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

A Taste of France at Lumpy's Wine Bar; Night Out with Table Five Chef Dinner; Openings, Closings & Seasonal Closings and more

Enjoy a "A Taste of France" this Thursday at Lumpy's Wine Bar at Baytowne Wharf  Savor the flavor of french wine and cheese this Thursday, October 22 from 6-8pm at Lumpy's Wine Bar [MAP].  Hosted by Matt Clymer of Old World Wines, for $20/per person participants will sample a flight of two white and three red wines paired with cheese. Special discounts will be extended that evening as well. Call 850-267-2526 to make a reservation.

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"Night Out" @ La Botana with Table Five Personal Chef October 29  Grab your better half or your favorite foodie friends and head to a "Night Out" featuring "A Flavor of Fall" created by Chef Philip McDonald of Table Five Personal Chef on Thursday, October 29 at 630pm at La Botana on Scenic Hwy 30A in Seagrove.  For $100/per person, diners will be treated to a 5-course dinner featuring such autumn-inspired dishes such as Arugula Panzanella, Seared Grouper Cheeks and Garlic & Rosemary Crusted Lamb Chops, paired with wines from J Vineyards of the Russian River Valley. To make your reservation, call 850.231.0716.

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"Adieu", "Hello" and Seasonal Closings  It's that time of year when we begin to see some local restaurants and eateries turn off the burner for the fall & winter to take a much needed break and prepare for the next tourist season which will begin next March.  Included as of this post is: JamBone Express in Grayton Beach (JamBone and JamBone Express have closed),  Elmo's Grill in Santa Rosa Beach and Senor Mojitos Waterfront Grill & Oyster Bar just south of the Hwy 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach. 

{sigh} A few others have turned the burner off permanently and we bid them adieu, including Cafe' Bouchee in Seagrove Beach, Guigliamo's Italian Grill in Santa Rosa Beach and PJ's Coffee of New Orleans and Planet Smoothie in Redfish Village and WaterColor Town Center. 

And let's welcome Christiano's Italian Restaurant which opened recently in the Guigliamo's location in Santa Rosa Beach!

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Destin Chops 30A Available to Host Your Private Function  Destin Chops 30A, an upscale steakhouse with a contemporary twist located on Scenic Hwy 30A, is now accepting reservations for private functions and events. With a capacity of 250 people, it is the perfect venue for wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, birthday celebrations, or holiday parties.

“While this region plays host to a number of delightful eateries, there aren’t many venues that can truly accommodate large wedding receptions or other private events with the class, professionalism, and style that Destin Chops 30A can provide,” said Jim Altamura, proprietor of Destin Chops 30A. “We are happy to offer this added amenity for our faithful patrons.”

For more information, call 850.231.4050.

Enjoy a "A Taste of France" this Thursday at Lumpy's Wine Bar at Baytowne Wharf  Savor the flavor of french wine and cheese this Thursday, October 22 from 6-8pm at Lumpy's Wine Bar [MAP].  Hosted by Matt Clymer of Old World Wines, for $20/per person participants will sample a flight of two white and three red wines paired with cheese. Special discounts will be extended that evening as well. Call 850-267-2526 to make a reservation.

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"Night Out" @ La Botana with Table Five Personal Chef October 29  Grab your better half or your favorite foodie friends and head to a "Night Out" featuring "A Flavor of Fall" created by Chef Philip McDonald of Table Five Personal Chef on Thursday, October 29 at 630pm at La Botana on Scenic Hwy 30A in Seagrove.  For $100/per person, diners will be treated to a 5-course dinner featuring such autumn-inspired dishes such as Arugula Panzanella, Seared Grouper Cheeks and Garlic & Rosemary Crusted Lamb Chops, paired with wines from J Vineyards of the Russian River Valley. To make your reservation, call 850.231.0716.

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"Adieu", "Hello" and Seasonal Closings  It's that time of year when we begin to see some local restaurants and eateries turn off the burner for the fall & winter to take a much needed break and prepare for the next tourist season which will begin next March.  Included as of this post is: JamBone Express in Grayton Beach (JamBone and JamBone Express have closed),  Elmo's Grill in Santa Rosa Beach and Senor Mojitos Waterfront Grill & Oyster Bar just south of the Hwy 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach. 

{sigh} A few others have turned the burner off permanently and we bid them adieu, including Cafe' Bouchee in Seagrove Beach, Guigliamo's Italian Grill in Santa Rosa Beach and PJ's Coffee of New Orleans and Planet Smoothie in Redfish Village and WaterColor Town Center. 

And let's welcome Christiano's Italian Restaurant which opened recently in the Guigliamo's location in Santa Rosa Beach!

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Destin Chops 30A Available to Host Your Private Function  Destin Chops 30A, an upscale steakhouse with a contemporary twist located on Scenic Hwy 30A, is now accepting reservations for private functions and events. With a capacity of 250 people, it is the perfect venue for wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, birthday celebrations, or holiday parties.

“While this region plays host to a number of delightful eateries, there aren’t many venues that can truly accommodate large wedding receptions or other private events with the class, professionalism, and style that Destin Chops 30A can provide,” said Jim Altamura, proprietor of Destin Chops 30A. “We are happy to offer this added amenity for our faithful patrons.”

For more information, call 850.231.4050.

Foodie News You Can Use: JamBone Express now open in Grayton Beach, FL; 5 for $ 'Til 7 Deal at Fleming's.

JamBone Express (aka The Little Bone) is Now Open in Grayton Beach! Now you can get your JamBone BBQ fix in Grayton Beach!  Owner Scott Alderson has opened a second JamBone Beachside Barbeque and Raw Bar location in Grayton Corners next to The Grayton General Store on the corner of Scenic Hwy 30A and 283.  Voted "Best Barbeque in South Walton 2009" by SouthWaltonScene.com readers, JamBone uses steroid and hormone free beef, pork and chicken smoked {to perfection!} over pecan wood and texas oak lump charcol.  The menu at JamBone Express (VIEW MENU) is a pared down version of the full JamBone menu and includes bbq sammies, burgers, foot long dogs, wings, salads, raw bar offerings, and bulk packed BBQ to go.  There are a few tables inside and outside if you want to eat there.  Ask about their daily special, too!  When I was in, it was a Bacon Cheeseburger with chips AND a drink for only $5.95! 

JamBone Express
32 East County Highway 30-A, Unit B
Grayton Beach FL, 32459
Phone: Not available - Website: Jambone.net
Hours: 11am until 830pmish
(CONTINUED BELOW)

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**Awesome Deal Alert** at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at Sandestin [MAP] (phone: (850) 269-0830‎), voted Best Steakhouse in South Walton 2009" by SouthWaltonScene.com readers, is now offering a Prime Sirloin Burger for $6 as part of it's "5 for $6 'Til 7" promotion!  The Fleming's Prime Sirloin Burger, with blackened sweet and spicy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, on a braided bun. Aaaaa ... Y.U.M!!  Here are the other $6 items offered at the bar until 7pm nightly:

5 COCKTAILS
WHITE COSMO, Ketel One Vodka
APPLETINI, Grey Goose Vodka
BASIL LEMON DROP, Ciroc Vodka
FLEMING'S MOJITO, Bacardi Limon Rum
DIAMOND RITA, Herrudura Silver Tequila

5 WINES BY THE GLASS
CHARDONNAY, Solaire by Robert Mondavi
PINOT GRIGIO, Luna Freakout Blend, Napa Valley
PINOT NOIR, Cartlidge & Browne, California
MERLOT, Red Diamond, Washington
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Five Rivers, Paso Robles

5 APPETIZERS
TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO, Creole Mustard Sauce
SWEET CHILI CALAMARI
WICKED CAJUN BARBECUE SHRIMP
SEARED AHI TUNA, Spicy Mustard Sauce
JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKES, Red Pepper Sauce
NEW! PRIME SIRLOIN BURGER, Cheese and Bacon

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

The Seagrove Coyote Now Open in Seagrove Beach

From Swede, General Manager of La Botana,

"Next door, replacing the Amavida, will be a new breakfast/lunch cafe called The Seagrove Coyote.  The concept will combine breakfast pastries and coffee with burritos and tacos.  Our hours will be from 7AM to 3PM.  Coffee and pastries will be available all day, with lunch service of burritos and tacos from 11 to 3.  The service will be over-the-counter.

We will open Saturday (today, May 23) for lunch at 11 and begin opening at 7 as soon as we have received all of the coffee equipment (hopefully end of next week at the latest).

In conjunction with this opening, La Botana will discontinue our lunch service and direct that traffic next door.  La Botana's new kitchen hours will be from 3 to 11, 7 days per week.  Coinciding with the new hours will be a new menu at La Botana to be revealed shortly after the Coyote goes full steam."

Seagrove Coyote
4281 E County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL [MAP IT] next door to La Botana and Flip Flop Grill

Shorty's Surfside and Topside Now Open in Grayton Beach [MENU]

Shorty's Surfside and Topside is now open in the heart of Grayton Beach on Hotz Avenue, across the street the Red Bar.  Owner Henry Patterson took over the space in what used to be D&K's and has transformed it back to the "beach joint" it once was. 

The decor is 100% beachy feel good with different shade of aqua and lots of white and light pastel accents.  The atmosphere is ultra casual, family friendly and gives you a real taste of the beach lifestyle.  They have a large bar downstairs with seating and upstairs dining with a gorgeous view of the Gulf.

The menu features traditional South Walton fare with a touch of New Orleans flair, including fish sandwiches, po'boys, burgers, red beans and rice, gumbo and more.  The dinner menu builds on the lunch menu and features more seafood dishes, including Shrimp and Grits and Henry's Crab and Grits, a well as steaks and more.  Prices are refreshingly affordable, too. (see menus below). 

Details:
Located at 63 Hotz Avenue, Grayton Beach, FL 32459 [MAP IT]
Phone:850-468-0417
Open for Lunch from 11am - 5pm; Dinner from 5-10pm

*MENU* (June 2009)

Lin's Asian Cuisine Now Open in Miramar Beach in the Winn-Dixie Plaza

Chef Qun Lin has been cooking for more than 10 years using the best meats and vegetables made fresh to order everyday and cooked with 100% vegetable oil.  There is no MSG here.

Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:30 am - 9:00 pm. Friday, Saturday 10:30 am - 9:30 pm. Sunday 12:00 noon - 9:00 pm.

Lin's Asian Cuisine is located at 130 Scenic Gulf Dr. Suite #5B Miramar Beach, 32550. Phone is 850-424-5888.  Visit LinsAsianCuisine.com for menu.

Great Southern School of Fish Restaurant Now Open at Windmark Beach

The Great Southern School of Fish restaurant has opened in WindMark Beach’s Village Center, offering a tasty menu created by chef and veteran restaurateur Jim Shirley. Chef Shirley, a partner in the Great Southern Restaurant Group in Pensacola and the Great Southern Cafe in Seaside, Florida, brings his signature modern Southern cuisine to this Gulf front eatery.

“I love to combine flavors in unusual ways, so when people come to the restaurant they’re going to find lots of foods they’re familiar with, like grits and oysters, prepared in a way that is totally new to them,” says Chef Shirley.

Steps away from a stunning stretch of beach, the restaurant and bar welcome guests for leisurely lunches and relaxing, low-key dinners. Offering indoor and outdoor seating with scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, School of Fish fittingly features local Gulf Coast seafood, down home southern favorites and much more.

Always looking to mix and match flavors in new ways, Chef Shirley has come up with an eclectic batch of appetizers. He’s spicing things up with dishes like tequila-spiked chicken wings, oysters Arcadia (topped with a spicy Cajun sauté of crawfish, blue crab, sweet peppers, andouille and smoked Gouda) and soul rolls (chicken and collard greens served in a crisp wrapper with peach chutney, horseradish cream and Creole mustard).

School of Fish’s selection of entrees offers something for everyone, with everything from light salads and sandwiches to a half-pound burger, filet mignon and fresh Gulf seafood. Not to be missed is Chef Shirley’s signature dish, Grits a Ya-Ya. Made with smoked Gouda cheese grits smothered with a sauté of applewood-smoked bacon, spinach, shallots, garlic, Portobello mushrooms and cream finished with spiced shrimp and sweet potato hay, finishing off this filling dish will leave little room for one of the restaurant’s delicious desserts, which change regularly.

The son of a Navy pilot who was stationed all around the world, Chef Shirley has a wide knowledge of and a huge appreciation for cuisines from many cultures, but the Pensacola, Florida native says it’s his grandmother’s traditional Southern cooking that he has always loved most.  In addition to being a partner in the Great Southern Restaurant Group in Pensacola and the Great Southern Cafe in Seaside, Florida, Chef Shirley is also president of the Society of Great Southern Chefs and a member of the Southern Foodways Alliance.

For reservations at Great Southern School of Fish, call 850-229-1122 and for more information about WindMark Beach log onto www.windmarkbeach.com.

About WindMark Beach
WindMark Beach is a 2,020-acre residential and resort community in Northwest Florida that is being built alongside the beautiful waters of St. Joseph Bay, overlooking Cape San Blas.  With its local Southern architecture, the community is located two miles north of the historic town of Port St. Joe, 22 miles west of Apalachicola and 39 miles east of Panama City.  WindMark Beach offers many amenities to homeowners and guests of its luxury loft vacation rentals, such as a 3.5 mile Beach Walk, Beach Club and complimentary bicycles and kayaks to enjoy the outdoors. Its Village Center offers casual gourmet dining at the Great Southern School of Fish Restaurant, a bevy of boutiques, state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting hall for special events and more.  For additional information, visit JOE.com / Keyword: WindMark Beach.

PJ's Coffee of New Orleans Opening WaterColor Location Monday, April 20

Margaret Butler and Sara and Jackson Mumey, local residents and Owner/Operators of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and Planet Smoothie at Redfish Village, are pleased to announce they will be opening a PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans in Town Center at WaterColor, FL.on Scenic Hwy 30A in between Grayton Beach and Seaside, Florida.

Margaret, Sara and Jackson are excited to open a second location in the community and provide additional jobs to local residents and “simply the best coffee” in WaterColor.

The new location's operating hours are 6:30am - 8pm, seven days a week. They will be serving their full coffee and pastry menu with breakfast sandwiches, bagels and some tasty new treats.

Locations: Redfish Village store is at the intersection of Scenic Highway 30A and County Road 83 in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP]; Phone: (850) 622-2399‎.  Their new WaterColor store is in Town Center, next to Hot&Cold.[MAP]; Phone: 850-231-3229.

Café Bouchée Now Open in Seagrove Beach (with Menu)

The Scoop
Café Bouchée, 4935 E County Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach, FL (in what used to house Yanni's Seagrove Grill Restaurant).  Phone: unavailable at this time.  Website coming soon.
Open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week. Open from 7:30am - 2pm.  Breakfast served all day. Lunch served from 10:30am-2pm.

The Menu

Breakfast (click to enlarge)

 

Lunch (click to enlarge)

Pizza Bar in Seaside is Now Open for Lunch & Dinner

Pizza Bar, the newest venture of South Walton restaurateur Dave Rauschkolb of Bud & Alley's and Taco Bar, is now open for lunch and dinner in downtown Seaside in the old Cafe Spiazza location on the south side of 30A.

Featuring authentic Neapolitan Pizza, a variety of pizza made according to a set of strict rules, as well as salads and a full menu of antipasti. Pizza Bar is the first and only restaurant to offer pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven on Scenic Hwy 30A.

In their words,

"Our Pizzas adhere to the standards set forth by the Vera Pizza Napoletana Organization.  The VPN promotes the art of pizza making as it has been done in Napoli for over 200 years.  The dough is made with 00 Caputo flour, natural yeast and sea salt, it is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and is baked in a 750 degree wood burning oven.  The Pizzas cook in 90 seconds or less."

Pizza Bar is located in Seaside's Town Center on Scenic Hwy 30A.  Hours of operation currently are: 11am to 10pm, seven days a week.  Phone: 850-231-3113.

Pizza Bar in Seaside Menu - March 2009 (click to enlarge)