Every now and then, I am graced with the presence and atmosphere of good people, great food and wonderful libations.  This was definitely the case this past Monday during happy hour at Cuvee Bistro Destin.  From the warm exterior of the building to stepping inside and being greeted by Katie Tyler, assistant manager, I realized that perhaps Michelin star style dining would ensue.  Katie gave me a tour of the restaurant, with its exposed brick and open style kitchen where foodies can lovingly gaze upon the preparation of some really fabulous menu items.

We ended at one of my favorite places, at the bar for happy hour.  Not one to advocate getting totally inebriated, I do have a fine appreciation for an ice cold microbrew, a fine Malbec or Merlot, and on occasion, a martini.  After previewing the martini menu, and a toss up between a chocolate martini and a lemon drop, I settled on the latter.  Jen Teague attended the bar on my behalf, and within minutes whipped up one of the best martinis I have ever tasted.  It rivals my favorite spot in Manchester New Hampshire where I sipped one the night I met and shared laughs with Adam Sandler. 

Now I have two great lemon drop memories.  Although the lemon drop did steal the show for the night... the beef sliders on the appetizer menu were calling my name.  May have to try the fried green tomatoes like Emeril on my next visit (tonight:) but Monday, I was in slider heaven.  The bread, bun whatever you prefer to call it that housed tender juicy beef, fabulous cheese, onions and other goodies was absolutely fabulous!  I could have ordered a loaf of that bread to go. It was sweet, flaky, dense, simply delicious.  Determined to try everything on my plate, I did manage to down a few fries and really yummy homemade ketchup that was for me a tangy cross between ketchup and a marinara.  Have to find out just what spice/herb I tasted.

Tonight, it's on!  I am going back for more... great jazz, great food and to be served whatever dish Chef Tim Creehan would like me to taste.  Hopefully it's the venison and sweet potato mash.  My mouth is watering in anticipation!  Stay tuned... part two, tonight and the finale on Sunday ensue!

THE HOBNOB-DESTIN NEWS

15 August, 2010             Destin’s Hippest News Source

............WHAT’S HAPPENING!!..............

A VISIT TO THE GULFARIUM

As I mentioned in a previous article, I’ve recently returned to the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast. The once quaint fishing village of Destin has grown up...really grown up! So much has changed but, a lot of things are still the same. Having spent my childhood and teen years in the shadow of New York City, the big joke was that no one I knew ever visited the great museums, the Empire State Building or Bronx Zoo. We just took it for granted that they would always be there and someday we’d get around to visiting. Well, it’s the same here for residents. When was the last time you visited The Track, The Zoo out Navarre way or Big Kahuna’s? How about the Grand Daddy of them all, The Gulfarium?

Having practically raised our kids at The Gulfarium, my wife and I decided to pay this long-time Okaloosa Island landmark a visit. It’s hard to believe that in this age of giant multi-national amusement conglomerates that our own hometown attraction really is hometown owned.  Delilah, the long time dolphin star (36 years old) is still happily performing and I’d swear that she recognized us prior to the show! All the great animals and shows are there plus a few surprises as well and what with the slowdown in tourism, now is the perfect time for us locals to get out and enjoy the show.

As always you’ll be met by a very friendly staff of folks that truly enjoy their work. The lines are short and you’d be helping to support a member of our community. I just learned that every child in the pediatric ward at the hospital receives a free plush dolphin to ease their pains. It’s gestures like this that make you feel good about a business. From the hand painted murals in the lobby, (local talent) to the entertaining shows, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this wonderful hometown attraction. Take my word for it...you’ll have a most memorable experience!

HobNob Dave – Reporter-at-large             

THE HOBNOB-DESTIN NEWS

8 August, 2010             Destin’s Hippest News Source

............BREAKING NEWS..............

MORE CA$H FOR DESTIN’S FISHING RODEO

The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council and Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau has given the Rodeo $70,000, as part of a recent BP payout.

“The money is mostly a marketing tool for the Rodeo,” said Rodeo executive director Helen Donaldson. “Sure, more boats may register to fish and that will benefit the Rodeo’s financials, but all of the $70,000 is going out as prizes to encourage people to come back to the area to stay, fish and play.”

“It’s a win-win situation for the economy,” said Mark Bellinger, executive director of the TDC. “I think it will help increase lodging occupancy. It should also help increase the Rodeo’s attendance and it should help our local businesses and the fishing fleet.

Established in 1948, The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages.

HobNob Dave – Reporter-at-large