Chef Andrew Suthers and Kitchen Manager Toby Clark, who is also a chef, have joined forces to take the menu to the next level at Windjammers on the Pier, which is offering tickets to a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve Celebration.
The venue will feature a delectable three-course meal, taking place center stage at Santa Rosa County’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display on Navarre Beach Pier. Additionally, at midnight an illuminated sea turtle will drop at the pier.
Chef Suthers has specifically designed the New Year’s Eve Celebration menu to create a truly special dining experience, and proceeds will benefit the Pink Pirates Organization, a local nonprofit supporting early breast cancer detection and awareness.
The three-course meal starts at 7:30 p.m. and features:
- Appetizer: Roasted Pepper Bisque with Grilled Brioche, Feta, Balsamic, and Shrimp
- Entrées: Pistachio-crusted halibut with Roasted Autumn Vegetables and Brown Butter. OR Petit 4oz Filet Beef Wellington with Wild Mushrooms, Boursin Cheese, Pommes Dauphine, Green Beans, and a Rich Cabernet Sauce
- Dessert: Kentucky Bourbon Bread Pudding with Sorghum Caramel, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and Pralines
Suthers is a Kentucky native, and his award-winning Bourbon Bread Pudding has won multiple accolades.
While a student at the University of Kentucky, Suthers discovered his passion for cuisine after reading Anthony Bourdain’s “Kitchen Confidential.” Subsequently, he attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis, where he spent a dozen years honing his skills in area restaurants.
Suthers returned to Kentucky, earning notoriety for his Gastro Gnomes catering business before moving to Florida and helping care for his mom, a breast cancer survivor. Suthers opened The Black Skimmer Grill and worked at Beach House Bar & Grill and Drift, gaining a following of foodies, prior to being recruited to serve as Head Chef at Windjammers.
“The strong team we have here makes all the difference,” Suthers said of Windjammers, noting that co-owner Tamara Fountain has put together a talented group, including Clark and General Manager Heather Barreras. “Having Toby as a kitchen manager, with his organization skills, and as a fellow chef, allows us to elevate the menu, adding full-scratch items with fresh ingredients.”
Tickets are now on sale for $75. Additional benefits for ticketholders include: 15% off alcohol all night long, live music by Tribe Zion from 8:30 p.m. until 12: 30 a.m. and exclusive Pier access during fireworks and Turtle Drop. Reserve your ticket today by calling 850-710-3239.
Although the regular dining room will close for the event, bars will remain open to the public with a limited menu, starting at 7:30 p.m., including: Gator Bites, Debris Nachos, Cheese Curds, Soup of the Week, Short Rib Tacos, Chicken Fingers and Shrimp Basket (with one side). Wristbands for 21+ and under 21 will be given out to those within Windjammer’s footprint starting at 8:30 p.m.
Windjammers will also host the 2025 Pier Plunge, taking place at 12 noon on New Year’s Day. It will be a free event; however, souvenir t-shirts will be for sale to benefit Gulf Coast Kiln Walk, a local nonprofit aimed to promote awareness of the ceramic arts and build a sense of community through clay-related activities.
“Our organization and staff place a high value on giving back in our community. It is a joy to host events that benefit two deserving local nonprofits,” said Fountain.
Photos courtesy Andrew Suthers
