June 13, 2007

Hooked on Destin

Creative Cocktail Competition Premiers in Destin

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association hosted their summer board meeting in Destin Florida for the first time on June 10th , 11th and 12th. For the 200 state board members who attended it was not all hard work; their efforts were rewarded with a "Wild and Crazy" fishing tournament, low-country shrimp boil, fireworks on the Destin Harbor and a champagne coastal barbeque.

Zampieri's Harbor Grille in Destin Florida was the site of "The Destin Bubble-Q, a Summer Coastal BBQ and Champagne Tasting" where top emerald coast chefs offered a fabulous feast of creative coastal barbeque and chilled bubbly. The all-star cast of grilling gurus offered samplings of fresh grilled scallops, shrimp, Florida lobster, yellow fin tuna, caviar, and a myriad of local grilled specialties and organic produce.

The following local chefs donated time and talent to create an innovative offering of fresh local flavor.

Chef Jason Craul - Grande Vista Bar & Grill
Chef Jim McManus - Legendary Inc.
Chef Jim Shirley - Great Southern Café, Fish House and Atlas Oyster House
Chef Chris Kelly - Fish House and Atlas Oyster House
Chef Alphonse Lee Lucier - eat!, eat!@home, nosh and chefs @ Marcus Point
Chef Jim Richard - Zampieri's Harbor Grille and Stinky's Fish Camp
Chef Todd Meisner - Stinky's Fish Camp and Blue Mountain Catering
Chef Dennes Weber/Chef Derek Haynes - Zampieri's Harbor Grille
Chef Philip Krajeck - Fish Out of Water/Watercolor

The Harbor Grille outdoor lounge and poolside deck was center stage for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association's members to mix and mingle under the stars. The event launched the 2007 State Board of Directors Summer Board Meeting and The Wild and Crazy Fishing Tournament Hosted by Legendary, Inc and The Emerald Grande. This weekend's events included a "Rock the Docks" captain's dinner and concert, "Wild and Crazy" fishing tournament and poolside low country boil at Emerald Grande, the newest addition to the Legendary family. A stellar fireworks display over the Destin Harbor provided the finale for the line-up of exciting events.

"Events hosted in the Destin area unique by nature, such as the Harbor Grille's Bubble Q and Legendary's "Wild and Crazy Fishing" Tournament, they truly represent what living and working on the Gulf Coast offers. We are humbled by the sheer generosity, enthusiasm and talent offered by local businesses to make these exciting events happen" stated Jamie Miller, Event Coordinator for Harbor Grille and Sage Management and Marketing.

Bruce Craul, Chief Operations Officer of Legendary managed/coordinated the "Wild and Crazy" Fishing Tournament, explained further "The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association's Board Meeting and Fishing tournament was truly awesome. It seems like every member and/or spouse came up to me personally and said that they had no idea what a wonderful and beautiful place Destin was. It's hard to believe that so many from our own state have never been here. We should feel honored that this was the first time that the FRLA in their 54 year history came to our area and our people, rolled out the red carpet -- including the Mayor on their last night here. The leadership of the FRLA have all said that they want to come back!"

Destin Mayor Craig Barker said, "The City of Destin is most pleased to have been selected as the host city for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Summer Board meeting. Obviously Destin's economy is tourism driven, so world-class restaurants and lodging are integral components of our resort lifestyle. We trust Destin's bountiful charter fishing, beautiful beaches, unparalleled golf and shopping venues, and much more, proved to be a big hit with the FRLA membership and we hope they continue to choose Destin as their host city for decades to come."

The perfect blend of Destin summertime fun, succulent seafood and champagne, lively entertainment, stunning waterfront views, creative local cuisine and great fishing. The beverages for the event were generously donated by National Distributing Company, Southern Wine and Spirits and Premier Beverage.

"The members and staff of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging ssociation thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Destin. We are overwhelmed by the hospitality extended to us by Mayor Barker, Bruce Craul and Legendary Inc, Sandestin Resort, Harbour Walk Marina, Emerald Grande, and Zampieri's Harbor Grille. The hotels and restaurants of the Emerald Coast offer the finest food and hospitality in a region of unparalleled beauty. We look forward to returning." -Carol Dover, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Pictured
Carol Dover - President and CEO FRLA
Chef Jason Craul - Grande Vista Bar & Grill
Chef Jim McManus - Legendary Inc.
Chef Jim Shirley - Great Southern Café, Fish House and Atlas Oyster House
Chris Kelly - Fish House and Atlas Oyster House
Chef Alphonse Lee Lucier - eat!, eat!@home, nosh and chefs @ Marcus Point
Chef Jim Richard - Zampieri's Harbor Grille and Stinky's Fish Camp
Chef Todd Meisner - Stinky's Fish Camp and Blue Mountain Catering
Chef Dennes Weber/Chef Derek Haynes - Zampieri's Harbor Grille
Chef Philip Krajeck - Fish Out of Water/Watercolor
And Sous Chefs of the supporting restaurants

Chef Jim Richard (right)of Harbor Grille and Stinky's Fish Camp and Chef Todd Meisner (left) of Blue Mountain Catering

Chef Jim McManus of Legendary, Inc.

Fish Out of Water Chef Phillip Krajeck (left)

Wild and Crazy Fishing TournamentWinner Bob Dearden, FRLA Vice President of Finance, with a winning 60lb Grouper. The grouper's name was Bill.