south walton

February 28, 2023

30A Wine Festival: Carnival!

Grand Tasting fills Alys Beach with color

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 28, 2023

ALYS BEACH – Mardi Gras rolled through town last week, but there was still plenty of celebration at the Carnival-themed 30A Wine Festival Grand Tasting, held Feb. 25 along South Charles Street.

Vibrant Brazilian decor stood out among the stark white architecture synonymous with Alys Beach. Complete with traditional music and dancers, many of the restaurants presented dishes in keeping with the evening’s theme.

Bites

George’s at Alys Beach served mini pork belly tostadas.

The Depot served Baja tuna tartare sushi bowls and Gulf seafood paella.

Black Bear Bread Co. delighted with lemon curd king cake.

Yellowfin tuna dumplings were plated by Pescado.

The Alys Beach Culinary Team, for example, served Brazilian seafood stew and picanha skewers, which Executive Chef Drew Dzejak was grilling and carving on-site.

“We got the steak picante, done on the traditional skewers, as well as some lovely beef fat roasted potatoes to go with it,” Dzejak said, adding he thought the venue was looking particularly colorful and festive.

Neighboring George’s at Alys Beach was also in attendance at the sold-out event, including a pork belly tostada and a vegan lettuce wrap.

“We toss mushrooms in a teriyaki-style sauce with bourbon in it, and garnish it with toasted cashews, crispy shallots and pickled red cabbage,” explained Executive Chef Camille Withall, while refilling plates. “I love this festival, bringing people together. It shows the community and it’s a good time.”

In addition to other local vendors like Black Bear Bread Co., The Salty Butcher, Pescado and 2 Birds Café, festival organizers brought in talent from outside the state. Chef Scott Simpson of The Depot out of Auburn, Ala., was serving Baja tuna tartare sushi bowls and Gulf seafood paella. Hailing from Cleveland Heights in the Buckeye state, Farmer’s Feast served a rillette of Ohio chicken with crisp rice; and sausage, pickled cabbage and potato crisp on a baguette.

Of course it wouldn’t be a wine festival without the wine, and ticket-holders could sample vintages from the likes of Soter Vineyards, La Grande Sieste, Thompson 31Fifty Wines, La Fete Wine Co., and Finca Ambrosia, to name a few.

The stroll down Charles Street concluded with a cocktail station, pouring mixed drinks using Leyenda de México tequila, Campesino Rum, Vulanica Vodka, and Wonderland Distilling Gin.

Sights

The Grand Tasting was held Feb. 25.

The Carnival theme brought a lot of color to South Charles Street!

Even the guests got in on the sartorial fun!

Wine vendors came from near and far to offer their bottles.

Wine vendors came from near and far to offer their bottles.

The 30A Wine Festival ran Feb. 22 to 26.

In addition to wine, guests enjoyed a cocktail station.

Beautiful Alys Beach afternoons call for beautiful Alys Beach sunsets.

First-time attendee Joanna Thomas was in awe of the festivities.

“This is just tremendous; we’re having such a wonderful time!” she said, gesturing around. “The wine is exquisite, the food is delicious, I love the Brazilian dancers, and of course the venue here in Alys Beach is unmatched.”

The Grand Tasting is part of the five-day 30A Wine Festival extravaganza, including speciality dinners and seminars; Bourbon, Beer & Butts; the Gospel Brunch; and the Rose & Croquet tournament. The weekend benefits the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, providing affordable healthcare to children in need throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

February 22, 2023

Schoolhouse rock!

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Taste of the Race culinary event supports Seaside School

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 22, 2023

SEASIDE – Race weekend is always Seaside’s time to shine, but Friday was Seaside’s night to rock!

The sold-out crowd of more than 700 filled the Lyceum Lawn at Seaside Neighborhood School Feb. 17 for Taste of the Race, sampling eats from 19 restaurants, sipping on drinks from the open bars, and rocking the night away to the classic rock sounds of The Velcro Pygmies.

The evening benefits the Seaside Neighborhood School Foundation, which supports the public charter school, and is held in conjunction with the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K.

The SNS eighth grade performance band opened the evening.

Marrow Private Chefs brought their pork belly kabobs.

The amigos 30a team offered chicken tacos.

Havana Beach plated beef ropa vieja over grits.

Sweet Henrietta’s offered a sweet spread.

Taste of the Race was the place to be Friday night.

The Velcro Pygmies kept the crowd rocking!

Shunk Gulley served a grilled BBQ chipotle bourbon butter oyster.

The chefs of Taste of the Race pose for a photo with the Seaside Neighborhood School culinary students.

Nathan Corchis, who was working the tables for his family’s restaurants amigos 30a and amici 30a, served up honey sriracha chicken tacos, cheese quesadillas, and tiramisu; and rigatoni vodka pasta, ravioli cheese sticks, and cannoli, respectively.

“Everybody’s loving it and we’ve been having fun, too,” Corchis said. “We love doing this every year. It’s awesome seeing this many people in a small space, having fun.”

Havana Beach Bar & Grill enticed guests with the flavors of Cuba from their beef ropa vieja.

“We did it our way, Southern-style, over Manchego cheese heirloom grits,” said Food and Beverage Director Kevin Dixon, pointing out the dish will be appearing on their new spring menu starting March 6. “This is a great local event, especially when we can support something like the Seaside School. We love getting to network with the other restaurants and see guests who dine with us all the time.”

Over at the Fish Out of Water table, WaterColor Culinary Director Blaine Wilkinson was plating up a tequila sunrise chicken satay, served with a shot of tequila.

“It’s Friday night and the tequila has been very popular!” Wilkinson admitted, adding, “The feedback has been very, very good.”

The participating restaurants and caterers compete for a trio of awards, voted on by ticket-holders, a panel of judges, and the restaurateurs themselves.

People’s Choice: Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi
Judge’s Choice: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Chefs’ Choice: The Shrimp Shack

A special VIP experience preceded the main event and included a performance from the SNS eighth grade performance band.

Other restaurant partners included Aegean Greek Restaurant, amici 30a, amigos 30a, Black Bear Bread Co., Blue Mountain Bakery/Swiftly Catered, Bud & Alley’s, Daytrader, Fish Out of Water, The Chicken Shack, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, Marrow Private Chefs, The Red Bar, Signature Catering of 30a, Surfing Deer, Sweet Henrietta’s, and Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Contest winners

People’s Choice: Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi

Chefs’ Choice: The Shrimp Shack

Judges’ Choice: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar & Restaurant

February 22, 2023

Alys Beach prepares for 11th 30A Wine Festival

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 22, 2023

ALYS BEACH – The 30A Wine Festival returns to the community of Alys Beach for its 11th year: Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. The festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites over five days of celebration – a series of events and workshops where wine enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike relish in the festivities within the captivating town of Alys Beach.

All proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a local charity which provides health services to uninsured or underinsured school children in Walton and Okaloosa counties.

Cultural experiences are written into the master plan of Alys Beach through the dictates of The Alys Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that underwrites the 30A Wine Festival and the other Alys Beach signature festivals. These events and festivals are designed to bring the Alys Beach community, with an emphasis on its homeowners and their families and friends, together around a shared cultural experience.

In its 11 years, the 30A Wine Festival has become a series of events that gather the adult community for exquisite food, drink, music and revelry. As the town grows and the footprint of the festival remains fixed, and as ticket sales release to Alys Beach homeowners first by design, the events are organically transitioning into experiences exclusive to our owner community, an added amenity for our Alys Beach homeowners.

The 30A Wine Festival will continue to release any remaining tickets to our Alys Beach vacation rental guests and the larger community in the years ahead, and invites both festival goers and the larger community to participate in the event that is always open to the public – the 30A Wine Festival Silent Auction benefiting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. No tickets are required to bid on auction items, just head to 30awinefest.givesmart.com.
Sponsors of the 11th Annual 30A Wine Festival include Brown, Burns & Associates, Inc. Financial Advisors, BALCONES Distilling, Alys Beach Construction, Alys Beach Real Estate, Driftwood Wine & Spirits, Laurent-Perrier, The Jewel, Scenic Stays, and Galvas Construction.

Schedule of events

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22
• Tour of The Rhône Valley Wine Dinner, The Beach Club; 6-9 p.m.
This special Rhône Valley wine dinner will be held in the Lounge of the Beach Club exclusively for Alys Beach property owners. Beach Club Chef Renato Falconi will prepare a four-course dinner in the French tradition, in tandem with beautiful pairings from the cellars of Rhône Valley’s finest, M. Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Chateau de Beaucastel. The live music performance of Cam Ray will accompany the event.

• Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner, Caliza Restaurant; 6-9 p.m.
At the onset of this year’s 30A Wine Festival, Caliza’s Red Loggia sets an elegant tone for an intimate evening with Paul Hobbs Winery. Agustina Hobbs will share the winery’s finest offerings paired perfectly with four courses from Alys Beach Executive Chef Kevin Cavanaugh. This evening is sure to be an experience to remember. The live music performance of Mari Gleason will accompany the event.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23
• Oysters + Champagne, The Beach Plaza; 6-9 p.m.
An evening on the Beach Plaza featuring the most exceptional oysters harvested throughout the southeast. Accompanied by champagne and live music, the Oysters + Champagne event is always a beautiful evening of celebration. The live music performance of the Lilli Lewis Trio will accompany the event. Oysters will be provided by Cypress Point Oyster Co., Pelican Oyster Farm, Serenoa Shellfish Co.; a food station will be provided by The Citizen; champagne stations will feature Laurent-Perrier, Laherte Frères, VINTUS Wine Imports, Champagne Delamotte, and Piper-Heidsieck – Charles Heidsieck.

• Leyenda de México Tequila Dinner, Papilio Park; 6-9 p.m.
A new addition to the 30A Wine Festival, the Leyenda de México Tequila Dinner features a four-course dinner alongside neat tequila tastings and uniquely crafted cocktails from this beautiful tequila from Jalisco. Set in the enchanting canopy of Papilio Park, this dinner is a welcomed addition to the festival repertoire and is sure to be a memorable evening of food, drink, and revelry. The live music performance of Jeff Taylor will accompany the event.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24
• Mixology Seminar, Red Loggia; 5-6:30 p.m.
This hands-on mixology seminar will take you through the creation of three perfect craft cocktails that are sure to impress even the most avid cocktail connoisseurs. Our experts, Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage and Christopher Ritch of Maverick Beverage Company, share their expertise, insights, and instructions to impart participants with a fresh new lineup to replicate at home.

• Bourbon, Beer & Butts, Kelly Green; 6:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy a night of bourbon, beer, and barbecue with bourbon tastings from distilleries across the country, craft brews from local and national breweries, and savory barbecue creations showcasing the top culinary talents in the Southeast.
Breweries include Grayton Beer Company , Wicked Weed Brewing Company, Tin Roof Brewing Company, Pensacola Bay Brewery, Sixpoint Brewery, Goat Island Brewing, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company.
Participating culinary talent represents Alys Beach, Marrow Private Chefs, Saw’s BBQ, The Hound, The Perfect Pig Grill and Fish House, Treaty Oak Distilling, Southern Soul BBQ, RC Weddings + Events Professional Catering, and Cookie Fix.
Bourbon distilleries include Treaty Oak Distilling, Lexington Brewing & Distilling, Dettling Bourbon, Doc Swinson’s Whiskey, Savage & Cooke, Michter’s Distillery, Paul Sutton Bourbon, Superb Spirits, and Balcones Distilling. The Cleverlys are sure to keep the party rockin’ all night!

SATURDAY, FEB. 25
• Grand Tasting , 3:30-6:30 p.m. | South Charles Street
Immerse yourself in the streetscapes of Alys Beach as you stroll down South Charles Street for the Grand Tasting. Between tasting more than 80 wines from around the globe and light bites to accompany you along the way, this is sure to be a stroll like no other. The live music performances of Jared Herzog, Mike Whitty, and Tanner Gray will accompany the event.
Participating culinary talent represents Ravello Ristorante, The Salty Butcher, George’s at Alys Beach, The Depot , Pescado, Farmer’s Feast, Alys Beach Culinary, 2 Birds Café, Seabear, Chocolatá, Black Bear Bread Co.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26
• Gospel Brunch, Gulf Green; 10 a.m. to noon
We’ll keep the mimosas, Bloody Marys, and coffee cocktails flowing while you enjoy a lively, delicious brunch in one of Alys Beach’s most beautiful and iconic settings, Gulf Green. Feel the joy as the sounds of the gospel choir fill the space for this celebratory Sunday event. The live music performance of the Soul Sensations will accompany the event. The brunch cocktail station will feature Treaty Oak Distilling.

• Rosé & Croquet, Kelly Green; noon to 3 p.m.
Rosé & Croquet is one of the most beloved of the festival events. Wear your croquet whites and enjoy a festive gathering featuring a beautiful brunch spread and an elegant selection of rosés. Rally your best mates and fuel up for the ninth annual Croquet Tournament (each player must purchase an individual ticket + an additional $200 for a four-person team ticket is required to play in the tournament), or just sit back, sip some sparkling rosé, and watch the games. It’s always a fun finale for the 30A Wine Festival! The live music performance of Ken & Andi will accompany the event.

February 12, 2023

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 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.

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.

February 8, 2023

Back Beach Barbecue, Idyll Hounds plan beer dinner benefitting NICU

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

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Back Beach Barbecue and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will host an intimate beer dinner Thursday, March 2, at Back Beach Barbecue in support of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Beer dinner

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the restaurant will be closed for the private dinner experience featuring a five-course meal prepared by Back Beach Barbecue Pitmaster Shane Kirkland. Each course will be accompanied by a specially selected beer by local brewery, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company. Kirkland Shane has created a menu featuring various specialty meats and seafood including oysters, duck breast, shrimp, and elk. The meal concludes with a smoke-infused dessert to round out the evening.

Proceeds raised will benefit Panama City’s HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital’s NICU, a cause with close personal ties to the chef. Last year, Kirkland and his wife, Heather, who is also an employee at Back Beach Barbecue, welcomed twin boys, Ezra and Isaiah. They were born premature and had to stay in the NICU due to struggles of eating on their own, bilirubin levels, and caloric intake.

“The only thing that made this horrible situation the best possible was the staff at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital NICU,” said Shane. “They loved us, and our babies, as if they were their own.”

After three weeks, their boys were finally discharged and the family left feeling eternally grateful for the care they received from HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital.

“We’ve been home for about nine months now, and we are forever friends with the staff members, and still make regular visits to see our NICU family who treated, loved, and genuinely cared for our Ezra and Isaiah.”

Proceeds raised from the dinner will go toward the purchase of clothing, supplies, and a specialized camera system in the NICU that will allow families to check in and observe their premature infant at any time. Tickets for the dinner are on sale for $100 and can be purchased by calling the restaurant at 850-249-0822.

February 1, 2023

Courtyard at Pescado hosting Mardi Gras wine dinner Feb. 23

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Special to 30A Food & Wine:
Feb. 1, 2023

ROSEMARY BEACH – The Courtyard at Pescado, located on the ground floor of the Orleans Building in Rosemary Beach, is set to host a Mardi Gras Wine Dinner Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

The coursed menu, created by Chef Preston Trott, will consist of four carefully crafted courses paired with French wines from Breakthru Beverage. Guests will be welcomed to start the evening with a refreshing Nola 75 cocktail. Tickets for the event are $165 + 7% tax and 22% gratuity. Purchase tickets at rooftop30a.com/happenings/mardigras2023

January 26, 2023

Seagar’s: Warmed from the inside out

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Sandestin steakhouse debuts winter menu

By Michelle Farnham
Jan. 26, 2023

SANDESTIN – As a AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse, Seagar’s Prime Prime Steaks and Seafood is certainly known for its beef, but Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington III and his crew debut new creations four times a year to capitalize on each season’s freshest ingredients.

At a special winter menu preview Jan. 25, Covington unveiled a crab cake that took full advantage of the re-opening of the Alaskan king crab market. Featuring a velvety smooth velouté and edible flowers, this crab cake is topped with the most perfectly crisp confit leeks, sliced impossibly thin.

Also from the first course menu, Chef’s pork belly is served atop a 13-layer potato mille-feuille that is simultaneously buttery and crisp – hitting all the highlights of what a potato can be. In addition to an apple puree, sweet creme fraiche, and blood orange demi glace reduction, Covington takes it to that Seagar’s status by adding gold leaf.

“We went with the Japanese Kurobuta pork belly,” Covington explained. “The fat-to-protein content – it’s like Wagyu – it’s evenly distributed so you’re not biting into really big fat pockets, making it too hard to chew.”

Pork belly with potato mille-feuille

Gulf grouper with marbled beurre blanc

Under the Mistletoe, Explosion of Flavors, Fit For A Queen

Alaskan king crab cake with confit leeks

Diver scallop with house-pressed linguini

Chef Fleetwood Covington creates a quenelle of gelato

Moving onto entrees, Chef wanted to hint at spring with his seared Gulf grouper dish, using light, bright citrus flavors in the artfully marbled basil and white wine beurre blanc, alongside roasted winter vegetables.

“I’ve been wanting to do this marbled beurre blanc for two or three menus now,” he said. “We do a basil puree but to keep it from oxidizing and turning brown, we use a lemon juice base laced with dehydrated lemon powder.” Dots of the puree are carefully dragged with a needle through the beurre blanc to create the marble effect.

Seagar’s has been setting the bar for its diver scallops for years, but Covington brought out their natural sweetness pairing them with confit sweet potato and carrot ribbons. The plate includes house-pressed linguini, finished with tarragon and brown butter emulsion and king crab velouté – and a bit of sleight-of-hand.

“We like to hide the vegetables. We pick vegetables that are the same color so you can’t tell which is which. You’ve got confited sweet potatoes and carrots, and I can look at that plate and even I can’t tell which is which. That’s kind of what I want: to hide some of the supporting ingredients,” he admitted with a smile.

Aiming to take the gaminess out of game, the red stag venison entree is served with a black currant demi glace reduction, and takes the word “tender” to a whole new level.

“Venison I’ve tried for years to get in the restaurant, and if I was going to bring it in, I was going to get it from New Zealand,” Covington said. “Red stag is the less gamier option, in my opinion. This is the leg filet, so it will probably eat like Prime filet.”

The meal was finished on a sweet note with a bruleed apple spice cake with buttercream – a nod to Covington’s mom’s carrot cake. A quenelle of house-made bourbon and Madagascar vanilla bean gelato completes the dessert.

Seagar’s beverage program was on full display as well, as mixologist Angelina served up a trio of cocktails, capitalizing on the warming flavors of winter. A gin drink, Fit For A Queen, is topped with champagne and includes an edible hibiscus blossom floated in the coupes glass. For those who enjoy a little heat in their drink, the Explosion of Flavors starts with a smoky Mezcal tequila, chipotle pineapple, lime, and a rim of Tajin. Perhaps the most wintery of sips though was the Under the Mistletoe, a snifter of ginger beer, organic apple vodka, pomegranate liquor and lime, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.

Seagar’s Prime Seafood & Steakhouse is located at 4000 Sandestin Blvd. South, within the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Visit them online at seagars.com for more information, including reservation details.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

January 17, 2023

Restaurant Paradis’ Prohibition Repeal dinner raises $14K

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Seventh annual event benefits Food for Thought Outreach

Special to 30A Food & Wine
Jan. 17, 2023

ROSEMARY BEACH – Restaurant Paradis is pleased to announce their seventh annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner, presented by 30A Luxury Vacations, raised $14,000 for Food for Thought Outreach.

Guests gathered at the Rosemary Beach fine-dining restaurant for a Gatsby-inspired evening. Upon entry, ticket holders made their way into the bar area to enjoy specialty cocktails made with Distillery 98’s Dune Laker vodka, each served in a commemorative glass courtesy of Buddy’s Seafood. Attendees then made their way into the main dining room where they were seated for a special four-course meal prepared by Paradis’ award-winning chef, Mark Eichin. Each course was expertly paired with wines by Vineyard Brands and sponsored by local businesses including Driftwood Wine and Spirits, Rosemary Beach Realty, SoWal House, and Swiftly Catered. Throughout the night, attendees were surrounded by live music from Christy Larsen, courtesy of Inlet Beach Real Estate, and photographed by Anthony Whittington, compliments of 30A Cottages.

“We would like to thank all of our loyal patrons and fellow community members for sponsoring and buying tickets to this year’s record-breaking dinner,” said Restaurant Paradis owner, Danny Cosenzi. “During the holiday season we always look forward to hosting everyone and raising money for a local cause that makes a huge impact in our area.”

The proceeds raised from the annual Prohibition event go directly to Food for Thought Outreach, a local 501(c)3 organization that works to bridge the meal gap in the lives of food insecure children in Walton and Okaloosa counties.

“We are so grateful to benefit from this event,” said Tiffanie Nelson, CEO and founder of Food for Thought Outreach. “Restaurant Paradis has been a generous partner in our work at Food for Thought Outreach and events such as this make a direct impact in our organization.”

Since 2010, Food for Thought Outreach has been dedicated to serving the food-insecure children in our community. Currently, over 3,000 children are enrolled in their year-round programs.

“We love to see our community come together in support of the children who need us the most,” Nelson said.

January 8, 2023

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!”