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Posts Tagged ‘Where to eat in Key West’

February 15th, 2012

Camille’s, Key West, Florida, Restaurant, Review, Dietary Needs? No Problem

 

The first restaurant in Key West handled the gluten allergy very well.   They were very comfortable in going back to the kitchen and asking the chef what recommendations or substitutions should my husband have.  That was Blue Heaven which I wrote about a few posts back.

I had been checking menus from different restaurants in Key West when I decided to talk to Stephanie, the Concierge at Casa Marina, where we stayed.  I told her about the gluten allergy.  She did not have to think twice.  She mentioned Camille’s.  She called the restaurant and spoke to the owner, Denise.  A reservation was made and off we went later that evening to a funky, casual and very colorful restaurant.

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Camille’s is located at 1202 Simonton St., precisely at the corner of Simonton & Catherine Sts.  Tel. 305-296-4811.  Website? www.camilleskeywest.com.  This restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The menu changes every day.  Take-out is available. 

Denise was in charge and the moment she heard us say our names she immediately told our server that we had a gluten allergy.  Denise was so friendly and full of energy.

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I was only able to take a few pictures of the restaurant; patrons were dining, you know how it is.

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Camille’s loves to meet food challenges; Denise said that they can accommodate the fussiest dietary needs.

So this is what we had.

Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, diced with fresh avocado, tossed in their sweet’n spicy Thai chili sauce.  Two of us ordered this appetizer and hands down, we not only agreed that it was the  best we had ever had but it turned out to be the best dish of the evening.  Very very good.

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Fresh pan fried Hog Snapper, topped with a Mango & Pineapple Salsa and paired with fun rice and veggie medley.  After having the full flavor yellowfin tuna tartar, he thought that there were some seasonings lacking on this dish.

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The Mahi Mahi was ordered.  It was grilled and topped with pineapple and canteloupe salsa, served with fun rice and veggies.  When I asked how it was, the answer was good. 

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I decided to have the Yellowtail Snapper encrusted with fresh panko, served with Island Tartar sauce (sweet chili & green onions) topped with avocado and a Balsamic reduction and paired with fun rice and veggies.  I thought my fish was overpowered with all the sauce and garnish; I did want to taste the fish, since it was so fresh; not hide its flavor.

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For dessert, we shared the Key Lime Pie.  In Key West?  A must in every restaurant.  I had it also at Blue Heaven, but the one Denise made was definitely better.  Tart; just like I wanted it to be.

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So, another dinner in Key West.  Each eatery had its specialty and we loved dishes more than others.  Restaurants in Key West were certainly crowded; I was surprised to see the food coming out of the kitchen looked as good as it did.

Writing from sunny Delaware!!  Talk to you later…

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February 12th, 2012

Blue Heaven, Key West, Florida, Restaurant, Review, Dining under the Stars

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Once I mentioned to a few friends that I was traveling south, to the southernmost point of the U.S., I got plenty of suggestions for restaurants to try.  I am so glad that on our first night we decided to visit Blue Heaven.  This restaurant was referred to me by Cheran; and good choice it was.  It is located at 729 Thomas St., Key West, FL.  Tel. 305-296-8666.  Website?  www.blueheavenkw.com.

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Blue Heaven has been in business since 1991.  It has is own history.  The building is over 100 years old.  Can you believe that it has been a bordello, an ice cream parlor and even boxing matches were refereed by Hemingway.  As they say, if these walls could talk.  Better yet, if those trees could talk. Dining under the stars was our choice for the evening and the “backyard” had huge trees that served as canopies.

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We had to wait a little bit when we arrived, we did not care.  We were on vacation.  No schedule.  We got our drinks and enjoyed the Bahamian music being played by the band.

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Chickens usually run all over the place.  At that time of the evening, they were tucked in.  Soon we were called to our table.

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We were seated on a nice corner and near one of those huge trees.  The feel of eating outdoors was enhanced by the music and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

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We told our server about the gluten allergy and even though it was a full house, she did not even blink.  To the chef she went to ask a few questions regarding gluten in the items my husband had chosen.

For an appetizer 2 of us had the Carrot & Curry Soup.  It was garnished with chutney.  This soup was thick and filling and I am sure not low in calories.  It had a nice kick to it.  The taste of the curry was well defined, and it was absolutely delicious.

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Our choices for entrees were:

My husband had the Sea Scallops sauteed with a Sauce  Provencal with Wild Rice.  The sauce was outstanding and the scallops seemed to disappear in no time.

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One order of a 14 ounce Pork Chop.  Well, check the picture out.  He thought it was too well done; a little more sauce took care of that.

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Mine was a Yellow Tail Snapper, sauteed and served with a beurre blanc sauce and angel hair pasta.  A garnish of mango.  It was good, but the Carrot & Curry soup was my favorite of the evening.

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Oh, wait, not yet….a coffee and their Key Lime Pie.  A twist to this pie was the meringue topping.  I would have loved it a little more tart, nevertheless, we finished it all.

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Our service was good even though it took longer than expected between courses.  It was pretty crowded, though.

So, if you are visiting Key West, now you know where to go.  Have a good one.

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