It appears the entire city of Atlanta has returned home after spending spring break on the beautiful beaches of South Walton. if you have decided that since the rain has subsided and it is time to venture out, check out our top picks for the weekend to get out and about.
Our friends at Sowal.com put together a video from one of the recent Sandestin Wine Festivals.
The Seaside Farmers Market kicks off Saturday morning from 8AM until noon. Peruse the offerings of local farmers and purveyors for all natural and organic produce, meats and a few delightful treats. For more information, please visit Seaside Farmers Market
Does Sunday morning have you thinking brunch on 30a? Check out Marie’s Bistro in Blue Mountain Beach as they serve up traditional breakfast fare for $16.50 with a complimentary mimosa. Be sure and check out their full brunch menu for even more delectable choices.
By Natalie Lightsey
When visiting somewhere new we all want to know, “where do the locals go?” It’s like asking four questions in one really. “Where can I find fresh local menu options?” “Where is some place that will entertain me and my group?” “Where can I go that has a good story or reason for being?” “What will make my trip memorable?” Well we locals along 30A are suckers for good food, good music, and a little competition from time to time. So this week’s installment is to introduce you to a local’s weekend on 30A…and all that comes with it.
Friday, May 15th – Marie’s Bistro is a gem in Blue Mountain Beach. It has everything we locals love – a variety of fresh menu options, live music, a friendly staff, a comfortable atmosphere, and nightly happy hour! Karaoke nights and Music Bingo is also a hit during the week. This Friday Will and Linda take the stage as guests dine on flavorful, unique menu options infused with Mediterranean, Southern, Cajun, and Tex-Mex influences. The Lollipop Shrimp are a great way to tease the palate before diving into a Bistro Burger or Fish Tacos. Menu items also include fresh salads, hearty pastas, and even sushi! Happy hour drink and appetizer specials are from 4-7 and half-priced sushi is from 4-6.
Saturday, May 16th – In the competitive spirit this weekend? Step right up and take your bean bag, there’s a cornhole tournament in Rosemary Beach on Saturday! Teams of two will receive event tshirts, two complimentary beverages per participant, and a chance to compete for the ultimate prize pack full of goodies from Yeti, Southern Marsh, Costa Del Mar, and Sun Bum! Registration proceeds benefit the 2015 Walk Her Way fundraiser, an event this June with Rosemary Beach Foundation and Shelter House of Northwest Florida. Registration is available now, or feel free to stop by the St. Augustine Green this Saturday morning to sign up. The event takes place from 10am – 1pm so get ready, get set, toss!
Sunday, May 17th –There is a short time between spring break and summer when businesses are gearing up for the busy 100 days ahead of visiting guests and tourists, a “calm before the storm” so to speak, and there is a party to celebrate all the upcoming action. Watersound Origins is hosting the third annual “Local’s Last Stand” party this Sunday starting at 5:00pm. The party will feature live music from Zack Rosicka, The Owsley Brothers, and our local Voice contestant Geoff McBride. Food will be available from three on site food trucks – Harry’s Big Red Truck, Big John’s Hot Dogs, and Sweet Henrietta’s. Guests are also invited to bring a chair, a blanket, or any other food or drinks of their own to this free event. And don’t worry, its open to everyone so you don’t really have to be a local.
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
Photography by Phil Heppding
Marie’s Bistro, located in Blue Mountain, can sneak up on you. But once you discover this treasure, you won’t soon forget it. Owner Hanie Nasri and his wife Marie work tirelessly to create a dining experience that is sure to accommodate everyone. With a refreshingly diverse menu, exceptional customer service, and many other surprises, Marie’s Bistro has a great deal to offer both visitors and locals.
The menu at Marie’s boasts tons of variety and is definitively unique. One of their most popular offerings is sushi. It is fresh and authentic and includes specialty rolls like the Dragon Roll made with soft shell crab, avocado and unagi and the Christmas Roll with shrimp tempura, tuna and avocado. All rolls are crafted with precision and care, and here’s a good tip: custom sushi trays are always available for events and parties.
The juicy burgers at Marie’s have themselves become local legends and are a generous full 8 ounces of Angus beef. Their Angus steaks are cut in house by hand, and from salad dressings to desserts lovingly baked daily, Marie’s is an example of quality food that is affordable and accessible.
In keeping with their spirit of introducing unusual cuisine, Marie’s is showcasing a new menu item of gravlax – a Scandinavian dish of raw salmon that has been cured in salt, sugar, organic vodka and dill for four days. Gravlax is served as an appetizer and is similar to lox. It is a rare treat for this area and sure to be a fast favorite.
Make sure to start your dining experience at Marie’s Bistro with the bruschetta.
A few of the superb options at Marie’s Bistro in Blue Mountain Beach.
Marie’s Bistro Greek Salad
Marie’s Bistro Fresh Cobia with Grilled Pineapple.
Marie’s Bistro Veggie Roll
Marie’s Bistro Black Dragon Roll- crab, avocado, cucumber, and eel.
Marie’s Bistro Christmas Roll
Marie’s Bistro Surf and Turf Roll
Marie’s Bistro Gravlox
Hanie and Marie are keenly aware more and more guests these days have dietary restrictions. They gladly offer many vegetarian options as well as gluten free items. If you have a specific food allergy they will help create a meal you can safely enjoy. It is their priority to make diners feel comfortable and at ease.
Families will also be pleased to hear of their generous Kid’s Menu policy. For $7 including a drink, anything on the menu is available in a child’s portion: steak, pasta, pizza, shrimp; you name it. Hanie explained the goal is for parents to relax and know their child is guaranteed to find something they like. Happy kids equal happy moms and dads.
In addition to dining in, Marie’s provides excellent catering options. Party trays with sushi, wraps, salads, and sweet treats can be personalized to your specific event and they even have a drive-thru for ease in pickup! It is the only drive-thru on 30A and many locals don’t even realize this incredible convenience.
So let’s sum up Marie’s Bistro: If having a larger gathering, their catering is sure to fit the bill for any event or group size. They are open for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night dining until 2 am. Their menu is composed of a huge variety of freshly prepared cuisines and can easily accommodate special diets. Impressively, Hanie, Marie, and their helpful staff are taking customer service to a whole new level and we highly recommend you stop in soon to taste for yourselves.
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