d i n i n g
Christiano’s b y C o u r t n e y M u r r a y
F amily is the core value of the locally owned and operated restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Christiano’s. Having just celebrated their ten year anniversary, owner Chris Chirum finds himself reminiscing on the beginning. Over a decade ago Chris and his wife Rene were getting the restaurant off the ground with two children underfoot, and they attribute a lot of their success to the support from their families. Chris says that they wouldn’t be in business without Rene’s daily hard work and love. Their family has grown, thrived, and evolved together in the restaurant business. Their children, Grace (16) and Luke (19), were raised working in the restaurant and have learned to do all of the jobs in the business. They’ve witnessed what hard work can accomplish and that there is no success in cutting corners. It’s the delicious food that brings you in, but it’s the little personal touches that keep you coming back. When you walk through the door of Christiano’s you immediately feel a sense of warmth. The scent of a simmering tomato sauce wafts towards the entrance and laughter fills the air. The vibe is cozy and friendly; you feel like one of the family. As you are seated at a table amongst family and friends, you may be so lucky to be seated at the original table from Chris’s childhood. With hundreds of restaurants up and down the Emerald Coast, you have to stand out not only to stay in business, but to have repeat patrons. In a world where restaurants have become all about who has the trendiest cuisine and most unusual food pairings, Christiano’s decides to do the opposite. They focus on simple, high quality ingredients with amazing flavors. Forget the dehydrated locally foraged truffle soufflé and bring on the home cooked lasagna. With recipes originating in Calabria, Italy and then passed down the generations, you are certain to remember your culinary experience. Chef Chris Chirum was trained in culinary arts at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. His early career specialized in French cuisine, but the foundation and skillset he established carries on to his everyday meal preparation. It’s all about focusing on simplistic goodness. Chef attributes the incredible flavors of his recipes to California grown garlic, quality olive oil, and the art of seasoning. Many people under appreciate the importance of salt and pepper and finding the perfect balance. “I was taught as a young culinarian that the difference between a good restaurant and an OK restaurant is salt and pepper,” says Chirum. Simple as that. As a family friendly establishment, the classic spaghetti and meatballs is one of the top selling menu items. In addition to Italian favorites like manicotti and
With recipes originating in Calabria, Italy and then passed down the generations, you are certain to remember your culinary experience.
Chris Chirum’s family homage
Lasagna
Shrimp Tuscana
ravioli, Christiano’s offers an exciting menu that incorporates local seafood freshly caught in the Gulf of Mexico. The Snapper Elizabeth has consistently been a favorite dish: perfectly sautéed and topped with jumbo lump crab and almonds laced in the restaurant’s famous white butter sauce with European green beans and rice. Christiano’s has a knack for taking a basic ingredient, like zucchini, and elevating it. The Zucchini Ernesto appetizer takes delicate ribbons of zucchini and fries it with garlic and Romano batter, creating a decadent crisp. Dip one ribbon in the homemade tomato basil sauce and you are truly in heaven. If you can spare an inch of room after your meal, dessert should not be overlooked. You can’t go wrong with Italian favorites like the delicious cannoli or the sweet spumoni, but if you are really wanting to indulge your taste buds, try the chef recommended coconut cream pie. Consistency is their key to success. “We continue to live day to day, taking each day as it comes,” says Chef,
“trying our best to provide each guest an enjoyable dining experience and earn their return visit. We really enjoy the locals, as well as yearly returning guests, asking about our kids and commenting how they have watched them grow up. Hope they’ll be saying that about our grandkids one
day.” If you’re looking to feed your body and your soul, become one of the family and come dine at Christiano’s.
Christiano’s is open for dinner and take out Tuesday- Saturday starting at 5pm. The restaurant is available for private parties and daytime events. With the holidays right around the corner, consider Christiano’s for your corporate luncheon or family gathering. They can also provide on-site and off-site catering services. Please call (850) 267–2185 or visit www.meatballsrb. com for more information.
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