790 North is Local’s Favorite Snowbird Lunch Spot

Last week my husband and I were looking for somewhere different to go for lunch, we were tired of our usual spots. I suggested 790 North which rests on the first floor of The Inn at Crystal Beach on Scenic Hwy 98. He said “Isn’t that kind of expensive, it’s right on the Gulf and I think they are pretty pricey. This is just lunch.” I said that we should at least check out the menu and what a wonderful surprise!

Besides their regular every day menu items like duck and Andouille gumbo, spicy hurricane shrimp and Miss Anna’s home style meatloaf their lunch specials were amazing! Not only could you choose from Blackened Mahi Tacos, an avocado stuffed with chunky chicken salad, Greek Moussaka or a fried oyster ceasar salad -- just to mention a few -- but the view of the Gulf was stunning. It is always more brilliant in the winter for some reason. Oh and I was equally as stunned when I read that all lunch specials come with bread pudding! Only my favorite dessert ever! And all under $7.99… crazy right?

So just when I thought this Tuesday couldn’t get any better I spot a line at the top of the menu that reads “Endless Champagne and Mimosas! Only$ 4.99 (regularly $5.99)” My husband and I met gazes and as sure as I knew the Packers were going to win the Super Bowl I also knew that this was going to be an epic Tuesday. The way that “two endless champagnes please” rolls off your tongue is just delicious. And so was the French champagne – not too sweet not too dry. It’s bubbliness complimented the richness of the creamy dressing and parmesan shavings. Plus, the oysters were perfectly fried in Louisiana batter so that they were crisp yet savory at the same time. My husband got the stuffed avocado and the chicken salad in it was just right. Not too much mayonnaise and delicious herb flavoring. Our waiter – Mr. Paradise – was so attentive and I noticed all the staff was happily spinning about serving a delighted lunch crowd.

By the time the bread pudding arrived we were in a sunshine state of mind and realized why our beloved Destin is so popular. Its places like 790 North with their homegrown herbs, true and tried recipes and great service that make our precious Gulf of Mexico shine even brighter.

Published on Tuesday, February 15, 2011