Southern Breeze Magazine - The Good Life on the Gulf Coast

a tapas tour of the gulf coast!

By Mark A. Newman, Courtney Austin, and Deborah Burst - photography by Jack Gardner

Café Rendezvous

During a recent visit to the Coast of Florida, I discovered a hidden jewel in Seaside. Coastal ambiance mixed with the vibes of a French café and a dash of big city flair combine within Café Rendezvous, a posh tapas bar.
A dark wood bar surrounded by plush seating is available in a unique, artsy atmosphere, but the afternoon was too nice to stay inside. I sat outdoors in the salty sea breeze in what resembled a European garden nestled in the midst of Seaside’s charming shopping district.

After examining the extensive wine list featuring boutique wines from around the world, I chose the Ferrari Carano Pinot Grigio—which would turn out to be an excellent accompaniment to my meal. With such a unique, broad menu, the choice of what to order was difficult, but with the first bite, I knew I made the right decision. My mouth still waters thinking of the lollipop lambchops that melted with each bite. Covered in sea salt and spices, the succulent lamb was served atop a bed of fresh grilled vegetables, and even though tapas mean literally “small meals,” I was full before I could clean my plate (although I wanted to!).

The waiter brought a heavenly dessert—warm crepes filled with Nutella—to the table next to me, and I decided I had to have my own. While in Paris, I had an unforgettable crepe, but Rendezvous’ version of the French classic far exceeded the memories of this delectable dessert.
Whether in the mood for a savory brunch, drinks and a light meal, or a feast of tapas, Café Rendezvous is the perfect place to rendezvous!.—Courtney Austin

Café Rendezvous, Seaside, 850-534-0254, www.caferendezvous.net

blu

The Mississippi Coast has no shortage of great restaurants but if you’re on the hunt for lip-smacking tapas, head up to the ninth floor to BLU at the Treasure Bay Hotel & Casino in Biloxi. Overseen by Chef Matt Lewis, the menu items at BLU have a Midwestern sensibility (where Chef Matt is from) tweaked with Southern style. For more traditional fare, gravitate to an overabundant cheese plate or the roasted red pepper tapenade, however if you ignore the rest of the menu you’re doing your taste buds a grave disservice. The seared sashimi-grade tuna with soy sauce mayo is nothing short of mouthwatering and the twin scallops prepared both traditionally seared and with ginger soy are definite musts. BLU is also the hot spot for arguably the best escargot on the Mississippi Coast and don’t be surprised if you make a journey to the top of Treasure Bay just to have another round of Chef Matt’s trio of oyster shooters.! —Mark A. Newman

BLU, Treasure Bay Hotel & Casino, 1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 800-747-2839

Pamplona Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Named after the classic Basque bullfighting heart of northern Spain, Pamplona sets the stage with top-shelf tapas dining. Reminiscent of Hemingway’s hideaway, a wall of majestic matadors and wrought iron décor fuse urban elegance and rustic simplicity. A world-wide traveler, Chef William Annesley, blends a lavish collection of exotic herbs and spices to a succulent mix of seafood, farm-fresh seasonals, and fresh meats.

Complement the palate with a medley of Spanish fare dashed with an English flair and wrapped with a Cajun twist. Savor the Ciabatta bread with garlic chili oil, grape-stuffed roasted quail wrapped in bacon with a balsamic blood orange glaze, and seared Hudson Valley foie gras with pears and Pedro Ximenez Sherry sauce. Hunters and gatherers can take advantage of the Pamplona Nose-to-Tail menu/service where, with 24 hours notice, Chef William will prepare your fresh game for the next evening’s dinner. A well-appointed bar serves cocktails prepared with fresh-squeezed juices, a variety of beers, an extensive collection of Spanish wines, and an oyster bar with a front row seat to the chefs in action.—Deborah Burst

Pamplona Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 631 Jefferson St., Lafayette, 337-232-0070, www.pamplonatapas.com

Outside the box: eat outdoors
Small bites, big taste: tapas
Our town: staff favorites
The art of the eel: sushi
mississippi yearning

Boss oyster

Picked by Catherine Neill Juchheim

If you’re looking for a great place to relax and grab a bite, look no further than Boss Oyster Restaurant in downtown Apalachicola. The eatery in this scenic river town invites residents and visitors alike to slow down and enjoy the view of the meandering boats and lingering waterfowl while you dine on delicious Gulf seafood fresh from local waters. Located on the banks of the Apalachicola River, this little jewel offers its famous Apalachicola Bay oysters 30 ways—from raw on the halfshell to baked and smothered in just about any ingredient you can imagine, including bacon and jalapenos! And they don’t just stop with oysters. Boss Oyster is also famous for its blue crab, bay scallops, and jumbo shrimp.

For diners with slightly different tastes, you only need to take a few steps across the courtyard to Boss Oyster’s sister restaurant, Caroline’s. There you can help yourself to pasta, steak, or the best breakfast menu in town, all with the same great outdoor view. And being in animal-friendly Apalachicola, your pets are welcome to join you for your outdoor dining experience

Boss Oyster Restaurant, Apalachicola, FL, 850-653-9364, www.apalachicolariverinn.com