SEASIDE® brought a slice of the Gulf Coast to the Windy City at Chicago Gourmet’s annual Chef’s Get Pickled and Rooftop Events Series, and the result was equal parts epicurean showcase and coastal daydream.

Our own Chef Jim Shirley of Great Southern Café was honored to be a featured chef alongside an elite group of Chicago culinary superstars.

Guests stepped onto the South Walton putting green to test their short game while savoring bites that instantly transported them miles away from Michigan Avenue. 

Chef and his talented team delighted the crowd with his iconic Grits a Ya Ya and West Indies Crab Salad, treating Chicago to the flavors that make the SEASIDE® dining scene unforgettable.

Chef Art Smith and his team even sported Seaside hats to show their love, while Featured Chefs Jernard Wells and Lorena Garcia jumped right into the fun.

In partnership with Visit South Walton, SEASIDE® added the entertainment with mini golf as a playful, interactive escape tucked between the gourmet stations and framed by Chicago’s skyline. It was the perfect moment that makes people stop, engage, and want to learn more about our own slice of paradise. 

The SEASIDE® team was on site all weekend, chatting with guests and connecting with media and VIP partners to share the story of the town and its unique culinary offerings. The full slate of annual events served as a natural conversation topic, reminding us just how deeply SEASIDE® resonates even hundreds of miles from the coast. With winter knocking on Chicago’s door, it was the perfect opportunity to spark a little sunshine envy and keep SEASIDE® top of mind for their next warm-weather escape.

From bites to birdies to beach scenes, SEASIDE®’s presence at Chicago Gourmet offered guests a momentary getaway and a reminder that the sugar-white sand is never too far away.

A new restaurant concept inspired by a native coastal upbringing and rooted in seasonal, locally sourced ingredients is opening along SEASIDE®’s iconic Airstream Row. Wild Nectar, a fresh-pressed juice bar and coastal kitchen serving nutrient-rich bowls, salads, and bright modern flavors, will open in November 2025.

Wild Nectar is owned by Kolbi Amos and Hayden Shaw, two owners committed to making healthy dining approachable, satisfying, and genuinely delicious. “We’re so excited to be part of the Seaside community! East Pass Coffee has become a home away from home for us and our guests, and we hope Wild Nectar carries that same warm, welcoming feeling,” says Amos. “We want to create a cozy spot embraced by the community.”

Amos and Shaw’s story began with a shared love of food, community, and the Emerald Coast. Hayden, a Florida native with nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, helped bring East Pass Coffee in Destin to life, creating its menu and shaping its laid-back atmosphere. Kolbi’s background spans marketing, photography, and hospitality, and after time spent traveling, she returned home to the Emerald Coast. Together, the duo is blending creativity, coastal living, and modern food culture into something that adds to the magic of 30A.

“Our concept was born out of a genuine connection: between food, people, and place. We’ve been so lucky to build community at East Pass, a space where families and friends can hang out and feel at home,” says Shaw.” That’s the same energy we want to bring to SEASIDE®, good, healthy food that tastes incredible and a welcoming spot where everyone feels nourished and cared for.”

Wild Nectar’s menu will feature fresh-pressed juices, açaí bowls, salads, and sandwiches, along with rotating seasonal specials.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Wild Nectar to SEASIDE®,” says Seaside Community Development Corporation General Manager Kevin Boyle. “After months of collaboration, it’s exciting to see their vision come to life in a way that complements our town’s vibrant and healthy spirit. Our Airstream merchants offer a uniquely memorable guest experience, and they remain an essential piece of SEASIDE®’s  hospitality and New Urbanism puzzle.”

The Wild Nectar team has already begun sourcing from local farms, artisanal bakeries, and regional makers to shape menus and build a restaurant identity that is genuinely rooted in SEASIDE®.

“We want every guest to feel genuinely welcome — like they’ve found their new favorite spot,” adds Amos. “If they leave thinking the food was amazing, the people were kind, and they can’t wait to come back tomorrow, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”

Wild Nectar is set to open in SEASIDE® in mid-November 2025.

Modica Market can assemble the perfect charcuterie board for your next gathering

Modica Market, Seaside’s quaint gourmet grocery, is one of the country’s most famous small markets in small towns. Sample their selections of fresh, homemade Southern specialties and gourmet to-go meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. The market also has an extensive collection of wines, craft beers, local and imported condiments, and unique foodie finds — from cheeses to ice creams to coffees.

Opened March 17, 1989 by Charles Modica Sr. and his wife, Sarah, the grocery shop began with a simple deal-sealing handshake between Modica and Seaside founder Robert Davis, and has since flourished into one of the most recognizable businesses along Highway 30A. As the market celebrates three decades in business, the next generation of the family — Charles Modica Jr. and Carmel Modica — runs the store together.

Before he passed away in 2010, Charles Sr., who was considered one of the town’s founding fathers, was a recognizable face among community members, known for his bushy white beard and kind, inviting smile.

Over the years, Modica, one of the town’s first establishments, has become a hotspot for shopping, eating and socializing. The business has also become a hub for local children, who walk to the store after school to enjoy fresh baked cookies and leftover doughnuts from that morning. 

People love Modica so much, they stock up on merch, including tote bags, koozies, mugs and glasses, hats and T-shirts, and much more.

Melanie Scicluna, manager of the store, puts her skills to use by assembling elegant and appetizing charcuterie boards for customers. Beyond the traditional selection of specialty meats and cheeses, Modica can customize your snack board to suit your tastes. Melanie says the snack boards can accommodate everyone’s appetites and needs, including vegan options. “A lot of people are going for veggies with dips,” she says. 

If you need some suggestions, Melanie’s expertise in pairing meats and cheeses can get you set for your gettogether, with some of her go-to favorites for her customers. “You could start with a Cotswold English cheddar, which is just delicious,” she says. “Our marinated goat cheese is one of our specialties, and we’ve got Red Clay pimento cheese, one comes with jalapeno, and the other is sharp. Add some black-peppered dry salami. Also, we have a dry chorizo that is delicious. Another goodie is the Bellavitano, a sweet nutty cheese. You can get it in flavors like espresso, rosemary or merlot.” 

Recently for a campfire birthday party, Melanie made a S’mores-themed board. “We can make a chocolate board, with a mix of decadent treats,” Melanie says, “including macarons, cake bites and other sweet foods.”

Use your imagination and dream up your favorite charcuterie board for your next gathering. Nothing brings people together like sharing food and enjoying each other’s company.

Airstream Row’s classic grilled cheese spot celebrates 15 years

By Margaret Abrams 

Over the years, The Meltdown On 30A has become one of the most famous Airstreams on the block, as people line up for innovative takes on grilled cheese and old favorites. The Seaside sandwich trailer is celebrating its 15th anniversary this fall. It has been there since Airstream Row first started serving up a mix of traditional and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, alongside soups and chips for the perfect pairing. 

Called the “best flip-flop cuisine on 30A,” the Meltdown certainly lives up to its name. Whether you’re craving an elevated grilled cheese with a truffle twist, or you want to keep it simple with a classic American cheese, there’s truly something for everyone. Best of all, there’s really no better beach snack, which is why it has been a favorite for so many years. Visitors often grab a favorite book from Sundog Books, along with their go-to sandwich, and head down to the water for an impromptu picnic. Plus, it’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., guaranteeing it’s the ultimate lunch or late-night snack. 

And it’s not only about the sandwiches. Spend time in the area and you’re more than likely to spot someone wearing a T-shirt proudly proclaiming “I had a meltdown on 30A,” thanks to the iconic merch. 

A new Airstream is popping up unique flavors of a favorite snack

By Margaret Abrams

Airstream Row seems to offer everything a vacationer could dream of, from hot dogs to crepes. But now, there’s a new kid on the block, and it’s serving up the popcorn of your wildest dreams. Hunter Davis, the Panhandle native behind personal chef service The Dish and the Spoon, and owner of Odd Pelican Beer, introduces another innovative venture. Hunter, who’s father Larry Davis works with Seaside Group Sales and Cottage Rental Agency (and happens to be town founder Robert Davis’ half-brother, guaranteeing it’s a family business), grew up in the area and is constantly thinking of fresh, fun ways to upgrade the 30A food scene. 

The latest is Seaside Pop, serving up a wild variety of gourmet popcorn flavors. The idea was masterminded by General Manager of Seaside Community Development Corp. Kevin Boyle, who was inspired by his love of popcorn and his frequent visits to Walt Disney World. 

“We have been making popcorn at our house for years and eventually began making our own seasonings,” Hunter, a dad of two who lives in Santa Rosa Beach, told The Seaside Times. Hunter’s Airstream trailer offers hot, fresh popcorn along with a wide variety of homemade seasonings, including dill pickle, ranch, cajun, white cheddar, parmesan and thyme, as well as kettle corn for those who like their popcorn a little sweet. The trailer, which is the same style as the Amavida Donut trailer, will also offer Mexican Coke, Sprite and Fanta in glass bottles, as well as Topo Chico and bottled water.

Eventually the Airstream will offer collectible Seaside Pop! Seasonings to take home so everyone can appreciate the funky flavors anytime. They will also offer collectible branded popcorn buckets for movie nights on the Seaside Amphitheater lawn. Guests can choose between regular and large popcorn, and butter is optional. And for just one dollar more, you can upgrade the regular popcorn with the seasonings.

After seven years of serving their famous dumplings and other street fare, Whitley Dykes and Kunyu Li (Desiree), the duo behind Auburn’s beloved The Irritable Bao, open ‘drome in Seaside. Bringing bold, handcrafted dumplings, bao, and street eats, ‘drome is 30A’s first taste of authentic Northeast Chinese flavors with a modern twist.

Working for months constructing their building, Whitley and Kunyu have just completed the kitchen and eating area. All the while they have perfected their menu, which includes the dumplings and menu specials that made the Irritable Bao a local phenomenon, as well as dishes exclusive to Seaside. A full bar and boba tea round out the menu.

Their culinary journey began in Auburn in 2017, where Dumps Like a Truck became a local favorite street food stop, winning over foodies with its Northeast Chinese flavors and heartfelt mission. Inspired by Kunyu’s heritage and Whitley’s years living in China, their food was more than a meal. It was a love letter to the Auburn community, especially the international students who found comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Their impact reaches beyond the kitchen. Through their nonprofit work with Empowering Young Warriors Asia, they’ve supported children in need in the Philippines and Cambodia and partnered with local organizations in Auburn to uplift families and single mothers.

Now, their next chapter unfolds in Seaside with ‘drome. With a nod to their Auburn roots and a passion for innovation, Whitley and Kunyu are set to bring elevated street food and their signature warmth to the Seaside and 30A community.

Walton County Tourism has announced the winners of the 2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards. Now in its 11th year, the annual awards are nominated and voted upon by residents and visitors who choose their favorites in tourism-related businesses, services and organizations.

More than 6,000 votes were cast across 30 categories to determine the best dining, entertainment, shopping and more in Walton County.

Congratulations to these Seaside merchants and service providers:

Seaside – Best Shopping Area, Platinum

Black Bear Bread co. – Best Breakfast, Platinum; Best Coffee House, Diamond

Amavida Coffee Roasters – Best Coffee House, Gold

The Chapel at Seaside – Best Wedding Venue, Diamond

‘Drome opens in Seaside

The newest venture from Whitley Dykes and Kunyu Li (Desiree), the duo behind Auburn’s beloved The Irritable Bao, introduces ‘drome. Bringing bold, handcrafted dumplings, bao, and street eats, ‘drome is 30A’s first taste of authentic Northeast Chinese flavors with a modern twist.

Their culinary journey began in Auburn in 2017, where Dumps Like a Truck became a local phenomenon, winning over foodies with its Northeast Chinese flavors and heartfelt mission. Inspired by Kunyu’s heritage and Whitley’s years living in China, their food was more than a meal. It was a love letter to the Auburn community, especially the international students who found comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Their impact reaches beyond the kitchen. Through their nonprofit work with Empowering Young Warriors Asia, they’ve supported children in need in the Philippines and Cambodia and partnered with local organizations in Auburn to uplift families and single mothers.

Now, their next chapter unfolds in Seaside with ‘drome. With a nod to their Auburn roots and a passion for innovation, Whitley and Desiree are set to bring elevated street food and their signature warmth to the Seaside and 30A community.

The restaurant will hold its grand opening in spring 2025. Get ready to experience flavors that will inspire and delight!

Taco Bar Gets New Location

Bud and Alley’s Taco Bar has moved. Taco Bar and Pizza Bar are now side by side in Bud & Alley’s flagship building. Enjoy authentic border tacos, bold Latin flavors, and wood-fired Naples-style pizza all in one spot! 

“We are pleased to announce that Taco Bar joins Pizza Bar roadside within the flagship Bud & Alley’s building. Like two sisters joining hands in one convenient place, look for the same authentic border tacos and delicious Latin offerings as well as the finest Naples-style, wood-fired Pizza this side of the Mediterranean.” — founder/owner Dave Rauschkolb. 

Bourbon enthusiasts celebrate an evening of elegance

A first for Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, the famous Seaside eatery held a Bourbon, Bacon, Brews and Cigars night Jan. 23, on a magical evening when Seaside was covered in snow. “Even with the snow, we had 80 people show up, driving on icy roads from all over the South,” says Michael Broadway, director of operations for Bud & Alley’s. “It turned out to be a big hit.” 

Michael had the idea of bourbon night for a few years, and was trying to create an exciting event for January. “I’m a big bourbon guy,” he says. “We carry some of the best bourbons in the state. I was working hard at it and wanted to create something besides a wine tasting. And bacon is a great snack food when you drink bourbon and smoke cigars. It was our first event and I was beyond excited.”

The event included more than 20 bourbons for tasting, a delectable spread of bacon-infused appetizers, desserts donated by Kilwins, and live music performed by Mari Gleason. A silent auction allowed bidders to cast their bids on rare bourbons. 

With ticket prices up to $295, the VIP tasting pours included Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Eagle Rare 17-year Straight Bourbon Whisky and several other high-end bourbons.

“This will be an ongoing event the week after the 30A Songwriters Festival every year,” Michael says. “Even though it was so cold, it was great to see smiling faces enjoying the evening.”

Looking ahead to another drink-themed event? Bud and Alley’s continues to host special events. Check out the event calendar for events happening in Seaside, Florida – linked here. 

Recognized for Excellence

Daytrader chef and co-owner listed among James Beard Awards semifinalists

By Wendy O. Dixon

Chef Nikhil Abuvala, co-owner of Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant, and owner of Roux 30a in Santa Rosa Beach, is a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Awards – Best Chef in the South. The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. 

Considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. The Restaurant and Chef Awards—established in 1990, with the first awards given in 1991—celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments, and are one of several recognition programs of the awards.

“This recognition is an incredible honor,” says Abuvala. “It’s a testament to the hard work of my team, our dedication to local ingredients, and the incredible culinary community here in the South. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our vision and flavors with the world.”

Located at the entrance of the iconic Coleman Beach Pavilion, The Daytrader invites guests to clock out of reality and clock into escape. Seaside President Micah Davis and Chef Abuvala opened the tropical bar in 2023. Inspired by Chef Abuvala’s passion for the coastal cuisine and culture of the more than 1,000 islands that make up Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, The Daytrader seeks to deliver a Polynesian Coast meets the Gulf experience rooted in escapism, with a playful anti-corporate attitude to pair. Open daily for lunch and dinner service. The Daytrader joins the ranks of some of the most notable South Walton eateries as Seaside’s newest merchant and first new table service restaurant debut in over a decade.

Nominees will be announced April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.