The Grand Finale: Deluna's Food Truck

The culinary adventure continued into Thursday morning. Because the Lapland ladies were in bed so early after our fab dining experience with OITF, we were early to rise and ravenous. Haha. Just a short walk from The Perry Hotel, we were once again enjoying local cuisine: an amazing egg sandwich on freshly made Cuban bread from Deluna's. Simple and delicious! We said our good-byes to the NJ girls and hit the road about 10am. What a magical few days with uplifting friends.

Deluna's on Stock Island

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.

The Sun!

It seemed like a long stretch, but the sun finally poked its happy face on us today. All the girls were happy, especially the NJ babes. We're loving the Perry Hotel. After breakfast on the patio, we hopped on rental bikes and did some exploring around Stock Island and Key West. It's all about eating as usual. Mangoes on Duval was the spot for margaritas and fish sandwiches. Stopped to see some sites and walk before heading back for showers and dinner.

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.