Pass the Garlic Butter

Comments (0) By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik Thursday, Aug 10 2006

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Summer in Key West means three things: The clothing-optional policy at the Garden of Eden bar becomes more appealing, tourists and locals come together to combat the increased heat by way of copious mojitos, and everyone has a good time at the annual Key West Lobsterfest. The popular feast is in its eleventh year, and the spiny crustaceans are as delicious as ever. “This is our harvest festival, if you will. Nothing really grows in the Keys, so this is our main thing,” explains Erik Adams of Rick’s Key West, the official sponsor of the seafood fiesta.

More than 70 vendors and four island music bands will set up between the 100 and 300 blocks of Duval Street. Much of the food preparation will be done al fresco, so curious would-be chefs can watch the professionals. Fourteen local restaurants will be preparing everything from appetizers to enormous dinner plates, using the aquatic creature’s tender meat in dishes beyond mere bisque, salad, and ravioli. “Who else but the people in the Florida Keys would know how to cook such a variety of lobster dishes?” Adams asks. For real. Better still, portions start under ten dollars.
Sat., Aug. 12