What's Cookin with Chef Jim Shirley

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Returning for the 25th Annual Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival is Chef Jim Shirley. Not only is Jim a nationally recognized restaurateur, but he is also co-owner of Great Southern Restaurant Group, Inc. You may be most familiar with one of these must-visit restaurants: The Fish House, The Atlas Oyster House, and The Fish House Deck Bar in Pensacola. South Walton favorites include the Great Southern Café, 45 Central and The Meltdown on 30A in Seaside, as well as The Bay, and 331 South. The restaurants and Jim's signature style will be represented throughout the weekend festivities. Patrons will get to experience the delicious coastal cuisine catered by Jim and his team at Friday's Al Fresco reserve tasting. Also, Preceding the Sunday Fall Walkabout and Charity Wine Auction at the Hilton SandestinGreat Southern Cafe hosts a Celebration of Bubbles (Reservations for the Celebration of Bubbles can be made through Great Southern Cafe). 

Shirley has a number of accolades including "the best Southern dish in the state of Florida" for his signature Grits a Ya Ya, named by Florida Travel + Life magazine. Great Southern Cafe was recently awarded the 2015 Wine Spectator Award Of Excellence, and Chef Jim Shirley was selected by Governor Rick Scott to represent Florida at the 12th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off, which will take place on Aug 8. Governor Scott said, “Florida has won the Great American Seafood Cook-Off for three years, and we are excited to have another opportunity to participate and share the flavors and traditions of our great state. I chose Chef Jim Shirley to represent our state because he is a truly talented Floridian and a successful restaurateur who is incredibly dedicated to his craft. I look forward to supporting Jim as he secures a fourth win for the Sunshine State.”

We couldn't agree more and we are thrilled to have him as a part of the Seeing Red Wine Festival weekend. See you all there!

Published on Thursday, July 23, 2015