COOK by VIE

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Photo by Gaby Yerden

Whipping Up a New Luxury Coffee-Table Book

By Jordan Staggs

Upon VIE magazine’s inception, its mission was to tell rich, vibrant human-interest “Stories with Heart and Soul” about the people, places, and happenings in a region coined “COLA 2 COLA®” by the publication’s creators. Florida’s coastal communities from Pensacola to Apalachicola are near and dear to the hearts of VIE’s publishers and audience. There seems to be an inherently creative and talented pool of people drawn to this beachside haven. People flock to the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent bright white sands to be inspired and inspire others, just as VIE’s makers have. Cofounders Lisa and Gerald Burwell and the pioneers of VIE’s early days recognized this pool of talent and authentic creativity and the need to share stories with the world about the slice of nirvana they called home.

Mint mojito cocktail by Chef Jim Shirley’s restaurants | Photo by Romona Robbins

Fast forward to 2020, when the publication released its first luxury coffee-table book, HOME: Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE. The photographic tome celebrates stories of talented architects, builders, and interior designers throughout the COLA 2 COLA® region, as there are many. The book also includes “pause pages” throughout, featuring local landmarks, events, past VIE highlights, and restaurants.

COOK: Cocktails. Cuisine. Culture. is a love letter to the incredible world-class chefs, restaurateurs, event planners, and culinary teams who bring the zest of life to this region we call home and millions of others call their home away from home each year.

Poke bowl by Chef Jim Shirley’s restaurants | Photo by Romona Robbins

The latter is what inspired VIE’s second coffee-table book, coming soon! COOK: Cocktails. Cuisine. Culture. is a love letter to the incredible world-class chefs, restaurateurs, event planners, and culinary teams who bring the zest of life to this region we call home and millions of others call their home away from home each year. From the old favorites that vacationers visit time and again to the new kids on the block, we can’t deny the dining and cocktail scene in the area—particularly the twenty-ish-mile stretch in Walton County, home to the affluent Scenic Highway 30-A—is unforgettable.

Health and flavor combine at Raw & Juicy organic café and juice bar. | Photo by Romona Robbins

We welcome you to join our table as we sip, savor, and celebrate on a culinary tour of this coastal paradise, coming soon! Follow us on social media @viemagazine for more news, or head to VIEmagazine.com/shop-vie to get your copy of HOME.