Treasure Coast Cuisine and the SMERF Tourism Market

Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors with
Scripps Treasure Coast Food Critic Diana Foote and
Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina
Sales Manager Tenille McLeod.

Well, no little blue men showed up in the studio but show hosts Robin Hicks-Connors and Gary Guertin were treated to some great SMERF information with guest Tenille McLeod, sales manager for Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina, Stuart, Florida. And Diana Foote, the restaurant reviewer and food critic for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, filled the first half-hour with food!

Speaking of food, Diana Foote talked about Florida signature foods, such as alligator tail and frog legs. Robin became a bit squeemish when Diana mentioned an establishment where the gator could be served up looking like the real thing, but the two shared an affinity for a couple of local establishments where the food and service shouldn't be missed. Dianna shed light on the diversity of culinary experiences found from Vero Beach in Indian River County to Jupiter, Florida in Northern Palm Beach County. Yes, diverse dining opportunities do make a difference. Do Treasure Coast restaurants make the grade?

Without a doubt the SMERF (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal) group markets do play and important role in our regional tourism efforts. Tenille shared what this market likes to do after their meetings, whether being within walking distance of shops, restaurants and activities is important, as well as her thoughts on whether a convention and meeting facility centrally located in Historic Downtown Stuart might help Martin County attract more SMERF’s. Gary also brought up an interesting point: boating SMERF's do exist!

The Bahamas update keyed in on next month's Bahamas Wahoo Challenge and a Bahamas Tourist Office sanctioned Grand Bahama/South Florida Fly-in slated for December 10-20, 2010 that will include "LSA’s," as well as general aviation aircraft. What's an LSA? You'll have to listen to the show or follow this LSA link to know.

As always, thanks for listening and if you missed us, pour yourself your favorite beverage and enjoy this week's episode of Talkin' Tourism.

The Importance of FOOD and SMERFs (not the little blue guys)

In addition to clean, comfortable and reasonable accommodations, what is next on the list of visitor “wants” when checking out a vacation destination? The answer is F-O-O-D!

Dining options are a very important factor when visitors are deciding where to spend their valuable “vacation time,” whether they are seeking five-star dining experiences or looking for fun, unique and “down-home” culinary experiences.

Cape Cod Ipswich fried clams and lobster salad, Maryland crab cakes and She Crab soup from the Low Country, conch fritters and conch salad from the Bahamas....hungry? This week we'll check out the role regional signature food plays in enhancing a tourism destination. And, what about service? Décor themes and unique venues add to the experience too. Lots to talk about and special guest Diana Foote, restaurant critic for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers will be in the studio to give us 'insider' information. Diana will also describe the various Treasure Coast dining experiences visitors and residents can enjoy here on the Treasure Coast and she'll share what she looks for in a dining experience. Sounds like hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will definitely be out to lunch this week!

Some people travel solo and others in a group or as a family. These type of travelers are commonly referred to as “leisure travelers." What about group travel? Tenille McCloud, director of sales for Martin County’s Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort and Marina, will introduce listeners to SMERF’s, not to be confused with Smurfs (the little blue guys) you may have seen on TV or in the movie. S (social), M (military), E (educational), R (religious), F (fraternal) is an industry term to describe the main market segments of tourism group business destinations seek in their overall marketing efforts. Tenille will let us know how the Treasure Coast does in this special niche market, and maybe a few pointers on what the area can do better to attract this valuable market.

The show would not be complete without History Lady’s view of what’s happening on the Treasure Coast, Bahamas updates,  and certainly some laughter, so tune in tomorrow (Friday, October 8) at 10:05 a.m. and catch a mini-vacation and tourism news on this week’s edition of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!). You can catch the show on your radio at WPSL 1590 AM or on the Internet at www.wpsl.com.

March 20: Traveling to Eat!

This week Talkin' Tourism explores the phenomena of Food Tourism.

USA Today reported on a study that indicated of the 160 million U.S. residents who travel for leisure, about 1 in 6 have taken a food tour, enrolled in a cooking class, toured a winery or otherwise participated in culinary activities as part of a vacation. Nearly half took a trip or chose a destination because of the food and wine activities they would find there.

According to the TIA study, New York state is one of the most popular destinations for food travel, outdone only by California and Florida.

The Treasure Coast has some great dining options. This week's show will give listeners an insider's look into how food, wine and eating have a role in tourism.

Guests this week include:

Paul Daley, the owner/operator of The Flagler Grill and co-owner of the Pelican Cafe.

Katherine Lynch, editor and publisher of Dine Magazine, an upscale dining, luxury lifestyle publication covering the best of South Florida. You can also find Katy blogging on The South Florida Traveler (http://www.thesouthfloridatraveler.com/) and Dine Magazine (http://www.dinemag.net/), or planning events for Dine Magazine's Wine and Dine Club.


Chef Mark Muller, executive chef of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina's Harborage Grille. Chef Muller has maintained a standard of excellence in the Treasure Coast area since 1986, having worked with many of the area’s five-star chefs, including Howard Felch at Sailfish Point, Michael Polonieck at No Anchovies, Keith Crandall at Café La Ronde, and Mark Walton at Loblolly Pines.

Prior to Harbor Grille, Chef Muller and his wife, Melissa, owned and operated The Limelight, in Fort Pierce. His mouth-watering recipes and cutting-edge presentation earned a loyal following among Treasure Coast diners, while winning four-star ratings and numerous People’s Choice awards from local newspapers. Chef Muller gained expert knowledge in creating private in-house events, such as wine tastings and jazz dinners that he will share with Harbor Grille.

Aside from years in the kitchen, Chef Muller received a stellar education, earning his Professional Chef’s Degree at the Florida Culinary Institute, and after graduating from Martin County High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy.

Like grocery shopping, don't listen to the show hungry! Tune in on WPSL 1590 AM this Friday at 10 a.m. to hear the show broadcast live from the Captain's Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina.