A Legacy of Flavor

A New Era for Café Thirty-A and Basmati’s Asian Cuisine

Interview by McKenna Mears | Photography courtesy of Café Thirty-A

Since 1995, Café Thirty-A has held a cherished place in the hearts of countless families who consider a visit to Scenic Highway 30-A in Florida’s Panhandle incomplete without a meal at this iconic spot. This beloved Seagrove Beach restaurant was brought to life by the visionary Harriet Crommelin, whose passion and dedication transformed it into more than just a dining destination—it became a landmark. Harriet’s creation was infused with a warm, homelike atmosphere, setting the stage for a place that embodies charitable spirit, culinary excellence, and enduring charm. Her legacy continues to make Café Thirty-A a standout gem, a “gathering place for those who believe that good food and good company are the center of a life well lived.”

Following Harriet’s passing in early 2023, longtime employees Jackie Maliszewski and David Kessler were graciously gifted the role of owners for the restaurant. VIE had the privilege of speaking with Maliszewski, who provided insight into Harriet’s enduring legacy and shared details about an exciting new chapter in the story of another iconic 30-A restaurant.

VIE: What do you think has contributed to Café Thirty-A’s enduring success and iconic status?

Jackie Maliszewski: I believe Café Thirty-A’s success can be attributed to two key factors: our commitment to consistently delivering delicious food and the long-standing dedication of our employees. Over the years, we’ve cultivated a reputation for exceptional quality, which is a direct result of our focus on excellence in every dish we serve. Our team’s experience and stability have been crucial in maintaining this high standard.

Harriet, the heart and soul of Café Thirty-A, was remarkable for how she nurtured her employees. She always treated her staff respectfully and made them feel like family. Her caring approach created a loyal and motivated team, contributing significantly to our success.

Kessler and I strive to uphold her values by prioritizing our team’s well-being. Our goal is to keep Café Thirty-A as a place where exceptional food and a supportive work environment go hand in hand, reflecting the principles that made it thrive under Harriet’s leadership.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been just over a year since she passed away; it feels like it was only yesterday. The transition has certainly been an adjustment, but it’s also been a valuable learning and growth experience for us. In terms of the menu, we maintain the popular items like the Crab Cake and Sesame-Crusted Tuna. At the same time, we plan to introduce some new dishes. With our talented kitchen team, led by Chef Tim Williams and Chef Angela Poe, we are excited for what the future holds.

Our goal is to keep Café Thirty-A as a place where exceptional food and a supportive work environment go hand in hand, reflecting the principles that made it thrive under Harriet’s leadership.

VIE: Can you elaborate on how Harriet’s legacy and philosophy influenced your decision to acquire Basmati’s?

JM: In December 2023, Kessler, Diew Svendsen, and I acquired the beloved Blue Mountain Beach restaurant, Basmati’s Asian Cuisine. Much like Café Thirty-A, Basmati’s has been a cherished fixture on Highway 30-A for nearly thirty years. When we learned that Basmati’s was for sale, we jumped at the opportunity to ensure it continued to thrive with its distinctive charm.

Our goal has been to preserve the essence of Basmati’s while incorporating a few improvements based on the lessons we’ve learned from Harriet over the years. We’ve introduced online reservations and made aesthetic updates like new tables and chairs. We have plans to make the screened-in patio more enjoyable year-round by adding air conditioning and heat. We are keeping the menu the same, and most of the staff is still there, which is a significant part of what makes Basmati’s so special. Our approach mirrors the consistency we’ve strived for at Café Thirty-A, ensuring that Basmati’s continues to be known for the qualities its loyal patrons have always loved.

VIE: Are you catering to more couples or families in our coveted vacation destination?

JM: It seems that our little slice of heaven on 30-A has become more widely recognized, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We cater more to families, many of whom have visited us since they were young and now bring their children. At the same time, we’ve welcomed many first-time visitors to the area. We aim to create lasting memories for all our guests, hoping they’ll make both Café Thirty-A and Basmati’s part of their annual traditions.

VIE: Tell us more about this year’s Annual Charity Ball.

JM: We have been hosting the Charity Ball for almost as long as the restaurant has been open. Our primary beneficiary has always been Caring & Sharing of South Walton. Caring & Sharing provides essential support to families in need, including clothing, food, assistance with utility bills, and more. Last year was a record-setting year for us, raising $64,000! This year’s Charity Ball is scheduled for December 7, and we hope to set another record.

VIE: Can you tell us more about Café Thirty-A’s charity work?

JM: We help with Caring & Sharing and have a warm spot in our hearts for Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) and Alaqua Animal Refuge! Alaqua has always been near and dear to Harriet, and we want to continue to support them in any way we can. We have been benefiting and supporting CVHN for over fifteen years, first through sponsoring the wine festival in Alys Beach and now with Soirée on the Bay, which raised almost one million dollars in the last three years. We’re constantly brainstorming new ideas to support these charities and make a positive impact.

VIE: Thank you, Jackie!

Thanks to the leadership of Maliszewski and Kessler, Café Thirty-A continues to honor Harriet’s vision for the restaurant. Their commitment to philanthropy, the welcoming atmosphere, and the food that has been “consistently delicious since 1995” keep visitors returning year after year. With the recent addition of Basmati’s to their portfolio, the pair aims to enhance the love and loyalty both restaurants have cultivated on 30-A.

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Reservations are required at Café Thirty-A and can be made at CafeThirtyA.com. To learn more about the Charity Ball, visit CafeThirtyA.com/Charity-Ball. Reservations are recommended at Basmati’s and can be made at BasmatisThirtyA.com. Be sure to follow both restaurants on Instagram and Facebook at @CafeThirtyA and @BasmatisAsianCuisine.