Year 2008
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Press Kit: Dining
Southern Samplings to Seafood Sensations
DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. -- Destin • Fort Walton Beach • Okaloosa Island eateries are out to impress one thing. . . the taste buds. From rackety-shack oyster bars and salt-air cafes to upscale eateries, restaurants celebrate local seafood superstars with simple zest. Fruitful fishing waters yield the freshest and largest variety of seafood in Florida (with the exception of the Keys) with at least 20 tasty types of fish available for savoring during the different seasons. Whether blackened, broiled or butter-drenched, sea specialties from red snapper and amberjack to yellowfin tuna and triggerfish come straight from the harbor docks of the largest charter boat fleet in the state. Tastes of the South spotlight such mouth-watering favorites as authentic Louisiana Cajun crawfish gumbo, beer-battered fried mullet, hush puppies and key lime pie. More than 400 easy-going eateries, mostly bordering the Gulf, bay, bayou or sound, are simple in atmosphere yet spiced with character, serve to-die-for dishes and offer southern hospitality. For guests looking to dine at upscale restaurants while vacationing, the Emerald Coast offers various options for dining in style. Louisiana Lagniappe, earns rave reviews with its savory Seafood Lagniappe, pannéed fresh filet of grouper topped with lobster medallions and smothered in garlic beurre blanc and hollandaise sauce. Another tempting chic restaurant is Destin Chops, which offers an American menu with a piano bar that sets the mood. Rutherfords 465, located at the Regatta Bay Clubhouse, offers customers an award-winning menu while creating a unique ambiance with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Regatta.
The first Emerald Coast restaurant, Staff’s, is a 1913 barrel-shaped warehouse adorned with original pressed-tin ceilings and various collectibles such as a 1914 cash register and an antiquated phonograph lamp. The Seafood Skillet -- yellowfin tuna, shrimp, scallops and crabmeat stuffing broiled in melted butter and drizzled with cheese -- is served with baskets of homemade wheat bread fresh-baked from Pop Staff’s 70-year-old secret recipe.
For an unforgettable dining experience, The Magnolia Grill -- a true historic house from the 1910-era -- is located just off the Okaloosa sound. Once guests step inside, they are immediately surrounded by local history including black and white photographs that tell the story of the ‘40s-era in Fort Walton Beach. With menu items from delectable appetizers to tantalizing entrees, The Magnolia Grill, also known as “the museum that sells food,” is sure to top off any family’s Emerald Coast getaway.
Attracting bikini-covered crowds, the Back Porch is a cedar-shingled seafood sensation with a sweeping sugar beach view. Its claim to fame is as the originator -- and most scrumptious supplier -- of the local favorite “fish dish,” chargrilled amberjack. Dangling along the bustling Destin docks of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” tiki-topped AJ’s cooks an angler’s fresh catch straight off the line. From fried blue crab claws to spicy steamed shrimp, it’s also the perfect place to devour buckets of deep sea favorites.
The Lucky Snapper offers the best of both worlds with indoor and outdoor dining. Savor exotic specialties inside while enjoying a view of the Destin Harbor or enjoy a tasty burger and fries in the salty sea air while you soak up the sun and watch boats go by.
Angler’s Beachside Grill and Sports Bar -- located near The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island -- serves sumptuous seafood creations. Choose from eating on the boardwalk and enjoying the breathtaking view to catching up on the latest sports happenings while watching one of two large screen TVs located in the sports bar.
Winner of Destin’s First Place Gumbo Award, Boathouse Oyster Bar is ironically best known for its colossal cheeseburgers. Located on the Harbor, the restaurant boasts a calming view with a brisk taste of flavor and savvy.
Area nightlife ranges from tiki hut hangouts to hot spot nightclubs. On any one night, the little sea town rocks with more than 20 live bands as sizzling sunburns “cool down.” Dockside, AJ’s Club Bimini boasts the Bimini Bash, a lethal mix of cranberry, orange and pineapple juices with a five-rum kick.
With two different clubs under one roof, sprawling Nightown -- awarded acclaim by Southern Living and the Atlanta Journal Constitution -- contains a pulsating dance club with a 14,000 sq.ft., lighted dance floor, laid back beach bar, live music and pool tables.
Theme nights and crowd participation are required at Howl at the Moon. From ‘50s be-bop to New Millennium “Hip-Hop,” dueling pianos entice music lovers and audience members are encouraged to join piano players on-stage for renditions of favorite hits.
Additional visitor information about these and other area restaurants is available by calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131 or by visiting us at www.destin-fwb.com.