Publisher’s Letter: Icons of taste

April 2, 2023

Greetings fellow foodies!

As we went to press this year on the latest edition of the Food & Wine Guide for South Walton, the festival season was ramping up. We saw many of you at the Taste of the Race in Seaside, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival and the renowned 30A Wine Festival in Alys Beach. The season continues into April with the Sandestin Wine Festival (story on page 58) and the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival (page 44).

As always, we include a directory of South Walton restaurants at the back of the magazine (starting on page 74). A popular dining option in South Walton that is growing is the private chef category. You’ll find numerous chefs who can create a unique dining experience for your visit to paradise. As you read the magazine, please do me a personal favor and be sure to visit our advertising partners at their establishments throughout the area. It is an honor to have their support each issue, as we publish the only dining guide serving the South Walton market.

And finally, no matter if you are a long-time resident or annual visitor, your dining experience in South Walton was most likely influenced by Harriet Crommelin (pictured at top), the owner and operator of Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach. Harriet passed away Feb. 8. An easy case is made that Harriet defined and set the bar for impeccable service and remarkable food in South Walton. As one of the longest running restaurants in the area, Cafe Thirty-A and Harriet welcomed guests for almost three decades. She will be sorely missed, but the influence of such a culinary icon will undoubtedly remain for decades to come.

Thanks again for reading and sharing in our culinary adventures here in paradise.

Until next time, bon appétit.

Phil Heppding
Publisher
phil@30afoodandwine.com