La Nina Restaurant

La Nina Restaurant is one of those places that you might drive by and say to yourself, "There is no way I'm stopping there," which means you're going to have to take my word for it when I tell you to do just the opposite. Their Cuban Mix sandwich is hands down, the best tasting sandwich of it's kind. We think we even like it better than 5 Brothers down at MM 26 and we thought they were the bomb. It is big, it's warm, it's just the right combination of mayo and mustard and it's loaded with pulled pork. It's just plain yummy. One sandwich is enough for 2 people to share and they always cut it in half for you. It looks like they have some tables inside, but I've never seen anyone coming or going. We always get ours carry-out.

They don't have a website and the phone number on the signage is incorrect, but don't pass this place up just because of it's appearance. You won't be disappointed. Call ahead to order if you're in a hurry to get to the beach -- deliciousness takes time!  305.517-6226; MM 48.5 in Marathon.

Hurricane Hole

Update February 2016 - Have been back to the Hurricane Hole a couple time already this year. Their food is consistently good. The owners just opened a second location call Fish at about MM 15. Will write more on our visit there under that name.

We had an occasion to visit the Hurricane Hole just the other day with some friends and we were mighty happy we did. We had a very pleasant time watching all the fishing charters come and go with their daily haul, but there was also paddle boarders and barflies to keep us entertained. While we've been there before, we had only indulged in adult beverages. This time we had lunch and let me tell you, it was tasty indeed. Our party ordered a variety of items, one more plentiful than the other. I ordered the smoked fish dip and while it was very tasty, it reminded me more of plain ole tuna fish - it wasn't very smokey and I personally like a little more spice. Since I can't consume dairy products, I'm always happy to find a place that makes their fish dip without cream cheese. Some other things that our party ordered were Cobb Salad with blackened shrimp, fish tacos and pulled pork nachos. Everybody was happy with their choices. Our bartender was attentive and kept us lavished in extra cold beer. While the bathrooms aren't great, they are very acceptable. You can also go out of here on water sport excursions and fishing charters. Check out their website for details.

The Hurricane Hole can be found at 5130 U.S. Highway 1 at College Road. 305.294-0200. I think their Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. and 10p.m.-2 a.m. daily, but check out their website at www.hurricanholekeywest.com. Their are lots of shady places to sit as well as some umbrellas, but take your sunscreen - you might end up having to sit in the sun for part of the time.

Solo American Bistro

Update: January 2016 - This restaurant is closed. Too bad, they had a kick-ass Happy Hour.

Touted as a "New American Restaurant," Solo is one of the many upscale bistros in Key West. The ambiance is strong and sleek, boasting a long dark mahogany bar and New York style decor.  Colorful comfy cushions adorn the booth/chair style tables while romantic lighting makes you feel like a grown-up. It's certainly not a place that screams "Key West," but that is one of the reasons why I like it so much. It's different and trendy and you can actually get a great glass of wine in a real glass! It's large windows are almost always thrown open to the beautiful weather beyond their door step. If you prefer, there are several tables on the porch that await.

We were there for Happy Hour recently, but I understand they have great weekend lunch specials for $7, $5 Mimosas and $6 Bloody Mary's. Happy Hour features half price wine, draft beer and cocktails from 4-7 p.m. and about 5 or 6 half price appetizers that are prepared perfectly--from simple gourmet-style flatbreads to tuna tartare. Many other goodies are there for the choosing. You can't get all this many other places.

It's a great casual location with great service away from the more touristy places. It's a nice change of pace. Sole is located at 610 Green Street. They have a Facebook page, but do not have a website yet. They can be reached at 305.296-2033 or at solokeywest@gmail.com.

Fish

Update: January 2016 

Fish used to be called Kaya Island Eats. I love the place, Ray not so much, but he's strictly a meat and potatoes guy and the menu there is a little more eclectic than that. I've only been there for Happy Hour so I can only speak to that. Their signature dish is Mussels in Curried Coconut Milk. They are so delicious that I actually slurp up the broth with an empty shell. Yummy!! The regular menu is extensive and there is a bit of a relaxing vibe to the decor and offerings. You can get a burger or a delicious seafood enter. The place is bright and cheerful and the bathrooms are lovely.

While it appears that the restaurant is located on the highway, once you climb the steps you realize that the view is pretty spectacular from all angles. They have a rather large bar and surrounding bar area with high top tables and even a small lounge type area. It pays to get there before the crowds because the bartender is so busy making drinks for the tables us bar flies are often overlooked. That is way too much on a busy night.

Fish is located on Saddlebunch Key, 3100 Overseas Highway, 33040; MM 31; 305.735-4201; kayaislandeats.com. They are open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; dinner from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Happy Hour from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. They offer a HH drink of the day and the Mermaid Plate Special (whatever that is), a children's menu, and nightly specials. They are very willing to accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have and are able to convert most of their meals to gluten-free. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.

Bayside Grille

Bayside Grille is new to Key Largo, so January 2014 was our first time there at the recommendation of the the desk clerk at the Dove Creek Inn. The place is huge and provides a large dinning area and bar on the first level, bayside (hence the name). They have music and ample seats at the bar.

Since it was rainy and cold the day we visited, we opted for the restaurant upstairs. There they offer a small bar and dining tables inside and some out on the porch with sliding doors that open and close according to the weather. Thankfully, they were closed the day we were there.

COME & ENJOY THE BEST SUNSETS IN KEY LARGO... HOME OF KEYRIBBEAN KOOKING & KOCKTAILS®

We enjoyed a couple of cocktails while we were there and I ordered what I thought was an interesting appetizer: Plantains, Keyribbean Style. They were delicious and I plan on trying to replicate them at home: guava juice, lime juice and MoJo Sauce.  I would like to go back sometime and have an entire meal and enjoy a beautiful Keys sunset. You can also arrive by boat if you so desire.

Bayside Grille is located right behind DiGiorgio's Cafe Largo at MM 99.5, bayside in Key Largo; 99530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037, 305-451-3380; www.keylargo-baysidegrill.com

Florida Olive Oil Company

What can I say, I'm in love with the Florida Olive Oil Company (nee: Key West Olive Oil Company). They were located in the heart of Key West but have recently vacated the premises (Feb. 28th, 2015) because of a huge increase in rent.  The store, located at 419 C Duval Street, was home to the most innovative and delicious infused olive oils this side of heaven. Infused with herbs, fruits, chilies, mushrooms, etc. the many choices this store offers will please the most demanding gourmet palettes. Their oils that come from the most exotic places world-wide: Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Australia, California, Argentina, Chile and more, will leave you begging for more. Fortunately, you can now order on-line from www.floridaoliveoil.com and get the same great products.

But, don't stop there! Their 18-year Old Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy is infused with luscious flavors to enhance salads, desserts, meats, fish, poultry, etc. and is hands-down the best balsamic I have every had the pleasure to taste. Their traditional Key West Signature Oil Oil is light and delicious. Don't cook with it - it's much too good for that. Drizzle it over pasta, salad or just dip a piece of crusty bread in to it for a mini-vacay to a small, intimate Italian cafe. Paired with a cold, crisp Pinot Grigio, you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. This is by far the best balsamic vinegar I have ever tasted.

They also offer a variety of spice blends, dipping mixes, sea salts, olives, balsamic jellies, tapenades, pastas, accessories and bath and body products.

You can order online at www.floridaoliveoil.com. Their oils and vinegars are a culinary experience you won't soon forget. They boast stores throughout Florida and will ship to Canada. Check out their website for all the detailed information about their products.