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Harriet Crommelin

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 Crommelin
Harriet Crommelin

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.

Cafe Thirty-A

Café Thirty-A raises record $50K for Caring and Sharing

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Jan. 8, 2023

SEAGROVE BEACH – Café Thirty-A’s annual Christmas Charity Ball, held Dec. 2, raised a record-breaking $50,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton, an organization providing food and financial assistance to area families and individuals in need.

The sold-out event welcomed over 250 guests to the festively decorated restaurant where they were greeted with champagne. Inside, event goers enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner buffet, music and a photo booth. Attendees also had the opportunity to view and bid on various pieces of art, jewelry, gift baskets, trips, and other luxurious items featured throughout the extensive silent auction.

“It is an honor to host this event for Caring and Sharing of South Walton each year,” said Harriet Crommelin, owner of Café Thirty-A. “This year was extra special because we raised a record amount of $50,000! We love what this organization represents and all they do for our community.”

Through ticket sales, sponsorship, donations, and funds raised from the silent auction, money raised will be used to provide local families with access to food, financial assistance, case management, and connection to other resources.

“We are blown away by the community’s support of this event and we are so very grateful for the continued support of Cafe Thirty-A,” said Carly Barnes, executive director of Caring and Sharing of South Walton. “These funds will help us keep up with increased demands for our services and allow us to support our neighbors in need in so many ways. Thank you for helping us end this very busy holiday season on such a high note!”

Christmas Charity Ball

Café Thirty-A to host Christmas Charity Ball Dec

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Proceeds to benefit Caring and Sharing of South Walton

Oct. 27, 2022
Special to 30A Food & Wine

SEAGROVE BEACH – Café Thirty-A will host its annual Christmas Charity Ball benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.

Cafe Thirty-A Christmas

From 6 to 10 p.m., the restaurant will be transformed with festive holiday décor for the annual evening event. Attendees will be greeted upon arrival with complimentary valet sponsored by Corcoran Reverie along with a glass of champagne. Inside, they’ll enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, and a cash bar sponsored by Foundation Title and Escrow Series, LLC. There will be music by DJ Wub Control sponsored by Centennial Bank, along with a commemorative Epic Photo Co. photo booth sponsored by McNeese Title Company. Guests are encouraged to dress in evening attire, black tie optional.

The event will boast a large silent auction featuring items from various local businesses, as well as a generous raffle package from Hotel Effie, with all proceeds benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton’s efforts to provide food and financial assistance to local area families and individuals in need. In 2021, the annual Christmas Charity Ball raised over $35,000 through ticket sales, donations, raffle tickets, and auction sales. For area businesses interested in silent auction donation, please contact Jessica Bracken at jessica@proffittpr.com.

“We look forward to this event every year and we know a lot of our regular customers and loyal patrons do too,” said Café Thirty-A owner, Harriet Crommelin. “We invite everyone to join us to kick off the holiday season and give back to those who need it most in our local community. The holidays can be tough for a lot of people so we hope this event will bring relief to a lot of those families.”

Cafe Thirty-A is located at 3899 E. Co. Hwy. 30A. Ticket prices will be $125 per person with 100 percent of the ticket sales and auction proceeds benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Funds raised from ticket sales will go directly to providing neighbors in need with access to food, financial assistance, mental health counseling, case management, and connection to other community resources. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cafethirtya.com.

Cafe Thirty-A

Café Thirty-A reschedules annual Christmas Charity Ball

SEAGROVE BEACH – Café Thirty-A has rescheduled its annual Christmas Charity Ball benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton to Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 from 7 to 11 p.m. Upon yearly maintenance inspection, Cafe Thirty-A uncovered issues that need to be repaired as soon as possible in order to operate and keep customers and staff members safe. Unfortunately, these repairs will take a significant amount of time and the restaurant wouldn’t be done in time for the originally scheduled event date.

Cafe Thirty-A

Details of the rescheduled event will remain the same as originally planned. Attendees will be greeted with a glass of champagne and enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, and a cash bar. There will be music by DJ 30A and a commemorative photo booth provided by Epic Photo Co. Guests are encouraged to dress in evening attire, black tie optional. 

The event will boast a large silent auction and raffle with all proceeds benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton, working to provide food and financial assistance to locals in need. Last year’s ball raised over $22,000 through ticket sales, donations, raffle tickets, and auction sales.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.cafethirtya.com.

Cafe Thirty-A is located at 3899 E. Co. Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.

Cafe Thirty–A

Cafe Thirty-A offers indoor, outdoor seating

Updated BOGO special includes all entrees

May 14, 2020
Special to 30A Food and Wine

SEAGROVE BEACH – Cafe Thirty-A has welcomed diners back inside the restaurant, operating at 25% capacity. Only guests with reservations are being seated between the hours of 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. daily, both inside and outside. For the immediate time being, reservations will be required for dining at Cafe Thirty-A and parties must be kept to groups of 10 or fewer.

Cafe Thirty-A
Cafe Thirty-A is located at 3899 East Scenic Hwy. 30A in Seagrove Beach.

A new version of the famous BOGO will be offered:  Buy one get one half off from 4:30 to 5 p.m. daily. Orders must be in the kitchen by 5:15 p.m. and all entrees are included. Until further notice the restaurant will also be offering (at regular price) curbside pickup and delivery.

Call 850-231-2166 to order to-go or to make a dining reservation. Cafe Thirty-A is located at 3899 East Scenic Hwy. 30A in Seagrove Beach.

Chef Timothy (Tim) Williams

Cafe Thirty-A Welcomes New Executive Chef Timothy Williams

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Cafe Thirty-A welcomes Chef Timothy (Tim) Williams as the new Executive Chef. Tim is excited to be a part of the Cafe Thirty-A family. Timothy’s food philosophy is all about using “fresh ingredients and letting the beauty of the flavors speak for themselves.” Guests can expect the classics to stay on the menu, but look out for exciting dishes by Tim influenced by his world travels focusing on a Mediterranean style with an Island twist. Tim’s experience speaks for itself as he has worked as a chef for over 25 years at some truly exceptional restaurants. Tim was ready for a change from the big city of Atlanta, so he decided to head south and enjoy the beach life while still doing what he loves.

Cafe Thirty-A’s owner Harriet Crommelin says, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Tim to the Cafe Thirty-A family. His talents are undeniable and he has already proven to be a valuable asset to us. We look forward to many years working with him.”

As always, Cafe Thirty-A remains consistent in both service and cuisine and welcomes both locals and visitors to come in and dine.

Chef Timothy (Tim) Williams
Chef Timothy (Tim) Williams

About Timothy Williams:
Chef Tim is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and recently moved to Panama City Beach after living in Atlanta, Georgia for almost 20 years. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park. Previously, he worked as a partner for the Atlanta based restaurant ‘Dantanna’s. Prior to opening Dantanna’s in 2003, Williams served as Executive Chef for Proof of the Pudding at Gwinnett Center and oversaw the opening of The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth. Chef Williams worked for Hilton Hotels and with Miami-based Tango Group, where he served as the Corporate Executive Chef in charge of all menu development.

Special Contribution to 30a Food and Wine.

Santa Rosa Beach Highlands House 30a food and wine

Giving Thanks on 30A

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Story by: Sarah Murphy Robertson

Warning: reading this article may result in one’s immediate craving for fare from these fantastic local establishments.

As the weather cools and fall settles in, the holidays aren’t far behind. Thanksgiving is synonymous with family fun and good food. Here in our corner of paradise known as 30A, there are lots of ways you can play the day. Sure, you can make the whole meal all by yourself, but with so many delicious options, we recommend letting our area’s finest restaurants help with some or all of your special meal.

Chanticleer Eatery in Grayton Beach provides nearly everything for your Thanksgiving this year. From your favorite side dishes to freshly crafted rolls, pies, cakes, and cookies, all you’ll need to do is roast a bird. All orders must be placed no later than Monday November 24th at 12 noon. Pickups will be Wednesday, November 26th 11-3pm. 850.213.9065. (And if I were you, I’d order extra treats to enjoy all weekend long!)

Half-pan Sides: (feeds 10-12)
• Squash Casserole 1/2 pan $35
• Sweet Potato Casserole 1/2 pan $20
• Mashed Potatoes 1/2 pan $25
• Pasta Salad 1/2 pan $25
• Baked Beans 1/2 pan $20
• Apple Sage Cranberry Dressing 1/2 pan $30
• Cranberry Sauce pint $15

Scratch-made Baked Goods:
• 8 inch Pies – Sweet Potato or Pumpkin are $13; Pecan, Traditional Apple and Apple with Streusel Topping for $15
• Rolls (1/2 dozen $4.50/dozen $9)- Sweet Potato, Rosemary Sage, or Honey Oatmeal
• 3 Layer Cakes $42 – German Chocolate Cake, Lemon Cake, Carrot Cake
• Cookies (1/2 dozen $7.50/dozen $15) – White Chocolate Coconut or Double Chocolate Chip

Modica Market in Seaside once again has UNCOOKED organic free range turkeys for pre-order by Friday November 14th. Sizes available are: 10 – 14 lbs, 16 – 20 lbs, and 20 – 24 lbs. They will also have uncooked turkey breasts, smokes hams, steaks, and tenderloins available. 850.231.1214

Don’t forget to add their incredible side dishes and pies. Available in store, first come, first serve:
• Cornbread Dressing, Oyster Dressing, Corn Souffle, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Squash Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Cranberry Relish. AND, Fresh Pecan, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato and Apple Pies.

Let Highlands House in Santa Rosa Beach and Chef Kevin prepare an amazing dinner for you and your family! You can email your order to highlandshousecatering@gmail.com or call: 850.267.0110
$30 per person for: ½ lb white and dark Herb-Roasted Turkey, Sage-Scented Gravy & your choice of 4 sides. (Add a pie – either Pumpkin or Pecan for just $20.)

Highlands House side options include:
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon Marshmallow Brulee, Haricot Vert with a Wild Mushroom Cream, Cornbread with Honey Butter, Citrus spiked Cranberry sauce, Roasted Pecan, Leek and Herb Stuffing, Pimento Mac n’ Cheese, Honey Ginger Glazed Carrots, Creamed Corn Casserole, Country Ham and Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower Gratin, Gruyere Potato Gratin, Ham Hock Braised Collard Greens.

Café Thirty-A in Seagrove has Thanksgiving covered with their excellent cuisine available as entire To-Go dinners feeding up to six people for $180.00. They include:

• Deep-fried Brined Turkey (whole or carved), choice of soup or salad, and side dishes of: Green Bean Casserole, Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing, Candied Yams, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Giblet Gravy. But that’s not all. You also get a choice of dessert – Pumpkin Pie or Double Chocolate Pecan Pie.

You can call in your order or email until Sunday November 23rd and pickup will be on Thanksgiving Day between 11 am and 4 pm. 850.231.2166 extension 1 or info@cafethirtya.com.

Or get some fresh air, pack up the fam, and head on over to Stinky’s Fish Camp in Dune Allen for the big meal. They are taking reservations (for this day only!) from 11 am – 7 pm, and along with a pared-down seafood menu, are offering a Thanksgiving Day meal including all the much-beloved trimmings. 850.267.3053

Stinky’s Traditional Turkey Dinner includes:
• House Brined Turkey, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Chutney, Fluffed Potatoes, Andouille Cornbread Stuffing, Baked Winter Squashes, Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole, Buttered Green Beans, Praline Sweet Potato, Creamed Corn, and Dirty Rice for $25.95
Another option is their Three Course Turkey Dinner for $34.95:
• Includes Pear Salad, the Traditional Turkey Dinner, and choice of any dessert: Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Pecan Pie, Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, Bread Pudding, or Heaven & Earth.

No matter how you map out your meal, be sure to count your blessings and savor time with those you love. All of us at 30afoodandwine.com wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!