The Evolving Destin Scene

Over the past week, Sunshine Cindy and I have been out and about a little. One night we went to the original La Famiglia Restaurant in Destin. This is the place close to the Red Door Saloon. We love the atmosphere in the place. It kind of feels like my old Italian family home we would visit on Sunday. As always the food was fantastic. We did learn they are closing this location and will relocate to the old Hard Rock location in the Destin Commons in March. That makes sense as they have a second restaurant just down the road above Crab Island Cantina. We wish them well in their move.

We also visited World of Beer again which is also in the Commons. Just like our first visit, the place was packed. Sunshine Cindy and I shared a Ahi Tuna appetizer. It was really good. I think I was the only person in the place drinking beer out of a can. I wanted Abita Amber and they only had some Mardi Gras promotional cans left but they were just $3 each so I was happy.

Another stop we made was at Uncle Bucks which is right across from World of Beer. Scott was behind the bar again. He remembered us from the last time we stopped in. John was also working the bar. John used to be the GM of The Block for many years. He told us a bunch of stories about some of the country music stars they had play there. He said they tried hard to get Willie Nelson to play there even meeting his tour bus at a truck stop and giving him a case of Jack Daniels but it was not enough to sway Willie to come to Fort Walton Beach to play.

Brian at Landshark Pizza was doing a special Rib Eye Steak special on Saturday. Like our friend Eric Stone said, “Having steak at a pizza place is like having sushi at a bait and tackle shop.” It does sound weird but the steaks were very good. Brian was also smoking chicken wings. They looked great but I was stuffed already. Hopefully he will smoke some more wings again soon.

Last week the American Legion in Destin had a special fundraiser. They had Kevin Black (Clint Black’s brother) playing. He was really good. A big crowd was there and a lot of money was raised for some of the local Veteran’s hospitals and services. The Legion is the home of many of our vets and they can use your support. Stop in sometime and help keep the Legion going strong.

After the show Julie, Loujean, Jan, Sunshine Cindy and myself all stopped at Hooters for some dinner. It was late and the place was nearly empty but we had a good time like we always do. I tried their chili and it was actually very good.

Speaking of chili…This coming Saturday is the Emerald Coast Parrot Head Clubs Chili Cook-Off in Harborwalk Village. Up to 20 different restaurants and individuals will be competing for the title of best chili in Destin. You can taste test the chili with an armband that is $10 per person pre-sale or $15 at the event. All proceeds will benefit Horizons and Relay for Life.

As the cook-off winds down on Saturday, Jerry Diaz and Hanna’s Reef will be playing at Crab Island Cantina from 3-7 pm. Jerry and the band is an award winning Trop Rock band from Texas. There is no cover charge and everyone is welcome to party with band.

Spring break is now starting. The next couple of weeks we will have a transition from snowbirds to young party animals. The authorities have been cracking down on the rowdiness as they don’t want this area to become like Panama City Beach. We want everyone to come and have a good time but to respect our beaches and town.

Have a great week. See ya next Monday!!!