“Where to go. What to do. What you need to know.” www.thebeachcomber.

org FREE and Fortnightly

December 10-23, 2009 Volume 9, Issue 24

Holiday Wishes
from Johnny C.
page 3

2009 Beachcomber
Music
Awards
Nomination Ballot Inside
page 12

Christmas
Places to Go,
Things to Do
page 17

Unique
Gift Ideas
page 22

The Emerald Coast’s Premier Entertainment Newspaper

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Ring in the New Year

At the Emerald Coast ’s #1 Resort

Music, fun, food and FIREWORKS

Enjoy an Elevator or Tram Ride Home
With Overnight Accommodations
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Page 2 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE Guest Editorial
About Our Cover Artist.........................................................Page 4 By “Johnny C.” Alexander
Harbor View — by Charles Morgan.....................................Page 5
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just
The Roving Rogue — by Bill Campbell................................Page 6
like the ones I used to know…” Sorry, Bing
The Beachcomber Neighborhood......................................Page 8 and Irving, we Floridians can’t relate, nor
Books: Gift Ideas for the Readers on Your List, do we really want to. The glorification
Plus Dan Brown, Paperbacks.............................................Page 10 of having a white Christmas falls just a
Art & Antiques......................................................................Page 12 little short here in the good ole’ 850, liter-
ally. Any local or regular snowbird has pretty
Second Annual Beachcomber Music Awards
Nomination Ballot...........................................................Page 12 much come to terms with the fact that the
possibility of snow at any time, let alone
The Beat: Beachcomber Music Awards.................................Page 13
Christmas, is slim to none. But we’re not
Barcomber..........................................................................Page 14 complaining.
Tide and Sunset Charts........................................................Page 16
Places to Go, Things to Do..................................................Page 17 We have a white Christmas every year on
Art – Auditions – Book Signings – Call for Vendors – Call for Volunteers – Call to the Emerald Coast if you think about it. It
Artists – Christmas – Classes – Comedy – Educational – Film - Food and Drink
– Fundraisers/Benefits – Ice Skating – Kids – Library Events – Meetings – Music – may not come from the sky or lay softly on
New Year’s Eve - Outdoors – Thanksgiving – Theater - Workshops our evergreens, but you see it every time you
Beachside Worship Services..................................................Page 19 make that fateful drive from Fort Walton
On Stage: NWF Ballet’s “Nutcracker”.....................................Page 21 Beach to Destin on Highway 98. Sometimes
we forget how good we have it in living
Our Fabulous Holiday Gift Guide.........................................Page 22
here. Sure, growing up I’m sure at one point
Movies: The Road, Plus Holiday Movies...............................Page 24 or another everyone who’s lived here for
Happy Birthday!...................................................................Page 26 any amount of time would like to see snow
Casino Entertainment.........................................................Page 26 for a little change of pace, but one has to
remember that what we have on our beaches
Chefs Up Close: Chef Mark Hall..........................................Page 27
is something many envy. Sure, Northerners
Restaurant Guide................................................................Page 29 will say, “It’s not the same,” and they’re
Activities & Outdoors...........................................................Page 34 right, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
What Mr. Crosby and Mr. Berlin leave
out of this classic tune is all the shoveling
On Our Cover:
that goes on December 26th. The sounds
of sleigh bells have been replaced with the
churning of snow tires, and those glistening
FROM THE (E)MAILBAG
The Destin History and Fishing Museum
wishes to extend our heartfelt holiday
wishes and thanks for the community
support in 2009. The holiday is a time for
joining together with family and friends
to celebrate the holiday spirit and to
create traditions… During the month of
December, children tour the Museum free.
Let the Museum be a part of your holiday
tradition. Is reading a Christmas story to
your child a part of your Christmas tradi-
tion? If not, start today—we have over 60
children’s Christmas books. Choose one,
sit and relax here, read a story with your
child, and make a memory. Do you know
the legend of the poinsettia? Why Christ-
mas trees aren’t perfect? Visit the Museum
and see and learn about Destin’s heritage,
whether you are a descendant or Destin is
your new home.
- Kathy Marler Blue
(Beachcomber loves the Destin History and
Fishing Museum, and we don’t get over there
as much as we’d like. Merry Christmas, Kathy!
– Ed.)
A million thanks for your coverage of our
Destin Holiday Floral Showcase. We had a
very successful event, and we are so grateful
to our supporters.
- Joyce Waters Smith, St. Andrews
by the Sea Episcopal Church

Happy Howlidays tree tops better have some sturdy branches,

By Gustavo
graffiticarmen@cox.net
Publisher — Jim Patricelli
Editor — Christopher Manson
Assistant Editor — Sheila Conner
Contributing Editor — Bruce Collier
Contributing Writers — “Johnny C.”
Alexander, Lesha Porche Denega,
Lauren Gall, Christy Kearney,
Adam Pope
Harbor View — Charles Morgan
The Roving Rogue — Bill Campbell
Sales Manager — Nancy Nacol
Sales — Pam Preston
Website — Bill Garrett
www.thebeachcomber.org
The Beachcomber
is published fortnightly by
The Beachcomber, Inc.
P.O. Box 5707
Destin, FL 32540-5707
Telephone: (850) 650-9940
FAX: (850) 650-5475
Press Releases, Editorial Comments,
& General Inquiry to:
thebeachcomber@earthlink.net
Sales Inquiries:
beachcomberoffice@earthlink.net
© 2009 by The Beachcomber, Inc.
otherwise all that money you saved on Black
Friday will be going toward your insurance
deductible.  Floridians are lucky knowing
that they don’t have to take the extra time
in the morning to dig out the car or shovel
the sidewalk and driveway on the weekend.
And on the beach, we can have just as much
fun building a sand snowman and making
sand angels. Sure we may get sand in our
pants, but it beats the risk of hypothermia.
I may sound like a Scrooge for coming down
on such a wonderful Christmas classic, but
really all I’m doing is putting a spotlight on
the fact that, although we may not have all
the seasonal traits that most other places
do this time of year, we have our own way
of keeping the spirit of the season alive.
It’s good to know that we live where every-
one else comes to escape the harshness of
winter. Granted we may not see it that way
because to us, anything below 70 degrees
requires an extra layer of clothing, but it’s
still comforting nonetheless.
 
“May your days be merry and bright, and
may all your Christmases be white,” and,
barring massive beach erosion, our Christ-
mases always will be.
Merry Christmas, 850!
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 3
I found pages 17-20 of your recent paper
sitting in my bathroom. I have no idea how
it got there...and none of my family claims
to know either. However, I would love to
know if I can receive your paper electroni-
cally or if it can be sent to me somehow…
I love it!
- Ian
(Read the entire Beachcomber online at www.
thebeachcomber.org, and make friends with
us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information
on events and other interesting stuff.– Ed.)
I sent an inquiry about borrowing a guitar
and never expected my note to be published
(Nov. 26-Dec. 9 Beachcomber). But it
turned out that Byron Chism, famous on
the barbecue circuit with his great products
found at buttrub.com, had a beautiful
Alvarez dreadnaught that he was willing
to loan me. His friend Duke (Bardwell)
from Running of the Bulls, a local band
that plays frequently in the area, helped
him to pick it out. How cool is that? Like
Byron’s mantra says, “Everything is better
with a little Butt Rub!” So, we’ll go check
out Running of the Bulls at Stinky’s Fish
Camp. This is a pretty cool connection for
the guitar playing wife of a Vermont dairy
farmer, no? Thanks so much.
- Robin Reid/www.myspace.com/lfreid
 About Our Cover Artist
Carmen Stiles and
Her Funky Stylings
Carmen Stiles paints under Selected works by Carmen
the name Gustavo in honor Stiles. See more—much
of the grandfather she more—at Funky Blues Shacks
in Destin and the Village of
never met, an artist and Baytowne Wharf.
shoe designer in Cuba. Her
work can be seen all over the
Graffiti-Funky Blues Shack
restaurants in Destin and the
Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Stiles and her husband

Chuck own the popular
hangouts, and much of the
Cover artist Carmen Stiles
“writings” along the walls with one of the lights
are Stiles’ doing. Stiles has of her life.
taught art to children, and
she owned a gallery in Grayton Beach prior to getting
into the food and drink business.

This is Stiles’ second Christmas cover for the Beach-

comber, and we hope it becomes as traditional as hang-
ing stockings, tree trimming and eggnog.

Page 4 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

 Harbor View
By Charles Morgan
President Obama won the last election cam- One in 100 Americans may have been elected President Obama but not General The thought of my children walking
paigning on a theme of change and hope. able to differentiate between the Shiites, McChrystal. He serves at President Obama’s down dark, dangerous streets terrifies
Sunnis and Kurds in Iraq. None of us will pleasure. Not the other way around. me. Driving on highways full of maniacs
Anyone who expected a major change in the be able to familiarize ourselves with the scares me. Mean people of all walks of
operations around Washington, D.C. was various sects in Afghanistan. We had a And so the hunt for terrorists and the life frighten me. Anything bad that might
dreaming. Songwriters and musicians are civil war between the North and the South. threat of terrorist acts continues. But the befall any member of my family keeps
more effective at bringing about change in this Their civil war is a bit more complicated. hunt for terror need not take us to such me up at night. The book The Road by
country than anyone in our nation’s capitol. It involves the Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Tajiks, far away lands. There are families gathered Cormac McCarthy nearly caused me to
Hanafi, Deobandis, Wahhabis, Ikwhan, around kitchen tables across this country have a seizure. I could make a list of the
But hope—hope is different. Obama rallied Isma’ilite, Imamis, Sifi, Kharaway, Hazaras, totally terrified about much more mun- things that worry me, but the variety of
millions of Americans, particularly young Hamas, Hezbolla, Taliban and Al Qaeda. dane issues than the war in Afghanistan. peoples in Afghanistan would not make
voters, who dared to hope that politics And several others. the cut.
could be different. People can only be Paying rent, buying groceries, keeping
expected to hold on to hope for so long. Afghanistan is a swamp without the water. kids in schools, skyrocketing medical bills, A president has to be able to tackle numer-
Aside from the massive sacrifices our mili- maxed out credit cards and disappearing ous tasks and deal with a wide variety of
Obama is now, officially, a “War Presi- tary men and women make, it costs lots jobs have become an everyday nightmare issues. Most people are only capable of
dent.” At his recent “escalation” speech at of money. One soldier deployed for a year for millions of Americans who never worrying about one issue at a time. I can
West Point, he spoke of American’s resolve costs between $750,000 and $1 million. A expected to be choosing between cable assure you that the Copenhagen Climate
after the 9-11 attacks. gallon of diesel fuel costs $80. Transporting television and a newspaper subscription. Conference, as important as it may be, is
the weapons, machinery and equipment to not on most Americans’ list of concerns.
“I refuse to accept the notion that we run a war is practically incalculable. The dropout rate of our high school stu- And neither is the war in Afghanistan.
cannot summon that unity again,” he said. dents has risen dramatically. If you think
The generals want more troops and weap- fixing our school systems is expensive, wait We’ve tried nation building through the
Mr. President, you can summon all you ons. Imagine that. General McChrystal and see what ignorance costs. The growing power of our armed forces for decades
want, but we, as a people, are tired. alerted the media as to his troop demands number of unemployable, uneducated, without success. Most Americans would
this past summer. After months of wran- unhealthy and unwanted young people is prefer a different kind of nation building
And war is outdated. gling, President Obama met his request. We terrifying to me. now. Our own.

The Emerald Coast’s Best Live Music Coverage M a r k e t B a r B i s t r o

The Emerald Coast’s Premier Entertainment Newspaper

y y
er.org FREE and Fortnightl18 “Where to go. What to do. er.org FREE and Fortnightl
20 “Where to go. What to do.
Volume 9, Issue What you need to know.” Volume 9, Issue October 29 - November 11, What you need to know.”
www.thebeachcomb October 1, 2009 www.thebeachcomber.org www.thebeachcomb 2009 www.thebeachcomber.org
you need to know.” FREE and Fortnightly you need to know.” FREE and Fortnightly
What to do. What What to do. What
“Where to go.
Joan Jett “Where to go.
Mash Bash
Volume 9, Issue 19 Volume 9, Issue 21

Monster Serenity by
2009 2009
September 17, October 15-28,
Beach
Hilton Sandestin
Surviving the
The Beachcomber Interview At
the Sea Contest
“H” Word
page 13 page 17

Enter to Win!
Seaside Rep’s
Serenity by the
page 10
page 3

Artist
Playwright Festival
Cover Johns on
page 10

Sea Conttoest Halloween Events

Charle s Win!
Enter Get Your Zombie On
page 4
Fall Festivals page 4 page 21

Adventures with Galore

Charles Morgan
and Sons
Seafood! Music! Beer! Halloween Sarah K
page 5
page 21

“Mayhem ” Destin’s Celebrated Gourmet

Bill Campbells
page 27
rder’s
Act4Mu
Visits the Doctor Youtopia New Mystery
6
page Shoppers’ Paradise page 10
page 33

Panama City’s
Kaleidoscope Singer-Songwrit
er
Theatre Dannica
Lowery
page 10

BigWat er page 13

Niceville
Rocks need to know.” www.thebeachcomber.org FREE and Fortnightly
Volume 9, Issue 22 “Where to go. What to do.
“Where to go. What to do. What you www.thebeachcomber.org FREE and Fortnightly
page 13
November 26-December What you need to know.” need to know.” Volume 9, Issue 24
November 12 - 25, 2009 9, 2009 www.thebeachcomber.org
FREE and Fortnightly “Where to go. What to do. What you
Best
The Emerald Coast’s newsPaPer Volume 9, Issue 23 December 10-23, 2009
newsPa Per
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Holiday Wishes
page 29

??????? Holiday Concerts, Parades

from Johnny C.
and More
??????? page 19

page ?? page 3

Someone
????????? Special 2009 Beachcomber
?????????? Serenity Spa Contest
MusiC

World class food, impeccable

page ??

AWArds
Winner Announced

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page 4

Nomination Ballot inside

page 12
???????????
page ?? Destin’s
La Famiglia
?????? Italian Dining at Its Finest CHristMAs
Places to Go,
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page 27

things to do

wine list, & dozens of accolades.

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page ?? Let’s Dance! page 17

NWF State College Steps It

Unique
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page ??

enTerTainmenT newsPaPer
Gift Ideas
page 22
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The emerald CoasT’s Premier The emerald CoasT’s
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enT newsPaPer

...................................................................
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...................................................................
is found virtually everywhere across the heart of the Emerald Coast.
Read the entire paper online at www.thebeachcomber.org.
Navarre • Fort Walton Beach • Niceville • Bluewater Bay • Destin
Santa Rosa Beach • Seaside • Rosemary Beach • Panama City Beach Wi ne Bou tique
Pick up a fresh copy at Publix Supermarkets every two weeks (free and fortnightly).

Deadline for advertising and press releases for the next issue is Friday, December 18...
in today’s economic climate, you can’t afford NOT to be in the Beachcomber!

December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 5

 The Beachcomber’s Roving Rogue
By Bill Campbell
OK, I proved ‘em wrong.
You can teach an old dog new tricks.
I learned this while walking in the
Seaside Christmas parade with a group
of Beachcomber staffers and family. It
was a festive event and I donned a new
pair of Levi’s for the march.
They fit fine and snug in my bedroom
and at the start of the parade. At
about the half-mile mark I asked our
“girl everything” and assistant editor
Sheila Conner to hold my beads while
I tucked in my shirt—the pants were
slipping.
At the mile mark, I threw beads with
one hand and held my britches up with
the other.
At the mile-and-a-half mark, I gave away
all my beads in order to hold my pants
up with two hands.
Old Dog’s lesson? Levi’s stretch when
they’re new. Wear a belt.
Following the parade I immediately
hastened to Café Rendezvous, where I
ordered what turned out to be the Best
Tasting Beer I’ve had since I quit soft-
ball. But the price was rather twisted:
$5.02. “Why the two cents?” I asked as
I now had to pay with a ten-spot than
with the fiver I had ready. “Fees,” was
the reply.
Page 6 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
After getting a pocketful of change, I
gave the young lady ten cents to cover the
next five guys. But the question remains,
“Why not charge two cents less for the
beer so it comes out to a round five?”
Knowing a trend when I see one, I
ordered a Guinness at TGI Friday’s
in Fort Walton while I played Buzz-
timeTrivia Tuesday night. The price?
$6.03! Are these people mad?
Is there a silent conspiracy to piss off as
many customers as possible by tacking
on two or three cents to what could
easily come out in round numbers!?!
Humbug on both your houses!
After downing my weirdly-priced brew,
I headed off to the Taco Bar at Bud &
Alley’s. The joint was rockin’, and the
chow inexpensive and good. It’s aug-
mented by some really good salsa choices.
Moreover, the bartender, Patrick, was
adroit and somehow remained friendly
as he dealt with mostly clueless custom-
ers. A tip of the shamrock!
The visit to Seaside allowed a leisurely
return to Fort Walton. My next stop
was at the always-delightful Red Bar in
Grayton Beach. Realizing it was winter,
but forgetting it was Thanksgiving week-
end, I thought the place would be nice
and roomy.
Wrong! The place was packed with
happy aliens much to the delight of all
concerned. I did get several minutes with
co-owner Ollie Petit back in his fastidi-
ously organized office off the kitchen.
We talked of the business, and as this
Gentle Giant offered opinions about
his competitors (there really aren’t any),
it occurred to me there are two types of
restaurateurs—those that hate the compe-
tition and those that love and welcome it.
Ollie is the latter. Following the advice
of Thumper the Rabbit, if he couldn’t
say anything good, he said nothing at
all. Witness these quotes: “I love Johnny
Earles. His creations were marvelous.”
And, “Jim Richard is a genius. He’s
opened a new place in Tallahassee and
is a heck of a great guy.”
And so it went, friend after friend. It’s
no wonder the Red Bar is so popular. It
revolves around inexpensive good food,
an incredibly capable wait staff, and a
bit of a rarity in the biz—a happy, loving,
caring owner.
I then dropped by Mr. Richard’s
Stinky’s Fish Camp to say howdy, but
Jim was in Tallahassee taking care of his
new place, which will have essentially
the same menu as this popular place
on 30-A.
Strange name though, isn’t it? “Honey,
where should we have our wedding
reception?”
“How about at Stinky’s?”
So much for my thoughts. The place
was packed.
Passing by Destin Commons, I had
a sudden urge for a Dave’s Dog. And
dammed it Dave himself wasn’t on the
premises. He’s on the cover on the cur-
rent Emerald Coast Magazine and bears
a frightening likeness to Bob White,
proprietor of the wonderful Sundog
Books in Seaside.
We had a great chat, and darned it
he too doesn’t admire and have great
respect for many of the great chefs here.
Good guy, and great dog.
My dear friend Peter DiChiara wasn’t at
his new roost, Fudpucker’s/Destin, so:
“Hi, Peter!” Sorry I missed you.
I was heading back to the Fort when I
noticed the sign in front of the venerable
Hog’s Breath: Forrest Williams Band.
A quick (and signaled) turn into the
parking lot, and I was enjoying a brew
(priced at exactly four bucks, thank you)
and listening to this gifted trio. At break
I told Forrest many great groups had
performed from that stage, Willie &
Lobo and Los Lonely Boys among ‘em.
I checked out the newest place in Fort
Walton for you. Another strange name
that makes me wonder if life hasn’t
passed me by: Fish Lipz.
It’s under the west end of Brooks Bridge,
and I’ve known it as several things:
Harbor Lights, Hainie’s, Jeremiah’s,
Rick’s Crab Trap and a couple of other
iterations.
But it’s a great location, with water on two
sides and plenty of outside seating. The
new menu is extensive, the manager on
top of things, and the bartenders fetching.
Well, maybe not Steve, but the ladies are.
In this newest remodel, it’s pretty much
one big room, with the bar circular and
in the middle of things, just as the book
on bar placement suggests. I have faith
that with their successful Joey Tomato’s
history on their side, it should be a hit.
In actual news, our own Reed Waddle
has won the New York Songwriting Circle
competition. That puts him in great
company, and we will continue to watch
his career skyrocket.
A final shoutout to Charles Morgan
and the staff at Harbor Docks. They
pulled in $8,578.46 for their Habitat
for Humanity Thanksgiving dinner. I
was one of the 1,263 people served, and
couldn’t have been a happier diner. An
extra Tip of the Turkey to the Habitat
volunteers, who were, once again, self-
less and wonderful.
We close with this observation by the
late Yul Brynner: “Women have an
unfair advantage over men. If they can’t
get what they want by being smart, they
can get it by being dumb.”
 December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 7
 The Beachcomber LEFT: The Northwest Florida Coast
Chapter of the Florida Public Relations
Association during their recent
fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs
of the Emerald Coast.
Photo submitted by Angela Triplett

BELOW: Steve Fisher lays down some

tracks at Jim Lancaster’s Playground
Recording Studio in Valparaiso.
Lancaster informs us that the new CD
will be available soon, and we can’t
wait to get our ears around it.
Photo by Shelly Swanger/
www.shellyswangerphotography.com.

ABOVE: Sherry Harlow, marketing director for Eglin Federal

Credit Union, presents a check for $2,000 to Michelle
Severino, executive director of the Heritage Museum of
Northwest Florida in support of the opening ceremonies for
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall the museum will host in
June 2010. Photo submitted by Gina Marini

BELOW: Florida State University Panama City has selected

Michelle Lacewell—marketing director for The Resort
Collection of Panama City Beach—as one of three “Notable
Noles” for 2009. The distinction is awarded to FSU Panama
City alumni who represent the school’s “strength, skill and
ABOVE: Ed McMullen’s Model T character.” Congrats, Michelle!
Christmas Car took the “spirit” honors at Photo submitted by Lisa Ferrick
HarborWalk Village’s first annual Holiday
on the Harbor parade. The festive crowd
reveled in sunshine, as well as music,
throws and a spirit of celebration that
benefited Destin Harvest.
Photo submitted by Jamie Marie Hall

RIGHT: Courtney, Jordanne, Tiffany and

Christina from Seaside’s Déjà vu enjoy a
spirited moment prior to the Turn on the
Town holiday parade. The ladies were
kind enough to share some candy canes
with the Beachcomber entourage. More
pics of Beachcomber paraders at www.
facebook.com/beachcomber.destin.
Photo by Mark Focus

MON - FRI 10 - 6 / SAT 10 - 5 / SUN 12 - 5

BOCCA ‘SORRELLI’
12889 US HWY 98 WEST
MIRAMAR PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER - DESTIN
850 654-8810
www.boca-boutique.com

BOUTIQUE & GALERI

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20% OFF FOR THE HOLIDAY’S
NEW STYLES

Page 8 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

 Neighborhood
LEFT: Qantum Communications’ Korey Stephens
enjoys some pampering during Serenity by the sea’s
recent Holiday Soiree.
Photo by Christy Kearney

RIGHT: Today’s Boutique’s “Stuff the Window”

campaign benefits Children in Crisis. Here are
some of the items that have been donated so far.
“Stuff the Window” continues through Dec. 15, and
those who make a donation of toys or gift cards
at the Paradise Key shop will get a 15 percent
discount on Today’s purchases.
Photo by Pam Preston

LEFT: The popularity

RIGHT: Jay Cope submitted of stand up paddling
this photo plugging the explodes onto the
Panhandle Community airwaves as YOLO Board
Theatre’s Christmas one-act co-founder Jeff Archer
plays running Dec. 11-13 in teams up with 30A
Pace. We’re not sure who Radio’s Leslie Kolovich
these folks are, but we can for the live weekly radio
never say no to a kid donning show Thursdays at 11
an AC/DC t-shirt. “I want a.m. on 107.1 FM. You
a mistress for Christmas!” can also listen worldwide
indeed. For information at www.30Aradio.org.
about the performances, call Photo submitted by
(850) 450-2566. Jenny Etheredge

December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 9

 The Beachcomber Book Review
Not Just Books: Gift Ideas for Readers
By Lesha Porche Denega
These are critical shopping weeks if you
want to perform your holiday duties. To
help, I’ve created a gift guide based on
recipient (as others do) and level of inti-
macy (as others might not). Bear with me.
For that person at the office you have
to give something to but have only said
“Hi” to, like, twice… This is easy. Now,
I hate to be gender based, but I am, so
switch it up if appropriate, you know?
Price range is 5-25 bucks. For men, a nice
pen. Try Parker’s—their low-end pens are
still very writable. For women, those cool
little notepads priced at under 10 dollars
at Barnes & Noble (and probably Books-
A-Million and Borders as well). Ideal for
hiding in purses and pockets—I love them,
but I can never find mine.
For either, Stephen Levitt’s Super-
Freakonomics.With subtitles like
“Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes,”
this is a winner. They will either love you
for Levitt’s incredibly smart but wildly
connected conjectures regarding modern
economic phenomena, or they will think
you are very, um, unique.
For a relative you don’t know and do
not wish to give a candle or tie to… My
recommendation for both genders is to
get nice leather bound book with a gift
receipt. (Don’t forget the gift receipt—that
way they can exchange it for Tom Clancy).
We are more than just
Next door to Dollar Tree behind Jim & Nick's Bar-B-Q.
14071- F Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin, FL 32541
850 / 654 - 4031
Page 10 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
Barnes & Noble has leather bound repro-
ductions of the classics—everything from
Wicked to Sherlock Holmes for $19.99.
They look more expensive than they are.
For a little more, you can get Dayton
Duncan and Ken Burns’ The National
Parks: America’s Best Idea. For many
dollars more, there is a DVD companion.
But the book is beautiful, and really, if
someone doesn’t like it, then they are
very, um, unique.
For the niece or nephew you wish you
could lose in the ball pit at McDonald’s…
This person isn’t a stranger—you’re going
to have to work hard. Good thing I’ve
made it easy. Just get a gift card. And not
to a giant screaming store, or you will be
disowned by the parents. Pick a smaller
store or a quieter one with toys, etc. No,
books & gifts...
Our products
shape eternity!
Home for
“Willow Tree"
and
"Mama Says"
figures and
nativity items.
Come see us.
really, kids love
swiping the gift
cards (consumer
training), and
since their tastes
change faster
than Madonna’s,
they really can get
what they most
want for (proba-
bly not something
you would have
picked out).
If you can’t bear
to get a gift card,
try some of the wonderful new Where the
Wild Things Are items. From toddler
toys to Dave Eggers’ adult rewrite, you
can pretty much pick your age range and
dash to the register.
For an introverted young (or older) man
or woman… Many stores are now carry-
ing beautiful journals, and while you may
have to go to the larger bookstores for the
really gorgeous handmade leather journals
or eco-friendly ones, you can find them
everywhere. Let the quality reflect that
person’s awesomeness. They now have
someone who will listen to them quietly,
via pen. Pair it up with one of the afore-
mentioned pens for that extra “You are,
indeed, awesome!” message.
For the reader extraordinaire on whom
you are willing to spend lots of money…
Two heavy hitters come to mind. The
Kindle from Amazon (www.amazon.com)
and the new Nook (www.bn.com).
Each e-reader has its advantages, but there
isn’t room to list them all, let alone tell you
UPCOMING BOOK
RELEASES
december 14
James Patterson and Gabrielle
Charbonnet, Witch and Wizard
december 15
Dominick Dunne, Too Much Money
Emma McLaughlin, Nanny Returns
december 22
Orson Scott Card, Hidden Empire
which is better. A holiday drawback for
the Nook is it doesn’t ship until Jan. 11.
With situations like this, I usually print
out a picture, trim it up and stick it in a
card, saying “This is yours. It’s just not
here.” This works well with backordered
books, too. The Kindle, however, is read-
ily available.
“LOST SYMBOL” IS
NO CODE-BREAKER
It would have been hard to just flat-out
ignore Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol. I
wasn’t one of the ones who had to read it
immediately, so I put myself on the hold
list at the library to get it whenever I got
to the top.  After finishing the book, my
overall reaction is…meh. It’s mildly enter-
taining, and I was interested to see how
Continued on page 11
LIBRARY
EVENTS
Coastal Branch Library
437 Greenway Trail, off of Hwy 331N,
267‑2809.
Thursdays: 11 a.m. The reading program
for children with a variety of guest per-
formers lined up. For complete informa-
tion, call 267-2809.
Destin Library
150 Sibert Avenue, 837‑8572.
Tuesdays: 3 p.m. Cuddlers and Toddlers
Story Time for children six months to 4 years
old, held in the children’s room at the new
Destin library. Each session is limited to 15
children and their parents.
Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers and Tod-
dlers Story Time for children six months to 4
years old, held in the children’s room at the
new Destin library. Each session is limited to
15 children and their parents.
Fort Walton Beach Library
185 Miracle Strip, 833‑9590
The Friends of the Fort Walton Beach Library
sell new and good condition used books
from fifty cents to $5. The store is located in
the lobby of the library and is open from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Donations are welcome during these hours.
VALPARAISO COMMUNITY LIBRARY
459 Valparaiso Parkway, (850) 729-5406
First Monday of Each Month, 6:30 p.m.
Creative Gardener and Floral Design Series
sponsored by the Valparaiso Garden Club.
Mondays, 4 p.m. Story Time for Elementary
School Children. Parents welcome to partici-
pate with their children in art activities, reading,
and a pre-planned story with the library staff.
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. Story Time for Ages 6
Months to 5 Years in the newly remodeled
Children’s Area.
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Assisted Gene-
alogy Research. The library’s genealogy col-
lection includes over 6,700 books and printed
documents, along with microfilm census
records from the 1800s.
Book Review
it would end. But it seemed to repeat the
Cont. from page 10
same scene formula over and over.  In
addition, it could have been at least a
third shorter without losing any impact.
The best thing I can I say is that I won’t
have to see the movie the first weekend
it opens.
Brown has another novel here that’s
similar to The DaVinci Code, only using
the Masonic legends as the secret sauce.
Robert Langdon is called by his friend
Peter Solomon to deliver a speech to a
group in Washington, D.C.  But when
he gets there, he finds the meeting room
empty. A phone call sheds light on the
situation—he’s been tricked into coming
to D.C. in order to help solve a mystery
involving hidden clues in Washington
that will reveal the ultimate “Hidden
Word” in Masonic lore that will open up
the Ancient Mysteries. The mystery caller
has Solomon held hostage so that Lang-
don will deliver. As clues are uncovered,
more and more people get pulled into
the action, with the possibility that cer-
tain secrets could be revealed that would
constitute a national crisis.
So why isn’t this a “must-read”? It seems
DESTIN
707 Harbor Blvd.
654-2764
THUR
12/10
Dannica Lowery
FRI & SAT
12/11 & 12/12
Forrest Williams
Band
FRI & SAT
12/18 & 12/19
waco ramblers
www.funkybluesshack.com • for specials, text “funky” to 41513
as if the hidden secret society genre
has been played to extremes lately, and
another novel along the same lines
doesn’t leave much room for new direc-
tions. Brown has Langdon in a predict-
able pattern throughout Lost Symbol. He’s
presented with a puzzle, he doesn’t know
the answer, pressure mounts, and then a
revelation occurs. Have something bad
happen, and then repeat the series of
GRAFFITI’S
booking christmas holiday parties
& new years eve parties
Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays!
basements and subbasements under the
Capitol? Did a number of major histori-
cal figures belong to Masonic societies?
Were structures like the Washington
monument built with Masonic symbols
in the design, or is it all just numeric
manipulation after the fact? 
I don’t regret the time spent reading The
Lost Symbol. I expected brain-candy, and
that’s what I got. But it is a pale shadow
compared to Brown’s past novels.
- C.M.
NEW IN PAPERBACK
Street Life: The Complete History of
Sesame Street by Michael Davis. Chil-
dren’s Television Workshop honcho
Joan Ganz Cooney’s struggle to get the
educational show on the air is meticu-
lously documented, and Davis finds
actions over and over. It seems like the space for important predecessors like
middle covers the same ground repeat- Captain Kangaroo and Kukla, Fran and
edly without advancing the story or the Ollie. Muppet genius Jim Henson gets
revelations much. As such, the 510 pages his propers, as do the actors, writers
could have been done in about 300 with and behind-the-scenes personnel that
much better results. It also doesn’t help enriched so many kiddies’ lives.
that you’re never quite sure where the - Christopher Manson
line between truth and fiction lies in
Brown’s interpretation and recitation Next Beachcomber: The books that got
of facts and figures. Are there mystery us off in 2009.
SANDESTIN
Village of Baytowne
424-6650
THUR 12/10
Chronic Jester
FRI 12/11
Fort Bayou Slim
SAT 12/12
Heritage
THUR 12/17
Forrest Williams
Band
FRI & SAT
12/18 & 12/19
Cadillac Willy
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 11
 ART GALLERIES AND ANTIQUES
Art galleries
artful things Original oils, watercolors and acrylics, as
well as prints and note cards by local artists. Art classes,
supplies and custom framing available. 1087 John Sims
Pkwy., Niceville, (850) 729-2600. www.artfulthings.net.
ARTS AND DESIGN SOCIETY  Features art shows by
local and regional artists. Open afternoons Tuesday
through Saturday. Shows change monthly. Art classes
and workshops in various media. 17 First Street SE,
Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-1271. www.artsdesign-
society.com
Artists at gulf place Original artwork including
paintings, sculpture, folk art, watercolors, pottery,
photography, jewelry, and metal art by a south
Walton cooperative. Stroll the colorful cabanas for a
look with something for every budget. Center court in
Gulf Place, corner of Hwy 30A and Hwy 393. Mon-Sat
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., (850) 622-0400.
boca boutique and galeri Located in Miramar
Plaza Shopping Center. Representing the original
contemporary art works, art prints and note cards
of Eddie Mansfield and wildlife artist Mark Mansfield.
A popular boutique where you’ll find the latest in
fashion, footwear, jewelry and gifts. Open Mon.-Fri.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Con-
tact us at (850) 654-8810 or via our Web site, www.
boca-boutique.com.
Cara Roy Artworks Florida tropicals, watercolors,
posters of all kinds, note cards, original artworks and
gift items. 124 Quincy Circle, Seaside, (850) 231‑2535.
Eileen west gallery specializes in “outsider” contem-
porary art. Exhibiting as many as 10 artists who have
work in the Smithsonian permanent collection, this
gallery provides venues for emerging artists as well.
New shows open first Friday of each month. 303 E.
Ruskin Place, Seaside, (850) 231-2133.
GEANA’S ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING Located in
Miramar Beach. An exciting art gallery and full service
frame and mirror shop offering a large selection of
local, regional and international artists ranging from
local photography to original fine art. Quality and value
Page 12 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
is second to none. We ship worldwide. (850) 650-0779.
SECOND ANNUAL BEACHCOMBER
The l2 gallery Located in Seaside’s Ruskin Place
Artist Colony, this is a premier showcase for collector
MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATION BALLOT
quality work from an exclusive stable of renowned
American artists. Open daily 10-6, Sundays 12-6 Nominate one performer (or whatever) in each category—see
and by appointment. Visit us at www.theL2gallery.
com or in person at 123 Quincy Circle, Seaside, The Beat for details on each category. Deadline for nominations is
(850) 231-1091.
midnight, Jan. 15, 2010. The top nominees in each category will
MATTIE KELLY ART GALLERIES AT NORTHWEST FLORIDA
STATE COLLEGE The Arts Center Galleries at Northwest appear in the final ballot to be published in our Jan. 21, 2010 issue.
Florida State College in Niceville encompass two gal-
leries showcasing 20 different international, national
and regional exhibitions yearly, which are unique BEST BAND_____________________________________________
to this region. Viewing hours are Monday through
Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Visit
www.mattiekellyartscenter.org or call (850) 729-6044.
BEST MALE VOCALIST ____________________________________
The Studio Gallery This shop is home to the work of
more than 25 of the finest artists of the southeast. A
unique selection of accessories and home furnish-
ings gathered on buying trips at home and abroad
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST__________________________________
is offered. Located just north of County Hwy 30A on
County Hwy 283 (The Grayton Beach Road) in the
colorful Shops of Grayton. 26D Logan Lane, Grayton BEST GUITARIST_ ________________________________________
Beach, (850) 231‑3331.
Zoo Gallery (3 locations) Fine contemporary Ameri-
can craft gallery including a colorful collection of art, BEST BASSIST ___________________________________________
jewelry, and painted furniture. Downtown Grayton
Beach, (850) 231‑0777, Market Shops at Sandestin,
(850) 837‑9233, Destin Commons, (850) 837-7554. BEST KEYBOARDIST_ _____________________________________
ANTIQUES
Flutterby Antiques, Uniques & Gifts Mon‑Sat. 10‑5.
Loads of furniture, primitives, pottery, glass and
BEST DRUMMER _ _______________________________________
ceramics, Coca Cola collectibles, old tools, kitchen
collectibles, crocks, linens, jewelry and much more!
211 Main Street (just north of the Post Office), Destin. BEST HORN PLAYER _ ____________________________________
(850) 269‑3200.
Smith’s Antiques Mall Mon‑Sat 10‑6, Sun. 12‑5,
Eclectic is the name of the game at this 25,000 square
BEST DANCE BAND______________________________________
foot mall. Featuring the wares of 90 vendors offering
antiques from around the world. 12500 Hwy 98, Destin,
(850) 654‑1484. www.smithantiquesmall.com. BEST ALTERNATIVE BAND _________________________________
BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER_______________________________
BEST CLUB DJ___________________________________________
BEST “HOMEGROWN” CD (Albums released by local
musicians in 2009)
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
HALL OF FAME (Recognizing musicians who have made lasting
contributions to the local music scene for 10 or more years)
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
ANY CATEGORY YOU THINK SHOULD BE INCLUDED BUT ISN’T
______________________________________________________
Mail your ballot to:
The Beachcomber
P.O. Box 5707
Destin, FL 32540-5707
(Note: Hand-delivered ballots will not be accepted.)
OR
Become a fan of Beachcomber Music
Awards at www.facebook.com and leave your
nominations on our “wall.”
Questions? Email thebeachcomber@earthlink.net.
 The Beat: Music, Concerts, Recordings, etc.
Let the
Nominations Begin!
Son of Beachcomber Music Awards
The second, bigger and better Beach-
comber Music Awards is coming next
February (probably the 23rd, a Tuesday).
Details are still being hammered out
for what is sure to be a star-studded red-
carpet-worthy extravaganza, and we’ll give
you the lowdown as soon as we get it.
In the meantime, the nomination process
is underway, so have a gander at the ballot
printed here and drop your choices in the
post or become a fan of Beachcomber
Music Awards at www.facebook.com.
With so many new and exciting musi-
cians lighting up the scene in 2009, it
will be interesting to see who nabs the
top honors.
Here’s a look at each category…
Best Band. Any congregation of two
or more musicians who play and/or
live here. Simple, huh? Last year, Dread
Clampitt took home the prize after the
Beat managed to track them down at a
Funky Blues Shack gig. The video is still
on our You Tube page.
Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocal-
ist. Open to solo artists as well as front-
men/women for bands. Last year, Dread
Clampitt and Old Bull Young Bull’s Kyle
Open Christmas Day!
200% No MSG 100% Vegetable Oil
Ogle was the top guy, while Cheryl Jones
was our readers’ choice for the ladies.
Best Guitarist. Acoustic, electric or both.
Technique is everything, but it really
comes down to whose axe magic moooves
you… The 2008 winner was Stevie Ray
Moseley of the Moseley Brown Band.
Best Bassist. Last year’s award went to
Black Eyed Blonde’s Dan Collins, and
he’s probably added a seventh string to
his instrument by now.
Best Keyboardist. Includes piano, organ,
synthesizer and kalimba. Donnie Sundal
took the honors the first time out.
Best Drummer. Who will follow in Ted
“The Animal” Cobena’s footsteps?
Best Horn Player. We have tons of saxo-
phonists around here, but there are plenty
of trumpet players worthy of a nomina-
tion, as well as at least one trombonist.
Last year, sax man Fly Dents got the nod.
Best Dance Band. In 2008, Hubba
Hubba was acknowledged for their
Continued on page 16
Dine In or Take Out
Phone: 850-424-5888
Fax: 850-424-5889
130 Scenic Gulf Dr. Suite 5B
(across from Silver Sands in
the Winn Dixie Shopping Center)
Miramar Beach, Fl. 32550
Mon-Thur 10:30am-9:00pm
Fri & Sat 10:30am-9:30pm
Sunday 12:00 noon 9:00pm
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 13
ARTIST
The Barcomber (Thursday, Dec. 10 through Wednesday, Dec. 16)
THURSDAY, 10TH FRIDAY, 11TH SATURDAY, 12TH SUNDAY, 13TH MONDAY, 14TH
Info subject to change.
Call ahead for confirmation.
TUESDAY, 15TH WEDNESDAY, 16TH

Giuseppi’s Wharf, Niceville Cabos Paradise Grill, Vil- Cabos Paradise Grill, Vil-
Chris alvarado,
(850) 678-4229, lage of Baytowne Wharf, lage of Baytowne Wharf,
www.ChrisAlvaradoLive.com
6-10 p.m. (850) 424-6070, 6-9 p.m. (850) 424-6070, 6-9 p.m.

blue lew, Jam Session with Nora

Cabana Cafe, 8:30 p.m.
www.bluelewproductions.info and Ted 7 p.m.
chris
flash flood, Harry T’s, HarborWalk Harry T’s, HarborWalk Harry T’s, HarborWalk
Harry T’s, HarborWalk alvarado
Village, (850) 654-4800
www.flashflood.org Village, (850) 654-4800 Village, (850) 654-4800 Village, (850) 654-4800
(Karaoke)
Life Care Center (with
Steve Ferry), Pensacola Commander’s Palace (with
bill garrett, (850) 471-5400 1-4 p.m. New Orleans Ramblers), flash flood
Look for him on Facebook! Hog’s Breath (with Band), Destin Harbor, (850) 337-
(850) 837-5991, 8555, 11:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Funky Blues Shack, Village
Heritage
of Baytowne Wharf, (850)
www.myspace.com/us3heritage heritage 424-6650, 10 p.m.

Seagar’s, Sandestin, Seagar’s, Sandestin, Seagar’s, Sandestin, Seagar’s, Sandestin,

ray hitchell,
(850) 622-1500, (850) 622-1500, (850) 622-1500, (850) 622-1500,
email rayzor@cox.net
6-10 p.m. 6-10 p.m. 6-10 p.m. 6-10 p.m.
Cheryl Jones Solo at
Louisiana Lagniappe,
jones and company, Destin, (850) 837-0881,
www.jonesandcompany.com Noon-2 p.m. red bar jazz band
AJ’s, Destin,
(850) 837-1913, 4 p.m.
Hammerheads, Village of
kyle lamonica,
Baytowne Wharf, (850)
www.myspace.com/dannicalowery
jones and company 351-1997, 6 p.m.

Funky Blues Shack, Tupelo Courtyard, Village Funky Blues Shack, Village
dannica lowery,
Destin, (850) 654-3839, of Baytowne Wharf, 6-10 of Baytowne Wharf, (850)
www.myspace.com/dannicalowery
8:30 p.m. p.m. 424-6650, 9 p.m.

Pandora’s, Okaloosa Pandora’s, Okaloosa Pandora’s, Okaloosa Pandora’s, Okaloosa

greg pendleton,
Island, (850) 244-8669, Island, (850) 244-8669, Island, (850) 244-8669, Island, (850) 244-8669,
Look for him on Facebook!
6:30-10:30 p.m. 6:30-10:30 p.m. 6:30-10:30 p.m. 6:30-10:30 p.m.

The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton
red bar jazz band,
Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008,
www.theredbar.com
7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m.

Commander’s Palace, Commander’s Palace, Commander’s Palace,

david seering, Destin Harbor, Destin Harbor, Destin Harbor,
www.davidseering.com (850) 337-8555, (850) 337-8555, (850) 337-8555, dannica lowery
7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m.

Pandoras’s, Grayton
steenos, Shorty’s, Grayton Beach,
Beach, (850) 231-4102,
www.myspace.com/thesteenos (850) 468-0417, 3-6 p.m.
7-11 p.m.

donnie sundal, Shorty’s, Grayton Beach, Hog’s Breath, Destin, Bluz Grill & Bar, Miramar
www.donniesundal.com (850) 468-0417, 7:30 p.m. (850) 837-5991 Beach, (850) 424-5980
steenos
Tommy Bahama’s, Grand Tommy Bahama’s, Grand Tommy Bahama’s, Grand
jonathan tennis,
Blvd. (850) 654-1743, Blvd. (850) 654-1743, Blvd. (850) 654-1743,
www.myspace.com/jontennis
4-9 p.m. 4-9 p.m. 4-9 p.m.

Funky Blues Shack, Funky Blues Shack, Pandora’s, Grayton Beach,

forrest williams, Hog’s Breath, Destin, (850)
www.myspace.com/forrestwilliamsband 837-5991, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Destin, (850) 654-2764, Destin, (850) 654-2764, jonathan tennis (850) 231-4102,
9 p.m.-1 a.m. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 8-11 p.m.

$9.99 SUNSET SPECIALS

4–6 PM DAILY
Sunset Platter • Shellfish Scampi • Almond-Crusted Grouper
Surf & Turf • Chicken Piccata • Jumbo Shrimp Dinner

Page 14 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

ARTIST
The Barcomber (Thursday, Dec. 17 through Wednesday, Dec. 23)
THURSDAY, 17TH FRIDAY, 18TH SATURDAY, 19TH SUNDAY, 20TH MONDAY, 21ST
Info subject to change.
Call ahead for confirmation.
TUESDAY, 22ND WEDNESDAY, 23RD

Giuseppi’s Wharf, Cabos Paradise Grill, Vil- Cabos Paradise Grill, Vil-
chris alvarado,
Niceville, (850) 678-4229, lage of Baytowne Wharf, lage of Baytowne Wharf,
www.ChrisAlvaradoLive.com
6-10 p.m. (850) 424-6070, 6-9 p.m. (850) 424-6070, 6-9 p.m.

blue lew, Jam Session with Nora

Cabana Cafe, 8:30 p.m.
www.bluelewproductions.info blue lew and Ted 7 p.m.

Harry T’s, HarborWalk

flash flood, Harry T’s, HarborWalk Harry T’s, HarborWalk Harry T’s, HarborWalk
Village, (850) 654-4800
www.flashflood.org Village, (850) 654-4800 Village, (850) 654-4800 Village, (850) 654-4800
(Karaoke)
La Paz, Destin, (850)
Commander’s Palace (with
837-2247, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Swizzle Stick Lounge, Swizzle Stick Lounge,
bill garrett, New Orleans Ramblers),
Swizzle Stick Lounge, Okaloosa Island, (850) Okaloosa Island, (850)
Look for him on Facebook! Destin Harbor, (850) 337-
Okaloosa Island, (850) 243-9444, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 243-9444, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
8555, 11:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
243-9444, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
bill garrett
HERITAGE, Club Overboard, Destin,
www.myspace.com/us3heritage ray hitchell (850) 837-3195, 10 p.m.

ray hitchell, Seagar’s, Sandestin, (850) Seagar’s, Sandestin, (850) Seagar’s, Sandestin, (850) Seagar’s, Sandestin, (850)
email rayzor@cox.net 622-1500, 6-10 p.m. 622-1500, 6-10 p.m. 622-1500, 6-10 p.m. 622-1500, 6-10 p.m.

Cheryl Jones Solo at

Louisiana Lagniappe,
JONES AND COMPANY, Destin, (850) 837-0881,
www.jonesandcompany.com Noon-2 p.m.
AJ’s, Destin, (850)
837-1913, 4 p.m.
Hammerheads, Village of Hammerheads, Village of
kyle lamonica,
www.reverbnation.com/kylelamonica
Baytowne Wharf, (850) kyle lamonica Baytowne Wharf, (850)
351-1997, 6 p.m. 351-1997, 6 p.m.

Funky Blues Shack, Tupelo Courtyard, Village Funky Blues Shack, Village
dannica Lowery,
Destin, (850) 654-3839, of Baytowne Wharf, of Baytowne Wharf,
www.myspace.com/dannicalowery
8:30 p.m. 6-10 p.m. (850) 424-6650, 9 p.m.
greg pendleton
Pandora’s, Okaloosa Pandora’s, Okaloosa Pandora’s, Okaloosa Pandora’s, Okaloosa
greg pendleton,
Island, (850) 244-8669, Island, (850) 244-8669, Island, (850) 244-8669, Island, (850) 244-8669,
Look for him on Facebook!
6:30-10:30 p.m. 6:30-10:30 p.m. 6:30-10:30 p.m. 6:30-10:30 p.m.

The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton The Red Bar, Grayton
red bar jazz band,
Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008, Beach, (850) 231-1008,
www.theredbar.com
7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m. 7-11 p.m.

Commander’s Palace, Commander’s Palace, Commander’s Palace,

david seering,
Destin Harbor, (850) Destin Harbor, (850) Destin Harbor, (850)
www.davidseering.com
337-8555, 7-11 p.m. 337-8555, 7-11 p.m. 337-8555, 7-11 p.m. david seering
Pandora’s, Grayton Beach,
steenos, Shorty’s, Grayton Beach,
(850) 231-4102, 7-11
www.myspace.com/thesteenos (850) 468-0417, 3-6 p.m.
p.m.

DONNIE SUNDAL, Shorty’s, Grayton Beach,

www.donniesundal.com (850) 468-0417, 7:30 p.m. donnie sundal

Tommy Bahama’s, Grand Tommy Bahama’s, Grand Tommy Bahama’s, Grand

jonathan tennis,
Blvd., (850) 654-1743, Blvd., (850) 654-1743, forrest Blvd., (850) 654-1743,
www.myspace.com/jontennis
4-9 p.m. 4-9 p.m. williams 4-9 p.m.

forrest williams, Mellow Mushroom,

Bluz Grill and Bar, Miramar musicians: Send your information for Dec. 24- Jan. 20 Pandora’s, Grayton Beach,
Beach, (850) 424-5980,
www.myspace.com/forrestwilliamsband Destin, (850) 650-6420
9 p.m.-1 a.m. to thebeachcomber@earthlink.net (850) 231-4102, 8-11 p.m.

December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 15

The Beat Cont. from page 13 The Beat’s Record Roundup
uncanny ability to get audiences’ various fancies last year.
Wynton Marsalis Patty Loveless
body parts shakin’.
Christmas Jazz Jam Mountain Soul II
Best “Homegrown” CD. Any locally
Somerset Saguaro Road
Best Alternative Band. Alternative to recorded album or EP by local musicians This is Wynton Marsalis’ Another triumph for
what? Newfangled Theory were the 2008 released during the calendar year. Dread first Christmas CD since a countr y gal who
winners. Use your imagination here. Clampitt’s Geaux Juice won last time, 1989, and it is avail- could sing the Health
able only from selected Care Bill and make
and we’re still waiting to hear their new sources. For decades it work. Not exactly a
Best Singer-Songwriter. Previous winner record. it was standard prac- sequel to Loveless’
Reed Waddle has moved on to bigger tice for musicians and 2001 masterpiece—
things, but this leaves plenty of worthy Hall of Fame. This category honors singers - any genre - to Kathy Mattea’s recent,
produce a Christmas excellent Coal pretty
candidates, whether he or she has released an individual or group that has made album. Some of them are gems, others, well... much used up all the mining country songs—
a CD or not. great contributions to the music scene but in the same tradition.
for at least a decade. 2008 winner Duke So now that even Bob Dylan has a holiday CD—I - Christopher Manson
hope it gets reviewed in the Beachcomber,
Best Club DJ. Doc Roc—who regularly Bardwell is not eligible this year, but that though I’m sure not the one to do it—it is worth-
gives away excellent “mix tapes” on the still leaves a lot of possibilities. Paul McCartney
while to note that decent jazz Christmas CDs are
Internet—captured Beachcomber readers’ less common than, say, decent country Christ- Good Evening New York City
Finally, we have included a spot on the mas CDs. For this one, Marsalis has assembled (CD/DVD)
a 10-piece combo, including old companions Hear Music
SPORTS BARS ballot for you to suggest a category that like Victor Goines (various reeds), Walter Blanding McCartney seems to
may have slipped our minds. Please mail (tenor and soprano sax), Wycliffe Gordon on issue more live record-
Anglers Beachside Grill See virtually all the games your ballot or write on our Facebook trombone, Reginald Veal on bass, and others. ings than Elvis did in
that are played anywhere through the magic of Marsalis keeps the trumpet for himself; there’s
wall by midnight, Jan. 15, 2010. We are the ‘70s, but this is an
satellites. Complete college sports coverage, plus no Sean Jones or Marcus Printup sharing those event of sorts—the
the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, and all the looking forward to the Second Annual duties here. As is his bandstand practice with opening of NYC’s Citi
rest. 1030 Hwy 98W, Okaloosa Island, 796‑0260.
Beachcomber Music Awards and hope Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Marsalis gives Field—and a chance
Beef O’Brady’s family sports pub (2 locations) to see you there…wherever that may be. everyone a chance to play and to shine. to see and hear Bea-
A range of wings, sandwiches, wraps, soups and tles faves like “A Day
salads served in a traditional, but family‑friendly, Like the Days of Christmas, there are 12 tracks in the Life,” “Day Tripper,” and “The End.” (Us
sports bar atmosphere with lots of TV choices and here. Most are purely instrumental. All are poor MTV-era kids have to make do with “Here
a kids game room. Excellent chicken wings, hot deli UPCOMING MUSIC familiar standards, except possibly for “Mary Today.”) The more recent material stands up,
sandwiches, fresh salads, and great kids menu. Beer
and wine. $4‑10. 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway (The RELEASES Had a Baby,” a swinging traditional black
church spiritual vocalized by Roberta Gumbel.
and 15 bucks for three discs of audio and
video suggests McCartney is less greedy than
Market Shops at Sandestin), 837‑9710 and 4540 Hwy The tuba, banjo, guitar and Wynton’s beloved his former record label.
20E, Niceville 897‑3964.
Dec. 15 plunger wah-wah give several of the tunes - C.M.
an old-school New Orleans flavor, the kind of
RuM RUNNERS SPORTS BAR Upstairs from the restaurant, Animal Collective, Fall Be Kind (EP) sound Marsalis masterfully achieved on Mr.
the sports bar features specials on appetizers and draft
Jelly Lord. Christmas Jazz Jam perks along,
Mojo Nixon
beer for NFL Sunday football and college games on Jamie Foxx, Body
Saturday. Village of Baytowne Wharf, 130 Fisherman’s smooth and collegial. Unlike many Christmas Whiskey Rebellion
Cove, 351-1817. Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster CDs, this one’s worth putting down the forkful Mojo Nixon
Young Jeezy, Title TBA of pecan pie and listening to. Odds and sods from
Shades at the loop Good selection of local seafood - Bruce Collier the guy whose late-
and land fare, simply prepared, served with effi- ‘80s albums made
ciency and a smile. Grilled, fried and blackened fish him the premier pro-
and chicken, sandwiches and salads. Pork chops,
dec. 22 Rihanna
test singer of the era.
steak, even wings and pizza. Full bar and wide Mary J. Blige, Stronger Rated R Also the funniest. I
choice of draft and bottled beers. $5-24, 10952
Hwy 30A, Inlet Bch, 231-9410. Eminem, Relapse: Refill
Def Jam love Nixon for giving
After a particularly trying away classic albums
year, Rihanna is back like Bo-DAY-Shus!!! and
with her fourth album, Root Hog or Die on Amazon recently, but
Destin East Pass Two Week Tide and Sunset Chart a tough-girl-lyric filled aside from the dated (but still funny) Dr. Laura
compilation featuring a bashing, there’s nothing here worth seeking
Day Low Time High Sunrise Sunset % Moon complex young woman making a comeback. out unless you worship Kinky Friedman. And
Time Visible No matter what the lyrics, listeners are going even then...
to search for references to Rihanna’s personal - C.M.
12/10 3:28am 5:59pm 6:32am 4:46pm 40 struggles—i.e., her violent altercation with Chris
12/11 4:06am 6:09pm 6:33am 4:46pm 29 Brown. Don’t expect a lot of ex-boyfriend bash-
ing tracks, although Rihanna is pretty pissed off
Ricky Skaggs
12/12 4:51am 6:37pm 6:34am 4:46pm 20 on much of the record. And when I say pissed, Solo: Songs My Dad Loved
I mean pissed. Musically, the album sees the Skaggs Family
12/13 5:40am 7:16pm 6:34am 4:47pm 12 artist go in a harder, rock-influenced direction The multitalented
12/14 6:32am 8:02pm 6:35am 4:47pm 6 and showcases some extreme aggression. S ka g g s h a s m o r e
Rated R is an energetic pop/hip-hop album at in common with
12/15 7:28am 8:49pm 6:36am 4:47pm 2 its core, but there are guitar riffs galore, including Rosanne Cash than
12/16 8:21am 9:34pm 6:36am 4:48pm 0 Slash’s guest appearance on “Rockstar 101.” A the fact that both just
highlight comes in the form of “Cold Case Love, put out collections
12/17 9:06am 10:14pm 6:37am 4:48pm 0 a slow “love sucks” collaboration with Justin of tunes inspired by
Timberlake. Rihanna exclaims, “What you did their fathers. Skaggs
12/18 9:41am 10:47pm 6:37am 4:49pm 1 to me was a crime,” and we all have a pretty and Cash were main-
12/19 10:04am 11:13pm 6:38am 4:49pm 5 good idea what she’s talking about. Rihanna stream country stars in the ‘80s and ‘90s and
has certainly come back with a vengeance, continued to make great music long after radio
12/20 10:17am 11:34pm 6:38am 4:49pm 10 yet it remains to be seen if this is a daring new programmers stopped taking notice, Clear
12/21 10:21am 11:34pm 6:39am 4:50pm 16 direction for the singer or simply a creative Channel be damned. Unlike Cash’s The List,
diversion. Regardless, it’s an admirable effort Skaggs leans toward the obscure and overtly
12/22 10:14am 10:47pm 6:39am 4:50pm 24 that deserves much respect. spiritual, but it’s equally fine.
12/23 9:48am 6:29pm 6:40am 4:51pm 32 - Lauren Gall - C.M.

Page 16 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

 PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO
All information is subject to change. Call for up-to-the-minute details. Deadline for December 24 issue Places and Things submissions is noon Thursday,
December 17. Email thebeachcomber@earthlink.net.
ART
Art Classes at Full Circle Gallery, Fort Walton
Beach. Visit www.fullcirclefwb.com/classes.php
for complete listing.
Woodie Long Remembered at Seaside’s
Lyceum Gateway Building. The great folk artist’s
work will be on display Saturdays and Sundays
from noon to 5 p.m. through next January.
Much of the artwork—on loan from Dot Long’s
private collection—has never been exhibited.
Volunteers needed throughout the show’s run.
Call Eileen at (850) 502-1847.
Through Dec. 31. Award-winning Artists Terry
Long and Jackie Lynch at Coastal Branch
Library, Santa Rosa Beach. Long received the
Johnny Main Award at 2008’s ArtsQuest, and
Lynch won first place at the Destin Festival of
the Arts in 2006. Part of the Art in Public Places
program. For more information, contact Vicki
at vkitahara@beachesofsouthwalton.com or
(850) 267-1216.
Through Jan. 2, 2010. Independent Artists of
Navarre Display at TDC Visitor Information
Center, Navarre Park. A wide variety of art—
including paintings, photography, pottery and
wood sculpture—will be featured.
Through Jan. 16, 2010. “Seasonal inspirations”
at Full Circle Gallery, Fort Walton Beach, featur-
ing jeweler Sandra Matasick, painter Sol Davis,
and potter Mercedes Rodgers, all regional
artists. An ideal exhibit for holiday shoppers on
the lookout for extraordinary, soulful gifts. www.
fullcirclefwb.com.
Through January
30, 2010. “Colors of
Northwest Florida” at
Heritage Museum in
Valparaiso,
Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. Check out work by members of Local
Color Artists, including Lynette Miesen, Helen
Blair (whose “Shrimp Boat” is pictured here),
Amy Jo Rosati and William Stephenson.
Cost is $2; free for museum members and
children under 4. Call (850) 678-2615, or
visit www.heritage-museum.org.
AUDITIONS
Dec. 14 and 15. Panhandle Community The-
atre’s “Bubba, Live!” 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Storage
Master’s Storefront Theatre, Pace. Six men and
six women needed for the redneck comedy.
Performances scheduled for Feb. 5-6 and 12-14.
Persons interested in working on the stage crew
should attend, too. Call (850) 450-2566 or email
MyraShofner@aol.com.
CHRISTMAS
BOOK SIGNINGS
Dec. 12. Robert Dalby at Barnes & Noble
Booksellers, Pensacola, 11 a.m. Dalby will sign
his latest book, A Piggly Wiggly Wedding. Call
Act4Murder’s “Chaos on the Christ- Episcopal Church, Fort Walton Beach,
(850) 969-9554 for info.
mas Cruise.” The latest murder mystery 6:30 p.m.
comedy from Paula Hilton reunites
CALL FOR VENDORS characters from Bedlam in Cabin B for Santa’s Wonderland Sponsored by
2010 Seabreeze Jazz Festival will take place
a brand new holiday-themed laughfest. Fort Walton Beach Jaycees and Fud-
at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, April 16-18.
Prices and menus vary by location; all pucker’s upstairs at SunSations in Destin.
There are only 60 spaces available. This year’s
include a delicious three-course meal. Christmas trees and rooms decorated for
festival attracted more than 16,000 jazz fans.
Visit www.act4murder.com for details. the holidays. Silent auction to benefit vari-
Market is open to commercial, fine arts and
- Dec. 11. Fokkers Sports Pub, Fort ous charities. Dates are Dec. 12-13, and
crafts and wholesale food vendors. For more
Walton Beach. Call (850) 244-6666 for 19-20, noon to 5 p.m. Free pictures with
information visit www.hilltopproductionsinc.com
reservations. Santa during Wonderland hours; dona-
or call (850) 951-2148.
- Dec. 13 and 19. Fudpucker’s, Destin. tions accepted. Call (850) 642-5292 or
Call (850) 460-2028. (850) 585-4333 for more information.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - Dec. 17. Bogey’s Bar and Restaurant,
Destin Relay for Life is looking for survivors to ride
DeFuniak Springs. Call (850) 951-2233. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Seaside Rep-
in their Survivor Express in the Destin Christmas
- Dec. 18. Fudpucker’s, Fort Walton ertory Theatre Presents “A Christmas
Parade Dec. 12. Email destinrelay2010@yahoo.
Beach. Call (850) 460-2028. Carol” at Village of Baytowne Wharf,
com if interested.
an original 30-minute adaptation of the
Christmas Events at Uptown Station, Fort Dickens classic. Multiple nightly shows
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Needs Volun-
Walton Beach. www.uptownstation.com. begin at 6 p.m. www.baytownewharf.
teers for Santa’s Workshop, an indoor village
- “Animation in Motion,” the 15th annual com.
located in Fort Walton Beach’s Uptown Station.
display presented by Debbie Lewis, a/k/a
The workshop provides children with opportunities
“The Christmas Lady of Niceville.” The Dec. 11. Christmas Spectacular with
to write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, and
display is free and comprises the largest Ron Adams at HarborWalk Village. 7 p.m.
more. Contact Debbie at mknbkn4u@cox.net
Dickens Village on the Emerald Coast Music with an Elvis/”Blue Christmas” flavor.
or (850) 685-9014.
as well as a huge display of animated www.HarborWalkDestin.com.
and illuminated dolls. The display runs
CALL TO ARTISTS through Dec. 27. Dec. 11. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf
Artful Things in Niceville is now accepting a
- Dec. 12, 13, 19-24. Santa’s Workshop, Resort & Spa’s 6 th Annual Little/Big
limited number of works for the gallery wall
noon to 6 p.m. benefiting the Emerald Holiday Party featuring cocktails at 6:30
monthly. Interested artists should email up to
Coast Wildlife Refuge. Kids can stop by p.m. and buffet dinner and dancing
six images with dimensions, medium, title and
the North Pole Post Office and write let- from 7:30 to 11. The event is perfect for
price along with a brief bio to info@artfulthings.
ters to Santa. Cookie decorating at the small businesses or groups of friends and
net. Monthly shows include a meet the artist
reception. For more info, call (850) 729-2600 or
Kris Kringle Kandy Company, crafts, and offers live entertainment from the Prime
photo opportunities with Santa. Time Band with Lucy Garcia. Cost is $44
visit www.artfulthings.net.
- Dec. 12. Santa Arrives! He’ll be accom- person plus tax and includes dinner
panied the police and fire departments and one complimentary drink ticket. For
Cultural Arts Association Calls Artists for 2010
around noon. reservations, call (850) 267-9689. www.
ArtsQuest. The Cultural Arts Association of Walton
County, Inc. is calling artists to apply for par-
- Dec. 12. “A Christmas Story,” Bob
Clark’s immortal holiday classic, will be
HiltonSandestinBeach.com.
ticipation in the 22nd annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts
Festival to be held May 7-9, 2010. ArtsQuest is a
shown on Central Park’s 30-foot movie Dec. 11. Holiday Gallery Stroll on the
screen. Free. Bring blankets, lawn chairs Harbor at HarborWalk Village, 5-7 p.m.
juried show of original fine art. Around 100 artists
and coolers—no pets or glass contain- Plus Toyland train rides and “A Very Spe-
will be selected to exhibit and sell their work at
ers, please. cial Charles Dickens Caroling Event.”
this two-and-a-half day festival in Seaside. Artist
- Dec. 13. Pet Photos with Santa in www.HarborWalkDestin.com.
applications can be downloaded at www.Cul-
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge’s Santa
turalArtsAssociation.com. Please complete the
Workshop, starting at noon. Uptown Dec. 11. Northwest Florida Symphony
application and send it along with the following: 
Station’s Central Bark dog park will be Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops” at Mattie
1. CD containing images of your work and one
specially decorated for the four-leggers. Kelly Arts Center Mainstage, Niceville,
image of your booth. Please make sure images
7:30 p.m. The 70-member NFSO Chorus
are high resolution, 300 dpi minimum.
Christmas on the Coast in Grand joins the orchestra for a variety of holiday
2. Jury fee check for $35 (non-refundable).
Boulevard at Sandestin ® celebrating favorites. Tickets are $22.50 for adults,
3. Booth fee check for $230 (refundable if not
every weekend through Christmas. Enjoy $16 for youth and active duty military.
selected).
strolling carolers and twinkling lights in Purchase tickets at the box office, call
4. SASE for return of your material. 
the Town Center Friday and Saturday (850) 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekel-
All of this must be postmarked by the deadline
nights and performances by Blast from lyartscenter.org.
of Feb. 1, 2010. Please call the CAA office at
the Past and the Scrooge. www.grand-
(850) 622-5970 if you have any questions.
boulevard.com. Dec. 11-13. Panhandle Community
Theatre Performs a Christmas Helping
Northwest Florida State College’s of One-act Plays at the PCT Storefront
CLASSES Schola Cantorum Free Holiday Con- Theatre in Pace. Enjoy a duet of holiday
Adult Programs at Destin Community Center
certs. The “Angels and Shepherds” con- productions that will warm your heart—
include aerobics, basketball, Brazilian martial
certs will be performed by a 12-member Myra Shofner’s “Angels and All That Stuff”
arts, chair yoga, duplicate bridge, Jazzercise, oil
chorus comprised of a diverse group of and an adaptation of O. Henry’s “Gift of
painting, and more. Call (850) 654-5184.
area singers under the direction of John the Magi.” Friday and Saturday shows at
Leatherwood. For more information, call 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinee at 2:30.
Artful Things in Niceville Offers Adult Classes in
(850) 830-2062. Tickets are $12; call (850) 450-2566 for
watercolor, oil, acrylic and drawing. Call (850)
- Dec. 14. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic reservations.
729-2600 or visit www.artfulthings.net.
Church, Niceville, 7 p.m.
- Dec. 16. St. Simon’s-on-the-Sound
Arts and Design Society in Fort Walton Beach
offers workshops in acrylics, photography, life
drawing, and pottery, as well as open studio
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 17
 PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO
CHRISTMAS
Dec. 11-13. Pensacola Children’s
Chorus’ “Christmas on the Coast” at
the Saenger Theater, Pensacola, 7:30
p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 Sunday.
Tickets on sale now at the box office—
call (850) 595-3880—or online at www.
ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $17-29.
This amazing spectacular includes over
300 young performers ages 9-18 in a
Broadway-style production with favorite
songs of the season and plenty of Santa
Claus. Call (850) 434-7760.
Dec. 11. Sounds of the Season 2009,
featuring churches from around the
area, 7 p.m. at Destin’s Village Baptist
Church. Call (850) 837-8107, or visit www.
villagebaptist.org.
Dec. 12. Christmas for the Birds at
Coastal Branch Library, Santa Rosa
Beach, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children of all
ages can make edible ornaments for
birds to eat and decorate the outdoor
Christmas tree for the birds’ enjoyment.
Santa Claus arrives by fire engine at
noon with goodies for the children. Story
time and refreshments for all. Call (850)
267-2809 for more info.
Dec. 12. Shalimar United Methodist
Church Orchestra and Singers’ “Sounds
Like Christmas,” a ‘40s style big band
Broadway musical, at Shalimar United
Methodist Church Family Life Center.
Free, but donations to Children in Crisis
are greatly appreciated. Call (850)
974-1406.
Dec. 12. The 24th Annual City of Destin
Christmas Parade, 10 a.m. Entry infor-
mation at www.cityofdestin.com.
Dec. 12. Heritage Museum of North-
west Florida Presents Annual “Yule of
Yesterday” Holiday Celebration and
Victorian Tea at the museum in Valpara-
iso, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Walton Guard
will reenact Christmas of 1861 dressed
in Civil War costumes. There will be orna-
ment making for kids, local crafts, and a
bake sale. Free and open to the public.
The Victorian Tea is at 2 p.m. and costs
$10 ($5 for museum members). Reser-
vations required—call (850) 678-2615.
www.heritage-museum.org.
Dec. 12. Northwest Florida Youth
Chorus “Christmas on the Bayou” at
Tyler Recital Hall, Mattie Kelly Arts Center,
Niceville, 11 a.m. Free. Young vocalists
perform holiday favorites. www.mat-
tiekellyartscenter.org.
Dec. 13. Destin History and Fishing
Museum Hosts 23rd Annual Holiday on
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http://twitter.com/BeachcomberFL
Page 18 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
continued
continued...
the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade starting
at 6 p.m. You can watch from docks and
restaurants all along the Destin Harbor.
All commercial, charter and private
boats are invited to participate. Entry
forms available at the museum, Destin
Community Center, Destin City Hall,
Destin Chamber of Commerce and
many harbor businesses. Entry fee is $25
per boat. Call (850) 837-6611 or email
kathydestinhistory@embarqmail.com.
Dec. 13. A Newsong Christmas at Vil-
lage Baptist Church, Destin, 7 p.m. The
concert is free. A love offering will be
taken to defray expenses.
Dec. 13. Northwest Florida Symphony
Youth Orchestra at Mattie Kelly Arts
Center Mainstage, Niceville, 3 p.m. The
50-member youth orchestra presents
their popular annual concert under the
direction of Liz Aylor. Free. www.mattiekel-
lyartscenter.org.
Dec. 19. Holiday in the Village, Harbor-
Walk Village, 2-4 p.m. Toyland train rides,
Christmas crafts and holiday portraits.
www.HarborWalkDestin.com.
Dec. 19. Santa Parachutes into Flora-
Bama, Perdido Key, at approximately
1 p.m. armed with a bag of Christmas
presents compliments of Emerald
Coast Skydiving Center. Festivities begin
at noon with tree-trimming party, free
eats, kids’ sing-alongs and more. Bring
a nonperishable food item for the local
food bank and receive a free beverage
or Bama Bucks. For more info, call (850)
492-0611 or (251) 980-5118.
Dec. 19. Sinfonia’s Holiday Concert at
Grace Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m. This
is a festive presentation of holiday favor-
ites and Christmas music made popular
by Mannheim Steamroller. Tickets are
$37.50 for preferred floor seating, $25 for
balcony seating. Visit www.sinfoniagulf-
coast.org for more info.
Dec. 20. Coastal Christmas Concert
with David Seering, HarborWalk Village,
6 p.m. Don’t miss one of the area’s top
musicians, Beachcomber favorite Seer-
ing. www.davidseering.com.
Dec. 23. WUWF Presents “Tidings of
Comfort and Joy” at Historic Christ
Church, Seville Square, Pensacola,
three shows at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. A
delightful acoustic concert of sacred
and secular holiday music. Featuring
the Perdido Brass, flutist Stephie Riegle,
harpist Katie Ott, keyboardist Tina Buran
and soprano Sewell Griffith. Tickets on
sale at wuwf.org.
 PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO
time to paint with others. Call (850) 244-1271 or
visit www.artsdesignsociety.com.
Highsteppers Adult Tap Dance Classes at 17
Industrial Street, Fort Walton Beach. Call (850)
243-3085 or dance on over to their Web site,
www.highsteppers.org.
COMEDY
Act4Murder Comedic Mysteries for Dinner
Theater. Plenty of laughs and a delicious three-
course meal. For upcoming show details, visit
www.act4murder.com.
EDUCATIONAL
PRIME TIME Personal Enrichment Classes at
Northwest Florida State College, all six loca-
tions. Open to adults of any age, the non-credit
courses are designed for leisure learning with no
grades or tests given. Classes focus on comput-
ers, health, travel, food, politics, arts and crafts,
and more. Fees range from $5 to $75. Schedule
online at www.nwfsc.edu/schedule.
May 8-18, 2010. Northwest Florida State Col-
lege Tour of Greece with Dr. David C. Simmons
and Professor D. Ann Waters. Visit the Parthenon
in Athens, the site of the first Olympic Games and
many beautiful Greek islands. All are welcome.
For information, contact Professor Waters at
watersa@nwfsc.edu or (850) 729-5302.
FILM
Dec. 15. Kenneth Bi’s “The Drummer ” at
Destin Library, 7 p.m. Part of the Friends of
Destin Library’s Independent Film Series. Free
and open to the public. Seating is limited to 60
on first-come, first-served basis. Note that the
film contains mature themes and is intended
continued
for adult audiences. Bi’s film, concerning the
rebellious son of a Hong Kong triad boss, is in
Mandarin with English subtitles. Call (850) 837-
8572 for additional info.
Dec. 19. Free Family Movie Day at Fort Walton
Beach Library, 2 p.m. Popcorn and drinks avail-
able. For movie title and info, visit www.fwblibrary.
blogspot.com, or call (850) 833-9590.
Dec. 19. “Soul of a People: Writing America’s
Story” at Indian Temple Mound Museum, Fort
Walton Beach, noon. Free screening of the
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary about the
Great Depression and the controversial public
assistance programs that followed. Prior to the
screening, NWF State College professor Diedre
Price will speak. For more information, call Mike
at (850) 833-9595.
FOOD AND DRINK
Saturdays. Seaside Farmers Market in the
amphitheater, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.seasidefl.
com.
FUNDRAISERS/BENEFITS
Panhandle Animal Welfare Society of Fort
Walton Beach. PAWS needs to make aesthetic
and sanitary improvements to its facility and
seeks donation of canned or dry dog and cat
food. Please consider PAWS when adopting a
pet, and vote for PAWS in Care2.com’s online
contest to help local animal shelters at www.
care2.com/animalsheltercontest. For more info,
call (850) 243-1525, or visit www.paws-shelter.org.
beachside worship SERVICES
Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Church
(UECNA) 1928 Book of Common Prayer Service,
10 a.m. Sundays, communion service 2nd and
4th Sundays, morning prayer, 1st, 3rd, and 5th
Sundays. 66 8th Street, Shalimar, 651-9800.
Destin United Methodist Church Sunday Morn-
ing Worship Services at 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. at 200
Beach Drive, Destin, 837‑2021.
Emerald Coast Lutheran Church Services are
held at 8 a.m. at the Chapel of the Community
Church on the side of Church Street. 3524 U.S.
98 West, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 650-0339
Faith Assembly Christian Church Sunday wor-
ship services: 8:45 and 11 a.m. Nursery and
children’s church is available. Wednesday bible
study at 7 p.m. Located at 306 S. Geronimo St.
in Miramar Beach, three blocks west of Silver
Sands Outlet Mall. 837-7561.
First Baptist Church of Seagrove Sunday ser-
vices at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
4915 E Hwy. 30A, Seagrove, 231‑2884.
Good News United Methodist Church Sunday
services 8:50 a.m., traditional worship 9:45 a.m.
Sunday school, 11 a.m., contemporary worship,
4747 Hwy 98W, Santa Rosa Beach, 622-9191.
Grace Lutheran Church Worship services at
8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, 4325 Commons
Drive, 654-1679.
Hope Lutheran Church (LCMS) Beach wor-
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 19
ship at 8 a.m. at Ed Walline Beach Park at the
intersection of CR-30A and CR-393 in Santa
Rosa Beach. Sunday worship service at 1477
S. CR-393 (in the Crosspoint Baptist Church
building) begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by Bible
study. For more info, call 267-0322.
Santa Rosa Community Church Interdenomi-
national service 10 a.m. Sundays. 3524 Hwy.
98W, 267‑7599.
Shoreline Church Non-denominational modern
Sunday service at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at
Rave Motion Pictures in Destin Commons. Kids
church and nursery available, 650-8658 or
shorelinechurch.net.
St. Andrews Episcopal Church Service at 10:30
a.m. Sundays. 307 Hwy. 98E, Destin, 650‑2737.
St. Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox
Church Sunday service at 10 a.m. 400 Hwy.
98E, Mary Esther, 244‑0822.
St. Rita Catholic Church Saturday service at 5:30
p.m. through Oct. 1, then 4 p.m. through Easter.
Sunday services at 8 and 10 a.m. 137 Moll Drive
(just south of Hwy 98W) Santa Rosa Bch, 267‑2558.
St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church
Sunday services at 7, 8, and 10:30 a.m. and 6
p.m. 28 Hwy. 98W, FWB, 244‑8621.
Village Baptist Church Sunday services at 9
and 10:30 a.m. 101 Matthew (one block south
of Hwy. 98E), Destin, 837‑8107.
 PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO
Through Dec. 11. Cabana Café’s Freedom Pod
is collecting current DVDs and CDs, as well as
iTunes cards, phone cards, books and maga-
zines for our friends and neighbors in the armed
forces who will be deployed this Christmas. The
restaurant is located at Ariel Dunes, Seascape
Resort in Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3574 or www.
cabanacafedestin.com.
Dec. 12. Polar Bear Paddle for Toys for Tots,
hosted by the Gulf Coast Paddle Club and
Harry T’s at HarborWalk Village, noon to 3 p.m.
The family event includes live music, great food
and maybe even a visit from Santa. Bring a toy
valued at $15 or more and receive the official
2009 PBP t-shirt. More info at www.facebook.
com/1cd95a;www.gulfcoastpaddleclub.com.
Dec. 13. Okaloosa County NAACP Freedom
Fund Banquet at Emerald Coast Conference
Center, Okaloosa Island. The Women in the NAACP
will hold a food drive for Sharing & Caring, Inc. in
the reception hall prior to the banquet. Reception
is from 4 to 5 p.m., with dinner served at 5. and
keynote speaker Judge Greg Mathis. For info,
email saundra_knight@hotmail.com.
Dec. 15. Christmas Canned Food Drive for
Caring and Sharing of South Walton at Funky
Blues Shack, Village of Baytowne Wharf, 9 p.m.
Live music, door prizes and drink specials. Items
can also be dropped off at Funky’s or Maver-
ick’s Tattoo prior to the event. Also—door prize
raffle, including bar tabs and tattoos! Call (850)
424-6650.
Dec. 19. Fashion Show and Buffet Dinner for
American Cancer Society at Club Overboard
18th Annual Year End SALE
Dollar Print Bin is back!
A selection of over 50 different
prints for $1, while they last.
Page 20 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
continued
and Studio 98, Destin. The fashion show will
highlight some of the area’s local boutiques.
Silent auction will be held with gift baskets and
donations from local businesses. For information
or to donate, contact Steve at (850) 654-0010.
Through Dec. 23. Quality Imports Holiday Food
Drive for Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton
Beach. Bring canned foods and dry goods to
any Quality Imports location on Beal Parkway
or their Value Buy Center across from Walmart.
Cash and grocery gift card contributions are
also appreciated.
Through Dec. 24. Silver Sands Annual Char-
ity Gift Wrap benefiting Sinfonia Gulf Coast,
5-7 p.m. Located in the former Little Me store
across from Silver Sands Factory Stores’ shop-
per services kiosk. The charity gift wrap has a
variety of paper and bow choices, from elegant
to whimsical. Donations range from $2 to $15.
Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Sat-
urday through Dec. 14; noon to 9 p.m. Monday
through Saturday, Dec. 15-23; noon to 6 p.m.
Sundays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.
For more information on Sinfonia, visit www.
sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
ICE SKATING
Through Jan. 31, 2010. Ice Skating at the Vil-
lage of Baytowne Wharf. Skate the night away
for just $8. Skate rentals available. Hours are 4-10
p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Holiday
hours (Dec. 18-31) are Monday through Satur-
day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.
to 9 p.m. Ice rink available for private functions;
call (850) 428-2736. www.baytownewharf.com.
Seaside Gallery
124 Quincy Circle
Open Daily 10am-5pm
Closed Mon & Tue
850-231-2535
Order Online
cararoyartworks.com
KIDS
Abrakadoodle Art Classes. Various locations.
Call (850) 424-5058 or visit www.abrakadoodle.
com.
Saturdays. Seaside Kids Storytime, 11 a.m.
www.seasidefl.com.
LIBRARY EVENTS
December is Fine-Free Month at Destin
Library. Patrons owing fines for overdue books,
videos, CDs, etc. will be exempt from fines if
overdue materials are returned with a donation
of canned goods for Destin’s Harvest House.
Director Jurate Burns calls it “a win-win situation
for all involved.” Call (850) 837-5200 for more
information.
See Book Review section for additional library events.
MEETINGS
Shelter House Domestic Violence Victims’ Sup-
port Groups. All information discussed is confi-
dential; no appointment necessary. Childcare
is provided, and refreshments are served. Call
(850) 243-1201 or visit www.shelterhousenwfl.org.
- Tuesdays, Fort Walton Beach, 10:30 a.m. to
noon and 6-8 p.m.
- Thursdays, Crestview, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- Thursdays, DeFuniak Springs, 1-2:30 p.m.
MUSIC
Wednesday Night
Concert Series at the
Village of Baytowne
Wharf,
Sandestin, 6-8 p.m. Free and open to the
public, weather permitting. Enjoy special
holiday editions this
fortnight. www.bay-
townewharf.com.
- Dec. 16. Ruckel
Middle School
Ambassadors and
Niceville Opus One.
- Dec. 23. Randall
S h e r w o o d S a xo -
phone and Guitar
Duo. RANDALL SHERWOOD
Dec. 11. Kelly Clarkson at Pensacola Civic
Center with Eric Hutchinson and Parachute.
www.pensacolaciviccenter.com.
Dec. 19. Destino at the Fort Walton Beach
Municipal Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. This is the last
stop on the Canadian sensation’s 2009 tour.
These three award-winning professional tenors
combine pop, opera, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz
and musical theater, leaving audiences awed
everywhere they perform. Present by the Emer-
ald Coast Concert Association. www.destino3.
com. For ticket information, call (850) 837-1742
or visit www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com.
Jan. 15-17. 30A Songwriters Festival. An inter-
nationally prominent lineup of singer-songwriters
along with local writers and a select group of
new artists converge in south Walton County for
the inaugural festival. Artists will perform in venues
up and down Scenic Highway 30-A. Headlining
artists include Matthew Sweets and Susanna
www.thebeachcomber.org
Hoffs, the Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Sam Bush
and Rodney Crowell. Tickets and additional
information at www.30asongwritersfestival.com.
See this issue’s Barcomber for additional per-
formances.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Dec. 31. Hilton Sandestin Beach Takes a Bite
out of the Big Apple for 25th Annual New Year’s
Eve Gala. Enjoy a festive evening of dining,
dancing and celebrating. Dance the night away
to the sounds of the renowned party band, Blues
Other Brothers. Partygoers will also feast on the
finest regional cuisine, have access to an open
bar throughout the evening, and delight in a
champagne toast at the stroke of midnight. For
reservations, call (800) 367-1271 and mention
Package Code “NYE.”
Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at Seaside. A
fabulous family event kicking off at 7 p.m. Delta
Highway performs at 7, followed by Grammy-
winning Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Expe-
rience at 9:30. And, of course, a spectacular
fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. Kids
activities with Abrakadoodle, too. www.seasidefl.
com.
Dec. 31. Ring in 2010 at the Village of Bay-
towne Wharf. Beatles tribute band The Return
perform at 7:30, followed by Mustang Sally at
9:30. Breathtaking fireworks light up the sky over
the lagoon at midnight. www.baytownewharf.
com.
OUTDOORS
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Is Looking for
People to help with the Port St. Joe Christmas Bird
Count Dec. 27. Birders of all levels needed to
participate. Contact Bob at (850) 575-6610 or
bob@rkhenderson.com.
Dec. 14. The 110 th Christmas Bird Count.
Contact Don Ware for more info at donware@
embarqmail.com or (850) 862-6582.
Dec. 19. Choctawhatchee Audubon Society
Annual Christmas Party, potluck dinner and
silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Christ-
mas Reflections display in DeFuniak Springs.
RSVP to Nonie at (850) 862-9588. www.choc-
tawhatcheeaudubon.org.
Dec. 22. Florida Trail Association Monthly
Meeting at Bayou Blues, Niceville, 6 p.m. Visi-
tors welcome. Call (850) 682-6098, or visit http://
choctaw.floridatrail.org.
THEATER
Dec. 20-23, 26-30 and Jan. 2, 2010. David
Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” at the Meeting
Hall Theatre, Seaside, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29,
$24 for Seaside Rep members. Discounts avail-
able for students, military and service industry
personnel. Starring Brook Stetler and directed
by Anne Marie Carrol, the play is sponsored by
the Merchants of Rosemary Beach. Call (850)
231-0733 or visit www.seasiderep.org.
WORKSHOPS
Cultural Arts Association Workshops. Call (850)
622-5970 to register, or visit www.culturalartsas-
sociation.com for more information.
- Dec. 11 and 12. Basket Workshop with Carol
Dickson, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CAA office.
Cost is $30 for members, $35 for nonmembers.
 On Stage
“Nutcracker” Sparkles Center Stage
as NWF Ballet Begins 40th Season
By Sherry Londe
Nothing says the holidays like a perfor-
mance of the Nutcracker Ballet. The time-
honored Tchaikovsky score, storybook sets
and those dedicated dancers who carry us
off with lighter-than-air magic. The E.T.A.
Hoffmann tale sprung to life once again in
the Northwest Florida Ballet’s outstanding
production at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center
last month. With captivating charm, the
classic story portrays every child’s fantasy
of the perfect world, where goodness and
sweet dreams prevail.
At a Christmas party—given by Mayor and
Frau Silverhaus and their children Clara
and Fritz—we are introduced to the char-
acter Herr Drosselmeyer, expertly played
by NWF Ballet artistic director Todd
Eric Allen. Drosselmeyer bridges the gap
between the ordinary and extraordinary
with his curious powers, bringing dolls to
life and later transporting Clara and her
Nutcracker Prince to the Kingdom of Snow
and the Kingdom of Sweets.
The school’s professional training is
revealed in the confident ability of the
young performers as the well-rehearsed
mice and soldiers and in their variations
in Act II. Enchanted by sugary charm,
audiences delighted in the delicate young
Clara danced by Gemma Garlisch, the
flashy quickness of Spanish danced by
Patricia Stout, and the ballonne executed
by Jerod Zerbe as the Nutcracker Prince.
When ballet technique looks simple
and a performance seems effortless, we
are observing the zenith of the art form.
Accomplished faculty member Jennifer
Jones is elegant, self-assured and poised
as Snow Queen and Arabian. Her part-
ner Sean Hilton, an audience favorite,
is dependable and steadfast. Both guests
Katia Garza and Andres Estevez dazzle
us with excellent technical aplomb and
timing. Local soloists Amanda Wiley as the
feisty Dew Drop Fairy and Russian Varia-
tion performer Andrei Kisselev enjoyed
some well-deserved oohs and ahhs. The
combined efforts of choreographers Todd
Eric Allen, Sharon Allen, Bernadette
Clements Sims and Winthrop Corey
have created a delectable production that
audiences will surely wish to return to year
after year.
As the curtains close, we coast on a fantasy
afterglow until schedules and traffic pull us
back into real time. Audiences need perfor-
mances like this one from our Northwest
Florida Ballet to remind us that a long-ago
dreamland where snow queens and fairies
reign is only the price of a ticket away.

THE Shores SALON

Full Service Hair & Nail Salon
Katia Garza in NWF Ballet’s recent production of the Nutcracker.

Connect with The Beachcomber!

www.facebook.com
www.facebook.com/beachcomber.destin
Search “Beachcomber Destin”

www.myspace.com/beachcomberdestin
www.myspace.com/beachcomberdestin

www.youtube.com/user/beachcomberdestin
837-4588
www.youtube.com/user/beachcomberdestin
Specializing in weddings Walk-ins welcome
Full line of products: Loreal-Kenra-Logics-Voila
In Paradise Shores Shopping Center (next to Target) Main Street, Destin
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 21
 Our Fabulous
Holiday Gift Guide
LEFT: This breathtaking image
by Beachcomber favorite John
Hollan is just one of a dozen
by area artists featured on the
Cultural Arts Association’s 2010 ABOVE & LEFT:
calendar. Other featured artists Charles and Misti
include Michael McCarty, Betty Schneidewind’s Recycled
Cork and Linda Kernick, all of Art Co. offers unique
whom have graced our cover “license plate” artwork,
in 2009. Just $15. Available individually handcrafted
from the CAA office in Blue eco-friendly work
Mountain Beach, Sundog Books made from handcrafted
in Seaside, and Tracery Interiors materials. We especially
in Rosemary Beach. www. like the advent calendar
culturalartsassociation.com. pictured here. More at
www.recycledartco.com.

RIGHT: Pamper that

special someone with
a gift certificate for
Serenity by the sea,
located in beautiful
Sandestin. Gift cards
can apply towards
massage, skincare,
health and fitness…
the possibilities
are endless! www.
serenitybytheseaspa.
com.

ABOVE: Bold and chunky jewelry make a fashion statement. Wide

selection at Boca Boutique & Galeri in Destin’s Miramar Plaza
Shopping Center. (850) 654-8810.

ABOVE: The name Destin Tree House implies

a somewhat limited inventory, but the shop
features plenty of other snazzy gift items,
including vases, lamps, clocks, scented
candles, pottery, ceramics and much more.
Call (850) 650-2521 for more info.

LEFT: For the wine lover, the Woozie™

insulates and feels great. (Roving Rogue,
take note.) Get them at Destin’s Youtopia,
located in Destin’s McGuire’s Shopping
Center. Call (850) 424-5047, and check
out some of their other dazzling items at
www.youtopiadestin.com.
ABOVE: You’ll find Sticks Furniture exclusively at the Zoo
Gallery. Sticks is known for colorful handcrafted and hand
painted clocks, tables, chairs, boxes, cabinets and lamps. The
heirloom-quality creations are currently on sale at a 20 percent
discount. www.thezoogallery.com.
Photo by JAB Wilson

Page 22 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

 Office Space for Lease:
Harbor Plaza

*750 SF up to 3,000 SF available

*Great visibility *Good signage
*Located in the heart of Destin, FL

Robert Bonhardt
(850) 585-0585
KW Commercial, Director

821 Bayshore Dr.

Niceville, FL
(850) 678-4229
Gift Certificates
Now Serving Sushi and Sashimi
Watch your team
in our new sports bar
Book your Holiday Party Now!
Join us for New Year’s Eve Private Parties

December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 23

 The Beachcomber Goes to the Movies
The Road Not Taken...Yet
By Adam Pope
The last time a film was made from a
Cormac McCarthy novel, it won four
Oscars, including one for Best Picture.
That film was No Country for Old Men,
and writers/directors the Coen broth-
ers referred to adapting the screenplay
from McCarthy’s unflinching prose as “a
perverted, dark trip down into the core
of humanity.” Trekking into theaters
this fortnight is The Road, an infinitely
darker tale set in the most desperate of
locales: post-apocalyptic America.
For the most part, the audience is left in
the dark as to what caused the civilized
world to end. The narrator tells us in bleak
monotone, “The clocks stopped at 1:17. A
long shear of light, and then a series of low
concussions.” Cheery optimists beware; this
may not be the film for you. The world has
been reduced to a burned out, blasted waste-
land, and humanity has been decimated.
The audience is soon introduced to The
Man (Viggo Mortensen) and The Boy (new-
comer Kodi Smit-McPhee), a father-son duo
trudging methodically through the desolate
landscape heading for the coast to ease the
conditions of the approaching winter.
It becomes clear that most of those “for-
tunate” enough to survive have become
twisted creatures with no grasp on moral-
ity, decency or hygiene. Along their long
jaunt, The Man and The Boy come across
several horrific scenes, most involving the
devolved humanoids who have gone can-
nibal in order to stay alive. One such scene
involves a slaughterhouse where they
encounter several folks unlucky enough
to be on-deck dinner courses for their
hungry jailors. The choices The Man is
forced to make test his own morality and
put a serious strain on his own sanity, but
it becomes apparent he will do anything—
and I mean anything—to protect The Boy.
Mortensen and Smit-McPhee give unnerv-
ing and achingly haggard performances as
the last shred of humanity in a soulless
and forsaken existence. Robert Duvall
and Charlize Theron offer adequate and
memorable side roles. Director John
Hillcoat does a fantastic job of choosing
lingering, haunting shots to perpetu-
ate the story’s dark mood and hopeless
demeanor. Nick Cave delivers an equally
grim musical score. Nevertheless, the
film seems to show a hesitance to go
completely over into the dark madness
that makes Cormac McCarthy novels so
segregated from other literature.
The grit and the grime is there, but the
spirit and spark of humanity The Man
carries and ultimately passes to The Boy
never truly come across on the screen the
way they should, and the film never real-
izes its full potential. It is still a welcome
distinction from effects-driven doomsday
fiascos like 2012 or Knowing, but without
a full commitment to the source material
(such as the Coens gave to No Country), the
movie becomes more of a tragic “What if?”
tale than a theatrical masterpiece.
THROW SOME HOLIDAY
MOVIES ON THE FIRE…
We asked our Facebook
friends to share their favorite
Christmas movies—if you’re
not friendly with us yet, head
on over to www.facebook.
com/beachcomber.destin--
and here’s what they threw
back at us…
National Lampoon’s
Christmas Vacation. “His
Christmas bonus is a year’s
supply of Jell-O! Bahaha!”
- David A. Schmidt
A Christmas Story. “Some
kids’ dads were Methodist.
Some were Presbyterian. My dad was an
Oldsmobilman.” - Julie Shaw UPCOMING
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. “Both
DVD RELEASES
the original and the newer.” DECEMBER 15
- Elizabeth Crongeyer G-Force. Heroic guinea pigs voiced by
Nicolas Cage and Steve Buscemi, cour-
Harold and Maude. “Chinese delivery tesy of the Jerry Bruckheimer assembly
on Christmas Day to bring out the more line.
melancholy in ya!” - Denise Marie The Hangover. The summer smash
comedy featuring The Office’s Ed Helms.
Love, Actually. “I actually watch it year Inglourious Basterds. “This is not Tar-
round, because it makes you laugh, makes antino’s best…(he) seems to be losing
you cry, and makes you snuggle up to your steam…” (Lesha Denega, Sept. 3
sweetie. Beware, though—not for young Beachcomber)
ones…” - Christina Greene Ponyo. The latest animated masterpiece
from Hayou Miyazaki, the most consis-
tently excellent filmmaker around.
Next Beachcomber: Our favorite movies
of 2009. Taking Woodstock. Ang Lee’s homage
to the obscure ‘60s music event.

WHERE TO
CATCH A MOVIE:
OPENING SOON DECEMBER 22
DecEMBER 11 All About Steve. “(Sandra) Bullock’s
Cinema Plus, Downtown FWB, (850) 302- Invictus. Clint Eastwood directs. Morgan Freeman success—and she mostly succeeds—
0129 stars as South African president Nelson Mandela. Do comes from a total commitment to
we smell Oscar? the physical and verbal eccentricity of
Grand Theatre, Pier Park, Panama City, (850)
236-2990 The Lovely Bones. Peter Jackson’s long-awaited lovestruck, overeducated Mary.” (Bruce
adaptation of Alice Sebold’s afterlife novel. Collier, Sept. 17 Beachcomber)
Gulf Breeze Cinema, Gulf Breeze, (850)
916-9402 Extract. “(Not) exactly laugh-out loud
DecEMBER 18 funny, but it’s consistent and will keep
Lively Cinema 10, Downtown Destin, (850) Avatar. The biggest, most expensive fantasy flick ever, you chuckling throughout.” (“Johnny C.”
654-2992
courtesy of James Cameron. Alexander, Sept. 17 Beachcomber)
Rave Motion Pictures, Destin Commons, Did You Hear About the Morgans? Unfortunately, it’s
(850) 650-4579 (500) Days of Summer. “Performances
not about Beachcomber contributor Charles and his
that are both heartfelt and hilarious, and
Sun Plaza, Mary Esther Blvd., FWB, (850) family.
a script that is original as it is captivating.”
244-4252
(Adam Pope, Sept. 3 Beachcomber)
Twin Cities Cinema, John Sims Pkwy., DecEMBER 23
It Might Get Loud. Electric guitar docu-
Niceville, (850) 678-3815 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. If only
mentary starring Jimmy Page (cool),
they could speed up the film like they do the records,
United Artists, Santa Rosa Mall, FWB, (850) U2’s Edge (yawn), and the ridiculously
243-2135 it would save parents hours of torture.
overrated Jack White.

Page 24 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

 Since 1963
(Not Just a Restaurant but a Way of Life)

Fresh Seafood Catch of the Day

Hand Cut Steaks Homemade Desserts
Trey Nick, 3rd Generation Owner
Family Owned Since 1963
Scenic Location on the Bay
Route 20
10 miles East of the Mid-Bay Bridge
Tuesday through Sunday 11am - 8:30pm
850.835.2222

December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 25

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Dec. 10 Dec. 18
Sue Bartoloni, Friend of the Beachcomber Lisa Turpin, FOTB (41)
Heather Czajkowski, FOTB (34)
Dec. 11 Doreen Eckmann, FOTB
Greg Benfield, FOTB
Dec. 19
Dec. 12 Kevin Cornwell, FOTB (38)
Layla Mainella, FOTB (28)
Marissa VonLanken, Gator (20) Dec. 20
Funky Blues Shack Destin, hotspot (14) Sue Dobbs, FOTB
Calhouns Pub n' Grub Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Demetrius Fuller
Dec. 14 Jennifer Miller, FOTB
Home of the locals, legends, lovers, liars & lots of liquor! Binky Buckwalter, musician (53) Kimberly Ann White,
Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 4-7pm $1.00 off any drink Daniel Costello, FOTB (28) writer/social critic
Food Served All Day! Down Home Country Cookin' Blue Plate Specials Everyday Sharon Harris, FOTB
Tara Manson, writer/educator Dec. 21
Football Special Sun, Mon, Thurs & Sat $1.00 Bud Drafts & $2.00 Wells Annie Palacios, FOTB (20)
Phil Calhoun & the Trashy White Band Dec. 15 Debi Jacobs, FOTB
Holidays with us is a Treat!
Every Fri Nite Michelle Bass, FOTB (37) Michael McElvy, FOTB
Ho Ho Ho we are the way to go Christina Greene, FOTB (30)
Karaoke Tues, Weds, Thurs & Sat nites Dec. 22
Book your Christmas party now Jeff Fiorello, musician (27)
757 Harbor Blvd Destin, Fl 850-424-3621 Ashley Sukalski, FOTB (27)
Dec. 16 Elyse Therose’s LaRue Allegretto (19)
Shawn Hutto, FOTB (35)
Candi Jerkins, FOTB (28) Dec. 23
Lauren Callahan, FOTB (26) Seaside Rep’s Kevin Boyle (26)

Dec. 17 Submit your birthday people for

Patricia Davis, banker extraordinaire (43)
Levin Bracken, FOTB (30) Dec. 24, 2009-Jan. 23, 2010 to
Charlotte Bergman, FOTB thebeachcomber@earthlink.net!
(�

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY

)�

to Our Favorite Gator!

Love, Mom, Brandon & Linsey

GO GATORS!!!!!!!

;� CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
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December 19

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December 11
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"Large selection of Atocha Coin Jewelry” Hard Rock Hotel & Casino massive impact
Roman & Greek BC & AD Biloxi, MS • (228) 276-5233 December 18
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December 11 & 12 December 18

PART TIME WORK

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Diamonds & Gemstones Requirements: Computer literate, 2-3 hours access to the internet
weekly, over 20 yrs of age, and efficient and dedicated.
850.650.7998 If you are interested and need more information,
14091-B Hwy 98 Emerald Coast Center (Next to Beall’s) contact Patrick Jordan at ptrckjrdn100@gmail.com.
Page 26 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
 Chefs Up Close
No Job Too Big for Chef Mark Hall
By Bruce Collier
Few area chefs have quite the extensive
domain enjoyed and overseen by Chef
Mark Hall. Hall is executive chef at Emer-
ald Coast Conference Center (ECCC)
in Fort Walton Beach. Hall’s employer,
Aramark, independently contracts with
the county and ECCC to provide, among
other services, Hall’s expertise at feeding
the masses—every size group from 10 to
1,400 and even more as needed. He also
oversees full-service catering to outside
venues as well. Hall is not intimidated
by hungry crowds--”I’m not afraid” is his
cooking motto.
At the time he spoke with the Beach-
comber, Hall had spent the morning and
noontime serving 115 guests breakfast and
lunch, a group he would characterize as
being “on the small scale.” With Hall in
the kitchen office were Bobbie Bleckley,
Aramark’s director of operations, and
Alicia Flynn, food and beverage general
manager. Hall’s sous chef, Lara Robidoux,
poked in from time to time, even deliver-
ing a pumpkin parfait for this writer to
enjoy while talking.
Hall has been cooking since 1982, and
has been at ECCC since it opened.
Originally from West Point, New York,
he accumulated much of his cook-
ing and organizational experience and
skills in the west. His previous gigs have
included upscale country clubs in Texas
and Oklahoma, the Hilton in Waco, the
University of Texas Alumni Center, and
Sweets on parade…rows of parfaits waiting for spoons.
Chef Mark Hall stands next to the to-do lists in his kitchen command center at Emerald
Coast Conference Center.
a stint as chef instructor at the Stock Pot
School of Cooking in Tulsa. It was at
these places that he developed not only
his cooking skills, but the organizational
knowledge needed to prepare high-end
meals for large groups of discriminating
eaters. Among his dining guests have been
Lady Bird Johnson, Jimmy Carter, cellist
Yo Yo Ma, and pianist Van Cliburn. Hall
has also served as treasurer of the Austin,
Texas chapter of the American Culinary
Federation and been honored several
times for professionalism.
Hall continues to attend continuing
education classes and tests himself in
certification programs such as Culinary
Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certi-
fication in Hyde Park, New York. (“One
of the hardest things I ever did,” he says.)
He is a certified executive chef.
In Hall’s case, this is no empty title.
On the wall of his 6,000-square-foot
kitchen at ECCC is a posted list of
coming events, listing groups and their
“guarantee,” an indication of how many
diners will attend. This particular day,
the guarantee ranges from 35 to 1,300,
and the groups include business, social
and military organizations. Also posted
are sheets of yellow legal paper covered
with handwritten to-do tasks. Most are
checked-off, and some remain to be com-
pleted. Hall’s confidence comes not only
from his support staff, but the resources
he has at his command. Depending on
the size and complexity of the group and
menu selected, he can draw from local
and area talent to accomplish a variety of
meals, including French, Mediterranean,
vegetarian and healthy cuisine. There’s
also a “sustainable” menu, serving the
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December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 27
growing interest in eating locally raised
or produced food.
A tour of the kitchen—quiet, sanitized and
temporarily empty—gives an indication of
its potential. There are rows of cooking
stations, skyscrapers of plates, dishes,
glasses and cutlery. There’s even a twin-
tower device for recycling used cooking oil
for non-cooking purposes. Huge walk-in
coolers and storage lockers contain staples
and non-perishable items, but the cold
storage is sparsely filled. Hall prefers to
buy and use as fresh as possible, relying on
local produce suppliers and seafood pur-
veyors. His inventory practice of “count,
count and recount” allows him to know
what he needs at any given time. Staff is
likewise drawn from the local cooking and
hospitality industry.
In addition to corporate and military
groups, Hall has offered his culinary
expertise to March of Dimes, United
Way, Society to Prevent Blindness, the
Salvation Army, Emerald Coast Founda-
tion, the Destin Charity Wine Auction,
and Sinfonia, among others. He also
works with cooking students, offering
them hands-on experience in the ECCC
kitchen. Though he is in charge of opera-
tions, he continues to cook.
Hall got his job at Aramark and ECCC
by answering an online ad. It was a happy
concurrence, since his parents live a few
hours from the area, and, as Hall says,
“I wanted to live here.” He also has a
boat, which fills his leisure hours. Unlike
chefs at restaurants, Hall enjoys a more
flexible schedule. The ECCC’s season is
event-driven rather than subject to tourist
seasons and off-seasons. The December-
May season finds Hall and ECCC espe-
cially active, with an “incredible array of
different clientele.” That, and the vast
resources at his command, makes “the
sky the limit.”
 ❅ "The best Italian Cuisine
❄ Straight from Italy”
❆❅
Tr uc k!
after the Pa rade on a Fi re
11am - Sa nta will ar ri ve Christmas Music
Lunch begins at provided by Cheryl
Jones

❆ Make a Christmas gift to take

home with you with Abrakoodle®
Serving Fresh Fish,
❄ Kids bring an
unwrapped gift for a child 12 and under
De stin
Ch rist m as ❄ G et yo ur
pi ct ure
Homemade Pastas & Pizzas
Homemade Desserts and
Pa rade ta ke n w it h
and receive Lunch FREE. (Now thru 12/20) 10am Sa nt a Wedding Cakes
Buon Appetito!
Bring in the New Year with all your friends! Open 11am to 10pm
(850) 424-5795
Featuring Live Music by 424-5797
Mike Black-Eyed fax 424-5798
&Micros Blonde Daily Lunch &
Dinner Specials
Party Favors | Champagne Toast | Fireworks Show | No Cover La Famiglia Italian Ristorante
116 Harbor Blvd | Destin, FL 32541 | 850.837.1913 | ajs-destin.com 300 Harbor Blvd. East( on Hwy. 98 near Red Door & Boat House)
Destin, Fla. 32541

Happy Holidays Emerald Coast Conference Center Catering. . .

To All Your Senses.

Providing catering services throughout the Emerald Coast.

Contact us for all your catering needs
Alicia Flynn ~ 850-609-3908
flynn-alicia@aramark.com
End of Year Sale!
-Unique Handcrafted Silk Trees up to 18ft.
-Exquisite Silk Arrangements & Accessories
Courtesy to the Trade
Gift Certificates available

Phone: (850) 650-2521 Fax:(850)650-2515

4010 Commons Drive West, Suite 116, Destin, FL 32541 Emerald Coast Conference Center Sales, please contact:
Tues.-Fri. 10 - 5 Sat. 10 2 Closed Sun. & Mon. Tisha Maraj 850-609-3800 Sales@CO.Okaloosa.Fl.Us
Page 28 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
 RESTAURANT GUIDE
Restaurants reviewed by our staff of profes-
sional eaters are rated; all others give an
overview of the type of food being served,
the price range, address and phone. The
rating reflects the level of excellence on
one day only. Happy eating!
KEY
����� Excellent
���� Terrific
��� Honorable
�� Worth checking out
� Order takeout or cook at home
american
cabana cafe ���� Large, informal and kid-friendly,
Cabana Cafe offers a varied menu of snacks, pizzas,
grilled and cold sandwiches, burgers, and more
sophisticated grownup fare. Cuban sandwich, po’boys,
steaks, fish tacos, and pasta specialties. Breakfast,
lunch, and dinner are served daily. Full bar. $5-28.
112 Seascape Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 424-3574.
Callahan’s restaurant and deli ���2/³ A local lunch
and dinner favorite for years, it offers a wide selection of
sandwiches, salads, burgers, steaks and chops. Favor-
ites are New York strip steak, prime rib and you-name-it
deli sandwich classics. daily speicals, wine and beer,
$4-19, 791 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-6328.
Hartell’s Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late
night burgers, fries, shakes and ice cream. The Village
of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort,
(850) 654-9453.
Hog’s Breath Cafe ���� A variety of food options
including hamburgers, appetizers, certified Angus beef,
and local Gulf seafood entrées at great prices. Daily
specials. Live music seven days a week. $4‑19, 541
Hwy. 98E, Destin, 837‑5991.
the magnolia grill Historic 1920s Florida charm, often
called “a museum that serves food.” Seafood, steaks,
Italian favorites, wine and beer. Delighted to take your
reservation. $5-24, 157 Brooks Street SE, Fort Walton
Beach, (850) 302‑0266. www.magnoliagrill.com.
Mary’s kitchen ���� A country outpost since 1950,
Mary’s offers pork barbecue, fried catfish and a well-
chosen list of hearty homestyle items. Meatloaf burgers,
sandwiches, and plenty of sides. Pies made in-house
daily. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. $4-11. 186-G Eglin
Pkwy. NE, Fort Walton, 863-1141.
rum runners ���� This is the Baytowne Wharf place
with the dueling pianos. It’s also a comfortable spot for
lunch and dinner, with a variety of appetizers, wraps,
sandwiches and main dishes featuring beef, chicken
and plenty of Gulf seafood. Full bar, open for lunch
and dinner. $7-25. 130 Fisherman’s Cove, Sandestin,
351-1817.
slick mick’s This is a family owned deli, grill, and sports
bar featuring authentic Philly cheese steaks, brick
oven pizza, deli and specialty sandwiches and salads
in a laid back family atmosphere. A great draft beer
selection, too. $8‑12, 19 N. Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 864‑5577.
Wing-stop “The Wing Experts” Chicken wings & tenders
always made fresh-to-order & served steaming hot,
ready in less than 14 minutes. Sauced in nine propri-
etory flavors Homemade sides & fresh cut fries. Offering
Wine & Beer. Dine in or Take Out 837-5333 Walmart
Shopping Center, 16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Suite
#111, Destin, Locally owned and operated.
BaGELS
not just bagels Breakfast and lunch daily, including
23 gourmet New York style bagels, breads and pastries
made and baked on the premises. Plus lattes, coffees
and sodas. Voted Best of the Emerald Coast 2008-09.
Free Wi-Fi. Catering. Located in Destin Publix Plaza
‘round the corner from Bonefish Grill. Open 6 a.m. to
3 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends. Email
notjustbagels@embarqmail.com. (850) 650-0465. Fax
orders at (850) 650-4173.
Barbeque
HOG’S BREATH BOSS HOG BBQ Smoked dry rubbed ribs,
Boston butts, chickens and turkeys. Sandwiches and
plates, full service catering. Homemade key lime pies
and picnics to go. Located next to Hog’s Breath Café.
837‑0644.
HOLIDAY PARTIES
SPARKLE AT SEAGAR’S
Breakfast & More
BLUZ GRILL & BAR ���� Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Live music, full bar, pizza, wings,
gumbo, po boys, steaks and sandwiches. 11225 U.S. 98
East, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5980. www.bluzdestin.
com.
SILVER SANDS Serving breakfast seven mornings a week
from 5:30‑10:30 a.m. Big country breakfasts fit for the
sea‑going fisherman in the true tradition of Destin. $3‑12,
538 Hwy 98 (Harbor Docks Restaurant), Destin, 837‑2506.
Cajun & Creole
BLUZ GRILL & BAR ���� Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Live music, full bar, pizza, wings,
gumbo, po boys, steaks and sandwiches. 11225 U.S. 98
East, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5980. www.bluzdestin.com.
New orleans creole cookery ����� A.J. Tusa, a third-
generation restaurateur, invites you to taste the flavors
of New Orleans. Come try a roast beef po-boy, spicy
boiled crawfish or shrimp, or a deep fried seafood plat-
ter. Full bar. $5-32. Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin,
(850) 351-1885.
Casual Dining
camille’s sidewalk café ���¾ Sandwiches of many
kinds and colors are the star at this busy cafe. An exten-
PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD
sive menu offers hot and cold meat and vegetable
wraps, panini, salads, and soups, washed down with fruit
smoothies. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served. $4-8.
10406 Emerald Coast Parkway, (Silver Sands Factory HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA
Stores) Sandestin, 650-2920.
Whale’s Tail Beach Bar If you want to feel like you’re at Purchase a Seagar’s $150 gift
a real beach bar, this is the place; good food and drinks,
plus superb bloody marys. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. card and receive a Serenity by the
$4‑15, 1373 Scenic Gulf Dr. Destin, 650‑4377.
sea Spa gift card of $25
COFFEE HOUSES/Delis
The Spa at the Hilton Sandestin Beach
Bad Ass Coffee Company A gourmet coffee house
specializing in Kona coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and www.SeagarsDestin.com
lattes. Full deli featuring Boar’s Head products and home-
made muffins, plus breakfast sandwiches and desserts.
(850) 622-1500
Free wireless Internet access and merchandise. Open
daily at 7 a.m. $1‑6.50. 1708 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar
Bch, 269‑3997.
Camille’s at Crystal Beach A coffee and market shop,
overlooking the gulf. Camille’s offers a wide variety of
coffee, breakfast, muffins, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit
smoothies and a package store. Open daily. 2931 Scenic
Hwy 98, Destin, 337‑8860.
MISS LUCILLE’S GOSSIP PARLOR Get the scoop and a
whole lot more! Enjoy coffee, espresso, breakfast, lunch,
fabulous desserts, and free Internet (WiFi) service. Open
every day at 7:30 a.m. Located at the corner of 393 &
30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, 267‑BLAB.
Contemporary
bistro bijoux ����� The jewel still sparkles at Baytowne,
serving a seasonal menu including quail, venison, duck,
steak, chicken, veal and seafood with spectacular sauces
and a variety of sides. Terrific bread, and desserts worth
planning for in advance. Nightly specials, full bar. $8-38.
9100 Baytowne Blvd., Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sand-
estin, (850) 622-0760.
bogey’s ���� Fine dining in the beautifully maintained
old Hotel DeFuniak. Fish, shellfish, chicken, veal and beef
prepared in both traditional and imaginative new ways.
Soft-shelled crab, prime rib, chicken piccata, scampi,
even fish and chips, in a soothing and elegant dining
room. Lots of dessert choices, full bar. $5-30. 400 U.S. 90
East, DeFuniak Springs, (850) 951-2233.
bud & alley’s ����� This Seaside perennial just keeps
getting better. Lunch and dinner daily, with a varying
menu offering grilled, roasted, and sautéed fish and
shellfish, quail, chicken, pork, and plenty of interesting
accompaniments. Full bar, $4-34. 2236 CR30A East,
Seaside, 231-5900.
CALLAHAN’S ���� A long-time favorite of Destin locals,
Callahan’s Restaurant & Deli lives up to its name, offering
one of the town’s most varied selections of deli sand-
wiches, salads, and full-on meals, with everything from
quiche to barbecue. Steaks and chops are a perennial
favorite, along with comforting meals of pot roast, prime
rib, seafood platters, and some fancier regular and spe-
cial items. Lunch and dinner; beer, wine and mixed drinks,
$3-20. 791 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-6328/837-7171.
CAMELLIA GRILL ���� Come early, stay late at this
recently-opened dining spot on the Destin Harbor. Friendly
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 29

Authentic Japanese Cuisine
• 18 Hibachi Tables
• Sushi Bar
• Expert Chefs
• Spectacular Seafood Combinations
• Full Service Cocktail Lounge
• Private dining for groups
up to 100 people
• Expanded Dining and Parking Areas
Lunch 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
“We serve lunch and dinner
7 days a week.”
850.650.4688 or 850.650.4689 • 34745 Emerald Coast Parkway/Destin
Page 30 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
RESTAURANT GUIDE
servers talk you through a menu offering formidable
omelettes, waffles, and hearty sandwiches, grilled before
your eyes and served over the counter in a bright diner
atmosphere. Burgers, roast beef sandwiches, BLTs, chili,
ice cream desserts and old-fashioned pies. $1-9. 2 Harbor
Blvd., Destin, (850) 650-2907.
COMMANDER’S PALACE © AND ON THE ROCKS BAR The
Legendary New Orleans restaurant is open in Destin,
featuring modern Creole cooking. Bar opens at 4 p.m.
with 25-cent martinis with entrée. Suppers at Sunset, Pre
Fixe Menus, Tues.-Sat. 5-6:30 p.m. starting at $19. Live
Jazz Brunch every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserva-
tions, (850) 337-8555. Located in HarborWalk Village, foot
of the Destin Bridge. Private dining room available. www.
CommandersPalace.com.
courtyard wine & cheese A wine bar featuring low pro-
duction wines by the glass, bottle or for retail. The tasting
room opens to a courtyard and an artisan cheese shop
featuring cheeses, cured meats, oils, vinegars, cheese
plates, and fondue. Tasting and live music regularly, call
for details. WiFi compatible. (850) 231-1219.
fire ���� A warm place to eat in Grayton Beach, offer-
ing a seasonally varied menu of fish, shellfish, meat and
poultry served with imaginative sides in a cozy, homelike
setting. Pheasant, pork roulades, veal, grouper, and short
ribs are among the choices. Lunch and dinner, wine and
beer. $6-35, 55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach, 231-9020.
great southern cafe ���� Coastal, Louisiana bayou
and country cooking in the heart of Seaside, served in
style with elegant touches and in large portions. Robust
appetizers, main courses and sandwiches, with favorites
like cheese grits, grillades, po-boys, oysters Rockefeller,
steaks, chicken, burgers and pasta. They even have
black-eyed peas and fried green tomatoes. Daily spe-
cials, full bar. $5-28. 83 Central Square, Seaside, (850)
231-7327.
solaris dinner/dance cruise ����¾ Drink, dine, and
even dance on the water with an evening cruise from
Baytowne Marina. SunQuest Cruises’ entertainment yacht
Solaris offers fine dining and musical entertainment. Lim-
ited advance reservation menu, wine and full bar, as well
as special cruises. $68 for dinner and cruise. SunQuest
Cruises, Baytowne Marina, Sandestin, 650-2519.
summer kitchen cafe ����1/³ Located at the heart
of the Rosemary Beach action, Summer Kitchen Cafe
offers relaxed, informal inside and outside dining just a
short walk from the beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
available—waffles, omelets, sandwiches, salads, local
fish and shellfish, prepared with some imaginative sauces
and sides. Shrimp with grits, jerk pork, and pasta dishes
are some of the varied items. Beer and wine, $4-22.
60 N. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, (850) 231-6264.
WILD OLIVES ���� A relaxing spot for a relaxing break-
fast, lunch or dinner in the heart of Rosemary Beach,
whether you dine in or outside. Salads, sandwiches, pizzas,
even tapas, pastries and a well-stocked deli/grocery
counter. Roast, beef, chicken, fresh catch-of-the-day,
Italian and Greek sandwiches and salads. Beer and
wine. $3- 20. 104 N. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach,
(850) 231-0065.
Eclectic
Big City american bistRo ����� A bistro offering an
extensive menu of both high-toned and comfort food
such as meat loaf and mac and cheese. Other choice
are rack of lamb, grilled fish and steaks, and pizza. Pol-
ished service, and swoon-inducing desserts. Wine and
beer. $5-29, 171 SW Brooks Street, FWB, 664-0664.
CAFÉ THIRTY-A ����� Cafe Thirty-A has been here a
while. Finding out why can be a delicious experience. A
nightly-changing menu offers steaks, chicken, pork, lamb,
and local seafood elegantly prepared with imaginative
sauces and sides, courteously served in a beautiful
beach-house atmosphere. Lobster bisque, stone crab
claws, seasonal fish and shellfish, and wood oven-baked
pizzas. Full bar. $8-36. 3899 E. Scenic Highway 30-A,
Seagrove Beach, (850) 231-2166.
camille’s at crystal beach ����¹/³ Gulf Coast/New
Orleans cooking meets the flavors of Japan in this warm,
cozy dining establishment with a Gulf view. Seafood
rules both on the regular menus and at the sushi bar.
Full bar service offered. $4‑20, 2931 Scenic Hwy 98,
Destin, 337‑8860.
Graffiti’s at the village of baytowne wharf Waterfront
dining. Eclectic Italian, seafood, steaks, and pasta. Visit
the Rooftop Bar. The Village of Baytown Wharf, Sandestin
Golf and Beach Resort, (850) 424-6650.
The Melting Pot ����� Fondue central, with cheese,
meat, chicken, duck, and seafood fondues, blended
tableside, complete with diner participation. Choose
continued
traditional, Caribbean, and do-it-yourself fondue-based
meals. Save room for the chocolate fondues. Dinner
daily, full bar. $8-52 and up. 11394 U.S. 98 West, Destin,
(850) 269-2227.
Picolo and the Red Bar Blackboard specials every day for
lunch and dinner. Salads, burgers, soup, fish of the day,
baked eggplant, pasta, and manicotti. Crab cakes on the
weekends. $5‑18, 70 Hotz Ave, Grayton Bch, 231‑1008.
Santa Rosa Beach Club ���� Fine food, attentive service
and a great view of the Gulf, all in one place. Well-chosen
club menu offers both land and sea based food, simply
and elegantly present in a comfortable atmosphere.
Grilled fish, beef, pork and pasta dishes. Daily specials
and full bar for lunch and dinner. $5-31, 4801 Hwy 30A,
Santa Rosa Beach, 267-2305.
Trader Vic’s ����� Get a fix of the tropics at Trader
Vic’s. Start off with one of the house’s specialty drinks,
ranging from Mai Tais to Potted Parrots. Follow with an
array of Polynesian, Chinese and Asian -inspired appe-
tizers and entrees, including crispy duck, Hawaiian pork
chops, curries, or steaks, seafood and chops prepared
in a wood-fired oven. Desserts and after-dinner coffee
drinks. Sunday brunch. $6-32. 4201 Two Trees Road (Palms
of Destin), Destin, (850) 351-0900.
(Vin’tij) ����� Wine boutique and bistro. Wonderful
food, service and atmosphere. Great approach to
wine service offering Flight or tasters of unique varietals.
Open daily for lunch or dinner plus a well stocked retail
wine shop. $5-19, 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin,
650-9820.
French
BAY Café Splendid French and French‑inspired food
served in a romantic atmosphere indoors or outdoors
just under the Brooks Bridge. Choose from seafood, beef,
chicken, duck, and some rarely seen French specialties.
Terrific bread. Wine by the glass or bottle. Reservations
accepted. $4‑28, 233 Alconese Avenue, FWB, 244‑3550.
GREEK
THE 3 GRACES TAVERNA Mediterranean cuisine and fine
pastry. More than just a restaurant, 3 Graces offers a
deli market with meats by the pound and homemade
breads including olive and rosemary. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 9375
Emerald Coast Pkwy. Suite 9, Market Shops at Sandestin,
(850) 424-6004.
Indian
BOMBAY MASALA ���� One-of-a-kind Indian dining, with
assorted curries, rice dishes and savory breads. Chicken,
lamb, shrimp and goat dishes, spiced from mild to fiery,
plus an extensive vegetarian menu. Exotic desserts and
beverages. Lunch and dinner. $3.95 to $15. Celebrating
2nd year anniversary. 326 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach,
(850) 862-0978.
IRISH
Johnny Mctighe’s ���� Ireland on Scenic 30-A, a
unique outpost of food and drink in Santa Rosa Beach.
McTighe’s opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 2 a.m. the next
day. In between, the all-day menu offers an Irish grand
slam of a breakfast, fish and chips, wings, pizza, and an
array of hearty sandwiches, including Irish reuben, Philly
cheese steak, burgers, chicken and hot dogs. There’s
even Maine lobster bisque. Full bar, $4 - 21. 2298 Scenic
Highway 30-A West, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-0101.
Italian
CaffÉ Italia ����¹/³ Set in an 80-year-old house on
the water, Caffé Italia offers comfort and friendly service.
Traditional Italian-style appetizers, pastas, lasagna, pizzas,
and house specialties, made with fresh herbs and local
fish. Wine, beer and bar. Now open Sundays, noon to
5 p.m. $4-24. 189 Brooks Street, Fort Walton Beach,
664-0035.
Carrabba’s ���� Enjoy well-prepared and generously
portioned Italian classics and specialties in a comfortable
atmosphere friendly to adults and kids. Lasagne, ravioli,
veal marsala, house made sausage, wood-fired pizzas,
beef, chicken and seafood options, with nightly specials.
Dinner daily, lunch and dinner on Sundays and full bar
service. $4-22. 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Silver Sands
Factory Stores, 837-1140.
enzo’s ���� Small and elegant, Enzo’s serves an ambi-
tious menu of Italian standards and specialties, including
pastas with chicken, seafood or veal with an interesting
selection of appetizers. Steaks, pizzas and calzones of
all kinds. Excellent desserts. Wine and beer. $5-21. 1598
CR-393, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3003.
 RESTAURANT GUIDE
fat clemenza’s ����� Pizza the way it should be, served
piping hot from a brick oven, with simple and flavorful
toppings. Traditional Italian menu offers bruschetta, pasta,
calamari, ravioli, lasagna, and calzones. Don’t pass up
dessert. Beer and wine, daily specials. $4-22. 12273 U.S.
98, Holiday Plaza, Destin, 650-5980.
Graffiti ���� Mediterranean meets relaxed Florida
coastal. Graffiti offers seafood, steak, various pastas with
a range of sauces, pizza and walls covered with local art-
work. The crayons are still on the tables. Wine and full bar
service. $4-29, 707 Harbor Blvd. East, Destin, 654-2764.
Graffiti, baytowne wharf ���� A splash of color at the
Village of Baytowne Wharf, Graffiti offers a well-prepared,
artfully presented array of pastas, fish, seafood, chicken,
beef and pork with wine and herb-based sauces. Try the
pasta bolognese or shellfish low country. Nightly specials
and noteworthy desserts. Wine, full bar. $5-29. 109 Can-
nery Lane, Village of Baytowne, Destin (850) 424-6650.
JOEY TOMATO’S ����� Joey Tomato’s is that little
neighborhood Italian place you always wanted to know
about. Family owned and operated, Joey Tomato’s
offers a crowded lunch menu of New York inspired deli
sandwiches, and a dinner menu featuring everything from
lasagna and pasta favorites to sophisticated veal and
seafood dishes. Desserts are in the best Italian tradition.
Service is friendly and helpful. Beer and wine. $4-22. 1146
John Sims Pkwy. East, Niceville, (850) 729-3354.
LA FAMIGLIA ���� Get into the family spirit at this warm
enclave of Italian hospitality. Relaxed and comfortable
atmosphere, friendly service, and an extensive menu of
pasta, seafood, veal, chicken, steak and pizza. Gnocchi,
ravioli, fettuccine, lasagna and other choices, served
with a variety of sauces. Memorable calamari. Lunch
and dinner, nightly specials, beer and wine. $6-22. 300
Harbor Blvd. East, Destin, (850) 424-5795.
Sauce Pizza & Pasta Joint. Traditional Authentic Italian
Cuisine. The Boston Brothers, Al & Gerry Scala invite you to
taste their Mother’s secret recipes! It’s all about the Sauce!
Pizza- Dough made daily, hand tossed with Moma’s
Sauce.Lasagna- Eggplant Parmesean- Antipasta- New
York Subs (Cold or Hot). All Homemade Daily! Come get
Sauced! Mon - Sun 11am - 10pm. 850-650-7900 and
850-654-8900. 14091-C Emerald Coast Parkway- Destin,
Fla. In the Emerald Coast Centre next door to Bealls.
spicy noodle italian bistro A family-run business serv-
ing traditional Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly family
atmosphere. We serve generous portions of quality meat,
seafood, pasta and pizza dishes at an affordable price.
Our bread, pizza dough and special dipping oil are made
fresh daily. Lunch and dinner are served from 11:00 a.m.
until 9:30 p.m. Early bird and happy hour prices from 3 to
6 p.m. We offer nightly specials and a children’s menu.
Beer and wine are available. Dine in or take out. $4-19.
13667 East U.S. 98 (one mile east of Rosemary Beach),
(850) 231-0955. www.spicy-noodle.com for complete
menu and pricing.
LATIN / Mexican
EL MERCADITO CONVENIENCE STORE AND LATIN DELI Serving
tamales, tacos, tortillas, empanadas and the best bur-
ritos in town. Extraordinary 9-inch sandwiches, including
house specialty Tortas Mexicanas. Open daily, 10 a.m.
to 7 p.m. 3906 U.S. 98 West No. 12, Santa Rosa Beach.
(850) 622-4760.
La Paz ���� La Paz offers just about anything one might
want from a Mexican/Southwestern kitchen, including
tamales, tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and quesadil-
las, throwing in a thoughtfully-prepared list of grilled local
fish, shellfish and some imaginative spin-offs on classics.
Daily lunch and dinner specials, full bar. $4-20. 950 Gulf
Shore Drive, Destin (850) 837-2247.
Pepito’s Mexican Grill ����½ An enormous menu,
plenty of room, and a friendly staff make Pepito’s a good
bet for a Mexican snack or feast. Traditional and unusual
fare includes carnitas, enchiladas, fajitas, vegetarian
dishes, steaks and seafood specialties. $4-19. 757 Harbor
Blvd, Destin, 650-7734.
MEDITERRANEAN
Ali Baba Grill Café ���2/³ Satisfy your Greek and Middle
Eastern cravings at this Fort Walton Beach lunch and
dinner spot. Grilled lamb, beef, chicken and fish, as well
as traditional Middle Eastern specialties like hummus,
tabbouleh and baklava. Buffet available. $3-20, 550
Mary Esther Cut Off, FWB, 986-5555.
Bombay Masala ���� One-of-a-kind Indian dining, with
assorted curries, rice dishes, and savory breads. Chicken,
lamb, shrimp and goat dishes, spiced from mild to fiery,
plus an extensive vegetarian menu. Exotic desserts and
beverages. Lunch and dinner. $2-15, 326 Eglin Pkwy, Fort
Walton Beach, 862-0978.
continued
ORIENTAL daily. Lunch and dinner are served from 11:00 a.m. until
9:30 p.m. Early bird and happy hour prices from 3 to 6 p.m.
Crab Trap (2 locations) ����� Getting seafood to the
people is what it’s all about at Crab Trap. Huge space
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine ����� All your Chinese favor- We offer nightly specials and a children’s menu. Beer and and plenty of tables, effecient staff, and a menu full of
ites, classically prepared with individuality and served wine are available. Dine in or take out. $4-19. 13667 East crab, shrimp, fish and shellfish prepared in old and new-
with style. Beef, chicken, pork and seafood, noodles and U.S. 98 (one mile east of Rosemary Beach), (850) 231-0955. fashioned ways. Full bar, $5-40. 3500 Scenic Hwy 98E,
family-style dishes. Beer and wine. $2-19. 12889 Emerald www.spicy-noodle.com for complete menu and pricing. Destin, 654-2722 and 1430 Hwy 98W, Okaloosa Island
Coast Pkwy, Miramar Plaza, Destin, 837-6675. Boardwalk, 301-0959.
SEAFOOD
LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE ���� Enjoy carefully prepared and AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Seafood plus atmosphere THE CRAZY LOBSTER BAR & GRILL ���� The Bayou on
artfully served Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes in a overlooking the Destin harbor. Oyster Happy Hour Monday the harbor, Crazy Lobster offers spiced-up fried, grilled,
pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Chicken, beef, through Friday and now serving Grilled Oysters! Idle Time steamed and boiled lobster, crab, crawfish, oysters,
pork, duck, fish and shellfish are cooked to suit most tastes, Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m. Live music shrimp and a variety of New Orleans and Cajun special-
and Lin’s offers your favorites—General Tso’s chicken, seven days a week. Call (850) 837-1913 or visit www. ties like red beans and rice, shrimp Creole, jambalaya,
Mongolian beef, pad thai, lo mein and kung pao, among ajs-destin.com. etouffee, po boys, seafood pastas and others. Friendly
many others. Beer and wine. $2-15. 130 Scenic Gulf Dr. and efficient service, family-friendly atmosphere. Full bar.
#5B, Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5888. THE BACK PORCH Experience open air dining with the best $7-37. 56 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-6744.
view of the Gulf of Mexico. Serving grouper, oysters, fried
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar ���� Enjoy crab claws and our famous char-grilled amberjack. Lunch DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ���� The classics, done
fresh fish, shellfish, meat and chicken dramatically pre- and dinner. Open daily from 11 a.m. 1740 Old Highway right, at this newly-opened waterside seafood establish-
pared before your eyes in the hibachi rooms. Or choose 98 East, Destin. On U.S. 98 across from the Track, turn at the ment. Shrimp, crab, tuna, grouper, scallops, oysters and
your favorite sushi, sashimi or house special rolls in the sushi Hampton Inn, drive about 1/4 mile, and you’ll find us on some land-based items, served fried, grilled, or steamed
bar. Open weekdays for lunch and dinner with full bar ser- the right side. www.theback-porch.com. (850) 837-2022. in most conceivable combinations. Family-friendly, with
vice. $5‑50 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin. 650‑4688. an accommodating staff. Nightly specials, full bar. $5-40.
THE Boat house Oyster Bar Open daily at 11 a.m. until 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-7525.
Osaka Sushi Rocks ���� It’s the little Sushi house on the ? with entertainment seven days a week. Award-winning
Lagoon. Osaka Sushi Rocks offers an extensive list of sushi, gumbo, oysters and the coldest beer in town. On the Fisherman’s Wharf ���� Sit outside on our back deck
sashimi, and rolls, both classic and regional specialties. Destin Harbor 1/2 mile east of the Destin Bridge, 288 U.S. and enjoy the spectacular view of the Destin Harbor. We
Friendly, serene atmosphere. Tempura, noodles and 98 E., $2.50-18.95. (850) 837-3645. offer a variety of fine seafood dishes, or bring your own
teriyaki favorites also available. Wine and beer. $4-50. catch. We’ll cook it for you! Lunch and dinner. Open
108 Cannery Lane, Village of Baytowne Wharf, 351-1006. CAPT. DAVE’S ON THE GULF ����¾ A tradition since 1977, daily from 11 a.m. 210 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Destin, 1/4 mile
Capt. Dave’s is a go-to place for the kind of seafood that east over Destin Bridge, across from Waffle House. Drive
Sai-Kyo Whether you go Japanese, Vietnamese, or pay a made this area famous. A time-tested selection of fried, into our parking lot and you’ll find us in the back. www.
visit to both, this is the place. Sushi, rice dishes, and tradi- grilled, and broiled fish, shellfish, steaks and chicken, with fishermanswharfdestin.com. (850) 654-4766.
tional soups (pho) meat and seafood rice platters, teriyaki, house and seasonal specialties. Full bar. $5-25. 3796
and stir-fries. Beer, wine, and sushi bar. $5-30. 14091 Emer- Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 837-2627. Giuseppi’s wharf ���� Feast on the bay and on the
ald Coast Pkwy, (Emerald Coast Centre) Destin, 650-5319. sunset, at this newly renovated Niceville favorite. Gulf,
CAPT.’s table fish house restaurant & oyster bar Serves Italian and Louisiana-style seafood, steaks, and pasta
Sushi siam ����½ East meets west and everyone wins at fresh local seafood. “We catch our fresh fish off our two specialties served in family-friendly atmosphere with a
this attractive restaurant with an elegant atmosphere with commercial boats.” Grouper, trigger, amberjack, red fish. great view of the water. Lunch and dinner daily, full bar.
reasonable prices. A full range of sushi, Japanese, Thai and Full bar. 1110 St. Andrews, Panama City, (850) 767-9933. $4-16. 821 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, (850) 678-4229.
a touch of European fare. Fish, shellfish, duck, beef, noodle
and curry dishes, with a full bar and sushi bar. $4-25. 4236 COPPER GRILL Excellent menu and the finest wines on the Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille Party to live music and
Legendary Drive, Destin Commons, 650-5861. Emerald Coast. Fresh seafood and great steaks—fine sunsets on the open deck overlooking the bay. Featuring
chargrilled oysters on the half shell, steamed seafood
PIZZA & PASTA dining at its best. Happy hour 4-7 p.m. Serving dinner at
5. Personal wines welcome; corkage fee. Reservations buckets, grilled sandwiches and a large selection of
recommended, not required. 11225 U.S. 98 W., Miramar
BLUZ GRILL & BAR ���� Open for breakfast, lunch and
Beach, (850) 654-6900.
dinner, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Live music, full bar, pizza, wings,
gumbo, po boys, steaks and sandwiches. 11225 U.S. 98
East, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5980. www.bluzdestin.
com.
Giuseppi’s wharf ���� Feast on the bay and on the
sunset, at this newly renovated Niceville favorite. Gulf,
Italian and Louisiana-style seafood, steaks, and pasta
specialties served in family-friendly atmosphere with a
great view of the water. Lunch and dinner daily, full bar.
$4-16. 821 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, (850) 678-4229.
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakery ���� Widely, wildly
assorted menu of stone baked pizzas, hoagies, cal-
zones, salads, and specialty items. Pizzas traditional and
exotic include pesto, jerk chicken, gourmet white, and
Magical Mystery Tour. Colorful psychedelic décor and
friendly service. $4‑25. 960 Hwy 98E, Sunsations Plaza,
Destin, 650‑6420.
REDBRICK PIZZA Fresh fire-roasted pizzas, fhazani sand-
wiches and gourmet Italian gelato Ice cream. We use
only Qualita superior Italian cheeses and premium
ingredients. Savor the passion of a century-old Italian
tradition. Locations are Destin Commons (next to Rave
Motion Pictures), (850) 424-5990; and Pier Park, Panama
City Beach, (850) 236-1413. Hours are Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.
to 9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Roberto’s Pizzeria Authentic Italian pizzeria serving
homemade pies whole or by the slice, specialty seafood
pizzas, muffulettas, lasagna, and great Italian salads plus
beer and wine. Indoor/outdoor seating including our
peaceful lakeside dining. All day and evening deliveries
resort wide seven days a week. From small parties to
large groups. Live music available and specialty menus
to make your party a memorable experience. Contact
Chris Ruyan, Event Coordinator, at (850) 218-2628 or call
the restaurant at (850) 351‑1998.
Sauce Pizza & Pasta Joint. Traditional Authentic Italian
Cuisine. The Boston Brothers, Al & Gerry Scala invite you to
taste their Mother’s secret recipes! It’s all about the Sauce!
Pizza- Dough made daily, hand tossed with Moma’s
Sauce.Lasagna- Eggplant Parmesean- Antipasta- New
York Subs (Cold or Hot). All Homemade Daily! Come get
Sauced! Mon - Sun 11am - 10pm. 850-650-7900 and
850-654-8900. 14091-C Emerald Coast Parkway- Destin,
Fla. In the Emerald Coast Centre next door to Bealls.
spicy noodle italian bistro A family-run business serv-
ing traditional Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly family
atmosphere. We serve generous portions of quality meat,
seafood, pasta and pizza dishes at an affordable price. Our
bread, pizza dough and special dipping oil are made fresh
December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 31
 RESTAURANT GUIDE continued

specialty cocktails. $9‑25, Village of Baytowne Wharf,
351‑1997.
Harbor Docks Overlooking the Destin Harbor featuring
original atmosphere and great seafood from our own
seafood market, sushi and hibachi. Live entertainment on
the deck. $4‑25, 538 Hwy 98, Destin, 837‑2506.
JC’s off the hook ���� JC’s Off the Hook offers tasty and
affordable fish, shellfish and steaks served in a comfortable,
cheerfully decorated atmosphere within walking distance
of the beach. Friendly service and a family-friendly menu
featuring grilled, sauteed or fried grouper, mahi mahi,
ribeye and sirloin steaks, chicken, shrimp and crab cakes.
Nightly specials. Full bar, $4-20. 2210 W. Scenic Highway
30-A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0374.
louisiana lagniappe ����� Fine dining, a variety of spe‑
cialty seafood and steak entrees along with spectacular
sunsets make for a memorable occasion every time you
visit Louisiana Lagniappe. Dinner - Open daily from 5 p.m.
Sunday Brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 775 Gulf Shore Drive,
Destin. On Hwy. 98, turn south onto Gulfshore Drive, and
at the stop light enter Sandpiper Cove Condominiums.
www.thelouisianalagniappe.com. (850) 837-0881.
THE LOVE SHACK ���� Stay away fools, ‘cause food
rules at the Love Shack. An outdoor pool and walls full of
painted fish make a family and kid-friendly atmosphere. A
varied menu features local seafood, steaks, chicken, ribs,
and pasta dishes, with Southwest and Caribbean-style
preparation. Jerk chicken, fish tacos, fried pickles and
seafood baskets available, and more. Full bar. $4-22.
306 Bald Eagle Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-0399.
Nick’s ���� Going strong at 40-plus, Nick’s is a local
tradition for the best of the Gulf’s fish and shellfish.
Fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and crab served grilled,
steamed, or fried in a casual family atmosphere. Daily
specials and raw oysters in season. Serving beer and wine.
$4-26, 7585 Hwy 20, Basin Bayou, Freeport, 835-2222.
Old Bay Steamer ����¹/³ Wide variety of fresh steamed
seafood served in every imaginable combination.
Choose from crab, shrimp, lobster, oysters, clams, mus‑
sels, and freshDestin,
catch ofFL.pdf
the day. Pasta
1 and steak/seafood
4/14/09 1:17 PM
pairings also offered. Friendly, efficient service. Open
daily for dinner, with full bar. $4‑27, 102 Santa Rosa Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach eatery. Oysters “all ways,” crawfish pie,
Okaloosa Island, 664‑2795.
ORIGINAL WATERFRONT CRAB SHACK ���� On the water
as advertised, Crab Shack serves crab, shrimp, oysters,
mussels, scallops and assorted local fish in an informal
and family-friendly atmosphere. Crab steamer buckets,
fried seafood baskets, combo platters, sandwiches and
po-boys, shrimp and grits, and some land-based items
like ribs and jerk chicken. Open daily for lunch and dinner,
daily specials, inside and outside dining. Full bar. $3-45.
104 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-0345.
POMPANO JOE’S Come on in for some fun and fresh sea‑
food with a very exciting flavor. Try our famous reggae
rolls and our garlic crusted grouper! Lunch and dinner.
Open daily from 11 a.m. 2237 Scenic Gulf Highway,
Destin. Take Holiday Road South, turn right on scenic Hwy.
98, drive down about two blocks, and you’ll find us on
the left side. www.pompano-joes.com. (850) 837-2224.
Poppy’s Seafood Factory ����� Resort casual fine
dining featuring live Maine Lobster, USDA prime steaks
and a variety of fresh local fish and shellfish. Flavors range
from Cajun/Creole to coastal and Caribbean. Live music
and decks overlooking the bay. Children’s menu, full bar
services. $6‑50, Village of Baytowne Wharf, 351‑1996.
Shades at the loop ���� Good selection of local
seafood and land fare, simply prepared, served with effi‑
ciency and a smile. Grilled, fried and blackened fish and
chicken, sandwiches and salads. Pork chops, steak, even
wings and pizza. Full bar and wide choice of draft and
bottled beers. $5-24, 10952 Hwy 30A, Inlet Bch, 231‑9410.
Staff’s Seafood Restaurant Excellent service is a hall‑
mark of one of the area’s oldest dining establishments.
Open only for dinner. $14‑25, 24 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE,
243‑3482.
Steamboat bar & grill Menu features etouffee, seafood,
steaks, pasta, sandwiches, raw bar and Asian food. Open
daily for lunch and dinner. $5-22. Live music and happy
hour, 3-7 p.m. daily. Daily specials and full bar service.
Inside and outside dining with covered patio. 4943 U.S.
98 West, Suite #1, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-1522.
Stinky’s fish camp ���� Seafood is king at this informal
catfish or frog legs meuniere, and gumbo are just a few
of the Louisiana-inspired dishes. Service is friendly and
attentive. Open daily, 11 a.m. to midnight. Full bar. $7-32.
5960 Scenic Highway 30-A. (850) 267-3053.
STEAKS
COPPER GRILL Excellent menu and the finest wines on the
Emerald Coast. Fresh seafood and great steaks—fine
dining at its best. Happy hour 4-7 p.m. Serving dinner at
5. Personal wines welcome; corkage fee. Reservations
recommended, not required. 11225 U.S. 98 W., Miramar
Beach, (850) 654-6900.
Fleming’s prime steakhouse & wine bar An ongoing
celebration of exceptional food and wine. Enjoy the
finest aged prime beef and 100 wines by the glass in a
lively, stylish atmosphere. Fleming’s is where evenings out
become memorable times. 600 Grand Boulevard Suite
M105, Sandestin, (850) 269-0830.
Giuseppi’s wharf ���� Feast on the bay and on the
sunset, at this newly renovated Niceville favorite. Gulf,
Italian and Louisiana-style seafood, steaks, and pasta
specialties served in family-friendly atmosphere with a
great view of the water. Lunch and dinner daily, full bar.
$4-16. 821 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, (850) 678-4229.
PANDORA’S ����� The Emerald Coast’s oldest family-
owned steakhouse specializing in only the finest choice
USDA beef charbroiled over an open oak fire and the
freshest local seafood. Prime rib special Wednesday and
Sunday, only $14.95. Music with Greg Pendleton Wednes‑
day, Friday and Saturday. Tuesday is Jazz Night with Sean
Dietrich and Jim Ates. Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday, 5-7
p.m. Open 5 p.m.; call for reservations. Closed Mondays.
1226 Santa Rosa Blvd., Okaloosa Island, (850) 244-8669.
Seagar’s prime steaks & seafood The area’s first AAA
4-Diamond restaurant specializing in the finest prime
beef and freshest seafood available. Private dining facili‑
ties and wine room with more than 800 labels. Features
tableside preparations and live piano nightly. Reservations
recommended. 622-1500. $10‑50, 4000 Sandestin Blvd.,
at the Hilton Sandestin. www.SeagarsDestin.com
SUSHI (all are in restaurants)
Camille’s at crystal beach $5‑10, 2931 Scenic Hwy 98,
ve
Crystal Beach, 337‑8860.
Harbor Docks $3‑12; 538 Hwy 98, Destin, 837‑2506.
old florida fish house $4-29; 5235 E Hwy 30A, Seagrove
Beach, 534-3045.
OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR 34745 Emer‑
ald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650‑4688.
Osaka Sushi Rocks ���� It’s the little Sushi house on the
Lagoon. Osaka Sushi Rocks offers an extensive list of sushi,
sashimi, and rolls, both classic and regional specialties.
Friendly, serene atmosphere. Tempura, noodles and
teriyaki favorites also available. Wine and beer. $4-50.
108 Cannery Lane, Village of Baytowne Wharf, 351-1006.
Sai-kyo $5-30, 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy (Emerald Coast
Centre), 650-5319.
tHAI
Bangkok House ���� Still going strong at the same
FWB location, Bangkok House offers an variety of Thai
and other Asian-style dishes, including Thai curries, soups,
dinner salads, roast duck, fried rice and noodle dishes,
and plenty of seafood and vegetarian options. Weekly
lunch buffet, full bar. $4-22. 201 Ferry Avenue, Fort Walton
Beach, (850) 243-6911.
lotus thai restaurant Thai cuisine prepared by natives
of Thailand. Hot bar offered as a lunch special and full
menu all day including stir-fry, pad thai and more. Open
for lunch and dinner. 550 Mary Esther Blvd. (Longhorn
Plaza), $3-$15, 243-3744.
Thai Delights ����� Located in the heart of Destin, Thai
Delights offers exemplary Thai cuisine, using fresh local
seafood and plenty of flavorful Thai herbs and seasonings.
Choose from stir-fries, curries, noodles, spicy soups and
salads. Beer and wine are available. $4-25, 205 Mountain
Drive, Destin, 650-3945.
TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN
Harbor Docks Serving lunch daily from 11‑4 p.m. offering
fresh veggie plates, Thai food, shrimp, fish sandwiches
and plates, and daily specials. $3‑12, 538 Hwy 98,
Destin, 837‑2506.

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“Best Chinese on the Emerald Coast”
Lunch Specials $5.95
Dine In or Take Out 837-6675
Early Bird Special
3-6pm $7.95
(Not valid with other discounts)
Mon - Thur 11:00am - 9:30 pm
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Page 32 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009

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December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 33

 ACTIVITIES AND OUTDOORS
AMUSEMENT—
wAT E R PA R K S
DESTIN HISTORY & FISHING MUSEUM Open year round,
Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for holiday hours of operation. Admission is $5 for
adults, $4 for seniors and military and $3 for children.
108 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, 837-6611.
Ebro Greyhound Park Live greyhound racing and
simulcasting. Call for schedule. Located at the corner
of Rte. 20 and State Road 79, northeast of Panama
City. (850) 234‑3943.
EMERALD COAST SCIENCE CENTER A unique museum
allowing visitors to touch and use the exhibits, includ-
ing optical illusions, a nature room and a wind tunnel.
139 Brooks Street, Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-1261.
Gulfarium Florida’s Gulfarium the oldest marine
show aquarium in the world offers non-stop family
entertainment rain or shine. Located less than one
mile east of Brooks Bridge. Log on to www.gulfarium.
com or call 243-9046.
Indian Temple Mound Museum Artifacts and displays
showing the rich Indian history of this area. 139 Hwy.
98SE, FWB, 833‑9595.
The Boardwalk and Pier Okaloosa Island, right next
door to the Gulfarium. Offering a sweeping view of
the gulf without getting sandy or wet, there is ample
seating to watch sunsets, plus a variety of restaurants
and saloons.
cruises / tours /
diving / snorkeling
AJ’s Sea Blaster Climb aboard for a cruise search-
ing the Emerald Green waters for the most playful
dolphin. This 73-foot passenger boat carries up to
119 passengers and offers an array of family fun.
Free beer, wine and soft drinks. 116 Hwy 98, Destin,
837-1166.
bimini breeze boat A full service bar cruise vessel that
serves free beer, snorkeling trips and dolphin spotting
Page 34 The Beachcomber December 10-23, 2009
along the Emerald Coast. Mon-Fri 9-11 am & 2-4:30
pm. Adults $27.50, kids 12-5 $8, 4 and under free.
116 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 837-1166.
crab island excursions As you cross the Destin
Bridge, you will see boats anchored in the bay to
spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and playing
in the water. Crab Island is three to 10 feet deep,
depending on where you anchor. Weekends from 9
am to 5 pm. 18 years and above. Full bar on board,
$30, 837-1166.
SAIL AWAY aboard a 30 ft Catamaran. Private charter
with up to six guests. Sailing, snorkeling, fishing, dol-
phin excursions, sunset cruises & Crab Island parties.
Customize your own trip, from 2 to 8 hours. Departs
daily from the Destin Harbor. Captain Licensed and
Insured. (850) 376-4757.
SCUBA TECH Snorkel and dive with Scuba Tech. Open
daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A full-service scuba and snor-
keling facility including retail, rental, air and nitrox.
Instruction offered at all levels. Sea Cobra dive boat
to reefs and wrecks for certified divers. Mongoose
snorkel or Discover Scuba to jetties for noncertified
divers. 301 U.S. 98 East, Destin, (850) 837-2822.
silent lady This 64’ custom-built luxury schooner
is crafted after whaling vessels of yesteryear. Daily
sailing adventures are offered four times a day and
serving free beer and wine. Call 837-4703 for reserva-
tions. 116 Hwy 98E, located behind AJs.
Snorkel & Dive with Scubatech Open daily 8-5. A
full service scuba and snorkeling facility including
retail, rental, air, and nitrox. Instruction offered at all
levels. Sea Cobra dive boat to reefs and wrecks for
certified divers. Mongoose snorkel or Discover Scuba
to jetties for non-certified divers. 304 Hwy 98E, Destin,
837-2822.
SUNQUEST CRUISES welcomes you to dine, dance, and
cruise aboard Solaris. Featuring live entertainment
and a three course dinner served at your table, Solaris
sets the mood for a memorable experience! Visit our
website www.sunquestcruises.com. Make reservations
online or call 650-2519. Reservations required.
sunset cruises Take time to relax cruising the
beaches looking for dolphins or watching a beautiful
Florida sunset. Mon-Fri 5:30-7:30 pm. Adults $19, Kids
5-12, $8, age 4 and under free. Free beer, wine and
soft drinks. 116 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 837-1166.
golf
Blue Water Bay Golf Resort Enjoy over 2,000 acres
of superb recreational opportunities on a 36‑hole
championship Fazio/Pate designed layout located
just minutes north of Destin. 897‑3241.
Emerald Bay Golf Club Public, 18-hole champion-
ship course designed by Bob Cupp. Driving range,
putting green, club rental, GPS on carts. 40001 Hwy
98W, Destin. 888-GOLF-BAY or 837-5197.
Kelly Plantation 18‑hole championship golf course
designed by Fred Couples, meticulously manicured,
open to public, clubhouse restaurant, golf shop, out-
standing practice facility, GPS, and complimentary
chilled apples. Call for tee times. 34851 Hwy. 98W,
Destin, 650‑7600 or 1-800-811-6757.
Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club This award-winning
18-hole course offers an extraordinary golfing experi-
ence for players of all skill levels and was named one
of Golf Digest’s Top Places to Play. Equipment rental
available. 465 Regatta Bay Blvd., Destin, 337-8080.
www.regattabay.com.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Semi‑private, 18‑hole
soft spike only course. Driving range, putting green
and club rental. 334 Golf Club Dr., Santa Rosa Bch,
267‑2229.
Seascape Resort & Beach Club 18-hole golf course
with clubhouse, pro shop, putting green, driving
range, and Lakeside Grill. 2,000 feet of pristine beach
featuring wave runners, parasailing, and the famous
Whale’s Tail restaurant and beach bar, Miramar
Beach, (850) 654-7888 (PUTT).
health clubs
Short and long term membership health clubs .
C all for details .
Destin Yoga by the sea Beach Yoga, Power Flow
Classes & Private Sessions. Enjoy the growing Vinyasa
Yoga Journey for five blissful years in Destin. All levels
in Harmony. Call Rhonda (850) 897-3788 or visit www.
YogaDestin.com.
Rosemary Beach fitness center Upscale line of
cardiovascular and strength training equipment,
individual cardio theaters. Certified personal trainers
plus yoga, pilates, tai chi and water aerobics classes
in heated pool with adult-only swim times. Day passes
and full membership. www. rosemarybeach.com,
(850) 278-2200.
Yoga-Pilates by the sea Beach/Bay Yoga and
Pilates classes. Yoga-Pilates intensives Monday and
Wednesday 8:30-9:30 a.m. Yoga-Pilates Flow Chal-
lenge Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:15-7:30 a.m. Hot
Yoga Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Yoga-Pilates Flow 1st
and 3rd Satursdays of the month. Visit www.yogap-
ilatesbythesea.com for details and locations or call
Arleen Garrett at (850) 499-2324.
OUTDOORS
Adventures Unlimited Discover the fun of canoeing,
kayaking, tubing, rope course and camping out in
tent or cabins available. Experience canoeing unlike
anywhere in the world. The spring fed rivers flow at an
average depth of two feet over a soft, sandy bottom
through Blackwater River State Forest. White sand
beaches dot the banks: perfect for swimming, sun-
ning and picnicking. Two hours or three days canoe,
tube, kayak.. camp in tents or cabins. We offer family
fun as well as team adventures for corporations,
weddings, or just a fun weekend. 8974 Tomahawk
Landing Road. Milton, Florida. (850) 623-6197. www.
adventuresunlimited.com
ALOHA PONTOON AND JET SKI RENTALS All new, located
next to baby J’s on the Destin Harbor. (850) 269-3333.
www.alohapontoonrentals.com
Sand Castles Learn to build fancy sand castles, por-
poises, and dragons with Sand Odyssey, or engage us
to create a unique piece for your wedding, meeting
or event (on the beach or indoors). Call 622-2741 or
visit www.sandodyssey.com.
www.thebeachcomber.org
PARKS & PUBLIC
BEACH ACCESS
Where natural beauty has existed for years, it is no sur-
prise there are a number of parks within easy driving
range of Destin and South Walton. Here are a few:
Beasley Wayside Park Picnic tables, public beach area,
barbecue grills, bathhouse, and restrooms. Gulf side of
Okaloosa Island, Hwy. 98W.
Blackwater River State Park NW of FWB off Hwy. 90,
You can catch sight of lots of wildlife while camping,
canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Milton, (850) 983‑5363.
Blue Mountain Beach Public parking for this access
is located at the south end of CR-83 and Scenic
Highway 30‑A.
Brackin Wayside Park Gulf side of Okaloosa Island
on Hwy. 98W. Facilities include restaurants, saloons,
children’s playground, beach volleyball, three beach
accesses, showers, public restrooms, and picnic table.
Cessna Bay Picnic tables, parking, rest rooms and
boat access. 1476 N. CR-393.
Clement E. Taylor City Park This park is named after one
of Destin’s early settlers and is on Choctawhatchee Bay.
Chock full of shade trees, there are picnic areas and
restrooms, but no camping. Destin, off Calhoun Drive.
Dune Allen In Dune Allen beach this access has parking,
but no bathrooms, showers or picnic area. 5753 Hwy
30‑A W., Santa Rosa Beach.
Ed Walline A large public beach access in South
Walton, providing handicapped parking, picnic tables,
restrooms and showers. Intersection of Hwy 30‑A and
CR-393.
Eden Gardens State Park An historic homestead under
majestic moss draped oaks with a home surrounded
by lawns and seasonal gardens. Tours of the home are
Thursday through Monday hourly beginning at 10 a.m.
with the last tour at 3 p.m. The park and picnic areas
are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset and located on
CR-395 north off Hwy 98 in Point Washington. Call 231-
4214 for more information.
Gulf Shore Manor Pu b l i c r e s t r o o m s, h a n d i -
capped and public parking. 3468 E. Hwy 30‑A ,
Seagrove Beach.
Gulfview Heights Located at the end of Gulfview Heights
St, behind Goatfeather’s restaurant, this access offers
parking, picnic areas and restrooms.
Grayton Beach State Recreation Area Camping
picnics, hiking, swimming, and saltwater fishing, and
boating. Showers and electricity are part of the ameni-
ties. Access from S. Hwy. 30‑A, South Walton, 231‑4210.
Grayton Dunes Handicapped and public parking plus
beach access. Behind the Red Bar in Grayton Beach.
Henderson Beach State Park This park almost has it all:
camping, swimming area sheltered picnic areas, grills,
and restrooms. But there is no boat ramp and jet skis
and other personal watercraft are prohibited. 17000
Hwy. 98W, Destin, 837‑7550.
Inlet Beach This area offers handicapped and public
parking, restrooms and dune walkovers to the beach.
438 S. Orange St. in Inlet Beach.
Legion Bay Picnic tables, public parking, boat ramp and
restrooms. Intersection of Ponce de Leon and Crest Dr,
191 Crest Dr, Sandestin.
Marier Memorial Park Public beach area, picnic
tables, barbecue grills, boat ramp, restrooms and bath-
house. Bay side of Okaloosa Island, off Santa Rosa Blvd.
Miramar Beach Access Parking with public beach
access. Scenic Hwy 98 and Driftwood Rd, adjacent
to Pompano Joe’s.
Topsail Hill State Preserve Two major freshwater
coastal dune lakes are located within the 1,600‑acre
preserve. Compground entrance and day use
entrance are located on West Scenic Highway 30-A,
1/4 mile south of U.S. 98. (850) 267-0299. www.flori-
dastateparks.org/topsailhill
Coming December 24 — The Year in Review

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Monster Serenity by
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September 17, October 15-28,
Beach
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Surviving the
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the Sea Contest
“H” Word
page 13 page 17

Enter to Win!
Seaside Rep’s
Serenity by the
page 10
page 3

Artist
Playwright Festival
Cover Johns on
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Sea Conttoest Halloween Events

Charle s Win!
Enter Get Your Zombie On
page 4
Fall Festivals page 4 page 21

Adventures with Galore

Charles Morgan
and Sons
Seafood! Music! Beer! Halloween Sarah K
page 5
page 21

“Mayhem ” Destin’s Celebrated Gourmet

Bill Campbells
page 27
rder’s
Act4Mu
Visits the Doctor Youtopia New Mystery
6
page Shoppers’ Paradise page 10
page 33

Panama City’s
Kaleidoscope Singer-Songwrit
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Theatre Dannica
Lowery
page 10

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Rocks need to know.” www.thebeachcomber.org FREE and Fortnightly
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The Emerald newsPaPer Volume 9, Issue 23 newsPaPer
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Holiday Wishes
page 29

??????? Holiday Concerts, Parades

from Johnny C.
and More
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Serenity Spa Contest
MusiC
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page ?? Destin’s
La Famiglia
?????? Italian Dining at Its Finest CHristMAs
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NWF State College Steps It

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December 10-23, 2009 The Beachcomber Page 35

 D INE ...D ANCE ...C RUISE

C OME ABOARD FOR AN E VENING L IKE N O O THER

Imagine combining your favorite restaurants,
your favorite bands, your most memorable celebrations
and romantic moments. Now imagine experiencing it all
aboard a cruise that starts with a sunset
and leaves you dancing in the moonlight.

Step out of your imagination and onboard “Solaris”

the area’s only dining and entertainment yacht
and experience an evening like no other.

Holiday Parties
&
Gift Certificates

For Information and Reservations

Make www.sunquestcruises.com
Your 850-650-2519
Reservations Located at
Today Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort