The Messina name was first introduced to the food service industry in June of 1961, when Andy Messina fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a restaurant with his father. Andy Messina’s Restaurant and Catering Company located in Kenner, Louisiana was only the beginning for the Messina family as it grew to Jefferson Parish. Drew Messina was raised working with his parents, Izzy and Andy Messina, at the family restaurant, and had several successful ventures of his own. With more than 28 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry honing his skills as a chef and general manager, Drew has brought his talent and family recipes to South Walton to savor.
Pleasing customers for more than five decades, Messina’s Hospitality Group and Drew Messina’s family tradition of fine food and New Orleans pizazz will be showcased today at the opening of Messina’s at Gulf Place (Saturday January 4, 2014) in the former beloved Fire at Gulf Place location. A live Jazz Brunch begins at 11 am, dinner service begins at 4 pm, and brunch will also be served on Sunday. Please make sure to visit Messina’s facebook page for updates on dining hours, specials and menus, as lunch will not formally be served until the first of March.
Drew says, “The restaurant will present a casual atmosphere while proving guests with a “Five Star Flair.” Families on vacation and loyal local patrons alike will be comfortable in Messina’s spacious bar and dining room, whether they are looking for a special dining experience or a quick bite after a long day at the beach.”
Johnny Chicago, (a local celebrity) is managing the stunning 30-foot-long mahogany bar and providing customers with the finest spirits, wine, beer, and the most exceptional selection of Bourbons to sip and enjoy along with Drew Messina’s famed Italian Milk Punch. Lagniappe means a little something extra in my former home of New Orleans, and Messina’s will offer that “something extra special” to patrons with things like personal linen napkin placement, simultaneous entree tabling, signature glassware, table-side martini and wine by the glass service, and unexpected food and beverage lagniappe.
If you are familiar with authentic Po’ Boys and Muffaletta’s then you know that they just aren’t the same without using Gambino’s or Leidenheimer bread. Messina’s is preparing their fresh baked breads each day along with their famous homemade olive salad snuggled on the Muffaletta’s. Messina’s is also sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients and Gulf Coast Seafood to create their Creole and Italian inspired menu items like the Baby Veal Spendindi, Blue Cheese Filet, and drool worthy Pan-seared Redfish over Gritcake topped with Oysters Rockefeller. Don’t forget about the Creole Eggs Benedict for brunch topped with Crawfish Hollandaise.
You will also not want to miss the reservation only (72 hour advance notice) Chef’s Table, which must be reserved through General Manager Mario McNally in advance. In addition visitors will be able to view works by local artists’ for sale, and will be able to download the Messina’s mobile app which will give updates on special offers and events like wine dinners, whiskey tastings and a video feed of kitchen operations and cooking demonstrations, including recipes.
These features will also be offered on GulfCoastRestaurants.com launching in February, showcasing the best restaurants in the area. Make sure to follow GulfCoastRestaurants.com on facebook and 30AEATS.com on facebook for the best and most up to date food news! We are all about food and nothing else! #TakeABite
Get Messina’s Brunch and Dinner menus by clicking here.
Note: After sustaining Hurricane Katrina damage in 2005, Messina’s Restaurant closed and became exclusively, Messina’s Catering.
