No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s Marathon neighbor is no stranger to those who enjoy the delicious organic creations coming from the kitchen at Food for Thought.
KIKI MCINTYRE
Chef, Food for Thought
How did you come to Marathon? I came from Argentina 20 years ago and I worked in a couple different places. When Ellen Miro wanted to open a cafe, I trained to be the chef. At one point, overnight, my daughter decided to be a vegan, and I was freaking out about what she was going to eat, so it was kind of like the universe put everything in the right place.
What would you like to be remembered for? I’d like to be remembered as a kind person.
What song always gets you on the dance floor? Any song, but there’s one that I always sing in the car and my kids get embarrassed: “Mama Mia.”
What is your dream vacation? Hawaii. I’d like to go see my friend Sue who used to work here. She got cancer and beat cancer, and she’s doing great.
What is the last book you read or TV show you binged? “Virgin River.” I read the book and watched the TV series. I also read “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. It’s all about women overcoming their problems.
What would you do if you won the lottery? I’d go on vacation with everybody. My husband always says that if I won the lottery, the next day I’d be as poor as I am now because I’d just give it all away to everybody.
What’s the weirdest or funniest app you have on your phone? TikTok. My favorite one is where a guy goes grocery shopping and asks people if they’ll give him a few dollars to buy something. Some people say ‘yeah,’ and he’ll give them the money back, plus $1,000 or something like that.
What’s one thing that is always on a menu, but you will never try? I don’t know; I like to eat everything. One thing that I will never try again is rabbit. After I ate it, my friend told me what it was and I almost passed out.
What’s one thing most people never knew about you? I went to school for psychology and I was a ballerina for 12 years.
Two truths and a lie: I’m originally from Brazil, I’ve been married twice, and I have 4 kids. (Last week’s Neighbor of the Week, Rolando, is a well-traveled gentleman, but he hasn’t quite hit the 15-country mark yet!)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or given? Never give up. My father would always tell us that there’s always another day to try again.
