots: b.f.f. (which stands for Bushwackers, Frosé, Frozens)

Here you’ll find a lineup of frozen drinks like the Painkiller

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Chicken Shack is at 87 Central Square in Santa Rosa Beach and can be found online at www.thechicken-shack.com.

C-BAR

Short for “Container Bar,” Shirley’s C-Bar is housed in an upcycled shipping container. Saddle up for a drink on Seaside’s scenic square or take your drink to explore! Order food off the neighboring Great Southern Cafe’s menu, or pick your potion from the drinks menu: mojitos, cocktails, beer or wine.

Mojitos come in a variety of fruit flavors, everything from coconut-melon to guava-pineapple. Try a Grown Folks Tea (bourbon, tea, soda, lemon) or a Habañero Margarita. Watch for happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. daily.

Situated at 87 Central Square, C-Bar is serving drinks daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Menu and more info are at www. thecbar.com.

THE MELTDOWN ON 30A

Swing out to Seaside’s Airstream Row to find The Meltdown on 30A, a food truck slinging gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition to roasted tomato soup and a selection of beverages, you’ll find such gooey handhelds as the Strawberry Goat Forever (goat cheese, preserves and prosciutto), This Little Figgy (brie, bacon, fig compote), or the 5-Cheese Bomb with – you guessed it – five kinds of cheese. Tender tasters will enjoy the Little Meltdown made with American cheese, and they’ll cut the crust off.

All sandwiches are served on wheat or gluten-free bread and can be made into a combo to include chips and a fountain drink.

Visit The Meltdown on 30A at 2235 E. Co. Hwy. 30A from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily or find them online at www.meltdownon30a.com.

Photo by Kurt Lischka

Fine Coastal Cuisine

• By Michelle Farnham

BRINGING THE CHEF’S TABLE TO YOUR HOME

SOUTH WALTON – If you’re at all familiar with the South Walton dining scene, you probably know Chef Dan Vargo. At some point over the past decade, you might have spotted him at the helm of Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, cooking at any number of charitable food events, or running the culinary program at the Hilton Sandestin. He’s worked in 5-Diamond and 5-Star restaurants and resorts across his nearly 30 years in the biz, and his resume is as impressive as his food.

Vargo made the decision to go solo in 2021 with the launch of his private chef business, Fine Coastal Cuisine.

“I’ve always wanted to run my own business, and I wanted flexibility to spend more time with my favorite people and spend more time doing what I truly love: cooking,” Vargo explained.

Despite his decades of focusing on the fancier side of the culinary world, Vargo describes his signature style as “relaxed fine-dining.”

“I enjoy bringing the luxury of the Chef’s Table to the comfort of your own home,” he said. He picked up the philosophy of “Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and

gentlemen” from his time with the Ritz-Carlton and adopted it as his mantra.

“Being a personal chef allows me to be an ambassador of sorts for this paradise we call home,” Vargo explained. “I believe every meal I prepare – casual to fine dining – is an opportunity to create a world class dining experience.”

BY SPECIAL REQUEST

So what does world class dining look like here at the beach?

“My favorite menu is easy: it’s my guest’s favorite menu,” he said. “I love preparing food that delights my customers. Creating a bespoke menu is one of my favorite parts.”

As a one-man cook team, Vargo adjusts his arrival and start time depending on the size of the party and what’s on the menu. His ideal group size is about 12 to 18 guests, though he has catered a wedding dinner for two and a wine dinner for 65.

Chef pointed to his handmade gnocchi as one of the most popular dishes, as well as a wide array of rotating and international cuisines.

A look over his seasonal brunch menu reveals the likes of a scrambled egg bar, crispy green tomatoes with pimento cheese, Benedicts and flatbreads. Plated dinners offer your choice of 3- to 7-course meals, with entrees like filet with roasted grouper, shrimp and grits, or snapper over confit potatoes – all elevated to the Fine Coastal Cuisine level.

Vargo even offers inhome culinary classes, to cook alongside his guests while sharing his years of industry knowledge. Learn to make handmade pastas and sauces, holiday desserts, sharpen up your knife skills, or come up with your own theme.

The boutique nature of his business allows him the flexibility to accommodate special requests and dietary needs – which can be a huge relief to some groups.

“My family understands severe food allergies,” Vargo assured. “There is a real struggle to relax while dining out for anyone with dietary needs. Many of my customers have commented that this is the first time they have been able to truly trust and enjoy someone else preparing their food.”

In fact, repeat customers have become a major part of Fine Coastal Cuisine’s business model. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

“Last year, multiple families booked me for one night during their vacations,” Vargo said. “At the end of each dinner, every family asked if I was available to return to cook again that week. They said they loved how they didn’t have to drive anywhere, they didn’t have to get their kids ready, and they could have the restaurant come to them. All of those families have already booked me for multiple meals this upcoming year.”

Fine Coastal Cuisine serves Walton and Okaloosa counties, focusing primarily on the South Walton and Destin areas. Get in touch with Chef Vargo at www.finecoastalcuisine.com.

Grace Pizza & Shakes 30A

• By Liesel Schmidt

GRACE, LOVE & PIZZA

GRAYTON BEACH – While Grace Pizza & Shakes’ origin story begins in 1990, the actual restaurant didn’t come to fruition until 31 years later when founder Adrian Hembree teamed up with Vincent “VJ” Nandlal to build on their shared love of pizza and one very important ingredient in their lives: grace. At the time, Hembree was already a successful restaurateur with multiple concepts under his belt, but still had yet to open the pizzeria he had been dreaming of owning since he was 16. Meanwhile, Nandlal had been wanting to go into the pizza business for his first venture in the restaurant world. Their combined ideas for a more modernized pizzeria with a specialized shake menu made them a strong partnership, as did their common belief that God’s grace had saved their lives.

“We wanted to have a modern-day pizzeria with some fun shakes for dessert,” said co-owner Nandlal, who trained for months at Hembree’s Italian restaurant, Grazia, before opening the first location of Grace. “The name, ‘Grace,’ is just a theme that is so strong for both Adrian and me. We have both ‘wandered’ in our lives, and we had to look deep to find grace and ask God to take over our lives. Since then, we have both been blessed tremen-

dously and want to show to others grace through food and service.”

After opening the flagship location of Grace Pizza & Shakes in 2021 in Alvin, Texas, the partners set their eyes on 30A and opened their Santa Rosa Beach location on May 4, 2022.

“Both Adrian and I have ties to this area,” Nandlal explained of how the locale even landed on their radar, so far from the Texas flagship. “My family has been local to Blue Mountain Beach for quite a while, and I’ve wanted to move here forever. I know we had both been praying for an opportunity here. Once the location got presented to us, we prayed about it and then jumped right on it!”

Over the past year, Grace Pizza & Shakes has seen an incredible response from the 30A community – another blessing Hembree and Nandlal can count.

“We’ve won awards and have met such great people, from other business owners to locals and tourists that we now call friends,” said Nandlal. “We plan on being around for a long time. We love serving 30A.”

Among the best sellers on the menu are the Supreme Grace pizza, which samples some of Grace’s best attributes: their homemade pizza sauce and scratch made

dough, quality meats including their hand-pinched Italian sausage and Wagyu meatballs, and their own whipped ricotta, finished with house made buttermilk ranch.

“It is the signature pie here,” Nandlal noted, going on to describe one that tops his personal list: the Sweet Perfection. “It’s a white garlic base with shredded mozzarella cheese, Wagyu meatballs, whipped ricotta, roasted peppers, and roasted garlic, topped with a hot honey swirl.”

SWEET SIPS

On the shake side of things, the 30A Cake Explosion literally takes the cake, sporting a massive slice of Sweet Henrietta’s cake atop a handmade shake, with a buttercream rim covered in sprinkles – all topped off with whipped cream and a lit sparkler.

“We donate a portion of each to a local charity, so we get to do some cool food and serve our community in the process,” said Nandlal, whose own favorite bears his name. “The VJ’s Oreo Overload is awesome … Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Oreos?”

As plentiful as pizza restaurants may be, Grace Pizza & Shakes sets itself apart by using the highest quality ingredients, preparing everything fresh daily, and having exceptional customer service.

As Nandlal said, “We like to think that our genuine love for people and service will make our guests come back and visit often.”

Grace Pizza & Shakes is located at 38 Clayton Lane, Santa Rosa Beach. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., reservations are not accepted. For more information, call 850-399-4051 or visit gracepizzaandshakes.com.

“We’ve won awards and have met such great people, from other business owners to locals and tourists that we now call friends.”

– VJ Nandlal, co-owner

COMMUNITY LOSES TRIO OF CULINARY ICONS

By Michelle Farnham

and magical going on. She saw very early that the people buying homes in the area were sophisticated buyers and they needed a good place to go eat.

“We found her original business plans when going through her files. The restaurant today is exactly as she envisioned it,” Jeffrey added.

Harriet was a staple of local charitable functions, sharing her success with such agencies as the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Alaqua Animal Refuge, and Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Cafe Thirty-A’s own Charity Ball raises tens of thousands of dollars for local charities each Christmas, while their support of the annual Soiree on the Bay benefits the Children’s Volunteer Health Network.

As one final act of generosity, it was announced during her May 7 memorial service that Harriet had arranged to leave her beloved restaurant to two longtime employees: General Manager David Kessler and Office Manager Jackie Maliszewski.

“She employed 65 people there, so that restaurant was the economic catalyst for 65 families in the area,” admitted Jeffrey “She left quite a legacy.”

Cafe Thirty-A can be found at 3899 E. Hwy. 30A in Seagrove Beach. Call 850-231-2166 for a required reservation.

SOUTH WALTON – The Emerald Coast area was hit hard by the passing of three culinary innovators this spring. While their time with us has ended, their legacy continues with the phenomenal eateries they leave behind. Let’s raise a toast to these creative minds who have made our days a little more special, a little more delicious.

HARRIET CROMMELIN

Harriet Crommelin, dubbed “The Matriarch of South Walton,” came to our sleepy little beach town in 1995, opening one of the first restaurants along 30A, Cafe Thirty-A. She was a known restaurateur back in Montgomery, Ala., but saw potential along the yet-developed sugar white sands of Santa Rosa Beach. She credited her fine dining eatery’s nearly three decades of success to being “consistently delicious,” and the restaurant’s reservation-only status is a testament to that.

“She loved food, she loved wine, she loved conversation – and she liked good food!” said her nephew and trustee, Jeffrey Ward. “When she came down 30 years ago, she saw the direction the area was going. It was no longer the Redneck Riviera. There was something really exciting

DOMINIC DAMIANO

Dominic Damiano, the “Culinary Godfather” of the Clemenza brand of restaurants, passed away March 19 at the age of 75. He and his business partners wanted to bring the flavors of his very ethnically Italian Chicago neighborhood to the coast – something they felt the area was lacking.

In 2008, they shared these tastes of Italy – married with flavors from his grandparents’ hometown of New Orleans – with the opening of Fat Clemenza’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Miramar Beach. In fact, he was proud to know many of his kitchens’ staple ingredients were imported from Italy. His empire later included Clemenza’s at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach and Mama Clemenza’s European Breakfast in Miramar Beach.

Dominic’s time with the United States Marine Corps made him an ardent supporter of American military members, and he participated in fundraisers and job placement programs for veterans for many years.

“I think that was one of his biggest passions,” said his son, Chris Damiano. “Through his passing, meeting

Harriet Crommelin

some of his employees, they told me how much my father helped them out in their lives, whether that be employment or other ways of positively impacting people’s lives. That was pretty overwhelming and really nice to hear.”

Fat Clemenza’s is at 12273 U.S. Hwy. 98 in Miramar Beach. Visit fatclemenzas.com or call 850-650-5980 for a reservation.

BRANNON JANCA

Though his time on Earth was short, Brannon Janca packed a lot into his 45 years. His career began with a degree from the Culinary Institute of New Orleans, quickly transitioning into jobs with such famous restaurants as Commander’s Palace and Gautreau’s, and then The Lake Place, Trenasse and Stinky’s Fish Camp.

He set out on his own in 2018, and not even a lung cancer diagnosis in 2019 and the pandemic could stop the opening of Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant in January 2022. After achieving clinical remission, he jumped out to an impressive start, being named Best New Restaurant by Emerald Coast Magazine, before receiving the news his treatment had stopped working and the cancer returned.

News of Brannon’s health spread quickly, and industry friends pulled together Janca’s Jingle Bell Jamboree in record time. The sold-out evening raised money to assist Janca and his wife Stefani, and was a real who’s who of the South Walton culinary scene.

“I’m a little overwhelmed,” Brannon had said looking around the tent outside his Highway 98 eatery during the Dec. 17 fundraiser. “But all my friends – Jim Richard, Jill Tanner, all the people who have helped – I wouldn’t expect anything different from those guys. It’s pretty humbling and it’s pretty bad-ass.”

He was the kind of chef/owner who had his hands in every aspect of his restaurant, right down to making the ceramic drinkware served to guests. When his employees

were asked about his impact, there was no shortage of compliments.

“I have been working in restaurants for over 20 years now and Brannon was the kindest, most creative, talented, funny and inspirational chef I have had the pleasure to work with,” said GM and sister-in-law Lindsay Hedglin. “He took mentoring seriously and he taught the kids and myself lessons that we sometimes didn’t even realize until months later.”

“He made me want to make everyone who came through those doors feel like part of our family,” said server Danny Shapiro. “I can’t think of anything better than to continue that theory of life through this restaurant, and continue his legacy through his food.”

“(He was a) hilarious teacher, patient with everyone and just a joy. But with standards,” added server Jenna Stewart. “Love of the land, love of seasonal cooking. Always encouraging his staff to teach him something he didn’t know.”

Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant is at 2780 U.S. Hwy. 98, in Santa Rosa Beach. Reservations are not accepted. Visit them online at downislandsrb.com.

Dominic Damiano

Brannon Janca

Private Ryes ... Watching You

By Austin Doiron • NEAT Bottle Shop & Tasting Room

• 2 oz Town Branch Bourbon

• 3 mint leaves

• 0.75 oz grapefruit juice

• 0.25 orgeat syrup

• 1 lemon wedge

• 1 Fever Tree grapefruit soda

Add bourbon, mint, grapefruit juice, orgeat, and squeezed lemon wedge into a cocktail tin and give a good shake. Pour into a tall Collins glass, top with grapefruit soda and top with a mint garnish.

COCKTAILS

of 30A

DateS to Wine & Dine

FEBRUARY

Sandestin Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival

February 2024 – Baytowne Wharf

www.sandestingumbofestival.com

Bourbon Beer & Butts

Feb. 23, 2024 – Alys Beach

www.30awinefestival.com

30A Wine Festival

Feb. 21-25, 2024 – Alys Beach

www.30awinefestival.com

Taste of the Race

February 16, 2024 – Seaside

www.runseasidefl.com/taste-of-the-race

APRIL

Chi Chi Miguel Weekend

April 2024 – Miramar Beach

www.chichimiguel.com

Sandestin Wine Festival

April 2024 – Baytowne Wharf

www.sandestinwinefestival.com

South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival

April 25-28, 2024 – Grand Boulevard

www.sowalwine.com

Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend

April 26-27, 2024 – Grand Boulevard

www.dcwaf.org/auction

Eggs on the Beach

Harvest Wine & Food Festival

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

Digital Graffiti

Sandestin Wine Festival

in South Walton

MAY

Tequila & Taco Fest

May 2024 – Baytowne Wharf

www.baytownewharf.com

30A Foam Fest

May 11, 2024 – 30Avenue

www.foamfest30a.com

Digital Graffiti

May 2024 – Alys Beach

www.digitalgraffiti.com

OCTOBER

Eggs on the Beach Eggfest Grilling Competition

Oct. 14, 2023 – Seascape Resort

www.eggsonthebeach.com

The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival

Oct. 14, 2023 – The Market Shops Sandestin

www.themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

October 2023 – Sandestin

www.baytownebeerfestival.com

Harvest Wine & Food Festival

Oct. 19-22, 2023 – WaterColor

www.dcwaf.org/events

NOVEMBER

Rosemary Beach Uncorked

Nov. 4, 2023 – Rosemary Beach

www.rosemarybeachuncorked.com

Seeing Red Wine Festival

Nov. 9-12, 2023 – Seaside

www.seeingredwinefestival.com

Destin Charity Wine Auction

Taste of the Race

30A Wine Festival

Sandestin Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival

Seeing Red Wine Festival

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

By Michelle Farnham

25 YEARS OF PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

SANDESTIN – It’s been a quarter century since Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood opened its doors, prompting a look back and a look ahead at Sandestin’s AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse.

A RETROSPECTIVE

First, the name. Pronounced “cigars,” the moniker was a play on words, referencing the classic era of New York-style steakhouses and the restaurant’s former cigar-only smoking policy. In fact, a cigar list was offered as well as an on-site humidor room.

“Seagar’s lounge area was equipped with a special ventilation system to ensure diners could enjoy their dinner without the interference of cigar smoke affecting their palate,” explained Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington. “When the state of Florida banned smoking inside, we turned Seagar’s humidor room into a wine room, and the rest is history.”

That history includes a menu full of Prime USDA beef, the freshest seafood, international imports that spare no expense, an inspired beverage program, and the most exclusive of wine lists.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Seagar’s debuted a “new” logo with a nod to the original branding, which featured a bull.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of service this year,” Covington said. “Seagar’s is proud to be recognized as a staple in the area, having been the Emerald Coast’s only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse for over 20 years, and we look forward to the next 25 years of serving our loyal customers.”

A LOOK AHEAD

Covington admits he has lofty goals for that future. The chef approaches food from a multi-sensory, artistic angle, focusing on more than just good taste.

“As we drill down into curating the dining experience, my goal is to take apart the model of how we experience food. From eating it, to the aromas, the textures, and the plating,” he explained.

The summer menu will feature a new seared grouper dish with caviar and champagne beurre blanc, roasted summer succotash, and sorrel.

Continued on page 46

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

continued from page 44

“It’s not good enough for a plate to taste delicious. At Seagar’s, we want to prioritize the ingredients to create an experience that not only tastes like a four-diamond dish, but also looks like a work of art,” Covington said.

In addition to its classic steak offerings, the kitchen will debut several seasonal dishes to the summer menu – some even tapping into the innovative world of molecular gastronomy.

Chef plans to include a “Table Dessert,” which combines the creative elements of art and culinary, and the ingredients featured will change from time to time.

Past menu highlights have included such avant-garde offerings as house-made floral-laminated pasta, clear key lime pie, and a Jackson Pollock-inspired dessert using liquid nitrogen to paint sauces directly on the table. He brings in truly top-shelf ingredients, like Japanese A5 Wagyu and $5,000 a pound Italian Alba truffles.

Having been part of the Seagar’s team for seven years now, Covington has seen the menu’s creativity take off with the recent expansion of the kitchen staff.

“When I was coming up in the kitchen, we only had four guys; now we have nine. It’s allowed us to make the plates more intricate. It takes four hands, minimum, to do those plates consistently. It makes us better to constantly push,” he admitted.

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood is located at 4000 Sandestin Blvd. South, Miramar Beach, within the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, visit them online at www.seagars.com for menu and reservation information, or call 850-622-1500.

“We want to prioritize the ingredients to create an experience that not only tastes like a four-diamond dish, but also looks like a work of art.”

– Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington

DISHES

Louisiana Jumbo Crab Cake

By Chef Fleetwood Covington

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

The traditional Louisiana Jumbo Crab Cake dish is taken to the next level, topped with remoulade, salad of bulls blood, golden berry and micro frisée, this dish puts a unique spin on the seafood classic. Through the creation of the Crab Cake dish, Covington’s goal was for diners to experience the nostalgic feeling of tasting flavors for the first time.

Photo: Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort & Spa

WHERE CHARITY MEETS CHARCOAL

By Michelle Farnham

MIRAMAR BEACH – Every fall, something special fires up in Seascape Towne Centre. Teams of grilling enthusiasts huddle around rows of smoking Big Green Egg grills, cooking their hearts out in the name of culinary glory and charity. This year’s ninth installment of the Eggs on the Beach grilling competition promises bigger and better things Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by Bay Breeze Patio’s Susan Kiley and Wayne Paul, event co-organizer Tracy Louthain shared some details of what’s cooking for 2023.

Q: For someone who hasn’t attended before, what do attendeeds (tasters) get for their ticket?

A: Tasters receive five votes and can try unlimited bites from 25-plus cook teams. The event also includes spirits samples, live music, and chances to win prizes in a beautiful setting at Seascape Towne Centre. It’s a deliciously fun day while raising funds for important local causes. You’ll leave with a full tummy and full heart.

Q: Are there any new facets planned for this year’s EggFest?

A: Yes! We’re going to add a kids’ cooking competition this year. It will be limited to five teams. Kids ages 8 to

14 can enter a team and they must have one adult for supervision.

Q: How many cook teams are you expecting to have in 2023?

A: We’re expecting 25 teams. We’re hopeful that InDyne (founding sponsor/cook team) will be back as well as some of the great non-profits including Boys & Girls Club, Healing Paws, South Walton Academy, and Sinfonia Gulf Coast, to name a few.

Q: What are the teams competing for this year in the different categories?

A: Cook Team Prizes: The “People’s Choice” grand prize is a large Big Green Egg (valued at over $1,000). Second place prize is a medium Big Green Egg and runner-up will win a Mini-Max portable Big Green Egg.

Non-profit Team Prizes: Win a donation to

Photos by Michelle Farnham

your favorite charity. The non-profit cook team with the most taster votes will win a $3,000 donation for their cause. The second place winner will receive a $2,000 donation for their non-profit and the runner-up will receive a $1,000 donation. The entry fee is waived for all Non-Profit Cook Teams! Judges Awards: Our celebrity judging panel will taste cook team bites and vote for their favorites. Trophies are presented for first, second and third place. Kids Awards: Grand Prize: Mini-Max Big Green Egg, second place prize: Grilling Tools Set, third place prize: Grilling Tools Set.

There will also be a “Best Bite” category.

Q: How much money was raised for your two charities last year, and do you know total dollars raised since the event began?

A: The 8th annual Big Green Egg cooking competition, Eggs on the Beach, raised $45,000 for local non-profits. Proceeds from the event were divided between the winning non-profit cook teams and the two benefiting charities: Food for Thought and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. This year, they both received a $19,500 donation to support their missions. Since its inception in 2013, Eggs on the Beach has donated more than $250,500 to local non-profits.

For more information and Taster Ticket presales, visit www.eggsonthebeach.com. Seascape Towne Center is located at 556 Seascape Drive in Miramar Beach.

WELCOME TO SHELBY’S

GULF PLACE – As the owners of The Perfect Pig restaurant group, the Miller family has a name synonymous with fun times, great atmosphere and – of course – fantastic food. Now, with the opening of Shelby’s Beach Bar and Grill in Santa Rosa Beach, they continue that tradition, welcoming guests to enjoy the laid-back, casual beach vibe they offer and taste Southern coastal cuisine at its finest.

“The vision for the restaurant was to offer locals and visitors to the area a fun, upscale dining experience straight off the beach with amazing views of our beautiful Gulf and great people-watching,” said Vickie Miller, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Jeff, and daughter Shelby.

And indeed, they achieved that, boasting a location in Town Center Loop that straddles both town and beach, calling to beachgoers as well as those seeking a slowed pace and relaxed haven from life – if only for the space of a meal. Light-filled, open and airy with various shades of blue, the atmosphere is vaguely Mediterranean, becoming even more special with alfresco dining under a beautiful glass and awning roof.

“Our amazing location sets us apart from the start,” Miller noted. “Set in the beautiful Gulf Place community on the

corner of 30A and Highway 393 directly across the street from the largest public beach access on 30A, we have amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico, and we are a quick trip up from the beach for lunch, dinner or grab-and-go food and drinks. We also have live music on a regular basis.”

The view, the ambiance, the music – they’re all key players in setting the scene – but the food is the star here.

“The food is heavy on seafood, of course,” said Miller. “But we also offer some items you won’t see on every menu in the area, like our skirt steak kabobs served over mushroom rice pilaf, pimento cheese wontons served with sweet chili sauce and our lobster rolls. Because we believe in the quality of our food, our fish is delivered fresh daily, and we use local produce whenever possible. In all of our restaurants, our guiding principles are scratch kitchens and seasonality. This means that everything is made in-house from the finest raw ingredients we can procure, and that we change menus seasonally to showcase what is fresh and abundant. We do all of this in beautiful, unique settings.”

Settings that serve as visual appetizers to the main event: best-sellers like Shelby’s footlong hot dog with a

Shelby’s Beach Bar and Grill • By Liesel Schmidt

featured topping that changes daily, including one of their most popular: mango. Flavorful and refreshing, the 30A street corn nachos and their grouper sandwich are on most orders, and Shelby’s also offers daily specials to entice diners to try new dishes and find another favorite.

As a beach bar, their drinks hold high importance as well, and Shelby’s doesn’t disappoint. In the warmer months, their frozen cocktails and mocktails are the most popular, with daily changing flavors in addition to their standards of margaritas, rum runners, strawberry daiquiris and piña coladas. As for signature cocktails, Shelby’s Punch and the Happy Sour are both very popular options.

Rounding out the experience of dining at Shelby’s is the Miller family’s signature standard of service.

“The family is involved on a daily basis in the running of the restaurants and takes great pride in our wonderful staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and know their customers by name,” Miller said.

“When guests come to Shelby’s, they can

expect to have a fun, relaxing time in a visually stimulating environment while enjoying some seriously delicious food and drinks.”

Located at 37 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach, Shelby’s Beach Bar and Grill is open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. No reservations. For more information, call 850-6602069 or visit shelbysbeachbar30a.com.

“Our amazing location sets us apart from the start. We have amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico.”

– Vickie Miller, co-owner

COCKTAILS of 30A

DRAGON FRUIT MOJITO

By Brittney Highers Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill

ingredients

• 2.5oz Dragonberry Rum

• 0.5oz mint simple syrup

• 0.5oz lime juice

• 6 pieces of fresh mint

• 1 fresh strawberry

• splash of soda

method

Muddle fresh mint and strawberry together in a shaker. Add in Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, lime juice, mint simple syrup and ice. Hard shake all the ingredients together, pour into glass, and top with soda water till full.

TOPS SPOTS

Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks

75 Origins Main St., Watersound ambrosia30a.com

Basmati’s Asian Cuisine

3295 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • basmatisthirtya.com

Blue Mabel

2260 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • bluemabel.com

Bud and Alley’s

2236 E. Co. Road 30A, Seaside budandalleys.com

Café Thirty-A

3899 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach • cafethirtya.com

Commelfo Restaurant

10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach • commelfo.com

Fat Clemenza’s

12273 US Hwy. 98 W., Miramar Beach • fatclemenzas.com

Gallion’s Restaurant

104 Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach • gallions30a.com

To make Reservations in South Walton

Pescado Seafood Grill

74 Town Hall Road, Rosemary Beach rooftop30a.com

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

4000 Sandestin Blvd. S., Miramar Beach • seagars.com

Surfing Deer

2743 East Co. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove surfingdeer.com

Old Florida Fish House

5235 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • oldfloridafishhouse.com

Ovide

1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach • hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide

The Citizen 20 Mark Twain Lane, Alys Beach citizenalys.com

The Bay

24215 Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach baysouthwalton.com

Vue on 30a

4801 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • vueon30a.net

The restaurants of The St. Joe Company

• By Liesel Schmidt

EXPANDING THE EMPIRE

EMERALD COAST – While the organization now known as The St. Joe Company was originally founded in 1936 as a paper company, over the past few decades it has become synonymous with some of Northwest Florida’s top destinations to live, work, and vacation. At one point, St. Joe was the second largest private landholder in Florida, with more than a million acres of property in its holdings. As they began to focus more strategically on Northwest Florida, properties in other parts of the state were sold off while the company built its empire along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Now that empire is continuing to grow, with an ever-expanding list of award-winning restaurant concepts under The St. Joe Company name.

JUST TO NAME A FEW

Taking advantage of the abundance of fresh seafood available, Fish Out of Water (WaterColor) and Havana Beach Bar & Grill offer coastal fare at its finest, each with

their own particular spin and vastly different atmospheres. FOOW is known for its laid-back, casual vibe, while Havana Beach brings a more upscale feel. The latter, located at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach, includes Havana Beach Lounge and Havana Beach Rooftop, complementary yet different in their menus and ambiance.

Looking for Southern classics? WaterColor’s Scratch

Biscuit Kitchen serves up made-from-scratch biscuits in a casual, family-friendly environment where Southern comfort food is made fresh from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Southern coastal cuisine is on the menu, right alongside gorgeous views at Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar, located in Panama City’s Historic Downtown area.

Guests at the Hilton Garden Inn at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport will love the Garden Grille & Bar, an amenity also open to the public as well as hotel patrons. The menu features American fare, with a cooked-to-order breakfast menu and familiar favorites from lunch to dinner.

Scratch Biscuit Kitchen

Newcomers to The St. Joe Company portfolio include Blu Poolside Bar & Grill, located at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort; Steam on 5, a rooftop dining venue located at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Panama City; and Tarpon’s, located at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Panama City. All are open to the public as well as hotel guests, making them the perfect draw for locals and visitors alike.

“We’re fortunate to be able to offer our restaurants in wonderful locations,” said Matt Moore, corporate director of projects and concepts for The St. Joe Company. “Wherever the location, we strive to create a great experience at our restaurants, whether through the ambiance and view, by bringing in a live band to offer a more social scene, or with something just as simple as seeing a smile on the server’s face as they greet a returning customer. Most importantly, we listen to our guests and adapt our menus based on their feedback.”

Listening to their guests and offering a great experience is a hallmark of The St. Joe Company, as is creating a positive work environment for their staff. “Our approach has always been to create a ‘work family,’” Moore said. “When our family is intact, our guests will always have the best experience with their family and friends at our restaurants. That mentality of family and friends serving family and friends is at the root of what we think of as the true spirit of Southern hospitality.

“At each of our restaurants, we also strive to create a sense of place, reflective of the surrounding culture and nature,” he added. “We provide a quality and integrity of service, whether you’re visiting one of our fine dining restaurants or fast-casual restaurants. At every one of our

locations, we hope that you always feel recognized and enjoy the experience of being a part of our community when you dine.”

As they continue looking to the future, Moore said that The St. Joe company will remain steadfast in meeting the needs of the community.

“When there’s demand for something new, we want to be able to offer unique dining experiences that are a perfect fit for the community.”

Havana Beach Bar & Grill

Scratch Biscuit Kitchen

Havana Beach Bar & Grill

• By Pam Windsor

CUBAN COOL, ROSEMARY CHIC

ROSEMARY BEACH – Nestled within the Pearl Hotel, the Havana Beach Bar & Grill has a look and feel all its own.

“If you’re coming to Havana Beach, you’re coming somewhere a little different,” said Matt Moore, corporate director of projects and concepts for The St. Joe Company, which owns the restaurant and hotel. “When you walk through the doors, it’s not a typical Southern kind of seafood restaurant.”

The restaurant has vibrant colors, marble tabletops, and a look and feel inspired by Ernest Hemingway and his love of Cuba.

“The bar itself is an exact replica of Hemingway’s favorite bar in Cuba,” noted Chef Matt Rolens, executive chef at The Pearl. “I believe El Floridita is the name of the hotel where the bar was located. So, the entire bar has that kind of cool vibe.”

It’s the perfect spot to sit and watch as the bartender crafts one of those craft cocktails the Havana Bar has become known for, like the Smoked Old Fashioned, a popular choice for those who love bourbon.

The Havana Beach Bar & Grill has also become wellknown for its food, such as the signature Hemingway Shrimp & Grits.

“I’ll put our Shrimp & Grits up against anybody’s shrimp and grits anywhere,” said Chef Matt. “I’ve had people from Louisiana and elsewhere tell me it’s the best shrimp and grits they’ve ever had.”

The key, he said, is in the details.

“We use Gulf shrimp, and we lightly blacken them,” he explained. “That’s fairly standard. What makes ours a bit more unique is we serve them with a crawfish cream sauce.”

And it’s all served on what he believes are some of the best grits available.

“We use Anson Mills grits from a farm out of South Carolina,” he said. “The gentleman there found the perfect species of corn that was nearly extinct, and he brought it back. That corn is dried in the traditional way and not

Havana Beach Bar & Grill continued from page 58 ground until we order it, so you don’t have bags of corn sitting around losing flavor. I think these flavorful grits are what makes the dish so amazing.”

The key, when it comes to cooking, is finding the best ingredients.

“If you do that,” Chef Matt said, “cooking almost becomes easy. You have to do very little to the product to allow the natural flavor to come through.”

Another popular choice on the menu is the Havana Cuban, made with tender smoked pork, black forest ham, Swiss cheese, and served on a panini pressed hoagie roll.

There is also the lightly blackened grouper with charred tomato and fried okra, which is paired with Carolina rice and New Orleans-style red beans. And the Mandy burger, named for Chef Matt’s wife.

“It’s made with a grass-fed beef patty. It’s got candied apple-cider peppered bacon, Boursin cheese, and crispy fried onions. And the way the cheese melts on it, it almost becomes its own sauce.”

Guests can choose whether they want to dine on the veranda, the lounge, or when the weather’s nice – the rooftop bar which has its own menu.

To add to the casual, upscale, yet laid-back style of the Havana Beach Bar & Grill, there’s a musician who plays the piano five nights a week.

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy amazing food, fantastic drinks, and get a great view of the Gulf, morning, noon, and night.

The Havana Beach Bar & Grill is at 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach. Open seven days a week, brunch is served 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. A Bar & Lounge menu is available in-between. The restaurant takes reservations for hotel guests only (to ensure they have a table), but is open to the public. Reach them at 850-588-2882 or visit www.thepearlrb.com.

“I’ll put our Shrimp & Grits up against anybody’s shrimp and grits anywhere.”

– Matt Rolens, executive chef

DISHES of 30A

Perla del Sur Ribs

By Chef Matthew Rolens • Havana Beach Bar & Grill

Chef paired the Caribbean flavors for which Havana Beach has become known with inspiration drawn from his youth to create this inventive twist on classic St. Louis ribs. The result? The Perla del Sur Ribs are the perfect blend of rustic Midwest comfort food and Cuban spice. Paired with flavorful Sofrito black beans, Carolina Gold rice, and plátanos maduros fritos, this dish is a must-try!

Photo by St. Joe Company

Fish Out of Water

• By Pam Windsor

FRESH FROM THE GULF AND THE OVEN

WATERCOLOR – Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, Fish Out of Water offers a unique dining experience so close to the beach, you can come in and dine while wearing flip flops and cover-ups.

Located within the WaterColor Inn and Resort, “FOOW” as it is sometimes called, is known for Southern Coastal cuisine and stunning views.

True to its name, Fish Out of Water has a few locally sourced seafood dishes specially prepared by its world class culinary team. You might want to try the Gulf Oysters, Shrimp & Grits, or the popular Dos Grouper Tacos. Those tacos are made with blackened grouper, avocado, cabbage, salsa, cilantro, and lime.

FOOW is a family-style restaurant that strives to offer something for everyone, so there are non-seafood favorites, as well.

The FOOW Burger comes with an array of fixings, but guests can also add an egg, bacon, or avocado to suit their tastes. There is also the fully loaded signature BLT with smoked turkey breast, avocado, Cajun aioli, applewood

bacon, tomato, farm greens, served on its famous madefrom-scratch sourdough bread.

“The BLT is a very popular item for us,” explained Matt Moore, corporate director of projects and concepts for The St. Joe Company, which owns FOOW.) “We make our own sourdough bread and, in fact, make about 30 to 40 loaves every day. People often ask, ‘Where do you get this bread?’ We’re able to say, we don’t get it, we make it here, fresh.”

Moore said that’s one just example of the extra steps taken at FOOW to make both the food and the experience shine. He credits that to the dedicated culinary team and hospitality staff determined to keep guests coming back.”

“A lot of restaurants serve similar things in this area, but we add a little uniqueness to what we serve. Guests might not always be able to put their finger on exactly what makes it special, but it’s there. And a lot of it has to do with the people we hire. They become family, they care, and that translates to the dish at the end of the table.”

Continued on page 64

FOOW continued from page 62

The restaurant has become a hot spot for brunch. And while there are many brunch items to choose from, like the WaterColor Omelet with baby Arugula, tomatoes and Swiss cheese; or the Avocado Toast, FOOW’s version of French toast is a big draw.

“Our French toast has been a staple for us,” Moore said. “Everybody comes to Fish Out of Water for brunch, including myself, for the French toast.”

Specialty desserts are also a big deal at FOOW. Make sure to save room to sample the ice cream sandwich, key lime pie, or Dirt Road Anthem (also known as Mississippi Mud Pie).

Adults may want to try one of the bar’s creative specialty cocktails, with whimsical names like Swim to the Second Sandbar, Beach Hair Don’t Care, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

And whether you’re dining here with family, friends, or a special date, you’re sure to enjoy it with that up-close view of the water.

“You get the Gulf view here,” Moore said. “We’re only one of about three restaurants that really has a true Gulf-front seating view in the 30A area.”

FOOW added more seats during renovations several years ago to make sure guests have less of a wait during peak dinner hours.

Fish Out of Water is at 34 Goldenrod Circle in Santa Rosa Beach. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., reach them by phone at 850-534-5050, or visit www. foow30a.com.

“People often ask, ‘Where do you get this bread?’ We’re able to say, we don’t get it, we make it here, fresh.”

– Matt Moore, FOOW

DISHES

Blackened Gulf Grouper

By Jules Wichuta Theamsuwan • Fish Out of Water

This iconic dish uses fresh-caught Gulf grouper blackened in toasted spices and served with creamy stone-ground grits. The dish is served with sautéed seasonal vegetables, Fish Out of Water’s signature hush puppies, and creole cream sauce.

Photo by St. Joe Company

Emeril’s Coastal

•

By Michelle Farnham

SOMETHING FOR EVERY OCCASION

MIRAMAR BEACH – Anniversaries, business meetings, Girls Nights Out, birthdays, or any day ending in Y, Emeril’s Coastal has a dish or drink for that. Though the dining is elegant, the dress code is casual, and celebrity chef/owner Emeril Lagasse and his staff have something to offer for every occasion.

“We’re all over!” said Coastal’s new Chef de Cuisine Tommy Wachter. “If you want to come in and have a drink at the bar with a snack, or if you want to do a real special occasion, we can do that, too. I think that’s something that makes us pretty unique.”

From a burger to brunch to world-renowned Japanese A5 beef, Lagasse has always prided himself on featuring the freshest ingredients, and changes up the menus seasonally to ensure that gold standard is maintained. That often includes freshly caught seafood from the Gulf.

He’s even branched out into the world of caviar.

“We’re super excited to partner with Paramount Caviar for my own caviar collection that we are serving in my restaurants,” Lagasse explained. “Emeril’s Coastal is the only place in Florida that it is available.”

Wachter, who started his career with the Emeril’s culinary team in 2007, and Sous Chef Dawn Sabbath collaborate to come up with tasting menus and specials for their Blackboard Fish – two or three different kinds of fresh fish available grilled, cast ironed or fried.

Lagasse said he has been impressed with his new chef de cuisine, who started in the role back in July.

“Chef Tommy is doing great things at Coastal,” Lagasse said. “I really enjoy working closely with him in this role and his creativity and the spin that he puts on some of my classic dishes is impressive. Our Sous Chef Dawn is super creative and her and Tommy together are bringing magic to the party!”

The new chef also introduced a yellowfin tuna poke bowl to the menu.

“It’s a really good seller: sushi rice, spicy mayo – and we only use the freshest Gulf tuna that we can get,” Wachter said, also pointing out the new crispy duck wings. “You don’t see duck wings around here a lot. Whenever people try them, they’re blown away, it’s so tender. They’re a little spicy, a little sticky, a good bar snack.”

Of course you’ll still find old Coastal favorites on the menu, including the Fettuccine Nero, pineapple upside-down cornbread, and his legendary olive oil cake with salted caramel and mascarpone.

If your time at Coastal happens to be on a weekend, Lagasse is very proud of their Sunday Jazz Brunch.

“It’s a whole vibe in itself,” he said. “We have a lot of locals that come every Sunday to celebrate with us. It’s always a fun time and of course the food and cocktails can’t be beat.”

He recommended the Bob Doyle’s Crab Cake Benedict – served alongside poached eggs, shoestring potatoes and hollandaise – or the chilaquiles off that special menu. The latter incorporates tortilla chips, chorizo salsa, and pickled shishito peppers with queso fresco.

Speaking of those cocktails, in-house Sommelier Doruk Gurunlu and team have kept the bar program evolving with industry trends and tastes.

“The beverage program at Emeril’s Coastal is incredible,” Lagasse admitted.

“The Kait Special is an ever-changing feature of our cocktail menu by Kait, our lead mixologist, who is always creating delicious cocktails with the freshest ingredi-

ents. The wine program is also unbelievable.”

How unbelievable? While there are several approachable bottles on the wine list, those celebrating extra special occasions might select the $850-a-bottle Vincent Girardin Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru or the $395 bottle of Dun Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016!

Emeril’s Coastal is located at 435 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. To reserve a table, visit www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-coastal or call 850-608-7040.

“(Jazz Brunch) is a whole vibe in itself. We have a lot of locals who come every Sunday to celebrate with us.”

– Emeril Lagasse

South Walton boasts trio of award-winning chefs RESPECT THE BEARD

By Michelle Farnham

EMERIL LAGASSE

Media and retail giant Emeril Lagasse, whose empire includes Emeril’s Coastal in Grand Boulevard, has racked up 19 nominations over his career, including wins for Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America (1989), Best Chefs in America (1991), and Humanitarian of the Year (2013).

“Every day we do our best to improve and learn from each other and others in our industry and it’s always an honor to be recognized for what my team and I work so hard to achieve,” Lagasse said.

It’s not uncommon to see Emeril behind the line at the Sandestin destination – his newest spot – as he calls Miramar Beach home while traveling between his other restaurants Emeril’s and Meril in New Orleans and Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House and Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas.

Lagasse’s philanthropic endeavors are well known, as The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has raised millions for various children’s charities since 2002, and he was a major benefactor of the local Seaside Neighborhood School, where his two youngest children attended.

SOUTH WALTON – The James Beard Foundation has been awarding the culinary industry’s best of the best since 1990. James Beard, host of the first-ever television cooking program “I Love to Eat,” was a prolific recipe-writer and author, and considered to be the father of the modern era of “celebrity chefs.”

Often referred to as “the Oscars of the food world,” Beard’s namesake prize has honored the likes of Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Jose Andrés, and Bobby Flay, to name a few. Although many of the prizes go to innovators in the big cities like Chicago and New York, the emerging culinary mecca of South Walton certainly has drawn the foundation’s attention.

Emeril Lagasse

HUGH ACHESON

Famed Canadian-turned-Southerner Chef Hugh Acheson, who brought his talents crafting the menu to Ovide in Sandestin’s Hotel Effie in early 2021, has garnered himself 14 nominations, including wins for Best Chef: Southeast (2012) and American Cooking – Book (2012) for “A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen.” Acheson’s resume also includes time spent as a judge on the reality cooking TV show “Top Chef” and as an Iron Chef on “Iron Chef Canada.”

Acheson hosts the occasional dinner at the sleek Sandestin restaurant, including a five-course menu with wine pairings, and a book-signing and champagne reception last summer.

Acheson also owns Five & Ten, opened in Athens, Ga., in 2000, and Empire State South in Atlanta, opened in 2010.

Breakfast, which has also expanded into Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

You might have seen Currence on any number of cooking shows like Top Chef Masters, Bizzarre Foods, and No Reservations: Parts Unknown.

JOHN CURRENCE

Fellow Southern Chef and cookbook author John Currence has won favor with the foundation half a dozen times, including Best Chef: South (2009) for his Oxford, Miss., restaurant City Grocery. He set up shop on the Emerald Coast in 2017 with Florida’s first Big Bad Breakfast in Inlet Beach. Following the success of the brunch house, Currence added a second location in Miramar Beach in 2023, located in front of the Silver Sands Premium Outlet complex.

He has a collection of dining spots in Oxford, including City Grocery, Bourè, Snackbar, and the flagship Big Bad

NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED

The foundation does not overlook bakers, either. Chef Deb Swenerton earned herself a nomination for Outstanding Baker in 2019 during her tenure with Black Bear Bread Co.

“I never thought anything like that would happen,” Swenerton said after learning of the nomination.

Swenerton’s breads and pastries helped the local bakery grow since its founding in 2016, now boasting a trio of locations in Grayton Beach, Seaside and Grand Boulevard.

Local restaurateur Chef Jim Shirley has been honored to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in Manhattan, a center for the culinary arts maintained by the JBF. The owner of local eateries Great Southern Café, The Bay, Farm & Fire, North Beach Social, The Chicken Shack, C-Bar, b.f.f. and The Meltdown on 30A, has graced the legendary kitchen half a dozen times, bringing his signature Southern dish Grits a Ya Ya to the Big Apple.

That’s a lot of award-winning talent for one town; go out and taste it all!

John Currence

Hugh Acheson

COCKTAILS of 30A

RYE NOW, PLAY LATER

By Rob Aspaas

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

ingredients

• 2 oz Tommy Bahama Rye

• 0.5 oz rich simple syrup

• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

• 1 dash orange bitters

• orange peel

method

Smoke the glass using the smoke board and pecan wood. Add simple syrup and orange peel to shaker; muddle to release oils. Add remaining ingredients, ice and stir. Strain into glass with 2x2 ice cube. Garnish with burnt orange peel and a dash of orange bitters.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

OUT AND ABOUT IN SOUTH WALTON

PRIVATE CHEFS

Chef Frank Szymanski – 228-326-0727 fszymanski82@gmail.com

Damiano, Tuscan Chef – 850-896-0420 Dschiano64@gmail.com www.chefdamiano.com

Fine Coastal Cuisine – 850-217-5204 danvargo@finecoastalcuisine.com www.finecoastalcuisine.com

Jekyll – A Private Chef – 850-200-7766 jekyllaprivatechef@gmail.com www.chefjekyll.com

Marrow Private Chefs – 850-830-0000 marrowprivatechefs@gmail.com www.marrowprivatechefs.com

Plate To Plate – 850-974-2665 Kali@PlateToPlate.us www.platetoplate.us

Polished Chef – 850-693-9751 info@thepolishedchef.com www.thepolishedchef.com

Signature Catering of 30a850-428-2624 signaturecatering30a@yahoo.com www.signaturecatering30a.com

Swiftly Catered – 850-972-0850 chef@swiftlycatered.com www.swiftlycatered.com

The Chef’s Table – 310-944-1929 info@chefstablecateringsrb.com www.chefstablecateringsrb.com

The Dish & The Spoon –850-225-5786 thedishandthespoon30a@gmail.com www.thedishandthespoon.com

The Tailored Chef –504-644-9783 chefalexnaeger@gmail.com www.alexnaegerprivatechef.com

SEASCAPE

2 Birds Coffee & Café – B, L, Closed Tuesdays $-$$ Coffee Shop, Cafe, Bar, 80 Seascape Drive, No. 103, Miramar Beach 850-279-3375

www.2birdscafe.com

Acme Oyster House – L, D Open daily $$-$$$$ Seafood, 90 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach 850-460-7773

www.acmeoyster.com

Cabana Cafe – L, D, Sunday Brunch, $$ American, Seafood, 112 Seascape Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-424-3574

www.cabanacafedestin.com

Mezcal Mexican Grill – L, D Open daily $$-$$$$ Mexican, 80 Seascape Drive, Suite 101, Miramar Beach 850-837-8350

mezcalmexicangrill.com

Whale’s Tail – B, L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 100 Seascape Dr., Destin 850-650-4377

www.seascape-resort.com/thewhales-tail-destin

MIRAMAR BEACH

Austons on 98 Oyster Bar and Grill – L, D Open daily, $$ American, Pub, Raw bar, 125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-842-3200

www.austonson98.com

Aegean Greek Restaurant – B, L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Mediterranean, Greek, 11225 US Hwy. 98 W., Miramar Beach 850-460-2728

www.aegeanfl.com

Buffalo Jack’s Legendary Pizza & Wings – L, D Open daily $$ American sports bar, 11275 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 3, Destin 850-424-6288

www.buffalojackslegendarywings.com

Carrabba’s – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, Gluten Free Options, 10562 US Hwy. 98 W., Destin 850-837-1140 www.carrabbas.com

Commelfo Restaurant – B, L, D Open daily $$$$ 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach 850-353-2991

www.commelfo.com

Fatboys – L, D Open daily $$ American, 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach 850-842-2807

www.ilovefatboys.com

Fat Clemenza’s – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, Pizza, 12273 US Hwy. 98 W., Miramar Beach 850-650-5980

www.fatclemenzas.com

Fireside Café – L Closed Monday $ 122 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-650-6800

www.destinyworshipcenter.com

Holi Indian Restaurants – L, D Closed Mondays $$$ Indian, 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach 850-353-2630

www.holirestaurants.com

Kenny D’s Beach Bar & Grill – L, D Open daily, $$ 2964 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach 850-650-0755 kennyds.com

Lillie’s Q – L, D Closed Sunday and Monday, $$-$$$, Southern Barbecue, 9848 Highway 98 W., Miramar Beach 850-654-3911

www.lilliesq.com

Lost Pizza Co. – L, D Open daily, $$ Pizzeria, 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite 301, Miramar Beach 850-353-2284

www.lostpizza.com/locations/miramar

Lucille’s Kitchen – D, LN Closed Open Wednesday to Saturday, $$-$$$ American, Pub, Seafood, 60 Seascape Drive No. 101, Miramar Beach 850-610-7464

Facebook: Lucille’s Kitchen

Mama Clemenza’s European Breakfast - B, L Closed Monday/Tuesday, $$-$$$ European brunch, 12271 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach 850-424-3157

Facebook: @MamaClemenzas

Great Southern Cafe

Melting Pot – D, LN Open daily

$-$$$$ American, 11394 US Hwy. 98 W., Destin 850-269-2227

www.meltingpot.com/destin-fl

Outcast Seafood – L, D Open daily

$$$ Seafood, 10859 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 404, Miramar Beach 850-424-7214

www.outcastseafood.com

Pascalli Kitchen – B, L, D, Closed Monday, Pizza, Sandwiches $$ 168 Scenic Gulf Drive, Suite C, Miramar Beach 850-424-6500

www.pascallikitchen.com

Pompano Joe’s – L, D Open daily

$$-$$$ Caribbean, American, Bar, Seafood, 2237 Scenic Gulf Dr., Destin 850-837-2224

www.pompano-joes.com

Royal Palm Grille – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Japanese, American, Bar, Seafood, Sushi, Asian, 1096 Scenic Gulf Dr., Miramar Beach 850-424-7300

www.royalpalmgrille.com

Surf Hut – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Gluten Free Options, 551 Scenic Gulf Dr., Destin 850-460-7750

www.surfhutdestin.com

Tequila’s Sports Bar and Grill – L, D, Open daily $$-$$$ Mexican, Sports Bar, 11225 US Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach 850-837-1696

Facebook: @tequilasmiramarbeach

The Ocean Club – D Open daily, $$$$$ Seafood, 8955 U.S. 98, Miramar Beach 850-267-3666

www.theoceanclubdestin.com

SANDESTIN/BAYTOWNE

Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge – L, D Open daily, American, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-351-3030

www.hoteleffie.com/dining/ara

Barefoot’s Beachside Bar and Grill – Seasonal hours, Grill on the pool deck of Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-267-9500

www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/ destin-dining-barefoots

Bijoux – D, LN Open daily $$$$ Seafood, French, American, Gluten-Free Options, 9375 US Hwy. 98 W., Suite 22, Miramar Beach 850-622-0760

www.bijouxdestin.com

Cannery Lane Cantina Coastal Grill – L, D $ Mexican, Caribbean, 114 Cannery Lane, Miramar Beach 850-496-2747

Facebook: @CanneryLaneCantina

Charlie’s Cafe – B, L, D Open daily, $ Donut’s, Cafe, Ice Cream, 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Unit B4, Miramar Beach 850-424-6459

Facebook: @CharliesCafeBaytowne

Chicago Hotdogs & More – L, D Closed Sundays, $ Sandwich Shop, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W, Unit 11, Miramar Beach 850-842-2081

Clean Juice – B, L, D Open daily $ Healthy Eating, Smoothies, 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway W, Suite 15B 850-650-2394

www.cleanjuice.com

Cosmo’s Robo Diner – L, D Open daily $ American, 142 Fishermans Cove, Miramar Beach 850-842-7078

Facebook: @cosmosrobodiner

Dude & Meatball’s – L, D Closed Mondays $$$ Italian, 117 Cannery Lane, Miramar Beach 850-424-7775

Hammerhead’s Bar and Grille – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Cajun & Creole, Pub, 137 Fisherman’s Cove, Destin 850-351-1997

www.hammerheadsbarandgrille.com

Hunter’s Chicken & Burgers – L, D Open daily, $$ Contemporary American, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Suite 14, Miramar Beach, 850-654-9453

On Facebook: @HuntersDiner

John Smith Subs – L, D Open daily $ Deli, 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach 850-389-8988

www.jonsmithsubs.com

Maple Street Biscuit Company – B, L Closed Sundays, $-$$ Modern Comfort Food, 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach 850-279-6358

www.maplestreetbiscuits.com

Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin – L, D Open daily, $$-$$$$ American, Seafood, 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-267-7778

www.sandestin.com/dining

Ovide – B, L, D Open daily, Fine Dining, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-351-3030

www.hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide

Parlor Doughnuts – B, L Open daily, $ Pastries, Brunch, Coffee, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Unit 10, Miramar Beach www.parlordoughnuts.com

Pizza By the Sea – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, Market Shops, Miramar Beach 850-534-0044 www.pizzabythesea.com

Poppy’s Crazy Lobster – L, D, LN Open daily, $$$$ American, Seafood, 137 Fisherman’s Cove, Destin 850-351-1996

www.crazylobsterdestin.com

Roberto’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$$ Italian, Bar, Pizza, American, Pub, 110 Cannery Lane, Destin 850-351-1998 www.robertositalianpizzeria.com

Ruby Slipper – B, L Open daily $$ Brunch, 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach 850-660-7200 www.rubybrunch.com

Rum Runners – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Pub 130 Fisherman’s Cove, Sandestin 850-351-1817 www.rumrunners.com/destin

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

– D, LN Open daily $$$$ American, Steakhouse, Seafood, 4000 Sandestin Blvd. S., Miramar Beach 850-622-1500 www.seagars.com

Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House – Seafood, 140 Fishermans Cove, Sandestin 850-347-5060 www.slicklipsseafood.com

Sunset Bay Cafe – B, L Open daily $$ Brunch, 158 Sandestin Blvd N., Miramar Beach 850-267-7108 www.sunsetbaycafesandestin.com

The Beach House – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-608-6300 www.thebeachhousesd.com

The Lobby Bar – D Open daily, Bar, Small Plates, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-351-3032

www.hoteleffie.com/dining/ara

Tuscany Bistro – D Closed Sunday/ Monday, $$$$$ Italian, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Unit 20, Miramar Beach 850-650-2451 www.tuscanybistrodestin.com

Village Door Dockside Restaurant –L, D Open daily $$-$$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Pub, 136 Fisherman’s Cove, Destin 850-502-4590 www.thevillagedoor.com

Yaki – L, D Open daily $$ Asian, 108 Cannery Lane, Unit A15, Miramar Beach 850-353-2200

On Facebook: @yakivillage

GRAND BOULEVARD

Another Broken Egg Café – B, L Open daily $$-$$$ American, 755 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-424-3416

www.anotherbrokenegg.com

Black Bear Bread Co. – B, L Open daily, $-$$ Bakery/Cafe, 325 Grand Blvd. Suite 100, Miramar Beach 850-706-1300

www.blackbearbreadco.com

Cantina Laredo – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, Spanish, 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach 850-654-5649

www.cantinalaredo.com

Emeril’s Coastal – L, D Open daily $$$-$$$$ Italian, Seafood, 435 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach 850-608-7040

www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-coastal

Everkrisp – L, D Open daily, Salad, Soup, 625 Grand Boulevard, 107-E, Miramar Beach 850-842-4504

www.everkrisp.com

Fleming’s Steakhouse – D Open daily $$$$ American, Steakhouse, Wine Bar, 600 Grand Blvd, Suite M105, Sandestin 850-269-0830

www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Grimaldi’s – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, 780 Grand Blvd., Suite 100, Miramar Beach 850-837-3095

www.grimaldispizzeria.com

Kilwin’s – L, D Open daily $ Confections, 625 Grand Blvd. E-102, Sandestin 850-837-9445

www.kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-sandestin

P.F. Chang’s – L, D, LN Open daily

$$-$$$ Chinese, Sushi, Asian, Gluten Free Options, 640 Grand Blvd., Destin 850-269-1806

www.pfchangs.com

The Craft Bar – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Pub, Brew Pub, Gastropub, 655 Grand Blvd., Suite D 102, Miramar Beach 850-608-6226

www.thecraftbarfl.com

The Wine Bar – Grand Boulevard L, D, Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Gluten Free Options, 655 Grand Blvd., Suite D 101, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-0804 www.thewinebarfl.com

Tommy Bahama – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Caribbean, Seafood, Bar, Pub, Gluten Free Options, 525 Grand Blvd., Destin 850-654-1743

www.tommybahama.com

Vin’tij – B, L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Wine Bar, Gluten Free Options, 500 Grand Blvd. No. 100K, Sandestin 850-650-9820

www.vintij.com

DUNE ALLEN

Stinky’s Fish Camp – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ 5960 West County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-3053

www.stinkysfishcamp.com

Vue on 30a – L, D, LN Closed Monday $$$$ 4801 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-2305

www.vueon30a.net

GULF PLACE

Cava & Cakes – L, D Open daily, $ Bakery, Drinks, 56 Spires Lane, Unit 15A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-931-2253 www.cavaandcakes.com

Chef’s 30A Deli – B, L, D Open daily $$$ American, Seafood, 118 Spires Lane, Unit A2, Santa Rosa Beach 850-533-7643 www.chefs30adeli.com

Growler Garage – Closed Monday, Wine Bars, Food & Drink, Nightlife, 4368 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Suite 101, Santa Rosa Beach 850-660-1965 www.growlergarage30a.com

Pizza By the Sea – L, D Open daily $$$$$ Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free, 95 Laura Hamilton Blvd., (above Resort Quest) Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-2202 www.pizzabythesea.com

Pecan Jack’s – L, D $-$$ Ice Cream, Candy, 4368 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-0111 www.pecanjacks.com

The Perfect Pig – B, L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, 7 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach 850-660-1591 www.theperfectpig.com

Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill – L, D Open daily $$$-$$$$ Seafood bar, 37 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach 850-660-2069 www.shelbysbeachbar30a.com

Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar – L, D Open daily $$$-$$$$ Seafood, 1875 S. Co. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-2733

www.shunkgulley.com

South of Philly – L, D Closed Sundays, $ American, 1598 Co. Hwy 393 S., Suite 102, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-1055 www.southofphilly30a.com

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH

30A Thai Cuisine – 29 Village Blvd. Unit C101, Santa Rosa Beach

Basmati’s Asian Cuisine – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Japanese, Sushi, Asian, 3295 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-3028 www.basmatisthirtya.com

Blue Mabel – B, L Closed Tuesdays, Smokehouse, 2260 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-744-0040 www.bluemabel.com

Blue Mountain Bakery – B, L Closed Sundays, $-$$ Sandwiches, Salads, Pastry, 2217 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-0400 www.bluemountainbakery.com

Blue Mountain Beach Creamery –L, D Open daily $ American, 2129 S. County Road 83, Santa Rosa Beach 850-278-6849

www.facebook.com/BMBCreamery

Coffee Shoppe at 30A – B, L, D Open daily $ Cafe, 29 Village Blvd. A102, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-0157

Cowgirl Kitchen Market & Cafe –B, L Open daily $$ American, Brunch, 2252 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-1120

www.cowgirlkitchen.com

Johnny McTighe’s – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Pub, Irish; 2298 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-0101

www.johnnymctighes.com

Local Catch Bar and Grill – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 3711 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-2022

www.localcatch30a.com

Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano

30A – L, D Open daily, Italian, 2700 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-660-6970

www.mimmos.com

Redd’s Fueling Station – D Closed Sunday and Monday $$ American, 2320 W. County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-325-0252 www.reddsfuel.com

Red Fish Taco – L, D, Closed Monday $$ Mexican 2052 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-994-7443 www.redfishtaco.com

Sally’s By the Sea – L, D Open daily $ Deli, American, 2320 W. Co. Hwy. 30A Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-2016 www.sallysbytheseastore.com

SANTA ROSA BEACH

98 Bar-B-Que – L, D Closed Sunday $$ American, BBQ, 5008 Hwy. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-0679 www.98bbq.com

Bayou Bill’s Crab House – D Open daily $$$$ Seafood, 4748 Highway 98 850-267-3849 www.bayoubills.com

Beat Nook Cafe – B, L, D Closed Sundays, Coffeehouse, 2078 U.S. Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-3296

Café Tango – D Closed Mondays $$$$-$$$$$ 14 Vicki St., Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-0054

www.cafetango30-a.com

Chopstix – L, D Open daily $$ Chinese, 4942 Hwy. 98 W, Suite 7, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-2726 www.chopstixwalton.com

Crust Artisan Bakery – L, D Closed Sunday $$-$$$ Italian, 4821 Hwy. 98, #101, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-1022

On Facebook: Crust Artisan Bakery

Donut Hole – B, L, D, LN Open daily $ 6745 US Hwy. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-3239

On Facebook: The Donut Hole Cafe & Bakery

Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant – D Closed Sunday/Monday, $$$$ 2780 US Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach 850-777-3385

www.downislandsrb.com

Farm & Fire – D, Closed Mondays/ Tuesdays, $$$ Pizza Bar, 24200 U.S. Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-3871 www.farmandfiresouthwalton.com

Fat Daddy’s Pizza – L, D Open daily

$-$$$ Italian, Pizza, 4942 Highway 98 W., Suite 18, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-4992

www.fatdaddyspizza.com

First Watch – B, L Open daily $$ Brunch, 227 Dune Lakes Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach 850-220-7586 www.firstwatch.com

Goatfeather’s – L, D Open daily

$$-$$$ American, Seafood, 3865 W. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-3342

www.goatfeathersseafood.com

La Chalupita Mexican Market – L, D Open daily $ Mexican, 3422 US Highway 98 W. Suite 2, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-4528

Louis Louis – D, LN Open daily

$$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Pub, 35 Mussett Bayou Road, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-1500 www.louislouis.net

Los Rancheros – L, D Open daily $ Mexican, Southwestern, 3906 Hwy. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-0754 www.losrancheroscantinagrill.com

Macho Taco Cantina – L, D Open daily $$ Mexican, 2525 U.S. Hwy. 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach www.eatmachotaco.com

North Beach Social – L, D Open daily $$ New American, 24200 U.S. Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-3871 www.northbeach.social

Outcast Bar & Grill – L, D, LN Open daily $$$ Seafood, 4942 U.S. Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach 850-660-6851 www.outcastseafood.com

Pazzo Italiano – L, D Closed Sunday, $$-$$$ Italian, 111 N. Hwy. 393, Unit 301, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-4581 www.pazzodestin.com/pazzo-italianosanta-rosa-beach-italian-restaurant

Siam Thai Cuisine – L, D Closed Sunday, $$ 2078 US-98 W unit 104, Santa Rosa Beach 850-399-4012 On Facebook: @SiamThaiCuis

TaCo 30A – L, D Closed Mondays, $$ 605 N. Co. Hwy. 393, A7, Santa Rosa Beach 850-420-5614 www.eattaco30a.com

Thai Chiang Rai Restaurant – L, D Open daily $$$ 4942 Hwy. 98 W., Suite 20, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-3973

Thai Elephant – L, D, Open daily $$-$$$ Asian, Thai, 3906 US Hwy. 98, Suite 5, Santa Rosa Beach 850-837-5344 www.thaielephantsrbfl.com

The Bay – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Sushi, Fusion, 24215 Hwy. 331 S., Santa Rosa Beach 850-622-2291 www.baysouthwalton.com

The Caf – B, L Open daily $ American, 3008 US Hwy. 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-2293 On Facebook: The Caf

VKI Japanese Steakhouse – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Steakhouse, 4552 US Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-2555 www.vkisteakhouse.com

GRAYTON BEACH

AJ’s Grayton Beach – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ Seafood, American, Steak, 63 Defuniak St., Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-4102 www.ajsgrayton.com

Beach Camp Brewpub – L, D Open daily, Pub fare, Bar, 170 E. Co. Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-4000

www.beachcampbeer.com

Black Bear Bread Co. – B, L Open daily $-$$ Sandwiches, Coffee, Bakery, 26 Logan Lane, Unit G, Grayton Beach 850-213-4528 www.blackbearbreadco.com

Black Bear Bar Room – B, L $-$$ Bar, Sandwiches, Appetizers, 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach 850-213-4528

www.blackbearbreadco.com

Chiringo – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, 63 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach, Santa Rosa Beach 850-534-4449

www.chiringograyton.com

Chanticleer Eatery – L, D Closed Sunday $$-$$$ American, Sandwiches, Steaks, Gluten Friendly Options, 55 Clayton Lane, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-9065

www.chanticleereatery.com

Crackings. – B, L Closed Mondays $-$$, American breakfast, 51 Uptown Circle, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-7835 www.crackingsfl.com

Grace Pizza 30A, L, D Closed Sunday/ Monday, Pizzeria, 38 Clayton Lane, Santa Rosa Beach 850-399-4051

www.gracepizzaandshakes.com

Grayton Corner Café – L, Closed Saturday and Sunday $$-$$$ American, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, 14 Clayton Lane, Suite 16, Grayton Beach, Santa Rosa 850-213-0401 www.graytoncornercafe.com

Grayton Seafood Company – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Seafood, Bar, Pub, 50 Uptown Grayton Cir, #1, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-3683 www.graytonseafood.com

Hibiscus Café – B Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, $-$$ Cafe, 85 Defuniak St., Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-1734 www.hibiscusflorida.com

Hurricane Oyster Bar – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 37 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-0787 www.hurricaneoyster.com

Nanbu Noodle Bar – D, Closed Sunday/Monday, Asian, Grayton Beach, 26 Logan Lane, Unit C, Santa Rosa Beach www.nanbunoodlebar.com

The Red Bar – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 70 Hotz Ave., Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-1008 www.theredbar.com

Roux 30a – $$-$$$ 114 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-0899 www.roux30a.com

Trattoria Borago – D Open daily $$$$$$$ Italian, 80 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-9167 www.boragorestaurant.com

WATERCOLOR

Fish Out of Water – B, D, LN Open daily $$$$ American Contemporary, Seafood, At WaterColor Inn, 34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach 850-534-5050 www.watercolorresort.com

Pizza By the Sea – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, 88 WaterColor Way, Seagrove Beach 850-231-3030 www.pizzabythesea.com

The Candy Bar – L, D Open daily $ Candy, 1777 E. Co. Hwy. 30A Ste 101-B, WaterColor, Seagrove 850-231-1149

The Gathering Spot – L, D Open daily $$$-$$$$ Asian, 34 Golden Rod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach 850-534-5025 watercolorresort.com/dining/ the-gathering-spot

The Perfect Pig – B, L, D Open daily $-$$$ American, 28 Watercolor Way, Santa Rosa Beach 850-533-1522

www.theperfectpig.com/location/ watercolor-way

Scratch Biscuit Kitchen – B, L 1777 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, #101, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-6550

www.scratchbk.com

The Wine Bar – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Wine Bar, Pub, Gluten Free, 1735 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-1323

www.thewinebarfl.com

SEASIDE

Amavida Coffee – B, L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Café, Breakfast, 2236 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Seaside 850-213-1965

www.amavida.com

Shades Bar & Grill

Barefoot BBQ – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, BBQ, 2235 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Seaside 850-534-0313 www.facebook.com/barefootbbq

Bud and Alley’s – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 2236 E. Co. Road 30A, Suite 8, Seaside 850-231-5900 www.budandalleys.com

Bud and Alley’s: Pizza Bar + Trattoria – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Pizza, Salads, 2236 E. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Seaside 850-231-3113 www.budandalleyspizzabar.com

Bud and Alley’s: Taco Bar – L, D Open daily $ Mexican 850-231-4781 www.budandalleys.com/taco_bar.php

C-Bar – L, D Open daily $$$ Cocktails, Bar Food, 87 Seaside Square, Seaside www.thecbar.com

Cocina Cubana – B, L, D Open daily, $-$$ Cuban 2236 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Seaside www.cocinacubana30a.com

Crepes du Soleil – B, L, D Open daily

$-$$ Crepes, 2215 E. County Highway 30A, Airstream Row, Santa Rosa Beach www.crepesdusoleil.com

Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudge – L, D Open daily $ American, Dessert, 121 Central Square, Seaside 850-231-4770 www.dawsongroupseasidefl.com/ dawsons-yogurt

The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant – L, D Open daily Polynesian, 2236 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Unit 4, Seaside 850-273-8189

www.daytradertiki.com

It’s Heavenly – L, D Open daily $$ Desserts, 63 Central Square, Seaside 850-231-2029 dawsongroupseasidefl.com/its-heavenly

Meltdown on 30a – B, L, D Open daily $ American, Fast food, 2235 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-0952 www.meltdownon30a.com

Modica Market – B, L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, 109 Seaside Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-1214 www.modicamarket.com

Mr. Gyro Hero – B, L, D Open daily $$ Greek Food Truck, 2215 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-376-5864 www.mrgyrohero.com

Nigel’s Bananas – L, D Open daily $ Ice Cream, Beer, Wine, 124 Quincy Circle, Santa Rosa Beach www.nigels30a.com

Pickles – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Fast Food, 2236 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seaside 850-231-5686

www.dawsongroupseasidefl.com/pickles

The Chicken Shack – B, L, D Open daily $$ Fried Chicken, 87 Central Square, Seaside www.thechicken-shack.com

The Shrimp Shack – L, D Open daily $$ Seafood, 2236 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Cinderella Circle, Seaside 850-231-3799 dawsongroupseasidefl.com/shrimp-shack

The Great Southern Café – B, L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Pub, Gluten Free, 83 Central Sq., Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-7327

Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs – B, L, D $$ American, 2235 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-0802 www.dawsongroupseasidefl.com/ wild-bills

SEAGROVE

Angelina’s Pizza & Pasta – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, 4005 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach 850-231-2500 www.angelinas30a.com

Brozinni Pizzeria – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Pizza/Italian, 4101 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-4544 www.brozinnipizza.com

Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar

Havana Beach

Café Thirty-A – D Open daily $$$$$$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 3899 East Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach

850-231-2166

www.cafethirtya.com

Dough Sea Dough Donuts – B, L

Open daily, $ Pastries, 4042 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-687-1036 www.30adonut.com

Mi Casita – L, D Open daily $-$$ Mexican, 4141 E. Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-0060 www.micasita30a.com

Old Florida Fish House – L, D, LN

Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, Sushi, Soups, Pub, 5235

E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

850-534-3045

www.oldfloridafishhouse.com

Prema Organic Cafe – B, L Open daily $$ Smoothies, Juices, 3557

E Co Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

850-213-3023

www.prema30a.com

Surfing Deer – D, Closed Sunday

$$$$-$$$$$ New American, Seafood, 2743 East Co. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove

850-213-4200

www.surfingdeer.com

SteamBoat Grill 30A – L, D, Open daily, $$ Seafood, American, 4935 E. Co. Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach 850-213-3167

www.SteamboatGrill30a.com

The Perfect Pig – B, L, D, Open daily $$-$$$ American, Vegetarian Friendly, 4281 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-0701

www.theperfectpig.com

The Seagrove Village Market

Café – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ American, Seafood, Diner, 2976 S. Co. Hwy. 395 850-231-5736

www.seagrovevillagemarket.com

WATERSOUND

Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks – D Open daily, $$$$$ Steakhouse, Seafood, 75 Origins Main Street, Watersound 850-909-0100

www.ambrosia30a.com

Bruno’s Pizza – L, D Open daily

$$-$$$ Italian, Pizza, 6652 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Suite 100, Santa Rosa 850-231-1452

www.brunospizza30a.com

The Big Chill – L, D Open daily Multiple restaurants in one location: Duos All-American Eats, Mr. Freeze, Local Smoke, Nectar Coffee & Wine, Hooked Sea to Table, 7000 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-213-0782

www.thebigchill.com

SEACREST BEACH

Beach & Brew on 30A – D $ Taproom, 10343 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Unit 110, Seacrest Beach 850-534-0844

www.beachandbrew30a.com

Crabby Steve’s – L, D Open daily $$ Seafood, Bar, 10254 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Seacrest Beach 850-231-0999

On Facebook: Crabby Steve’s Bar & Gulfside Restaurant

LaCo – Brunch, L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Latin, 10343 E. Hwy. 30A, Bldg C Unit 116, Seacrest Beach 850-231-4021 www.laco30a.com

Lola Coastal Italian – D Closed Sunday $$$ Italian, 10343 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Rosemary Beach 850-299-4030 lolacoastalitalian.com

Pizza By the Sea – L, D Open daily $$$$$ Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, 10343 East Co. Hwy. 30A, Seacrest Beach 850-534-0044

www.pizzabythesea.com

Seacrest Sundries – B, L Open daily $ American, Café, 10343 E. Co. Hwy. 30A Suite F108, Seacrest Beach 850-588-4860 www.seacrestsundries.com

Smallcakes: A Cupcakery – L, D Closed Sunday Dessert, 10343 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Unit C112 Seacrest 850-213-4037 www.facebook.com/smallcakes30a

ALYS BEACH

Charlie’s Donuts – B Open daily $ Food Truck, 63 Somerset Street, Alys Beach 850-547-2960

www.alysbeach.com/dining/charlies-donuts

Fonville Press Market Cafe – B, L, D Open daily $ Cafe, Bar, 23 N. Somerset St., Unit 11, Panama City Beach 850-641-0043 www.fonvillepress.com

George’s at Alys Beach – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Seafood, Fusion, Gluten Free Options, 30 N Castle Harbour Dr., Scenic Hwy. 30A, Alys Beach 850-641-0017

www.georgesatalysbeach.com

NEAT Bottle Shop & Tasting Room – L, D Closed Sunday, Monday, Wine Bar, 11 Castle Harbor Dr., Alys Beach 850-213-5711

www.alysbeach.com/dining/neat

Raw & Juicy – Juices, Cafe $-$$ 147 W. La Garza Lane, Alys Beach 850-231-0043

www.rawandjuicylife.com

The Citizen – D New American, Seafood $$$$$ 20 Mark Twain Lane, Unit 101, Alys Beach 850-909-0702 www.citizenalys.com

Waterhouse Provisions + Bottleshop – L, D Closed Sundays, Mondays, Wine Bar, Snacks, 8377 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Seacrest Beach 850-404-2111 www.waterhouseprovisions.com

ROSEMARY BEACH

Amavida – B, L, D Open daily $-$$ Coffee, Brunch, 104 N Barrett Square #1A, Rosemary Beach 850-213-1965 www.amavida.com

Cowgirl Kitchen – B, L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Southwest, Bar, 54 Main Street, Rosemary Beach 850-213-0058 www.cowgirlkitchen.com

Edward’s Fine Food & Wine – L, D, LN Open daily $$$$ American, Seafood, International, 66 Main St., Rosemary Beach 850-231-0550 www.edwards30a.com

Gallion’s Restaurant – D Open daily $$$$$ Coastal fare, 104 Barrett Square, Unit C, Rosemary Beach, managers@ gallions30a.com www.gallions30a.com

Havana Beach Bar & Grill – B, L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ Bar, Gluten Free Options, 63 Main St., Rosemary Beach 850-588-2882 www.thepearlrb.com/dining

La Crema Tapas & Chocolate – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Spanish, Gluten Free Options, 38 Main St., Rosemary Beach 850-534-3004

www.lacrematapas.com

Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar – D Open daily $$$-$$$$ Seafood, 74 Town Hall Road, Suite 4B, Rosemary Beach 850-213-4600

www.rooftop30a.com

Restaurant Paradis – D, LN Open daily $$$$ American, Seafood, Contemporary, Gluten Free Options, 82 S. Barrett Sq., Rosemary Beach 850-534-0400

www.restaurantparadis.com

Summer Kitchen Café – B, L Open daily $$-$$$ Café, 78 Main St., Rosemary Beach 850-213-0521 theskcafe.com

INLET BEACH

Aja 30A, Elevated Asian – D Closed Sunday, Asian, 12805 US Hwy 98 E, Unit T-101, Inlet Beach 850-493-6437

www.aja30a.com

amici 30A Italian Kitchen – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Italian, 12805 US Hwy. 98, Suite R101, Inlet Beach 850-909-0555

www.amici30a.com

amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen – D Open daily $$-$$$ Mexican, 12805 US Hwy. 98, Suite Q101, Inlet Beach 850-909-0555

www.amigos30a.com

Big Bad Breakfast – B, L Open daily $-$$ Brunch, Cocktails 10711 Co. Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach 850-532-6952

www.bigbadbreakfast.com

Canopy Road Cafe – B, L Open daily $$ Brunch spot, 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E, Inlet Beach www.canopyroadcafe.com

Cuvee 30A – D Open daily $$$$ Fusion, American, Bar, Gluten Free Options, 12805 US Hwy. 98 E., Inlet Beach 850-909-0111 www.cuvee30a.com

Donut Hole – B, L, D Open daily $-$$ Diner, Bakery, 12983 U.S. 98 E, Inlet Beach 850-213-3127

Facebook: The Donut Hole Cafe & Bakery

Effin Egg – B, L Open daily $ Breakfast, Brunch, 13123 E. Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite C, Inlet Beach 850-213-3094 www.eateffinegg.com

Goatfeathers at 30Avenue – L, D Open daily $$-$$$ Seafood, 12805 US-98 East Suite O101, Inlet Beach 850-909-0090

www.goatfeathers30avenue.com

Shades Bar & Grill – L, D, LN Open daily $$-$$$ American, Bar, Seafood, 10952 E. Co. Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach 850-231-9410 www.shades30a.com

Shaka Sushi and Noodle Bar – D Open daily Sushi, Noodles, 13625 Highway 98, Suite 5, Inlet Beach 850-909-0030

www.shaka30a.com

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood