We spent the day at the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Afterwards, we drove to Destin, FL, to meet some old friends who we haven’t seen in about 3 years and now live in Navarre, FL.

We decided to eat outdoors by the water in plain sight of fisherman filetting newly caught fish. It wasn’t my thing, but my kids were fascinated.

For appetizers, we ordered Spinach and Artichoke Dip and Smoked Tuna Dip. I had such high hopes for the Smoke Tuna Dip, but honestly, it tasted like canned tuna with mayonnaise. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip was ok…nothing to write home about.

The menu, on old-style newspaper type paper with lots of interesting back stories, was huge and a little confusing for me, but I think I knew what I wanted. I ordered the Diablo Fish Tacos since we were by the water.

The rest of the party ordered Fried Oysters Po-Boy, Scallops marinated in garlic “walker wood” sauce, and medium rare Yellow Fin Sesame Tuna with Smoked Gouda Grits.

Unlike the appetizers, all the main dishes were excellent. I’ve had grits plenty of time, but never with smoke gouda. Definitely a must-try.