SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

Adieu - Ball's Out Sports Bar on Hwy 331 S

Alas, the rumor is true - Ball's Out Sports Bar - which recently moved to a new location on Hwy 331 S in the old Seabar location at the foot of the bridge - has officially shut their doors.  Why?  I do not know but if their customer service skills were as poor as they were when I called earlier to find out more details about the closing and was hung up on - this is one of my biggest pet peeves - I could see how they may have had an issue.  But hey, I guess I would be pissy, too, if I had to shut down so I won't hold it against them.

Ball's Out was previously located at 4942 US Highway 98 W in the strip mall that also houses Chopstix and Don Pedros.  They always had a big crowd in that location - and I had heard they were successful - so many wondered why they would decide to move when they were doing so well.  Why did they move?  Did the business not follow them to their new location on Hwy 331 S?  Was there legal issues that forced them to close?  Are they opening again in another location?  We are all left to wonder.

Adieu, Balls Out.

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.

Business in South Walton - Starbucks closing in Rosemary Beach & WaterColor - Say it ain't so!

A few weeks ago, Olivier mentioned he had been hearing rumors that the Starbucks at Rosemary Beach AND WaterColor were slated to close as part of a major downsizing the company was undertaking in response to the sluggish U.S. economy.  Alas, the rumors were laid to rest a few days ago.  Starbucks released a list of 616 company-owned U.S. stores to be closed and - gulp - Rosemary Beach and WaterColor are on the list.

When Olivier first told me the rumor, my initial response at the time was something like...

"Aaaahhh...well, that is the stupidest rumor I've heard in a long time, my love!  Geesh."

My denial had kicked in - I'm an unashamed brand snob and Starbucks is right up there for me - their Café Americano is my absolute favorite coffee drink in the world - and Starbucks at WaterColor as it is an adorable location and really convenient for me as they have lots of parking and outdoor seating, making it a practical place to meet friends or clients.  My denial skewed my rationale on this matter, looking something like this: 

• Rationale: Every time I stopped in at either location, there were customers, sometimes in a line that went out the door! 
  Truth: OK OK - that was usually only up until around noon but when they were busy, they were busy!
  
• Rationale: Both stores are in some of the best "prime" South Walton commercial locations on Scenic 30A!  Most businesses would love to be in those spots! 
  Truth:  30A commercial lease prices are unjustifiably as high as some major metropolitan areas around the country, thanks to the run up in real estate pricing a few years ago which is still adjusting itself.
  
• Rationale: I'm sure they had put a chunk of change into renovations and space costs.  Why would they close down and lose their past, and future, investment?
  Truth: It's either close 616 company-owned stores now or die.  Plus, they can always re-enter the market in the future (which they will).

So, what does this tell us about the state of the economy - not only in South Walton - but the country at large?

PJs Coffee of New Orleans & Planet Smoothie in Redfish Village

Now, you probably wouldn't think that a coffee shop-slash-smoothie bar would be a logical choice when deciding on where to eat a quick lunch but don't be fooled.  PJs Coffee of New Orleans & Planet Smoothie in Redfish Village in Blue Mountain Beach serves up some fantabulous hot and cold sammies (you choose) - for prices that are cheap-cheap-cheap by South Walton standards - making it one of my top choices when I need an on-the-go bite. 

My standard is the hot Garden District - grilled portobella mushrooms, spring mix, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese on ciabatta slathered with basil pesto.  With chips and a pickle spear, it rings up at only $6.95+ tax.  Yes, only $6.95!!

Other lunch items include a Greek, Caesar and Chef Salad ($4.95 - $5.95), and five other New Orleans-inspired sandwiches like the French Quarter Dip ($6.95) and Muffaletta ($7.95).  If you like breakfast for lunch, they also serve a variety of breakfast sandwiches all day long ($3.95 - 4.85).  Oh, and if you like lunch for breakfast, they accommodate as well.  And of course, they serve all kinds of coffee and espresso drinks AND have free WiFi, making it a great place to hang out if you need to escape the house or office for a few hours.

Owned and operated by 2 incredibly nice women - local residents Sara Mumey and Margaret Butler - PJs extended summer hours are Monday through Saturday, 6:30am-7pm and Sunday from 7:30am-5pm.  They are located in Redfish Village at 2108 W. County Highway 30-A in Blue Mountain Beach.  Phone is 850.622.2399.

Related Post(s)

• Beach Bite - Smiling Fish Cafe
• SoWal Scene List of 5 - Free WiFi in South Walton
• SoWal Scene List of 5 - Nothing Like a Good Cup of Joe

“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

JamBone - A Hardwood Joint in Santa Rosa Beach

I couldn't hold out any longer.  I had been waiting to try JamBone - a new barbeque restaurant that recently opened on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach - with Olivier but, his schedule being what it is during the season, trying to find time to grab a quick lunch or dinner alone takes some planning.  And last week, as I was driving toward Destin, my craving for BBQ won out and I made an impromptu stop at JamBone for lunch alone.  Wow - am I glad I did. It was absolutely, fantastically delish and I can't wait to get back to sample more from the menu. 

Owner Scott Alderson opened this "hardwood joint" in what was Coco's restaurant.  I must say - it is the perfect location for his concept as the strip mall it's located in is fairly run down and outdated.  Anything other than a "joint" in that space wouldn't fit with the feel of the location.  But JamBone fits perfectly and will do well because of it - it's that Location. Location. Location. thing.  I really like how they have it set it up as well.  There is no table service - you order at the counter and they call out your number.  As their tag says, it's "slow food .... fast".

What is truly remarkable about JamBone, though, is that it is the first eco-conscious barbeque restaurant I have ever been in - or even ever heard of.  Yes, folks, JamBone is a green barbeque joint!  How fabulous is that?  I don't think that this is a marketing stunt, either.  They seem take their eco-role seriously, from using corn and sugar based biodegradable to-go cups and containers to only using hormone and steroid-free, free range, and organic meats (which you can tell in the finished product) bought from local farms whenever possible.  I just love it!  CONTINUE READING...

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Adieu - Locanda Italiana Ristorante in Santa Rosa Beach

Gosh - I just HATE to see that - the ominous "For Lease" sign in a restaurant that had excellent food but just couldn't survive.  I drove by Locanda Italiana (4942 Hwy 98W in the strip mall with Don Pedros and Chopstix) yesterday and noticed the sign on both the restaurant and the attached Coliseum Bar. 

Opened in 2007 by three Italian men - Lorenzo Pacifico, Vittorio Gianni and master chef Alfonso Di Bonito - the menu was authentic southern Italian cuisine with a special emphasis on seafood.  OK...so I cannot tell a lie - I had never been there - but I had only heard rave reviews about it which is why it is heart-breaking to think maybe they didn't survive.  My hope is that they moved to a new location - I shouldn't start rumors that they are totally kaput as I don't know this - but when I called their number it said the number is no longer in service and didn't give a forwarding number.  Not a good sign.

You know, it is perplexing why some businesses work and others don't.  Some times there definitely are obvious reasons - bad location, lack of marketing or lack of quality marketing, sucky food, bad atmosphere - but more times than not, there are no real reasons, or at least not enough logical ones to fully answer "why".  Hmmmm......

Fabrice at WaterColor is opening for dinner

I spoke with Fabienne, owner of Fabrice Patissier with husband Fabrice, this morning and they will be opening for a limited dinner service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting July 3 through the busy summer season.

A favorite breakfast and lunch spot for locals and tourists alike, Fabrice and Fabienne attempted a dinner service a few years ago when they first opened in their Highway 98 location in Santa Rosa Beach (which is now a production facility for them) with limited success so they stopped almost as soon as they started, focusing on building their breakfast and lunch clientèle.  Now, several years later, they have built a brand and have a beautiful space in a new, prime storefront on Scenic 30A.  As the saying goes, Location - Location - Location and I can't imagine they won't be wildly successful now in offering dinner.

I am not privy to the menu but I would suspect we can all look forward to simple dishes prepared with high quality ingredients - Fabrice's signature - and delish - style.  Oh, and probably some the best desserts you can find outside of France!

With limited seating in the restaurant, be sure to make a reservation for dinner by calling them at 850-231-9910.  Call them for hours of operation for dinner. Note that they don't take reservations for breakfast/brunch or lunch. 

Fabrice is located at 1777 County Road 30A, Unit 101, in WaterColor on Scenic Hwy 30A next to Starbucks.

Hours of operation are Breakfast: Mon-Sat from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.,  Lunch: Mon-Sat from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday Brunch: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Related Posts:    Beach Eats Beat - Fabrice
                          Open For Business

Now Open in Seaside :: Raw and Juicy - Juice for a Personal Revolution

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 __

Panko Shrimp Caesar Salad at Smiling Fish Café in Santa Rosa Beach

I stopped in at one of my fav lunch spots recently - Smiling Fish Café at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach - for a quick bite.  My Smiling Fish Café standard is one of their wraps, which I always order with a side of their baked potato salad, but decided this time to be a good girl and go with the Panko-Shrimp Caesar Salad ($11.50) instead.  I'm glad I got out of my comfort zone!

I wish I had a picture (sigh...my camera was not with me on this day)  to share - a generous portion of hand cut romaine was dressed with a lemony-garlic Caesar dressing (which, if I had to guess, I would say was homemade), grated parm, and croûtons.  On top, and the best part of the dish, sat at least 1/2 dozen perfectly sautéed panko-crusted fresh shrimp (FYI - panko is a Japanese breadcrumb that makes THE best bread crumb coating on just about everything that can be coated!)  In all honesty, I could've eaten a bucket full of these things with a few lemon wedges and a chilled glass of rose.  The dish was excellent and definitely worthy of SoWal Scene's stamp of approval as a "Quick Bite" to try!

Smiling Fish Café at Gulf Place specializes in Casual Coastal Cuisine and  is located at 37 Town Center Loop Suite C-8.  Their phone is 850.622.3071.  No website but Chef/Owner George Barnes can be reached via email at gumbo@mchsi.com.  They are open Monday-Saturday, from 11:30a-3pm.  They offer daily lunch specials priced from $12-$14.  Tuesday is "Local's Night" - dinner is available from 5:30-9pm.

UPDATE -

Read the Walton Sun's July 10, 2008 review of Smiling Fish Café.

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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)______________

SoWal Scene Readers Have Spoken-The Best Pizza In SoWal is at...

PIZZA BY THE SEA IN WATERCOLOR CROSSING (BY PUBLIX)

Congratulations owners Bryan and Stacy Pritchett and the entire Pizza By The Sea staff!  I will be presenting them with a framed "Best of SoWal Scene" certificate!

A sampling from their menu:

OUR FAVORITE PIZZAS

• What’s Kickin’ Chicken…Basil pesto, grilled chicken, Feta cheese, red onions and bacon
• Queen Margherita…Almost too pretty to eat. Roma tomatoes and fresh basil
• Rabbit Food…Green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, Roma tomatoes and red onions
• One Mean Supreme…Pepperoni, ground beef, Italian sausage, green peppers, mushrooms and red onions
• BBQ Chicken, Y’all…We’re ex-Texans after all! BBQ sauce, BBQ chicken, green peppers and red onions
• Doggie Breath…Fresh garlic, red onions and pepperoni. Served with a breath mint
• Quadruple Bypass…Prove your manhood! Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef and Canadian bacon
• Daddy O’ Drew…Pepperoni and feta cheese just the way Andy likes it

Pizza By The Sea is open for lunch and dinner - they are located at 88 Watercolor Way [map] - phone 850.231-3030.  Website is www.pizzabythesea.com.

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.

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