Seafood Gumbo

We consume quite a bit of gumbo in my family, so its only natural that I would judge the Sandestin Gumbo Festival now in its 29th year. It has become one of my favorite winter events in South Walton. There is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of seafood, or chicken & sausage gumbo….

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Farming Our Local Waters: Trey Nick of Nick’s Seafood

As a food writer and blogger living by the waters edge of the Emerald Coast, one of the first questions people ask when they visit our area is how they can be certain that they are buying or being served fresh seafood. It would appear that answer would be a simple, but many restaurants do…

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A Foodies Weekend Guide to Harvest Wine & Food Festival

by Gabi Garrett As the sunset painted the sky shades of purple and orange hues, South Walton locals and visitors alike gathered on a postcard perfect Friday night for an event to remember. It was a balmy November evening on the deck overlooking the Gulf at WaterColor Inn, and the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation…

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Boudin Balls & Spanish Wine

I am a big fan of tapas and small plates. One of my favorite memories of visiting Spain was the incredible bites served in the Spanish bars along with great wines by the glass. Tapas are basically snacks, appetizers or canapés, where just one can satisfy or several can become a flavor fest and a…

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The Best Fish Tacos

It doesn’t get any tastier than using fresh seafood in tacos, and here along the Florida Panhandle we have an abundance of the best in the Gulf. One of my favorites has become the invasive species called lionfish. They need to be speared by a pro, but can be bought and cleaned at the local…

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Chef Wesley True Joins The Gulf As Executive Culinary Director

Bravo TV Top Chef contestant, Wesley True, has brought his culinary talents to the Emerald Coast. True has joined the team as the Culinary Director for The Gulf Okaloosa Island and The Gulf Orange Beach  True is widely known from his appearance as a contestant on season 13 of Bravo Network’s Top Chef, hosted by Padma…

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4th Annual Bay Breeze Patio Eggs On the Beach Competition at Seascape Resort Sept. 30th + Gulf Coast Restaurants Judges Announced

Bay Breeze Patio has announced the panel of honorary judges for the Fourth Annual Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition set for September 30th at Seascape Resort. They include Shane Quinlan, the Chef de Cuisine at Emeril’s Coastal Italian; Chef Giovanni Filippone of Vue on 30A; Chef Dominic Damiano of Clemenza’s, Fat Clemenza’s and Mama Clemenza’s;…

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Long Pond Eggplant Rounds

My Dad became an at home chef when he retired from the Navy after 30+ while we were living in New Orleans, though he has always enjoyed cooking, and grills the best burgers and flank steak to this day. Dad found himself interested in many things upon retirement, however, none caught his attention like cooking….

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