The Camellia Grill of New Orleans is one of the newest editions to Harbor Walk Village, located upstairs from Pat O’brien’s.  This “diner” style restaurant was recommended by a friend who said the grill style breakfasts were as good as anything at Another Broken Egg.  Breakfast consists of traditional egg dishes, a wide variety of omelets,  and waffles.

Although our visit was nearly closing time (2:30 PM Saturday), the staff was gracious enough to invite us in and stay over so we could grab a bite.  Our waitress was Rebecca and she was friendly, efficient and very informed about the menu.

To be clear, Camellia Grill of New Orleans is a breakfast joint first and foremost, but the lunch menu consists of a wide variety of delicious burgers and sandwiches.   We tried the Hamburger Steak plate and the Reuben sandwich and they were both very good.

Prices are very affordable for Harbor Walk Village.  Breakfast and Burgers range from $6-9, Hot Sandwiches under $6, Whole Meal Sandwiches under $8 and deserts under $4.

The Camellia Grill of New Orleans is a very good addition to Harbor Walk Village but you have to really want to go there because it’s not the type of place you can just find by accident while strolling the village.  This is the kind of place that would be awesome after an evening of partying at Harry T’s, Pat O’Brien s or AJ’s for a late night breakfast before heading home.  We hear the management is considering running a “late shift”, and we hope they do!

With Summer 2009 officially over now that school has once again begun in full earnest, many of the Destin area “locals” are venturing out more often to local area restaurants.  Most “locals” avoid the crowds, traffic and long wait times during the summer for obvious reasons, but we truly look forward to opportunities to eat out during the fall and winter.

Bonefish Grill was our choice for 2 families ( party of 8), in celebration of 2 of us having birthdays on the same day!  We chose the Bonefish based on reputation and previous experience with very good and reasonably priced fare.   The food was very good and worthy of the reputation.

But from now on, as far as I am concerned this place might as well be called the Bone-Head Grill.  For a 7:45 PM reservation, the table wasn’t ready until after 8PM.  When I informed the receptionist that we had the unique opportunity to celebrate 2 birthdays on the same day, she could have cared less.  When members of our party mentioned the birthdays to the wait staff, they were told that Bone-Head Grill doesn’t do anything special for birthdays.  On top of that, they let us know “they would be happy to light the candles on a cake if you want to bring one in with you”.

Are you kidding me?  That is some policy, and of course had we known that we would have found somewhere else more “birthday” friendly to spend our $250.  Bottom line, the food is good but forget about going there for anything special….