Shrimp and Grits Brunch - 50 Ways So Far at Tommy Bahama's

[Marla Burns]

Shrimp and Grits Brunch at Tommy Bahama's Restaurant and Bar in
Grand Boulevard Gains Loyal Following

More than 50 recipe variations created so far

Miramar Beach, Fla., (June 24, 2012) – Every Sunday for the past two years Crystal Castillo, executive chef at Tommy Bahama's Restaurant and Bar in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, has been creating innovative shrimp and grits dishes for brunch.

Under Chef Castillo's supervision, Tommy Bahama's has served shrimp and grits over 50 different ways in the past two years, and only the best have been repeated.

“To me, shrimp and grits is like chicken and mashed potatoes,” Castillo said. “There are so many avenues you can go.”

Variations such as the island-influenced interpretation, good old-fashion low country, and Creole style shrimp and grits have kept locals and visitors alike coming back every Sunday.

One of the recent recipes was comprised of smoked Gouda grits with shrimp, onions, sweet peppers, fried green tomatoes and Creole crawfish hollandaise sauce.

Tommy Bahama's plans to continue the popular shrimp and grits brunch special indefinitely.

“Now we have a following of people who know we do it each week and they know it will be different,” Castillo said. “The guests look forward to it and so do the staff.”

The staff favorite is any version of barbecue, according to Castillo. Her personal favorite is the beer and cheese grits. Instead of cooking the grits in stock, they are cooked in beer.

“Like any artist, we get that block,” Castillo said about creating so many different shrimp and grits dishes. However, she keeps producing delicious new recipes each week to satisfy the Sunday brunch regulars.

Shrimp and grits is served every Sunday for brunch, along with the full lunch menu. Prices start at $15 for shrimp and grits.

Tommy Bahama's Restaurant and Bar is located at 525 Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach, Fla. 32550 and opens at 11:00 a.m. daily.