Jason Castro visits Red Bar

Jason Castro visits the Red Bar

Living next to the Red Bar in Grayton Beach is interesting to say the least.

Most days I have no problem with it other than the smell from the food drifting over to our house, causing us to go over and eat way more than we should.

The days (more like nights) that drive me nuts are on holidays, Spring Break and the Auburn vs. Alabama football game day. When people are enjoying themselves that much, they like to extend it, so they continue out in the street. It gets a little loud for the residents, but, it is still tolerable; after all, living this close to the beach, you learn to accept the good with the not-so-good.

I now have a new appreciation for the Red Bar.

If you followed American Idol, you know of Jason Castro, fourth-place finisher of Season 7, my favorite Idol. I loved his finale performance of "Hallelujah." That song hit a nerve with me - the music was raw, intense and haunting all at the same time; a powerful and passionate performance. I can't wait to hear the music he produces.

I found him enjoying dinner Friday night with his girlfriend, Mandy, outside at the Red Bar. A non-stop line of admiring fans wanted pictures and autographs. I'm one of the guilty ones who asked for a picture and handed my phone to him to speak to Tammy, a fan in Alabama. I made a new friend for life with that call.

His teeth mesmerized me - how could someone have teeth that perfect? I then found those blue eyes that rival the gulf on its best day and his pink, sunburned cheeks.

My husband agreed he had a beautiful smile. While I was focusing on his face, my husband was intrigued by his peace sign charm in his dreadlocks.

I told him I interviewed him for The Walton Sun when he was voted off, that I loved his music, I had voted for him, how nice it was to meet him, could I get a picture, and we were going to the concert in Detroit and that we will see him there. I'm hoping to get an interview opportunity there.

He is in Destin to spend time with Mandy before he goes into rehearsal June 6 in Los Angeles for the American Idol Live tour. Mandy is doing some ministry work for part of the summer here with a college group from Oklahoma. Look for his dreadlocks around town this week.

I am looking forward to this tour. Rumor has it one of the songs will be featuring Jason on drums, David Cook on guitar and Carly Smithson singing "Barracuda." That number will be worth the ticket price alone. There are still tickets available.

Rhonda Cloutier lives in Santa Rosa Beach. You can reach her at IdolBeat@gmail.com.