New restaurant serves classic Italian and showcases local seafood
Emeril Lagasse’s newest restaurant is now open in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Emeril’s Coastal Italian opens daily at 11:30 a.m., seven days a week offering one menu for both lunch and dinner.
The menu is Italian and Gulf seafood-inspired, serving a variety of dishes from fresh pastas, flatbread pizzas and house made meatballs to a local fish special of the day, oysters Florentine and skillet Gulf shrimp. To the delight of his customers, Chef Emeril’s famous banana cream pie is featured on the dessert menu.
“My team and I have had a lot of fun developing this menu and exploring all the amazing ingredients that the region has to offer. We are thrilled to open our doors and look forward to bringing an experience we can be proud of to our guests. We just try to make people a little happier leaving than when they walked in,” said Lagasse.
Gulf Coast born and raised, Shane Quinlan is chef de cuisine of Emeril’s Coastal Italian and Ki Song An, a long-time Chef Emeril protégée, is the general manager.
“The interior space and design of the restaurant was as much of a priority as the menu itself,” said Lagasse.
The décor, inspired by Alden Lagasse’s vision for an approachable yet elegant atmosphere, merges Italian and coastal influences. The design team included interior designer Susan Lovelace, ASID from Lovelace Interior, design associates Brooke Williams, and interior design assistant Amber Miller. Also, architects Geoff Chick & Jeff Margaretten.
The Lagasses chose Landon Lott of New Orleans to be the featured artist showcasing his larger-than-life murals as a main focal point. The neutral color palette, furnishings and dramatic lighting create a sophisticated yet casual ambiance that balances the bustling open kitchen and lively rectangular bar and café.
The restaurant joins a premier group of 13 restaurants in Grand Boulevard, a popular Northwest Florida Town Center that has become a culinary destination for visitors and the local population.
Emeril’s Coastal Italian is located at 435 Grand Boulevard, next door to the Boulevard 10 Cinema. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available. To learn more about the restaurant or to make reservations, call emerilsrestaurants.com.
About Grand Boulevard
Grand Boulevard is the shop, dine, play and stay Town Center located on Northwest Florida’s Beaches. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard offers a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. Grand Boulevard is a Howard Group and Merchants Retail Partners property. For more information, please call emerilsrestaurants.com for more info.