Conversations about Food

By Carlinha Carioca (CT)

My name is Carla better known as “Carlinha Carioca” and I’ve lived in the U.S.A. for more than 20 years.  Destin is my 3^rd city and have been here for about seven months.

This is my first article contribution to Conexión and I plan to submit more in the future just to tell you about my experiences and especially invite you to embark with me on my culinary adventures!

My passion for food began with my grandmother that until today at the age of 94 still cooks that wonderful Brazilian homemade food!  That same passion developed with one of my first jobs, which led me to visit more than 15 states in the United States plus also allowed me to try the food in several restaurants in each state. I’ve eaten in small local restaurants, to restaurants in the favela of Rio de Janeiro, and even several 5-star restaurants in New York, Las Vegas, LA, Denver and other cities. In no way do I consider myself a culinary expert, but I am adventurous, enthusiastic and passionate about it.

For the past 10 years I share my culinary adventures with my special son who does not speak due to sensory reasons.  He has a super softened palate, loves food, seasoning and visually transmits his intense pleasure when eating something he likes.

So, dear readers, what I hope to bring you with my articles also includes tips about local restaurants, discounts I know of, the best of their menus, and options for children or even for that meeting between friends.

Here’s my first tip:  Did you know that most local restaurants offer discounts for those who are locals?

Some restaurants offer a year-round discount and others in winter from November to February. Discounts vary from place to place.  Some restaurants offer discount cards that you show each time you are paying the bill and others you can just tell them that you are a local.

One of my favorite places to eat in Destin is Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House. This restaurant is an experience so you park your car and go through a window where you can see the beautiful fish of the day being cleaned to serve customers. Boshamps has a great location in Destin Harbor, so not only will you experience wonderful southern cuisine you will get a beautiful view.

What makes this restaurant also a cool place to go is that they are family oriented, plus also have a cool bar for that meeting with friends.  The restaurant also offers live music and in summer you can sit outside and enjoy music and your favorite drink.

And don’t forget that this restaurant offers local people a year-round discount for locals. 

My favorite plates there include:  Oysters (all good), fried green tomato, Louisiana crawfish salad, “Snapper Destin”, and I cannot forget to include the Pecan pie dessert!

Until next time.