As a regular Destin visitor, I will vouch for Marina Cafe, Flamingo Cafe, and Destin Chops (as well as Louisiana Lagniappe and others) . Criolas and Rutherfords 465 I have yet to enjoy, but always hear good things.

In fact, my vacations are planned around stunning scenery (the beach in the case of Destin) and great dining.

If I may veer a little off topic, Emeril's Delmonico here in Las Vegas is an amazing restaurant. One of the top 3-4 steak houses in a city that now continues to be noted as the top US dining destination because of the restaurants and chefs which have entered the market, as well as top restaurant rankings by national travel publications.

Although rare, when I have received sub-par food or service at a high-end establishment I have dropped the Executive Chef a line (if a food issue ... just address it to Executive Chef c/o the restaurant) or the Manager if a service issue.

Keep it under a half page if possible (just the facts -- they can sniff out the kind of people who complain to every company on earth about everything hoping to get something), and they will not only appreciate your input but often offer you a comped (free) meel to return and try them again.

I know and deal with chefs through a food and cooking related company I sit on the board of, and they want and demand input to correct problems.