About
The Messina name was first introduced to the food service industry in June of 1961, when Andy Messina fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a restaurant with his father. Andy Messina's Restaurant and Catering Company, located in Kenner, Louisiana, was only the beginning for the Messina family. Andy, and his wife, Isabelle, operated the restaurant, which became famous for its Italian family recipes and classic New Orleans seafood dishes, for over 40 years. Andy Messina's Restaurant and Catering established itself as one of the premier family-run, neighborhood restaurants and caterers in Kenner and Jefferson Parish. Drew Messina, one of Issy and Andy's four children, grew up working in his parents' restaurant, learning all aspects of the business. He attended the University of New Orleans where he studied Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. He also attended Sclafani's Cooking School where he broadened his culinary knowledge under the tutelage of world renowned chefs. Over the past 28 years, Drew has worked in the hospitality industry not only as a General Manager of his family restaurant, but also in other successful companies to broaden his culinary and management skills. Drew also hosted cooking shows on New Orleans television stations Fox 8 and WVUE Channel 6 News as well as a show at The Treasure Chest Casino for three years, mainly showing off the famous Messina's family recipes. Drew opened his own establishment in 1994, Messina's Oaks Plantation, a venue that flourished for years providing the finest foods and catering. With his family training and tradition, Drew was called upon by long time friends to work at Dickey Brennan's Bourbon House, one of the most successful restaurants in one of the most competive markets in the world, New Orleans. There Drew learned invaluable skills from another family known world wide for their hospitality and restaurant venues. Today starts a new and very exciting chapter in Drew Messina's life as he and Messina's Hospitality Group plan to open Messina's in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Drew is bringing 50 years of family restaurant expertise to the Gulf Coast. His guests will receive the finest service and experience the cuisine that made Messina's in Kenner such a success. The restaurant will present a casual atmosphere while proving guests with a "Five Star Flair." Families on vacation and loyal local patrons alike will be comfortable in Messina's spacious bar and dining room, whether they are looking for a special dining experience or a quick bite after a long day at the beach. Not only will the food and service be unforgettable, but the "Five Star Flair" will keep customers returning year after year. Small touches of class will make each guest feel special: things like personal linen napkin placement, simultaneous entree tabling, signature glassware, table-side martini and wine by the glass service, and unexpected food and beverage lagniappe ("a little something extra"). Both tourists and locals will able to instantly download the Messina's mobile app, giving them access to food and drink special offers, special events like wine dinners and whiskey tastings, video feeds of kitchen operations and cooking demonstrations, with downloadable recipes. The menu selection at Messina's will feature a blend of South Louisiana style Creole cooking, Italian inspired dishes and Florida's finest seafood. Some old Messina's favorites like baby veal spedindi will be featured, as well as new creations such as penne pasta jambalaya and Five Star offerings like blue cheese filets, surf and turf, pan seared redfish over Gouda grit cake topped with Oysters Rockefella. The beverage service will include a globally diverse wine list with affordable by the glass options and Five Star bottle service. Messina's will boast an eye catching spirit selection with over 40 bourbon offerings and a little flair in Drew's signature Italian milk punch. Family friendly, casual dining with a Five Star Flair will set Messina's apart from any restaurant the Emerald Coast has ever seen.
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