The Key West Art & Historical Society, Great Events Catering, and Unity Table at Williams Hall have teamed up to present the annual picnic-style heritage dinner prepared by local chefs Martha Hubbard and Dave Fuhrman. This year’s Conch Revival Picnic takes place on Tuesday, March 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead St. The picnic pays homage to the island’s Bahamian and Cuban culture through food, music and a community atmosphere.
This year’s feast starts off with deviled crawfish, conch fritters and picadillo arepas followed by the main course of whole roasted local fish, roasted pig, Spanish paella, Hukilau’s coconut chicken, conch chowder and Jamaican jerked calabaza stew. Save room for Key lime pie and Miss Etta’s coconut cake. There will be a full cash bar and live music.
Inspired by the late Dianne Zolotow, a board member of the society board, the Conch Revival Picnic was launched in 2016 to increase awareness of Key West/Conch culture by preserving and promoting historic recipes created and consumed by Conch families for generations, but which have been disappearing from memory and tables. Many of the recipes presented are inspired by the postwar Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook as well as from other publications in the collection of the society.
“The annual picnic is a marvelous opportunity for all of the island’s heritages to come together and share a meal that highlights some of our delicious culinary traditions,” said Michael F. Gieda, the society’s executive director.Tickets are $100. Children under 12 are admitted free with adults. More information is at kwahs.org/whats-on or from Cori Convertito at 305-295-6616 x507.
