Sunset Grille: Celebrating 25 Years!

As this year marks the 450^th anniversary of St. Augustine, celebrations are in

full effect but there are a group of folks celebrating another anniversary this year. The owners of Sunset Grille, a local restaurant and landmark of St. Augustine Beach are celebrating their 25^th year anniversary. What once used to be a small beach café with one dining room and a bar on top of sandy floors has grown over the years into a two story full service restaurant that is known for its Award-Winning Chowders and a “Key West” atmosphere. Owners Pete Darios, Mike Rosa, and former owner John David get together with St. Aug Blog and reminisce when, why, and how there were able to create and run a successful business and all the growing pains that came along with.

It all began in 1989, when Pete Darios and John David came to visit some friends who had transplanted to St. Augustine Beach. “It was great,” David recalls, “ the sun was shining, the beach was beautiful, cute girls, what’s not to love?!” Darios and David both native to New York City and both Hoffstra University Alumni, were roommates after college and bought a bar together in Hempstead called McHebe's Depot, a local Hoffstra University watering hole. “So we had a pretty good idea how to run a bar, the restaurant part was a new adventure.” So it was decided, two New Yorkers walk into a bar…well several until they found the ideal spot to open a restaurant on A1A. The Sandpiper Restaurant, formerly known as the Village Cove, formerly a pharmacy, was sold to Darios and David on a handshake and 6 months later the two would sell their bar in New York and move down to St. Augustine and open what is now known as the Sunset Grille.   

But it wasn’t an easy task. It took them 2 and ½ months to clean the restaurant and by March 1^st , they were open for business. The reception, not as bad a one would think. “There were some grumblings, but nothing crazy just the usual, mostly because we were from out of town and no one knew who we were,” Darios says. By 1991, the third partner came along, Mike Rosa. Also from New York, Rosa met Darios and David at the bar he worked at next to McHebe's in Hempstead. “We would go in just to see Mike, he was an amazing bartender!” says David. “ He always remembered everyone’s name and what they were drinking and he was hilarious too! On his days off he would go around to different bars and restaurants and get to know the staff and then get them to come to his bar after work. It was crazy packed between 2  and 3 a.m.!” recalls Darios. So on April 1, 1991 Rosa moved down to St. Augustine and showed up with a ton of energy and knowledge of the bar business. By that following summer in 1992  they started Silver Bullet Sundays which consisted of 25 cent oysters, 1$ Coors Lights and The Seiner’s ( Anyone know Those Guys?) played live music and this put Sunset Grille on the map. “Before it was just Passport Joe’s (now Dunes Cracker House) and Panama Hattie’s and that was it!” says Rosa. It was from then on and to this day, habitually Sundays have always been busy.





The front entrance of Sunset Grille

But it wasn’t just Silver Bullet Sundays that gained the restaurant recognition. Sunset Grille became heavily involved in the community, and joined the South Beaches Area Council which consisted of local business owners along St. Augustine Beach getting together to raise money for things such as beach re-nourishment,the Christmas lights during the holidays along A1A, community parks such as the Splash Park at St. Augustine Beach Pier and always lended a helping hand for the locals. It was then that people realized that Sunset Grille was here to stay. They became involved in charities to help members of the community in need, poker runs, the Shriner’s Chowder Debate, Sertoma, the Beach Blast Off (an event on New Year's Eve at the St. Augustine Pier) and continue to do so. Over the past 25 years Sunset Grille figured out their recipe for success- fun, dedication, creativity, compassion but most of all- love for a town that has welcomed them, locals and tourists alike.

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN...?????? ( A little stroll down memory lane circa "the 90's")

St. Aug Blog: So what took some adjusting to once you moved down to St. Augustine from New York?

Darios: Last call was at 12:30 a.m.!

David: Yeah, it was funny, we were hanging out downtown at Scarlet O'Hara's and the lights all turned on at midnight , I thought that signaled late night happy hour, nope it was last call!

St. Aug Blog: What did you do for fun when you weren't working all the time?

David: After work, I would go on top of the roof of the building and hit golf  balls across A1A where the Hampton Inn is now. I did this at night and there were times not a single car would pass. 

Darios: It's crazy, I feel like we all just worked all the time, literally all the time. But I do recall making it to Passport Joe's for a couple drinks after work. There weren't a lot of options ,so we either went to Passport's or Panama Hattie's.

Rosa: Yeah I agree. We worked all the time, but if I did have any time off , I always went to the beach. 


St. Aug Blog: If you hadn't moved down to Florida and opened up a restaurant what do you think you would have done instead ?

David: I think I would have been a teacher. I coached football before and I really enjoyed that, so I definitely think I would have been a teacher.

Rosa: I probably would have opened up a night club in New York. I'm the type of person that needs to be busy all the time plus I love to dance.

Darios: My dream job would have been to be a Starship Captain.  

St. Aug Blog would like to thank Sunset Grille for their time and Best Wishes for the future!

 

 

 

Always Sunny At The Sunshine Shop!

It's drawing near that time of year...Summer time! No one has been anticipating this more than Lisa Mullins, Owner and Swimsuit Specialist of The Sunshine Shop located on A1A in St. Augustine Beach. With a selection of over 5000 swimsuits and resort wear, The Sunshine Shop has been a one-stop-shop for beachwear for all ages since 1984 when the former owners, Lynne and Alan Greene opened the establishment, who also happen to be  Lisa Mullins' parents.

Lisa Mullins, a Colorado Native, moved to St. Augustine 22 years ago after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado. She then began her career in real estate and it wasn't until 8 years ago she and her husband Dave, decided to buy The Sunshine Shop from her parents who were ready to retire."Things were slowing down in real estate and I was ready for a change," recalls Mullins. Through the years, the Mullins have learned a great deal about operating the business and new challenges arose such as the readily available internet that can be accessed from virtually anywhere such as a smartphone.

Lisa Mullins

" People can go on-line and buy a swimsuit, but what they don't get is the customer service we provide. When people buy a swimsuit it's a very personal and emotional thing, especially for women, and with our knowledge of our product, we can find a suit that looks great on for any body type. That's something you're missing if you buy on-line, especially if it doesn't fit right! I want everyone to walk out feeling like a million bucks!" says Mullins. And true to her mission her family has been doing so for 31 years! Along with her and her husband, both of  her daughters work at the shop as well, a complete family affair.

Flip Flops and Home Décor!

The Sunshine Shop is a full service swimsuit, beach and resort wear shop. They offer top brands such as Reef, Body Glove, Tommy Bahama, SeaFolley, specialty suits for maternity and athletes and much more. With thousands of bathing suits to choose from and new arrivals coming in now is the time to get your swim suit on! They also have a huge selection of flip-flops, beach wear, hats, sunglasses and home décor so PLEASE go see the Mullins Family at The Sunshine Shop- great selection, great service and over all a great local, family run establishment!

The Sunshine Shop
645 A1A Beach Blvd.
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Open Daily: 10a.m.-5p.m.
904.471.6899

One of Flagler College's Finest: Professor Nick Panepinto

Flagler College, a unique campus that sits in the middle of downtown St. Augustine, the former luxury hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, has been an established educational institute since 1968. Originally an all women's college and then transformed to co-ed in 1971, the campus has attracted students and faculty alike from all over to attend the small, historical and private college. One of those attracted was Professor Nick Panepinto of the business department, who is not only faculty but  also a former student and class of 1985 graduate. While vacationing in Daytona Beach, Panipento visited St. Augustine with his father in the late 70's, who had a friend whose son attended Flagler and really took to the area. Nevertheless, he returned back to his hometown of Duanesburg, New York and enlisted in the Navy in 1979 as an E5 Fireman aboard the USS Emory S. Land .
Upon finishing his enlistment, Panepinto returned back to Florida to visit and then decided he wanted to finish his education at Flagler College. After graduating Flagler in 1985, he then moved all the way to South Bend, Indiana as he
was accepted into graduate school at Notre Dame to which he received his MBA with Academic Honors!
With all his schooling under his belt , Panepinto was ready to conquer the financial world and landed himself a job on Wall Street in New York City. " My  rent was 700 bucks a month for a studio apartment on Park Avenue. I worked for CompuServe on Wall Street, the first online computer network that everyday people could afford and was liven life in the fast lane," Panepinto recalls. But it wasn't too long after, one of Panepinto's former professors from Flagler, Steve Evans, reached out and offered him a job as an instructor. Although the then future Professor said it did take him some time to make a decision, Nick Panepinto made his way back to St. Augustine for the third time in 1989 as an instructor teaching Financial Management, Insurance and Risk, and Investment.

Throughout the Professor's thirty-six years at Flagler College he has not only become a highly respected member of the faculty but an icon as well. "He always remembered his student's names and his office door was always open to help students out with their studies however he could. His happy go lucky demeanor and his witty sense of humor made for a virtually painless finance lecture and his personal stories were interesting and hilarious!" says a former Flagler student. In fact, in 1975 the young Nick Panipento wrote President Ford a letter  because he felt the gas prices were too high. It was 60 cents a gallon at the time and the President actually wrote him back! "Those prices were really cutting into my cruising time!" says Panepinto with a smile. Currently, Professor Panepinto teaches Marketing, Advertising, and Retailing and on his days off he is an avid golfer, paddle tennis player, and walks the beach for exercise.
So, whether it's seeing Professor Panepinto walk across campus, getting some lunch or sipping his favorite Yuengling at a local watering hole, be sure to give him a high five and a smile, maybe say, "Go Irish!" because this man has not only served our country but has also devoted his career to educating the students of Flagler College for over 36 years.

" What I want students to leave with once they graduate Flagler is to have a better understanding on HOW to learn, because learning doesn't stop once you get a degree."
- Professor Nick Panipento

Luv Ya Mean It Oddities!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, Luv You Mean It Oddities, is a great boutique to find a unique gift. Located on A1A across from the St. Augustine Pier, unique, shabby chic and mostly local, LYMI Oddities' inventory is 70% made from local artists. From jewelry to refurbished furniture and open since May of 2014 , owner Cindy Davegos has made a huge effort in building a larger client base for the local artists of St. Augustine. " I think as a boutique owner it's better to sell local art and décor when you can, you not only help the local artists but you get to meet really cool people and get great new ideas!" says Cindy.

Silverware Bracelet

Fishing Lure Earrings

Where funky meets beachy décor, LYMI Oddities showcase local artists such as local authors Walker Newton, Bob Tis, Kourtney Patterson, and J.J. Brito and local musicians Henry and the Seahawks, and Dan Chamber. Fawn Barnet's silverware bracelets, Paulet Buff's ceramic mermaids and Captain Chris Castle's fishing lure earrings can also be found here. Cindy has truly created a wonderful boutique and has extensive knowledge of each piece she carries, which truly makes it that much more of a special gift and a fun shopping experience.

"I want my customers to be happy to know that when they buy local art it's not only immensely appreciated but will always be unique and one of a kind!" Luv ya mean it !- Cindy

Luv Ya Mean It Oddities
315 A1A Beach Blvd.
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
304.315.4431
You can find Cindy and LYMI at the Wednesday Farmer's Market at St. Augustine Beach Pier
lymioddities.com
lymioddities@gmail.com

South Beach Grill: New Menu Items!

Chef Carlos Davidson

 

South Beach Grill, a St. Augustine landmark of beachside dining for over 15 years, has recently added some new menu items brining a little twist to an already stellar selection of lunch and dinner entrees. Chef Carlos Davidson having 19 years experience has really put a lot of thought, creativity, and time into bringing new flavors to their customers. Having  spent time traveling after graduating Culinary School in Tallahassee, Davidson really expanded his cooking horizons in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was able to cook under several chefs." New Orleans is where I leaned so much about cooking, I would say I have a lot of creole in my cooking background," which reflects in the menu.



Portobello Mushroom Tacos

But lets talk about the new menu items that St. Aug Blog was more than happy to sample. A fresh in house Hummus Platter topped with avocado has been added to the appetizers served with toasted pita points. Among the lunch items , Portobello Mushroom Tacos with Sriracha Remoulade , Thai Shrimp Tacos, Beach Belo Sandwich- a large Portobello Mushroom Cap seared with house creole seasonings, and an Arugula Salad has been added that is topped with tomato, cucumbers, avocado, smoked bacon, and a goat and feta cheese combination. As for the dinner additions, you will find Southern Pan Fried Fish n Grits ( served with cheddar grits and fresh local Mahi-Mahi), Orzo St. Augustine which is tossed in capers , Manzanilla olives, grape tomatoes, garlic and fish fumet, and for those who enjoy a little spice for your pallet, the Asian Noodle Bowl will be up your alley, which is served with bell peppers, onions, carrots and tossed in Thai Peanut Sauce and Sriracha.

Asian Noodle Bowl

Bringing St. Augustine fresh local seafood for years and nearly one of the only restaurants located on the actual beach, there is something for everyone at South Beach Grill. Great view, great food and great service. St. Aug Blog asked Davidson what his goals were not only as a Chef but for the South Beach Grill to which he replied, " I just want South Beach Grill to be the best beachside eatery it can be. I am proud to say that we serve excellent fresh local seafood and that we are able to continue pleasing are customers throughout the years."

Thai Shrimp Tacos

South Beach Grill
45 Cubbedge Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 471-8700
www.southbeachgrill.net
Hours - 11a.m. till 9p.m.

Sporkalicious! A review of Sporks Food Truck

Located on 2135 A1A South on St. Augustine Beach , Sporks is the newest edition to the Food Truck scene. Father and son , owners Benk and Miles Dagevos have embarked on a new business venture together , making their mark on the food truck frontier that slowly but surely is coming to fruition in St. Augustine. "It took us 4 months to get all the permitting and licensing for Sporks," Miles recalls. A reality   that all food trucks in the area have faced , but luckily have not discouraged.

The inspiration for the name of the food truck was quite simple. They wanted something short and catchy, hence, Sporks it was. Having only been operating for 3 weeks or so, Sporks found their own niche that sets them apart from the others, a rotating menu. Everyday, the specials change to whatever fresh ingredients Miles and Benk can get their hands on. Even the type of salsa they use is made fresh and different daily , a salsa du jour if you will. With Benk having been in the restaurant business since the 80's and Miles having 9 years experience , the collaboration is nothing short of delicious.

St. Aug Blog was fortunate enough sample one of their daily specials which was true to their mission, unique, delicious, and cooked to perfection. Cuban Pork Sliders with Minorcan Mustard and side of BACON Mac and Cheese topped with Miles' signature sauce, Hay Bale Sauce. He would not reveal the ingredients so I suppose you will have to stop by and try it for yourself! When asked how he came up with different sauces and salsas Miles simply said, " I just wing it. I usually take a recipe and then switch out an ingredient for another and just see what happens."

Other specials that Sporks has featured are Pulled Pork, Pot Roast Sliders , Chick Parmesan Sliders ,Chicken Pesto Sliders, Gumbo, Chili , Fried Onion Burger , and they will usually have some sort of local fish tacos on the menu for all you taco enthusiasts. Sides also rotate , but you will surely find Bacon Mac and Cheese, Costa Rican beans and rice ( topped with Lizano!) , and using corn tortillas , made to order chips with fresh salsa. All of these specials are in the 8$ range. Great fresh food with a side, you just can't beat it. But the question I know everyone is waiting for...do they actually have one of the most innovative eating utensils ever introduced to mankind? Yes! Sporks for everyone! "If you can't eat it with a spork we're not serving it, no just kidding!" That's a little Benk Dagevos joke. Sporks is open Tuesday through Saturday form 11 A.M. till dusk. Seating is provided. Dine at or take out! A wonderful new addition to St. Augustine Beach, truly a must!

Sporks Food Truck
2135 A1A South
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
904.806.3293
Open Tues-Sat 11A.M.-Dusk
Like Sporks on Facebook and follow them on Instagram to find out daily specials!

Great Apps To Keep Your New Year's Goals On Track

The New Year brings a fresh start and many of us set goals for ourselves. Whether it's losing that 10 pounds you've been needing to do or maybe reading that book that's been sitting on your desk since last June or going to the gym five days a week, unfortunately it is easier said than done. Many Americans make New Year's resolutions but hardly any of them actually follow through. This could be partly to setting goals too high or maybe stress or just life's day to day activities that cause distractions. Whatever the reasons may be luckily with today's technology there are useful apps that can keep us on track.
Here are some apps that may be useful , posted are the icons as well so they can be recognized on iTunes or google store: 

For getting your life organized and finishing tasks:



Golden Scale ( 1.99)

This app lets you keep track of your goals and or break your bad habits. This app also traces your progress as you go along.



















Evernote:
This is a note taking app that allows you to set and keep track of your goals and allows you to be more productive and self sufficient.

For weight loss:
Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker By MyFitnessPal (Free)
This app counts and tracks calories and exercise. It has over 3 million foods in it's data base that allows you to track nearly every calorie you consume. This app includes over 350 cardio and strength training exercises as well.

For the writer:
Self Control App( for Mac) (Free)
This app will bock you from accessing websites that distract you for a period time that you set . Once the time expires you will be able to access the websites. This can be used as a tool to keep focused on the task at hand , rather that checking your facebook or surfing youtube. Be aware that this app whether you turn your computer off or delete the app , it will not let you view those websites until its set time has expired.

Write or Die:
This app is geared toward the creative writer. It basically allows you to set the amount of words you'd like to write in the set amount of time you'd like to write them in and if you stop there are three different modes of alarms that will go off until you finish your writing goal.

 

Hope this helps! Good luck!