Destin-Fort Walton Beach is gearing up for the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Restaurant Week, scheduled from May 12th to May 20th. This event, initiated by Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach in 2019, allows food enthusiasts to sample delicious lionfish dishes at various featured restaurants throughout the area.
- Local chefs will use their creativity to highlight lionfish in innovative ways, raising awareness about the invasive lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Lionfish, an invasive species, can reduce fish populations and damage reefs by more than 90%. The Northwest Florida region has been identified as having the highest density of invasive lionfish globally, as reported by researchers. To combat this issue, restaurants in Destin and Valparaiso are working together to promote the consumption of lionfish.
“We partner with different restaurants in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, and we provide them with lionfish filets at no cost,” says Alex Fogg, Okaloosa Coastal Resource Manager. “We allow them to prepare lionfish in a bunch of different ways, and each restaurant is a little bit different, so it’s a nice variety.”
Although lionfish are venomous, they are not poisonous and can be safely consumed, offering a delicious and unique culinary experience for adventurous diners.
- Fogg adds, “Restaurant week would not be possible without the Emerald Coast Open, the Pre-Tournament, and all of the divers that are going out and harvesting lionfish to donate them to the event.”
Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to dine at one of the participating restaurants during Lionfish Restaurant Week.
- May 12: Boathouse Landing (Valparaiso)
- May 13: Harbor Tavern
- May 14: Dewey Destin Harborside
- May 15: Crab Trap (Destin)
- May 16: La Paz
- May 17: Harbor Docks
- May 18: Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
- May 20: AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (Destin)
The event will also feature guest judges from around the county who will sample the dishes and rank the restaurants on presentation and education about lionfish. One restaurant will be crowned the 2023 winner.
- Last year, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer won with Chef Al Massa’s Pan Seared Florida Lionfish with black forbidden rice, melting zucchini ribbons with a chardonnay shellfish butter.
Be sure to order lionfish and savor the unique flavors while supporting a vital cause for the Gulf of Mexico and our local marine ecosystem.
2 Responses
Every year, I miss the opportunity to try this fish, but this year, I’ll not miss out!
We had Blackened Lionfish today at the Crabtrap. So perfectly crafted, with wild rice and vegetable medley. Hefty portion of fish. Very fresh and sat outside with a beautiful view. Had a Destin pale ale. Perfect compliment.