RESORT DINING We offer

BON APPETIT BY HANNAH BURKE

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD

While contemporary connotations of “fine dining” are a far cry from the black-tie affairs of the past, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood believes some traditions are worth maintaining.

Since opening its doors in 1998, Seagar’s locally sourced menu, elegantly curated atmosphere, emphasis on detail and premier customer service has not only earned the steakhouse a AAA Four Diamond recognition for over 20 years, but also made them synonymous with special occasions in South Walton.

But it doesn’t have to be an anniversary, birthday or graduation to indulge in the pinnacle of Gulf Coast cuisine. Eating here is an experience

CHEF FLEETWOOD COVINGTON

and, according to Seagar’s Sous Chef, Fleetwood Covington, a celebration in and of itself.

“I can’t tell you how honored I am to serve in this role,” said Covington. “Whether you’re a local or a guest here at the resort, our team will work hard to serve you the level of excellence Seagar’s customers have come to expect.”

Mainstay menu items include USDA prime steaks and chops with veal au jus, steamed or broiled Maine lobster and multi-tiered, sumptuous seafood towers with house-made cocktail sauce and drawn butter.

To complement your selection, Seagar’s offers a 600-label wine collection, craft cocktails and martinis. For dessert, the bananas or peaches foster — flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream — is a must.

Seagar’s aims to create for you an unhurried, intimate evening. Pull up a chair, enjoy the candlelit atmosphere and let the melodic tunes of a live baby grand piano serve as a mellow metronome to your enlivening conversations.

HADASHI SUSHI BAR

True sushi enthusiasts know the makings of a good roll: fresh fi sh, premium sushigrade rice and just the right amount of accompaniments to enhance, and yet not overpower, the whole dish.

At Hadashi Sushi Bar, Chef Jim Kim never disappoints. Located just off Hilton Sandestin Beach’s main lobby, guests can pull up a stool at the bar or be seated at a table to enjoy authentic sashimi, nigiri and hand-rolled sushi staples, as well as unique chef creations from the master himself.

Chef Kim won’t tell you his is the best sushi in South Walton, but Angelina Covington, Operations Director at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, tells it like it is: “I’ve heard, numerous times, people say his sushi is the best they’ve ever eaten,” she said.

In Japanese, the term “Hadashi” even translates to superiority. The perfect close to a day at the beach or date night spot, Hadashi boasts a casual atmosphere that refl ects its refreshingly simplistic offerings. Get started with traditional Japanese seaweed salad, miso soup and edamame, but save some room for the main event.

Kim’s custom rolls will vary seasonally and depend on the freshest fi sh available in the Gulf of Mexico, but it’s safe to say any item pairs well with a cold Sapporo beer. To really augment the authenticity, consider ordering a carafe of warm or chilled sake.

Gather your friends, raise a glass and, as the Japanese say, “Kanpai!”

MATTHEW 6:33

BAREFOOT’S BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL

No shoes? At Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill, that’s no problem.

Located in the center of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s pool deck, the open-air eatery serves sandy-toed beach bums an unhindered view of the gorgeous, turquoise Gulf waters and some of its finest seafood delicacies.

Keeping to the breezy, carefree atmosphere of a day at the beach, Barefoot’s Chef Princeton McDonald, under the direction of Executive Chef Dan Tederous, offers a little something for everybody with a menu of casual pub fare, traditional handhelds and shareable appetizers.

Chow down like the locals do with Barefoot’s fried surf and turf baskets, or cool off with a crisp, custom salad. Gather around the restaurant’s flat screens to cheer your team on and indulge in game-day favorites, such as juicy, grilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders.

You don’t have to wait until 5 o’clock to try a craft cocktail, a glass of wine or a beachside brew. Guest favorites include multi-flavored, fruity rum, vodka and tequila-spiked daiquiris and margaritas — the perfect way to beat the summer heat.

If you’re parched or peckish but not quite ready to quit the shore, The Sandbar, located directly on Miramar Beach, offers cold brews and the same frozen, tropical cocktails and refreshments as Barefoot’s.

Place a lunch order there to enjoy some of Barefoot’s fare right from your beach chair, or don’t even bother getting up. Hilton Sandestin Beach’s seasonal “sand kickers” patrol the shore and will gladly take your order from wherever you’re set up and ensure you get your goodies in a timely manner.

SANDCASTLES RESTAURANT

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa couldn’t agree more.

To help you set the tone for your day and see your family is fueled for adventure, Sandcastles’ menu goes all out with traditional, Southern breakfast staples, buffets and continental offerings.

Located right in the Hilton Sandestin Beach lobby, Sandcastles fosters a light, warm and welcoming environment for guests of all ages. Alongside his team, chef Steve Withall, the newly appointed culinary team lead at Sandcastles, works diligently to craft fresh, hearty plates to kick off another day in paradise.

Start light with steel-cut oats, cereal, seasonal fruits and assorted, handmade pastries, or load up at the breakfast buffet. Guests love the made-to-order omelet stations, then topping their creations with smoked breakfast meats, grits and potatoes. Freshly brewed Colombian coffee, chilled fruit juice, milk, soft drinks and breakfast cocktails are also available.

If it was one of those mornings where you couldn’t help but hit the snooze button, don’t fret. Sandcastles Lounge is open for lunch and is ideal for watching games with fellow sports fans or regrouping with friends and family.

Boasting a family-friendly, pubstyle ambiance, your crew can dig in to crispy chicken wings, fresh coastal fare and handheld delicacies as you plan your next move.

PICNIX POOLSIDE MARKET

With a day at the beach comes the need for preparation: Do you have enough sunscreen? Did you pack your child’s fl oaties and that book you’ve been meaning to read? And, more importantly, will there be enough food and drinks for the entire party?

Checking that last box is easy with a quick trip to Picnix Poolside Market. Nestled between Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s two outdoor pools, the seasonal shop offers an abundance of refreshments, grab-and-go meals and scrumptious treats to fuel your fun in the sun.

Executive Chef Dan Tederous stocks Picnix Poolside Market with a variety of goods that appeal to groups on the go and leisurely loungers. No matter your M.O., it’s always a good idea to grab one of the freshly prepared Pizza Hut personal pan pizzas. If you’re truly famished, his team will even whip one up for you.

Pizza and ice cream go together like peanut butter and jelly. Those with a sweet tooth have their pick of over a dozen Edy’s Hand Dipped Ice Cream Treats and an array of toppings for a truly tasty way to cool off.

Picnix features a menu that caters to everyone, including chicken fi ngers and macaroni and cheese for the little ones, and sandwiches stacked with lunchmeat and fresh veggies for mom and dad.

Purchase a souvenir sports bottle for just $20, and you’ll enjoy free refi lls for the remainder of your stay.

Pick up some chips, drinks and whatever else may satisfy your cravings, and you have all the makings of a beachfront picnic.

MAYESKA SAND

OUR MEMORIES

• Shelter House was honored to have the Hilton Sandestin Beach participate in the fourth annual Palate & Palette live painting and wine dinner in 2020. This event featured six of the area’s top chefs collaborating to create a fi ve-course seated dinner. The event has become Shelter House’s biggest annual fundraiser, and having Chef Vargo in the kitchen was an incredible addition to the lineup. Chef Vargo’s professionalism and skills were raved about by the guests who loved his creation — bourbonglazed pork served with peppered Florida cheese ravioli. This was Hilton Sandestin Beach’s fi rst year participating in Palate & Palette. However, they have been supporting Shelter House’s Purses with Purpose event since 2016. Guests know that when Hilton Sandestin Beach is involved in an event, it will be top notch. Their team always brings a level of professionalism and a standard of excellence to every event they host or participate in. The reputation that the Hilton Sandestin Beach has built means a lot in our community. They are a well-known community partner for countless nonprofi ts in our area. Their efforts to give back to our community haven’t gone unnoticed.

Whitney Lee

THE COFFEE SHOP

With the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, gourmet pastries and breakfast sandwiches, we love cafes for their convenience and the warm, fuzzy feelings they inspire. For early risers, The Coffee Shop at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is your go-to spot.

Starbucks addicts can rest easy knowing they won’t have to venture off property to get their fix. Enjoy your signature coffee order, as well as Starbucks Teavana teas and refreshers. The Coffee Shop also offers a variety of water, health drinks and hot chocolate.

If you don’t have time to sit down for breakfast but want more to go on than a granola bar, there’s an assortment of bagels, breakfast sandwiches and bowls packed with your choice of protein, soft-scrambled eggs and flaky, buttermilk biscuits. Greek yogurt, various cereals and fresh fruit are also available for a quick bite.

Where The Coffee Shop really shines is in its selection of freshly made, decadent pastries. The bakery is always chock-full of guest favorites, such as assorted muffins, danishes, chewy cookies and oversized cinnamon rolls. That’s thanks to Hilton Sandestin Beach’s Assistant Pastry Chef, Cherny Nero Rodriguez.

Cherny discovered her love for confections while working at Seagar’s and has trained under Hilton Sandestin Beach’s awardwinning Pastry Chef, Yascha Becker. After seven years with the resort, she is thrilled to be baking something new every day.

“Whether I’m assisting with banquet desserts and wedding cakes, or providing pastries for The Coffee Shop, I’m happy to be here,” she said.

THE WORKMANS MAYESKA SAND

IN-ROOM DINING

After a blissfully long day in the sand and sun, you’re spent. Freshly showered, you lie there sunkissed and — suddenly you’re starving.

You could really go for a roll or two from Hadashi Sushi Bar, but the last thing you want to do is get all dolled up to go out to eat. At Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, you can have your cake and eat it, too, when you pick up the phone and dial extension 44 for in-room dining.

A robust menu offers a sampling of delicacies from around the hotel, including your favorites from Sandcastles and Hadashi. If it’s a luxurious experience you seek from the comfort of your own space, room service is the way to go.

Create your own romantic ambiance with hand-dipped chocolate strawberries and an artisanal cheese platter, best enjoyed on the balcony at sunset. Families can go all out with artisan pizzas, full breakfast spreads and a la carte items.

In-room dining’s full-service bar menu can supply your favorite cocktails, bottles of spirits and wine and even pitchers of mixed drinks to keep the party going.

If you feel like dessert before dinner, Hilton Sandestin Beach won’t judge; children and adults alike can indulge in ice cream, cookies and cake any time of the day.

Available from six in the morning to 10 at night, it’s never a bad time to treat yourself.

MAYESKA SAND