South Walton featured on Emeril’s TV show this Sunday

Chef Emeril Lagasse Samples Restaurants in South Walton County on Latest Emeril’s Florida TV Episode
-Local FRLA Restaurants in Sandestin, Seaside, Seagrove and Santa Rosa Beach are Showcased –

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing on Sunday, January 26, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. CST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode titled, “Find Your Perfect Beach and Bites – Part 1” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse tours some of the best restaurants in South Walton County.

“The flavors in South Walton represent some of the tastes truest to Florida because of the Gulf inspired cuisine served at restaurants along the coast,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This episode gives viewers a chance to tour the panhandle through the eyes of Chef Emeril and it will surely inspire them to find their own perfect beach and bites.”

Chef Emeril begins the episode at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and visits their high-end steak house, Seagar’s. While there, Emeril meets Executive Chef Dan Vargo and they sample some of the chef’s signature dishes. Prime beef is on the menu in the form of a 48-ounce Porterhouse Steak and there are also some creative seafood dishes including: a Red Snapper and Tuna “Duo of Tartare” and fresh “Alaskan King Crab Ravioli.” Next, Emeril heads to Seaside and stops at several of the food trucks in the middle of town, sampling Raw & Juicy, Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, and Barefoot BBQ. Over in Seagrove Beach, Emeril meets Executive Chef David Cunningham at V Seagrove and tries some of his cuisine, including pork belly, Wagyu brisket, and some unconventional shrimp and grits. Emeril wraps up the episode at Crust Artisan Bakery in Santa Rosa Beach. There, he talks with Mark and Kim Fressel about the evolution of the bakery and Emeril samples some of Mark’s authentic Italian cuisine. The show reruns on Monday, January 27th at 8:30 a.m. CST and Thursday, January 26rd at 10:30 a.m. CST. Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Two is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the second season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer