Gaining in publicity is the gluten-free diet, a way to deal with celiac disease or wheat allergies.  Thankfully, as this diet gains in publicity, restaurants are responding with gluten-free menu options. Where can you eat in Panama City Beach if you are participating in this diet be it medically or voluntarily?

Bonefish Grill- Hutchison Boulevard

Offering an extensive menu for those on gluten-free diets, Bonefish Grill even offers a choice of desserts!  The gluten-free menu is available online.    When dining at Bonefish Gril, don’t forget to ask for a separate gluten-free menu as well as letting your waiter know about your dietary restrictions.

Carrabba’s- Panama City Beach Parkway

This Italian restaurant has a special menu for those on a gluten-free diet, available online for viewing.  The menu offers several appetizers as well as main courses.  There is an extensive list of fish sauces available for those with a gluten-free diet.

Olive Garden- Pier Park

Olive Garden offers a variety of different menu options for those with special dietary needs concerning the gluten in many foods.  However, they do not guarantee that ingredients are safe from contamination.  They even offer a children’s dish for those growing up with this restriction.  Please see their gluten-free menu online.

Outback Steakhouse- West 23rd Street (Over the bridge)

Offering drinks, salads, desserts, kids meals, and main courses in gluten-free options, Outback has made the best of this dietary restriction.  The menu is available online for you to read before you visit.  The menu makes it easy for those with food allergies to socialize with others while eating out!

Pineapple Willy’s- Thomas Drive

While they don’t have a specific gluten-free menu, they do have several items they could make gluten-free.  They said “Pretty much anything that we can grill that doesn’t have breading would be Gluten Free, such as chicken, grouper, mahi-mahi, shrimp, prime rib, and also any of our salads (without croutons).” If you are gluten-free and wanting one of these items to be made, please let them know in advance that you are gluten-free and wish your meal to be as well.

Red Brick Pizza- Pier Park

Red Brick, not only offers a gluten-free menu option, but also trains their employees on the seriousness of keeping it free from contamination.  Made with fresh ingredients, heart healthy olive oil, and with less sodium, calories, and carbs than ordinary pizzas these gourmet pizzas range from 280 to 450 calories.  The process of making these gluten-free pizzas has been reviewed and accepted by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and Celiac Disease Foundation.  RedBrick even donates a portion of these pizza sales to the CDF’s Team Gluten-Free to send children with severe wheat intolerance to summer camps. (The picture above is a Red Brick gluten-free pizza)

Congratulations to Panama City Beach’s Firefly Restaurant on winning the Golden Spoon for the second year in a row!  The Golden Spoon Award is given by Florida Trend magazine in recognition of the exquisite cuisine and outstanding ambiance found at Firefly.  “We are thrilled to receive the award for the second year in a row,” said owner Dave Trepanier. “Excellence and creativity is something we strive for to set us apart from other Panama City Beach restaurants. It is our chef and staff that continually make us great every day, and this award is a direct reflection of that.”

Firefly is located in the Shoppes at Edgewater and was commended by Florida Trend on having “urbane dining with lots of fish, local oysters and serious sushi, plus a chef who dares eggplant pancakes and boar shanks.”

If you haven’t been to Firefly yet- it might be time for you to try it! Congratulations on the second Golden Spoon Firefly!

Don’t know how to cook? Out of town for the holidays?  If you are looking for a place to sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner in Panama City Beach, we have your options!

Breakers — Our Traditional Holiday Buffet

Serving from 11am-6pm

On the menu:

Roast Turkey, Baked Ham, Baked Fish, Roast Baron of Beef, Popcorn Shrimp, Cocktail Shrimp, Giblet Gravy, Traditional Dressings, Sweet Potato Casserole, Steamed Vegetable, Tossed Green Salad, Waldorf Salad, Fresh Baked Rolls, Cranberry Sauce, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and of course- all the trimmings!

You can make reservations for your Thanksgiving dinner with a view of the gulf at 850-234-6060!

Dirty Dick’s Crabhouse — Dick’s Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

Contact Dirty Dick’s for their menu 850-230-3425.

Saltwater Grill – Saltwater’s Famous Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Serving from 11am

On the menu:

Sweet Potato Cider Bisque, Mixed Green Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Caesar Salad, Roasted Turkey, Hand Carved Roast Beef Au Jus, N’Awlins Style Glazed Ham, Baked Mahi & Pineapple Salsa, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Sweet Potato Souffle, Traditional Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Green Beans Amandine, Andouille & Pecan Stuffing, Rice Pilaf,
Pumpkin Pie, Peach Cobbler, Southern Pecan Bread Pudding, Yeast Rolls & Butter.

Call them at 850-230-2739 if you have any questions!

Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar

On the menu:

SteamShip Round, Honey-Glazed Baked Ham, Cajun Fried Turkey, Grilled and Fried Shrimp, Grecian Grouper, Fried Oysters, Biloxi Crab Cakes, Alaskan Snow Crabs, Potato Salad, Pasta Salads, Chicken Salad, Tossed Salad, Au Gratin Potatoes, Fried Okra, Mashed Potatoes, Southern Style Green Beans, Traditional Stuffing, Candied Yams, Squash Casserole, Broccoli Casserole, Fresh Baked Bread, home-made Cornbread, Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and Pecan Pie.

The dinner buffet is available for $19.95 and kids under 4 will enjoy their holiday meal for free.

Sonny’s Real Pit Barbecue

On the menu:

Meals for carryout include a smoked turkey or spiral sliced ham and your choice of three sides.

Call 850-230-4742 before November 20th to reserve your meal!

The Boatyard — Family Style Thanksgiving

Serving from 11am-7pm

On the menu:

Turkey, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Andouille Sausage Cornbread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Souffle, Green Peas and Onions, Green Bean Casserole, Orange-Cranberry Relish, Rolls and Butter, and the traditional Pumpkin Pie

Dinner will be $19 per person plus drinks (and taxes and gratuity), and for 4 people or $76 you can reserve a whole turkey!  All leftovers will be packaged to take home- just like you cooked dinner at home!  They will also have other traditional meal options available as well as drink specials.  Find the detailed menu online.

Happy Thanksgiving from PCB Daily!

Our Summer in the City Series is all about new and exciting things you can spend the summer enjoying. From one end of Panama City to the other, we’ll bring you all that the city has to offer

World-renowned jazz bass player, Steve Gilmore says, “There is nowhere like this in the area.”

Gilmore moved to Panama City permanently years ago when his health and the health of his wife started to be “iffy.” He has played with jazz greats such as Tony Bennett, the Phil Woods Orchestra and George Coleman. Now, the Gilmore’s weekly routine includes the Wednesday night Jazz Jam at Zachary’s American Grill. While Steve plays with a host of local musicians, his wife Shirley snuggles into a plush couch and kicks up her feet with a close friend to listen as the smooth jazz fills the room.

Enjoy unique comfort food in one of downtown Panama City’s most enchanting digs. This place feels like several of the spunky restaurants from the New Orleans’ vieux carre, the French Quarter, blended into one fun hangout. Rooms don a variety of accoutrements showcasing a different genre and vibe for each eating space: Bohemian, Middle Eastern, country backyard, college bar, jazz digs.

Whether it’s a hamburger, an authentic Cuban sandwich, Tex-Mex Meatloaf or a Bangkok Salad, Zachary’s has a snack, lunch or evening meal for you.  Zachary’s is a place Earnest Hemingway would have frequented, stopping by several times a week for a Cubano Frenchie and a cold beer. If you know anything about Hemingway, he rather enjoyed a good meal and was known to stay in a place he loved for beer…after beer…after beer. At Zachary’s, friends shake hands and place their order for Loaded Fries in the sultry lighting of the aged downtown PC building.

Named after owner Karen’s son Zachary, a Marine stationed in North Carolina in sniper school, Zachary’s American Grill has been in our community since 2009. The restaurant started on Harrison Avenue and has since moved to their current location on Grace Avenue. Owners Cody and Karen Biggs are pleased to be in downtown Panama City and are encouraged to see the local businesses thrive and grow.

The Biggs’ recently loosened up their menu to bring more sandwiches and snacks with reasonable prices in a struggling economy. Cody says the fare of Zachary’s is “down right American.” He hopes that people do not see the bridge as a barrier and take a chance on his restaurant.

Appe-teasers (Appetizers, Served after 5 p.m.)

My good friend Ashlee said it is much more fun to call appetizers “appe-teasers.” I totally get this reference after enjoying the starters at Zachary’s. Whether you are in the mood for Thai, Italian, Cajun or the simplicity of Americana cuisine, there is a taste bud tantalization for you.  A truly sinful delight, Loaded Fries, includes a pile of shoestring French fries hand-tossed in cheddar cheese, topped with scallions, bacon and…well…more cheese! It’s a party in your mouth.  If you are attracted to a New Orleans-esque flavor, enjoy the Classic Shrimp Remolaude. Tender Gulf shrimp are tossed in a zesty house remoulade sauce, served on a bed of field greens and drizzled with sriachi. An interesting dish that I tried once merely out of curiosity was the Caramelized Onion and Bleu Cheese Quesadilla. Even if you are not a fan of bleu cheese, I double-dog-dare-you to try this starter. You will be glad that you did. (All appetizers are reasonably priced, ranging from $3 – $8.)

On the Lighter Side (Soups and Salads)

This house salad is surprisingly to die for, and this coming from a girl who does not love the salad! Do not fear the traditional chain restaurant bowl of anemic iceberg lettuce with some shards of shredded cheese and a crouton.  This House Salad is a blend of fresh cut romaine, field greens, bleu cheese crumbles, cucumbers, red onions, Craisins, sunflower seeds, croutons and finished with a signature Champagne vinaigrette.  Is your mouth watering yet? Should be! Other salads include BBQ Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Bangkok Salad and Southwest Salad.  (Salads are all $9 and you can choose to substitute Shrimp or Salmon in any of these salads for just $2.) If soup tickles your fancy, try a bowl of Zachary’s Sweet Potato Bisque for $4 a cup or $6 a bowl.

The Pat Down (a.k.a. Hand-Patted Burgers, Made to Order)

You can rest assured that all of Zachary’s burgers are hand-patted and cooked to order. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a good hand-patted burger. Enjoy Big Bill’s Beef and Bleu Burger with caramelized onions, bleu cheese, American cheese, topped with a homemade Garlic Basil Aioli. Or, choose the Fire House Burger, which would be my brother’s favorite. This is one of those “enter at own risk” kind of burgers. It’s like your taste buds have gone on a quick-thrill roller coaster. The Fire House Burger has caramelized onions, bacon and Zachary’s signature firehouse jalapeno cheese sauce.  It’s totally worth the heart burn that MAY ensue. If you like to take matters into your own hands, build your own burger. Just about anything you could wish to go on a burger is available for you to build away! (Burgers are all $8.50 and are served with southwest pasta salad. Substitute Shoestring French fries for $1 or Sweet Potato Fries for $1.50.)

“Frenchie” Bliss (House Sandwiches on grilled French bread)

The dish that will keep me craving Zachary’s was my most recent pick – the Hot Ham & Cheese Frenchie. As is characteristic of this place, the chef chanced a unique twist on a traditional ham and cheese combo. On first bite, I threw my head back and made an inappropriate noise at the table. My boyfriend said, “What?” I told him that was sandwich speak for, “Oh yeah!” The Hot Ham & Cheese Frenchie comes with sliced Hickory Pit Ham, Provolone and Swiss Cheese as well as tomato, red onion, Honey Dijon Aioli on French bread. So good! Some other savory Frenchies include the Cubano (traditional Cuban with shaved meat), the Chicken Cordon Bleu, the Hawaiian Chicken and many more! (Sandwiches range in prices from $7 – $8.50 and are served with southwest pasta salad. Substitute Shoestring French Fries for $1 or Sweet Potato Fries for $1.50.)

The Big Shebang (Entrees, Served after 5 p.m.)

If your mom ever made you eat meatloaf, thank her. It’s a wonderful American delight and we should celebrate it. Don’t be afraid of the meatloaf. Karen Biggs, joint owner of Zachary’s, blends a meatloaf masterpiece she calls Tex-Mex Meatloaf including roasted corn, tomatoes and chilies. This southwestern inspired meatloaf is then topped with chipotle cream gravy and served over mashed potatoes with green beans on the side. Come get ya some! The entrée menu also includes house creations such as Zachary’s House Filet of Beef, Sherry Portobello Filet, Chicken Portabella and several other savory meals. (Entrees range in price from $14 to $24.)

“Somewhere That’s Green” (Veggie Delights)

Cody wanted me to make sure to let vegetarian friends know that Zachary’s will always have tasty treats for you. Veggie burgers are available and can be topped with any fun burger additions listed on the main burger menu ($6). The Grilled Veggie Frenchie is served with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, red onions, Provolone and Swiss Cheese topped with Chipotle Aioli ($7). On the entrée menu, Veggie friends can enjoy the Pasta Angelica which is a blend of sautéed veggies including fresh mushrooms, spinach, sweet peas and sundried tomatoes. This is tossed with a house Parmesan cheese cream sauce atop a bed of angel hair pasta, dusted with Parmesan and crisp green onions ($12).

Melt In Your Mouth (Desserts)

Top off your delicious meal or end your evening with a cup of coffee and one of Zachary’s mouth-watering desserts.  Try a piece of Outrageous Chocolate Cake, a four-layer dense dark chocolate cake filled with rich chocolate ganache and covered in a silky chocolate frosting.  Or, may I tempt you with a piece of Mile High Peanut Butter Pie or Key Lime Pie. (Desserts range in prices from $5-$6.)

My Take

If Zachary’s does not thrive in our community, Panama City should go outside, get a branch from the largest tree and prepare for a spanking.

Zachary’s is located in historic downtown Panama City on 425 Grace Avenue. Call Zachary’s today for dine-in, carry out, large or small meal catering at 850.557.3522. You can also visit Zachary’s online at zacharyscafe.com.

Girls to the Rescue, a group of local ladies who want to support recovery, have put together a Bunco tournament for this Sunday at the Boatyard Restaurant.

All proceeds raised by this event will go towards Bridging The Gap Recovery treatment center.

Bridging The Gap is a new Drug and Alcohol treatment facility in Panama City Beach.

In a world that usually glamorizes the eccentric escapades of celebrity dependency (think Charlie Sheen, Lindsey Lohan, Melanie Griffith and countless more) the reality of addiction is that it can happen to anyone. The rich and famous, the head-honcho of a major corporation, or the little old lady living next door.

Some addictions creep in quietly, while others bowl you over from the first moment the drug or alcohol hits your system. Regardless of how or when addiction hits, the end result is always the same. You feel alone, scared and unable to pull yourself out of the darkness.

Thankfully, there are places like Bridging The Gap Recovery (BTG) center that provide an environment capable of  assisting those with dependency issues,  on their road to recovery.

BTG is located in Panama City Beach, and is the first center in Bay County to focus entirely on treating Drug and Alcohol dependency. The combination treatment blends therapy, 12-step programs and counseling, as well as working to establish the life coping skills necessary for long-term recovery.

The Rehab has been receiving a warm welcome by the community, and support of the new treatment center has been extensive.  Leading the way, is a local group of women dubbed Girls To The Rescue. The group is a strong advocate of recovery, and are showing their support by organizing a Bunco tournament for this Sunday (March 13) at the Boatyard Restaurant.

All funds raised by the event, will go towards scholarships for those in need of treatment but unable to afford it. As of this moment, there are over 70 tickets sold and numerous local businesses are showing their support by way of table sponsorships, donations and gifts. The event starts around 4pm, with Game Play at 5pm.

Advance tickets available at Sharp Carpet Lighting, etc. Advance tickets are $15, or $20 at the door and for non-players, tickets run about $10.

On Friday night, Firefly restaurant hosted a night of “Dinner without Devices.”

It was an evening of divine dinner sans Blackberries, IPhones, IPads and the like.  It was a seemingly simple task, which involved placing our phones in the designated basket on the table, encouraging people to unwind and “disconnect” from instant messaging, Facebook updates and texting while reconnecting with your dinner date.

Recap Below

As I mentioned before, when I first told my Husband about this evening, his first response was a rather lukewarm reaction. Something involving the words “Not” and “Giving” and  “Phone” to which I instantly proceeded to launch a full-scale counter-campaign trying to convince him it was a fantastic idea and an easy concept to invoke.

Surprisingly, it turns out my Husband wasn’t the only one with this kind of reaction, and of the many reservations the restaurant handled that evening, most people didn’t opt-in to the Bread-basket meets Mr. Phone plan. Which is a shame, considering our experience from giving it a whirl was pretty eye-opening. Although, I have a feeling that most people didn’t understand the full context of the plan. Yes, we turned over our phones but that only consisted of placing them in the basket. The basket o’ phones never actually left the table, and no one really monitored your usage. Ultimately, the idea was to encourage a “conscious awareness” that was supposed to be brought about by the actual gesture of removing the phone from your person.

In a sheer twist of irony, once we got to the restaurant, my Husband was all too ready to hand off his phone. While initially, I handed mine over with a grandiose flourish, it was only seconds before my hand crept back to the basket.  After that, my hand took off on it’s own accord in predictable 4 minute increments. Finally, my Husband headed off my next phone pass by reaching in and shutting down my Crackberry entirely, with a look that clearly read “if you touch that phone again, you’ll be spending the night texting your girlfriends from the couch.”

In that one annoyingly confident gesture, he managed to switch my attention back to us, our conversation and ultimately, the incredible food being delivered to our table.  Suddenly, I wanted to jump up and encourage everyone to follow suit, to give the concept an old-college try and see if they would end up with the same freedom I’d been given. It was an excellent feeling that allowed me to focus on doing what I do best, eating (hey, I’m Italian, we like our food) and mingling with everyone in ear shot. Starting with our awesome server, Landon, then our neighboring tables and eventually Firefly’s owner, David Trepanier.

If all that “connecting” was actually a result of disconnecting from my phone, or from the genuinely friendly atmosphere at the restaurant, I can’t say really say but one things for certain, the meals are exquisite enough to demand your full attention and I was all too happy to give in to the moment.

Firefly is delightfully deceiving in its casual elegance. At first, I was caught off guard by its mini-mall location, but once inside you’re immediately engulfed in a sumptuous blend of taste and design capable of rivaling even the most urban fine-dining.

I’m not sure if Firefly will be hosting another event like “Dinner without Devices” but if they do, give it a whirl.  If they don’t, then keep your phone and go anyway. The restaurant offers numerous specials through out the week, which is wonderful news for locals who crave a nice night out without having to pay season prices.

Image Credit | Edgewater Beach Resort

Firefly Restaurant Hosts “Dinner without Devices” on March 4

Panama City Beach’s Firefly Restaurant, located in the Shoppes at Edgewater, will host “Dinner without Devices” on Friday, March 4.

On that night, restaurant guests at each table will receive a basket in which to deposit their phones, iPads, iPods, and other electronic devices so they can reconnect with family and friends without “being connected.”

Personally, I think the idea is wonderful, especially after sharing the news of this event with my Husband and the first words out of his mouth were “I’m not giving them my Phone.”

To which I naturally replied “oh yes you are Mister!”  (Then quickly flounced away in childish hopes of  getting the last word in. If I can’t hear the rebuttal, I win- right?? )

Press Release Below

With so many distractions caused by today’s portable technology, Firefly owner Dave Trepanier believes the time has come to reconnect in person.

“2010 was the year we officially stopped talking to each other. But we are going to change that—if only over a great meal at Firefly,” he says.

According to a study by market research firm the Radicati Group, Facebook is the number one application on iPhones, RIM and Android phones allowing users to constantly be connected to their social media. A survey by TripAdvisor points out that more than 62 percent of travelers check e-mail and remain connected to work while on leisure trips.

“Given the new habits we have all developed when it comes to communication, I think being disconnected from our electronics for just one meal is going to be a bigger challenge than expected,” said Trepanier.

Offering an early dining menu and full-menu dining options, plus specialty menus featuring sushi and martinis, the eatery is known for its freshly caught fish, imported exotic seafood, local produce, succulent beef and fowl, artisan pizzas, handmade pasta, and children’s menu. Family friendly and casual yet also exotic, Firefly hosted President Obama and his family during their visit to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast last summer.

The restaurant has, in fact, received a number of awards and honors, the most recent being the Golden Spoon award.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. To reserve your table or receive more information, please call 850.249.3359 (FFLY) or visit www.fireflypcb.com.

About Firefly Restaurant

As an alternative to the main dining room, the Firefly Bar presents all menu options plus a full selection of beer and wine, in addition to top-shelf vodkas, bourbons and rare scotch.

The Firefly Wine Lockers afford guests the privilege of choosing fine wines and storing them on-site in a private space in our cellar. The 535 Lounge is an inviting library for relaxing and socializing.

Private dining rooms are available and can accommodate parties of eight to 50. Firefly is a recipient of the 2011 Golden Spoon Award and has earned Wine Spectator Award of Excellence three times.

The restaurant’s daily specials and current events can be found online at www.fireflypcb.com or by calling 850.249.3359.

This is the third article in a series that explores 2011 Tourism Predictions for Panama City Beach.

“If you market it, you must be prepared to staff it”

This is a *statement liberated from Socrates’s, um- well, his lesser known cousin, ahem, **Heraclitus.

However, let’s not quarrel over the origins of the statement, and opt to simply take into consideration it’s message.

We’ve been marketing, promoting, negotiating and canoodling with every possible venue, avenue, social site and persons, to spread the good word.

The word being that Spring Break & the Summer Season of 2011, is bigger and now-with-more-sparkles, then this past year of troubled times. The campaign has been proving it’s success through various ways of tracking, and along with the success of inviting the masses into our community, we’ve properly followed through by reaching out to the employable community to help handle the welcomed influx.

Article Below

I’m sure you’ve seen the signs peppering our streets, through out the county.  I know for me, just a quick jaunt to run errands produced no less the 5 signs stating that the respective business was now hiring for the season.

As usual, this is a common occurrence during the start of our tourist season, but the volume of help that local shops are looking to bring aboard, appears to be running slightly higher then normal.

These higher numbers are due in part, to the anticipation of a stronger season then we’ve seen in the past.

In fact, you don’t even have to leave the house to find Help Wanted campaigns. Just today, there was a post on our own Facebook Page, asking for people to apply for Promotion work on the weekends.

A recent job fair offered a chance to talk with recruiters from over 50 businesses, some were seasonal jobs with Resorts or attractions like Shipwreck Island. Yet others, for example, the online travel company Bookit.com, were on hand seeking locals looking for steady work.

Other businesses, like Applebee’s on Middle Beach Rd, simply spelled out there need on the storefront sign, which read “Now Hiring For Season.”

Numerous locations seem to be following the signage route, while others have doubled their efforts by adding listings on their own websites, facebook pages or even tweeting news of openings.

For example, Coyotes, according their website, is currently holding bar-tending auditions every Weds night, for those who can “pour a drink, keep a beat and look good doing it”

This is just a small example of  hopeful indictations regarding growth and success for the coming year. With the Airport, the positive PR campaigns (sans the Seventeen Article, and a few others) as well as pictorial proof of our beaches, the possibility of this season being one for the record books, is continuing to shine bright.

* The  statement is not even close to being an ancient philosophers.

**I realize that Heraclitus holds no family ties to Socrates. I simply picked him out of the Greek Philosopher’s hat. Due only to the fact that he was known as “The Weeping Philosopher” with a reputation for harboring a pessimistic view of human nature. The irony made me smile. Upbeat Article, Debbie-Downer Philosopher= Sweet Irony.

Pier Park and Panama City Beach, are in for a sandwich influx this season.

Along with the news of Subway opening up in Pier Park, sandwich enthusiast can look forward to Schlotzsky’s moving in and joining the Pier Park family.

Schlotzsky’s started it’s nation wide take-over, with humble origins that date back to 1971.  Originally launched in Austin, Texas with a basic menu comprised of sourdough bread and a selection of premium meats, cheeses and olives.

The humble beginning eventually morphed into 35 locations nationwide and four foreign locations. I have to say, I wish I would have known that during my travels through out Spain.

I loved trying out the local cuisine, but every now and then, even an American Girl traveling abroad, craves the simple taste of home. Be it toasted sub, or a New York bagel.

Schlotzsky’s Pier Park store is opening it’s doors on February 21, 2011 and boast an eclectic selection of subs, wraps, salads and gourmet pizzas, along with desserts and soups.

Details Below

PANAMA CITY Beach, FL – Schlotzsky’s,home of The Original® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, will open its first ”Lotz Better” location in Panama City Beach at Pier Park.

“With our addictive recipes, upbeat surroundings and funny sayings, we’re adding tremendous flavor to the Panama City Beach quick-casual dining scene,” said Umesh Patel, owner of the new Schlotzsky’s in Panama City Beach. “It’s hard not to smile when you walk into our bright new restaurants, smell the dough baking and see how much fun we have with ‘bun humor.’ Panama City Beach is in for a real treat.”

The new restaurant was built with Schlotzsky’s rebranding efforts in mind, which include a newly designed restaurant, a co-branding deal with Cinnabon® and a new service model where crew members hand-deliver food to the tables. Everything from tables and chairs to circular-themed local photography featuring tongue-in-cheek phrases is designed to entertain and cater to the guest.

Schlotzsky’s of Panama City Beach offers more than 15 different sandwiches on their famous unique round freshly baked buns, as well as wraps, gourmet pizzas made with Fresh-from-Scratch crusts, freshly tossed salads and a variety of soups. Schlotzsky’s also offers a number of delectable desserts, including Cinnabon’s warm, homemade Cinnabon® Classic Roll and CinnaPacks™.

“With all of the new elements that enhance the Schlotzsky’s experience, we stay true to our roots by offering only the highest quality fresh ingredients and baking our sourdough bread from scratch every day,” said Schlotzsky’s President Kelly Roddy. “We are truly excited to give Panama City Beach a taste of the ‘Lotz Better’ Schlotzsky’s.”

Superbowl Sunday is almost here, and football fans nationwide are stocking up on face-paint, home-made signs and honing their Heckle-Skills (aka:  The  Art of Fine Heckling.)

It’s a real skill, I swear. I think it’s an elective course at FSU. Either way, there’s literally, thousands of ways to get your pre-game on, but where to spend the big day is an entirely different beast.

So, we took it upon ourselves to give you an idea of which locations are hosting Superbowl parties.

Sunday Sunday SUNDAY

CALYPSO BEACH CAFE 15812 Front Beach Rd.

I can’t find any mention of a Superbowl event here, but I’m going on blind faith, that there might be something going on. After all, Calypso is supposed to be one of the largest sports bars in town.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS (Pier Park)

This is a no-brainer.  Wild Wings always offers a lively sports atmosphere, traditionally great wings and awesome beverage selection. Simple and Direct.

I like it.

DOUBLE D’S COOLER 1508 Calhoun Ave., 215-8112.

Catch all the games here with NFL Sunday Ticket! Happy Hour: All day Sun, $2 domestic longnecks,16 oz. draft, & $1.75 Well Drinks

HAMMERHEAD FRED’S 8752 Thomas Drive 233-3907.

A quaint little bar & grill located on the west end of Thomas Drive. Inside & deck seating available. Sunday: Super Bowl Party. Get here early to get the best seats. Lots of giveaways. Draft & Drink Specials.

NEWBY’S TOO 4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203

Sunday: Super Bowl Party.  Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts.

PATCHES PUB 4723 Thomas Drive, 233-8879.

Sunday: Superbowl Party with buckets & wings specials. Well that pretty much summed up Superbowl, didn’t it? Game, Beer & Wings. Done.

SHARKY’S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB 15201 Front Beach Road, 235-2420

One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and enjoy a cocktail. (Side note: The Tiki Bar is currently under construction)

Sunday: Super Bowl Party

HOOTERS 12709 Front Beach Road.

Yes, Hooters made the list. How could it not? It’s a sports bar, with world-famous (ahem) wings.  It’s man-cave heaven for those looking to shake off the doldrums of the work week, and escape the humdrum of home-life.  42″ TV giveaway. Join us all day for the SuperBowl promotions we are giving away a 42″ Sharp HD TV during the game. You must be present to win.

OASEAS RESORTS 4th floor Banquet Room (Cheese-Block Party)

Hosting the biggest football party of the year at Shores of Panama! Free wings (my favorite kind of wing!) full bar, free chips & salsa, prizes and more! Superbowl broadcast on an 8 ft screen.

COYOTE UGLY SALOON 10512 Front Beach Road.

On Sunday, Coyote’s is bringing the tailgating home for you. Starts with a Cook out around 4pm, game will be on TV’s hooked up to PA System (for that “at the game” sound) Its also the Assistant Managers last day, so there will be an after party.