Second trip to Trade Winds and a second 5 out of 5 shell rating. If you want a pretty building you will be disappointed. If you want a lively atmosphere, a relaxed experience and some of the BEST Italian fare on the Emerald Coast then Trade Winds awaits.

Now let me tell you that you normally need reservations here but we were able to scarf a table at 7 PM on a Wednesday night without too much wait at all. We were lucky. If you go at 8 PM or later you have a much better walk in chance. For big groups we were told a week notice will get your table for you.

Where to begin? First off, if you are a beer enthusiast, you are in luck here. They have numerous fine beers on draft including Newcastle and two specialty beers that on this trip were a wheat and Stella Artois. I ordered a Stella as it is one of the best beers in the world and usually absent here in Florida. They have your fave too I am betting. Then house wines by the glass were also very good quality as the better half tried the Chard. She approves.

Started with the warm, crusty bread with a flavorful olive oil dipping bowl that contained herbs and spices( read garlic) along with red pepper. I of course added some parmesan cheese to it.

The menu is varied and has all your faves and more. We opted for the crab cake app and it was huge. TWO plump cakes with a tomato kind of Italian salsa in the middle of the plate. LOTS of lumps of blue crab meat in these babies. We were getting full before the salads arrived. Entree wise I ordered Tom's Pasta and the wife opted for Chicken Principessa. My dish was Penne, Marinara, Fresh Mushrooms and Sausage. FRESH, TASTY AND FILLING. The Chicken dish came with melted cheese, prosciutto and yummy sauce over a rotini type spiral pasta. Perfect blend of flavors in this dish.

We were too full to try the Tiramisu or Canneloni but we will be back to try it next time. The man at the next table ordered the mussels app for an entree and it was HUGE. I am ordering that the next trip with my dessert.

5 shells out of 5 for the food and atmosphere. 1 out of 5 for the parking lot. lol. Go and eat. You will be fulfilled. (That's full and filled, get it?)

Life IS a beach! Tell them we sent you.