SouthWaltonDiningScene.com™ Blog - South Walton, 30A Restaurant Directory, Ratings, Reviews, Dining Guides and News

Thanksgiving Dining in South Walton county, Florida 2009

UPDATED November 22, 2009

Yeah!  It's time to start thinking about one of my favorite foodie holidays of the year - Thanksgiving!  And gosh, is there really any place more special to celebrate a day of "thanks" than in paradise?  What is better than walking off that huge meal on the beach??

Are you going to be in South Walton for Thanksgiving this year?  Look no further.  Here is the 2nd Annual Guide to Thanksgiving Dining 2009 in South Walton county to help you plan for the big day if you don't feel like slaving in the kitchen yourself this year.  Gooble gobble - Happy Turkey Day, folks!

Help update this list!  Know of any additions?  Please email all the fine details to: jill@southwaltonscene.com .

Shorty's Surfside and Topside in Grayton Beach MENU, La Loba Bakery Opening in Blue Mountain Beach and more

Menu Updates From Shorty's Surfside & Topside Shorty's in Grayton Beach which opened a few weeks ago in the old D&K's location has a new phone number and menu. They can be reached at:

Shorty's Surfside and Topside
63 Hotz Avenue at the corner of Hotz and DeFuniak
Grayton Beach, FL 32459 Phone: 850-468-0417
 

From owner Henry Patterson, "We have a newer version of the menu, which because we are new is evolving.  The changes are really minor though -- added a veggie sandwich at the request of some of our guests and corrected the Ceviche to show that it consists of both fresh grouper and shrimp."  YUM!
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Hungry For Hamburgers in South Walton?   I absolutely ADORE hamburgers.  If you eat meat, chances are you do, too. It's as American as apple pie and baseball!

As in every town nowadays, chances are you can get a burger at most restaurants.  South Walton is no exception - but just because you can grab a burger and fries at any place doesn't mean you should!  There are restaurants that stand out from the rest of the crowd and serve up killer burgers and, in most instances, the perfect fry to compliment the carnivore's favorite sandwich.  Read who I think serves the best cheeseburger in town. 
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La Loba's Bakery Opening in Blue Mountain Beach If you shop at For The Health of It, you most likely have heard of La Loba's Bakery or, even better, have tried their delicious, wholesome Maple Nut Granola and baked goodies. Now you can get your fix right from the source as owners Gwynn Baker and Alan Armer are opening a new retail store in between For The Health of It and Big Daddy's Bike Shop, in what used to be The Running Store, in Blue Mountain Beach at:

2217 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL‎ 32459. Phone: 850-267-0400

They will be baking up and selling all kinds of organic baked goodies as well as a small lunch menu with some seating outside. Update: They are supposed to be opening today, June 23, so swing on by and welcome them back to South Walton if you can! (phone number coming soon). La Loba will be open by June 30 and will tentatively be open on Tuesday - Saturday, from 9am - 6pm.

La Loba's Bakery Opening in Blue Mountain Beach If you shop at For The Health of It, you most likely have heard of La Loba's Bakery or, even better, have tried their delicious, wholesome Maple Nut Granola and baked goodies. Now you can get your fix right from the source as owners Gwynn Baker and Alan Armer are opening a new retail store in between For The Health of It and Big Daddy's Bike Shop, in what used to be The Running Store, in Blue Mountain Beach at:

2217 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL‎ 32459. Phone: 850-267-0400

They will be baking up and selling all kinds of organic baked goodies as well as a small lunch menu with some seating outside. Update: They are supposed to be opening today, June 23, so swing on by and welcome them back to South Walton if you can! (phone number coming soon). La Loba will be open by June 30 and will tentatively be open on Tuesday - Saturday, from 9am - 6pm.

Mi Cocina Coming to Seacrest - Happy Hour & More at Santa Rosa Beach Club - Dessert Anyone at Courtyard Wine & Cheese

Olé!  Mi Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar Coming To Seacrest

**UPDATE: JUNE 28** - View menu, hours of operation and read and leave reviews for Mi Cocina here

Ann and George Hartley, South Walton restaurateurs who own the iconic Seagrove Village Market and über-cool George's at Alys Beach are, in Ann's words, "still crazy after two restaurants" and will be opening a third to add to their growing brood - Mi Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar! 

Slated to open next Tuesday, June 23 or Wednesday, June 24 (keep your eye out for an OPEN NOW sandwich sign in front), the new restaurant is located in the Village of South Walton [MAP], between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach on Scenic Hwy 30A.  With Steve Carpenter at the helm (Chef of George's), the menu will feature authentic Tex Mex fare with a coastal twist, including tacos, enchiladas, Mexican Street Tacos, Flautas de Atun (tuna), and ceviche with pineapple and jicama.  A full bar will serve up top shelf margaritas. "Salud" Ann and George!  Can't wait!
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Check Out These New Specials at The Santa Rosa Beach Beach Club 

• Happy Hour on Wednesdays: Every Wednesday from 5-7 PM, get ½ price well drinks, house wine (cab, merlot, pinot noir, pinot grigio & chardonnay) and all domestic and imported beer.
• Sushi Night: Enjoy delicious sushi every Thursday night from 5-7:30 PM.  Chef Chuk will be offering rolls, sashimi and nigiri with Asian spirits to complement.  (All items are market price).
• Snow Crabs on Fridays: All-You-Can-Eat Snow Crab Legs return to Friday nights from 5-9 PM. The cost is only $19.95 and includes corn niblets and boiled new potatoes.

Santa Rosa Beach Club is located at 4801 W. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459. Reservations - 850-267-2305.
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New Addition at Courtyard Wine & Cheese - Dessert!  Courtyard Wine & Cheese, an adorable and quaint wine bar tucked away in a courtyard on Main Street in Rosemary Beach is pleased to announce they are now offering dessert in addition to their current small plate menu of cheese and cured meat plates, fondues, and bread service.  Stop in after dinner or whenever a sweet attack strikes and enjoy such goodies as Ultimate 5 Layer Chocolate Cake, Classic Tiramisu and New York Style Cheesecake.

Don't forget about their special STEMulus plan which offers:

• All Retail Wine Sales To-Go receive a 15% Discount (Case Sales receive an additional 5% off for a 20% overall discount)
• Select Wines up to 25% off!.
• Fondue Fridays-- Every Friday Fondues are 1/2 price

Live music every Saturday with Bill Evett from 6-9pm. Courtyard Wine and Cheese, 66 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461, 850-231-1219, CourtYardWineAndCheese.com

Mother's Day Dining in South Walton

Don't forget...it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Here are some dining options if you are looking to take Mom out for a meal this year.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Caliza at Alys Beach

Details: 10:00am – 3:00pm
For Reservations, call 850.213.5700
Located at: 147 LaGarza Lane, Alys Beach (off of East County Hwy 30A)
www.CalizaRestaurant.com | www.AlysBeach.com

On The Menu: A Special A La Carte menu just for Mom including: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Bacon-Chive Hollandaise Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro-Lime Cocktail Sacue, Shrimp and Grits with Shiitake Mushrooms, Corn and Green Onions, Grilled Grouper Nicoise, Creme Brulee, and much more.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn

Details: 10:30am – 2:00pm
$45/ Adult and $20/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.534.5050
Located at: 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor (off of East County Hwy 30A)
Website

On The Menu: Buffet Featuring Raw Bar of Gulf Shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters & Cocktail Crab Claws with Remoulade & Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauces; Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip Served with Crostinis; Assorted House made Breakfast Breads; Assorted Seasonal Fruit; Florida Vine-Ripened Tomato & Fried Green Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn and Green Goddess Dressing; Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette; Creamy Anson Mills Grits; Applewood-Smoked Bacon; Breakfast Sausage Links; Omelet Station; Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries; Traditional Eggs Benedict; Fresh Boneless Turkey with Andouille-Herb Stuffing & Gravy; Assortment of Sweet Treats.

● Mother's Day Dinner at Destin Chops 30A

Details: 1-8pm
$27/ Adult and $14/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.231.4050
Located at: 10343 E County Hwy 30A, Village of South Walton next to Rosemary Beach
www.DestinChops30A.com

On The Menu: Complimentary Champagne, Bloody Mary's and Mimosas for Mom; 3-course meal with a choice of Starter - 30A Salad or Lobster Bisque; Entree - King Atlantic Salmon, Double Airline Breast of Chicken, Filet Medalions with Shiitake Mushrooms or Black Grouper; Dessert - Chef's Creative Cheesecake or Creme Brulee. Regular Menu also available.

Don't forget...it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Here are some dining options if you are looking to take Mom out for a meal this year.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Caliza at Alys Beach

Details: 10:00am – 3:00pm
For Reservations, call 850.213.5700
Located at: 147 LaGarza Lane, Alys Beach (off of East County Hwy 30A)
www.CalizaRestaurant.com | www.AlysBeach.com

On The Menu: A Special A La Carte menu just for Mom including: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Bacon-Chive Hollandaise Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro-Lime Cocktail Sacue, Shrimp and Grits with Shiitake Mushrooms, Corn and Green Onions, Grilled Grouper Nicoise, Creme Brulee, and much more.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn

Details: 10:30am – 2:00pm
$45/ Adult and $20/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.534.5050
Located at: 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor (off of East County Hwy 30A)
Website

On The Menu: Buffet Featuring Raw Bar of Gulf Shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters & Cocktail Crab Claws with Remoulade & Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauces; Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip Served with Crostinis; Assorted House made Breakfast Breads; Assorted Seasonal Fruit; Florida Vine-Ripened Tomato & Fried Green Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn and Green Goddess Dressing; Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette; Creamy Anson Mills Grits; Applewood-Smoked Bacon; Breakfast Sausage Links; Omelet Station; Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries; Traditional Eggs Benedict; Fresh Boneless Turkey with Andouille-Herb Stuffing & Gravy; Assortment of Sweet Treats.

Don't forget...it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Here are some dining options if you are looking to take Mom out for a meal this year.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Caliza at Alys Beach

Details: 10:00am – 3:00pm
For Reservations, call 850.213.5700
Located at: 147 LaGarza Lane, Alys Beach (off of East County Hwy 30A)
www.CalizaRestaurant.com | www.AlysBeach.com

On The Menu: A Special A La Carte menu just for Mom including: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Bacon-Chive Hollandaise Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro-Lime Cocktail Sacue, Shrimp and Grits with Shiitake Mushrooms, Corn and Green Onions, Grilled Grouper Nicoise, Creme Brulee, and much more.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn

Details: 10:30am – 2:00pm
$45/ Adult and $20/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.534.5050
Located at: 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor (off of East County Hwy 30A)
Website

On The Menu: Buffet Featuring Raw Bar of Gulf Shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters & Cocktail Crab Claws with Remoulade & Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauces; Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip Served with Crostinis; Assorted House made Breakfast Breads; Assorted Seasonal Fruit; Florida Vine-Ripened Tomato & Fried Green Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn and Green Goddess Dressing; Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette; Creamy Anson Mills Grits; Applewood-Smoked Bacon; Breakfast Sausage Links; Omelet Station; Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries; Traditional Eggs Benedict; Fresh Boneless Turkey with Andouille-Herb Stuffing & Gravy; Assortment of Sweet Treats.

● Mother's Day Dinner at Destin Chops 30A

Details: 1-8pm
$27/ Adult and $14/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.231.4050
Located at: 10343 E County Hwy 30A, Village of South Walton next to Rosemary Beach
www.DestinChops30A.com

On The Menu: Complimentary Champagne, Bloody Mary's and Mimosas for Mom; 3-course meal with a choice of Starter - 30A Salad or Lobster Bisque; Entree - King Atlantic Salmon, Double Airline Breast of Chicken, Filet Medalions with Shiitake Mushrooms or Black Grouper; Dessert - Chef's Creative Cheesecake or Creme Brulee. Regular Menu also available.

Best of South Walton 2009 Reader's Choice Winners Announced!

● BEST PLACE FOR A LADIES LUNCH
Fire (Restaurant)
55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-9020 | www.restaurantfire.com

● BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Borago (Trattoria) 
80 E. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-9167 | www.boragorestaurant.com

● BEST PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN
Red Bar (The, and Picolo's Restaurant)
70 Hotz Avenue, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-1008 | www.theredbar.com

● BEST PLACE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH
Another Broken Egg Cafe
51 Uptown Grayton Circle, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-7835 | www.anotherbrokenegg.com
9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 32459 | 850-622-2050

● BEST PLACE FOR ICE CREAM AND FROZEN TREATS
Kilwin's At Sandestin
625 Grand Blvd, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 32550 850-837-9445 | www.kilwins.com

● BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
PF Chang's China Bistro
640 Grand Blvd, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 32550 | 850-269-1806 | www.pfchangs.com

● BEST KID FRIENDLY DINING
Pizza by the Sea
88 Watercolor Way, WaterColor, 32459 | 850-231-3030 | www.pizzabythesea.com

● BEST RESTAURANT FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER
Bistro Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits ▪
9100 Baytowne in Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 32459 | 850-622-0760 | www.bistrobijouxdestin.com

● BEST PO'BOY
Acme Oyster House
140 Fisherman's Wharf, Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 32459 | 850-622-0200 | www.acmeoyster.com

● BEST SEAFOOD MARKET
Shrimper's Seafood Market
4444 US Highway 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459 | (850) 267-1159

● BEST GROCERY STORE
Publix Super Market - Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
725 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach 32550 | (850) 622-2326 | www.publix.com

● BEST STEAKHOUSE
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
600 Grand Boulevard Suite M105, Miramar Beach, 32550 | (850) 269-0830 | www.flemingssteakhouse.com

● BEST PLACE FOR A LADIES LUNCH
Fire (Restaurant)
55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-9020 | www.restaurantfire.com

● BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Borago (Trattoria) 
80 E. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-9167 | www.boragorestaurant.com

● BEST PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN
Red Bar (The, and Picolo's Restaurant)
70 Hotz Avenue, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-1008 | www.theredbar.com

● BEST PLACE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH
Another Broken Egg Cafe
51 Uptown Grayton Circle, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-7835 | www.anotherbrokenegg.com
9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 32459 | 850-622-2050

● BEST PLACE FOR ICE CREAM AND FROZEN TREATS
Kilwin's At Sandestin
625 Grand Blvd, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 32550 850-837-9445 | www.kilwins.com

● BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
PF Chang's China Bistro
640 Grand Blvd, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 32550 | 850-269-1806 | www.pfchangs.com

● BEST KID FRIENDLY DINING
Pizza by the Sea
88 Watercolor Way, WaterColor, 32459 | 850-231-3030 | www.pizzabythesea.com

● BEST RESTAURANT FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER
Bistro Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits ▪
9100 Baytowne in Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 32459 | 850-622-0760 | www.bistrobijouxdestin.com

● BEST PO'BOY
Acme Oyster House
140 Fisherman's Wharf, Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 32459 | 850-622-0200 | www.acmeoyster.com

● BEST SEAFOOD MARKET
Shrimper's Seafood Market
4444 US Highway 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459 | (850) 267-1159

● BEST GROCERY STORE
Publix Super Market - Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
725 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach 32550 | (850) 622-2326 | www.publix.com

● BEST STEAKHOUSE
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
600 Grand Boulevard Suite M105, Miramar Beach, 32550 | (850) 269-0830 | www.flemingssteakhouse.com