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.

As the Summer heat begins to relinquish its grasp on Seaside, Fall begins to creep in. When everyone switches from swim trunks to cardigans and the colors start to change, beachgoers swap beach balls for footballs and our town comes alive.

Autumn is full of fun events, fantastic foods, and a full calendar of football games. Watching your favorite team isn’t complete without a game-day snack. Luckily, vacationing in Seaside means you never have to choose between a good time and great food. Read on to discover some of the best Autumn eats, whether you’re tailgating or heading to the beach.

Modica Market

The classic market offers fantastic wings, which are the perfect pre-game meal. These wings are ideal for the armchair quarterbacks and are available for the whole fan club. Modica Market also offers a variety of snacks to round out your tailgate – after all, what tailgate is complete without chips and dip? Modica Market sells Buffalo Chicken dip, Southern-Fried Pickle dip, and Street Corn dip, just to name a few.

Shrimp Shack

Shrimp Shack is carrying on the Southern tradition of gumbo on game day and the Seafood Gumbo is famous around town for a reason. This gumbo is made up of a classic roux base and includes shrimp and andouille sausage, which is then topped with rice. The warm gumbo comes in two sizes: a cup or bowl. The smaller size is the perfect snack for a chilly tailgate.

Barefoot BBQ

This barbecue spot has your tailgate covered with their take on the shareable snack, nachos. The BBQ nachos include your choice of pork, chicken, or beef brisket, and the tortilla chips are then smothered with beans, cheese, onions, jalapenos, and sour cream. Be on the lookout for these nachos come kickoff.

Daytrader Tiki Bar

With many fantastic menu items like their Tuna Crispy Rice, Maui Fries, and Maui Burger, Seaside’s newest tiki restaurant and bar has your game day party needs covered with a tropical twist. Daytrader’s boiled peanuts were recently featured in The New York Times and make a lovely game day snack. Daytrader also offers happy hour wings that are easy to pick up on your way to watch the big game.

Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs

Swap football vibes for baseball vibes with specialty hot dogs, including the “Chi-Town” made with Chicago relish, celery salt, pickle, poppyseed, tomato, and white onions, or “The Carolina,” made with mustard, chili, and homemade slaw. You’ll be transported to your favorite field instantaneously. Of course, they also offer the classic hot dog and their famous soft pretzels if you prefer that local park feel.

Pickle’s Sandbar

Pickle’s Sandbar is the place to be during football season! Spend your gameday here while watching the Sunday Ticket and playing a game of cornhole in the sand. You’ll be bringing your tailgate to the beach! They now offer delicious wings, which are the perfect gameday meal as well as refreshing drink specials.