Chef David Cunningham
Chef At Home In Grayton Beach
Get to know me better
Gulf to table cuisine, southern hospitality, practiced techniques, and artistic palate combined to create a truly unique culinary experience.
While I have been working in professional kitchens for over 35 years, I have been cooking my entire life. Fueled by an early passion for the outdoors, I learned to clean and prepare game and seafood at an early age. Surrounded by many great cooks, southern cuisine and culture were part of my everyday childhood.
After graduating from Louisiana State University in 1993, I attended culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC. After culinary school, I continued to pursue my education at the University of New Orleans, where I completed my second Bachelor's degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration.
While at UNO, I worked at the famed Commander's Palace under James Beard winner Chef Jamie Shannon. I eventually worked my way up to Executive Sous Chef and ultimately took the helm at Commander's Palace in Destin as the flagship restaurant for the Emerald Grande Resort.
After leaving Commander's Palace, I led the kitchens at several well known restaurants on the Gulf Coast 30A corridor. I was the Chef at V Seagrove, Trebeache, Stinky's Fish Camp, and most recently at Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions.
I specialize in Gulf Coastal cuisine with a healthy dose of my Louisiana upbringing and a dash of East coast low country. I love to source fresh local product and have a passion for wood fired cuisine combined with classical techniques. I compete in BBQ competitions as a hobby. Open fire cooking creates a unique flavor, you can't duplicate, especially on fresh seafood. A mentor once told me, "the best food comes out of your own backyard." My backyard is the Gulf of Mexico.

More about me
For me, cooking is...
Growing up surrounded by food as a culture & part of everyday life it is a huge part of who I am. Food brings people together. Togetherness is family.
I learned to cook at...
After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC , I finished my formal training at Commander's Palace in New Orleans.
A cooking secret...
To me cooking is about technique and layering flavors. Every ingredient sourced to be the best, treated properly & combined at exactly the right time
My menus
Roasted Poblano Queso
Hand-cut Pico de Gallo
Blistered Corn Elote Dip
Fresh Cooked Corn Tortilla Chips
Smoked Duroc Pork Carnitas
Fire Roasted Free-range Chicken
Corn and Flour Tortillas
Lime Cilantro Rice
Charro Black Beans
Fixings - queso fresco, cilantro, charred sweet onions, guacamole, adobo crema, lime marinated cabbage
Churro Cinnamon Cookies - dulce de leche center, guajillo spiced chocolate dip
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Fire Roasted Oysters, smokey bacon, chimichurri, Manchego
Wood Fired Shrimp Brochettes, charred lemon ravigote
Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade
Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple
St. Andre Cheese Canapes, poached apple, toasted pecen, smoked honey
Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, pickled scallion
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Caprese Skewers, tiny tomato, cucumber, basil, mozzarella, red wine reduction
Potato and Corn Chowder, blistered corn, potato, Tabasco butter crostini
Mixed Baby Greens, cucumber, tiny tomatoes, smoked feta, candied pecans, honey pomegranate vinaigrette
Strawberries & Spinach, local strawberries, sweet onion, crumbled feta, warm molasses dijon dressing
Chef's Caesar, tableside wooden bowl dressing, ripped romaine, garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes
Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli
9 Line Farms Wagyu Beef Meatball, Grana Padano, tomato agrodolce,
Gochujang Lentil Stir Fry, seasonal vegetables, smoked mushroom bulgogi, ginger pickled cucumber
Fennel Gochugaru Crusted Salmon, charred Brussel sprout, satsuma veloute, smoked chili oil
NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon French bread
Seasonal Gulf Fish, pan seared fresh local fish, Creole brown meuniere, lemon
Skillet Grilled Top Sirloin, charred onion mushroom ragu, beef fat smashed potatoes smoked tomato bearnaise
Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus
Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, gluten-free pasta, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth
White Chocolate Bread Pudding, bourbon white chocolate sauce, praline whipped cream
Plant City Strawberry Shortcake, scratch-made buttermilk shortcake, macerated berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream
Key Lime Pie, raspberry, dulce de leche drizzle
Iron Skillet Blueberry Crisp, hot from the oven with buttermilk whipped cream
View full menu
Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade
Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Smoked Feta & Radish Toast
Crudites & Crostini, roasted garlic balsamic spread
Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil, crisp prosciutto
Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, grilled shrimp, pickled scallion
Blue Crab Ravigote, blue crab mousse, old bay cracker, jumbo lump crab
Crispy Paper Wrapped Fish, orange chili dipping sauce
Mixed Baby Greens, local lettuces, smoked feta, pomegranate, candied pecans, cucumber, smoked honey vinagrette
Strawberries & Spinach, local strawberries, sweet onion, smoked feta, hot iron skillet bacon molasses
Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, crusty cornbread, blistered corn, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette
Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli
Coastal Seafood Gumbo, gulf shrimp, blue crab, dark roux base, bay infused jasmine rice
Crawfish and Corn Chowder, potato, andouille, tabasco butter crostini
Fire Roasted Oysters, smokey bacon, chimichurri, Manchego
Bourbon Molasses Braised Pork Belly, green tomato jam, crispy fried oyster, Creole mustard gastrique
NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon, French bread
Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus
Pan Roasted Gulf Fish, lemon parsley meuniere, blistered tomatoes
9 Line Farms Wagyu Beef Meatball, Grana Padano, tomato agrodolce,
Cast iron Seared Diver Scallops, smoked tomato buerre blanc, blistered corn relish
Blackened Yellow Fin Tuna, caramelized onion, pork belly lardon, smoked chipotle oil, aged balsamic reduction
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, olive oil wilted chard, key lime brown butter
Key Lime Parfait, brown sugar cinnamon phyllo, dulce de leche, bruleed meringue, fresh raspberry
Lemon Thyme Creme Brulee, torched sugar
Double Chocolate Tart, chocolate satin sauce, warm raspberry compote
New York Cheesecake, brown butter crust,, bourbon smoked sea salt toffee, crème fraiche chantilly, crumbled praline
Iron Skillet Blueberry Crisp, hot from the oven with buttermilk whipped cream
View full menu
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Zucchini Fritters, pomodoro
Hand-made Focaccia, caramelized onion, roasted peppers, black olive
Eggplant and Mushroom Caponata, toasted flatbread
Arancini, roasted tomato agrodolce
Wagyu Meatball, roasted tomato agrodolce, Grana Padano
Crawfish Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil
Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, crusty cornbread, blistered corn, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette
Burrata and Caramelized Pear, arugula, corn bread crostini, balsamic drizzle
Heart of Romaine, crispy smoked shiitake, sweet onion confit, Asher blue cheese, blistered tomato, black pepper dressing
Fennel Arugula Salad, pine nuts, feta, pita croutons, lemon honey vinaigrette
Italian Mixed Greens, tiny tomatoes, feta, cucumber ribbons, carrot, lemon parmesan vinaigrette
Roasted Beet Salad, mixed greens, goat cheese, fennel, orange, olive oil
Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth
Chicken Franchese, paneed, lemon parsley pan jus, angel hair pasta, haricot vert
Garlic Shrimp Arrabbiata, linguine, piquillo peppers, tomatoes, crushed chili, lemon white wine broth
Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Gnocchi, brown butter, smoked shiitake, spinach, toasted garlic
Butter Poached Lobster Risotto, shellfish broth, aged parmesan
Crema Catalana, citrus milk custard, cinnamon, torched sugar
Dark Chocolate Tart, almond linzer dough, blackberry coulis, espresso chantilly
Toasted Almond Semifreddo, warm white chocolate ganache
View full menu
Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade
Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple
St. Andre Cheese Canapes, poached apple, toasted pecen, smoked honey
Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, pickled scallion
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Caprese Skewers, tiny tomato, cucumber, basil, mozzarella, red wine reduction
Smoked Feta & Radish Toast
Crudites & Crostini, roasted garlic balsamic spread
Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil, crisp prosciutto
Potato and Corn Chowder, blistered corn, potato, Tabasco butter crostini
Mixed Baby Greens, local lettuces, smoked feta, pomegranate, candied pecans, cucumber, smoked honey vinagrette
Strawberries and Spinach, Florida berries, baby spinach, caramelized onions, crumbled feta, molasses dijon dressing
Smoked Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, dark roux base, jasmine infused rice
Chef's Caesar, tableside wooden bowl dressing, ripped romaine, garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes
Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli
9 Line Farms Wagyu Beef Meatball, Grana Padano, tomato agrodolce,
Gochujang Lentil Stir Fry, seasonal vegetables, smoked mushroom bulgogi, ginger pickled cucumber
NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon, French bread
Seasonal Gulf Fish, pan seared fresh local fish, Creole brown meuniere, lemon
Skillet Grilled Top Sirloin, charred onions, mushroom ragout, smoked tomato bearnaise
Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus
Chicken Franchese, paneed, lemon parsley pan jus, haricot vert
Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth
Seasonal Berry Shortcake, scratch-made buttermilk shortcake, macerated berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream
White Chocolate Bread Pudding, bourbon white chocolate sauce, praline whipped cream
Key Lime Pie, bruleed meringue, dulce de leche drizzle
Iron Skillet Mixed Berry Cobbler, served hot from the oven with buttermilk chantilly cream
View full menu
Proscuitto Wrapped U-8 Diver Scallop, grapefruit prosecco gastrique
Lobster Frites, potatoes Lyonnaise, chardonnay butter poached lobster, garlic saffron aioli
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, arugula, smoked tomato, mango ribbons, key lime brown butter
Crawfish Risotto, buttery shellfish broth, roasted mushrooms, manchego
Togarashi Tuna Tatake, pomegranate ponzu, ginger pickled cucumber, smoked chili oil
Skillet Grilled Foie Gras, pear and onion tartlet, moscato gastrique
Truffle Roasted Mushroom, arugula, skillet roasted mushrooms, Manchego, aged sherry truffle vinaigrette
Honey Caramelized Pear & Burrata, prosciutto, arugula, crostini, white balsamic
Smoked Vidalia Onion, rich beef broth, French bread crouton, Gruyere
Soft Shell Crab and Saffron Bisque, creme fraiche, pressed basil
Apple Pomegranate Salad, baby lettuces, shaved fennel, crumbled goat cheese, herb roasted tomatoes, lemon chervil vinaigrette
Butter Poached Lobster Risotto, shellfish broth, aged parmesan
Filet Mignon, beef fat smashed potatoes, charred onion mushroom ragout, garlic bordelaise, maitre d' butter
Surf & Turf, Australian wagyu flat iron, Blue crab sauce choron, wilted endive, rissolet potato
Cast Iron Seared Diver Scallops, confetti couscous, smoked tomato buerre blanc, blistered corn relish
Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse Napoleon, sweetened pastry, satin chocolate sauce, blackberry coulis
Lemon Thyme Creme Brulee, torched sugar, 10X dusted raspberries
Very Strawberry Pavlova, crisp Italian meringue, buttermilk chantilly, Plant City strawberries
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Artichoke and Shrimp Gratin, naan
Sopressata Flat Bread, sweet onion, impastata, arugula, hot honey
Falafel, tahini yogurt
Ceviche, local fish, lime, tomato, parsley, piquillo peppers
Arancini, roasted tomato agrodolce
Dukkah Cauliflower Hummus, first press olive oil, Egyptian flatbread
Fennel Arugula Salad, pine nuts, feta, pita croutons, lemon honey vinaigrette
Harira, lentils, chickpeas, ginger turmeric broth, chilies
Roasted Eggplant Caponata, olives, capers, tomato, basil, crostini
Roasted Beet Salad, mixed greens, goat cheese, fennel, orange, olive oil
Tomato Cucumber Salad, red onion, parsley, lemon, sumac
Hazelnut Pesto Couscous, toasted chickpeas, sundried tomato, sweet onion, fennel, feta
Shrimp and Eggplant Stuffed Flounder, melted leeks, charred fennel, carrot, lemon olive oil broth
Pesto Roasted Salmon, toasted almond rice pilaf, broccolini, lemon
Skillet Grilled Lamb Chops, tahini roasted brussel sprouts, baby carrots, minted yogurt
Baked Gulf Grouper, parsley potatoes, haricot vert, lemon tomato cream
Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth
Blue Crab Risotto, roasted mushrooms, lemon parsley broth, shaved parmesan, truffle oil
Za'atar Roasted Chicken, jasmine rice, roasted eggplant, tomato onion relish
Apple Empanadas, served fresh out the oven with honey drizzle
Crema Catalana, citrus milk custard, cinnamon, torched sugar
Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, greek yogurt whipped cream, fresh berries
Toasted Almond Semifreddo, warm white chocolate ganache
Raspberry Lemon Clafoutis
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Hot Honey Glazed Brussel Sprouts
Garlic Asiago Smashed Potatoes
Lyonnaise Fingerling Potatoes
Bacon Vinegar Braised Greens
Vidalia Smothered Haricot Vert
Toasted Pecan Jasmine Rice
Triple Potato Hash
Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Potato and Corn Chowder, blistered corn, potato, Tabasco butter crostini
Mixed Baby Greens, local lettuces, smoked feta, pomegranate, candied pecans, cucumber, smoked honey vinagrette
Strawberries and Spinach, Florida berries, baby spinach, caramelized onions, crumbled feta, molasses dijon dressing
Smoked Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, dark roux base, jasmine infused rice
Chef's Caesar, tableside wooden bowl dressing, ripped romaine, garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes
Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli
Fresh Gulf Fish - Blackened, Sautéed and Fried served with Creole meunière and Sauce Ravigote
Seasonal Berry Shortcake, scratch-made buttermilk shortcake, macerated berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream
White Chocolate Bread Pudding, bourbon white chocolate sauce, praline whipped cream
Key Lime Pie, bruleed meringue, dulce de leche drizzle
Iron Skillet Mixed Berry Cobbler, served hot from the oven with buttermilk chantilly cream
View full menu
Roasted Poblano Queso
Hand-cut Pico de Gallo
Blistered Corn Elote Dip
Fresh Cooked Corn Tortilla Chips
Smoked Duroc Pork Carnitas
Fire Roasted Free-range Chicken
Corn and Flour Tortillas
Lime Cilantro Rice
Charro Black Beans
Fixings - queso fresco, cilantro, charred sweet onions, guacamole, adobo crema, lime marinated cabbage
Churro Cinnamon Cookies - dulce de leche center, guajillo spiced chocolate dip
View full menu
Fire Roasted Oysters, smokey bacon, chimichurri, Manchego
Wood Fired Shrimp Brochettes, charred lemon ravigote
Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade
Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple
St. Andre Cheese Canapes, poached apple, toasted pecen, smoked honey
Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, pickled scallion
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Caprese Skewers, tiny tomato, cucumber, basil, mozzarella, red wine reduction
Potato and Corn Chowder, blistered corn, potato, Tabasco butter crostini
Mixed Baby Greens, cucumber, tiny tomatoes, smoked feta, candied pecans, honey pomegranate vinaigrette
Strawberries & Spinach, local strawberries, sweet onion, crumbled feta, warm molasses dijon dressing
Chef's Caesar, tableside wooden bowl dressing, ripped romaine, garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes
Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli
9 Line Farms Wagyu Beef Meatball, Grana Padano, tomato agrodolce,
Gochujang Lentil Stir Fry, seasonal vegetables, smoked mushroom bulgogi, ginger pickled cucumber
Fennel Gochugaru Crusted Salmon, charred Brussel sprout, satsuma veloute, smoked chili oil
NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon French bread
Seasonal Gulf Fish, pan seared fresh local fish, Creole brown meuniere, lemon
Skillet Grilled Top Sirloin, charred onion mushroom ragu, beef fat smashed potatoes smoked tomato bearnaise
Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus
Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, gluten-free pasta, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth
White Chocolate Bread Pudding, bourbon white chocolate sauce, praline whipped cream
Plant City Strawberry Shortcake, scratch-made buttermilk shortcake, macerated berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream
Key Lime Pie, raspberry, dulce de leche drizzle
Iron Skillet Blueberry Crisp, hot from the oven with buttermilk whipped cream
View full menu
Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade
Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Smoked Feta & Radish Toast
Crudites & Crostini, roasted garlic balsamic spread
Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil, crisp prosciutto
Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, grilled shrimp, pickled scallion
Blue Crab Ravigote, blue crab mousse, old bay cracker, jumbo lump crab
Crispy Paper Wrapped Fish, orange chili dipping sauce
Mixed Baby Greens, local lettuces, smoked feta, pomegranate, candied pecans, cucumber, smoked honey vinagrette
Strawberries & Spinach, local strawberries, sweet onion, smoked feta, hot iron skillet bacon molasses
Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, crusty cornbread, blistered corn, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette
Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli
Coastal Seafood Gumbo, gulf shrimp, blue crab, dark roux base, bay infused jasmine rice
Crawfish and Corn Chowder, potato, andouille, tabasco butter crostini
Fire Roasted Oysters, smokey bacon, chimichurri, Manchego
Bourbon Molasses Braised Pork Belly, green tomato jam, crispy fried oyster, Creole mustard gastrique
NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon, French bread
Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus
Pan Roasted Gulf Fish, lemon parsley meuniere, blistered tomatoes
9 Line Farms Wagyu Beef Meatball, Grana Padano, tomato agrodolce,
Cast iron Seared Diver Scallops, smoked tomato buerre blanc, blistered corn relish
Blackened Yellow Fin Tuna, caramelized onion, pork belly lardon, smoked chipotle oil, aged balsamic reduction
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, olive oil wilted chard, key lime brown butter
Key Lime Parfait, brown sugar cinnamon phyllo, dulce de leche, bruleed meringue, fresh raspberry
Lemon Thyme Creme Brulee, torched sugar
Double Chocolate Tart, chocolate satin sauce, warm raspberry compote
New York Cheesecake, brown butter crust,, bourbon smoked sea salt toffee, crème fraiche chantilly, crumbled praline
Iron Skillet Blueberry Crisp, hot from the oven with buttermilk whipped cream
View full menu
Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle
Zucchini Fritters, pomodoro
Hand-made Focaccia, caramelized onion, roasted peppers, black olive
Eggplant and Mushroom Caponata, toasted flatbread
Arancini, roasted tomato agrodolce
Wagyu Meatball, roasted tomato agrodolce, Grana Padano
Crawfish Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil
Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, crusty cornbread, blistered corn, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette
Burrata and Caramelized Pear, arugula, corn bread crostini, balsamic drizzle
Heart of Romaine, crispy smoked shiitake, sweet onion confit, Asher blue cheese, blistered tomato, black pepper dressing
Fennel Arugula Salad, pine nuts, feta, pita croutons, lemon honey vinaigrette
Italian Mixed Greens, tiny tomatoes, feta, cucumber ribbons, carrot, lemon parmesan vinaigrette
Roasted Beet Salad, mixed greens, goat cheese, fennel, orange, olive oil
Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth
Chicken Franchese, paneed, lemon parsley pan jus, angel hair pasta, haricot vert
Garlic Shrimp Arrabbiata, linguine, piquillo peppers, tomatoes, crushed chili, lemon white wine broth
Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Gnocchi, brown butter, smoked shiitake, spinach, toasted garlic
Butter Poached Lobster Risotto, shellfish broth, aged parmesan
Crema Catalana, citrus milk custard, cinnamon, torched sugar
Dark Chocolate Tart, almond linzer dough, blackberry coulis, espresso chantilly
Toasted Almond Semifreddo, warm white chocolate ganache
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