Saturday, October 17, 2009

Lin's Asian Cuisine - outstanding value in Destin!




Chef Qun Lin has been cooking for more than 10 years using the best meats and vegetables made fresh to order everyday and cooked with 100% vegetable oil. Try our famous Sesame Chicken and Wonton soup . These dishes will leave you wanting more! All entrees are made to order so you will be sure to get the freshest ingredients. Our unique flavors, good variety, and great prices will keep you coming back! They are located at 130 Scenic Gulf Dr., Suite #5B Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Please ring 850-424-5888 No time for a sit-down lunch or dinner. Call for efficient take-out service.

Sushimoto - Best Sushi in Destin !




SUSHIMOTO is a truly fabulous new restaurant in Destin. The freshest Sushi, best service and a friendly atmosphere make this a MUST visit for all tourists and locals. If it is not on the menu, just ask....Andy aims to please. If you are undecided...try the Danny Roll...delicious! Sushimoto is located at 11394 US Hwy 98, Suite H, Miramar Beach , FL 32550 They are between the David Morgan Salon and The Melting Pot restaurant in Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5977


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Destin Magazine Happy Hour @ Mitchell's Fish Market
























Salon Twist is open in a new location!


Gina Shiflett has moved Salon Twist to their new location at 4281 Scenic Highway 30A in Seagrove Beach. They are located next to La Botana restaurant - for more information visit http://www.salontwist.com/ or give them a ring at 850-231-7853

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Cheryl Jones performing at Grand Boulevard tonight!


Cheryl Jones will be performing this evening in the Grand Park @ Grand Boulevard Town Center.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Free Book: Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin

This has nothing to do with Destin locals, but just a great free book that you can download. For a limited time download Colum McCann's irresistible new novel, Let the Great World Spin for free until 10:59 a.m. ET Wednesday August 3, 2009. The free download for Oprah.com members.

If you already are an Oprah.com member, click on the link below to log in and you'll be redirected to download the book. If you are not a member, click on the link below and you will be prompted to become a member. It's completely free. Enjoy the book!




Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Destin Woman's Club Fashion Show Ticket Outlets

You can purchase tickets online at http://www.destinwomansclub.org/index2.html
and locally at the following stores:

P.S. Gifts, Bayou Books, Spa 98 and Kitchenique !

Destin Woman's Club Fashion Show

The Destin Woman's Club invites you to travel with us around the world as we showcase fashions that are Timeless. The Children's Neighborhood, Children in Crisis Inc. will be the recipient of the proceeds generated from this exciting evening hosted by the Destin Woman's Club. The night will feature a fabulous silent auction and raffle row! Enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, & dancing with Entertainment provided by Deja Vu. Fashions will be provided by stores from the Emerald Coast and models by ModelScoutBennett Mgmt. featuring Destin's own nationally known cover girl, Rachel Prescott.

Special Room Rates at the Hilton for this event: $99.00 a night! Perfect time for a get away for all out of town friends. For more information on the event, securing a room for the night, or to purchase tickets online visit: http://www.destinwomansclub.org/ Tickets are $60.00 and can also be purchased locally from club members. Vendor tables are available to rent for businesses to showcase their goods to the many attendees.

The Platinum Sponsor, Dr. Dennis Lichorwic, DMD, of the Destin Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. The Bronze Sponsor is Trustmark Bank.

Mitchell's Fish Market - great bartenders!


Destin Magazine & Mitchell's Fish Market Happy Hour


Destin Magazine / Mitchell's Fish Market Happy Hour with live remote in Las Vegas!

Last evening & every fourth Tuesday is the Destin Magazine / Mitchell's Happy Hour. A great opportunity to network and mingle with the staff and readers of Destin Magazine. Mitchell's offers value priced delicious appetizers and great cocktail values.

Join them next month on August 25th when the happy hour goes on remote. The publisher/owner of Destin Magazine will be celebrating her birthday in Las Vegas. We invite anyone who attends the event to wish her a Happy Birthday via Skype direct on the strip. We may even have a surprise guest in Vegas.

Save the date: August 25, 2009 from 5:30 - 7:30 @ Mitchell's Fish Market in the Grand Boulevard Town Center located at 500 Grand Boulevard in Suite #100K or give them a ring at (850)-650-2484 For more information visit: http://www.mitchellsfishmarket.com/
Destin Magazine: http://www.destinmagazine-digital.com/

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Destin Magazine / Mitchell's Fish Market Happy Hour Tonight!

Come join the staff of Destin Magazine this evening at the Destin Magazine/Mitchell’s Happy Hour. 5:30 – 7:30 @ Mitchell’s Fish Market located in the Grand Boulevard Town Center. 500 Grand Blvd, Suite 100K or give them a ring at (850) 650-2484 For more information visit:
http://www.destinmagazine-digital.com/

Designer Show House Event: July 31, 2009

A benefit for the Cultural Arts Association at 35 Lady Bug Court in Alys Beach. Featured designers include: Bohlert-Massey, Carol Murphy Design, Design, Dragonfly Design, Eastern Lake Nursery, Holly Shipman, Pizitz Home & Cottage, Spy, Tracery Interiors and World Six. Tickets can be purchased at www.culturalartsassociation.com or at the door ($20 for adults and $10 for children under 13). The home is open every Friday & Saturday, from July 31 - August 15 (noon - 5pm). For more information ring: (850) 213-5500 or visit http://www.culturalartsassociation.com/



Saturday, July 25, 2009

Boo having fun in the sprinkler!

It's not just children having fun in the sun and enjoying sprinklers. Boo is living it up in Miramar Beach. Boo's owner is Linda Prescott.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Emerald Coast Realtor Dorothy Sewell

Great News -I found a fabulous realtor in Destin. I know we have many talented and experienced Realtors along the Emerald Coast. The current market conditions are not good, as we all know, but it can be a positive. Recently I needed to find a realtor to answer several questions and possibly facilitate a purchase.

This is when I was given a referral to Dorothy Sewell. I am not one to waste anyone’s time, but I really needed to go over quite a lot of specs & statistics. Ms. Sewell was absolutely charming and went the extra mile for me. She took the time to run all the reports, give me the specs I needed and all with not one bit of pressure. I learned that she had been with ResortQuest Real Estate for 18 years. Although I did not make a purchase, when I do it will be with Ms. Sewell. The outstanding service I received is truly refreshing.

I suggest you give her a ring if you are in need of a real pro! Visit her site at: www.dorothysewell.com or e-mail her at: dorothysewell@cox.net Phone: 850-837-3700 Cellular: 850-865-2315Phone: (850) 837-3700 Toll Free: (800) 547-0805

Lighthouse is a great day trip from Destin


The famous lighthouse in Pensacola is on the Pensacola Naval Air Station and was built in 1859. The U.S. government designated Pensacola as a Naval base way back in 1824, and authorized a lighthouse for the location--making Pensacola the oldest lighthouse site on the Gulf Coast.

The lighthouse is currently maintained by the US Coast Guard. This particular lighthouse was the site of a murder in the late 1800’s and is said to be extremely haunted. There have been several books written about this unique location. This would be a great day trip from Destin, as it is only 75 miles away.

The Pensacola Naval Air Station grants passes for visits to the lighthouse and during October they have haunted lighthouse tours. Otherwise tours of the lighthouse are only by appointment only or during summer months they are held every Sunday.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wag & Win Rolex Giveaway

You don't get much for $25 nowadays. How about a chance to win a prized $10,000 Rolex watch with proceeds benefiting a worthy local cause!
McCaskill & Company’s Wag & Win Rolex Giveaway benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge ends this Saturday, July 25th. The exclusive stainless steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is valued at nearly $10,000. 100% of the proceeds from the Wag & Win Giveaway will be donated to Alaqua Animal Refuge.

Tickets are currently on sale for $25 each and can be purchased online via PayPal at http://www.aarflorida.com/ or in-store at McCaskill & Company located at 13390 Highway 98 West (between Destin and Sandestin) just two miles east of the Mid-Bay Bridge. The drawing will take place at 3:00pm on Saturday and AAR founder Laurie Hood will be present with some of the animals. The public is invited to attend.

For more information, call 850.650.2262.
Please pass this along to your friends & family so we can all do our part to help our furry friends at Alaqua Animal Refuge. And remember, purchasing multiple tickets increases your odds of winning!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Table Five - key to a memorable evening!

Taking inspiration from the five senses, Table Five creates an authentic dining experience in the most relaxed of settings - your home. From the initial crafting of your menu to savoring the fruits of your culinary selections, Table Five offers a refreshing alternative to a night out. They provide the simple luxury of staying in for the evening, leaving you to take pleasure in all the senses while you linger at the table in good company. Think of their service as your favorite restaurant coming to you.

Table Five was founded by the husband and wife team of Phillip & Madra McDonald in 2006, Table Five is a personal chef service that specializes in dinner parties, elegant soirees and private home events along the beautiful Emerald Coast.

A Destin native, Chef Phillip’s years in the culinary industry were honed in the area’s finest restaurants working under a roster of dedicated cooks and chefs from around the world. Through his experience and travels he has learned the importance of ingredients and proper technique, and believes that cooking is an infinite learning process. With a love for freshness and made from scratch dishes, Chef Phillip believes food is best when kept simple, using top quality ingredients and seasonal produce.

Taking inspiration from the five senses, Table Five creates an authentic dining experience in the most relaxed of settings - your home. From the initial crafting of your menu to savoring the fruits of your culinary selections, Table Five offers a refreshing alternative to a night out. We provide the simple luxury of staying in for the evening, leaving you to take pleasure in all the senses while you linger at the table in good company.

Table Five services include but are not limited to: personal consultation, menu crafting tailored to your personal tastes and dietary requirements, cooking, and serving. Your kitchen will be left spotless and ready for breakfast the next morning. All of your food is prepared in your kitchen; for this purpose, we will need to arrive at your residence a few hours prior to your dining event.

Table Five even does the dishes and post meal clean-up. This is a wonderful way to truly enjoy your home and guests without the normal pressures of hosting your own party. From a large gathering to an intimate romantic dinner at home I would suggest Table Five.

For more information: www.TableFiveChef.com or give them a ring at 850-496-5066 or e-mail them with the details of your upcoming gathering at www.info@TableFiveChef.com

Event for Jason Thompson - BluePoint Oyster Bar in Destin Commons


Destin, FL For those of that do not know.....we have a friend, Jason Thompson, who needs our help! For those that don't know Jason he is a 28 yr. old who has lived in Santa Rosa Beach for the last several years. He is self-employed and has no health insurance. Unfortunately Jason was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma/Leukemia on June 2. He has always been a generous person, donating time to good causes and particularly coaching kids soccer. Please check out www.kickingitforjason.com for all the details.

We are in the planning stages of a party to support Jason and have a big time in the process! There will be live music, great live auction gifts, and for a $5 donation you will get a wrist band entitling you to $3.00 well drinks and beer all night! We will be sending out more details as the date approaches. In the mean time we would welcome ANY donations to the cause!

When: Monday August 10, 2009 @ BluePoint Oyster Bar 7:00 - 10:00

Currently we have:
4 golf rounds, 18 holes + cart rental and range from Emerald Bay
4 Big Kahuna passes with Cabana rental $100
Gift certificate from Bluepoint Oyster Bar

To donate or for more information you may contact: Jan Hansen at mchansens@aol.com , Paula Martins at PP_Martins@hotmail.com, or Doug Jordan at doug@cdjpa.com

Friday, July 17, 2009

Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream - Grand Boulevard


Kilwin's has earned a reputation for its quality products and courteous service. They are well known for using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Delicious ice cream, handmade fudge, hand dipped chocolates are all in the store. Kids who are shorter than the “Moose” eat free and so you can bet that they will want to return often. You will too because of the aromatic smell of all the fresh chocolate being produced on–site.

They have a wide range of boxed chocolates that make great gifts and you must try the Sea Foam. This great shop in Grand Boulevard Town Center should not be missed. The staff is really friendly and they usually always have samples available. Be sure to stop in and watch them make delicious fudge right before your eyes.

Special Offer: Pick up a copy of Destin Magazine, Summer issue and there is a coupon towards the back of the magazine. The coupon is good for Buy One Get One Free on the delicious Caramel Apples. Locally the magazine is available at Barnes & Nobles, Books-A-Million and other area retailers. If it happens to be sold out you can view the magazine at http://www.destinmagazine-digital.com/
Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream is located at 625 Grand Boulevard. For more information visit http://www.kilwins.com/ or give them a ring @ 850-837-9445
Become a fan... http://www.facebook.com/kilwinsdestin

Inn by the Sea Vera Bradley


A colorful getaway. For many years, that's what Seaside has been for Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, co-founder of VB and her family. Naturally, the concept for the Inn by the Sea is an extension of this love for color and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

Throughout the inn, the elegant-yet-informal settings-created by the Vera Bradley design team and personally led by Barbara-reflect a perfect combination of timeless design and fresh color palettes. Every room is unique, in fact, many of the furnishings used, have been exclusively designed for Vera Bradley. And a number of the fabrics, colors and furniture styles incorporated here are the same found in Barbara's own home.

The Cottage Rental Agency, Seaside provides a continental breakfast each morning, access to various amenities and sincere wishes that your stay in the inn be a memorable, relaxing one.

www.cottagerentalagency.com/InnByTheSea.asp

Kicking it for Jason - Senor Mojito's Event


Kicking It For Jason Event

Friends and fellow soccer enthusiasts have united to help offset health care expenses for Jason Thompson by creating a series of fund raising events. The first fund raising event for Thompson will be held July 18th from 3-7 P.M. at Senor Mojito's and is aptly named ‘Kicking It For Jason'.

Jason is a volunteer youth soccer coach suffering from a rare form of cancer. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Thompson is self-employed without health insurance. Everyone is invited to participate in event activities such as Stand Up Paddleboarding (S.U.P.), Beach and S.U.P.er Soccer, traditional and soccer volleyball, and dancing to live music. Local musician, Reed Waddle, is expected to play throughout the event.

Friends of Jason have also gathered and will continue to gather items for a silent auction. Items up for bid will include one years worth of spa treatments from Ocean Elements Day Spa at Gulf Place, resort stays, golf packages, collage painting from Vineyard-Smith Art, photography packages, and many other offerings. Senor Mojito's has graciously offered to donate 15% of their food and beverage sales made during the fund raising event.

Senor Mojito's is located directly on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach at the foot of the 331 bridge. To make a donation and find out more please visit www.kickingitforjason.com or call 850.543.8690. To provide an item or offering for auction, please contact Kerri Price at dogoodmarketing@gmail.com.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Lalo Treasures arrive at Elevation Boutique


Just imagine a treasure chest overflowing with glistening baubles, or a candy store inviting you to scoop up its contents in eager handfuls and enjoy, and you get a notion of Israeli designer Orna Lalo's exuberance. Founded first as a small cottage industry, Lalo has now expanded her jewelry production into an international company. Her creations make boldly colorful statements that often have whimsical appeal. They can be dramatic without overpowering the viewer. As the jewelry is assembled by hand, collections are produced in limited editions, not en masse.

Lalo's background was in fine arts and fashion design. She studied first at Tel Aviv's Kalisher School of Art, and then enrolled in Shenkar College to study fashion. Because she could not find the right buttons, accessories, and costume jewelry needed for her creations, she resorted to designing her own. When these novelty items caught on swiftly among the students the resultant stir helped make her reputation.

The jewels are formed from an inexpensive, versatile material - synthetic resin - a denser, more natural looking substance than plastic. As powdery fillers are added to it, the material assumes a variety of textures. It might sparkle like glass or be as smooth and opaque as a pebble on the beach. Though basic molds are first used to configure the molten resin into assorted shapes and sizes, the filing, perforations, coloration, and lacquer applications are done by hand. Besides the resin, Lalo uses lots of beads, including authentic Swarovski crystals and silver-plated leather chains for hanging pendants.

The Lalo team produces a number of collections a year, many of which are featured at trade shows and exhibitions. Collections center on different themes. Among their imaginative titles are: Carousel, Lost and Found, Wheel of Destiny, Ballroom and Bird on a Wire. Though designs tend to take their initial shape on the computer screen, Lalo often sketches or models her product until it achieves the desired configuration. "Though the original design does not always resemble the end product, the same line of thought prevails," she tells me. Design is an integral part of her life, says Orna. Color is another passion. "I have an absolute response to color, like perfect pitch in a musician," she explains. When she dares to dabble with unconventional color combinations in her work, as she often does, she is right on target. Besides the jewelry, Lalo is involved with ornamental home accessories. "In the future we want to continue enlarging our product line and to focus even more on the topic of decorative design," she tells me.

“I am thrilled to be on the Emerald Coast at the Elevation Shoe Boutique; Lori has selected styles that are very connected to the coast and representative of every lifestyle”. There is truly something for everyone and at wonderful price points. Visit the boutique and find your own Lalo Treasure.
Please Note: The Elevation Boutique is in Grand Boulevard Town Center in SanDestin. Give them a ring at (850)-837-4400

Monday, July 13, 2009

Local author Nancy Veldman has first novel published, "The Box of Words".

Book Description
The Box of Words is a powerful story of unforgettable characters, romance and riveting suspense. On the eastern seaboard, in Martin City, Kate Morrison never dreamed that her family would suffer such horrendous events. After losing Sam, her husband of thirty years, Kate struggles to keep her children, Seth and Ella, alive while discovering a secret that could tear her family apart. Seeking to navigate towards a new beginning, Kate moves into a century old home in a familiar neighborhood. There she finds a new love in Dr. Stephen Jones, a medical research scientist. But she also uncovers in the dust of the old house, a secret hidden for years. The words she sees will change her life forever, and the child who spoke them in the dark. A page turner that will keep you up in the unwholesome hours of the night.

About the Author
Nancy Veldman has self published five spiritual books since 2003 which include; Coming Home, The Journey, Withered Leaves, Dream Catcher, and The Fisherman. She is also a pianist and has written over 100 songs and released nine piano Cd's. Nancy is a watercolor artist and has sold over 5,000 paintings in her shop, Magnolia House, in Grayton Beach, Florida. She was given the Key to the City of Memphis for her humanitarian efforts for mankind, and has established a non profit charity called Nancy Veldman Ministries. She has ministered to over 8,000 cancer patients in her shop and has given richly to many people who are suffering. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee and now resides in Destin, Florida with her husband. Paris Milla resides in England with her husband and five children. Nancy is currently working on a movie script and autobiography.

RECENT REVIEWS
The Box of Words, July 8, 2009
By Barbara W (Miramar Beach, FL USA)
An Extraordinarily Riveting Novel filled with Suspense, Secrets, Compassion, Regrets, Undying Love and has a Happy Ending! Easy to read. A real page-turner and would make a great movie! I would be the first one in line! For a first-time novelist, Nancy Veldman thoroughly surprises me! Right up there with the best-Nicholas Sparks, James Patterson. A novel of distinction that warms the heart and renews the spirit, July 6, 2009

The Box of Words, July 9, 2009
By Steven Farris (Ohio)
Nancy Veldman offers her best work-to-date in this unique novel that builds a crescendo of inquiry as each chapter unfolds. This book illustrates the resilient spirit that resides within each of us as we face life's accomplishments and adversities. A marvelous work that expresses the legacy that each of us leaves behind and the poignant reminder that no one comes across our path accidentally. This was a true joy to read!

The Box of Words, July 9, 2009
By Trudy Mullin (Seagrove Florida)
This is a book that I loved, and would read again. I fell in love with the characters, and could not wait to read the next chapter, never knowing what was coming next. Would love to see this made for a movie! Because I would love to see the characters come to life on screen. This was a book that I did not want to end, and after I finished it, I kept thinking about the characters as they had become real to me.

For more information and to purchase book:
http://www.amazon.com/ keyword: Nancy Veldman
http://www.magnoliahouse.com/

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Vin'tij Bistro & Wine Bar

Vin’tij is a unique bistro & wine bar tucked into a strip center across from Silver Sands Designer Outlet Mall. Vin'tij represents a refined oasis for those who need a reprieve from too much retail therapy. The wine bar-with grape-colored walls and jewel-toned accents-offers both tasting and sipping-size glasses of more than 45 different wines each day. The adjacent retail wine shop (within Vin’tij) carries 1,000 labels and wine lovers can buy a bottle in the shop and, for a mere $5 corkage fee, enjoy it with lunch or dinner at an ideal bistro table.

Chef John Jacob does coastal cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian accents. Try the sweet molasses roast salmon with Parmesan grits (that are to die for) and grilled green-tomato salsa, or the seared grouper with banana aioli and blood orange vinaigrette. Of course, like every trendy establishment built on mixed metaphors, Vin'tij also offers its own sushi menu, with a range of unusual offerings from "Philly steak" roll-filet mignon, caramelized onions and roasted sweet peppers-to sea scallop with shiitake mushrooms.

Chef John & Todd have really got it right. And don’t think they are amateurs; Vin’tij is in their eleventh year of operation. Many time I have dined and wanted to combine some items or have a new dish altogether, they always oblige. You are sure to have a memorable meal and a fine wine at this quaint bistro. Dine early or call for reservations as they get full very quickly.
Give them a call at 850-650-9820 or visit them online @ http://www.vintij.com/