Please help me with my annual search for new restaurants.

First things first - Kat's key lime pies are still available! You can order one before you arrive and Kat will deliver it to you. Look for a thread on here about it. Her email is katatthebeach@aol.com or PM her here on SoWal.

If you loved the 331, then try Louie Louies. Same owners, similar menu, same style, great place. It's located on 98, on the west side of the 30A area.

First of all, if your route is I-10 and exit on 331, drive about a mile north and try H&M in DeFuniak Springs. Our favorites there are Italian sausage dogs with grilled onions, Chicago-styled dogs, and juicy, hand-patted burgers that are better than Five Guys in our opinion. Closed on Sundays.

In a totally different category we just can't get enough of Bud & Alley's Pizza Bar (I know I sound like a broken record). If you've ever been to Italy, you know that it's the real deal with a few extras. The Caprese salad is perfectly prepared with tasty tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil, and a vinaigrette with the perfect proportions of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The fileto is the best piece of fried grouper that I've ever had (crispy on the outside, moist on the inside). The pizza crust is thin and crispy, just like in Italy. We always get the fennel-sausage (which is homemade) pizza, and if we've skipped lunch, we'll also get a Farmer's Market pizza with all veggies on top. After all, cold pizza is great for breakfast.

You must get a designated driver and try Stinky's. We like it best at lunch because our favorites are the andouille po' boy sandwich and the "Great Big Salad" with shrimp, both of which are not available on the dinner menu. They have a nice selection of beers -- great on these hot summer days!

I agree with the Louis, Louis & Stinky's recommendations. Smiling Fish Cafe is another suggestion.

I've never been dissapointed with Shorty's, across from the RedBar

Seems I've read good things about Shorty's. The old D&K's spot, right?

Seems I've read good things about Shorty's. The old D&K's spot, right?

Yes. We had a lovely lunch there in February.

Second Louis Louis (in the old Rendevous spot).

Try Chan's Cafe in Watercolor. We were there when it first opened and loved the pizza, but the menu has expanded since then. Great wine selection also.

Yes. We had a lovely lunch there in February.

Second Louis Louis (in the old Rendevous spot).

Try Chan's Cafe in Watercolor. We were there when it first opened and loved the pizza, but the menu has expanded since then. Great wine selection also.

Louis Louis is at the site of the former Cafe Provence.

And is the new place in Cafe Rendezvous a similar menu, atmosphere etc?

And is the new place in Cafe Rendezvous a similar menu, atmosphere etc?

My mistake - it was Provence that became Louis Louis. Love Louis Louis! Owned by the same family that has the Red Bar. Lots of kitshy decor and lots of simple yet wonderful food. Killer desserts.

Gravel Road (in the former Yianni's location). Terrific for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

On our way down in the morning. Thanks for the tips!

Seems like years ago, there was a place that was on the second floor of a standalone building somewhere near Earstern Lake (on the south side of 30-A). I was thinkng that was Cafe Tango, but it was clearly something else. Did I dream it? Was there some other Cafe "something" that has gone to Seaside in the sky?

On our way down in the morning. Thanks for the tips!

Seems like years ago, there was a place that was on the second floor of a standalone building somewhere near Earstern Lake (on the south side of 30-A). I was thinkng that was Cafe Tango, but it was clearly something else. Did I dream it? Was there some other Cafe "something" that has gone to Seaside in the sky?

Are you thinking of D&K's Cafe in Grayton? It has been closed for a couple years. Shorty's is now in it's place.

Criolla's is gone so you can forget that and we stopped going to Fish Out of Water because its too fareeezing cold for us girls in our spaghetti straps and sandals. Its one thing to bring a wrap but another thing to haul out socks mid meal. Gravel Road is great and the food is wonderful in a casual comfy atmosphere. Fire (in Grayton) is good and if you want Italian without pretense try Enzo's about a block north of Smiling Fish.

There's not much new. It takes a brave soul to open a new spot in this economy. Shoo Mama's is in the former BBQ location on 98, but I haven't been there yet. The chocolate/small plate place in Rosemary (name escapes me at the moment) is excellent, but specialized. Have you been to George's or La Cocina? Both good. It is indeed hard to beat the highly recommended spots like Stinky's, Fire, Gravel Road, etc. They get a lot of mentions for a reason...

Oh, and Kirkus, Shades is alive and kicking in Inlet. Not the same vibe, but a good spot nonetheless. And Hurricane is now in Grayton Corners. Doing just fine there, thank you.

Only a week away from our annual trip to Seaside, and happily, the only oil of concern is in the fryer at B&A's (crisping up some sweet potato fries). I'm looking for some restaurant recommendations - we tend to have leisurely meals, sometimes comprised only of multiple shared appetizers and nice wine or cold Red Stripes, and always with a nice vibe.

Over the years, our regular spots have included Cafe Thirty-A, Jean Noel's Cafe Rendezvous, Red Bar, the Roof Top Bar (Tarpon Club) and B&A's (and its Taco Bar). I sure miss D&K's, 331's, and the original Shades and Hurricane Grill in Seaside. We've always intended to try Cafe Tango, but somehow have never made it. We've moved away from Fish Out of Water, Criolla's and Borago as they somehow seem too . . . something . . . (like I need to tuck in my T-shirt?) And I'm usually too lazy/sunburned/imbibed to drive all the way to Stinky's.

So with all that, any ideas for me? (And a good substitute for Kat's key lime pie at D&K's?)

you need to chekout the Santa Rosa Beach Club. it is open to the public. It has an awesome view right on th gulf. sunsets are incredible.
they have changed the chef and dinner menu and its really good. they have different drink specials every night and if you ask for the service director and tell him you saw this on sowal he will give you some kind if discount.