By Jessie Taylor

I recently had the opportunity to chat and dine with Scenic 30A’s very own celebrity, Chef Giovanni Filipponi of Vue on 30a. For anyone who doesn’t know, “Chef Gio” starred on season 5 of Hell’s Kitchen. I’ve watched the popular show a few times, and to me, it seems as if Hell’s Kitchen is the Chef version of going into the Marines. After serving his time under the famously temperamental Chef Gordon Ramsey — and then serving as Executive Chef at several restaurants — Chef Gio finally found his home at Vue on 30a.

While I was waiting on Chef Gio to bring out a few of his masterpieces, I spoke with Membership and Marketing Director, Sarah Brazwell. She let me in on the number one thing that wins over their customers (aside from Chef Gio’s delicious entrees, of course). It’s instantly apparent.

Walking into Vue on 30a, you cannot help but be mesmerized by the flawless panorama that is the Gulf of Mexico.

The view at the Vue is the best on 30A, and it brings in people from all over who wish to dine while enveloped by this stunning backdrop.

The restaurant seats about 150 diners, and even if you’re sitting at a table that doesn’t stare directly at our pure white sand, you’ll still be able to look past the dancing sea oats for a striking view of 30A’s crystal clear water.

INSIDER’S TIP: There’s a secret table at the Vue that offers the very best spot to dine while watching a spectacular 30A sunset. You have to know to request it though, because you can’t see it when you enter. Secure this coveted table, and you’ll be served by Chef Gio, while the sea oats brush against your toes and the Gulf breeze provides natural A/C.

Vue on 30a serves a wide variety of delicious dishes, many created with fresh Gulf seafood as the central focus, but they also have numerous vegetarian and “land lover” options. One of the first things that Chef Gio brought out for me to sample was a fish. An entire fish. I’m talking head, tail, everything. While I have certainly seen this before, no one in my family is brave enough to order things like that. I had to ask my new best friend, Chef Gio, how to eat it (like literally where to put my fork), but I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed the taste, the experience and the overall presentation.

Not only is the food and presentation at Vue on 30a flawless, but the atmosphere and staff here are down to earth and eager to serve. And while some people might think that Vue on 30a is a private club, you do not have to be a member of Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club to dine here. They feature live music outside on the terrace every Friday from 6-9 pm, and they have an excellent daily Happy Hour from 3-7 PM. Their most popular drink is — what else — their “Santa Rosa Sunset,” while their most popular dish is Pistachio Crusted Grouper (and it is A-MA-ZING).

“As if the view was not enough.”

The restaurant’s front-row Gulf vista is reason enough to visit Vue on 30a. But when you experience Chef Giovanni’s world-class menu, the team’s personable service, live music and delicious cocktails, you’ll quickly realize why Vue on 30a ranks as one of 30A’s top treasures, even without the view.

For more info, visit Vue on 30a and follow them on Facebook too.