Key West Food

The food down here is strongly influenced by Cuban cuisine (remember, we’re only 90 miles away). I am really enjoying it.

You start your day with Cuban coffee. Many order a “Bucci”; it’s a shot of straight espresso in a tiny plastic cup. With lots of sugar. Some folks call it Cuban crack. It’s too strong for me; I prefer Cafe con Leche …it’s like a latte, with a shot of espresso and steamed milk.

Then, a breakfast sandwich. The Fisherman’s Cafe makes one called El Cubano. It’s a panini containing a 2-egg omelet, plus a black bean paste, plus pulled pork, plus chorizo, plus cheese. It weighs about 4 pounds. You can eat half for brekky, skip lunch (or have a pina colada), and enjoy the second half for dinner.

Fresh shrimp and fresh fish are everywhere. They bring them into the docks several times a day. Grilled, blackened, fried. In tacos, quesadillas, or served with black beans and rice.

And I find myself putting hot sauce on everything. The Tabasco folks make a green jalapeno version that I am becoming addicted to.

I’m going to have to find a good Cuban restaurant when I get home.