Story
Edward's Fine Food and Wine Charms in Rosemary Beach
August 16, 2019 by Audrey Johnson
Edward’s Fine Food and Wine is an excellent and entertaining, fresh fine dining restaurant in the heart of Rosemary Beach.
It’s a place where South Walton locals feel at home and loyal guests return year after year on family vacations. The staff at Edward’s is well trained in fine dining with a casual spirit of discernment to make each guest comfortable. The incredibly talented kitchen works like a well-oiled machine. All in all, Edward’s is one big family. It’s no wonder guests come back for the food, the wine and the unparalleled service.
The menus at Edward’s are very much seasonal. Chef Joshua Smith changes the menu multiple times a year to fully enjoy fresh produce and seafood that may only be available for short windows of time. The young, creative culinary team loves introducing new menu ideas as much as the guests love trying them. Some regulars come in two or three times a week in an attempt to try them all. Star items remain on the menu such as Crab Cakes, Tuna Tartare and Capellini Pomodoro, to name a few.
As always, Edward’s changes from light dishes in Summer to heavier accompaniments in Winter. Summer brings a bevy of fresh ripe peaches and heirloom tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and other sun kissed sundries. In the winter, root vegetables, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower reign supreme.
Edward’s sources ingredients as locally as possible, utilizing small, independent farms across the Southeast. They collaborate with Waterstreet Seafood in Apalachicola to source local Gulf Seafood. Two Dog Farms in Mississippi and Covey Rise Farms in Louisiana provide sustainable produce that can be difficult to find in the Panhandle, as well as the more local outfit Twin Oaks Farms in Bonifay.
“There is a lot of work involved in growing and raising things to eat and I hope that we show that respect and admiration through the work that we do here at Edwards,” says Chef Joshua Smith.
What’s in a name? Well in this case, it’s wine. Edward’s Fine Food and Wine has an award-winning wine program that has received the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” three years in a row. They carry a selection of over 100 wines, some you know and love as well as boutique wines that you may not have tried anywhere else. The extensive list covers all major wine regions and varietals. All red wines are kept their new red wine coolers and served at cellar temperature - something that you won't see very often in the area.
“My favorite part of the job is to use my knowledge as a certified Sommelier to find the perfect bottle of wine,” says General Manager Kristy Johnston. “I love to talk about wine and share that part of myself with someone else.”
For those looking for a drink with a little more flavor, Kristy has designed beverages like the white wine Moscow Mule and Port of Call. (The restaurant has a wine and beer license only.) With a little creativity, Edward’s offer something for everyone.
Edward’s is not too far removed from a recent facelift. They now have an increased ability to service guests, with an awning that protects the outdoor seating area when light rain comes through. Edward’s also has new tables and chairs as to provide a more comfortable setting. A gorgeous mosaic imported from Italy depicting Main Street showcases the beautiful architecture of Rosemary Beach – the perfect artistic compliment to a beautiful meal.
Edward’s Fine Food and Wine is open nightly for dinner starting at 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.edwards30a.com or call (850) 231-0550. Follow along on Facebook for the latest updates. Seating is first come, first served.
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.