Blackfin Bistro and Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant - Key West

Tomato ginger carrot - the soup du jour.

We actually spent an extra night in Key West quite unexpectedly. Although our flight from ATL to Key West arrived with no problem, on the return trip severe winds kept the jet from landing in Key West. Delta's solution - drive us to Miami in a bus OR stay another night and fly out in the morning. Although we both needed to return for work, we decided to remain in Key West another night instead of taking the long bus ride to Miami. We actually hooked up with new-found friends from Louisville who we'd met on our first day. They were supposed to be on the same flight.

Once we got settled in another lodging - I can't even remember the name and it was so disappointing after our great B&B, we met up with our new friends for dinner and dessert. For dinner we went to Blackfin Bistro, upon recommendation of the clerk at the hotel. Although the menu looked pretty good, it was quite pricey and the food was mixed. I enjoyed the soup of the day (above) although $9 is a bit much I think... The burger was also good and the pasta was decent. Our friend was not too crazy about his lobster salad, though, and the whole experience was somehow lackluster.

Lobster Salad with fruit.



Chef's seafood pasta, half portion (shared with new friends!)



Blackfin Burger - with Swiss cheese, bacon and a sunny side up egg.

Our new friends had been to Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant already and they wanted to go back. Intrigued we went along to give it a try. Unfortunately they were out of the signature dessert (you guessed it - it's called "Better Than Sex") but we still enjoyed some delicious treats as well as chocolate-rimmed dessert wine - whoa a serious sugar kick! The restaurant is DARK and some of the menu items have racy names. They do provide flashlights so you can read the menu. Definitely a unique place and not quite like anything I've ever experienced before.

Luckily we made it out of KW early the next day. It was a wonderful trip overall and I would enjoy another vacation there. Nice to meet you Louisville friends!

Cheesecake.



Cobbler/bread pudding.



Chocolate chip pie.



Chocolate rimmed chocolate beverage.

Eaton Street Seafood Market - Key West

Best shrimp salad. Ever. Go there.

We passed the Eaton Street Seafood Market almost every time we returned to our B&B. We finally ventured in and tried the seafood delicacies that are available inside. This place functions mostly as a true market, selling seafood and accompanying items, but they also have a small menu of items that they will cook for you on the spot.

Looks like an old tiny gas station.



Grilled fish sandwich - so fresh and served on a delicious croissant.

Santiago's Bodega - Key West

Spring mix with duck confit, dried cranberries, walnuts, and red onions tossed with a citrus-ginger vinaigrette.

On what we thought was our last night in Key West, we took it up a notch and dined at Santiago's Bodega, recently renovated to include more seating . We snagged a highly coveted patio seat and enjoyed the breezy, warm evening. The food was definitely fancier than any other place we went on the island and we really enjoyed it.

Special soup - unfortunately can't remember exactly what kind - note to self* take better notes!



Yellowfin tuna ceviche - huge chunks of fish - almost too big, very briny and acidic.



Camembert wedge topped with sautéed garlic, onions, almonds, apricots, and red bell peppers with crostini - delicious!



Chicken skewers.



Bread pudding and ice cream.

El Siboney Cuban Restaurant - Key West

Roast Pork, yuca and tamale.

One of the most consistent recommendations we received was for El Siboney Cuban Restaurant. Lucky for us, this place lived up to the hype. A family run, basic place - this is right up my alley. The roast pork was moist and flavorful, made even better by hot sauce. The fish was fresh and spiced just right. I love maduros and these were no exception. If you are in Key West and want some authentic Cuban cuisine, go here!

The plain exterior holds delicious surprises!



Fish with maduros, rice and beans.

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Chocolate covered key lime pie = heavenly!

We strolled into Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe place several times, taking advantage of the dozen or so free samples offered daily including key lime taffy, key lime cookies, key lime fudge, key lime wine (not sure about that one!) and all kinds of salsas and sauces. The chocolate covered frozen key lime pie is one of the best things I've ever eaten. Enough said!

Key lime pie slice.

Alonzo's Oyster Bar - Key West's Famous Happy Hour

Fried calamari and mussels diablo. In the back - REAL fish sticks!

After hearing about it from the staff at our B&B, we had to try the famous happy hour at Alonzo's Oyster Bar. Great drink specials and all appetizers are 50% off. The conch chowder and mussels were definitely highlights. The fried food - not so much. I should have ordered the peel'n'eat shrimp, which I later heard is really their specialty and of course, it's hard to mess up steamed shrimp if they are really fresh. We got there just as the deal started and by the time we left there was a wait. This place is in the marina and huge fish (not sure what kind - anyone know the ones that hang out in the harbor?) prowl around right by the dock!

Conch Ceviche.

Outside Alonzo's. We saw some giant fish hanging out in the harbor.

Conch Chowder.

The Cafe - Key West

Cold Peanut Noodles and Falafel Pita special with Sweet Potato Fries.

It rained quite a bit during our stay and one rainy evening we made our way to The Cafe, a quaint vegetarian/pescatarian restaurant on Southard St. I enjoyed the cold peanut noodles - one of my favorite things to make (and eat) while Calvin opted for the falafel sandwich, a special for the evening. Both dishes were excellent and the creative menu made me sorry we didn't have time to return. In addition to a wide array of traditional and ethnic vegetarian dishes, this place has an extensive seafood menu including clams and mussels. Definitely a good place for a little something different when you're in Key West.

Flamingo Crossing Ice Cream and Butterflys

Look at this huge cone!

During our Key West travels we stopped for a rest at Flamingo Crossing Ice Cream parlor, where we enjoyed rare flavors such as guanabana and papaya as well as the always adored key lime. The ice cream really hit the spot and I was forced to eat an entire waffle cone!

One of the neat butterflys we saw at The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

B.O.'s Fish Wagon

Fried Shrimp and Fried Fish Sandwich.

Earlier this year we took a much needed R&R break in Key West, Florida. In addition to balmy temperatures we enjoyed some great food. We stayed at Key West Bed & Breakfast: The Popular House and enjoyed it very much. It was off the beaten track enough to be cozy and quiet but not too far to walk to everything. Upon arrival we took the local bus to near our B&B - we're not ones to pay $20 for a 3 mile taxi ride! First question: where to eat lunch? Luckily the desk manager at the B&B pointed us in the right direction - to B.O.'s Fish Wagon, which was right down the street. This place is authentic Key West and the food sure was great. I love the character of this place, with the vintage car out front and all of the old maritime paraphernalia. The fish = awesome and they have homemade limeade. This place is cash only so be sure you have some!

This old car is part of the charm!

Our table - love the decor!

Delicious Conch Fritters - our appetizer.