Table-to-Pier Dining

We’ve all heard of farm-to-table dining, but my gaggle of girls visiting Stock Island enjoyed a table-to-farm err...table-to-pier experience Wednesday evening. A quick trolley ride to the pier and we were immersed in the main attraction of our reunion: a celebration of local food and chefs organized by a group called Outstanding in the Field (OITH). Ninety plates were set at the table, presenting a dramatic scene on the historic Bama Shrimp Dock. It was an incredibly delicious day, filled with interesting presentations, conversations and nature...the origin of our food.

Pre-Dinner Reception

The Perry Hotel has a great restaurant. We enjoyed our second breakfast on the patio before heading out for a power walk around the neighborhood. After showers, we departed for Stock Island Lobster Company at 1pm where we listened to presentations about sea life, fishing and locally grown produce. Delicious hor d'oeuvres and fine wine were passed among the crowd while everyone enjoyed the boatyard scenery. The sponsors, OITH, provided a brief orientation of their work in gathering people around the dinner table and introduced all the folks and chefs that participated in the dinner:

Host Fisherman: Peter Bacle, Stock Island Lobster Company, Stock Island 

Guest Chefs: Martin Liz & Layla Barr, Lost Kitchen Supper Club, Stock Island 

Jose Izquierdo, Hogfish Bar & Grill, Stock Island 

Jose 'Angel' Castro, Roostica, Key West 

Ryan Shapiro, Thirsty Mermaid, Key West

Latitudes

After the spectacular sunset Tuesday, we boarded a 6:45pm boat from Mallory Square to the small private island of Sunset Key for dinner at Latitudes. It was a special treat with the freshest seafood and sweetest romantic setting. We serenaded Tara for her 2/2 birthday.

Mallory Square Sunset

We made it back to the Perry Hotel in time to rest a bit and shower. A Lyft car dropped us at the crazy scene brewing in Mallory Square for sunset Tuesday night. It felt like every visitor in Key West was lined up next to the sea wall, taking in the colorful show over the horizon. Jugglers, fire-throwers, skateboarders, dogs, crooners and photographers were anticipating the elusive green flash. It was a spectacular sunset.

Lapland Girls Reunited in Florida

Those chilly temps are warming up with friendship. Six of the eight Lapland girls gathered together Monday on Stock Island, near Key West. We all arrived with open hearts and gifts of joy. It has been almost a year since our magical journey to Finland. Patty Ann surprised us with the very special Laplandia vodka. We'll have a few days of fun in the Keys and perhaps work on planning our next adventure.