Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys: February 2014

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys. While I don't consider myself an expert, my husband, Ray and I have been visiting the Keys every year (sometimes more than once a year) for over 20 years. My intention is to tell you of my experiences in the places we've lodged, eaten, boated, endulged in libation, or simply relaxed. You can make up your own mind whether or not to heed my suggestions.

I'll try to provide as much information as I can in regard to contact info, what the bathrooms are like (ladies you know it's important to you), parking, and customer service. So read on all you Conchs and Parrotheads and please leave comments about whether or not one of my posts was helpful or if you have any suggestions.

Monday, February 10, 2014

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.

Facts and Advice

1. Key Deer are endangered. It is illegal to feed them. They weigh only 75 lbs. when fully grown & stand only 32 inches high.
2. Speeding is a big no-no in the Keys. My advice - don't do it. Passing someone is not only stupid, it's dangerous. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Adding 10 minutes more to your trip isn't that big a deal.
3. The local newspaper is called The Citizen. Inside the front page is a column called Citizens' Voice. It's hysterical. Also check out the paper to find out when cruise ships are in port. You may want to avoid KW on those days.
4. Manatees "sleep." They appear dead b/c they often lay lifeless, drifting in the current. They love lettuce & will suck on a fresh water hose like a baby. While its recommended that you do neither of those things, they sure are cute to watch. Adults on the average are 10 ft. long & weigh about 1,000 pounds. They feed on seagrass & aquatic plants, consuming up to 100 lbs/day. They can hold their breath for 20 minutes. They are on the Florida endangered species list.

5. There are 5 kinds of sea turtles that live in the Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean - Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley & Leatherback. They are found in shallow saltwater & among coral reefs. They dig over 4,000 nests on Florida beaches every year. They live to be 40-60 years old. All species are on the endangered or threatened list. Lights on beaches by boaters & revelers often disorient sea turtles, causing them harm.

6. Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. and is closer to Havana, Cuba than to Miami.

7. There are 42 bridges that connect the islands of the Keys. The longest bridge is the 7-mile bridge.

8. The small green mile marker signs along US 1, start with 126 just south of Florida City & end with MM 0 in Key West.

9.There are over 800 Keys. Key Largo is the longest at 33 miles.

10. The word "key" comes from the Spanish word "cayo" which means "little island."

11. Key West is known as the Conch Republic.

12. US 1 is also called the Overseas Highway.

Welcome

Monday, February 10, 2014

La Nina Restaurant

Hurricane Hole

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