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2 Birds Adds to its Nest b y M a r y We l c h
W hen Taylor and Jenifer Rohrberger opened 2 Birds Coffee + Cafe in Miramar Beach three years ago, they decided any future restaurant openings would be based on “when it felt right. We didn’t know if that meant three months or three years,” says Taylor. “We were open to doing more as long as it fit into our overall brand and mission. It just had to be the right time and the right location.” Luckily for residents in the
Cured Salmon Fancy Toast
30-A area, the time and location were right, and 2 Birds Coffee + Cafe opened at WaterSound Origins in Inlet Beach. Taylor says, “We always had the intention of opening a place further east and closer to 30-A but we really wanted to ensure that the place served full-time residents who would enjoy the restaurant, come often and just make it a part of their life. We had conversations with St. Joe and they had the perfect spot.” The WaterSound Origins location features some lighter, poolside fare, including the honey-sriracha chicken tacos and the grilled shrimp tacos with tzatziki and pickled veggies. “Who doesn’t want tacos while laying around the beach or pool?” he asks. “And if you are into cool, craft beer and natural wine, we have you covered with some great all-day sippers.” 2 Birds is also serious about coffee and espresso drinks quality. “We serve espresso drinks the way they were intended,” he says, “and we are lucky to partner with French Truck Coffee out of New Orleans to get the freshest beans around.” No matter what you order you’ll notice the small finishing details. “Our goal was to have a restaurant that was simple, yet elegant. In Washington, D.C. we were fortunate to frequent restaurants that served the most delicious dishes we’ve ever tasted. Not because they were whipped up with foams or topped with caviar, but because each dish was sprinkled with delicate, flaky sea salt or finished off with a few drops of really good olive oil or topped with the perfect amount of fresh herbs.” 2 Birds strives to serve tasty dishes in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Flavors are mixed and matched in unexpected ways. Everything from the syrups for coffee drinks to the baked goods are made from scratch. The team also enjoys putting on monthly dinners that Taylor says are a “bit funky, a bit fancy.” The five- course meal is served at three large communal tables where the cafe presents internationally inspired dishes served with wine, beer, vermouth, and mead. “It’s a great
Taylor Rohrberger
“We didn’t date until substantially later, but we ended up in Washington, D.C. I had a corporate job and she was a kindergarten teacher. She had family in this area and my family always vacationed around 30-A. We always thought about moving to the beach and then we just decided to do it,” he says. “Now, we’re just trying to find the time to enjoy it!” And how did the name come about? Well, it’s so cute it would warm even the coldest of hearts. It seems Jenifer’s family called her J-bird; Taylor’s nickname when playing sports was T-bird. “When we discovered that, everyone started making fun of us, but we kind of liked it. So that’s how we got the name. Cheesy, I know.” The couple is enjoying the overwhelming, positive response to their second cafe and are happy they are living their dream and sharing it with people. “We want our place to feel like you are part of our extended family where you can come and be comfortable, cozy and eat great food and have amazing drinks,” he says. “If we don’t do that, we’re missing the mark.” Panama City Beach: 573 Pathways Dr. Panama City Beach, FL. 32413. (850) 919-1002. Miramar Beach: 80 Seascape Dr., Unit 103, Miramar Beach, FL. 32550. (850) 279-3375 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Tuesday. www.2birdscafe.com
Chorizo Fancy Toast
Chocolate Chip Cookies and Coconut Lemon Cookies
evening mood and a lot of fun.” It costs $80 for dinner; $45 for drink pairings. With two locations, Taylor is still able to oversee both kitchens, but says he is lucky to have the assistance of Chef Shane Rexroad, who is a long-time resident and worked for a large number of St. Joe properties. “He is the epitome of a true partner…we are lucky to have him.” When they aren’t at the cafes, Taylor and Jenifer, who grew up five houses down from each other in Lafayette, Louisiana, enjoy playing with their girls Ellis (5) and Mae (19 months). The team also enjoys putting on monthly dinners [...] where the cafe presents internationally inspired dishes served with wine, beer, vermouth, and mead.
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