NEWS

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast were big winners in Shrimp and Grits Festival

Tina Harbuck
The Destin Log

Under sunny skies, more than 1,000 people came out for the fifth annual Shrimp and Grits Festival on Destin harbor behind Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer on Saturday. 

Not only was the day about who can make the best or even the most creative shrimp and grits, but it was a day to give back. 

All proceeds from the event benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, a local nonprofit organization with clubs in Destin, Pensacola, Crestview, South Walton, DeFuniak Springs and Fort Walton Beach.   

Ashley Pope of The Boathouse offers a cup of shrimp and grits to one of the many festival goers on Saturday. The Boathouse won first place People's Choice Award for their shrimp and grits.

This year’s event pulled in approximately $75,000 for the clubs. 

And the people came from near and far for the event. 

A couple from Crestview said they heard about the event too late last year to make it, but they made sure to make it down Saturday. 

George and Amanda Barham of Texas were having a great time tasting all the versions of shrimp and grits at the festival.

For George and Amanda Barham of Texas, this was their first time at the festival. The couple have a condominium in the area and visit often. 

As for the festival, “It’s a great idea,” George said. 

After trying about half the vendors, the Barhams really liked The Boathouse take on shrimp and grits. 

Fudpucker's won first place Judges Award for best shrimp and grits. Chef Pierce Malone accepted the award on behalf of Fudpucker's.

Locals Dina and David Cunningham were having a great time as always at the festival. 

“I think it’s amazing,” Dina said, noting this was their third or fourth time to the event. 

Dina was really “intrigued” by the Boys and Girls Club take on shrimp and grits. She liked their buffalo shrimp. 

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She also liked Fudpucker’s bacon jam on the shrimp. 

But in the end, Dina said, “it’s all about the grits and the sauce.” 

Not only was there a panel of judges that voted on the best shrimp and grits, but festival goers got to make their choice as well. 

Festival goers jumped in for a congo line dance as the DJ provided entertaining music at the festival.

The winners are as follows:  

  • People’s Choice 1st Place: Boathouse Oyster Bar. 
  • People’s Choice 2nd Place: Knife's Edge Private Chef and Catering. 
  • People’s Choice 3rd Place: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. 
  • Judge’s Choice Best Shrimp: Ruby Slipper Destin. 
  • Judge’s Choice Most Creative: Sura Korean Steakhouse. 
  • Judge’s Choice Best Grits: Boathouse Oyster Bar. 
  • Judge’s Choice 1st Place: Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill. 
  • Judge’s Choice 2nd Place: Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer. 
  • Judge’s Choice 3rd Place: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.