Archive for the 'South Walton Living' Category
Alys Beach Homes for Sale & Sold - November
December 10th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, Rosemary Beach Living, South Walton Living
There were no homes sold in Alys Beach in November. However, there is one home that was listed at $2.917 million with 2484 square feet that is pending and scheduled to close before the year is out.
There are only eight Alys Beach homes for sale in December. They start at $1.995 million, and there are two homes at that price - one with 2180 square feet and the other with 2450 square feet. The most expensive home for sale in Alys Beach is a five bedroom, six bath, 3060 square foot home priced at $2.998 million.
Alys Beach Homes for Sale - December
Total # of Listings 8
Lowest Price Listing $1,995,000
Highest Price Listing $2,998,000
Average Price $2,304,500
Avg. Price/SqFt $883
Avg. Days on Market 287
(Click on Graph Above to Enlarge).
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Grand Dunes Condos For Sale & Sold - November
December 10th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, South Walton Living
There were no Grand Dunes condos sold in November. However Unit 1250 in the South Tower did go pending in November and is four bedroom, four bath unit with 2870 square feet.
There are currently 43 Grand Dunes condos for sale. They range from $1,049,000 for a unit on the second floor in the North Tower to $4.25 million for a two story penthouse in the South Tower featuring five bedrooms, five baths and 4,956 square feet.
Grand Dunes Condos for Sale - December
Total # of Listings 43
Lowest Price Listing $1,049,000
Highest Price Listing $4,250,000
Average Price $1,758,579
Avg. Price/SqFt $621
Avg. Days on Market 251
(Click on Graph Above to Enlarge).
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Delta Kitchen - Upscale Meat & Three in Freeport
December 2nd, 2007 Categories: Restaurant Reviews, South Walton Living
We had heard good things about the new Delta Kitchen in Freeport so this past weekend we ate both Friday and Saturday night at this new restaurant in Freeport. Although the sign was sitting outside, look for it installed soon.
(Click on the picture above - and all pictures – to enlarge).
It was actually coincidental that we ate there two nights in a row but after an overzealousness on our part to try some of the beer and wine left over from Big City Grill, I left my credit card and had to return on Saturday to retrieve. But the experience was so good on Friday, that we were happy to make a return visit the next night.
In a word the food there is excellent. Most of us on the Emerald Coast grew up in the South and fully understand the culinary siginifance in our upbringing of great fresh vegetables either prepared at home by our mothers and grandmothers or at the local meat and three. Delta Kitchen brings back those memories and kicks them up a notch. A chalk board menu (Red Bar/331 anyone) alerts you to the day’s menu which changes often.
For starters a complimentary small plate of boiled peanuts and pimento cheese with crackers is brought to the table. This is an excellent touch with moist salty peanuts offset by the smooth pimento cheese with a nice dose of cream cheese added. The first night we shared the Apple Bacon BLT Dip (pictured next to the above paragraph), and the next night we went with the Frito Pie Supreme (pictured here).
For better or worse I’ve never eaten at Sonic, but Vicki says the Frito appetizer is reminiscent of a dish they use to serve there. It’s a bunch of Fritos topped with chili and melted cheese. It’s gotta be bad for you, but man it’s good. The first night Vicki and I shared the beef brisket, fried sweet potatoes, fried okra and squash casserole. The brisket and sweet potatoes were as good as I’ve ever had. Forrest Jamison, the chef/owner, told us the brisket had been cooked for 12 hours at low temperature and easily you could cut it with a fork.
My daughter had the slow roasted duck, fried okra, fried sweet potatoes and green beans. We actually shared the two plates between us and as you can see the portions are extremely generous. Her duck was outstanding and the green beans were a real revelation with an incredibly tasty broth at the bottom of the bowl that had a delicious tomatoey beef stock kind of taste to it.
The next night I made it a point to imbibe less vigorously and remember my credit card and that mission was accomplished – although the beer in the cold glass with those boiled peanuts was real nice for starters. Dennis helped us both nights, and he (along with the rest of the staff who all came by and spoke with us) contributed to the great dining experience. We had to have the green beans again this time along with Slow Roasted Pork, fried sweet potatoes (yes you will see them in every picture), creamed corn, and fresh tomato salad. Even the simple tomato salad was so clean and tasty with fresh basil and nice extra virgin olive oil.
It would be nice if it was a little closer to South Walton (it’s on Hwy 331 in a small strip center and almost to, and just south of, the Hwy 20 intersection), but it’s worth the short journey. They are open from 11:00 till 9:00 Monday– Friday. Then dinner only at 5:00 on Saturday and closed on Sunday. Go!
We very much enjoy writing these restaurant reviews. This is our avocation, but our vocation is representing Buyers and Sellers in real estate transactions on the Emerald Coast. If you are interested in learning more about our real estate services, please Click Here.
For our Restaurant Review Credentials, please Click Here
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Best Buy on Bay Front Home in Sandestin Area
November 13th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, Sandestin Living, South Walton Living
The price, location & beauty of this home make this head and shoulders above all other homes on the bay in our area – thus this is the first time we have done a post about one of our listings. This new, never lived in home is listed at $1.395 million.
(Click on All Pictures to Enlarge).
This home is not on the grounds of Sandestin and is technically in Miramar Beach, but this picture shows you the proximity to Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. And you don’t have the traffic of Sandestin because this home is near the end of a dead end street.
The picture to the left shows the new two story dock. The backyard and dock can be reached via exiting your screened in back porch that includes swimming pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen. A central security system is also included.
The home is at 730 Bayshore Drive (north on Geronimo off Highway 98 – Resort Interiors to the north and Copper Grill to the south) has 3850 sf, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths with 24 foot ceilings in the downstairs den area. The den and kitchen have travertine floors, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
Of the eight new (since 2005) homes listed directly on the bay on Bayshore Drive, this home is $117 per square foot less than the next closest and $200 per square foot less than the third lowest. One might easily think this is a custom home.
The average price for the other new bay front homes on Bayshore Drive is $664 per sf, while this home is $362 per square foot. In fact this beautiful house, completed in 2007, is the least expensive new home (built since 2005) on the bay in not only Sandestin but all of Destin & South Walton.
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Condos Sold & For Sale in Grand Dunes - October
November 9th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, South Walton Living
There were two condos sold in Grand Dunes in October. The first was a 14th floor unit in the North Tower with four bedrooms, four baths, 3030 square feet that sold for $1.325 million. The second was a sixth floor unit in the North Tower with four bedrooms, four baths, 3150 square feet and sold for $2.1 million. This sale should make the Sellers in the South Tower feel particularly good.
There are currently 46 condos for sale in Grand Dunes. The least expensive is a second floor unit in the North Tower, three bedrooms, three baths, 2490 square feet that is priced at $1,049,000. The top of the food chain is a 4956 square foot penthouse in the South Tower that is two levels with five bedrooms and five bathrooms priced at $4.25 million.
Condos for Sale in Grand Dunes - November 1st
Total # of Listings 46
Lowest Price Listing $1,049,000
Highest Price Listing $4,250,000
Average Price $1,739,867
Avg. Price/SqFt $617
Avg. Days on Market 234
(Click on Graph Above to Enlarge).
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Condos Sold & Condos For Sale in Grand Dunes - September
October 2nd, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, South Walton Living
There was one condo sold in Grand Dunes in September. The unit (740) is in the North Tower and was an assignment of contract. The unit sold for $1,045,000. This is one of the last units that will be sold as an assignment of contract, as the time frame to close on all units contracted for in pre-construction has pretty much passed.
There are currently 45 condos for sale in Grand Dunes at the beginning of October. They range in price from a third floor unit in the North Tower for $1,088,000 to a two story penthouse in the South Tower for $4.5 million. The penthouse has 4,956 square feet with five bedrooms and five baths.
Condos for Sale in Grand Dunes - October 1
Total # of Listings 45
Lowest Price Listing $1,088,000
Highest Price Listing $4,500,000
Average Price $1,801,904
Avg. Price/SqFt $631
Avg. Days on Mkt 226
(Click Graph to Enlarge).
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You Don’t Have To Be A Member - Santa Rosa Beach Club
September 19th, 2007 Categories: Restaurant Reviews, South Walton Living
Santa Rosa Beach Club is the only white table cloth restaurant on CR-30A directly on the beach with an unobstructed view right down the coast line.
Even though it’s been serving good food for years, there are still many people who think the restaurant is a private club - but not so. (Click above to Enlarge).
We were in one Friday night not long hoping to see a nice sunset over the gulf, but we got a different kind of show instead. As the evening began, dark clouds over the horizon prevented any sunset but made for a beautiful setting. As darkness fell the lightning lit up the shoreline, the dark clouds in the sky and the white caps of the sizeable waves rolling in from the storm.
There was live entertainment that night, and everyone was in a festive mood. We made friends with the couple sitting at the table next to us and compared notes on our dishes and drinks. We started with some fried oysters with tartar sauce that were done just right, some asparagus and crabmeat soup and the house salad. I thought the soup was a little salty but overall we enjoyed all three dishes.
I have eaten at Santa Rosa Beach Club on many occasions to include lunch (try their meat salads - such as chicken, shrimp, etc) and dinner. The main course on this night was one of the best dishes I’ve ever had there. It was offered as a head on snapper (but Vicki insisted the head be removed - not in her presence) stuffed with lemon, topped with jumbo lump crabmeat in a beurre blanc sauce. The side dish was grilled eggplant with a little goat cheese and marinara topped with fried leaks. The fish had a great charcoal taste to it, the sauce wasn’t too heavy, the eggplant still had a crispness to it and well the chef just hit the nail on the head with this dish. Outstanding - try it if it’s available when you go. (Click on the fish to Enlarge).
Our new friends were celebrating their anniversary and after Vicki commented how much she loved chocolate - a portion was shared with us. She is the dessert expert and I’m not even a huge chocolate fan, but that was a good chocolate tort in my book. (Click to Enlarge).
Santa Rosa Beach Club is the sort of restaurant that for some reason I tend to overlook when I’m dining on CR-30A, even though I definitely know it’s open to the public. Based on our last dining experience there, we will be back soon. Call 267-1240 for reservations.
We very much enjoy writing these restaurant reviews. This is our avocation, but our vocation is representing Buyers and Sellers in real estate transactions on the Emerald Coast. If you are interested in learning more about our real estate services, please Click Here.
For our Restaurant Review Credentials, please Click Here.
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Condos Sold & Condos for Sale in Grand Dunes - August
September 4th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, Sandestin Living, South Walton Living
There was one condo sold in Grand Dunes in August. It was Unit 2240 in the North Tower (this being one floor below the penthouse level) and has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,333 square feet. The unit was nicely furnished and sold for $1.215 million.
There are currently 48 condos for sale in Grand Dunes at the beginning of September. The entry level unit has a very motivated Seller at $1,098,000. The unit is on the third floor of the North Tower with three bedrooms, three baths and 2,490 square feet. At the other end of the price spectrum is a Penthouse Unit in the South Tower that is five bedrooms, five baths, 4,956 square feet and priced at $4.5 million.
Condos for Sale in Grand Dunes - Beginning of September
Total # of Listings 48
Lowest Price Listing $1,098,000
Highest Price Listing $4,500,000
Average Price $1,738,540
Avg. Price/SqFt $612
Avg. Days on Mkt 260
(Click on the graph below to Enlarge)
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Breakfast Surprise - Don Pedro’s in Santa Rosa Beach
August 28th, 2007 Categories: Restaurant Reviews, South Walton Living
You wouldn’t naturally think of Don Pedros on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach for breakfast, but it is one of our favorite places for breakfast in South Walton County.
They serve a good lunch and dinner, but on a recent Saturday morning Vicki and I enjoyed another excellent breakfast -another in a long line at Don Pedros.
Many years ago Pedro Alvarez worked in the kitchen at a restaurant that was located not far from the current Don Pedros location - Nena’s. After leaving Nena’s, Pedro moved on to the Donut Hole II. The opportunity arose to open his own place seven years ago, and the rest is a Mexican restaurant success story. Don Pedros is a no frills kind of establishment, but the food and service is what has made this restaurant a success. The future is in good hands with Pedro Alvarez, Jr., a very personable and knowledgeable young man, who helped us on this Saturday morning.
Although they have Sopapillas and all kinds of pancakes, we went with a more traditional Mexican breakfast. Vicki had the classic Huevos Rancheros - a Tortilla Topped with Two Eggs, Salsa, Cheese & Sour Cream. The salsa there isn’t our favorite thing (no kick), but with the salsa and cheese grits on the side - she gave it two thumbs up. (Click on the Picture above to Enlarge).
I went with the Mexican Omelet - Tomato, Onion, Peppers, Topped with Salsa (on the side for me), Cheese, Sour Cream & Jalapeno. I also opted for Home Fries and an order of their excellent (and unique for breakfast) Chilaquiles. Chilaquiles are kind of like Doritos with melted Sour Cream. I highly recommend this dish and throw in a side of bacon if you are inclined I was. (Click ^ to Enlarge).
This is one of the top restaurants in South Walton for breakfast. Don Pedros serves breakfast seven days a week starting at 7:00 a.m. They can be reached at 850-267-0009, and be aware that they do not take credit cards.
We very much enjoy writing these restaurant reviews. This is our avocation, but our vocation is representing Buyers and Sellers in real estate transactions on the Emerald Coast. If you are interested in learning more about our real estate services, please Click Here.
For our Restaurant Review Credentials, please Click Here.
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What’s That Smell - Good Food & Good Times at Stinky’s Fish Camp
August 21st, 2007 Categories: Restaurant Reviews, South Walton Living
Chef/Owner Jim Richard has bounced back from the tragic fire and closing of The Lake Place in Santa Rosa Beach with the opening of the adjoining property and now wildly popular Stinky’s Fish Camp. Richard had physically moved in to the kitchen at Zampieri’s on the Destin Harbor (formerly Harry T’s) after the fire and is still involved with that operation, but the folks on CR-30A are very happy that he has returned to our neighborhood with Stinky’s.
There are several rooms to dine in, but Vicki and I like the bar area. Be forewarned that on Thursday through Sunday nights it can be hard to hear more than the person next to you with the live music playing, the happy and talkative mood that seems to engulf everyone upon entry and delighted diners cleaning their plates and toasting to the vibe of Stinky’s. On a recent Friday night we were joined by Vicki’s two sons, Geoffrey and Levin. These two very eligible bachelors are usually prepping for “Dancing with the Stars” on the weekend, but they reserved the early part of the evening to join us for dinner at the bar.
Stinky’s does all kinds of oysters that are shucked right at the bar. There are four raw offerings (different toppings) and five preparations to choose from for their baked oysters. I like the Ceviche topping for the raw and the Smoked Cheese, Bacon and Horseradish on the baked. But Vicki and I opted for their most popular appetizer - the Jumbo Lump Stuffed Squash Gratin. The half fried squash was jammed with the sweet lump crabmeat in a wonderful creamy sauce. Stinky’s has a very, very good wine list, and it’s fairly priced. We chose a bottle of Erath Pinot Gris from Oregon, and it worked beautifully with the squash appetizer and our upcoming fish dishes.
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