The eatery is just a little off kilter
By Theresa Java
Cary Marz’s well-laid plan that started two years ago is finally a reality as his new restaurant, Twisted Shrimp, is set to open next week. The menu is in place and the staff is in line. The new eatery at MM 87.7 offers “seafood, chicken and more – with a twist.”
Marz pride lies in the myriad of homemade sauces available. “We have some spicy, some rich and some fruity sauces. We also have traditional cocktail sauces. Everything is a little offset from the Keys original,” said Chef Jevon Smith. The menu boasts about 10 different sauces such as rum glaze, Coconut Craze, cilantro lime, Caribbean Sunset and more. It also serves Buckets O’ Chicken and Buckets O’ Shrimp, Shrimp and Grits, and Pork Chop on a Stick.
Marz said, “I wanted something different, something to stand out from the other restaurants in the area.” The new eatery offers interactive fun with its staff, fast and delicious food — for dine-in or take out. Marz foresees being able to offer delivery further down the road. He also plans to be running “like a well-oiled machine” within a month, which is the busiest time for many restaurants here in the Keys.
After a year of undergoing extensive construction, Marz is ready. He said, “We had to go through planning and zoning and, overall, it went smoothly. It progressed to what it is.” Marz has decorated the place with nautical antiques including an actual 1920s ship’s wheel.
Twisted Shrimp also plans on weekly specials and offering a special everyday of the week like “Backwood Boil” on Mondays or Jambalaya Tuesdays. These details have yet to be worked out, “but they’re coming.”
As for being interactive, Marz is “toying” with putting mind-benders and brain-teasers in a bucket on the counter. Customers are invited to solve them and if they do so successfully by the time the food is done — the meal is on the house.
Marz who hails from Chicago plans on putting in a lot of hours. He’s used to long days in the construction business followed by two hours or more of commuting. He’s eager and excited to do the work, as this was something he always wanted to do. He simply wants to offer a bucket of shrimp for take-out so people can go and sit on a dock, enjoy the warm weather and sunsets and “pop tails.”
The Twisted Shrimp is at 87745 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. It’s set to be open for lunch and dinner every day, except Tuesdays. Parking is available in front and out back accessed via the Old Road.
The grand opening is tentatively set for Sunday, Dec. 10. Stop by to sample a free bite, have a drink and listen to music.
