Islands are the home of Key Lime Pie
Tourism authorities representing the Florida Keys say chowing down in that part of the world is uplifting.
The destination recently held a Toronto cooking class given by Florida Keys chef and rum distiller Paul Menta, who prepared the likes of Key Lime Pie, a signature Florida Keys dish, for those on hand.
“We get very creative,” Menta said of the Keys culinary scene.
Florida Keys representative Ashley Serrate in turn said it isn’t surprising that her destination has distinctive food touches.
“There’s a mix of cultures,” she said. “You have Bahamian, you have Caribbean, you have Cuban. There’s a little bit of everything and that’s reflected in the food. “We’re known for great watersports and great activities but people do come for the food.”
Serrate added that visitors will be able to “order Key Lime Pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner” if they choose, with some restaurants serving it throughout the day.
The affable Menta — sporting a Key West t-shirt and who has also worked in Spain, France and South America — recounted how famed chef Gordon Ramsey featured the Keys’ food in one of his TV show episodes, which Menta appeared on. The often cantankerous Ramsey had kind words for Keys cuisine.
Key West is home to Sloppy Joe’s, a bar that attracted Ernest Hemingway and is known for both its food and drinks.
Menta said the Keys have had a lively past, with rum-running being part of its history. “The Florida Keys are full of history and stories. “
Meanwhile, Menta said the Florida Keys’ appeal goes well beyond its climate.
“It’s not so much the sunshine and the beaches but coming to a place where everyone says hello and everyone is very friendly, ” he said. “Our job is to make sure their (visitors’) vacation is good.”
More information can be found at fla-keys.com.
