Florida Weekly Staff


Latest Articles:

LOVE the BUG

Hungry for lobster? Skip the claws. You’re not in Maine — you’re in the Florida Keys. Any South Florida native can tell you that our spiny lobsters off er sweet, tender meat, but no claws. But that’s no problem. Enjoy them as you would the lobsters Down East. Have them steamed. Or baked and stuff ed. Or in bisque. Or,... READ MORE >

The sweet smell of success

Here’s a story about a business that makes a lot of scents. Maurizio Nardi, co-founder of Aqua D’Keys, said his company’s two Key West shops offer fragrances, bath and body products and home scents — as well as beach and travel products — specifically designed to transport customers back to the unforgettable sights, sounds and especially aromas that help recall... READ MORE >

Casa Marina undergoing renovation; Keys hotels win kudos

Here’s what’s new this summer in Key West: Key West’s 311-room landmark Casa Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton, is undergoing a full renovation and is scheduled to reopen this fall. Guests can anticipate a new classic design with modern touches in rooms, an airy lobby lined with windows framing the beach, an additional 5,000-square-foot oceanfront event lawn space, two activity... READ MORE >

Exhibition offers look at Key West through a legendary lens

The Key West Art & Historical Society has opened its latest exhibition, “Don Pinder: Eyes on the Island.” This is the first museum exhibition devoted exclusively to the work created by Key West Citizen photographer Don Pinder during his storied career in Key West — including many works never before published or shown. Key West provided Pinder with a profusion... READ MORE >

THE DISH: Highlights from local menus

The Dish: 9-ounce Lamb Chop with Mint Chimichurri over Couscous & Spring Peas The Place: Four Marlins Restaurant, The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, 1435 Simonton St., Key West; 305-296-5000 or reachresort.com. The Price: This was a special — but dinner entrees at Four Marlins are priced at $37-$68. The Details: Four Marlins Restaurant is a delightful culinary... READ MORE >

Miniseason for spiny lobster returns July 26

Summertime means good eating in the Florida Keys. That also means it’s miniseason for spiny lobster. Locally dubbed “miniseason” because of its short duration, the statewide two-day sport harvesting period begins Wednesday, July 26, at 12:01 a.m. and ends at midnight Thursday, July 27. The regular lobster season begins at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 6 and ends at midnight March 31.... READ MORE >

Sandy Sun isn’t afraid to tempt pottery physics

Driving around with a mask and snorkel makes it that much easier for Sandy Sun to dive into her latest inspiration. Sun, whose name is a branding gift, is part of the new wave of largely self-taught potters presenting work at local galleries. The artist pursued ceramics while maintaining her role as a nurse practitioner partly because she found clay... READ MORE >

Graphic novel “Drawn to Key West” spotlights Mallory Square

The debut graphic novel from Theresa Chiechi chronicles the lives and recent times of the landmark destination Mallory Square. “Drawn to Key West” is a 200-page colorful mashup of “comic-journalism” documented through the self-described awkward and at times anxiety-tinged encounters of the author. Chiechi, a cartoonist who can occasionally be found performing stand-up, turned to Kickstarter where she successfully raised... READ MORE >

THE KEY WEST GALLERY GUIDE

Please send gallery updates to editor Scott Simmons at ssimmons@floridaweekly.com. 7 Artists & Friends Gallery 7 Artists & Friends (213 Simonton St.; 305-294-8444 or 7artistskw.com) began as a co-op run by seven of the island’s most respected artists. 90 Miles to Cuba 90 Miles to Cuba (616 Greene St.; 305-292-1333 or 90milestocuba.net) is an old-style curiosity shop with items tied... READ MORE >

OFF OFF DUVAL

Yes, Duval Street, the most traveled and visible thoroughfare in Key West, is only the beginning of what the town has to offer . It’s a fun place to party. But ask locals about their favorite spots or stroll through quiet neighborhoods and down alleyways off Duval, and you’ll begin to dive deeper into the quieter, more diverse and less... READ MORE >