Shaun O’Brien
O’Brien, who joined the restaurant’s kitchen team earlier this year after winning countless trophies and awards at Sandestin’s Bistro Bijoux, has now been appointed Chef de Cuisine.
“I came to Fish Out of Water to work with the great team making this restaurant famous – not just here in South Walton, but throughout the South,” said O’Brien, who is no stranger to the 30A food scene, having previously been Executive Chef at Paradis in Rosemary Beach when it first opened.
“I know from my previous experiences in South Walton that locals and visitors are very discerning,” said O’Brien. “I am focused on providing dishes that will surprise, excite and even amuse diners – but know we have to do it in a way that is true to the special way of life we enjoy on the Emerald Coast.
“We are dedicated to using the finest and freshest local ingredients,” said the Boston-born chef. “We work with several local farms and providers to supply our produce and change our menu to reflect seasonal items. We will be adding a new menu in September built around high-quality local produce, in a style I think of as ‘upscale comfort food’.”
Kyle Davis
Also joining the team is new Fish Out of Water Restaurant Manager, Kyle Davis. Davis is a graduate of University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management and most recently worked at Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina – home of the Forbes 5 Star, AAA 5 Diamond rated Heron’s Restaurant.
“The opportunity to work with the St. Joe Company and further develop and grow this fantastic restaurant is one I am excited to take on,” said Davis. “Our aim is to attract lovers of fine food from across the South – we want this to be a ‘foodie destination’.”
“Recent recognition for the excellent food, wine and service at Fish Out of Water already proves this is one of the best dining experiences in the region; I am looking forward to taking it to the next level,” Davis concluded.
Fish Out of Water holds AAA 4 Diamond Status and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. “Our restaurant has a rich heritage of being a “must-do” experience for locals and visitors in South Walton,” said Managing Director, Andrew Czarnecki. “Guests at the hotel expect the best and we consistently delivers on that promise. We are excited to work with the new team to reach even higher.”
