By Jack Smith
The term appetizers seems to have appeared simultaneously in England and America in 1860 as an English alternative to the French term, hors d’oeuvres. But though the name might vary, appetizers, in some form or another, have graced many a cultured table over the centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans were known for their wine, olive, and cheese platters, while Renaissance physicians toted pre-dinner meat morsels to promote digestion. As part of a multi-course spread, appetizers were primarily found in the more privileged corners of society. It’s hard to imagine Genghis Khan sitting down to enjoy finger foods, while Daniel Boone would’ve been hard pressed to pronounce hors d’oeuvre, much less divine its meaning. Today appetizers, aka ‘starters,’ have evolved into their own food group. Portion conscious consumers are known to treat appetizers as a main course (who among us has not made a feast of wings, nachos, or even fried pickles?). My wife is convinced that soup and salad constitutes a full course meal. My advice? Enjoy all the oyster sliders and spinach dip you desire, and be merry. Main course optional. Bon appétit!
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
Come to The Wicked Wheel and get transported straight to New Orleans with our famous Backfire Shrimp. Seasoned to perfection with our famous cajun flavor, this half-pound of fresh Gulf shrimp is sautéed in a spicy herb seasoning and butter and served with fresh rolls for dipping.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
Everything tastes better with a view of the beach, and Schooners is famous for having one of the best views in the USA… add two Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes served with Tropical Fruit Salsa and Creole Remoulade, a chilled glass of wine or ice cold local craft beer, and you have the perfect makings of a lifelong beach memory!
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
Capt. Anderson’s has published a lot of cookbooks over the past 54 years, but there is always one recipe missing. As a matter of fact, you won’t find this recipe anywhere. It is Capt. Anderson’s most closely guarded secret…you have to taste to believe! The #1 appetizer of all time! Capt. A’s FAMOUS Grilled Bay Shrimp!
Señor Frogs
15005 Front Beach Road, PCB
senorfrogs.com/panama-city-beach
Come for the food, stay for the fun. Try our Mexican Street Corn Off the Cob with mayonnaise, queso fresco, spicy Tajin® and lime.
The Pancakery
13800 Panama City Beach Pkwy, PCB | (850) 588-5077
thepancakery.com
The Pancakery started in Destin in 2011. After a huge success, The Pancakery expanded down the coast to a second location in Panama City Beach in 2017. Come check out what makes The Pancakery a Florida Panhandle FAVORITE. Enjoy a delectable over-stuffed baked potato topped with cheese, butter, bacon pieces, sour cream and green onions. You can also add shrimp or chicken.
