SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

Finalists Announced for “Digital Graffiti” Festival

Alys Beach, Florida – (August 5, 2008) – Finalists have been chosen to be shown as part of the "Digital Graffiti" projection art festival to be held in Alys Beach this Labor Day weekend.

"We received many more entries than we ever expected, and from places as far away as Israel, Austria, India, Italy and China," said Kelli Arnold, the town’s Events Coordinator. "It was extremely difficult for our panel to narrow it down, but their selections feature a wonderful combination of local, national and international talents."

Sometimes referred to as "Photon Bombing" or "Urban Projection," underground artists around the globe have started using the latest technologies to project original video art onto skyscrapers and other structures, as a means of creative expression. But no outdoor event has ever been organized before to celebrate these talented artists.

Works submitted by the following 23 digital artists and teams have been selected to be projected during the festival:

• Ian Aleksander Adams (Savannah, GA)
• Dawn Chapman Anderson (Seaside, FL)
• Bryan Beasley  (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Alan Becker (Ohio)
• Isabella Bertoletti (New York, NY)
• Donna Callighan (Stamford, CT)
• George Cannon (Trumansburg, NY)
• Sean Capone (Brooklyn, NY)
• Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Adam Hayes Fisher (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Garrett Horn (Seagrove, FL)
• Philip Scott Johnson (St Louis, MO)
• Dottie King (Pensacola, FL)
• Clemens Kogler (Linza, Austria)
• Florian Kuhlmann (Dusseldorf, Germany)
• Mollie Murphy (Princeton, NJ)
• Alessandro Perini (Cucciago, Italy)
• Alexander Reyna (New York, NY)
• Sumit Roy (New Delhi, India)
• Janis Sawyer (Seaside, FL)
• Mauritius Seeger (London, United Kingdom)
• Robert Seidel (Jena, Germany)
• James Sumpter (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
• Michael Wyshock (Oneonta, NY)

These entries will now compete for $6,500 in cash prizes, including a $2,500 "Best of Show" award sponsored by Alys Beach, and a $1,000 "Best Local Artist" award sponsored by www.30A.com. A special $1,000 prize will also be awarded to the best entry with a "green" or environmental theme.

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In addition to fractals, digital animations and other video art, event organizers also received hundreds of compelling images from photographers around the world. A special $500 prize will be awarded to the best still-photography submission. A special wall will feature projected images submitted by the following photographers:

George's at Alys Beach

(see lunch menu below)

I finally ate at George's at Alys Beach, the second restaurant venture for local residents George and Ann Hartley, owners of the South Walton landmark Seagrove Village Market at the intersection of Hwy 395 and Scenic 30A in Seagrove Beach. George's the "topic" has sprung up in sooooo many of my conversations of late so I just had to go and see what all the fuss is about and met a friend for lunch there yesterday.

The much anticipated restaurant finally opened it's doors on July 21st but the media buzz surrounding George's started back in March.  Why?  The Florida cottage-style building itself used to sit next to the Seagrove Village Market on Hwy 395.  Yes, for those in the know, it used to house the beloved and quaint Sandor's restaurant and the Hartleys had it uprooted and moved down Scenic 30A to it's current location in Alys Beach. 

So, how was my experience?  Right out of the chute I will give the Hartleys a 10 for the execution of the brand they are creating at George's.  The renovations made to the building are excellent - the ambiance is 100% "feel good" and exudes that elusive cool-factor.  The restaurant seats 60 - 20 inside and 40 on the screened in porch.  I have no doubt that attention to detail in absolutely every facet of the design was taken into consideration and I also suspect nothing went overlooked as it's absolutely seamless in this regard, from the chalkboards to the color schemes to the catchy toad (yes, toad as in frog) theme to the plates to the graphic design to the furniture to the music and on and on.  Great job Ann and George!

So what is up with this toad theme?  As I found out by reading "The Frog Story" on the back of the menu, it's not a reflection of the cuisine you will find at George's or a nod to something about the wildlife in South Walton but a personal story the Hartley's have about linen towels embroidered with leaping frogs they received as a wedding present 25 years ago.  Sounds like those towels prompted a lesson (maybe the first?) in Marriage Compromise 101.  How it inspired a restaurant only they know but it is a cute story and adds character to the whole shebang.

I would describe the menu as eclectic Southern-influenced American cuisine.  What the h*** does that mean?  Well, they offer everything from fried seafood baskets ($13-$15) and 1/2 lb. cheeseburgers with fries ($9) to healthy wraps ($9), spa-inspired items such as grilled tofu on veggie soba noodles ($12) and "Senora Anna's Fish Tacos" ($11).  I really like how they have approached the presentation of their menu - another well thought out detail  - by dividing the menu items into "misbehave" and "behave" categories.  Again, pretty cute and definitely memorable.

For my lunch, although I really really wanted to misbehave with a greasy cheeseburger with all the fixins and a hot, heaping pile of fries with ketchup, I chose to be a good girl and ordered the Curry Chicken Salad ($12) from the behave category.  Mixed with dried fruits, nuts and celery, 2 modest ice cream scoop-sized balls of chicken salad were served on a little bed of organic greens which were tossed with a vinaigrette.  It was delicious - full of chicken with a subtle sweetness from the fruit, creamy mouth-feel from the mayo, crunch from the celery and a mild curry flavor...it's a combination I absolutely adore.  It was served with a side of an orzo pasta with balsamic dressing that was also tasty although under-seasoned - something I noticed in a few of the items.  And yes, I felt like I had behaved after my meal.

Digital Graffiti Festival Draws Entries From Around the Globe

A unique new event called “Digital Graffiti” is being hosted by Alys Beach this Labor Day Weekend to celebrate some of the world’s most talented digital artists.

The deadline for entries was July 11th, and event organizers say that they were overwhelmed by the response.

“We were flooded with nearly 150 entries from all around the world,” said Kelli Arnold, the town’s Events Coordinator. “Not only did we receive amazing submissions from local artists, but also from digital artists in New York, Los Angeles, Israel, Austria, Canada, Germany, London, India, France, Italy and even China.”

Sometimes referred to as “Photon Bombing” or “Guerrilla Projection,” underground artists around the globe have started using the latest technologies to project their unique works of art onto skyscrapers and other urban structures, as a means of artistic expression. But no outdoor event has ever been organized before to celebrate these talented artists.

“We invited artists to project their works onto our town’s famous white walls,” said Arnold. “Alys Beach will literally become their blank canvas.”

To help attract artists to the Emerald Coast, Alys Beach announced $6,500 in cash prizes, including a $2,500 “Best of Show” award, and a $1,000 “Best Local Artist” award sponsored by www.30A.com. A special $1,000 prize will also be awarded to the best entry with a “green” or environmental theme.

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But after receiving many more entries than expected, Arnold said that the biggest challenge now is to find more projectors.

“As you can imagine, it requires a lot of technology to host a unique event like this,” said Arnold. “Several local businesses have already offered to loan us their office projectors for that evening, but we need even more projectors to display as many entries as possible.”

The festival will be hosted by several celebrity and industry judges, including Alan Hunter, MTV's very first “VJ” and Co-Founder of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival; Terry Slaughter, President of the award-winning Slaughter Group, a strategic design and branding firm based in Birmingham, Alabama; Brett Phares, a professor of interactive media at Marist College in New York; and Warren Heaton, an award-winning digital artist, whose film, video and interactive media projects include such clients as Adobe, Microsoft, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

The festival will be held on Saturday, August 30th (Labor Day Weekend), from 8pm until 11pm. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday, August 31st.

For more information about Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, please visit www.alysbeach.com/DG. Individuals or businesses willing to loan a projector for this one-evening event are encouraged to call 1-866-481-8387 or email events@alysbeach.com.

“George’s at Alys Beach” to Open on July 18

[ **See Review of George's at Alys Beach HERE ]

Alys Beach, Florida – (July 10, 2008) – In March, a building formerly known to locals as Sandor’s Restaurant was lifted from its foundation in Seagrove and then transported down Scenic 30A to a brand new home in Seagrove Village Market Café. “Part of 30A’s soul is in that building.”

Located directly on 30A, George’s menu features both "be-have" and "mis-be-have" options. Those feeling like "misbehaving" can enjoy selections such as fried or wood-grilled seafood baskets, Po-boys, George's Famous Grouper Sandwich, Senora Anna's Fish Tacos and an item called "The Best Burger on 30A.” Those preferring to "behave" will enjoy fresh Tuna Salad Niçoise, Coconut Shrimp salad, wood-grilled tofu on a bed of veggie soba noodles, rilled veggie plates and a variety of healthy wraps.

“We just love living in Alys Beach, and it's so exciting to be the first merchants here in what will ultimately become the new Town Center,” said Ann Hartley.

The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining, and will be open for lunch from 11am until 3pm and for dinner from 5pm until 9pm, every day except Sunday.

For more information, please call 866-481-8387.

Related Post:

• Beach Eats Beat - George's at Alys Beach (with lunch menu)
• Sandor's Building Moving to Alys Beach
• Beach Eats Beat: Seagrove Village Market

Alys Beach ‘Butteries’ Preserve Story of Walton County’s Past

Alys Beach, Florida – (July 7, 2008) – Before refrigeration (and even before ice was imported or manufactured), homes in Bermuda’s hot island climate often maintained “butteries”—detached minaret-shaped structures designed to make, store and preserve butter, milk and other perishable foods.

But the four white “butteries” perched along scenic 30A in Alys Beach preserve something quite different.

Sixteen unique murals depicting scenes from South Walton’s history are now on public display in the trademark structures that mark the entrances to one of scenic 30A’s most dramatic new towns.

“Our community has worked so hard over the years to ensure that South Walton continues to be a special sanctuary for families to enjoy,” said Jim Stephens, Chairman of EBSCO Industries and son of Alys Stephens, for whom Alys Beach is named. "We commissioned these murals in the hope that they’ll offer visitors and future generations a better appreciation for our home's unique heritage."

The murals were created by Concetta Rothwell Morales, an art teacher at the Des Moines Art Center. Morales earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Painting and Art History from Skidmore College in New York and a Master’s Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A highly talented and recognized mosaic muralist, Morales is especially well-known for her work with materials that express uniqueness and durability, including granite, porcelain marble and a wide palette of colorful ceramic tile.

Some Hip Happenings for the Kiddos in June and July!

Alys Beach
Call 850.213.5500 or email events@alysbeach.com for more information.

• Sandcastle Building Lessons
  Wednesdays from 1-3 pm
  Location: Alys Beach in front of walkover
  Join local master sand sculptor Mark Flynn and learn to build towers, walls and arches like a pro.

• Beachology 101 with Christian Wagley
  Thursdays from 9-10 am
  Location: Alys Beach in front of walkover
  Meet and learn more about the fish, crabs, shells, dune plants, and other residents of the beach and shallow Gulf waters. We'll use nets and our hands to catch some of these wild critters of the beach and Gulf, talk about how they survive in this dynamic area, and then set them free to live another day. Come ready to get wet and have fun!

• Grady Thrasher Book Signing at Fonville Press
  July 1 from 9 - 10 am
  Location: Fonville Press
  Join us for a special guest visit from author Grady Thrasher as he reads from newly released childrens book "Tim and Sallys Beach Adventure." This beautifully illustrated picture book finds America's favorite brother and sister team heading to the beach with their parents and their friendly dog, Flip. Illustrator Elaine Hearn Rabon will be on hand to inspire budding artists to create beach drawings of their own. It's a sunny adventure you won't want to miss!

Rosemary Beach
For more information, call 850.278.2032.

• Moonlight & Movies
  Location:  Western Green
  Every Thursday Night at 8:15pm.  Bring your blanket and lawn chairs for a free family movie  Call for info on what is showing.

Sandestin
For more information, call 850.267.8117.

• Sunset Cinema
  Location: Village Events Plaza at Baytowne Wharf . 
  Every Thursday at 8pm.  This kid-friendly event is free and open to the public.  Call for info on what is showing.
• Mini Gras & Boomin' Tuesdays with Fireworks
  Location: Village Events Plaza at Baytowne Wharf .
  Every Thursday at 7pm.  An evening of fun and merriment at the Village with special children’s activities sprinkled throughout the events plaza. Each week the village will choose a king and queen to lead the parade and participants will get to show off their beads as they prance through the streets. Every Tuesday at 9:00pm the village hosts a beautiful fireworks show over the lagoon!
• July 4th Red, White & Baytowne Celebration
  Location: Village Events Plaza at Baytowne Wharf.
  Travel through the village and experience the sights and sounds of the 4th of July. We will host a variety of children's activities throughout the evening along with live music sure to entertain all ages. Then, the Village of Baytowne Wharf presents a magical fireworks extravaganza illuminating the skies to celebrate our country's Independence Day - Festivities from 5:00 - 10:00pm.

Seaside
Call 850.231.0733 for more information.

• Seaside Repertory Theatre presents Sleeping Beauty
  Location: Seaside Amphitheater 
  Every Monday evening at 730pm  - Free
  A group of actors solicits help from the young audience to perform this well-known fairy tale with its rich characters including a wise Frog, a garrulous Bush, the lively Briar Rose, her well-meaning but testy Father, and, of course, the drama of the blessing of Briar Rose by the fairies of Earth, Wind, and Water and the Fairy of Fire's curse of a 100 year slumber before Briar Rose awakens to recognize "what she has never seen and live in joy." This is the archetypal story of timeless love and the virtues of patience.
• Starlight Film Series
  Location: Seaside Amphitheater 
  Every Friday Night at 8:30pm - Free
  Bring your blanket and lawn chairs for a free family movie.

WaterColor
Call 850.231.0733 for more information.

• Seaside Repertory Theatre presents Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
  Location: Marina Park Amphitheater
  Every Tuesday evening at through August 11 at 7:30pm - Free and open to the public
  What do you get when you take classic fairy tales and turn them on their head? According to The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, the Ugly Duckling grows up to be A Really Ugly Duck, Cinderella snubs Rumpelstiltskin, and the Princess kisses a frog only to end up with a mouthful of slime. Intertwined throughout the show, the zany takes on traditional fairy tales are sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Related Post: SoWal Scene List of 5 - Summer Activities for the kiddos

Have a children's event you want to add to the list?  Add a comment below!

Caliza at Alys Beach

I had the pleasure of dining with an absolutely wonderful group at Caliza at Alys Beach this past Saturday.  Alys Beach recently opened this private venue to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings so everyone that wants to has the opportunity to experience the Alys Beach lifestyle for a night.

As expected, it was just delightful - the ambiance, the food, the service - all were top notch.  I can't articulate how stunning the architecture and decor is at Caliza Pool and won't do it an injustice by even attempting to describe it here.  You have to experience it first hand yourself - trust me on this one.  What I loved was that dinner service is held in one of the covered coves next to the pool so you are dining al fresco but are still protected somewhat in the event of a stray shower.  It's just a magical ambiance.

Director of Food and Beverage, Olivier Gaupin (yes, my other half!), who is single-handily manning the stove at the moment, has created an incredible menu that can be best described as Coastal Cuisine with French and Southern influences.  Local specialties from the Gulf are featured on the menu (see the full menu below) - oysters, shrimp, Snapper, and a to-die-for classic Bouillabaisse.  Also found are Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Piedmont Free Range Chicken and the best homemade pommes frites and chips seasoned with sea salt.  Chef Olivier has high standards and only uses the freshest and highest quality products available which shines through in the finished product.  Complicated food it's not which is what I think makes it absolutely fabulous.

In all honesty, it was really hard for me to choose from the menu.  I was torn between pretty much everything and wished I could've sampled it all.  I settled on Tuna Tartare ($16) for my first course which was made with raw, sushi-grade tuna tossed in a celery remoulade and served with a little lightly dressed arugula salad, Boquerone (Spanish Anchovy) and garlic croutons.  One word - YUM!  The tuna was incredibly fresh and I adore celery remoulade (remoulade is like the French version of tartare sauce - a mayo-based condiment).  It was a generous portion but it's a light dish - a perfect starter that leaves you ready for the next course. 

For my main course, I had the Local Snapper ($27) which was grilled and served atop a frisée salad with shallot bacon vinaigrette and a tarragon shallot remoulade.  The delectably fresh Snapper was grilled perfectly - it was flaky and moist and went beautifully with the remoulade.  I totally recommend it.  Two of my dinner companions had the Fish and Chips and raved about it.  The homemade pommes frites and homemade chips are served in these adorable little white boxes lined with paper - such a beautiful and noteworthy presentation!  Two others had the Bouillabaisse, another had the Piedmont Free Range Chicken and another Half Lobster.  Everyone really enjoyed their food - most made the clean plate club!  It was an excellent meal through and through and I don't think there is anything on the menu that would cause one disappointment that they had ordered it.

I couldn't believe it when I realized we had been at the table for almost 3 hours.  It was yet another reminder to me that there are few greater pleasures in life than sitting around a table with great people, excellent food and wine and a stellar ambiance - life is good!

Caliza is open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 6-9pm.  Reservations are limited and required.  For more inforamtion or to make a reservation, call please call (850) 213-5700.

CALIZA MENU __

New Poolside Dining Experience at Alys Beach

See Dining review HERE
*MENU BELOW*
Alys Beach, Florida – (May 19, 2008) – Beginning this Thursday, Alys Beach invites guests to enjoy a unique new poolside dining experience at “Caliza.”

“Eventually, we’ll be able to offer locals and out-of-town guests a bustling Town Center full of unique shops, restaurants and other amenities to enjoy,” said Jason Comer, Alys Beach’s Town Founder. “But in the meantime, we want our friends and neighbors to become a true part of our community. That’s why we hope everyone will come and enjoy the Caliza dining experience.”

Now open for its first full season, Caliza’s architecture is punctuated with arched colonnades, fountains, cabanas, tropical gardens, three pools and a restaurant, which will now be open to the public for dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm until 9pm.

“Caliza is a dream of a place,” said Andrés Duany, well-known designer of hundreds of new towns around the globe, including the local communities of Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach.

“30A is blessed with a diverse selection of excellent restaurants, and we think Caliza will add something very unique to this mix,” said Comer. “I hope it demonstrates to first-time visitors just how fully committed we all are to South Walton’s exciting future.”

“Our goals at Caliza are to use only the highest quality ingredients and to provide the highest possible levels of service,” said Chef Olivier Gaupin, Alys Beach’s Director of Food and Beverage. “The setting is already exceptionally beautiful, and we want the dining experience to be just as extraordinary.”

Before joining Alys Beach, Chef Gaupin was Executive Chef for WaterColor and WaterSound resorts, at a time during which the world-class resort was awarded a coveted 4-Star rating by AAA. Prior to moving to Florida, Gaupin was Executive Chef for numerous other award-winning restaurants, including Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Atlanta, where his restaurant was awarded 5-Stars by AAA and named “Top Restaurant in Atlanta” by Gourmet Magazine.

Gaupin said that Caliza’s dinner menu will generally emphasize fresh local seafood, including items such as Apalachicola oysters, and local snapper and shrimp, but will also feature the highest quality steaks and other selections, often with a French or Southern twist.

Reservations are strongly recommended. To make dinner reservations, or for more information about Caliza, please call (850) 213-5700.

CALIZA MENU (June 2008)______________

Calling all Artists!

This is going to be an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G event, folks - I personally can't wait!

Digital Arts Festival Coming to Alys Beach
Local & National Artists Invited to Submit Entries

A unique new festival is coming to Scenic 30A this Labor Day weekend.

"Digital Graffiti" is a new event created to celebrate and recognize some of the world's most talented and innovative digital artists. But like almost everything at Alys Beach, the festival has a very unusual twist.

"We're inviting artists to project their original artwork onto our famous white walls using the latest projection technologies," said Kelli Arnold, the town's Events Coordinator. The town of Alys Beach will literally become their blank canvas.

Sometimes referred to as "Photon Bombing," Guerilla Projection", "Projection Bombing" or "Urban Projection," underground artists around the globe have started using the latest design, animation and  projection technologies to cast their unique works of art onto skyscrapers and other urban structures, as a means of artistic expression.

"Some of the talent we're finding is stunning," said Arnold. "We're extremely excited to help promote this emerging new art form."

To help lure such talent to the Emerald Coast, Alys Beach has announced numerous award categories and prizes, including a $2,500 Best of Show award sponsored by The Alys Foundation, and a $1,000 Best Local Artist award sponsored by www.30A.com. To qualify for the Best Local Artist award, the winner must reside full-time in Walton, Okaloosa, Bay or Washington County.

Yet Another New Eatery Rolls into Alys Beach

Alys Beach, Florida – (May 2, 2008) – Alys Beach recently made headlines when the Seagrove restaurant formerly known as “Sandor’s” was lifted off its foundation and then slowly transported 7-miles along Scenic 30A to its new home in Alys Beach, where it will re-open as “George’s” restaurant later this summer.

But this week, yet another new eatery literally rolled into the beautiful beach town.

Currently loafing on the south side of Scenic 30A, “Piper’s” is a mobile cart that serves up Original Chicago Vienna Beef hot dogs, triple-decker grilled cheese sandwiches, tortillas, ice cream bars, brownies, ice cold drinks and "the best hamburgers and cheeseburgers north of the Gulf."

“Piper’s is like a vintage fairy tale straight from the beaches of the French Riviera,” said Olivier Gaupin, Alys Beach’s Director of Food and Beverage. "We even offer a fun selection of beach toys, T-shirts and baseball caps."

Piper's is named after the favorite pet terrier of Alys Stephens, the resort town's namesake. In fact, Alys’s oldest son, Jim, recalls that “Piper was a very faithful and fully-human loving fellow who met each day with a positive attitude, as was indicated by one of the world’s most rapidly wagging tails.”

Chef Gaupin says that Piper’s will usually be camped out somewhere along 30A, but like its excitable four-legged namesake, it's poised to be dashing all over town to wherever the action may be.

Piper's is now open every day from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except on Mondays, when he takes a little nap.

For more information about Piper’s or Alys Beach, please call 1-866-481-8387.

Flute Workshop for Children at Fonville Press

Fonville Press—a popular coffee shop, newsstand and wine bar located on County Road 30A in Alys Beach—will host a free flute-playing workshop for children on Thursday, May 1st from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.

The workshop will be led by composer, recording artist and “multi-instrumentalist” James Wisniewski of “wZ” (www.jimmiwz.com).

Over three decades, Wisniewski has studied and shared billings with such renowned artists as Julius Baker, Ornette Coleman and Herbie Mann. Following dozens of recordings, Wisniewski’s latest creations “echo of ancient musicians and vibrations of the present,” blending Oriental, Indian, Native and South American sounds.

Celebrate Earth Day at Alys Beach on April 19th

Alys Beach will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th.

Free and open to the public, the day’s festivities will begin with a seminar entitled “Building Better Homes and Towns by Building Green.” Held at Fonville Press on 30A, the discussion will showcase environmentally-friendly homes, towns and building practices.

“A growing number of homebuilders and developers are including environmental initiatives in their operations, and many local residents are looking for homes and towns built with green features,” said Christian Wagley, Alys Beach’s Environmental Program Manager. “We’ll be learning how green development standards result in better homes and neighborhoods.”

The seminar will also include a walking tour of Alys Beach to examine real-world applications such as innovative storm water treatments, energy-efficiency measures for coastal homes, solar panels and more. Seminar speakers will include Christian Wagley of Alys Beach, Jeff Allen of Stalwart Built Homes, Carl Roberts of EcoSmart Inc., Kendall Horne of Alys Beach, Teresa Howard of Gulf Power Company and Chandra Hartman of CFH Design Studio.

The Alys Beach Z'IVO Wine Dinner - Part Two (of 3)

Last week I started my 3-part post about my experience at the Alys Beach Z'IVO Wine Dinner on March 27 (read the first post HERE).  To quickly recap, I spent several hours with 40 others for an evening of serious eats paired with a vertical tasting of wines from the Z'IVO Winery in Oregon.  At $175/person, we were taken on a culinary and wine journey - even this foodie hadn't tried some of the dishes that we were served!  It was an amazing dining experience for me.

So, I covered the first of the 5-course meal last week - Grilled Mediterranean Rouget, Fennel Custard, Curry Thai Lobster Froth, Petite Mustard Green Salad and Raw Celery.  Now on to course two and three!

For the second course, we were served Rabbit Saddle with Morels and Foie Gras, Braised Artichoke, Ham Hock Red Wine Essence and Pruneaux in Brandy which was paired with a 2002 Z'IVO Pinot Noir ($60/bottle).

The Alys Beach Z'IVO Wine Dinner - Part One (of 3)

I look at people who spend $175 at Target or Walmart on 'stuff' the same way people look at me for spending $175 on one meal - like they are bonkers!

I know - it boils down to preference.  My preference just happens to be spending silly money on experiences - preferably any that involve travel, food and/or wine - and that is exactly what I had the good fortune to do last Thursday evening at the Z'IVO Wine Dinner at the Caliza Pool in Alys Beach.

I was joined by forty or so culinary adventurers and wine aficionados as we gathered for an evening under the stars of serious eats prepared by my very own, Olivier, paired with a vertical tasting of wines from the Z'IVO Winery in Oregon.  Dr. John Zelco, owner and wine producer of Z'IVO, has a passion for Pinot Noirs and you can tell - the wines were all fabulous and, surprisingly, different, considering we only spanned a short 3-year period.  Oregon is a wine region I'm not very familiar with so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about it. 

The evening started at 6pm and I attended with my mother, Lynn Nelson.  I had never been inside the Caliza Pool before - only had peered in from the locked gate in front for an obstructed peek.  Good Lord - you really have to be in that space to appreciate just how stunning it is.  I won't do it an injustice by trying to describe the setting - I'll just encourage you to check out the photo(s) of the Caliza Pool on the Alys Beach website here.  There was ambient live music by Ted Shumate through the entire meal.  His smooth, Latin-influenced jazz tunes were just ideal for the setting.

Fonville Press Design Wins Architecture Award

Alys Beach, Florida - Local architects Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt received a 2008 Palladio Award for their design of Fonville Press, a popular coffee shop, newsstand and wine bar located on Scenic 30A in Alys Beach.

The design captured the award for “Commercial, Institutional & Public Projects – New Design & Construction – Less Than 30,000 Square Feet.”

“We were told that the judges were especially excited to recognize and give an award to a project with such a relatively small retail design,” said Marieanne Khoury-Vogt. Fonville Press’ interior measures roughly 650 square feet.