I love vacations where I can visit unique historic sites and blog about them for you, but between our travel distances being limited by the pandemic and the fact that we have a busy toddler who does not seem to enjoy history at all, this has been put on hold. There is a growing trend among bloggers to take vacations that involve unique culinary experiences, so I will follow that trend and share where we ate in Santa Rosa Beach.
During the three days that we were there, one goal was to do a combination of home cooked meals and locally owned seafood restaurants.
Local Catch
We discovered this restaurant a few years ago, and it quickly became our favorite. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but the food is presented by the hand of an artist. Our standard order is the grouper Lagniappe–sautéed grouper bathed in a citrus butter sauce–served with garlic mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked green beans.
I won’t even attempt to recreate their grouper at home because it’s just too wonderful, but I would like to know how they cook their green beans. They taste wonderful, are the perfect combination between soft and crunchy, and somehow don’t have any black marks. If any of you have a good green bean recipe, please share.
Pizza By the Sea
This restaurant has no indoor dining. There is a small, open air seating area that hangs off the second story of another building and is supported by large wooden beams. I enjoy Pizza By the Sea because it has by far the best gluten-free pizza that I have ever eaten. It is rare to find a gluten-free pizza crust that isn’t made of cauliflower. This one tastes “normal” (not gluten free) which is what I go for. I ordered a decently “healthy” Hawaiian pizza (bacon and pineapple).
Mr. Handsome, on the other hand, chose the Quadruple Bypass. I kid you not, that’s what it’s called. With all the types of meat you can imagine for a pizza, it’s a meat lovers paradise. We ate at 8 o’clock and enjoyed a beautiful evening.
Snacks
We discovered a locally owned store called For the Health of It, which makes fresh smoothies with no added sugar. Our favorite is the Santa Rosa Sunshine. I’m not sure if it’s actually amazing or if it just tastes amazing when you’re drinking it on vacation, but it really hits the spot after a day at the beach.
I was also pleased to find Blue Mountain Bakery, which has a wide variety of homemade, gluten-free treats that also do not taste like they are gluten-free. When Mr. Handsome sampled the cinnamon crumb cake, he said, “I don’t usually steal my wife’s gluten-free treats, but this is so delicious that I’m going to make an exception.” I didn’t mind because the piece was so big and tempting that it was good to have someone to share with.
Cuisine de Mr. Handsome
To save money, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up ingredients for breakfasts and half our other meals. Mr. Handsome does most or all of the cooking on our trips, which is a nice break for me.
BBQ on the Road
Last time we drove to the Florida Panhandle, we started the tradition of stopping at Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Birmingham. They use a vinegar-based sauce, which isn’t my favorite style of BBQ, but Mr. Handsome loves it.
Which of these meals looks and sounds the most scrumptious to you?
Anonymous
Every one of the pics of food and smoothies looks so delicious. Isn’t it so nice to find good and desserts that are gluten free that don’t taste gluten free? It’s always such a special treat for me when I eat out and the gluten free food is good. lol it will be fun seeing.your good blogging and will also give us good tips on where to find good food too.
Ellie
Yes, it’s such a surprise when I find good gluten-free food! What are some of your favorite places to eat?
Tiffany
The pizza and fish both look pretty good .
Glad you found GF pizza .
Elizabeth
How long have you been gluten free for Ellie?
Ellie
Only strictly for about a year. I will likely go back to eating some gluten at some point, but I’m trying it for now.
Eileen
All the food looks so yummy, so interesting you can find great GF food on these trips. Do you have any smoothie recipes or ideas for good smoothies? I am trying to have them become a regular part of our meal plans. Thanks.
Ellie
Hi Eileen,
Most of my smoothies just contain frozen fruit and juice (with no added sugar). Some people add yogurt, but I’m not a huge fan of yogurt. I enjoy experimenting with different flavors. Frozen pineapple, frozen mango, and coconut juice is a great combo!
Ellie
B
I don’t like Yogurt either.