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Category Archives: The Florida Keys

Bayside Gourmet, Islamorada “Rules.”

Host and owner, Jaclyn Boffice took over Bayside Gourmet on October 15, 2018.
Entry view of coffee bar and bakery

American Press Travel News-Nov 30th-Bob and Barb “On the Road Again”–This time in Islamorada, FL Keys, for TG-Day with family-also visiting and tasting the best of Islamorada at Bayside Gourmet.

Several locally created micro-brewed beer options, are Keysie, pleasee!!!

We met Jaclyn and Anthony Boffice owners and our hosts, to get a taste of their offerings, and oh, what a treat we were in for.  We kicked off our meal with Lobster Bisque. The bisque’s flavor and texture on a scale of 1-10 was an easy 10.

She brought out her Signature Meatballs, an appetizer perfect for the cooler weather enjoyment of real, hearty meat. The Margherita pizza was superior to all the veggie pizzas I have had anywhere. We imaged the Tavernier sandwich, made on home- made focaccia bread gently warmed with its topping of fresh mozzarella, imported prosciutto, tomato, fresh basil drizzled with virgin olive oil (we boxed this for a later meal, how much can we eat, after-all ?) Veal Parmesan also boxed after tasting-um-um great< and then the Chicken al la Gourmet (panic and herb encrusted chicken breast pan-fried and topped with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and aged provolone served over rice pilaf with a balsamic reduction) was tabled. Couldn’t stop the mangia effect. WOW! We finished up with coffee and 
Jersey Shore Cheesecake (whipped – one of their signature dishes).   Barb and I added up our 1-10’s, and there was no dishes rated under 10-plus!  We took all we could not fit in our stomachs for a later, or a tomorrow buffet of tastes. Give a call, and head right over when you can. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they have a bakery of all home-made cakes, pies and bread products-Fer get about it, but not their number-305-664-2002 

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!!

American Press Travel News–Bob and Barb on the Road Again–Stopping to Smell the Roses and visit the reefs of the Florida Keys!!!   But first: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, wherever they are, or have landed with family and friends!!!!

Enrico’s Pizza, A Whole Lot More Than Pie

American Press Travel News-Sept 28th, Islamorada, FL Keys–Bob n Barb “On the Road Again” Enrico’s New York Style Pizzeria. Growing up in Brooklyn, many of my memories I recall today were the great Kosher Pickles, corned beef sandwiches, hot dogs and sauerkraut, and great garlic pizza dripping with olive oil and chewy, gooey mozzarella. With a Root beer float, I always was delighted and happiest in my Williamsburg apartment near the Brooklyn Bridge. So fast forward several decades later, here I am in Islamorada, and up pops Enrico’s Pizza at MM 88.8. After meeting and getting to know Laurenzo (Larry) Calvano, owner/operator and Master Pizziolo of Enrico’s, and Dominic Congeni, Chef, I felt right at home and knew Italian fare here was going to be great. I/we were not disappointed. My son Dave, Director of Emergency Management at Homestead Air Force Base decided to join us. He now can tell his associates where they can get a good meal down in the Keys near his home in Islamorada.  Out came the pizza, out came the clams oreganato with linguine, the shrimp risotto too! I asked Larry about his experiences so far, since Enrico’s just opened in the past two week. Larry told me that “we wanted to be that neighborhood place and feel, and we are being slammed as a Keys great local Pizzeria. The whole vibe is fabulous, and its all about family, Italian food is all about family mangia, together with love and happiness.” We felt it! We’ll be back! Give a call, say hello, and be prepared to be very happy at Enrico’s New York Style Pizzeria with Italian dish specialties, everyone loves if they are authentic. This place is authentic!! Give a call or just stop in. 305-852-2200 

Florida Keys Sojourne

David Epstein and his mom, Barbara at Whale Harbor in Islamorada.
So we all enjoyed barbeque Florida Lobster Tails. Dave & Captain Key Largo, his brother Brian know where they live!!
Enjoying the Red Bone Gallery in Islamorada.
Giving back. The giant aviary that is also a part of the Keys natural region!
Since today, a million more divers and fishing boats with anchors descend on the only living reefs in the USA, its become a priority to protect these reefs more than ever for their future.
The Keys waters have been invaded by many new species and one of them is the destructive Lion Fish. They are here, they taste good and are being harvested for control issues.
The new Holiday Isle Tiki Bar. Today it’s owned by the Postcard Inn. Millions are spent on colored sugar-water, ice and a bit of rum: The Rum Runner!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Press Travel News–September 17th,-Islamorada, Florida Keys–Bob and Barb Epstein at home with David and lovin’ every minute!  The Florida Keys is the true American Caribbean with out needing access by boat and plane. The drive alone through a section of the Everglades is worth the adventure drive from anywhere, USA.  What is particularly special about the Keys is so many islands drivable over 43-different bridges with the direct Atlantic Ocean being on your left side and Florida Bay, the beginning of the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Hundreds of varieties of fish, shellfish and crustaceans’ are the main inhabitants and from shore to the deep fishing and diving is the primary reason for attending natures academy of Mother’s apron of life. Our family moved to the Keys in the 1970’s. My sons went to Upper Keys schools, fished the waters with friends and their dad and mom and snorkeled for Florida Lobster. The Keys got in the blood of our boys David Epstein, now the Director of Emergency Management for the Homestead Air Force Base and Brian is today a licensed Captain. He is known as “Captain Key Largo” and can be chartered for all manner of boating experiences in the Fabulous Florida Keys!