Bijoux Keeps It Friendly for Locals

Once in a while, the SoWal staff likes to meet up at the end of the day for happy hours.

We sip on wine and cocktails and nibble on a few bites shared family style. We love chatting about the latest happenings and getting all the fun scoop. Last week we had a full evening and an impromptu birthday toast at Bijoux. We left inspired by small bites, mules and design. Above all, we enjoyed a few good laughs and captured some fun moments.

Chef Jack McGuckin and his wife Leslie are the dynamic duo behind Bijoux. The New Orleans natives combine New American cuisine with influences from their hometown. Leslie designed the interior to have an urban feel that’s sexy but still comfortable and homey, and that same vibe translates perfectly across the cuisine and the bar menu.

Bijoux opened their doors in 2008 in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, and moved to their current location at the Market Shops in October 2014. The newer location has proven to be way more accessible, where loyal customers can come park and chill and have good food and wine.

We really wanted to create a local feel,” says Leslie.

Bijoux’s menu features creative dishes with lots of flavor. Chef Jack loves to cook comfort food, like the gumbo that he grew up with, and a good steak is always on the menu. Make no mistake. Steak at Bijoux is a special affair.

“We cook steak in a cast iron skillet in 8 oz. of duck fat,” says Chef Jack. The fat gives it a nice crust and unbelievable flavor. But don’t try this at home-the cleanup isn’t worth it. Just stop in and let the crew at Bijoux indulge you.

Happy Hour starts a 5 pm and includes $7 small plates before 7 pm. Half off house wines and well drink specials bring a relaxing close to the work day. Or you can just skip to the good stuff…like the Strawberry Balsamic Mule. The cocktail is a refreshing take on the Moscow version that Bar Manager Will Binford mixes up.

If you sit at Binny’s bar, you can order small plates for the low-low off the bar menu, like Angus Beef Sliders with fontina cheese, remoulade, and bacon jam. Pomme Frites are double fried and served with a red curry aioli, and at only five bucks you’ll be asking for seconds.

Blackened Brie with toasted walnut bread, pickled grapes and local honey taste like breakfast. Artisan cheese plates come with diner’s choice (manchego and drunken goat anyone?) alongside dried fruits and nuts and the freshest little baguette you’ve ever tasted. The plate is served with good olive oil and local honey, which they say is the best cure for pollen allergies. Happy Hour has its practical benefits, too.

On Sundays…we brunch! Chef Jack turns up the Jazz every Sunday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and serves New Orleans inspired brunch fare. Bottomless mimosas and creative cocktails are also on the menu. Enjoy live music on the patio on select Sundays.

Bijoux has been known to host wine dinners to showcase a vintner and support a worthy cause. In the past, they’ve benefited Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and this year Chef Jack will present dinner to patrons of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation benefiting children in need.

Bijoux is located at The Market Shops in Miramar Beach. The restaurant is open daily for happy hour and dinner, and on Sundays for brunch from 10:30 am-2:30 pm. For reservations or inquiries, please call 850.622.0760. For menus and more, please visit www.bijouxdestin.com. Follow Bijoux on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest happenings.