I'm hoping for some great casual dining recommendations from locals...

[ChasingChe]

I have read Nancy's many blogs and browsed here before my account was activated this morning. But, I know that in this fickle economy and with the storms, businesses close and change hands (and clearly quality!) often.

We are on a major dining budget this trip and have a kitchen in the resort, so we will likely eat a few meals in the room. I'd love to find a great take-out place. We really enjoyed the NY Deli in Pensacola last year, something along that same vein. My kids have food allergies, so the standard chicken nuggets and fries won't work for us.

I'm also looking for some great little local places that just have fantastic food. I've already marked down the Silver Sands breakfast counter (hoping that is still operating!) and Dewey Destin's (hope I got that name right).

Basically, I'm looking for something YOU guys would eat - affordable, local, fun, kitchy, and absolutely food-driven delicious.

I'm also needing the name of a bakery who does gluten-free birthday cakes. If there are none locally, I'll just order one at home and bring it with us. But, I'd love to support local businesses down there, if possible.

Thanks so much!

 

[the hat guy]

Local Dining

Great new place in Grayton Beach called Shorty's (next door to Zoo Gallery). Get there for sunset and view the only direct gulf view dining in the area. Food is outstanding and so is the service. Very reasonably priced...this place won't remain a secret for long.

 

[tuck]

I have to agree with Gonzo, Shorty's over in Grayton Beach is a new happening spot here in sowal. The food is great and the view of the gulf is outstanding. The prices are good, especially for the quality.

As for Gluten Free, For The Health Of It located in Blue Mountain Beach carries a wide variety of Gluten Free Foods. I was just there shortly ago and they have a bunch of fresh locally made Gluten Free baked goods from a new local business called Pie in the sky. I would call FTHOI and see if they can order you a birthday cake.

 

[Allifunn]

Reccomendations on this board for House Of Klaus (burgers, dogs & sandwiches) and Pickles (Pizza) both next door to eachother and reasonable. Flip Flops is good. Shorty's...most definately! Pizza by the sea is good pizza as well and might deliver?
I think there is a thread somewhere on the board started by someone that was going to start a business selling gluten free cakes. I'll see if I can find it and post it here.

 

[Allifunn]

http://www.sowal.com/bb/dining-food/32398-gluten-free-cakes-pies.html

Here is the thread.....looks like For The Health of It can get you hooked up with a GF cake.

 

[ChasingChe]

Thanks so much for the recommendations.

I found some of the websites, wherever applicable, but I'm having trouble locating info on Flip Flops, House of Klaus, and Pickles.

Oh - I'm also looking for a nice cheese assortment somewhere - even a quality supermarket will do. I'm looking for maytag, a nice double creme brie, etc. Nothing uber-specialized, but quality is essential. (How do you guys live without a Whole Foods!?)

 

[tuck]

Thanks so much for the recommendations. (How do you guys live without a Whole Foods!?)

For The Health Of It.... I lived in Miami where we have a large whole foods market, and I find that For The Health Of It offers a lot of the products and they sure have a knowledgable staff. Plus they are locally owned and operated

 

[Green Knight]

Thanks so much for the recommendations.

I found some of the websites, wherever applicable, but I'm having trouble locating info on Flip Flops, House of Klaus, and Pickles.

Oh - I'm also looking for a nice cheese assortment somewhere - even a quality supermarket will do. I'm looking for maytag, a nice double creme brie, etc. Nothing uber-specialized, but quality is essential. (How do you guys live without a Whole Foods!?)

Publix has a great cheese selection...anything you could possibly want

 

[Plays With Food]

For cheese - I recommend Chan's Wine World in Destin. They have a fabulous selection and will let you taste everything before you buy.

Also - the cafe in Chan's might be a nice place for lunch for your crew. Check it out!

Silver Sand is no longer a freestanding breakfast counter - it operates out of the Harbor Docks restaurant, even though it is a separate operation. And I think it's the best breakfast value around. You can also get take out fried chicken and biscuits from them. For an at-home breakfast treat - donuts from the Donut Hole. Their breakfast is more expensive than Silver Sand, though we heard a good report on it the last time we were there.

 

[beachmouse]

Fresh Market in Destin has a reasonably diverse cheese counter- maytag blue, humboldt fog, all kinds of stuff that's a little too obscure for Publix (Which is actually pretty good for a mass market grocer)

Alas, we're just far too small of a metro area for either Whole Foods or Trader Joe's to have an interest in.