Category: Dining

30A and South Walton Dining: Restaurant Reviews, Food and Drink Festivals, Recipes and More

  • Mac & Cheese Fest March 5

    Mac & Cheese Fest March 5

    Every Day is a Chance to Change a Child’s Future and Mac & Cheese Fest is One Way to Do It

    An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Yet, young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast (BGCEC) offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence all in a safe place to learn, grow and have fun.

    Our local BGCEC has taken members from the Clubhouse to the White House; from the game room to the corporate boardroom; from the high school football field to the NFL; from a band room to Carnegie Hall. And from the streets to guidance, friendship and a place to belong.

    Boys & Girls Clubs Emerald Coast offers programs that are addressing today’s most pressing youth issues. “Our programs teach young people the skills they need to succeed in life, while providing a safe place for hundreds of Northwest Florida children to go after school and during the summer,” says C.E.O. Shervin Rassa.

    Mac And Cheese Mar 06, 2 07 25 PmLocal area programs basically focus on three priorities: Academic Success where members are provided with tools to graduate from high school with a plan for their future; Good Character and Citizenship through a variety of programs such as Keystone Club, Torch Club, Youth of the Year, Youth for Unity and Netsmartz; and Healthy Lifestyles where members learn to adopt and maintain positive behaviors about life, nutrition and self.

    In order to support all of its valuable programs, BGCEC hosts several events throughout the year: the widely popular Mac & Cheese Festival, the Epic Bakery Competition in Defuniak Springs and BrunchFest in Pensacola.

    The community adds to BGCEC produced foodie festivals by embracing the organization as a charity beneficiary for Shrimp & Grits Festival, Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival and Half Shells on the Harbor. The BGCEC is invested in these productions as a driven and organized volunteer force, partnering with event coordinators to bolster the ranks of triumphant events. To say the BGCEC is a hardworking nonprofit organization is an understatement.
    Led by C.E.O. Shervin Rassa, the BGCEC is responsible for supporting local club members and a large and talented staff. “What better way to celebrate and support our club kids than a series of festivals focusing on family and foodie favorites?

    Shervin has dedicated his career to youth development. He joined the Boys & Girls Club Movement roughly 22 years ago as an area director in Tampa, relocating to the Emerald Coast organization in 2012. He now oversees eight clubs throughout three counties, serving 3,200 children from Pensacola to DeFuniak Springs.

    Mac And Cheese 0307 Bgcec Mac Cheese 8The 5th annual Mac & Cheese Festival takes place Sunday, March 5, 2023, from Noon to 3 p.m. at Destin Commons. The family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food. Local restaurants far and wide will bring their best macaroni masterpieces to compete for the best mac and cheese in town. There are three categories each local restaurant can win in total: Judge’s Choice Award, People’s Choice Award, and Kid’s Choice Award. Attendees are invited to taste each delicious sample from the vendors and cast their vote – all the while supporting BGCEC.

    To purchase tickets (VIP $45; General Admission $25; Children GA $15), visit Eventbrite. To compete, volunteer or sponsor, contact hello@francesroy.com.

    Attendees and sponsors will want to keep a lookout for the “ultimate” ways to enjoy, celebrate and engage, and the best way to stay informed is through the BGCEC Facebook page.

    BGCEC was born in 1968 as the Boys Club of the Playground Area with 15 Members. When economic conditions threatened the organization in 1988, local businessmen recognized the club’s value and potential and ensured it survived. More than 1,200 kids are registered during the school year, with usually more than 1,300 enjoying the BGCEC over the summer.
    BGCEC is a registered IRS 501(c)3 charity and receives funding from contributions, special events, grants, and major donors such as Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and United Way agencies in Escambia, Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

     

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  • Baytowne the BEST Town for Gumbo! Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

    Baytowne the BEST Town for Gumbo! Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

    All Things Gumbo
    Pursue the Roux at the 34th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival
    Friday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m.
    Saturday, Feb. 25, 12-4 p.m.
    Baytowne the BEST Town for Gumbo! Laissez Les Bon Temps RoulerKnown as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast, the Gumbo winter festival is back for its 34th year.

    Kick off your tasting days, Friday, Feb. 24, with a Low-Country Boil Kick-Off Party at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille from 5-7 p.m. with live music starting at 4 p.m. Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille will serve boiled potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage.

    On Saturday, Feb. 25, Gulf Coast restaurants will feature their top-secret gumbo recipes and compete for your vote. Sample the variety of gumbos and vote for your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner. Dark or light roux? Chicken, sausage or seafood? Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best.” This festival’s atmosphere is so fun, with live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe while you taste, free kid’s activities, and restaurants from all over our area vying for your coveted vote.

    With vodka sponsored by 30A Distilling Co., the popular Bloody Mary competition is back again this year, featuring the Best Bloody Marys at the beach. Taste some of the finest local bars’ and restaurants’ Bloody Marys and judge those, too. Vote for your favorite and help contestants win the title of “Best Bloody Mary at The Beach.” Visit SandestinGumboFestival.com for tickets and details, including a daily schedule of events and entertainment. General admission tickets are $45 before Feb. 24 and $55 day of. Admission includes tastings of all gumbos and Bloody Marys. If you’re interested in entering the event, visit baytownewharf.com. The event will happen rain or shine.

    It’s Mardi Gras Time
    Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
    Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.
    No Cost to Attend
    Baytowne the BEST Town for Gumbo! Laissez Les Bon Temps RoulerThis year, the Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade and the Mardi Gras Dog Parade will join forces for one festive event. The Village streets will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans, along with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, vehicles, pick-up trucks and Mardi Gras cheer. Let the good times roll with dressed-up marchers in their Mardi Gras best and Mardi Gras music filling the air as four-pawed friends and parade participants shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies and other trinkets.

    Baytowne is looking for Krewes to join in the festivities. To participate, register by Friday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. at baytownewharf.com.

    Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi
    Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m.
    No Cost to Attend
    Break out the beads and get ready for a night to remember at the Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi. Starting at 6 p.m., join the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a festive Fat Tuesday celebration, complete with music from Boukou Groove, street performers, entertainers and more. The post-pardi celebration continues into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments.

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  • Restaurant Review: San Marcos is a Sensory Delight

    Restaurant Review: San Marcos is a Sensory Delight

    By Marta Rose-Thorpe

    I recently enjoyed a tasty lunch at San Marcos Mexican Grill in Pier Park, which opened several months ago. This spacious, breezy eatery plays lively Mexican music and gives one that festive feeling of “I’m on a fun vacation and may never come home!”

    San Marco Iso 336x420

    My server, Rogers, was wonderful throughout the entire meal… friendly, made great recommendations, and was extremely attentive. He shared that the Camarones a la Crema is his favorite dish… grilled shrimp cooked with bell peppers and onions in a creamy chipotle sauce. After much deliberation – their menu is substantial – I decided on the Burrito Del Mar, a very similar dish to Rogers’ favorite, with a side of black beans. A large flour tortilla was stuffed with rice and refried beans, peppers and onions, and succulent, juicy shrimp… wrapped tightly and drizzled with a velvety, creamy, cheesy chipotle sauce. I ate the whole thing! My side dish of black beans was piping hot, capped with onions and peppers, and I spooned some cool fresh salsa on top. The whole meal was an outstanding fusion of tastes, textures, and temperatures – a sensory delight!

    San Marcos is a great choice for lunch if you are in the area; their special lunch menu is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On a future evening visit, I will enjoy a margarita or frozen cocktail – San Marcos has many to choose from – and I want to try the Tacos al Pastor… pork tacos marinated in chipotle sauce and pineapple. My eye also caught the Hawaiian Fajitas… steak or chicken with bacon, ham, poblano peppers, and pineapple.

    San Marco Frozen Drink 315x420

    San Marcos’ full menu includes appetizers and dips, soups and salads, and entrees featuring fajitas and traditional Mexican cuisine with seafood, chicken, steak, pork, veggies, or any combination. San Marcos has a Kids Menu for children 12 and younger. Desserts include all the classic favorites you’d expect (and hope for!) including flan, churros, tres leches cake, and a cheesecake burrito.

    San Marcos Mexican Grill is located at 101 Bluefish Drive in Pier Park (next to Panera Bread). Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information and to check out their menu visit sanmarcosmexicangrillpierpark.com.

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  • 30A Eats.com Recipe of the Month: Le Creuset Spinach and Ricotta Rolls

    30A Eats.com Recipe of the Month: Le Creuset Spinach and Ricotta Rolls

    Here is an easy weeknight dinner recipe from the pages of Le Creuset.

    1

    Spinach and Ricotta Rolls

    Need: Le Creuset Braising pan or similar

    Ingredients

    For the filling:

    6 cups of fresh chopped spinach sauteed in 1 teaspoon olive oil until cooked, and then squeezed of excess liquid

    2 cups ricotta cheese

    1/4 cup grated parmesan

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

    8 sheets fresh or dried lasagna that has simmered for 6 minutes, then lay flat

    3/4 to 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese

    grated Parmesan to serve

    scallions sliced on the bias to serve (optional)

    Salt and freshly ground black pepper

    For the tomato sauce

    2 tablespoons olive oil

    1 onion, finely chopped

    2 cloves garlic chopped

    1 1/2 cups canned crushed San Marzano tomatoes (without sauce)

    1 teaspoon sugar

    Salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Preparation 

    Preheat oven to 350 ° F

    To make tomato sauce: Heat olive oil on low heat in Le Creuset cast iron pan. Add the onion and garlic and saute until the onion is soft. Add the tomatoes, sugar and seasonings. Simmer for about 25 minutes and then adjust salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

    To make the filling: Mix the cooked (drained) spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic and nutmeg. Roll the mixture into “sausage” size rolls about 1 inch thick. Lay a sheet of lasagne flat and place a piece of the “sausage” on it rolling in the pasta. Roll it up all the way. Cut each sheet into 3 pieces. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used.

    Take a cup of the tomato sauce from the shallow Le Creuset pan and set aside.

    Place spinach rolls on the sauce left in the pan and then cover with the sauce that was removed.

    Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese over the top. Place the lid on the pan and bake for about 30 minutes.

    Remove from the oven and let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving.

    Serve with Parmesan cheese and fresh sliced on the bias scallions.

    30aeats

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  • It’s Time to Get Wicked! 

    It’s Time to Get Wicked! 

    By Brittany Kirke

    On April 20, 2012, Bill Buskell opened The Wicked Wheel Bar and Grill. Since then, it has become a renowned hotspot for fried chicken: it’s been voted “Best Fried Chicken” in Bay County seven years in a row! Nine years later, Wicked Wheel continues to draw in their patrons with the deliciously varied flavors that come out of their kitchen.

    Wicked Wheel Candied Bacon Burger

    There’s nothing better than when you bite into that first piece of tender chicken: the crunch of the breading sparks an actual fireworks show in your mouth. Jared Knetzer, the marketing coordinator at the Wicked Wheel, tells us they use “fresh American farm-raised chickens with no steroids or antibiotics,” giving it a more well-rounded taste. The chicken is then brined before they batter it with their own hand-crafted signature blend of spices and flour. They use a cottonseed oil blend to fry the batter which “enhances the flavors and is also better for you than most traditional frying oils.”

    Among the mouthwatering appetizer options that they offer, the Buffalo Chicken Dip is one for the books. The perfect amount of buffalo sauce to chicken ratio set on a crunchy tortilla chip hits your tongue with a creamy punch. If for whatever unthinkable reason you’re not in the mood for a chicken dish (I’m channeling their smoked wings with the Alabama white sauce), they offer a number of other options including salads, fish and shrimp, burgers, and barbeque.

    One of their most popular chicken entrees is the Wicked Chicken Sandwich. Made with premium chicken breast and deep-fried, it’s topped with American cheese, homemade coleslaw, wicked sauce, and pickles. The coleslaw adds a wonderful sweetness and unique extra crunch to the sandwich – every bite leaves you wanting another.

    Wicked Wheel Beer Glasses

    To wash it all down, look to their signature drinks! They have their own take on a Bloody Mary called “The Wicked Mary.” Fan favorites include the Gasoline Tea and their brand-new Bootlegger, which is strawberry lemonade mixed with vodka and 100 proof moonshine. They also offer craft beer on tap or you can order your personal favorite by the bottle.

    When you first walk in, you’ll notice the motorcycles and automobile parts decorating the restaurant. Buskell acquired these from friends/family and acquaintances. If you look close enough, you’ll notice that a few of the motorcycles have faux license plates with the last names of their previous owners. Knetzer says that what makes them so unique is “the atmosphere and the experience. Where else on the beach can you sit on a motorcycle at the bar, or dine at a table next to a 1923 Ford T-Bucket?” Be sure to check out their gift shop before you leave!

    Wicked Fried Chicken 9

    A message from the team at Wicked Wheel:

    “Not only do we love seeing the loyalty of the community that visits us year-round, but we love seeing the generous hearts of all our neighbors in the area. The Wicked Wheel loves to give back to our community and help support local non-profit organizations, so when we hold events at The Barn to benefit these organizations, it is so awesome to see the amount of people that turn out to these to help us give back and support those who need it most. Thank you!”

    Check out the wonderfully Wicked Wheel at 10025 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL. Also check out their website https://thewickedwheel.com/ for more info on the menu, specials, and events!

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  • Baytowne Gumbo!

    Baytowne Gumbo!

    Gumbo Anyone? Pursue the Roux at the 34th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival!
    Friday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25, 12-4 p.m.
    Kick-off the Party at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille Fri. Feb. 24, 5-7 p.m.

    Mark your calendar for the official kick-off of the Sandestin Gumbo Festival weekend with a traditional seafood boil at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille with live music starting at 4 p.m. Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille will serve boiled potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage.

    Baytowne Gumbo!Then tantalize your taste buds at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival—the Best Gumbo Cook-Off on the Emerald Coast! Yum! Yum!
    Known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast, this foodies’ favorite Gumbo winter festival is back for its 34th year! Gulf Coast restaurants will feature their top-secret gumbo recipes and compete for your vote. Sample the variety of gumbos and vote for your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner. Dark or light roux? Chicken, sausage or seafood? Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best.” This festival’s atmosphere is so fun, with live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe while you taste, free kids’ activities, and restaurants from all over our area vying for your coveted vote.

    And, the popular bloody mary competition is back again this year, featuring the best bloody marys at the beach! Taste some of the finest local bars’ and restaurants’ bloody marys and you get to judge those, too. Vote for your favorite and help contestants win the title of “Best Bloody Mary at The Beach.”

    Visit www.SandestinGumboFestival.com for tickets and details, including a daily schedule of events and entertainment. General admission tickets are $45 before Feb. 24 and allow tastings of all gumbo and Bloody Marys; $55 at the door. If you’re interested in entering the event, visit baytownewharf.com. The event will happen rain or shine.

    Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
    Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Mardi Gras Parade!
    Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.
    No Cost to Attend.
    Baytowne Gumbo!Mardi Gras is bigger and better than ever at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! This year, the Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade and the Mardi Gras Dog Parade will join forces for one festive event. The Village streets will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans along with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, vehicles, pick-up trucks and Mardi Gras cheer. Let the good times roll with dressed-up marchers in their Mardi Gras best and Mardi Gras music filling the air as four-pawed friends and parade participants shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies and other trinkets.

    Baytowne is looking for Krewes to join in the Mardi Gras festivities. To participate, register by Friday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. at baytownewharf.com. Participants who register by Feb. 6 will receive five points added to their score.

    Baytowne Mardi Gras Street Pardi
    Tues. Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m.
    No Cost to Attend
    Break out the beads and get ready for a night to remember at the Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi. Starting at 6 p.m., join the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a festive Fat Tuesday celebration complete with music from Boukou Groove, street performers, entertainers and more. The post-pardi celebration continues into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments.

    There’s still time to have your Winter Fun at Baytowne On Ice
    Now a family tradition, lace up those skates and continue the magical winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. For locals and visitors who miss the cold and ice, Baytowne’s seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite winter traditions. The ice rink is open through Sunday, Feb. 5. Hours vary daily. $13 for a 90-minute skate; $3 skate rentals. Rent the rink for private parties and functions starting at $300. Call (850) 428-2736 or visit baytownewharf.com for more information.

    Other January events include Bubbly Baytowne and the Pink Walk & 5K:
    On Thursday, Jan. 19, 5 p.m., join Baytowne Wharf for an evening full of free champagne and shopping during its Bubbly Baytowne. Sip and shop through the Village streets. Stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes.
    * This event is free and for 21 and up only. The village will be open to the public during this event.

    Walk or run with friends and family at the Pink Walk & 5K Benefiting Fore Her on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8:30 a.m. Wear your pink and have fun while raising funds for breast cancer patients in financial need. Register at www.foreher.org/pinkwalk5k.

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  • Tickets Now on Sale for South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival  Apr 27 – 30

    Tickets Now on Sale for South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival  Apr 27 – 30

    Wine, charity and fun converge for The Northwest Florida Beaches Ultimate Wine Week Tickets are on sale now for South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, taking place April 27 – April 30, 2023, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin (not to be confused with the Sandestin resort or Sandestin wine festival). Pre-sale ticket prices are good through December 31, 2022. With more than 600 quality wines to taste over four days, this annual award-winning charity event delivers a wine experience unparalleled among Northwest Florida wine festivals.

    In addition to the vast selection of wines from around the world, the festival is known for hosting nationally and internationally well-known wine celebrities and 2023 will be no exception. Past wine, food celebrities include Don Hartford, Peter Mondavi, Jr., Chuck Wagner, Marc Perrin, Jean Charles Boissett and Chef Emeril Lagasse.

    The 2023 festival will not only feature world-class wines, but craft spirits will also be showcased throughout the weekend.

    “The 2023 festival is all about the experience. You can’t go anywhere in the world and get this experience and proximity to wine and spirits royalty. Craft spirits have exploded in popularity, and we will present the best of the best and even show attendees how to make great craft cocktails during the festival,” said Chan Cox, festival founder and owner of Wine World.

    Wine And Fodd 1

    The Savor South Walton Culinary Village will feature wine and food pairings and Nosh Pavilions, located throughout the festival grounds, feature local coastal cuisine. More than 100 tasting tents and popular educational seminars featuring participating celebrities take place at Saturday and Sunday’s Grand Tastings. Festival tickets are all-inclusive and everything is included in the one ticket price for that day.

    The festival kicks off Thursday at 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. with Winemakers & Shakers, held at Wine World in Destin. The VIP Wine Tasting takes place Friday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., followed by the Friday night Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Grand Tastings are Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The VIP Tasting can only be attended by purchasing the VIP Wine Festival 3-Day Package that includes most festival events as well.

    Pre-sale tickets can be purchased through December 31, 2022 at www.SoWalWine.com.

    Wine And Food 2

    The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is truly a celebration of wine, food and music that everyone can feel good about. This event is a major fundraiser for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation with proceeds benefiting more than a dozen children’s charities in Northwest Florida. Presented by Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton, the festival offers the ideal backdrop for wine, charity and fun along the South Walton beaches, named among the best beaches in the country.

    South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is made possible by the generous support of the following Founding Partners: Visit South Walton Tourist Development Council, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wine World of Northwest Florida and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®.

    About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

    South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an annual charity event held the last weekend in April. The festival features a stunning showcase of some of the best wines in the world. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as as well as wine and food tasting seminars. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

    Wine And Food

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  • Old Florida Fish House New Year’s Eve Celebration!

    Old Florida Fish House New Year’s Eve Celebration!

    Saturday, December 31

    Old Florida Fish House will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration you and your crew do not want to miss! Choose between an early dinner followed by live music or their epic New Year’s Eve Extravaganza.

    Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John | 5PM – 7:30PM

    Still Standing

    Enjoy an hour of some of Elton John’s most popular songs, performed by Ben Fry and band. Ben has performed all over the southeastern USA for years. Ticket includes the show and reservation for dinner. The ticket price sold on EventBrite does not include food or drinks.

     

    New Year’s Eve Extravaganza | 8PM – 1AM

    314202800 2970713496566747 1433206988179840954 NGuests will enjoy live entertainment, including a live band, midnight toast, delectable food and drink options, and more! The Eventbrite ticket does not include the cost of food and drinks. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com for details.

    Old Florida Fish House is a locals’ hidden gem on the shores of Eastern Lake in Seagrove Beach. Find more info and see menus at www.oldfloridafishhouse.com. Follow Old Florida Fish House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on current specials and events.

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  • Hotel Effie Plans a New Year’s Extravaganza!

    Hotel Effie Plans a New Year’s Extravaganza!

    We are getting closer to that time of the year when it’s time to wave goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 with open arms.  Many are looking for an epic celebration and what better way to experience the ringing of 2023 than with an over-the-top New Year’s Eve experience? Hotel Effie’s $15,000 New Year’s Eve experience, gives guests the chance to throw the ultimate New Year’s celebration, from the comfort of the hotel’s extravagant Presidential Suite!

    Hotel Effie Sandestin 1

    A One-of-a-Kind Luxe Party

    Arrive and check-in at 2:00 pm on December 31st to the extremely spacious, sophisticated Presidential Suite decked out to be the perfect private party venue. The super luxe 1,280 square-foot suite features a king-size bed, spacious kitchen, living room, garden tub, and large balcony- providing the best spot to enjoy the private fireworks show! A welcome amenity and party favors will be awaiting to get you in the mood upon arrival. To get the party started, Hotel Effie will have a fully stocked private bar in your suite and the ultimate champagne bar, featuring Ace of Spades, Veuve, and Dom Perignon. To top it all off, a personal bartender in-suite will make sure your glass is never empty so that you can toast with your loved ones on the private balcony to the shimmering views of fireworks at the Village at Baytowne Wharf.

    A Fine-Dining Feast at Ovide 

    This package also includes dinner for two at the award-winning Ovide, Hotel Effie’s signature restaurant led by the renowned chef Hugh Acheson, for an indulgent New Year’s Eve dinner featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood raw bar, gourmet entrées, a spread of decadent sweets at the dessert bar, and the quintessential champagne toast. Guests can up their New Year’s Eve makeup game with the glitter artist that will be at the restaurant and then head to the photo booth to take some fun pictures with their loved ones.

    A Rooftop Party Just Steps From Your Door 

    Don’t miss out on the exclusive New Year’s Eve party at Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge. DJ DFunk will be performing live while guests enjoy the heated pool, party favors, and panoramic views of the Emerald Coast that will keep the fun going long past the midnight countdown. All of the fun with none of the hassle, and you can even take the elevator home!

    Hotel Effie Sandestin 2

    A Divine Start to Your New Year’s Day 

    To help you fight off any post-party hangovers head downstairs to a delightful New Year’s Day brunch for two. Follow up the meal with a choice of two services at Hotel Effie’s luxurious Spa Lilliana to leave feeling revived, refreshed and ready to take on a new year.

    Other package amenities include:

    • Complimentary valet parking
    • Late checkout
    • Souvenir Menu for all

    For more information visit www.hoteleffie.com.

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  • Tickets on Sale for 2023 Emerald Ball Benefiting Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

    Tickets on Sale for 2023 Emerald Ball Benefiting Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

    Tickets are now on sale for the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation’s 2023 Emerald Ball to benefit Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, the event is Saturday, February 4 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort Golf and Spa and is presented by Howard Group, Grand Boulevard, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

    Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward purchasing a new computerized tomography (CT) scanner for both adults and kids. This is the third year for the event, with the previous two events each raising approximately $200,000. A new CT scanner will improve diagnostic image quality and save patients time during the scan. The hospital plans to install the scanner next year.

    Individuals who wish to attend the event can purchase tickets for $150, which includes reserved seating, dinner, two drink tickets, live music and dancing. Sponsorship opportunities at all levels are also available, with a special reception for sponsors before the main event.

    Guests are encouraged to wear shades of emerald for this elegant evening. The event also includes a wine and bourbon pull, a photo booth and an opportunity drawing for a $5,000 shopping spree at McCaskill and Company.

    To learn more about the Emerald Ball, visit sacredheartemeraldball.com. For more information on tickets or sponsorship, contact Lisa Wainwright via email at lisa.wainwright@ascension.org or by phone at 850-278-3702.

    Emerald Ball 3x4

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