Even Bogey and Becall never had it so good, at least not down in Key Largo. There are those who’ll argue with you that this salient of sand and sun off the tip of Florida is home to some of the best cuisine anywhere. That reputation won’t be hurt a bit by the coming of Uncorked: the Key Largo & Ismorada Food & Wine Festival.
Set for Jan. 10 – 19, 2013, this is a superb setting to pair food and drink. Be good to your palate. Put it in contact with fresh fish, locally sourced seafood and compelling vintages – all during a time of year when Mother Nature isn’t given to hurricanes, a time when the temperature fits your clothes.
The Key Largo presentations begin with the return of a real, live Lobsterfest at Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Café. These folks will show you there are more ways to prepare the crustacean than boil the bejeebers out of it. They’ll also show you which wines go best with which lobster dishes. Follow up with a jazz and wine night at Tasters Grille Restaurant in Tavernier Towne Shopping Center
Not all the gourmet gatherings are on land. Island Time is a 78-foot paddlewheeler. She’ll the floating focal point of a Caribbean-style celebration. On board delve into the tropical hors d’oeuvres, taste some really good rum, and – if you’re still able – indulge in a bit of limbo or conch shell blowing.
Inclined to the organic? Check out the organic food and wines at Snook’s bayside restaurant.
The sight and soundtracks for all of this is simpatico music, and art that fits the mood. General admission is $57, with VIP early entry selling for $77.
(Featured image: Serge Melki)
