George's at Alys Beach Rolls out Tasty Seasonal Menu

George’s at Alys Beach recently rolled out their Fall/Winter menu and we love it.

The upscale casual restaurant updates their seasonal menus twice a year - look for their Spring/Summer menu during Spring Break – focusing heavily on changes to their dinner menu. Lunch tends to stay the same with tried and true favorites, and a little tweaking here and there for interest.

“We want to try to be creative every season so we put all our efforts into dinner,” says Executive Chef Camille Withall.

When creating each season’s menu, the culinary team tends to keep the same proteins, but changes their approach. Fall and Winter call for a richer menu to help beat the cold and fill bellies…and spirits…with goodness.

Starting off the meal with a sharable take on bagel lox is a great way to expand your palate. Citrus Cured Salmon is cured in house for two days giving it unique flavor. It’s paired with smoked boursin cheese, cornichons, caviar, and pumpernickel for the perfect mix of light and hearty.

Green Goddess Salad begins with a bed of fresh, tender greens topped with roasted veggies the likes of red beets, roasted artichoke hearts, and baby carrots. The house made green goddess dressing sets it off. “Roasting the vegetables gives them a sweet flavor that’s still kind of earthy,” says Chef Camille. I was inspired to try this recipe at home twice since our chat, with much success.

Entrees like the Seared Sea Scallops on a bed of goat cheese risotto hold interesting surprises like balsamic ­fig preserves, pea shoots and crispy prosciutto.

The Alys Burger gets a facelift this season. The culinary team came up with interesting components on the burger that really stand out. Chef Camille says people have come to love it better than the original. It comes topped with fried cheese curds, bacon chutney, spicy raspberry ketchup to offset the richness, and, of course, a side of fries.

Truffle Sacchetti Alla Vodka is stuffed with ricotta and truffle and served with a tomato vodka sauce that’s also made in house. The dish is made of pouches filled with cheese that resemble little dumplings.

Finish off the meal with ‘Beer’amisu – a take on tiramisu made with Fairhope Coffee Stout and mascarpone cream. You will scrape the jar clean with a spoon.

One thing about George’s that really stands out is their culinary team’s ability to collaborate on new ideas. “We all work as a team,” says Chef Camille. “At the end of the day we always look out for each other.”

The culinary team at George’s has another beautiful collaboration coming up on New Year’s Day. The prix fixe menu features four courses and shows off some of the new fall dishes, with a special New Year’s twist. Call (850) 641-0017 to secure your spot.

George’s at Alys Beach is located on Scenic 30A in an Old Florida cottage with a new feel. Enjoy lunch and dinner daily. Since George’s operates on beach time, reservations are not accepted; tables are seated on a first come, first served basis. See menus and more at www.georgesatalysbeach.com. Connect with George’s on Facebook for updates.

George's cottage on the move from Seagrove in March 2008. It was the former home of Sandor's Restaurant.

George's transformed at its current location on Scenic 30A in Alys Beach.

Spell Restaurant Group is a family owned collection of restaurants featuring Great Food and Great Fun. The group includes La Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar, George's at Alys Beach, La Crema Tapas and Chocolate, Grits & Grind, Edward's Fine Food and Wine, Saltwater Grill, and Brookhaven Pub & Grill in Memphis, TN. Visit www.spellrestaurantgroup.com to learn more.