Menu

Seagrove

PBTSPepp

Slice of Life

, , , , , , ,

By Sarah Murphy Robertson

Pizza. Piiiiiiizzzzzzzaaaa. It is as craved and adored as foods go. Interestingly, it wasn’t until after WWII, when Americans really started their love affair with this cheesy, sublime treat. While occupying Italian territories, many American soldiers tasted pizza for the first time. And since then, pizza has become so beloved, that pizzerias represent 17 percent of all U.S. restaurants and 93% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month!

In 1987, October became recognized as national pizza month. It is no secret that October is a favorite time of year on 30A for locals and visitors alike. So it seems only fitting to recognize this favorite food during this favorite month here on 30A. The two 30A pizzerias we are highlighting are as treasured as their pies themselves.

Approaching their 25th anniversary this March, Bruno’s Pizza opened in 1990 as 30A’s first pizzeria. Self-described as “classic and old school”; every day they make their own dough and sauce, shred and blend their cheeses, and each pie ordered is hand-tossed. Owner Jeff Goodman shared the effort they put into the smoked meats for their Barbeque pizzas: “We smoke butts and brisket every day in house.” Ingredients-focused and proud of it, Bruno’s uses local vendors to source produce whenever possible. Their daily pizza buffet is a jackpot too – including a variety of their specialty pies.

After over 23 years in Seagrove, Bruno’s Pizza moved to WaterSound in December of 2013. When asked about the move, it has been the “second best” decision Jeff Goodman ever made. (Second only to coming to live in Florida in the first place!) “We have nearly 100 seats now and a shaded deck where we can serve many more guests and offer live music. It’s awesome” he replied.
Bruno’s Pizza is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They are located at the front gate of WaterSound Beach, 6652 East County Highway 30A. Phone: (850) 231.1452.

A few of our favorites from Pizza by the Sea
A few of our favorites from Pizza by the Sea

The newer kid on the block, Pizza by the Sea, is a family-friendly favorite of our 30A community. Their casual, fun locations are the perfect place to bring your little people. Pizza by the Sea regularly supports local charities like Food for Thought (http://foodforthoughtfl.org/) and Children’s Volunteer Health Network (http://www.cvhnkids.org/main/) as well as sponsoring area schools and local youth sports teams. I asked owner Kristi Beer if this sums up their business’s philosophy. She replied yes. “We like that we’re super kid-friendly at our restaurants and also kid-focused with the organizations we help.”

While Pizza by the Sea’s pledge to give back complements the 30A community perfectly, so does their multiple options for the health-conscious lifestyle. With more and more people eliminating gluten from their diets, Kristi has seen the popularity of their delicious gluten-free crust “sky-rocket”, as have their Yum Bowls – all those much-craved pizza toppings served in bowls without the carbs of the dough. Through word of mouth, these menu items have become some of their top sellers.

Pizza by the Sea has two locations: right next to the Watercolor Publix on Hwy 395 and at Gulf Place on Hwy 393 and 30A. Phone: (850) 231.3030 (Watercolor) and (850) 267.2202 (Gulf Place). Open Sunday- Wednesday 11 am-8 pm and Thursday-Saturday 11 am -9pm.

CHef Christiopher Holbrook

School of Thought

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

They say fish is brain food, which is just what Chef Christopher Holbrook of Signature Catering of 30-A anticipates our new Gulf to Table events will ultimately serve up. When asked what these dinners will bring to 30A, he was quick to answer: “Education for the consumer. Our menus will highlight lesser-known fish; providing a platform for helping both local fishermen and our area’s ecosystem.”

Chef Christopher is excited for these private meals to provide one-on-one dialogues on fishing practices in our area. He is well-versed on the many factors driving the popularity of specific fish, and is ready to bring his knowledge to his diners’ culinary repertoires.

One of Chef Christopher's Signature dishes.
One of Chef Christopher’s Signature dishes.

His Gulf to Table menus will emphasize a balanced progression; keeping it fresh and straightforward. “To me, the fish is the star and so that will always be my first focus” promises the chef. While his career’s spanned decades and time zones, most recently he notes his role in encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. His clients are health conscious but also food-savvy. He strives to push his food’s creativity, while also keeping them fit.

And, what is fine dining without exquisite wine? All of the signature event meals will offer unique pairings personally fashioned by 30afoodandwine.com’s partner, Chan’s Wine World. Guests should expect the unexpected and be ready to find some new favorites.

Informing diners, supporting local fishermen, improving our ecosystem, eating healthily…all while enjoying mouthwatering dishes and wine? Sounds like a pretty smart move!

Gulf to Table Signature Events with Chef Christopher at the helm can be reserved through 30afoodandwine.com. The inaugural meal will be held Saturday November 8th. For tickets please call 850.687.3776 or email phil@ecconciergeservice.com.

cafe-thirty-a-2019-017

Cafe Thirty-A

,

3899 E County Highway 30a
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
850-231-2166
www.cafethirtya.com

MENUS

Consistently chic, consistently delicious

By Laura Holloway

SEAGROVE BEACH – Sumptuous crab cakes and fine wines tend to come paired with a stuffy, upper-crust atmosphere, but Café Thirty-A’s inviting, casual-yet-with-a-special-occasion feel brings tourists vying for a table and locals consistently coming back time and time again.

In fact, it’s the word “consistent” that continues to find its place in reviews and press about the 26-year-old restaurant, more definitively “consistently delicious.” It’s what owner Harriet Crommelin attributes Café Thirty-A’s success.

“It’s consistently delicious. In fact, we use that on our t-shirts and advertising because it’s something we’ve heard time and time again about our food,” Crommelin said. And consistency is important, with many adding “Dinner at Café Thirty-A” to their vacation to-do list before they ever leave home.

30A is a unique place, one that defines a new kind of culinary lifestyle. As Crommelin said, “All of the restaurants are locally owned and operated. There are no chains, so of course, everything is unique. The owners pay more attention, and we have a rapport with the community.”

And the flavor Café Thirty-A adds to the 30A food scene is one long-simmered, hearty, memorable, and loved by so many.

The restaurant opened in 1995, at a time when 30A was little more than a few houses dotting the dune grass covered sand. While the original menu was developed by Will McGehee (from Crommelin’s restaurant back in Montgomery, Ala.), Executive Chef Tim Williams adds his own flair and flavor to the upscale and timelessly coastal-Southern menu.

The restaurant’s feel is upscale, classic, and breezy, reminiscent of a favorite coastal home, described by Crommelin as “beach chic.”

Open only for dinner (starting at 4:30 p.m. each day), restaurant guests are tempted with small plates and starters such as Prince Edward Island Saffron Mussels (with sherry saffron broth, tomatoes, chiffonade of basil, and grilled ciabatta), Tuna Poke (with sushi rice, seaweed salad, avocado and tomatillo puree, Thai vinaigrette, and rice crackers), and Grilled Georgia Quail (served alongside creamy grits with shiitake bacon butter), which Crommelin recommends as a definite crowd favorite.

Even the salads are distinct, such as the Fried Oyster Spinach Salad (made with Cherrywood smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, and bacon vinaigrette) and the Local Hydro Salad (with raspberries, goat cheese, candied almonds, diced apples, and apple vinaigrette).

The main course offerings are the things of foodie daydreams, including a Main Lobster in Paradise (served with truffled “three cheese” mac, fried leeks, sweet peas, and roasted red peppers), Tandoori Salmon (with Tandoori rub, jasmine rice, snow peas, cucumber sunomono, and honey raita), and an 8oz grilled filet mignon, served with whipped mashed potatoes, balsamic grilled jumbo asparagus, and Worcestershire reduction. If your entree doesn’t come with Café Thirty-A’s Famous Creamy Grits, be sure to order a side.

Sweet tooth diners, beware: the dessert menu is just as decadent as the main, with a Warm Rum Raisin Apple Bread Pudding (with cinnamon ice cream and Kentucky bourbon sauce), a Hummingbird Cake (with crème anglaise and caramel sauce), and a Chocolate Mousse Pie (with a chocolate cookie crust, balsamic reduction, raspberry coulis, and candied almonds).

A full wine menu is available (by bottle or glass), and a full bar with a special cocktail menu can round out a fun evening (try the Seagrove Beach Breeze, made with New Amsterdam Red Berry, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice). There’s even a kids menu with popular items like chicken fingers, grilled fish, and a very special cheeseburger.

The restaurant’s BOHO special is held nightly, which rewards diners with a half price entrée with purchase of one from 4:30 to 5 p.m. And $6 ‘Tini Night is also a crowd pleaser, offering a special martini menu every Tuesday and Thursday night in the bar, with martinis for only $6. Special events and gatherings can be arranged in the private dining lounge upstairs.

Crommelin’s favorite part of the day? “Talking to the people. We have regulars we see all of the time, and we have new guests that come in from around the world. Everyone is a guest in our ‘home.’” And of course, the inviting space she has created through the years feels like home to many, with reservations recommended each night to assure table availability.

Café Thirty-A is located at 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A in Seagrove Beach, and a full menu and more about the restaurant can be found by visiting cafethirtya.com. Make sure there’s a seat at the table for your next night out by calling 850-231-2166.