News from The Restaurant Store

Congratulations to Nine One Five

Chef Chris Otten and Owner Stuart Kemp, of nine one five, have been invited to prepare a special meal at the James Beard House in New York City next Thursday. This is a special honor reserved for only the most talented chefs and restaurateurs.  The menu will consist of:

• Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp with Green Papaya Salad and Thai Chiles
• Oysters on the Half Shell with Habanero Sorbet
• Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi–Wrapped Dungeness Crab with Lemon–Miso Dressing
• Spicy Chipotle–Conch Chowder with Flash-Fried Shallots
• Key Lime–Marinated Jumbo Scallops with Jalapeños and Cilantro
• Fantinel Prosecco NV
• Crispy Yellowtail Snapper with Baby Beets and Tarragon Aïoli
  Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2005
• White Wine–Steamed Clams and Chorizo with Grilled Bread
  Mastroberardino Nova Serra Greco di Tufo 2005
• Seared Grouper with Parsnip Purée, Sautéed Spinach, and Pomegranate Molasses
  Ca’Bianca Barbera d’Asti 2003
• Butter-Poached Florida Lobster and Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Baby Carrots, Asparagus, and Red Wine Reduction
  Tenimenti Luigi D’Alessandro Il Bosco Cortona Syrah 2003
• Roasted Mango Tartlet with Whipped Cream and Basil Syrup
  Domaine Beaumalric Beaumes-de-Venise Muscat 2004

Nine One Five is one of the reasons Key West is a great food town. It sounds like the folks in New York will get a chance taste for themselves.

Key Lime Pie Lovers Unite

Key West is a food town. When it comes to the number of great restaurants per square mile, we hold our own with some of the best destinations in the world. And when the venerable New York Times comes to town to review the island's official dessert, we are happy to pass on our "congrats" to those who were able to attract the national spotlight.

First, let's get one thing straight, Key West is the best place on earth to get Key Lime Pie. The competition is fierce and the level of expection so high, that the most mediocre offerings of Key Lime Pie in Key West are still better than you can get most anywhere else.

We echo the praises offered in the New York Times article (click here). But we also know that there are a number of great pies that did not make the list. So, who makes the best Key Lime Pie? You're just going to have to come down here and judge for yourself.

Rum Barrel Tavern Opens - Arrrh!

There's a new place to hang out in town and it's on the corner of Simonton and Front St. The Rum Barrel Tavern is an inspiration realized by Pat Croce. The Croce family have been coming to Key West for years and Pat has a thing for pirates. Last year he opened the Pirate Soul Museum which is a very cool interactive attraction and a great addition to our community. It's full of Pat's extensive pirate memorabilia, a lot of which is one of a kind and is well worth a visit the next time you're in town. To complete his vision Pat thought a pirate themed food and drink emporium would make a great addition. He was right. The Rum Barrel Tavern is two floors of fun, good food and thirst quenching beverage. We had a real good time helping Pat realize his ideas and we know you will have a great time when you visit. The Restaurant Store did the entire equipment package and Pat was a great customer. Thanks for the opportunity Pat, it was a wild ride.
	Cathy and Richard enjoying the fun at the opening party
	The turnout was huge. The crowd spilled out onto Front St.
	A bird's eye view of the party. Richard, Pat Croce and Cathy
	Dave from Phiily, Richard and Stretch checking out the new kitchen
	Pat Croce, proud owner of The Rum Barrel Tavern, with Richard