Perfect Day of Meals on The Coast
|
Lemon Curd Risotto Pancakes
Matt Burke
|
From European-inspired pancakes to seafood worth singing about, with cooler temperatures, thinner crowds and even more great Gulf Coast eateries to choose from, fall is best of all on the Emerald Coast dining scene.
Breakfast
Mama Clemenza’s European Breakfast, Miramar Beach
Transport yourself to the old country and fill your belly with comfort food right here on the Emerald Coast. This gourmet brunch is a celebration of food that puts an Italian twist on breakfast favorites. We are still savoring the deliciously bright Lemon Curd Risotto Pancakes drizzled with lemon curd cream. (You can also opt for warm maple butter syrup.) In addition, you can add maple-glazed bananas for a little more (so of course we did). Mama mia, it’s all good! $9
Lunch
Spork, Fort Walton Beach
If you can’t decide between a spoon and fork, you don’t have to at this new eatery aptly named Spork. Small but tasty, this eclectic diner has spunk and great-tasting food. We tried one of the most popular menu sandwiches, the Wizard — named for the U.S. Air Force’s 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron, a.k.a. the “Fighting Wizards.” It is served warm and heaping with ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, spinach and tomato on sourdough bread and comes with your choice of chips, orzo pasta salad, loaded potato salad, a small soup or a side salad. Though it comes with a spork, you’ll need to use both hands to brave this big boy. $8.25
Dinner
Bric à Brac Bar & Restaurant, Destin
The Petit family has given the Emerald Coast The Red Bar, Louis Louis, the newly opened Destin Diner and Bric à Brac, the latter named for their grandfather Louie’s eclectic restaurant in Belgium. Fun and funky, Bric à Brac is a place where you can come as you are and let your hair down. Before dinner, have a cocktail at the bar; after dinner, enjoy live music and hit the dance floor. We ordered up the Blackened Snapper served over sautéed spinach that came with a potato croquette with a lemon demi-glace and fresh garden salad. Let’s just say we were singing its praises. $24
