Out in the Summer

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One of the finest things about summer is outdoor summer dining. All the patios are open, and people who work inside all day are packing the tables to sit under the palm trees, wisteria, ivy, or thatched roof of an outdoor patio. In our various destinations, you can sit at tables with a water view, tables surrounded by gardens, or tables supplied with prime people watching. Here are some of my favorites in our markets.

All the patios are open, and people who work inside all day are packing the tables to sit under the palm trees, wisteria, ivy, or thatched roof of an outdoor patio.

On the Emerald Coast, Boatyard always comes into its very best in summer -- with the boats chugging and sailing past, the canvas pulled back from the windows, and the cool air blowing in like magic. One of their fresh-squeezed juice cocktails (you might have to request this, but they have fresh-squeezed juice!) is the perfect toast to the waning day. On Highway 30A, Café Rendez Vous could not be more central for watching all the Seaside fun, front-row. It really is a like a Paris café, chairs and all, and when you pop one of those mini champagne bottles and sip it through a straw, it's the most festive moment of the day. Cross the street to Bud & Alley's at sunset for the ringing of the bell, the cheering of the crowds, and excellent, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a superb selection of wines. Over in Destin, take in the water view at Harbordocks, along with a cold beer and some seafood. It is the prime perch in Destin, and an affordable place to enjoy it.

In New Orleans... where to start? You must sit in the Princess of Monaco Courtyard of Café Amelie. I recommend it especially for brunch (say hi to my sister bartending!) and I recommend especially the lavender lemonade and the crabcakes. Broussard's also has a hauntingly beautiful courtyard that will transport you instantly (oh, and try the bouillabaisse).

Atlanta LOVES its outdoor dining, probably because despite how hard people work and how nicely they dress, they're still living in a southern city where porch sitting, lazy afternoons, and long chats are part of the culture. Joel restaurant's patio is in a commercial district of the city, but on summer evenings, as guests sit with their moules frites or paella on the pretty garden patio, it might as well be a village in Southern Europe. Another place I quite simply love is JCT, right on the railroad tracks and with an upstairs bar patio that is packed, lively, and a perfect place for Ford Fry's delicious updated Southern food and fantastic cocktails.

Last but not least, Myrtle Beach is hitting its stride for full summer fun. I love to sit out at Creek Ratz and dig into some seafood -- love that view over the waterway. It's the best the area has to offer, in my opinion.

Wherever you go, enjoy that lovely summer air and make every meal an escape to the beautiful weather.