Vici Papajohn/Splash! magazine Definitely a crowd favorite and a recommended selection by Chef Dan Dunn, the Tropical Shrimp Cobb Salad, above, is a deliciuos combination of fresh fruit, succulent grilled shrimp and greens. It is available on the lunch and dinner menu at H2O. Amazing as it sounds, renown local Chef Dan Dunn is the force behind all the food served at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front located in the heart of Pensacola Beach. And it is all truly a reflection of his marvelous skills!

Locally famous for its fine cuisine, poolside side fare and perfectly catered events, the Hilton Pensacola Beach is also located overlooking the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

"This place has a lot of history for me," Dunn says. "I used to surf here and I surf here still many days before breakfast. And I married my wife on the beach before the Hilton was even built. The day this resort opened, I knew that I would one day end up here as chef. I am very hands on and we stay very busy - I love my job."

Dunn's exuberance for his beach and his role as chef carry over to the beginning of your meal at H2O. Starters as wonderful as Gumbo, K'Asian BBQ Spare Ribs, Famous Crab Cakes or Shrimp Skampi begin your dining experience.

Bonsai Sushi Bar located off H2O in the hotel lobby area. Appropriately named H20, the main dining room is a cool collection of sea-glass colored tiles and smooth chrome. Both chic and inviting, the space overlooks the Gulf and the pool outside.

Lunch menu selections at H2O range from affordable Black Angus Beach Burger, and grilled marinated chicken breast and Cajun spiced Hilton club sandwiches (all for only $9) all the way to gourmet signature selections and upscale dining options. Premier salads include Spinach Salad, Caesar, Tropical Fruit and classic house all priced under $10, with the option of adding tiger shrimp, grilled chicken, blackened fresh catch and seared ahi tuna for very reasonable up-charges.

For the disciplined and determined guest, Hilton Eat Right selections offer healthy low-fat meals without cutting the flavor and appeal.

A favorite dish from this specialized menu is the Smoked Salmon Spinach Frittata - good all day long! This traditional frittata is created with low-fat egg substitute and sliced smoked salmon, shitake mushrooms, baby spinach and sweet basil. The Tropical Shrimp Cobb salad, featured with this article, is from the Eat Right menu, but you will not feel that you are missing anything but calories - the portion is large and the flavoring a perfect balance.

Chef Dan Dunn's signature dish is the Steak Dano - a generous grilled Prime Filet Mignon served atop Baby Bok Choy and Baby Carrots, wild mushrooms, with blackened scallops and shrimp over a creamy portion of Roasted Poblano and goat cheese with an Asian demi. Rich, full and satisfying, this needs to be your choice if you gravitate towards the steak side of a menu.

Redfish, Green Tea Seared Duck Breast, Shrimp, Pork Chop, Grouper and the chef's own Voodoo Pasta are also options for the discriminating diner hoping to experience some of Dunn's signature style.

A quick meal poolside still bears his stamp as he supervises and has a role in all that is prepared in the Hilton galleys. Latitudes Beach Bar and Grill serves salads, wraps, burgers and sandwiches worthy of the locale. You don't even have to leave the lovely Gulf side pool area to dine!

Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front also meets the expectations of their leisure travelers and vacation guests alike with the convenient and cozy Bonsai Sushi Bar located off H2O in the hotel lobby area. Sushi, nigiri, salads and soups are all on the menu at Bonsai.

Whether just for dining or staying a few days, the Hilton is conveniently located - Pensacola Regional Airport is less than 30- minutes away, while water sports, shopping and exciting nightlife are within walking distance. And hotel guests need not travel to enjoy very fine dining and a wonderful variety of foods.