I'm hoping for some great casual dining recommendations from locals...

ChasingChe · 06-12-2009, 10:52 AM

I have read Nancy's many blogs and browsed here before my account was activated this morning. But, I know that in this fickle economy and with the storms, businesses close and change hands (and clearly quality!) often.

We are on a major dining budget this trip and have a kitchen in the resort, so we will likely eat a few meals in the room. I'd love to find a great take-out place. We really enjoyed the NY Deli in Pensacola last year, something along that same vein. My kids have food allergies, so the standard chicken nuggets and fries won't work for us. :)

I'm also looking for some great little local places that just have fantastic food. I've already marked down the Silver Sands breakfast counter (hoping that is still operating!) and Dewey Destin's (hope I got that name right).

Basically, I'm looking for something YOU guys would eat - affordable, local, fun, kitchy, and absolutely food-driven delicious.

I'm also needing the name of a bakery who does gluten-free birthday cakes. If there are none locally, I'll just order one at home and bring it with us. But, I'd love to support local businesses down there, if possible.

Thanks so much!

Gonzo · 06-12-2009, 11:06 AM

Great new place in Grayton Beach called Shorty's (next door to Zoo Gallery). Get there for sunset and view the only direct gulf view dining in the area. Food is outstanding and so is the service. Very reasonably priced...this place won't remain a secret for long.

tuck · 06-12-2009, 12:00 PM

I have to agree with Gonzo, Shorty's over in Grayton Beach is a new happening spot here in sowal. The food is great and the view of the gulf is outstanding. The prices are good, especially for the quality.

As for Gluten Free, For The Health Of It located in Blue Mountain Beach carries a wide variety of Gluten Free Foods. I was just there shortly ago and they have a bunch of fresh locally made Gluten Free baked goods from a new local business called Pie in the sky. I would call FTHOI and see if they can order you a birthday cake.

Allifunn · 06-12-2009, 05:11 PM

Reccomendations on this board for House Of Klaus (burgers, dogs & sandwiches) and Pickles (Pizza) both next door to eachother and reasonable. Flip Flops is good. Shorty's...most definately! Pizza by the sea is good pizza as well and might deliver?
I think there is a thread somewhere on the board started by someone that was going to start a business selling gluten free cakes. I'll see if I can find it and post it here.

Allifunn · 06-12-2009, 05:16 PM

gluten free cakes and pies

Here is the thread.....looks like For The Health of It can get you hooked up with a GF cake.

ChasingChe · 06-13-2009, 12:33 PM

Thanks so much for the recommendations.

I found some of the websites, wherever applicable, but I'm having trouble locating info on Flip Flops, House of Klaus, and Pickles.

Oh - I'm also looking for a nice cheese assortment somewhere - even a quality supermarket will do. I'm looking for maytag, a nice double creme brie, etc. Nothing uber-specialized, but quality is essential. (How do you guys live without a Whole Foods!?) :)

tuck · 06-13-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasingChe

Thanks so much for the recommendations. (How do you guys live without a Whole Foods!?) :)

For The Health Of It.... I lived in Miami where we have a large whole foods market, and I find that For The Health Of It offers a lot of the products and they sure have a knowledgable staff. Plus they are locally owned and operated

Green Knight · 06-13-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasingChe

Thanks so much for the recommendations.

I found some of the websites, wherever applicable, but I'm having trouble locating info on Flip Flops, House of Klaus, and Pickles.

Oh - I'm also looking for a nice cheese assortment somewhere - even a quality supermarket will do. I'm looking for maytag, a nice double creme brie, etc. Nothing uber-specialized, but quality is essential. (How do you guys live without a Whole Foods!?) :)

Publix has a great cheese selection...anything you could possibly want

Plays With Food · 06-13-2009, 01:15 PM

For cheese - I recommend Chan's Wine World in Destin. They have a fabulous selection and will let you taste everything before you buy.

Also - the cafe in Chan's might be a nice place for lunch for your crew. Check it out!

Silver Sand is no longer a freestanding breakfast counter - it operates out of the Harbor Docks restaurant, even though it is a separate operation. And I think it's the best breakfast value around. You can also get take out fried chicken and biscuits from them. For an at-home breakfast treat - donuts from the Donut Hole. Their breakfast is more expensive than Silver Sand, though we heard a good report on it the last time we were there.

beachmouse · 06-13-2009, 07:36 PM

Fresh Market in Destin has a reasonably diverse cheese counter- maytag blue, humboldt fog, all kinds of stuff that's a little too obscure for Publix (Which is actually pretty good for a mass market grocer)

Alas, we're just far too small of a metro area for either Whole Foods or Trader Joe's to have an interest in.

Beach Runner · 06-13-2009, 08:42 PM

I consider myself a local, being at our home about 24 times a year.

The Pizza Bar is our current fave.

BeachbumAggie · 06-14-2009, 05:33 PM

We love Stinky's or Seagrove Market Cafe the most for seafood in the 30A area. Enzo's had very good Italian but I prefer Fat Clemenza's. The Red Bar has great crab cakes! Flip Flop's has great burgers and really great chilidogs.

Chan's wine world did have a great cheese selection but Publix's has a nice one as well.

SneakyPete · 06-14-2009, 06:43 PM

I second (or third) the rec for Chan's for cheese selection. Fresh Market used to carry my favorite blue -- Roaring Forties -- but I haven't seen it lately. I like that Chan's lets you taste before you buy, and they also have a great, reasonably priced restaurant on site. If they're old enough, you can drop the kids off at the Destin Commons w/ movie and ice cream money and have the adults hit Chans across the street for dinner. On Scenic Gulf Drive near Destin Commons is Camille's. They're owned by the same folks as Habor Docks and they have great sushi and seafood favorites, and a homey, family friendly atmosphere.

Closer to 30A, we like Pizza Bar at Seaside, Fire restaurant, and Jambones on 98 (great prices for inventive food).

Allifunn · 06-15-2009, 07:36 AM

Thanks for the recomendations for Chans. We do, by far, have the best selection of gourmet foods, cheeses AND wines. Even though I work for Chans I am astounded by the great prices on wines!

Would love to have you and your family dine at our retaurant any time.

We also have a smaller cheese counter and deli at our Grand Blvd. location. Ann & Nena, who run the cheese counter, are wonderful. The menu at the deli is an abbreviated version of our Destin Commons location and only serves lunch. (paninis, cubans, clubs, baguetts, soups and salads)

Hope you enjoy your stay!

Allifunn · 06-15-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SneakyPete

I second (or third) the rec for Chan's for cheese selection. Fresh Market used to carry my favorite blue -- Roaring Forties -- but I haven't seen it lately. I like that Chan's lets you taste before you buy, and
Closer to 30A, we like Pizza Bar at Seaside, Fire restaurant, and Jambones on 98 (great prices for inventive food).

We usually have it at Chans...but not always. I'll pm you next time we recieve a shipment if you would like.

Jambones is a good place for lunch with kids! Fire is a great place for an adult lunch or dinner ( friday 10cent martinis!)
Pizza Bar is just plain YUM!!!!!

Sparky · 06-15-2009, 07:59 AM

Try Wild Olives at Rosemary Beach. There is a new dinner menu with a light menu and an inexpensive dinner menu. It's also a market for take out.

Plays With Food · 06-15-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SneakyPete

I second (or third) the rec for Chan's for cheese selection. Fresh Market used to carry my favorite blue -- Roaring Forties -- but I haven't seen it lately. I like that Chan's lets you taste before you buy, and they also have a great, reasonably priced restaurant on site. If they're old enough, you can drop the kids off at the Destin Commons w/ movie and ice cream money and have the adults hit Chans across the street for dinner. On Scenic Gulf Drive near Destin Commons is Camille's. They're owned by the same folks as Habor Docks and they have great sushi and seafood favorites, and a homey, family friendly atmosphere.

Closer to 30A, we like Pizza Bar at Seaside, Fire restaurant, and Jambones on 98 (great prices for inventive food).

Is Camille's still in business? They were closed when we stopped there in February, and their part of the joint website with Harbor Docks was down. If they are open - we have enjoyed their food.

PizzabytheSea · 06-15-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasingChe

I have read Nancy's many blogs and browsed here before my account was activated this morning. But, I know that in this fickle economy and with the storms, businesses close and change hands (and clearly quality!) often.

We are on a major dining budget this trip and have a kitchen in the resort, so we will likely eat a few meals in the room. I'd love to find a great take-out place. We really enjoyed the NY Deli in Pensacola last year, something along that same vein. My kids have food allergies, so the standard chicken nuggets and fries won't work for us. :)

I'm also looking for some great little local places that just have fantastic food. I've already marked down the Silver Sands breakfast counter (hoping that is still operating!) and Dewey Destin's (hope I got that name right).

Basically, I'm looking for something YOU guys would eat - affordable, local, fun, kitchy, and absolutely food-driven delicious.

I'm also needing the name of a bakery who does gluten-free birthday cakes. If there are none locally, I'll just order one at home and bring it with us. But, I'd love to support local businesses down there, if possible.

Thanks so much!

We would love to have you and your little ones! We have gluten-free pizza and an ultra-casual environment where kids can be kids. Hope you enjoy your vacation. Our website is www.pizzabythesea.com

Amy@Avalon · 06-15-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizzabytheSea

We would love to have you and your little ones! We have gluten-free pizza and an ultra-casual environment where kids can be kids. Hope you enjoy your vacation. Our website is www.pizzabythesea.com

That's great that you can do gluten free pizza! I will spread the word. So many folks have allergies, but I never knew of any restaurants to suggest.

Allifunn · 06-16-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizzabytheSea

We would love to have you and your little ones! We have gluten-free pizza and an ultra-casual environment where kids can be kids. Hope you enjoy your vacation. Our website is www.pizzabythesea.com

A GREAT place for kids!

(and adults, of course!)

Bertha · 06-19-2009, 12:03 PM

Try JC'S Off the Hook on 30A - Blue Mtn. The food is DELICIOUS!! They serve a wide variety of dishes that are very reasonably priced. Fried Green Beans are my fav! They have a new web site - JCSOFFTHEHOOK.com with the complete menu. Casual - family friendly dining. And the service was great!

closer2fine · 06-19-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Fresh Market in Destin has a reasonably diverse cheese counter- maytag blue, humboldt fog, all kinds of stuff that's a little too obscure for Publix (Which is actually pretty good for a mass market grocer)

Alas, we're just far too small of a metro area for either Whole Foods or Trader Joe's to have an interest in.

I would love to have a Trader Joe's here - or anywhere within a hour or so drive.

phillycheese · 06-19-2009, 09:44 PM

Vintij in Sandestin is great, affordable, and eclectic.

Beach Runner · 06-19-2009, 10:31 PM

PIZZA BAR IS AWESOME.

I say that at risk of a long wait. But with the two of us visiting uncountably many times, they know us. We slip in.

Derba913 · 06-19-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizzabytheSea

We would love to have you and your little ones! We have gluten-free pizza and an ultra-casual environment where kids can be kids. Hope you enjoy your vacation. Our website is www.pizzabythesea.com

Definitely try JC's Off the Hook...a new restaurant opened in Blue Mountain Beach just this past March. Casual atmosphere, simple seafood and affordable prices. You won't be dissapointed!!!

bluemtnrunner · 06-25-2009, 09:28 PM

Pizza Bar! Cafe Bouche' is so good. I love a fruity breakfast at Hibiscus too.
I'm glad to here of Chans. We have not had a lot of luck getting good cheeses locally. We did walk into a little wine and cheese shop in Rosemary one day that looked interesting.