Food is an incredible art that we all love to enjoy. The truth is that we could get by on small game, twigs and berries but where is the fun in that? Over centuries, culinary arts have been developed to create the amazing dishes we’re able to taste today. Just yesterday, I was lucky enough to sample some delicious food from Chef Nasri, owner of At Your Service Catering in Destin, Florida and our newest Southern Perks Partner (offering our guests 15% off).

Chef Nasri has carefully sharpened his skills and recipes as he’s trained in Egypt, Paris, New York and Houston before making his way to the Beaches of Northwest Florida. Mastering the art of Mediterranean Cuisines, he infuses the best of Southern, Cajun and Tex-Mex flavors into his dishes. While he does stand by his mouth watering recipes, he is happy to prepare any of your favorite dishes to match your particular taste.

Whether you’re having a family gathering, business lunch, fishing trip, wedding or even a simple romantic dinner for two, At Your Service Catering can travel from Pensacola Beach to Port St. Joe to provide the perfect food to accent your event.

At Your Service Catering takes great pride in using the freshest ingredients and cooking the finest foods while offering respectful and courteous service. All dishes are made from scratch with passion, history and creativity.

The next time you’re staying along Northwest Florida’s Beaches with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals, be sure to try our newest Southern Perks Partner, At Your Service Catering.

Start making plans to gather your family and friends for the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival taking place September 17-19, 2010. But before you head out the door, read on about some of the new changes for this year.

The normal location has been changed to Destin’s Royal Melvin Heritage Park and the Fisherman’s Wharf parking lot. This change in location positions the festival amidst Destin’s fishing docks and the change of date makes it a perfect start to the Destin Fishing Rodeo taking place the entire month of October.

Information will soon be available on entertainment, sponsorships, arts & crafts and food vendors. For more information, please contact the Chamber at (850) 837-6241.

On Saturday, August 28th, the 14th Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament will begin at 5:00am and end at 5:00pm. Take a look at our Forgotten Coast vacation rentals to find an awesome accommodation for your stay.

There will  be a Captain’s Party at the El Governor Motel on Friday, August 27th, beginning at 5 pm. Food and drinks will be available from 5:00-7:00pm followed by the distribution of door prizes.

You can register at the Captain’s Party or pre-register at Marquardt’s Marina in Mexico Beach and Half Hitch Tackle or Blue Water Outrigger, both in Port St. Joe.

The weigh-ins will be on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm unto 5:00pm at Marquardt’s Marina. Entry fees are $150 per boat and you can have as many fishermen on the boat as you like.

The prizes are:

Come out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf in the Beaches of South Walton for the last Mini Gras and Boomin’ Tuesday of the Summer. Over the last few months, every Tuesday has offered special children’s activities in the main events plaza from 7 – 10 pm along with fireworks at 9:15pm!

There are balloon animals, FREE face painting and crafts with Abrakadoodle, awesome music and more physical activities available requiring the purchase of a $10 wrist band. There are also unique shops and delicious restaurants. With everything combined, the whole family is bound to have a fantastic time.

The Village crowns a new King and Queen every week who will throw moon pies and candy to the crowds of fun loving people. Also, as a special privilege, the King and Queen begin the fireworks show at 9:15 pm.

If you’re in town for this fun event, be sure to make plans to come. It will be a fun and memorable night for the whole family.

The 24th Annual Sandestin Triathlon is coming up on August 21st. Let’s be honest, there is a very small percentage of us who are in shape enough to handle one of these events. I’ll be the first one to admit than I’d fall out before the first leg of the race is over. In fact, I’d be the guy over at the snack bar when the race begins at 6:30 am. But, when you see these athletes perform, it’s amazing to witness their drive and passion.

Approximately 700 competitors will start things off with a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim. Then, they will quickly strap on their shoes and grab their bike for a 20 mile ride along the coast. Finally, a 4 mile run through Sandestin’s beach and bayside communities will top off the day.

Make your plans to visit the Beaches of South Walton  for the 24th Annual Sandestin Triathlon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.

The 18th Annual Emerald Coast Boat Week and Poker Run takes place from August 11 – 15, 2010 in Fort Walton Beach.

The festivities begin August 11th with the Boat Week Ladies Night at Helen Back beginning at 8 pm. On Thursday, August 12th, the Miss Boat Week Bikini Contest will be held at the Swamp starting at 8 pm.

On Friday, August 13th, there will be the “Skippers Safety Meeting at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort. At 5 pm, there will be a Captain’s Reception at A.J.’s along with a “Rock the Dock Party” with Mike and Micros playing from 1-8 pm and 7 Sharp Nine from 9 pm – 2 am.

Saturday, August 14th, is the big day for the Emerald Coast Poker Run. Here are the following stops and additional stops are still being determined.

1. AJ’s Bimini Breeze @ Crab Island
2. Schooners Wharf – Niceville/Bluewater
3. Fish Lips – Okaloosa Island
5. Scully’s on the Bayou – Fort Walton Beach
6. Adventure Marine / Helen Back Café – Okaloosa Island
7. Juana’s Pagoda – Navarre Beach
8. Helen Back Again – Navarre Beach
9. Bamboo Willies @ Quietwater Beach Boardwalk – Pensacola Beach

At 5 pm, all stops close and at 6:30 pm there will be a Poker Run Party at the Emerald Coast Conference Center.

On Sunday, August 15th, hang out at Crab Island all day along with Goldring Gulf and 99 Rock from 12 – 3 pm. At 5 pm, Boat Week Extreme will perform a Jet Ski, Wakeboard and Ski Show at Scully’s on the Bayou.

Whether you’re staying in a Fort Walton Beach or Destin Vacation Rental, you will be close to all of the action.

On Sunday, August 1st, come out to the Southern Rock Jam Benefit from noon to 10:00pm at the Aaron Bessant Amphitheatre in Panama City Beach. It will feature live performances by Jimmy Hall & Wet Willie, Tommy Talton, Big Mike & the Booty Papas, Kelly and the Healers, Lingo * and special guests.

Proceeds will be donated to:
Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund (helping the fisherman and people)

Florida Audubon Defenders of Wildlife (helping the pelicans and birds)

National Wildlife Federation Gulf Oil Spill Restoration (helping the dolphins, sea turtles and sea life)

Tickets are available day of the show at the gate or advance purchase by contacting “Contact Southern Select Artist” at 850-481-0391 or email: southernrockgulfcoastjam@gmail.com

Tickets: $20 adults & $10 for children 11 and under.

Join the fun at Harborwalk Village in Destin for this amazing concert to celebrate, inspire and benefit Northwest Florida’s Beaches. On August 22, 2010 from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm there will be 12 full hours of live music along with delicious food, kids’ crafts and much more.

The current list of performers includes Greg Barnhill, Coco Robicheaux, Jones and Company, Long Reef, Mike and the Micros, Sundance Head, Ron Adams, Dread Clampitt, Black Eyed Blonde, Cadillac Willy, Lektric Mullet, The Fly Tones, The Forrest Williams Band, Donnie Sundal, Heritage, Hubba Hubba and the list goes on!

If you love white sand and emerald water then Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals is the place to be. As the most caring vacation rental company along the Beaches of Northwest Florida we keep you informed on all of the happenings along our shores with our Gulf Coast Blogs, Event Calendar and Oil Spill Updates. We also have a FACEBOOK page with exclusive specials and a chance for you to win a FREE two night stay (some restrictions apply).

Simply go to http://www.facebook.com/SouthernResorts and “like” us to become eligible. On August 1, 2010 we will randomly select one of our Facebook Fans for the Free Stay. Read the full contest rules here.

Have a look at our Beach Vacation Specials to begin planning your next vacation to the beach and good luck with the Southern Resorts Facebook Contest!

The Gulf County Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the Florida Scallop & Music Festival in Port St. Joe. Every year, this Festival allows locals and visitors a chance to experience some of the best food and activities along Northwest Florida’s Beaches.

This year, August 6-8, 2010, there will be arts & crafts, a Kids’ Zone, tons of live music from talented musicians and world renowned chefs.

There will be a Patrons’ Dinner on Friday night where many of the Southeast’s most talented chefs will create a multi course dinner at the School of Fish restaurant in WindMark Beach.

Saturday and Sunday, everyone will enjoy scallops, an antique car & truck show, a Kids’ Zone with petting zoo and educational marine exhibits.

Admission is free for children ages 10 and under, military personnel and those 65 years and older. General Admission to the Festival is $5 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday.