Local Artist Presents Lionfish Painting to Chef Jim at The Bay

Inspiration can strike South Walton artist Marisol Gullo at any time, even when having dinner at local favorite, The Bay. Marisol and her husband Tony run their family business, Not Too Shabby Boutique in Santa Rosa Beach, constructing and restoring furniture and home decor. Every piece they create is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Every piece they build, restore, or create is a true labor of love.

The same goes for Marisol’s recent donation of a Lionfish painting to Chef Jim Shirley for display at his restaurant, The Bay. “My family just loves The Bay,” says Gullo. “We eat there all the time and one night over dinner it just hit me. I wanted to create a Lionfish piece. It’s something I’ve never done before, but I wanted to contribute to a cause we all can support.”

Chef Jim has been preparing Lionfish at his restaurants, and also featured the fish in a dish when he was the Florida representative to the 12th annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off held recently. The Lionfish is an invasive species which threatens native wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. The fish is tasty, so the move is on to promote it for consumption by the public.

The new piece of art hanging on the wall at The Bay will help raise awareness and support to those working to catch and control Lionfish in conservation areas such as the Emerald Coast.

To learn more about lionfish and what is being done to help control the population in Florida waters please visit Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation, and Coastal Conservation Association. 

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At Not Too Shabby Boutique in Santa Rosa Beach, Marisol loves the challenge of reviving and renewing a piece’s old soul, and helping find each piece its new home. Every piece she brings into the shop is a new journey - a creation handcrafted with passion.

A gem sitting directly on Choctawhatchee Bay at the southern foot of the 331 bridge, The Bay is one of Chef Jim Shirley's latest South Walton restaurants. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Also serving up cocktails at the indoor/outdoor bars, Sunday brunch and Wednesday night live music on the beach.  Read more about The Bay in the SoWal Dining Guide.