Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Luxurious condo resorts abound, such as Sterling Shores Resort (above, left and right). Chef Tim Creehan’s Beach Walk offers delectable dishes to complement its beachfront setting, including appetizers, an extensive wine list (right, top — image courtesy of Beach Walk Restaurant), and Signature Tuna dish (right, bottom). When you’re on vacation, it’s almost mandatory that you eat well, so I go for lunch at the Beach Walk Café. It’s one the few restaurants located right on the beach, and you have the option of dining inside or beachside. It’s a beautiful day, and I sit at a table outside with a front-row view of the sparkling green water. The sky is clear and the water is smooth as glass, and there are people out on their boats fishing and swimming and just enjoying the sun. “One of the great things about the Spring is that it’s cobia season,” says Troy Klamerus, manager of Beach Walk. “It’s great to eat fresh cobia here while you watch people catch them.” Chef Tim Creehan, who owns Beach Walk, takes pride in offering only fresh seafood; nothing is ever frozen. That being the case, the menu changes almost weekly, often dependent on what’s in season. “The menu is based on the quality of food available,” Troy says. I order Chef Creehan’s Signature Tuna, which is served seared rare with a black pepper crust over a bed of spinach. It’s fresh and tender, and the pepper provides just the right amount of kick. It’s clear the chef knows what he’s doing. “Back in 1991, there were five fine-dining restaurants,” Troy says, echoing my thoughts from earlier. “Now we have over 20. We get everybody back because we’re consistent.” My wife, Beth, joins me later for dinner and we head to Cuvee Beach, another favorite in Destin for locals and travelers alike. The restaurant is designed like a Tuscan wine villa, which is appropriate since Cuvee Beach is renowned for pairing wine with food. “The cuisine we serve blends with wine,” manager Ernie Danjean says. Ernie, who says the restaurant’s concept is “casual fine dining,” explains that cuvee is a type of blended wine, and Cuvee Beach is a blend of many good things: good food, good wine, good atmosphere, and good service. Cuvee Beach has a wine bar, which Ernie says is extremely popular. Tonight, the bar is very lively, and Ernie takes the time to talk to some patrons and high-five others. what to do: APRIL 18-20—Seabreeze Jazz Festival Check out the smooth jazz at this year’s festival, held in the Gulf Place Outdoor Amphitheater. The festival is shaping up to be the best ever, and attendees have voted the venue time and time again as the Best Jazz Venue in the area. APRIL 30–MAY 4—Destin “Week of Blessings” and Annual Blessing of the Fleet Bring the family for the week of blessings that includes a concert, children’s fair, and marketplace, as well as the annual Blessing of the Fleet by Immanuel Anglican Church. MAY 10–11—ArtsQuest Held at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, it will feature a classical music performance, the Fine Art of Looking Good Fashion Show & Luncheon, a Champagne Shopping Tour of Art Galleries, demonstrations, and a gala Art Preview Party on the eve of the Fine Arts Festival. MAY 17—ABWA Billy Bowlegs Boating Poker Run Sponsored by the ladies of the Emerald Coast Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA). Participants enjoy boating and cruising to several local ports as they try to get the best poker hand. The top three poker hands will win valuable prize packages. Spring 2008 39

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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