Please help me with my annual search for new restaurants.

[Kirkus]

Only a week away from our annual trip to Seaside, and happily, the only oil of concern is in the fryer at B&A's (crisping up some sweet potato fries). I'm looking for some restaurant recommendations - we tend to have leisurely meals, sometimes comprised only of multiple shared appetizers and nice wine or cold Red Stripes, and always with a nice vibe.

Over the years, our regular spots have included Cafe Thirty-A, Jean Noel's Cafe Rendezvous, Red Bar, the Roof Top Bar (Tarpon Club) and B&A's (and its Taco Bar). I sure miss D&K's, 331's, and the original Shades and Hurricane Grill in Seaside. We've always intended to try Cafe Tango, but somehow have never made it. We've moved away from Fish Out of Water, Criolla's and Borago as they somehow seem too . . . something . . . (like I need to tuck in my T-shirt?) And I'm usually too lazy/sunburned/imbibed to drive all the way to Stinky's.

So with all that, any ideas for me? (And a good substitute for Kat's key lime pie at D&K's?)

 

[SGB]

First things first - Kat's key lime pies are still available! You can order one before you arrive and Kat will deliver it to you. Look for a thread on here about it. Her email is katatthebeach@aol.com or PM her here on SoWal.

If you loved the 331, then try Louie Louies. Same owners, similar menu, same style, great place. It's located on 98, on the west side of the 30A area.

 

[Beach Runner]

First of all, if your route is I-10 and exit on 331, drive about a mile north and try H&M in DeFuniak Springs. Our favorites there are Italian sausage dogs with grilled onions, Chicago-styled dogs, and juicy, hand-patted burgers that are better than Five Guys in our opinion. Closed on Sundays.

In a totally different category we just can't get enough of Bud & Alley's Pizza Bar (I know I sound like a broken record). If you've ever been to Italy, you know that it's the real deal with a few extras. The Caprese salad is perfectly prepared with tasty tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil, and a vinaigrette with the perfect proportions of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The fileto is the best piece of fried grouper that I've ever had (crispy on the outside, moist on the inside). The pizza crust is thin and crispy, just like in Italy. We always get the fennel-sausage (which is homemade) pizza, and if we've skipped lunch, we'll also get a Farmer's Market pizza with all veggies on top. After all, cold pizza is great for breakfast.

You must get a designated driver and try Stinky's. We like it best at lunch because our favorites are the andouille po' boy sandwich and the "Great Big Salad" with shrimp, both of which are not available on the dinner menu. They have a nice selection of beers -- great on these hot summer days!

 

[shakennotstirred]

I agree with the Louis, Louis & Stinky's recommendations. Smiling Fish Cafe is another suggestion.

 

[butterbean]

I've never been dissapointed with Shorty's, across from the RedBar

 

[Kirkus]

Seems I've read good things about Shorty's. The old D&K's spot, right?

 

[Plays With Food]

Seems I've read good things about Shorty's. The old D&K's spot, right?

Yes. We had a lovely lunch there in February.

Second Louis Louis (in the old Rendevous spot).

Try Chan's Cafe in Watercolor. We were there when it first opened and loved the pizza, but the menu has expanded since then. Great wine selection also.

 

[passin thru]

Yes. We had a lovely lunch there in February.

Second Louis Louis (in the old Rendevous spot).

Try Chan's Cafe in Watercolor. We were there when it first opened and loved the pizza, but the menu has expanded since then. Great wine selection also.

Louis Louis is at the site of the former Cafe Provence.

 

[Kirkus]

And is the new place in Cafe Rendezvous a similar menu, atmosphere etc?

 

[Plays With Food]

And is the new place in Cafe Rendezvous a similar menu, atmosphere etc?

My mistake - it was Provence that became Louis Louis. Love Louis Louis! Owned by the same family that has the Red Bar. Lots of kitshy decor and lots of simple yet wonderful food. Killer desserts.