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Breakfast is Served at Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

May 11, 2016 by Manny Chavez

Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse represents the best of SoWal with unique guest cottages and cafe in historic Grayton Beach, Florida. The Hibiscus Café had been closed to the public since July but is now open and offering the original vegetarian breakfast menu. Breakfast at Hibiscus can be enjoyed inside or outside under the trees providing just the right touch for casual dining and conversation.

Entrees are simple with an emphasis on healthy eating. Plain or fancy waffles, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Old Fashioned Oatmeal…delicious menu items that all come either topped or served with the Fresh Fruit of the Day. Vegan and gluten options are available for most items. For folks who have booked their stay at the Guesthouse, breakfast is included in all room, suite, or apartment rentals.

Kurt Tape, who heads the overall Hibiscus enterprise, is proud of the family business and has “seen it all” during their 22 years in business. Both Kurt and his son Warren had a desire to go back to the old way of doing things.
 

“We have gone back to our original breakfast menu and pretty much do everything associated with the daily running of Hibiscus ourselves,” says Kurt. The old guard consists of the father and son along with cousin Stephanie (Inn Keeper), Jean Hill (Housekeeping Manager), and now they have added cook Kasei Blanks to their fold. Stephanie’s nine-year-old son, Caleb, has taken on many helpful duties around the property. The Hibiscus family tradition continues.

The Hibiscus Guest House has pretty much remained the same over the past 22 years with lodging for singles, couples, or groups of people. So whether you are flying solo or part of a group, there is a place with the light on for you.

The Guest House is a very quiet place to be with the grounds of Hibiscus and old majestic oaks providing just the ticket for a tranquil stopover or vacation. Located at 85 DeFuniak Street just south of Pandora’s, the Hibiscus property is just a few blocks from the beach and all the happenings in the Grayton Beach area.

Geographically, Grayton is pretty much in the center of the SoWal map with Scenic Highway 30A leading the way to lots of local activities.

Another feature of the Hibiscus property is the well-know Backyard of Love which is used for special events, weddings and monthly music concerts. The grounds, with multiple old, grand oaks throughout, provide a most enchanting background for wedding receptions, rehearsals, and music venues such as those of the annual Songwriters Festival.

This year, there are plans in the making for monthly entertainment bookings, primarily musical acoustical shows with an emphasis on charity events. A good example of this type of venue was the recent Bryan Kennedy performance benefiting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. The event showcased Bryan’s original music and attendees chowed down on the low country shrimp boil and pulled pork sandwich plates catered by Colin Smith Catering.

Bryan Kennedy returns to the Backyard of Love on Tuesday, May 24. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. and features performance by Kennedy with kickstand Kevin Boyle and special guest Forrest Williams Band. Food and drink available. Admission/donation of $15 benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

Part of the charm of Hibiscus has always been their standout motivational sign located at the entrance to the property. The “Be….”  chalk board feature started 22 years ago and is still going strong. The daily dictums have been a refreshing inspiration to those traveling down DeFuniak Street in Grayton Beach. When you start your day with a positive sign, all things are good!

With Spring Break behind us and Summer on the way, The Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse beckons all in need of a little tranquility at the beach. Hibiscus breakfast hours are 8-11 a.m. daily.

For more Café or Guest House information, please call 850-231-2733 or visit hibiscusflorida.com. Follow Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse on Facebook for updates on events and Grayton Beach news.

 

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Manny Chavez's picture

Manny has been a working photojournalist his entire career and is now writing stories/taking pix for SoWal.com. He and his wife Kris live in Seagrove and have “seen a lot come and go.” Lots of stories have been told, with lots more to come!

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