baytowne wharf

April 16, 2023

Sandestin Wine Festival: Uncorked!

Wine festival welcomes sold-out crowd to Baytowne

By Michelle Farnham
April 15, 2023

SANDESTIN – The Sandestin Wine Festival has done a lot of evolving in its 36 years. Ticket holders have always been able to sample a wide array of wines from makers around the world, but a glance over this year’s Grand Tasting wine list revealed a surge in “alternative beverages.”

There were plenty of wines to be sure – more Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs and Cabernet Sauvignons than you could possibly taste, and the Bubbly & Boozy tent on the north end of the grounds has long provided guests a chance to sip on whiskeys, bourbons, rums and gins. Interspersed among the 70 tables of venders, however, were the likes of Casa Azul, a canned tequila soda; Big Machine Spiked Cocktails; Tin Roof Brewery; and Kickin’ It Coolers, vodka-infused juice pouches with a 6% ABV. Just in case you “over-sampled,” More Labs Recovery was also on site, handing out their lemon and sugar-free hangover-fighting elixir.

Kombi Keg’s pop-up bar had six beers on tap.

Over at the Michael David Winery table, fourth-time attendee Chris Reynolds and team were pouring a selection of bottles from the Lodi, Calif.-based winemaker, including the popular and colorful Freakshow Cabernet.

When asked what had been the most popular Saturday, Chris was quick to answer. “The rosé, by far!” adding that the sauvignon blanc had also seen a lot of action.

Finding common ground in both worlds, the Fun Wine table piqued the curiosity of many with their lineup of premium wine cocktails like Espresso Cabernet, Cappuccino Chardonnay, and Coconut Pineapple Chardonnay.

The Monkey Shoulder 2,400-gallon cocktail shaker was mixing blend of scotch drinks.

Guests also had a chance to nibble at a series of Savor South Walton tents positioned throughout the Wharf.

Chef Christopher Holbrook and his Signature Catering of 30A team had an evolving menu, starting with steaming cups of pho and saucy chicken wings, hand-rolled sushi and a whole mess of crawfish!

Attendees also enjoyed olive tapenade pasta salad and oven-fresh pizza from Roberto’s Pizzeria, shrimp and grits from Poppy’s Crazy Lobster, chicken teriyaki at Yaki, pulled pork sandwiches with slaw from The Village Door and sweet treats from Baytowne newcomer Dude & Meatballs.

“This festival is just fantastic,” said local resident Sheri Jeroni, who was back for her second festival. “The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is great, the lines haven’t been terrible. Everybody is friendly and the volunteers are terrific.”

Vivian Howell of Dothan was also a SWF second-timer, and enjoying her return trip just as much.

“Everything in the bourbon tent has really been great, but once you go there, you have to stay there because you don’t want to drink any more wine after that – especially in this heat!” she laughed.

Sandestin Wine Festival

The Sandestin Wine Festival is a four-day affair benefiting longtime charity partners Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Sandestin Foundation for Kids. For more information, visit sandestinwinefestival.com.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Slideshow: Sandestin uncorked!

April 5, 2023

Sandestin Wine Festival: Uncorking the fun

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By Michelle Farnham
April 5, 2023

SANDESTIN – Dubbed “The Kentucky Derby of wine festivals,” the Sandestin Wine Festival is back for its 36th installment this April. Rain or shine, guests come to choose from hundreds of wines to sip, and dine on a selection of local eateries’ offerings.

The party gets started with the official kick-off Thursday night at The Village Door from 7 to 9 p.m.

Gourmet food and wine pairings will take place at merchants throughout the Village of Baytowne Wharf all four nights.

Food tents are offered along the wine festival grounds.

Two days of Grand Tastings feature table after table of vintners, pouring everything from Riesling to Cab Sav and plenty in between. Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 1 to 4 p.m., guests can taste as many varieties as they choose, making notes of favorites along the way. Savor South Walton tents will dot the grounds, featuring some of Baytowne Wharf and South Walton’s best restaurants and their kitchen crews. Sample bites from steak to seafood to sweets.

Ticket-holders 21 and over are given a wristband and tasting glass, meaning non-drinking guests are welcome to enjoy the festivities as well. The heartiest of wine enthusiasts can opt for the 2-day Grand Tasting ticket to enjoy a discount, while supplies last. VIP lounge tickets have already sold out.

Yoga, mimosas and the beach converge for a morning of relaxation during Saturday’s Seas the Day session, starting at 9 a.m. Enjoy a good stretch and a sip at this yoga class held at the Sandestin Beach Access, presented by Hotel Effie & Spa Lilliana. If rain dampens the zen, the event moves indoors to Hotel Effie.

Wine tables — Two days of Grand Tastings feature table after table of vintners.

Round out the weekend with the New Orleans Bottomless Brunch held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pick from two seatings, 10 or 11:30 a.m. to enjoy a creole menu, bottomless mimosas and a bloody Mary bar.

All this fun is for a good cause, as proceeds of the Sandestin Wine Festival benefit its longtime charities: Fisher House of the Emerald Coast – providing a home away from home for military families – and Sandestin Foundation for Kids, helping local children in need.

“Last year we raised a combined total of $45,000 for our charities,” explained Village of Baytowne Wharf Events Manager Kensley Brooks. “They are a big part of helping the Sandestin Wine Festival run day-of. They help out by volunteering as pourers, ticket scanners, runners, set up, clean up, etc. We really couldn’t do it without them and we can’t thank them enough.”

The Sandestin Wine Festival weekend is slated for April 13 to 16, 2023, throughout the grounds of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach. For more information including ticket sales, food vendors and the Taster’s Guide, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

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.

August 18, 2022

The Village of Baytowne Wharf: Fun, food and fireworks!

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By Michelle Farnham
Aug. 18, 2022

MIRAMAR BEACH – The Village of Baytowne Wharf, nestled north of 98 within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is a one-stop locale for dining, shopping, recreation and live events. Where else can you attend a food festival, ride a zip line, update your wardrobe and eat Gulf-fresh seafood without having to move your car?

The 2022 events calendar is jammed full of activities, according to Baytowne Events Manager Leighann Elliott, welcoming locals, visitors and resort guests alike.

Perfect Hues, the reimagined Baytowne Art & Food Fest, runs Sept. 2 to 4.

Special dates: mark your calendar

New to the schedule is Perfect Hues, the reimagined Baytowne Art & Food Fest, slated for evenings Sept. 2 to 4, and promises artwork to peruse, food trucks, fireworks and live music.

“We have revamped our Baytowne fan favorite Labor Day art event and added food trucks and local vendors and made it bigger and better!” Elliott explained. “Each evening from 5 to 10 p.m., stroll The Village streets as you browse a variety of artwork from local and regional artists, and savor bites from some of the area’s best restaurants and food trucks. We love kicking off the fall season with such a unique, moonlit weekend!”

Billed as “The Best Beer Fest on the Coast,” the 14th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival returns Oct. 7 and 8. More than 200 domestic and international craft beers will be sampled, all set to the sound of live music. Ticket info can be found at www.baytownebeerfestival.com.

“We are so excited for the Baytowne Beer Fest! We are just starting to work on our brewery line up, but we are excited to introduce some great food on Saturday for the first time,” Elliott added.

Those looking for a little spooky season fun are welcomed to Trick or Treat Street Monday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Live music, a costume contest, and trick-or-treating all culminate in a fireworks show at this free event.

“This is personally one of my favorite events at The Village!” Elliott admitted. “All the merchants hand out candy, there is a costume contest at Coconut Kidz, and the night ends with a spooky fireworks show!”

Anyone ready to rock should mark their calendars for Tribute Weekend, held Nov. 4 to 6. A line-up of tribute bands will grace the plaza stage. Just bring your own seating – no cover charge required!

The holiday season kicks off with the 10th annual Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Saturday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. Village restaurants offer up appetizers to pair with more than 30 champagnes as carolers set the scene for a sneak peek of the tree lighting. For ticket information, visit www.baytownesparklingwinefest.com.

Continuing the Thanksgiving weekend merriment, the free Here Comes Santa Claus event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, welcomes that jolly old elf to light the village tree, along with face-painting, kids crafts and fireworks.

The free ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Reoccurring entertainment

The Wednesday Night Concert Series brings live music to the main stage every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. through October. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab some takeout, set up a chair and enjoy the cooler evening temps under the setting sun.

The champagne starts flowing one evening a month for Bubbly Baytowne, featuring free champagne and shopping throughout the village. Guests 21 and older check in by the fountain to receive a complimentary glass and map starting at 5 p.m. Upcoming dates include Thursdays, Aug. 18, Sept. 15 and Oct. 20.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is located at 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

August 6, 2022

Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House: So fresh, so gouda

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By Laura Holloway
Aug. 6, 2022

SANDESTIN – Slick Lips might be the nickname given to the toothless Amberjack fish, but the menu at Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House has plenty of bite. Chargrilled oysters with chorizo cream and smoked gouda? This is the kind of dish other dishes want to be, and Slick Lips features a menu full of these taste excursions.

Located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Slick Lips offers lunch and dinner dining every day of the week, with a full bar, oyster bar, and private dining options available for large parties or special events. Father-son team Gary and Bryce Jarvis created a dining experience that feels casual with a menu that tastes anything but. Freshly caught seafood, locally sourced ingredients, a family-friendly environment, and “some of the best customer service in town” draws people in and brings them back again and again.

“We take care of the people in our care,” Bryce explained. “And we have sustainably sourced seafood and handcrafted cocktails by the best bartender in town.” (A fact proven by a recent award presented to Slick Lips for Best Bartender, along with the award for Best Locally Owned Seafood Restaurant.)

That care for customers, mixed with a real passion about quality seafood (the senior Jarvis is a seasoned Gulf fisherman), makes Slick Lips a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The only thing that might top the experience is the menu, where there’s truly something for everyone.

Fried green tomatoes are among the Starters options.

A trip to a Southern coastal town isn’t complete without an order of crab cakes, and Slick Lips serves theirs alongside mango and papaya salsa, and Cajun remoulade. Or, make a wise choice of Smoked Cheddar Bacon Bombs, made with house-made smoked pimento cheese with bacon lardons, breaded and deep fried to heavenly perfection, and served with sweet chili aioli. And no gathering with friends is complete without an order of crab claws (fried Southern style with cocktail sauce or sautéed with lemongrass coconut curry cream and charred French bread). Mains include such coastal culinary artistry as the Bacon Wrapped Amberjack (wrapped in applewood smoked bacon with creole meunière sauce over mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, the Crab Crusted Grouper (blackened grouper crusted with smashed crab cake over roasted corn maque choux veggies and citrus beurre blanc), and Scallops and Grits (with cheddar-gouda grits served in a smoked bacon tomato cream sauce).

The turf options are equally as appetizing, such as the Parmesan Crusted Chicken (pan seared golden brown and served over mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables) and the Cajun Pork Chop (Cajun spiced, grilled bone-in center cut, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables), and the Slick Burger (a grilled blend of brisket, short-rib and angus, smothered in smoked tomato jam, smoked cheddar pimento cheese, bacon, and crispy onions). Even a salad can feel like a full meal, like the Warm Spinach Salad (with fried crawfish tails over strawberries, red onions, spiced pecans, bacon lardons, and goat cheese tossed in a bacon balsamic vinaigrette).

Dessert options include the key lime pie, Guinness brownie, white chocolate and raspberry bread pudding, and the salted caramel cheesecake.

It’s worth leaving room for dessert (white chocolate and raspberry bread pudding, or salted caramel cheesecake), and to fully satisfy the strongest oyster cravings, visit the Oyster Bar (and make sure to try the Oysters Baytowne: crispy fried oysters on charred French bread, topped with Rockefeller cream sauce, crispy bacon, and Parmesan cheese).

Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House is located at 140 Fishermans Cove in Baytowne Wharf and is open seven days a week, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are not accepted but to-go orders are available for pickup and can be placed by visiting www.slicklipsseafood.com or calling 850-347-5060.

April 28, 2022

Hotel Effie rolling out the red carpet for Mother’s Day

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
April 28, 2022

SANDESTIN – This Mother’s Day, moms can forget about the to-do list and focus on relaxing their mind and body as soon as they step foot into Hotel Effie, the new luxury property at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The hotel is offering a day of pampering, both for hotel guests and locals.

Upon check-in, moms will be greeted with a cool towel to unwind, a handcrafted cocktail to decompress and a warm homemade cookie (with a secret family recipe) to cozy up in a beautifully designed Hotel Effie room with commissioned art by Brenden Parker, a local mixed-media artist.

A Mother’s Day Brunch is planned at Ovide, an award-winning restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Hugh Acheson, that embraces the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast. Guests can enjoy a carving station, seafood display, a create-your-own Bloody Mary station or unlimited “Mom”osas and more! Reservations can be made between 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. here.

Moms can then indulge in a day at Spa Lilliana on the second floor, welcomed with a mimosa, a rose and a complimentary gift. At Spa Lilliana, moms will receive a tranquil pampering experience with a vast menu of spa treatments to choose from.

After rejuvenating at the spa, moms can further their pampered experience with a nice stroll on Hotel Effie’s exclusive beach at sunset, before heading to Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge for light refreshments and stargazing.

April 12, 2022

Sandestin Wine Festival: Wine, food and fun in the sun!

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35th annual gala pours more than just wine

By Michelle Farnham
April 11, 2022

SANDESTIN – Unseasonably cool breezes swept across Baytowne Wharf during the 35th annual Sandestin Wine Festival, held April 7 through 10, but there were plenty of fiery reds and zesty whites to warm you from the inside out.

There appeared to be more non-wine options out for sampling, too, including the likes of Ghost Tequila, Ranch Rider Spirits, and Bumbu Rum – in addition to the Bubbly & Boozy tents.

Two hard-to-miss offerings included Monkey Shoulder Whiskey – which dispensed its cocktail from the back of a custom-outfitted concrete mixer – and industry newcomer Mom Water.

Co-owners Jill and Bryce Morrison got the un-carbonated, fruit-infused vodka drink Mom Water onto store shelves in March of 2021, and were enjoying an overwhelmingly positive response at Sandestin.

“I started making this for myself because I was tired of the seltzers, tired of the bloat,” Jill explained. “I wanted to be able to walk into a bar or restaurant and order a water vodka that wasn’t 70 percent vodka that you have to choke down.”

At 4.5 percent ABV, the drink is approachable, and features fun flavor names like Karen (lemon blueberry) and Sandy (coconut mango).

There was certainly still plenty of vino to be had, from sparkling prosecco to gewurztraminer to hefy merlots, and everything in between.

“The best I’ve had today was the Alkoomi Wines sémillon/sauvignon blanc from the Wines of Australia tent,” said first-time festival attendee Katy Copeland of Santa Rosa Beach. “It was a nice, clean sauvignon blanc.”

The Village Door plated chicken wings with zesty potato salad.

During Saturday’s grand tasting, culinary offerings came in the form of chicken wings with potato salad from Village Oyster, shrimp jalapeño pasta from Cannery Lane Cantina, and charcuterie cones from Ovide.

Baytowne Wharf newcomer Yaki Sushi & Noodles served up bao buns filled with teriyaki marinated pork with pickled vegetables.

Other festival weekend festivities included Thursday night’s kick-off party at The Village Door featuring Timber Creek Distillery, Seas the Day yoga and mimosas on the beach Saturday morning, and Sunday’s Hangover Brunch catered by Ovide.

The 36th annual installment of the Sandestin Wine Festival is already on the calendar for April 13 to 16, 2023.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

April 3, 2022

Sandestin Wine Festival: Raise a glass!

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35th annual celebration runs April 7-9

By Liesel Schmidt
April 3, 2022

SANDESTIN – Running from Thursday, April 7 through Saturday, April 9, the 35th annual Sandestin Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event that draws so many vendors, attractions, and festival goers that it’s been hailed as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals.” And though one might easily presume it to be largely a local attraction, the scale – not to mention the renown of some of the chefs, vintners, and vineyards – have gained it a reputation as being one of the top wine festivals in the country. The fest brings in countless souls whose predilection for wine seems to ripen like grapes on the vine under the warmth of the Florida sun.

Offering a full-bodied experience that boasts no shortage of opportunities to taste, smell, sip, and savor, The Village of Baytowne Wharf becomes transformed to a veritable village of tents serving up a feast for the senses.

“Our team hopes to really make this year’s event bigger and better than ever. This festival is a picture-perfect series of events, complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food and live music,” said The Village of Baytowne Wharf Events Manager Leighann Elliott. “We are working with major wine distributors this year that carry domestic and international wines. We also plan to continue our Savor South Walton experience with local talented chefs highlighted throughout the festival.”

Featuring one-of-a-kind seminars given by wine experts from across the globe as well as exceptional cooking demonstrations from culinary masters and award-winning local chefs, one can hardly leave without having learned something.

“This event continues to bring a wide range of experiences for all guests, including interacting with some of the finest minds in the worldwide wine industry and having the opportunity to taste unique, hand-selected wines,” said Elliott.

Churros — A little something sweet to go with your vino?

Departing a bit from the grappa but still starting things in high spirits, the festival begins with a kickoff party on Thursday, April 7. Guests will be treated to food tastings as well as wine and liquor samples. The evening also includes wine dinners and seminars from village restaurants.

For those with a desire to try new things, the Grand Wine Tastings Friday and Saturday are a must, as the events feature more than 75 tents offering domestic and international wines as well as a rare opportunity to learn about the finest vintages and varietals from major producing countries. Perfectly pairing with the sips being offered, Savor South Walton tents scattered throughout the grounds offer samplings from acclaimed local restaurants that showcase the culinary talents of some of the area’s best chefs, with different features both Friday and Saturday nights, set to the soundtrack of local bands and regional artists.

“This event gives us a way to truly show off what Florida and South Walton has to offer, from our ability to pull off a great event to showcasing local tastes with Savor South Walton,” said Elliott. “I love watching our guests enjoy beautiful weather and amazing wine and food, and being so hands-on with this event is so rewarding. It takes a village to run a village and an event like this, and my team works so hard to make the festival vibrant and keep it running smoothly. We truly enjoy creating memories for our festival attendees.”

Kombi Keg 30a — There’s more than just wine at this wine festival!

Saturday morning, the day’s festivities begin with a salute to the sun with a beach yoga session presented by Hotel Effie and Spa Liliana. Following yoga, participants will be served mimosas.

Festival partners include ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and proceeds support Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

“We connect wine enthusiasts to the community in need,” Elliott said. “It’s great wine for a great cause.”

From first sip to last, the Sandestin Wine Festival is a yearly event worth savoring – and each year, they keep pouring it on.

For event information and tickets, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com. Read coverage of last year’s festival from 30A Food & Wine.

File photos by Michelle Farnham

February 20, 2022

At Sandestin, geaux gumbo or geaux home!

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Southern Yankee Queen

Dock & Deck Techs

Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House

Cafe Nola

One of each!

Sandestin Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival

Dock & Deck Techs: Best Non-Restaurant

Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House: First place: 5 years & under

Sports to Geaux: First place: People's Choice

The Beach House: Best Bloody Mary on the Beach

Slick Lips, Sports to Geaux, Beach House take top awards

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 20, 2022

SANDESTIN – The number of people scrambling to find tickets in the days leading up to the sold-out Sandestin Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival is a testament to how this event has grown in its 33 years.

The 1,800 folks lucky enough to have secured themselves a coveted red wristband were treated to 18 gumbo tasters and 13 Bloody Mary samples, as they pursue of roux.

Sports to Geaux won People’s Choice and Best Display.

Gumbo recipes vary as much as the chefs stirring the pots, and each was competing for judges’ awards and the People’s Choice plaque.

Cafe Nola from DeFuniak Springs included fried crawfish and whole shrimp in their Cajun stew, while Signature Catering 30A opted for a chicken and andouille sausage combo.

“Hey y’all, you’re going to want to try this one, it comes with a crab leg!” shouted one enthusiastic patron, pointing at the Southern Yankee Queen tent.

Chef Jay Ammons of Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House, who has several gumbo trophies to his name, dished up his 2022 recipe, promising, “It’s even better than last year!”

Rotolo Consultants brought an authentic – but secret – Cajun recipe from their Slidell, La., headquarters, which proved good enough for second place in the non-restaurant category.

“We’re landscapers by trade, but we make gumbo by heart,” said Rotolo area manager Matt Herbermann. “We do the landscaping here at Baytowne; this is our first time doing this and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Among the tiniest tasters of the day, 4-year-old Collie Brantley of Montgomery came decked out in her Mardi Gras best.

“I ate gumbo, yes ma’am, it was good!” she said with a smile.

Hurricane Oyster Bar offered both gumbo and Bloody Marys.

The Bloody Mary competition was added a few years ago, and definitely adds a little pep to the afternoon. Spicy or sweet, thick or thin, it was a battle of the garnishes. Sunset Bay Cafe topped their cocktail with bacon; The Village Door opted for pickled okra, green bean and an olive; and Ovide at Hotel Effie practically brought a salad with pickle- and bleu cheese-stuffed olives, cocktail onion, celery stick and a lemon wedge.

Louisiana’s own Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe kept the party hopping from the bandstand as the crowd waited for the presentation of the awards.

Judges included Phil Heppding of 30A Food & Wine, Laura Hussey of Channel 3 News, realtor Daron Walters, Nathalie Barreto of Blue Magnolia, Chef Chad Oosterveen, and News Channel 7 veterans Scott Rossman and Paris Janos. Rossman and Janos were back to emcee the awards.

“They sold out before they even opened the gates today, 1,800 tickets!” Rossman told the crowd. “As judges, we’re looking for appearance, texture, aroma and overall taste. Tasting 20 gumbos is a little harder than you think; you have to starve yourself for about 48 hours coming in!

“When you get a chance to get out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf and come to an event with this kind of weather and venue, with this kind of organization and food and adult beverages, it is a serious blessing. God bless the free state of Florida, the United States of America, and God bless you all,” Rossman concluded.

The 34th annual Sandestin Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival is slated for Feb. 17 and 18, 2023.

2022 Awards

Best Gumbo – 5 years and under

1. Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House
2. Ovide at Hotel Effie
3. The Beach House
4. The Gulf
Honorable Mention: Cafe Nola

Veteran Category

1. Harry T’s
2. The Village Door
3. Marina Bar & Grill

Non-Restaurants

1. Dock & Deck Techs
2. Rotolo Consultants

People’s Choice

1. Sports to Geaux
2. Cafe Nola
3. The Beach House

Best Display

Sports to Geaux

Best New Participant

Ovide at Hotel Effie

Best Bloody Mary at the Beach

1. The Beach House
2. Sunset Bay Cafe
3. Drunken Goat Saloon

JVC Community Broadcasters award

Dock & Deck Techs

Photos by Michelle Farnham

October 9, 2021

Ovide: Celebrity chef creates clean flavors

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By Lauren Sage Reinlie
Oct. 9, 2021

SANDESTIN – One of the newest dining options on the 30A scene is Ovide, the signature restaurant at the new Hotel Effie at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Ovide opened in February with a menu created in collaboration with celebrity chef and James Beard Award-winner Hugh Acheson. Ovide focuses on clean, fresh and simple food featuring flavors from around the world, alongside more familiar Southern cuisine.

“We are trying hard to keep it really clean with simple food, nothing super elaborate,” said Hotel Effie’s executive chef Lulu Dangerfield, who oversees the day-to-day operations at Ovide and the hotel’s other restaurants. “Nothing is deep-fried, none of our dishes are really heavy. It is not the kind of food that is going to make you want to go take a nap after you eat it. It’s very clean food, but also very full of flavor.”

This approach is on full display in their red snapper dish. The fish is pan-fried to a perfect crisp then served with Southern pigeon peas and rice, charred baby bok choy and a Thai chili sauce.

Dangerfield likes to keep the menu as fresh as the food. She updates the menu regularly, responding to what people are loving and what they might be looking for more of.

“Every time you come, I want you to have something different and it be delicious.”
– Lulu Dangerfield, executive chef

“For me, it’s important that if someone likes the restaurant and the atmosphere and appreciates the service that we provide, I want to make sure they can come once a week and not get bored,” she said. “Every time you come, I want you to have something different and it be delicious.”

New ingredients, new experiences

Dangerfield also likes to use ingredients that people may not be as familiar with and show them how fresh and simple preparation can create delicious food.

Take, for example, Ovide’s fairy tale eggplant, which is roasted on the grill and then served with a smear of light and fresh pesto made from spinach, basil, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. It’s garnished with lemon aioli and microgreens and served over a bed of farro.

“A lot of people don’t like eggplant,” Dangerfield said. “The weird thing is a lot of people actually love eggplant if it’s cooked properly. We want to surprise people, so they can say ‘Wow, I actually love this.’”

Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Acheson became famous for his restaurants in Athens, Ga. He went on to win a James Beard Award in 2012 and be a competitor and then judge on the television show Top Chef.

Dangerfield said Acheson has mastered using Southern ingredients in new ways, as he does in his farm egg with crispy rice dish, one of the signatures at his restaurants in Georgia. For this dish, which is now also served at Ovide, a poached egg is served over very crisp rice. When the egg is broken open it becomes the sauce for the dish. It’s served with a Korean-style kimchi made with collard green stems.

Another popular offering at Ovide is their grilled filet mignon served alongside mashed potatoes with a highly flavorful shiitake mushroom and red wine beef jus.

Flavors of the world

Dangerfield said one of the favorite parts of her job is working with all the chefs who are involved in the project. They all have different backgrounds: she was born and raised in Mexico, Acheson is from Canada and then Georgia, and the other chefs came from Louisiana, New Mexico and Philadelphia.

“We all have this different approach to food and we bring different ingredients,” she said. “I enjoy a lot when we make specials and we all bring different backgrounds and different stories to the table and then it all comes together in one plate. It’s something you couldn’t have gotten to by yourself.”

Ovide is located at Hotel Effie at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort near Baytowne Wharf. The address is 1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard in Miramar Beach. The restaurant’s staff can be reached at 850-351-3030 during business hours. They are open seven days a week for breakfast and brunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone. Find more information at hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide.