Skip to main content

Dewey Destin's and Hot Crab and Cheese Dip

Sign at the Original Dewey Destin's

When we were on vacation a couple of weeks ago, we asked a few Destin locals where we should go to get some good fried shrimp. They all assured us that Dewey Destin's was the place to go. They didn't steer us wrong! Most of the time asking a local is the best way to find the really good places to eat. It won't take you long to know if you're talking to a real foodie. If you ask a resident for a restaurant recommendation, and they start to rattle off the name of all the chain eateries in town, politely thank them, and move on. However, if you ask a local, and the first sentence is something like this - "Well, it doesn't look like much, but the best food in town is at this little place where we all like to go" - then listen up! You've probably found what you're looking for!!

There are two Dewey Destin's locations. The older location is literally "a hole in the wall"on the bay, as we were "warned" by a couple of its regulars, who highly recommended it. The second location is just recently completed and is on the wharf. It is what I term casual dining. The contrast between the two atmospheres is stark, but the menu and food are the same. We loved them both! It just depends on what kind of dining experience you are looking for. The kids both said they preferred eating on the peer at the original "hole in the wall" location best. It was the pick of the locals we spoke with, as well.

We did have a bit of trouble when we went to eat at the newer location. Our waitress initially refused to serve us. Fortunately, I caught on pretty quickly, covered the Ole Miss logo on my shirt with my hand, and she was appeased. :) She is a sweet and funny young lady who plays soccer for the Gators. She's a great little waitress, too!

Now, let me tell you a bit about the food. Dewey Destin's fried shrimp is simply some of the best we've ever eaten! We also loved the stuffed shrimp. They're available fried or broiled. Both were excellent. The key lime pie was very good, too.

The owner of the restaurant, Dewey Destin, is a descendant of the family who founded the city. Dewey Destin's is one of the restaurants featured in the current Taste of the South magazine. Be sure to check it out!

If you're planning on spending a few days in Destin, we highly recommend that you eat at Dewey Destin's on your first day. This will give you a chance to eat there again during your trip, because we're pretty sure most of you will be like us. One order of Dewey's fried shrimp won't be enough!

Another one of our favorite items at Dewey Destin's is the Crab Dip. In the words of Rachel Ray, "Yum-o!" Below is a crab dip recipe I've made for years. It always gets rave reviews! I originally got the recipe from Carol T. Carol is a great cook and sweet friend. Thanks for this recipe, Carol! It has brought much pleasure to our family over the years!

Hot Crab and Cheese Dip

2 - 8 oz. cream cheeses
6 tablespoons milk (I don't usually add the milk.)
1 T. finely chopped onion (I sometimes substitute 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.)
1/2 t. horseradish
dash or two of garlic powder
1 or 2 cans of lump crabmeat, drained (I usually use one.)
4 T. grated Parmesan cheese (I use about 3/4 cup, divided)

Combine first 5 ingredients (and I add about 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese); fold in crabmeat. Spoon into a greased 4-cup baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with crackers.
Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    We just got back from Destin and ate at Dewey Destin - harbor side and it was as delicious as it was 2 yrs ago when we were there. I was actually looking for the recipe for the grilled shrimp they make and found your site! Can't stop thinking about them and want to make tonight! Had a honey flavor and cayane peper...I think?? So Yummy! Had the fried shrimp last time they were really great. cole slaw and hushpuppies were really good too! Making myself hungry! I missed the Crab dip will have to try this one tonight too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ConnieJuly 5, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Oh, my! You've "done flung a cravin' on me too!"
    We pasted through Destin a few weeks back and had to make a stop at Dewey Destin's! It was wonderful - again! We never been disappointed there! Good luck finding a recipe similar to Dewey's grilled shrimp! Hope you enjoy the dip!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 8, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Went to the original (Crab Island) Dewey Destin location on 11/3/11, not knowing what to expect. They make THE best hushpuppies I've ever tasted, wish I had the recipe. The stuffed shrimp basket was fabulous, and I loved sitting on the dock watching the pelicans while I ate. Had almost turned around and headed back to one of the fancier looking places in town when I first saw this place, but really glad I didn't. Michigan Tourist

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 21, 2014 at 10:34 AM

    Do you have the recipe for the cheese grits. I think I'm in love.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for sharing! I love comments!

Popular posts from this blog

Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup Substitute - Regular and Reduced-Fat Versions

Although very convenient, commercially prepared condensed soups are expensive and may contain additives and ingredients you'd prefer to skip. You can use these condensed soup substitutes in dishes instead of commercially prepared condensed soups. These homemade substitutes are very easy and quick to make! They taste much better, too. I have almost stopped purchasing the canned versions. Using heart-healthy butter spreads, low-fat or fat-free milk, and low-sodium broth allows you to make these recipes more healthful. You can customize with these simple recipes by adding other seasonings such as garlic powder, celery salt, onion powder, etc. Condensed Cream of Celery Soup Condensed Cream of Chicken Substitute Condensed Cream of Mushroom Substitute Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup Substitute 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese salt, to taste Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat; add flour and whisk until s...
34 comments
Read more

Georgia Cornbread Cake

I clipped this recipe several years ago from American Profile, which is a small magazine insert that come with our local newspaper, The Pontotoc Progress. It is yummy, yummy, yummy!  I love the story that accompanied the recipe and was delighted when a Google searched turned up the same article on the web! Larry took this to work, and he said it was a huge hit with everyone! Enjoy! Georgia Cornbread Cake Georgia Cornbread Cake   Recipe of Stella T. Thompson from American Profile "I am 86 years old and have been cooking since I was 9. This recipe has been in my family for many years. The ground pecans give it the texture of cornbread, but there isn’t any cornmeal in it." 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 4 eggs, beaten 1 cup vegetable oil 1 and 1/2 cups self-rising flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups pecans, chopped very fine Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Stir together sugar, brown sugar, eggs and oil in a medium bowl un...
10 comments
Read more

Dough Burgers

  Dough Burgers Dough burgers are popular in our neck of the woods. Phillips Grocery in Oxford has received national acclaim for their top-secret-recipe dough burger. I ate two while I was staying at the hospital with my dad recently! It is the nearest restaurant!  When Larry and I were newlyweds and living in New Albany, we loved going to Latham’s for their yummy version of this delicious sandwich. Several other area cities also offer well-known versions of this unique burger. Tupelo’s Johnny’s Drive-In has the "Johnnieburger," and Corinth even has a festival named in honor of their dough burger, affectionately known as “The Slugburger.” Here in our own dear Pontotoc, we love the "Wonderburger" at Butcher Block! Dough burgers supposedly originated during the Great Depression. Adding flour was a great way to stretch hamburger meat. While possibly born out of necessity, it has remained a part of the Southern diet due to its delectable taste. I’ve eaten my share ...
20 comments
Read more