Big-ass seafood and boat dock complex in Islamorada.
What we had:
I had the grilled mahi sandwich--although my fish was burnt, the non-burnt parts tasted nice and the fillet hadn't dried out too much. The bun was kinda wimpy (just a generic grocery store burger bun) and there was no dressing on the sandwich. Ok, now that I'm spelling it out, this wasn't a great sandwich, but I was starving and it was chilly on the deck, so I wanted to choke it down and get out of there.
My DH had a burger, which he seemed to enjoy.
We took the NY escapee, and she liked her chicken ceasar salad and loved her cheese fries (whale fries on the menu).
Décor:
We sat on the back deck overlooking the boats. It was kinda windy & cold in the shade that day, and I was already aggravated.
Service:
So-so.
Overall impressions:
This place is huge. Wahoo's itself is pretty large, with a good sized deck and a separate connector walkway/bar/seating area leading to the (2 stall only!!) bathroom. On the other end of the connector is a seafood buffet. Looks like a racuous place to grab a beer, but i'm not sure if i would like to stay long enough to pee. The food was serviceable but not special.
Rating:
3 out of 5 salamanders
DiLido Beach Club
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Ok, I must admit I was originally excited to check this place out because the Executive Chef is Jeff McInnis from Top Chef Season 5. I loved his "creative monkeys" and how spastic he was in the kitchen. I figure the Ritz Carlton isn't going to put out crap, and if its overpriced, so be it.
One of my girl friends from college was in town (escaping snowmageddon in NY) and her must-dos included some sort of fruity alcoholic beverage on the beach, preferably with an umbrella. DiLido seemed like a natural fit.
What we had:
I had the lamb gyro flatbread--thin-sliced succulent lamb with a refreshing pickled mango salsa and light smear of raita topped with micro greens and fuschia flowers. This was a great dish and the perfect size and lightness for somewhere that overlooks the beach. And, at $14, not a bad price either, considering the atmosphere.
My DH had the lamb sliders with sweet potato fries--Also pretty great. The sweet potato fries were so good we had to get a plate for the table.
My girl had the chicken "under a brick" flatbread--crispy, juicy lemon chicken with an artichoke mousse-y, creamy base topped with micro greens and fuschia flowers. This was surprisingly good. I was worried--it was the most boring looking thing on the menu--but it was really succulent and the crispiness was a great touch.
We also had beverages. High-priced ($17) beverages. My girl & I had the Blue Basil (top shelf vodka, muddled blueberries, lemon & basil). A good drink, if a bit stiff for my tastes, though at $17 a glass it had better be. I left with a good buzz and didn't even finish my vodka-soaked blueberries.
My DH had the Lemon Verbena-Tini (citrus vodka, white grape, lemon verbena & orange blossom). He really enjoyed it and in the sip I had, the lemon verbena gave a great herby taste.
No umbrellas to be found.
Décor:
Very relaxing. This place is all outdoor seating under umbrellas, so be sure to check the weather--The restaurant is not open if it is raining. The view of South Beach was nice, and just what was needed.
Service:
Not bad. Its the Ritz Carlton, afterall.
Overall impressions:
A good relaxing place for a light bite or a heavy cocktail. I would love to go back on a Thursday or Friday night to check out the hookahs.
Rating:
4 out of 5 salamanders
One of my girl friends from college was in town (escaping snowmageddon in NY) and her must-dos included some sort of fruity alcoholic beverage on the beach, preferably with an umbrella. DiLido seemed like a natural fit.
What we had:
I had the lamb gyro flatbread--thin-sliced succulent lamb with a refreshing pickled mango salsa and light smear of raita topped with micro greens and fuschia flowers. This was a great dish and the perfect size and lightness for somewhere that overlooks the beach. And, at $14, not a bad price either, considering the atmosphere.
My DH had the lamb sliders with sweet potato fries--Also pretty great. The sweet potato fries were so good we had to get a plate for the table.
My girl had the chicken "under a brick" flatbread--crispy, juicy lemon chicken with an artichoke mousse-y, creamy base topped with micro greens and fuschia flowers. This was surprisingly good. I was worried--it was the most boring looking thing on the menu--but it was really succulent and the crispiness was a great touch.
We also had beverages. High-priced ($17) beverages. My girl & I had the Blue Basil (top shelf vodka, muddled blueberries, lemon & basil). A good drink, if a bit stiff for my tastes, though at $17 a glass it had better be. I left with a good buzz and didn't even finish my vodka-soaked blueberries.
My DH had the Lemon Verbena-Tini (citrus vodka, white grape, lemon verbena & orange blossom). He really enjoyed it and in the sip I had, the lemon verbena gave a great herby taste.
No umbrellas to be found.
Décor:
Very relaxing. This place is all outdoor seating under umbrellas, so be sure to check the weather--The restaurant is not open if it is raining. The view of South Beach was nice, and just what was needed.
Service:
Not bad. Its the Ritz Carlton, afterall.
Overall impressions:
A good relaxing place for a light bite or a heavy cocktail. I would love to go back on a Thursday or Friday night to check out the hookahs.
Rating:
4 out of 5 salamanders
Balans Miami
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International design with a decidedly European-influenced menu.
What we had:
I had the chorizo con papas--two fried eggs with spicy chorizo, home fries & salsa fresca. Not a bad breakfast, though the chorizo got to be a little much toward the end. I was glad to have the salsa to cut the grease.
My DH had 3 big, light & fluffy pancakes with really great bacon. We think the bacon is deep fried, and if so, that is a great way to go. The bacon came out very crispy, curly & uniformly cooked.
Décor:
The patio is a nice space to relax--interesting mix of Thai, organic natural wood shapes, swings to sit on & lounge seating.
Service:
Not bad.
Overall impressions:
I want to go back for drinks some evening. The drinks by the pitcher selection is good, and although the mixed drinks are $11, the menu looked inviting.
A good relaxed place to grab a bite or take a load off.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
What we had:
I had the chorizo con papas--two fried eggs with spicy chorizo, home fries & salsa fresca. Not a bad breakfast, though the chorizo got to be a little much toward the end. I was glad to have the salsa to cut the grease.
My DH had 3 big, light & fluffy pancakes with really great bacon. We think the bacon is deep fried, and if so, that is a great way to go. The bacon came out very crispy, curly & uniformly cooked.
Décor:
The patio is a nice space to relax--interesting mix of Thai, organic natural wood shapes, swings to sit on & lounge seating.
Service:
Not bad.
Overall impressions:
I want to go back for drinks some evening. The drinks by the pitcher selection is good, and although the mixed drinks are $11, the menu looked inviting.
A good relaxed place to grab a bite or take a load off.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
18th Street Cafe
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Laid-back cafe in the Omni District.
What we had:
I had the pear turkey melt--smoked turkey, mayo, pear, fresh spinach & muenster on toasted wheat bread. The turkey was a bit salty, but not overwhelmingly so; the mayo was unobtrusive; the pear & spinach were nice; and the muenster, while not melted as much as i would have liked, was a nice creamy counterpoint.
My DH had the roast beef with horseradish--thin-sliced roast beef, provolone, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions & horseradish sauce on a hoagie. He also enjoyed his sandwich, though it was not what we set out for--he had originally wanted a French Dip.
Décor:
Open & airy vaguely cupola-shaped space with black, red, sage & tan accents.
Service:
Not bad for an order at the counter joint.
Overall impressions:
We would eat here again. A nice non-greasy lunch (though I was wishing for any side but potato chips).
Rating:
3 out of 5 salamanders
What we had:
I had the pear turkey melt--smoked turkey, mayo, pear, fresh spinach & muenster on toasted wheat bread. The turkey was a bit salty, but not overwhelmingly so; the mayo was unobtrusive; the pear & spinach were nice; and the muenster, while not melted as much as i would have liked, was a nice creamy counterpoint.
My DH had the roast beef with horseradish--thin-sliced roast beef, provolone, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions & horseradish sauce on a hoagie. He also enjoyed his sandwich, though it was not what we set out for--he had originally wanted a French Dip.
Décor:
Open & airy vaguely cupola-shaped space with black, red, sage & tan accents.
Service:
Not bad for an order at the counter joint.
Overall impressions:
We would eat here again. A nice non-greasy lunch (though I was wishing for any side but potato chips).
Rating:
3 out of 5 salamanders
Harriette's Diner
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Jam-packed little roadside diner on the wayback from Duck Key. Possibly in Key Largo.
What we had:
Continuing my theme of conch, I had the conch fritter burger with eggs, hashedbrowns & a homemade biscuit (with local honey bottled special for the restaurant). Sometimes you gamble on a weird menu item & lose. This time I won. This was a surprisingly nice combination, though I didn't really need the Mickey Dees-style hashed brown patty. The slightly-yielding, lightly fried burger-sized fritter with unctuous egg yolk would have sufficed. You really can't go wrong with a homemade biscuit, either. Especially not one that's light, flaky & ever-so-slightly holds firm against your teeth.
My DH had the pancakes, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Décor:
Homey, with tons of awards and pictures on the walls.
Service:
Diner efficient and down-home friendly.
Overall impressions:
A great little spot to fortify ourselves for the drive back.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
What we had:
Continuing my theme of conch, I had the conch fritter burger with eggs, hashedbrowns & a homemade biscuit (with local honey bottled special for the restaurant). Sometimes you gamble on a weird menu item & lose. This time I won. This was a surprisingly nice combination, though I didn't really need the Mickey Dees-style hashed brown patty. The slightly-yielding, lightly fried burger-sized fritter with unctuous egg yolk would have sufficed. You really can't go wrong with a homemade biscuit, either. Especially not one that's light, flaky & ever-so-slightly holds firm against your teeth.
My DH had the pancakes, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Décor:
Homey, with tons of awards and pictures on the walls.
Service:
Diner efficient and down-home friendly.
Overall impressions:
A great little spot to fortify ourselves for the drive back.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tom's Harbor House
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The main restaurant on Duck Key. The whole Key is basically Hawks Cay Resort (not my favorite place), this restaurant (which may or may not be affiliated), some tour boats & a pro shop/convenience store (affiliation also unknown).
What we had:
The meal started with hands-down the best conch fritters I've ever eaten. The perfectly-fried fritters had actual, discernable conch, nice flavor & a nice bite of spice.
I had the Mahi wrapped in banana leaves with Key lime butter, mixed veggies & coconut milk rice. OMG this dish was awesome. Almost regretted it, but I finished every bite. The fish was tender & perfect, the veggies were a nice mix that included vibrant red peppers, and the rice... The rice was fan-freaking-tabulous & I must make it at home.
My DH had the whole steamed w/crispy skin Yellowtail Snapper, which was also great (but not as great) and came served with veggies & rice.
Décor:
Non-obnoxious nautical with lots of honeyed wood.
Service:
Prompt & personable.
Overall impressions:
Mmmmmmmmmmm
Rating:
4 out of 5 salamanders
What we had:
The meal started with hands-down the best conch fritters I've ever eaten. The perfectly-fried fritters had actual, discernable conch, nice flavor & a nice bite of spice.
I had the Mahi wrapped in banana leaves with Key lime butter, mixed veggies & coconut milk rice. OMG this dish was awesome. Almost regretted it, but I finished every bite. The fish was tender & perfect, the veggies were a nice mix that included vibrant red peppers, and the rice... The rice was fan-freaking-tabulous & I must make it at home.
My DH had the whole steamed w/crispy skin Yellowtail Snapper, which was also great (but not as great) and came served with veggies & rice.
Décor:
Non-obnoxious nautical with lots of honeyed wood.
Service:
Prompt & personable.
Overall impressions:
Mmmmmmmmmmm
Rating:
4 out of 5 salamanders
The Wreck & Galley
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Sports-ish bar & grill right past Duck Key in the Florida Keys.
What we had:
I had the local-caught Grouper sandwich. The huge filet Grouper was delicate & flaky, the batter not overwhelming & the accompanying remoulade-reminescent sauce played a nice counterpoint.
My DH's chicken sandwich was flavorful & juicy.
Décor:
Typical Keys bar with stapled dollar bill decor, light sports memoribilia & light nautical theme.
Service:
Friendly & prompt.
Overall impressions:
A great start to our vacation.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
What we had:
I had the local-caught Grouper sandwich. The huge filet Grouper was delicate & flaky, the batter not overwhelming & the accompanying remoulade-reminescent sauce played a nice counterpoint.
My DH's chicken sandwich was flavorful & juicy.
Décor:
Typical Keys bar with stapled dollar bill decor, light sports memoribilia & light nautical theme.
Service:
Friendly & prompt.
Overall impressions:
A great start to our vacation.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
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