The 29th ‘Taste of Key West’ will feature Key West and Lower Keys chefs specializing in seafood, Caribbean and Cuban flavors, European delicacies, Asian fusion cuisine, vegetarian dishes and more.
On Monday, March 25, the islands’ top culinary professionals — and hundreds of residents and visitors who enjoy their tasty creations — gather from 6-9 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park, overlooking Key West Harbor at the end of Southard Street, all to benefit the mission of A.H. of Monroe County.
Chefs from leading local restaurants, catering companies, food trucks and other emporiums donate their time and talent to create small-plate offerings. Culinary fans can indulge their appetites by sampling everything from savory appetizers and casual tidbits to gourmet main dish “bites” and decadent desserts.
In addition, there’s a choice of wines from around the world provided by Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). A large beer selection is available as well.
Admission is free, and attendees buy tickets — $1 each — at the gate that are exchanged for food and drinks. Typical drinks and small-plate offerings “cost” four to six tickets. Wine glasses, pint glasses and plates are also available for a donation.
The event also now offers VIP passes that eliminate the need for individual tickets.
A $150 donation provides unlimited food, wine and beer samples at the event, as well as seating in the lighted VIP tent, upscale butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, and an experienced sommelier to discuss the wine selection.
An additional special pricing option is the 2 For Taste, which for $75 provides two plates, two glasses and 60 tickets to be exchanged for food and drinks.
Every Helping Helps; Every Serving Serves
The focus of this year’s Taste of Key West is on the recent integration of Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC) into AH as a Health + Housing subsidiary. As the branding at the 3-hour event will reiterate, “Every Helping Helps and Every Serving Serves.”
Since its incorporation as a non-profit in 1992, FKOC has provided homeless prevention and shelter throughout Monroe County.
The merging of the two service organizations made sense on many levels, said Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe, which now includes FKOC as a subsidiary.
“AH has become a more active affordable housing developer and housing advocate, such as with the Lofts at Bahama Village. Why wouldn’t we also provide stewardship to the risks of homelessness?” Pridgen notes. “Since inception, our objective has been to care for people living with HIV, as well as prevention of HIV through housing initiatives. Housing is healthcare.”
Advance tickets and VIP passes are available for sale at keystix.com and can also be purchased at the gate on the day of the event.
For this year’s Taste of Key West — now in its 29th year — gates open at 6 p.m. and biking or walking is encouraged.
