Thai Delights - Hidden Destin Thai Food Treasure

Off the beaten path in any tourist town, you will find the local treasures - and by that I mean... the places that locals go to eat that we know are fantastic and rarely ever mark on a map for the visitors to find. In this article, I'll only divulge one, but depending on the local outcry for my tar and feathering ... I might share others in the future.

I have been visiting Thai Delights restaurant for almost five years and to this day, I order the exact same dish every single time. It's that good. Number 51, Chicken, Medium. Ok, I ordered it Thai Hot once ... (and I'll only do that again if I ever choose to get my tongue pierced and want to make sure that I can not feel the needle going though!)

The staff is pleasurable and eager to please. A year round, small staff that works seamlessly together to provide an intimate, down home, family experience for each of their patrons. The menu is diverse and well priced with options for everyone. Seafood and vegetarian options are available, as well as old favorites like Thai Beef Salad and Pad Thai. The spring rolls are fresh and crunchy with delightfuly light sauce for dipping.

I bring my children regularly and they devour the Chicken Satee with peanut sauce for dipping. A seperate children's menu is not available, but it is a comfortable atmosphere for the entire family. The dining room is a nice size, but large parties should call ahead.

Small touches include linen napkins and drinks are served in wine goblets, irregardless of the content ... even diet coke feels like a treat. Be patient, even if the dining room doesn't look full, it does not mean the kitchen is not at full speed ahead - take out at Thai Delight is in high demand for us locals (put it this way, I have Thai Delights programmed in my cell phone). The heck with pizza, number 51 is way more satisfying!

Located on the corner of Mountain Drive and Palmetto Street, Thai Delights is a remarkable surprise offering for Destin dining. (850) 650-3945

Breakfast in Destin & Beaches of South Walton

Waking up to the crisp Gulf breeze is relaxing but finding the right place to start your day with delectable breakfast treats will ensure that you don't soak up the sun without a full belly. Destin and the Beaches of South Walton have ample choices for morning meals, but my favorite by far is grabbing an old fashioned fisherman's breakfast at Harbor Docks in Destin. Located directly on the water, Harbor Docks allows old time favorite, Silver Shells restaurant to utilize the establishment since it's building was demolished in the name of progress years ago.

Patrons can choose to sit indoors or out, (I always choose out!). Grab a bench and a friendly local waitress will hand you a one page menu that has very reasonably priced offerings ranging from eggs and bacon to omelets and french toast. Famous for their Tennessee ham and cheese grits, everything on the menu is sure to please. Coffee is fabulous and the view is priceless. Unobstructed view of the harbor with boats of all shapes and sizes nestled throughout the nearby piers. Muted chatter from benches nearby are undetectable as the sound of the water and frequent visiting birds echo throughout the outdoor seating section. Portions of the deck are covered for those wishing to avoid direct sunlight, but even inside is a delightful experience with rare photographs of famous patrons and Destin's landscape before being developed. The atmosphere is very casual and the waitresses are unique.

Jode is a landmark waitress with a charming smile and southern hospitality attitude; although on a busy day she has been known to tell you to get your own coffee! The entire staff is welcoming and eager to please. Breakfast at Harbor Docks is not to be missed on your vacation!

Other local eateries that have great breakfast choices are:

• The Donut Hole: Two locations, one in downtown Destin and the other in Santa Rosa Beach in the Beaches of South Walton. Fabulous homemade food, but be prepared to pay in cash. No credit cards are excepted and the prices are on the higher side.


• Another Broken Egg: Second favorite breakfast spot with locations in Destin and Baytown in Sandestin Resort. Fabulous food and would have been my favorite except is doesn't have the view like Harbor Docks and is a little more expensive. Don't miss the Eggs Benedict!


• Cabana Cafe: Great location inside Seascape Resort that has a convenient breakfast buffet with incredible bacon, eggs and other offerings. The Sunday Brunch menu has fancier treats and the prices are very reasonable.


• Whales Tail Beach Bar & Grill: Beachside location with great breakfast and perfect after late-night bloody mary's!

Of course, Destin has it's spattering of traditional breakfast locations like IHOP and Waffle House, but I highly recommend that you try one of the restaurants stated above for your first meal of the day.

Soggy Weekend Shopping

Rainy weekends are not generally in the pre-vacation planning agenda for any traveling family or couple; but they do happen and shopping is a great way to make the best of a day not suited for the beach!

Grand Boulevard is the newest addition to Destin Shopping experiences and is located in the prestigious Beaches of South Walton, due east of Sandestin. Grand Boulevard provides an upscale retail atmosphere without abandoning the relaxed luxury that makes our area a famous beach excursion destination.

Anchored by nine fabulous Destin restaurants:

• Having an urge to dine on a fabulous steak? Looking for a fine dining experience? Try Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Winebar. Discover 100 wines by the glass and the finest prime steak in a gracious, lively and elegant atmosphere. 850-269-0830 Reservations recommended but not required. Open 4:30PM daily.




• Guacamole connoisseur? You can't miss this fresh treat, prepared right at your table while dining at Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food Restaurant. Cantina Laredo serves authentic Mexican dishes in a sophisticate, yet casual atmosphere. Margaritas are strong, but unbelievably smooth. More than two and you should walk home - they are tasty! 850-654-5649 Reservations not accepted. Open 11AM daily. Great brunch on Sundays too!
  

• P.F. Chang's cuisine is reflective of China's evolving culinary landscape. The menu features traditional Chinese offerings and innovative dishes that illustrate the emerging influence of Southeast Asia on modern Chinese cuisine. The Mongolian beef is addictive, the Won ton soup is light and refreshing - all meals are served family style, so make sure everyone orders little bit of everything. 850-269-1806 Reservations accepted but not required. Open 11AM daily

• Mitchell's Fish Market offers more than 80 items; the menus are printed twice daily to feature the freshest seafood available. The diverse offerings are sure to appeal to a wide variety of diners. The grape crush is a fabulous mixed drink, similar to mojito but made with freezing cold grapes - reminds me of a ice wine! I've tried several items, but I highly recommend taking a leap of faith and going with whatever is the daily special - I've never gone wrong. 850-650-2484 Reservations accepted but not required. Open 11AM daily.




• Tommy Bahama's Tropical Café serves up sumptuous and tropical inspired menu items with delectable entrees, snacks, desserts and island cocktails. The food is truly amazing from appetizers and soup to your entree, nothing on the menu has ever been disappointing. The martinis are memorable. 850-654-1743 Reservations accepted but not required. Open 11AM daily.
  

The four other restaurants offer quick meal options for those who do not want to interrupt their shopping groove! Johnny Rockets with fabulous burgers, hotdogs and milkshakes; Starbucks for a java stop; Moe's Southwest Grill for fabulous Tex-Mex treats and Quiznos Subs for a sandwich on the go without sacrificing fresh ingredients and premium meats.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, you'll find Grand Park. Grand Park is the designated green space for the downtown area which is also called the town center. The park offers a lovely space for sitting, people-watching, waiting, or enjoying a live performance. It includes a specially-designed water fountain, lush landscaping and lighting and places to sit and enjoy the view. Grand Park is also a great area for kids to play while waiting for dinner reservations.

So when the skies open up and the rain starts falling, turn off the TV. You're on vacation, CNN can wait. Grab the family and friends and head for Grand Boulevard.