Save the Bay by Eating Oysters – More Destin Restaurants Join the Effort

How can eating oysters help save our Bay? Through the hard work of staff and volunteers with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, when you eat oysters at CBA OYSTER partner restaurants, your oyster shells are recycled to improve the health of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Oyster shells are used to construct an oyster reef habitat. Oyster populations have declined in many places worldwide and Choctawhatchee Bay is no exception. By building reefs, we reintroduce oysters to the Bay and provide a habitat for a variety of other important species. Since an adult oyster can filter as much as two and a half gallons of water per hour, it is critical that their populations flourish. Additionally, oyster reefs provide a barrier against waves and boat wake, helping reduce shoreline erosion.

We were excited to three new South Walton and Destin restaurants have joined the program. In addition to the 10 existing OYSTER partners, we’re pleased to share the following new restaurants are supporting the CBA’s efforts: 

Shunk Gulley is a new locals hot spot in Santa Rosa Beach on Scenic Highway 30A. Named after a famed reef that was known among the fishing community, Shunk Gulley is building a reputation for its fresh local seafood and oysters. Diners can enjoy raw oysters served with cocktail, horseradish and lemon for $8 a dozen. Or enjoyed them cooked with garlic parmesan or bacon, cheddar, jalapeno.

 AJ’s Grayton Beach opened in Grayton Beach in the location of the former Pandora’s Restaurant and has a growing base of fans. In addition to their diverse menu, AJ’s Grayton Beach features a dozen raw oysters for $15.95 (or $10.95 in the winter when they are plentiful). They also offer baked or steamed options, including Oysters Aj’s with jalapenos, jack cheese and bacon and Oysters Italiano dressed in garlic butter, romano cheese and herbs. 

Half Shell Oyster House opened in Destin last year. This Gulf coast restaurant brand is known for local Gulf oysters and a variety of Gulf Coast seafood with a New Orleans flare.  At Half Shell Oyster House Destin dozen raw oysters on the half shell are $15.50. From there, diners have a wide selection of baked and steamed offerings that are exceptionally diverse, including Charbroiled over an open flame with white wine, butter, garlic and herb sauce; Oysters Orleans charbroiled over an open flame and basted with New Orleans style smoky Cajun sauce; Oysters Bienville topped with an herb, mushroom, crab, Gulf shrimp, bacon and Italian bread crumb mixture then baked and finished with parmesan cheese; and Oysters Rockefeller topped with fresh spinach, cream cheese, herbs and Pernod then baked and finished with Parmesan cheese. 
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We hope you’ll join the effort and eat oysters to help save our Bay on your next Destin vacation. Haven’t book your next beach getaway? View our premier South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!

Published by Tracy Louthain
Tuesday, January 9, 2018