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Fish Out Of Water At WaterColor Inn Announces New Chef And Menu

January 25, 2025 by SoWal Staff

WaterColor Inn, the flagship luxury resort along 30A, announces today that its gulf-front onsite eatery, Fish Out of Water, has taken a fresh culinary direction under the guidance of industry veteran Chef Louis Martorano.

As the hotel’s new Director of Culinary and Executive Chef, Chef Martorano brings a new, seasonally-driven perspective to Fish Out of Water’s award-winning cuisine and impeccable service.

Balancing bold new flavors and the coastal classics of the region, Fish Out of Water’s offerings take inspiration from the fresh tastes of the Gulf and traditional Southern comforts.

Fish Out of Water’s latest highlights include fresh Gulf catches served in a photo-worthy tackle box, tender Grilled Ribeye with housemade steak sauce and the imaginative Cauliflower ‘Tabbouleh.’ With these selections and more, Chef Martorano and his team are committed to offering guests a dynamic menu that stays true to its 30A roots, with seaside staples elevated by flavors that will both surprise and delight the senses.

“I love South Walton’s natural beauty, small-town feel and access to fresh seafood and local ingredients,” Chef Martorano says. “I’m an avid outdoorsman, so it has been a nice match personally and fosters inspiration for fresh dishes. I’m excited to continue to keep Fish Out of Water’s offerings locally and seasonally focused.”

Beginning his culinary journey in 1985 at New York's Waldorf Astoria, Chef Martorano has forged an impressive career, participating in nearly a dozen Food & Wine Classic events, a dinner at the iconic James Beard House, and even serving several presidents including Ronald Regan, George H. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. After honing his skills in New York, Chef Matorano held multiple chef positions at Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, FL, and was part of the opening team for the Hilton Orlando Convention Center hotel.

“Chef Martorano brings an exciting new energy and perspective to Fish Out of Water, and we’re thrilled to have him spearheading our beloved culinary program,” said Gabriella Testa, General Manager at WaterColor Inn. “With his vast experience and passion for the ingredients 30A has to offer, we know that guests and visitors alike are in great hands.”

Perched above the sugar-white sands and boundless emerald waters of WaterColor Inn’s exclusive stretch of Santa Rosa Beach, Fish Out of Water offers guests a fully-immersive taste of 30A and stands as an integral part of WaterColor Inn. Since 2002, the AAA Four-Diamond WaterColor Inn transports guests to a colorful seaside oasis, with luxurious onsite amenities including WaterColor Beach Club, charming coastal boutiques, Camp WaterColor for children and much more.

Fish Out of Water is open daily for lunch from 11 AM – 2 PM  and dinner from 2 – 10 PM, with a daily Happy Hour from 2 – 4 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays from March – October, Fish Out of Water offers   Weekend Brunch from 8 AM – 2PM.

For more information, please visit www.watercolorresort.com and www.dinefish30a.com.

Fish Out of Water is the signature on-site restaurant of the AAA Four Diamond and Forbes-rated WaterColor Inn in WaterColor, Florida. The restaurant is perched upstairs of the inn’s main level, offering expansive second-floor Gulf views. FISH is open to the public and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as happy hour daily at the bar with seasonal live music.

One of South Walton's only large family-style restaurants, Fish Out of Water serves seasonal regional cuisine with a Southern Coastal approach. Guided by the world-class expertise of its culinary team and their commitment to authentic cuisine and impeccable flavors, their menu includes fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, surf & turf, pasta, and more. The restaurant’s expanded bar features an inspired beverage program with some of the world’s best tequilas, rums, and more. The bar also offers craft beers as well as a long list of wines stored in the on-site cellar.

A destination for eating well in lively and approachable surroundings, Fish Out of Water is “WaterColor casual” at its finest. The open-air design features floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor balcony made for people watching and sunset cocktails. The menu, drinks, and interior design create an engaging ambience - perfect for a midday break with family, a fun evening with friends or a romantic date night.

 

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