SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

ArtsQuest turns 20

ARTSQUEST 2008 - May 4 - 11 | For information call 850.622.5970.

Walton County, FL - Since its humble yet inspired beginning as the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival in 1989, ArtsQuest, under the leadership of committed volunteers and the Cultural Arts Association, has developed into one of the top 200 juried art shows in the United States, attracting over 10,000 people to its full week of events. 

ArtsQuest exists and succeeds to fulfill the Cultural Arts Association’s mission to enhance the quality of life for youth and adults by providing life-long learning through arts education and appreciation; to promote the fine arts, performing arts and the humanities; and to support local artists by promoting their work.

Along with its partners, Beaches of South Walton, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, and The Walton Sun, The CAA invites you to be a part of this extra-special week-long celebration of the arts.

Here is a line up of the week-long events or click here to go to the website):

Mark Your Calendar- 22nd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival starts this Thursday

April 10 - 13 | 22nd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf

Stop and smell the bouquet as the The Village of Baytowne Wharf transforms itself into the south of France and the Napa Valley rolled into one for a spectacular four-day event.

Enjoy:

● Grand wine tastings showcasing more than 600 domestic and international wines
● Winemaker dinners and tastings with top area chefs and selections from world-renowned wineries
● Celebrity winemakers and vintners
● Auctions for rare and distinctive wines.
● See below for weekend schedule of events.

Proceeds benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

Ticket prices vary - a two day pass is $100 or buy separately for $60/day.  Visit the website at www.sandestinwinefestival.com for full ticket and event info or call 850.267.8116.

WEEKEND EVENTS CALENDAR
Thur., Apr. 10 - Marlin Grill: 6 p.m.
Illuminating all the qualities of a fine dining experience, Marlin Grill brings Bryan Del Bondio of Markham Vineyards to the table. Del Bondio will host diners over a four-course meal with an engaging and informative presentation. Noted for serving the best hickory-grilled steaks on the Emerald Coast, the kitchen shall not disappoint. Reservations requested, 850.351.1990. $80

Thur., Apr. 10 - Bistro Bijoux Wine Walk-about: 7 p.m.
Savor the flavors of French-inspired cuisine and arouse your senses with delicately selected wine pairings from Caymus Vineyards at Bistro Bijoux. Mingle with guests about the restaurant's charming atmosphere at this cocktail-style soiree or relax in a cozy corner for a more intimate toast. Reservations requested, 850.622.0760. Advanced payment required. Price includes tax and tip. $125

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

For a die hard foodie, admitting that you truly enjoyed a meal at a chain restaurant is kinda like admitting you love a cake made with Pepsi and canned cherries - you are embarrassed to admit you tried it in the first place, but then to realize it rocks and you look forward to your next piece or visit .... it's such a paradox.

But that is what happened to Olivier and I last Saturday when we dined at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin.  We wound up at Fleming's by default. Our original plan was to finally give PF Chang's China Bistro a whirl as, much to our friend's surprise, we have never been.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

19th Annual Great Southern Gumbo Cookoff

How did I miss the press on this cookoff this year?  I don't even remember seeing an ad in the Sun for it?  Anyhow, tomorrow, Saturday, January 12 is the 19th Annual Great Southern Gumbo Cookoff at the Markets of Sandestin from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those participating this year are:

• 98-Bar-b-Que
• American Air Specialist, Inc.
• Another Broken Egg
• Buster's Oyster Bar and Grill
• Goatfeathers Restaurant & Seafood Markets
• Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill
• Mangos Paradise Grill
• Pompano Joe's
• ResortQuest
• Rum Runners
• Sandestin Real Estate
• Seering’s Piano Café
• Sunset Charlie's
• The Soundside Club at Hurlburt Field.

Bring your appetitie - taste everyone's recipe