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Harriet Crommelin

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!”