This cafe in Destin is known for its small-batch baked goods, coffee, and artisan sandwiches. Owned by a sibling pair from New York, Rachel, and Tim, the staff makes sure to pay homage to their East Coast roots in everything from the coffee they source to the spices they use.
The woman behind the name is Chef Rachel, a pastry chef who’s worked for high-end spots like the Ritz Carlton. She’s also played a role in farm-to-table restaurants specializing in a variety of cuisines, and a catering company that specialized in everything from weddings to production services. With both culinary expertise and event-planning skills, she helps people take their special events to the next level. For all the casual tourists out there, Lady Ray is a cute place to stop by for a latte, a breakfast croissant, and a slice of cake (or a mocha latte bomb) to finish up.
Lady Ray may be elevating dishes in the panhandle, but Chef Rachel also didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel either. She’s following much of what she learned about hospitality from some of the best hotels in the world. She’s also interested in building a community around her, which is why she tries to partner with small, local businesses that share a similar philosophy.
In addition to the standard operating hours, you can also book this spot for a private affair, like a bachelorette or birthday party. These events are more than just a cake and a room, as you’ll get a demonstration from a talented chef that includes both wine and gourmet cuisine.
At Lady Ray’s, we recommend the following:
Tropical Boom Key Lime Bites
Key lime pie is popular practically anywhere you go, but there’s something special about enjoying it in its home state. This version packs a wallop of citrus in every bite, and it’s perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up after lunch. Or take it to go and dig in after a night on the town.
Mocha Croissant
There’s something about the blend of chocolate and coffee that instantly perks up your mood. The marbled color of this confection plus the distinct flavors of rich java and sugar are delectable. This croissant is perfect when combined with the gourmet coffee at Lady Ray’s.
Caprese Style Avocado Toast on a Crazy Ed’s Seasoned Croissant
The caprese part of this avocado toast cuts through some of the richness of the dish. The acidity of the vinaigrette and the tomatoes are a perfect pairing against the cheese and the avocados. This is a treat for the senses and amped up even further by the seasoning and flaky texture of the croissant.
Dunkers
Also known as cookies, the dunkers at Lady Ray are available in sugar cookie, oatmeal raisin, and chocolate chip forms. This is a specialty here, so you might want to pick up a couple extra for when cravings hit.
24-Carrot Gold Cupcake
If your vacation has you feeling like a celebrity, then the 24-carrot gold cupcake is for you. (No, that’s not a typo either, as you’ll be enjoying the eponymous cake.) Topped with swirling frosting and gold sprinkles, it’s an undeniably fun way to indulge in something sweet.
Lady Ray is likely best known for her work with major events. Customers come to her when they want a work of art for their wedding or any other major milestone. However, her shop brings a bit of that magic to every standard menu item she offers, whether that’s a pumpkin spice latte or the carrot cake bread pudding.
Insider Tips:
-Customers can rent out the private boutique space for special events.
-If you like carrot cake, this is the place to get it.