Michelle Farnham

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March 31, 2023

Ovide hosting Easter brunch April 9

March 31, 2023
Special to 30A Food & Wine

SANDESTIN – Ovide at Hotel Effie Sandestin is hosting a special Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, April 9. Locals and travelers alike can enjoy delectable dishes, live music and more. Brunch is priced at $95 per person, excluding gratuity and tax, $25 for children under 12 years old, and free of charge for children under 5.

The buffet features various stations where guests can savor the taste of traditional favorites and new, innovative dishes. The breakfast station includes scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage and cocktail shrimp, made with lemons, cocktail and tartar sauce. In the action station, guests can enjoy a fresh omelet with assorted toppings and a french toast bar complete with fruits, whipped cream, peanut butter, Nutella and chocolate chips.

Guests can pair assorted breads and rolls with fresh salads like the spinach and kale salad with seasonal berries, goat cheese, pistachio, red onion and black pepper honey vinaigrette, or a wedge salad with bacon lardons, blue cheese, heirloom tomatoes and buttermilk dressing.

At the carving station, guests can indulge in prime rib with horseradish cream, leg of lamb with mustard mint jus, salmon with beurre blanc and glazed ham with maple jus. Glazed carrots, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, cream corn and crispy Brussels sprout are featured in the sides station to pair with any dish. Make sure to save room for dessert, including banana pudding, carrot cake, strawberry cheesecake, lemon bars and assorted cookies.

Brunch will be hosted at Hotel Effie at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where guests can enjoy an upscale ambiance and indulge in a combination of local Gulf Coast flavors and classic French techniques. Reservations are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be made on Resy.

March 30, 2023

Spell Restaurant Group acquires Shades Bar & Grill, Shaka Sushi

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March 30, 2023
Special to 30A Food & Wine

INLET BEACH – Spell Restaurant Group, led by father-daughter duo Rick Spell and Christy Spell Terry, have announced the acquisition of two Inlet Beach eateries: Shades Bar & Grill and Shaka Sushi & Cocktail Bar. Last Call Restaurant Group will turn over both businesses to Rick and Christy on April 1. The additions grow the Spell Restaurant Group’s portfolio to 10 restaurants, with seven in Florida and three in Memphis, Tenn.

“It has always been our goal to have a strong presence in the 30A-Highway 98 hospitality industry, and adding Shades and Shaka to our portfolio helps us do just that,” said Christy. “We’re not only expanding our roster, we’re expanding our geographic footprint a little further east, as well. While we have Saltwater Grill in Panama City Beach, our four other Florida restaurants are located in the Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach areas.”

While Shaka is the father-daughter team’s first Asian fusion eatery, Rick and Christy have extensive experience in managing sports bars similar to Shades. They have owned the wildly popular Brookhaven Pub & Grill in Memphis since 2004. Even still, Rick and Christy will undoubtedly rely on existing employees, all of whom will be asked to stay, to get to know the ins and outs of both establishments before April 1.

“As soon as the deal was made final, the team members at Shades and Shaka became part of our family in our eyes,” said Christy. “They, along with Greg Wakeham, the Freer brothers and Steven Sapp of Last Call Restaurant Group, have played integral roles in making these establishments what they are today and we have tremendous respect for all they’ve done. We look forward to learning from their teams and having their help in the continued success of both restaurants for years to come.”

Shades opened in 1994, spending its first 11 years in Seaside before moving to its current location at Inlet Beach Village at 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A. Shaka, which is located at 13625 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Suite 5-6, opened in April 2019. Last Call Restaurant Group will maintain ownership of The Courtyard at Pescado and Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach.

In addition to the restaurants, the purchase includes Inlet Beach Village, the building that houses Shades and four other tenants: Galvas Construction, Naumann Group, 30A Luxury Vacations and Blue Title LLC.

March 27, 2023

Back Beach Barbecue, Idyll Hounds raise $2,670 for NICU

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Beer dinner gives back to Gulf Coast neonatal unit

March 27, 2023
Special to 30A Food & Wine

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Back Beach Barbecue and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company hosted an intimate beer dinner at Back Beach Barbecue March 2. Through donations and ticket sales, the evening raised $2,670 in support of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Over 50 guests gathered for a private dining experience, featuring a five-course meal prepared by Back Beach Barbecue Pitmaster Shane Kirkland. Each course was accompanied by a specially selected beer by local brewery, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company. Throughout the meal, Kirkland highlighted local meats and seafood, and experimented with various smoked elements to bring a special touch to each dish.

Through donations and ticket sales, $2,670 was raised for Panama City’s HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital’s NICU and will go toward the purchase of clothing, supplies, and a specialized camera system in the NICU that will allow families to check in and observe their premature infant at any time.

Kirkland and his wife, Heather, who is also an employee at Back Beach Barbecue, have a personal tie to the NICU after welcoming twin boys, Ezra and Isaiah, last year. Both were born premature and had to stay in the NICU due to struggles of eating on their own, bilirubin levels, and caloric intake. Ezra and Isaiah made a special appearance at the dinner to meet some of the nurses and doctors who treated them.

“It was a full circle moment for us,” Shane said. “Having the nurses and doctors there to see our boys and how well they are doing now, it was really special for us as a family. I’m so glad I got to cook for them and that we are able to give back.”

March 23, 2023

New Hemmingway-themed menus debut at Havana Beach

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
March 23, 2023

ROSEMARY BEACH – Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s new brunch and dinner menus are an ode to Hemingway’s Havana, celebrating the joy of living, eating and drinking well. The new menus debut this spring and draw inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s favorite oldtown Havana haunt, El Floridita, after which the Havana Bar & Grill itself was modeled.

Much like Hemingway himself, the culinary team at Havana Beach Bar & Grill believe that dining should delight all of the senses. Equal parts Gulf Coast and Caribbean, with French-inspired techniques, our new menus feature cuisine as locally sourced as possible.

Consider each bite a story, each course a new chapter to dive into, and each visit a journey. ¡Salud!

The new menu’s section names take inspiration from Hemingway’s most famous works. Traditional breakfast selections are found on the menu under the headline “The Sun Also Rises,” sharable appetizers are under the title “A Moveable Feast,” “Green Hills” indicates the salad section, and “For Whom the Bread Tolls” are the handheld burgers and sandwiches. On the dinner menu, “Old Man & the Sea” indicates the seafood section, while the “Hemingway on Hunting” section includes the chicken, pork and steak entrees.

Highlighted brunch menu items include new offerings like the Stuffed Torrejas, made with vanilla-cinnamon custard brioche bread, guava cream cheese, fried plantain, caramelized pecan, and warm dulce de leche; the Carnivore Omelet is made with three eggs, Black Forest ham, bacon, Cochon andouille sausage, peppers, onions and pepperjack cheddar cheese. Sharable favorites will include the Mojo Pork Empanadas and Hot Grouper Bites, while the Pollo Frito Cubano sandwich is made with fried chicken breast cutlet, jalapeno, cucumber-jicama slaw, Swiss cheese and mojo aioli, served on a toasted Cuban roll.

Highlighted dinner menu items include appetizers like the Mojo Pork Empanadas and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Havana Ceviche Atún (key lime-coconut marinated tuna, with red onion, mango, sweet and hot peppers, fresh herbs, toasted coconut and fried plantain), and Oysters de Antigua (coconut-tamarind, jerk spice roasted oysters). Seafood entrees offered under “The Old Man & the Sea” include Grouper de Santiago (blackened grouper served with Carolina gold rice, sofrito black beans, fried okra, fried green tomato, and pickled corn relish), while the “Hemmingway on Hunting” section of the menu offers highlights such as Isla Chicken (made with mango-jerk BBQ sauce and served with pickled prickly pear), or the classic Center Cut Beef Tenderloin.

Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located in The Pearl Hotel, 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach.

February 28, 2023

30A Wine Festival: Carnival!

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Grand Tasting fills Alys Beach with color

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 28, 2023

ALYS BEACH – Mardi Gras rolled through town last week, but there was still plenty of celebration at the Carnival-themed 30A Wine Festival Grand Tasting, held Feb. 25 along South Charles Street.

Vibrant Brazilian decor stood out among the stark white architecture synonymous with Alys Beach. Complete with traditional music and dancers, many of the restaurants presented dishes in keeping with the evening’s theme.

Bites

George’s at Alys Beach served mini pork belly tostadas.

The Depot served Baja tuna tartare sushi bowls and Gulf seafood paella.

Black Bear Bread Co. delighted with lemon curd king cake.

Yellowfin tuna dumplings were plated by Pescado.

The Alys Beach Culinary Team, for example, served Brazilian seafood stew and picanha skewers, which Executive Chef Drew Dzejak was grilling and carving on-site.

“We got the steak picante, done on the traditional skewers, as well as some lovely beef fat roasted potatoes to go with it,” Dzejak said, adding he thought the venue was looking particularly colorful and festive.

Neighboring George’s at Alys Beach was also in attendance at the sold-out event, including a pork belly tostada and a vegan lettuce wrap.

“We toss mushrooms in a teriyaki-style sauce with bourbon in it, and garnish it with toasted cashews, crispy shallots and pickled red cabbage,” explained Executive Chef Camille Withall, while refilling plates. “I love this festival, bringing people together. It shows the community and it’s a good time.”

In addition to other local vendors like Black Bear Bread Co., The Salty Butcher, Pescado and 2 Birds Café, festival organizers brought in talent from outside the state. Chef Scott Simpson of The Depot out of Auburn, Ala., was serving Baja tuna tartare sushi bowls and Gulf seafood paella. Hailing from Cleveland Heights in the Buckeye state, Farmer’s Feast served a rillette of Ohio chicken with crisp rice; and sausage, pickled cabbage and potato crisp on a baguette.

Of course it wouldn’t be a wine festival without the wine, and ticket-holders could sample vintages from the likes of Soter Vineyards, La Grande Sieste, Thompson 31Fifty Wines, La Fete Wine Co., and Finca Ambrosia, to name a few.

The stroll down Charles Street concluded with a cocktail station, pouring mixed drinks using Leyenda de México tequila, Campesino Rum, Vulanica Vodka, and Wonderland Distilling Gin.

Sights

The Grand Tasting was held Feb. 25.

The Carnival theme brought a lot of color to South Charles Street!

Even the guests got in on the sartorial fun!

Wine vendors came from near and far to offer their bottles.

Wine vendors came from near and far to offer their bottles.

The 30A Wine Festival ran Feb. 22 to 26.

In addition to wine, guests enjoyed a cocktail station.

Beautiful Alys Beach afternoons call for beautiful Alys Beach sunsets.

First-time attendee Joanna Thomas was in awe of the festivities.

“This is just tremendous; we’re having such a wonderful time!” she said, gesturing around. “The wine is exquisite, the food is delicious, I love the Brazilian dancers, and of course the venue here in Alys Beach is unmatched.”

The Grand Tasting is part of the five-day 30A Wine Festival extravaganza, including speciality dinners and seminars; Bourbon, Beer & Butts; the Gospel Brunch; and the Rose & Croquet tournament. The weekend benefits the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, providing affordable healthcare to children in need throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

February 22, 2023

Schoolhouse rock!

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Taste of the Race culinary event supports Seaside School

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 22, 2023

SEASIDE – Race weekend is always Seaside’s time to shine, but Friday was Seaside’s night to rock!

The sold-out crowd of more than 700 filled the Lyceum Lawn at Seaside Neighborhood School Feb. 17 for Taste of the Race, sampling eats from 19 restaurants, sipping on drinks from the open bars, and rocking the night away to the classic rock sounds of The Velcro Pygmies.

The evening benefits the Seaside Neighborhood School Foundation, which supports the public charter school, and is held in conjunction with the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K.

The SNS eighth grade performance band opened the evening.

Marrow Private Chefs brought their pork belly kabobs.

The amigos 30a team offered chicken tacos.

Havana Beach plated beef ropa vieja over grits.

Sweet Henrietta’s offered a sweet spread.

Taste of the Race was the place to be Friday night.

The Velcro Pygmies kept the crowd rocking!

Shunk Gulley served a grilled BBQ chipotle bourbon butter oyster.

The chefs of Taste of the Race pose for a photo with the Seaside Neighborhood School culinary students.

Nathan Corchis, who was working the tables for his family’s restaurants amigos 30a and amici 30a, served up honey sriracha chicken tacos, cheese quesadillas, and tiramisu; and rigatoni vodka pasta, ravioli cheese sticks, and cannoli, respectively.

“Everybody’s loving it and we’ve been having fun, too,” Corchis said. “We love doing this every year. It’s awesome seeing this many people in a small space, having fun.”

Havana Beach Bar & Grill enticed guests with the flavors of Cuba from their beef ropa vieja.

“We did it our way, Southern-style, over Manchego cheese heirloom grits,” said Food and Beverage Director Kevin Dixon, pointing out the dish will be appearing on their new spring menu starting March 6. “This is a great local event, especially when we can support something like the Seaside School. We love getting to network with the other restaurants and see guests who dine with us all the time.”

Over at the Fish Out of Water table, WaterColor Culinary Director Blaine Wilkinson was plating up a tequila sunrise chicken satay, served with a shot of tequila.

“It’s Friday night and the tequila has been very popular!” Wilkinson admitted, adding, “The feedback has been very, very good.”

The participating restaurants and caterers compete for a trio of awards, voted on by ticket-holders, a panel of judges, and the restaurateurs themselves.

People’s Choice: Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi
Judge’s Choice: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Chefs’ Choice: The Shrimp Shack

A special VIP experience preceded the main event and included a performance from the SNS eighth grade performance band.

Other restaurant partners included Aegean Greek Restaurant, amici 30a, amigos 30a, Black Bear Bread Co., Blue Mountain Bakery/Swiftly Catered, Bud & Alley’s, Daytrader, Fish Out of Water, The Chicken Shack, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, Marrow Private Chefs, The Red Bar, Signature Catering of 30a, Surfing Deer, Sweet Henrietta’s, and Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Contest winners

People’s Choice: Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi

Chefs’ Choice: The Shrimp Shack

Judges’ Choice: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar & Restaurant

February 22, 2023

Alys Beach prepares for 11th 30A Wine Festival

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 22, 2023

ALYS BEACH – The 30A Wine Festival returns to the community of Alys Beach for its 11th year: Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. The festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites over five days of celebration – a series of events and workshops where wine enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike relish in the festivities within the captivating town of Alys Beach.

All proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a local charity which provides health services to uninsured or underinsured school children in Walton and Okaloosa counties.

Cultural experiences are written into the master plan of Alys Beach through the dictates of The Alys Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that underwrites the 30A Wine Festival and the other Alys Beach signature festivals. These events and festivals are designed to bring the Alys Beach community, with an emphasis on its homeowners and their families and friends, together around a shared cultural experience.

In its 11 years, the 30A Wine Festival has become a series of events that gather the adult community for exquisite food, drink, music and revelry. As the town grows and the footprint of the festival remains fixed, and as ticket sales release to Alys Beach homeowners first by design, the events are organically transitioning into experiences exclusive to our owner community, an added amenity for our Alys Beach homeowners.

The 30A Wine Festival will continue to release any remaining tickets to our Alys Beach vacation rental guests and the larger community in the years ahead, and invites both festival goers and the larger community to participate in the event that is always open to the public – the 30A Wine Festival Silent Auction benefiting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. No tickets are required to bid on auction items, just head to 30awinefest.givesmart.com.
Sponsors of the 11th Annual 30A Wine Festival include Brown, Burns & Associates, Inc. Financial Advisors, BALCONES Distilling, Alys Beach Construction, Alys Beach Real Estate, Driftwood Wine & Spirits, Laurent-Perrier, The Jewel, Scenic Stays, and Galvas Construction.

Schedule of events

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22
• Tour of The Rhône Valley Wine Dinner, The Beach Club; 6-9 p.m.
This special Rhône Valley wine dinner will be held in the Lounge of the Beach Club exclusively for Alys Beach property owners. Beach Club Chef Renato Falconi will prepare a four-course dinner in the French tradition, in tandem with beautiful pairings from the cellars of Rhône Valley’s finest, M. Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Chateau de Beaucastel. The live music performance of Cam Ray will accompany the event.

• Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner, Caliza Restaurant; 6-9 p.m.
At the onset of this year’s 30A Wine Festival, Caliza’s Red Loggia sets an elegant tone for an intimate evening with Paul Hobbs Winery. Agustina Hobbs will share the winery’s finest offerings paired perfectly with four courses from Alys Beach Executive Chef Kevin Cavanaugh. This evening is sure to be an experience to remember. The live music performance of Mari Gleason will accompany the event.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23
• Oysters + Champagne, The Beach Plaza; 6-9 p.m.
An evening on the Beach Plaza featuring the most exceptional oysters harvested throughout the southeast. Accompanied by champagne and live music, the Oysters + Champagne event is always a beautiful evening of celebration. The live music performance of the Lilli Lewis Trio will accompany the event. Oysters will be provided by Cypress Point Oyster Co., Pelican Oyster Farm, Serenoa Shellfish Co.; a food station will be provided by The Citizen; champagne stations will feature Laurent-Perrier, Laherte Frères, VINTUS Wine Imports, Champagne Delamotte, and Piper-Heidsieck – Charles Heidsieck.

• Leyenda de México Tequila Dinner, Papilio Park; 6-9 p.m.
A new addition to the 30A Wine Festival, the Leyenda de México Tequila Dinner features a four-course dinner alongside neat tequila tastings and uniquely crafted cocktails from this beautiful tequila from Jalisco. Set in the enchanting canopy of Papilio Park, this dinner is a welcomed addition to the festival repertoire and is sure to be a memorable evening of food, drink, and revelry. The live music performance of Jeff Taylor will accompany the event.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24
• Mixology Seminar, Red Loggia; 5-6:30 p.m.
This hands-on mixology seminar will take you through the creation of three perfect craft cocktails that are sure to impress even the most avid cocktail connoisseurs. Our experts, Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage and Christopher Ritch of Maverick Beverage Company, share their expertise, insights, and instructions to impart participants with a fresh new lineup to replicate at home.

• Bourbon, Beer & Butts, Kelly Green; 6:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy a night of bourbon, beer, and barbecue with bourbon tastings from distilleries across the country, craft brews from local and national breweries, and savory barbecue creations showcasing the top culinary talents in the Southeast.
Breweries include Grayton Beer Company , Wicked Weed Brewing Company, Tin Roof Brewing Company, Pensacola Bay Brewery, Sixpoint Brewery, Goat Island Brewing, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company.
Participating culinary talent represents Alys Beach, Marrow Private Chefs, Saw’s BBQ, The Hound, The Perfect Pig Grill and Fish House, Treaty Oak Distilling, Southern Soul BBQ, RC Weddings + Events Professional Catering, and Cookie Fix.
Bourbon distilleries include Treaty Oak Distilling, Lexington Brewing & Distilling, Dettling Bourbon, Doc Swinson’s Whiskey, Savage & Cooke, Michter’s Distillery, Paul Sutton Bourbon, Superb Spirits, and Balcones Distilling. The Cleverlys are sure to keep the party rockin’ all night!

SATURDAY, FEB. 25
• Grand Tasting , 3:30-6:30 p.m. | South Charles Street
Immerse yourself in the streetscapes of Alys Beach as you stroll down South Charles Street for the Grand Tasting. Between tasting more than 80 wines from around the globe and light bites to accompany you along the way, this is sure to be a stroll like no other. The live music performances of Jared Herzog, Mike Whitty, and Tanner Gray will accompany the event.
Participating culinary talent represents Ravello Ristorante, The Salty Butcher, George’s at Alys Beach, The Depot , Pescado, Farmer’s Feast, Alys Beach Culinary, 2 Birds Café, Seabear, Chocolatá, Black Bear Bread Co.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26
• Gospel Brunch, Gulf Green; 10 a.m. to noon
We’ll keep the mimosas, Bloody Marys, and coffee cocktails flowing while you enjoy a lively, delicious brunch in one of Alys Beach’s most beautiful and iconic settings, Gulf Green. Feel the joy as the sounds of the gospel choir fill the space for this celebratory Sunday event. The live music performance of the Soul Sensations will accompany the event. The brunch cocktail station will feature Treaty Oak Distilling.

• Rosé & Croquet, Kelly Green; noon to 3 p.m.
Rosé & Croquet is one of the most beloved of the festival events. Wear your croquet whites and enjoy a festive gathering featuring a beautiful brunch spread and an elegant selection of rosés. Rally your best mates and fuel up for the ninth annual Croquet Tournament (each player must purchase an individual ticket + an additional $200 for a four-person team ticket is required to play in the tournament), or just sit back, sip some sparkling rosé, and watch the games. It’s always a fun finale for the 30A Wine Festival! The live music performance of Ken & Andi will accompany the event.

February 15, 2023

Sandestin Gumbo Festival returns Feb. 24-25

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 13, 2023

SANDESTIN – The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is one of the most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast where the area’s best chefs compete for bragging rights with gumbo and Bloody Mary showdowns. The festival returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a weekend of festivities and delicious food on Feb. 24 to 25.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, Feb. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a delicious seafood boil at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille, complete with live music and great company. At noon on Saturday, Feb. 25, The Village will come alive with live music and funky beats from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, tons of family-friendly activities and the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast.

Accommodations are available at nearby Hotel Effie, a pet-friendly hotel with on-site restaurants and spa; Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which offers a special Gumbo Festival package using code FLFGPT at checkout; or Osprey Pointe, a spacious condo complete with separate bedrooms.

February 12, 2023

Restaurateur and visionary Harriet Crommelin dies at 76

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Harriet Huntress Crommelin, 1946 – 2023

Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 12, 2023

Harriet Huntress Crommelin, 76, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., passed away Feb. 8, 2023, at her home in Seagrove Beach. Harriet was predeceased by her parents Vice Admiral Henry Crommelin and Sally (Huntress) Crommelin and her siblings Diane Miller Kershaw, Henry Jr. and Sally (Susie) Crommelin-Dell. Harriet is survived by 13 nieces and nephews, dear friends, and her restaurant family.

Harriet was born Feb. 19, 1946 in Washington, D.C., the youngest of four. She grew up in Montgomery, Ala. and was a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School and later The University of Alabama. Harriet first got into the restaurant business in 1982, opening Kat & Harri’s Nice Place in Cloverdale, Montgomery, followed by The Bistro a few years later.

In 1995, she moved to the Emerald Coast to open one of the first restaurants on Scenic 30A, Café Thirty-A, which has been consistently successful for almost 27 years. Harriet was a true trailblazer, a visionary. Her passion for fine wine and consistently delicious food has paved the way for many of the restaurants in South Walton, Fla. She was an inspiration to women entrepreneurs everywhere.

Harriet enjoyed traveling, wine tastings, and supporting many local charities in the 30A area, including Alaqua Animal Refuge, Caring and Sharing of South Walton, and Children’s Volunteer Health Network. She never met a stranger and treated everyone like family. She also loved dogs and a good party. Harriet was considered by many to be the matriarch of 30A.

A celebration of life will take place on May 5, 2023. Details coming soon. A private burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Harriet’s family requests donations be made to Alaqua Animal Refuge, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, or Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

February 9, 2023

Let the good times roll at Baytowne!

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 10, 2023

SANDESTIN – Mardi Gras is one of the biggest parties of the year where locals and travelers alike indulge in lively parades, celebrations and traditions. In the heart of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Village of Baytowne Wharf hosts over-the-top Mardi Gras parties.

The festivities begin on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the annual Baytowne Mardi Gras Parade which will fill the Village streets with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, costumed dogs and their humans. From 2 to 5 p.m., Mardi Gras music will fill the air as four-legged friends and parade participants shower the streets with a barrage of beads, Moon Pies and other trinkets.

On Feb. 21, break out your Mardi Gras beads on what many call the most festive day of the year, Fat Tuesday, at the Mardi Gras Street Pardi. Starting at 6 p.m. guests will gather at The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a Village Street Party complete with music by New Orleans soul-funk band Boukou Groove, street performers, entertainers and more. The post-pardi celebration will continue into the night with parties at several Baytowne establishments, including Fat Tuesdays, the ultimate Mardi Gras stop. Grab an iconic New Orleans original daiquiris or any frozen concoction and “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll)!

Accommodations are available at nearby Hotel Effie, a pet-friendly hotel with on-site restaurants and spa, or Osprey Pointe, a spacious condo complex complete with separate bedrooms.