top 5 restaurants in Sowal area

[Smiling JOe]

HOT SPOTS WHERE THE LOCALS HANGOUT (from the link above)

• SoWal.com Message Boards
• Caf? Rendez-vous [SS]
• The 3-Thirty-1 [SR]
• The Red Bar [GB

note the number one spot.

 

[Geo]

Greetings Neighbors and Friends,

We have been blessed over the years at Criolla's and I love reading everyone's feedback on Sowal.com, both the negative and the positive.

Smiling Joe is right about our new Chef de Cuisine Shane Vaughn, what a gentleman and superb chef and we are delighted to have him leading our kitchen. We have always been fortunate to have great folks working with us. From the beginning Criolla's has been an interactive kitchen in so far as not only does our Chef de Cuisine influence our menu but I ask for our entire culinary team to create - line cooks, sous chefs, interns - it's an incredible way to work.

If you haven't been in this year come check out our tapas bar we opened in February. We get a chance to bring the kitchen out front plus you can stop in and enjoy Criolla's without always feeling the need to go through multiple courses. It's been exciting for all us cooks.

For our fellow Sowall'ers, I would like to invite y'all to come check out what's new and recieve a complimentary tapas and dessert anytime between now and July 21st. Just let our friendly GM Tim Kinderman know and he will take good care of you. BTW, for all the Sowal soda drinkers out there, I apologze for having charged you repeatedly. From this point forward your sodas are complimentary, just let us know when you are there and we'll take good care of you. Unfortunately I can't offer the same for you oenophiles, but we do bring in some gems you can't get everywhere.

Have a great weekend and enjoy this fabulous weather - we all should all be at the beach today. Best wishes and thanks again for the past 24+ years.

Johnny

Hi Johnny,
I have driven past Criolla's weekly since having moved to the area in February. It was on a long list of places I've been wanting to try but after having read your posting it has moved straight to the top. I will be there this weekend with my family.

I just wanted to say thanks for being a SoWaller and for taking the time to post but most of all thanks for taking the feedback you read here to heart. People like to feel appreciated by the management and ownership of the establishments we patronize rather than being taken for granted. So here's to you- It is no surprise you have been in business here for nearly a quarter century!

See you this weekend!

GW

 

[Bobby J]

Johnny,
A quarter century!!!! Dude! Your old! You are also a class act!!!! Thanks for posting!

 

[goofer]

Hi Johnny

Thank you for a very gentlemanly response. I am planning to go to Criolla's early next week and I would like to meet you and shake your hand. You are a legend in SoWal. Is there a particularly convenient time to stop by?

 

[criolla man]

To GW and Goofer44 please call me on my cell 585-6453 when you plan on stopping by and I very much look forward to meeting you both.

Best to all, and thanks!


Johnny

 

[criolla man]

Bobby is right!

Although we did get to see just how much his hair has turned gray after he and Ed Berry showed up at out house the night before our son's neurosurgery this winter. In a sign of solidarity, they surprised us by shaving their heads just as our son had to have done. Everyone in SoWal was so supportive.

I love the spirit of South Walton - it's like no where else.


JE

 

[Miss Kitty]

Bobby is right!

Although we did get to see just how much his hair has turned gray after he and Ed Berry showed up at out house the night before our son's neurosurgery this winter. In a sign of solidarity, they surprised us by shaving their heads just as our son had to have done. Everyone in SoWal was so supportive.

I love the spirit of South Walton - it's like no where else.


JE

...I so agree with you! BTW...the lump crab dish at Criolla's is to die for. Is there a website to check out the tapas menu? I would like to be there and see goofer drink a bottomless glass of soda!!!

 

[JB]

Greetings Neighbors and Friends,

We have been blessed over the years at Criolla's and I love reading everyone's feedback on Sowal.com, both the negative and the positive.

Smiling Joe is right about our new Chef de Cuisine Shane Vaughn, what a gentleman and superb chef and we are delighted to have him leading our kitchen. We have always been fortunate to have great folks working with us. From the beginning Criolla's has been an interactive kitchen in so far as not only does our Chef de Cuisine influence our menu but I ask for our entire culinary team to create - line cooks, sous chefs, interns - it's an incredible way to work.

If you haven't been in this year come check out our tapas bar we opened in February. We get a chance to bring the kitchen out front plus you can stop in and enjoy Criolla's without always feeling the need to go through multiple courses. It's been exciting for all us cooks.

For our fellow Sowall'ers, I would like to invite y'all to come check out what's new and recieve a complimentary tapas and dessert anytime between now and July 21st. Just let our friendly GM Tim Kinderman know and he will take good care of you. BTW, for all the Sowal soda drinkers out there, I apologze for having charged you repeatedly. From this point forward your sodas are complimentary, just let us know when you are there and we'll take good care of you. Unfortunately I can't offer the same for you oenophiles, but we do bring in some gems you can't get everywhere.

Have a great weekend and enjoy this fabulous weather - we all should all be at the beach today. Best wishes and thanks again for the past 24+ years.

Johnny

If all restaurant owners/managers showed this much class, we would all be better off for it. Your neighbors at Pandora's could take a lesson from you.

 

[jtnkelly]

I have a new favorite on my list: Locanda Italiana Restorante in SRB Village Mall on 98. Highly recommended.

My top 5:

Locanda Italiana
Stinkys Fish Camp
Yianni's Seagrove Grill
Harbor Docks
Old Florida Fish House

 

[goofer]

I had the pleasure of going to Criolla's this past week to sample the tapas. I had the bbq shrimp served with a cornbread pudding and worcheshire (sp) special sauce that was awesome !! Washed it down with a wonderful rum/punch drink. Criolla's is really a very special place. Warm and inviting and at the same time very hip. I had forgotten how really unique the place is. I will be a regular for the tapas menu as well as dinner. Thanks, Johnny.