DESTIN — The line to Jim ‘N Nick‘s Bar-B-Q booth was steady and long Thursday night, but those who braved it were rewarded with a full sampler plate that included ribs and a roll.
As the three-time winner of the finest barbecue on the Emerald Coast, the line wasn’t a surprise to General Manager John Dupuis. He attributed the restaurant’s success to its quality ingredients and slow-cooked food.
“It’s all from scratch, just like your mom used to make,” Dupuis said.
Dozens of businesses voted for by Daily News readers in the Finest on the Emerald Coast competition treated hundreds of fans to samples of their fare, discounts and other goodies at HarborWalk Village in Destin.
See a photo gallery of the event. >>
Brittany Hewitt, who was at the event with her mom, Rebecca Wilcox, said it was great to see so much of the community out and supporting each other.
“It’s kind of like a small celebration,” Hewitt said.
For Susan Kessler, the celebration gave her a chance to enjoy some of her favorite businesses and learn about some she hadn’t seen before.
“They’ve really done a good job with this,” Kessler said as she looked around the busy HarborWalk.
The Cakemaster’s Bakery booth drew folks with its brownies, cakes and other sweets. Cakemaster's has been named the finest bakery for the past three years, said William McLoone, an assistant baker.
“To be that engrained in the community is an honor,” McLoone said.
He attributed the bakery’s popularity to its rule of making everything from scratch.
“You can taste the difference,” McLoone said.
Passer-by Lynne Whittemore agreed. She said she has been going to the cake shop since it opened, and was happy to see it and other old and new favorites at the Finest event.
“It’s great seeing some of the new businesses and seeing some of old and established businesses getting appreciated and recognized,” Whittemore said.