Just about every city boasts a signature dish — one that local residents love and curious travelers simply HAVE to try. For example, there’s New Orleans’ jambalaya, Chicago’s deep-dish pizza and Philadelphia’s cheese steak sandwich. In the Florida Keys & Key West, that dish is Key lime pie.

What makes a blog author happy in the Florida Keys? In Christina's case, it's a luscious slice of Key lime pie.

Key lime pie is made from the Key lime, a fruit indigenous to the Keys that’s smaller and rounder than limes typically found in a grocery store. In fact, Key lime pie is the official pie of the entire State of Florida, and millions of slices are savored each year by visitors and locals.

Its exact birthdate and creator are unknown, but the pie was likely created in Key West in the late 19th century — before refrigeration, and before the debut of the Oversea Railway that brought fresh ingredients like milk to the island at high speed.

Recipes for the original Key lime pie don’t require refrigeration OR baking. Instead, the acid in the Key lime juice reacts chemically with the other ingredients (a process called souring) and “cooks” the pie.

The typical ingredients of an authentic Key lime pie are sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, Key lime juice and a crust generally made from butter and graham crackers. The egg yolks give the pie a yellowish coloring (green pies are absolutely NOT authentic).

Few desserts are more deliciously decadent than frozen chocolate-covered Key lime pie on a stick.

“I’m always amazed that these simple ingredients can make such a wonderful pie,” said Kermit Carpenter, resident Key lime pie expert and the owner of Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe.

Key lime pie can be enjoyed with many toppings, but a controversy has raged for decades over whether whipped cream or meringue is better. Each has its devoted supporters, and the two factions never seem to tire of quarrelling.

Today, Key lime pie is found in many forms throughout the Keys — dipped in chocolate and frozen on a stick at Kermit’s, deep-fried at Porky’s Bayside Restaurant in Marathon or even mixed with multiple flavors.

The pie also has inspired nontraditional Key lime–flavored items: Key lime jerk seasoning from Peppers of Key West, Key Lime Wing Sauce from Kermit’s, homemade Key lime ice cream at Flamingo Crossing in Key West and the milkshake-like Key lime freeze at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo.

Key lime pie lovers have battled for decades over whether whipped cream or meringue makes a tastier topping.

A good Key lime pie should be naturally tart and stiff, standing up well on a plate yet still looking and feeling creamy.

Where’s the best version in the Keys? Take the road less traveled (i.e., Card Sound Road) to Key Largo’s Alabama Jack’s, and you’ll find a Key lime pie so smooth and cool it could be mistaken for ice cream.

Bob’s Bunz in Islamorada is known for enormous cinnamon and sticky buns, but their Key lime pie is a favorite for its tart lime flavor and creamy cheesecake-like consistency.

Marathon’s hidden Key lime treasure can be found at Keys Fisheries, an outdoor counter-service restaurant connected to a world-class fish and seafood exporter. The fish is fresh off the boat and the pie is the perfect blend of sweet and tart deliciousness.

Through reading and ready to click on another website? Then take your Key lime pie to go -- from Keys Fisheries in Marathon.

Want to savor Key lime pie in tropical luxury? Then head for the Dining Room at Little Palm Island off the Lower Keys. Little Palm’s offering is a decadent cashew-crusted Key lime pie topped with a whipped cream fruit coulis.

Key West features many restaurants and emporiums that claim to serve the best or most authentic Key lime pie. However, meringue lovers’ one-stop shop is the funky Blue Heaven Restaurant in historic Bahama Village. The meringue on Blue Heaven’s pie stands several inches tall — and it’s almost as good to look at as it is to eat.

Topics: Big Pine Key & Lower Keys, Food, Highlights, Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West, Marathon, Restaurant Picks, Voices Main Archive

Just as Ernest Hemingway developed his “Papa” persona while living in Key West, internationally recognized singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett drew on the influence of his island home to create the “Margaritaville mystique” that has flavored his music for decades.

Who knew Jimmy Buffett sang at weddings? Here, he belts out a song during a close friend's wedding reception in the Lower Keys. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

During his Key West years, Jimmy studied the island’s characters, cheerfully loony atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle — and memorialized them in songs such as his anthem, “Margaritaville,” and “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”

His tunes tell the stories of larger-than-life Key Westers like the late “gentleman smuggler” Phil Clark and the late bar owner/mayor Captain Tony Tarracino. Many of his most famous lyrics feature Key West locales like Fausto’s Food Palace (owned by another former Key West mayor, Jimmy Weekley), the Blue Heaven restaurant where free-range chickens entertain diners in the outdoor courtyard, and the legendary Chart Room Bar.

In fact, before he gained lasting fame and pioneered the musical genre now called “tropical rock,” Jimmy occasionally sang and played guitar at the Chart Room — and at Captain Tony’s, and at the late lamented Full Moon Saloon where 1970s Keys outlaws and visiting celebrities shared drinks and stories.

In 1985, Jimmy debuted his first Margaritaville Store in Key West — and what began as a welcoming yet ramshackle enterprise on the waterfront grew into an empire. The original Margaritaville is now located beside his Margaritaville Café on Key West’s historic Duval Street.

Jimmy's early albums -- like "White Sport Coat" here -- reflect his passion for his Key West home.

Given Jimmy’s strong connection to Key West and the Keys, it’s fitting that — just seven weeks after his newsmaking fall off a stage during a show in Australia — his first post-fall performance was a surprise Keys mini-concert to celebrate the wedding of two good friends.

Jimmy walked barefooted onto a small stage at the private home of local dentist Fred Troxel, who a few hours earlier had exchanged vows with Key Wester Rita Brown (also known as the Keys’ film commissioner).

Delighting the 300 reception guests, he belted out Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” For his finale, he sang his own “Margaritaville,” changing some of the lyrics to cater to the occasion.

Jimmy told the crowd that it was the first time he’d performed for any group since the fall that put him in the hospital briefly and caused him to cancel a New Zealand performance. However, he showed no ill effects from the five-foot tumble.

Jimmy performs a rollicking set for his Parrot Head fans during one of their annual conventions in Key West. (Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)

That’s fabulous news for his millions of “Parrot Head” fans, named for the offbeat headgear they wear at his concerts. Emulating their beloved “pirate laureate,” they regard Key West as their spiritual home port — flocking to visit the Margaritaville Store and Café, and even making pilgrimages to the small unmarked waterfront warehouse that houses Jimmy’s Shrimp Boat Sound recording studio.

Each year, the Parrot Heads hold their annual convention on the island Jimmy described in his early classic, “I Have Found Me a Home.” No doubt many of them, too, feel the Keys magic that caused their hero to write about pedaling his old red bike to “the bars and the beaches of my town” … and inspired his simple but heartfelt line, ‘You can have the rest of everything I own / ’cause I have found me a home.”

Topics: Arts, Big Pine Key & Lower Keys, Events, Highlights, Key West, Local Color, Voices Main Archive

The Keys and Key West have been alive with seasonal visitors, and it’s fun talking with those who are here for their first time. There’s a special magic across the island that we locals experienced on our first visit; it finds the first-time visitors and splashes them with the same fairy dust. They can’t believe how great Key West is and how they feel they’ve become a part of the community.

In the Conch Republic, "drag racing" is not for the faint of heart -- or weak of ankle. (Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Speaking of community, we celebrate the 29th anniversary of the founding of the Conch Republic this April. On April 22, we kick off a 10-day party in honor of our secession from the United States following a 1982 U.S. Border Patrol Blockade that stopped traffic on our only road to the mainland. (I won’t go into what they were looking for, but you can ask any local for the story when you’re here.)

These 10 days include drag races (sans automobiles but featuring staggeringly high heels), the World’s Longest Parade, a bed race down Duval Street billed as “the most fun you can have in bed with your clothes on” (although the dress of some contestants may be rather minimal) and much more. Check the schedule for dates and times.

Before the Conch Republic celebration ends, we kick off the 16th annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival. More than 100 top performing songwriters will be here to showcase their hits in intimate venues across the island.

Birds of Paradise are blooming in Key West right now -- a perfect time to fly down to our paradise.

If you happen to be flying down in late April, you’ll see fellow passengers with guitars and various instrument cases. You may not know the writers’ names, but you will have heard their music —and you’ll surely recognize the name of one of this year’s highlight performers: Bo Bice of “American Idol” fame. This event has become one of the most popular music events in the country.

By the way, there’s good news for those of you flying to Key West for our great weather and events. AirTran is now offering nonstop jet service from Tampa International Airport. Climb aboard a Boeing 737, with one-way fares starting at $118 plus taxes and fees, for quick and comfortable travel to our island paradise.

For the foodies among us, the 16th annual Taste of Key West takes place Monday, April 18, at the Truman Waterfront, overlooking the Key West Harbor.  More than 50 local eateries will offer gourmet samplings including fresh-off-the-boat local seafood and incredible desserts. There will be wines presented by over 100 wineries and vineyards from around the world. All proceeds benefit Key West’s AIDS Help, our countywide AIDS community-based service organization. This is a fun event not to be missed! Food and wine tickets are $1 each.

Some participants in our wacky annual bed race might appear to be "three sheets to the wind." (Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)

When it comes to current theatrical offerings, check out Paul Rudnick’s “The New Century,” opening soon at our beloved Waterfront Playhouse. This comedy is about Helene, the “most loving mother of all time” to her three gay children — plus the flamboyant Mr. Charles, accused of being “too gay,” and Barbara, a craft-obsessed mother from the Midwest.

Thanks to all our friends that stopped by our booth at the 18th Original GLBT Expo in New York City. We had a blast visiting with everyone and telling people what they’re missing by not visiting our island.

This month we will be exhibiting at Palm Beach Pride, Miami Beach Pride, and in Philadelphia and New York. Look for the Key West booth and stop by for the Key West Business Guild’s newest map and directory. (You might even leave our booth with a fun souvenir or two …)

Until we rendezvous again, have a great spring!

Topics: Events, Festivals, Food, Key West, LGBT

It covers only five acres of land, and seemingly houses little more than a sleepy cluster of buildings and vegetation. But when it comes to Pigeon Key, appearances are deceiving.

Tiny Pigeon Key lies beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge -- but despite its small size, it played a huge role in Keys history.

Surrounded by turquoise water beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon, the tiny island looms large in the history of the Florida Keys.

When visionary Henry Flagler conceived and built the Over-Sea Railroad in the early 1900s — forever changing the face of the Keys by connecting the formerly isolated islands to each other and mainland Florida — the biggest challenge was building a bridge in the Middle Keys across nearly seven miles of open water.

During its construction, tiny Pigeon Key made an indelible mark on history. The island was a base camp for workers building the Seven Mile Bridge, the centerpiece of the railroad known as the eighth wonder of the world.

From 1908 to 1912, more than 400 workers lived in the railroad village on Pigeon Key — and despite its small size, it had a commissary and one-room school. Even after the landmark bridge was completed, maintenance crews continued living on the island.

Easily glimpsed from the contemporary Seven Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key houses a museum showcasing the "railroad that went to sea." (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Tragically, a 1935 hurricane ended the railroad’s reign. But that wasn’t the end of Pigeon Key’s importance. A state highway soon replaced the track, and the tiny island became headquarters to the Florida Road and Toll Bridge District.

Today the original Seven Mile Bridge no longer carries traffic, and drivers travel a newer span that was completed in 1982. The old bridge still stretches alongside it, empty and massive, with Pigeon Key beneath.

Pigeon Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a true American treasure — but, even so, it’s far too often overlooked by vacationers driving through the Keys.

Do not even THINK about making that mistake. Instead, spend a few hours exploring this spot whose history transports you back in time … and whose geography means there’s nothing on earth quite like it.

To reach the remote little island, you can hop a ferry from Knight’s Key in Marathon or stroll along part of the Old Seven Mile Bridge — a journey that literally feels like walking over water, with a soundtrack composed of the cries of circling sea birds and the hypnotic wash of waves.

Pigeon Key's restored historic structures and tranquil atmosphere offer visitors a taste of an earlier era. (Photo courtesy of the Pigeon Key Foundation)

Once you get to Pigeon Key, there’s plenty to see. Many of the old railroad buildings are still standing, overseen by the not-for-profit Pigeon Key Foundation.

One of the original 1909 buildings houses a museum dedicated to the railway’s builders, with exhibits including maps, historic photos, models and a picture postcard collection of the railroad. In this spot, where work crews shared the pressure of unrelenting effort, you can really grasp the breathtaking (and nearly impossible) scope of Flagler’s project.

In fact, you can spend the entire day on the island — exploring the fully restored turn-of-the-century buildings, soaking up subtropical sun and vistas of open blue water, snorkeling along the tidal shoreline, and absorbing the atmosphere of an earlier era.

If you’re visiting the Florida Keys, don’t (and that means DON’T) miss the chance to discover the little island that played such a big role in Keys history. It’s more than unique — it’s flat-out unforgettable.

Topics: Environment, Highlights, History, Local Color, Marathon, Voices Main Archive

In some locales, people’s choice of car provides clues to their actual or aspired-for income and social status (and, in more than a few cases, the size of their egos!).

Bruce Neff's art car features more than $30,000 of original Keys-themed artwork -- and a lucky winner will drive away in it after an April 17 raffle.

That’s not usually true in Key West, where the preferred method of travel is likely to be a zippy scooter or fat-tired “conch cruiser” bike (sometimes with a flop-eared dog riding in the basket) instead of a status-symbol car.

However, there’s one Key West car that’s coveted by residents, visitors and practically everyone who spots it cruising the narrow, palm-lined island streets and lanes.

That’s because it’s more than just an automobile — it’s an art-o-mobile.

The unique four-wheeled art gallery was the brainchild of Bruce Neff, a passionate Key West historian whose primary project is developing an online archive and interactive tour of the island city’s most notable historic sites.

The art car is adorned with iconic "postage stamp" Keys images, like this depiction of Key West's Southernmost House by impressionist William Welch.

What does an art car have to do with Key West history?

Actually, quite a lot.

Bruce, an innovative and out-of-the-box thinker (after all, he’s a longtime Key Wester!), persuaded 18 local and visiting artists to paint “postage stamp” images — each one depicting an aspect of the Keys’ heritage or environment — all over a 2005 Nissan Sentra.

Art, history (and automotive!) enthusiasts can vie to win the gallery on wheels by making $25 donations to Bruce’s Key West Historic Marker project. Each donation “buys” one raffle ticket — and the winner will be chosen April 17 at an artist reception (fittingly held on the grounds of Key West’s historic Southernmost House).

Meantime, the quirky art car can be spotted at events all over the island, eliciting smiles, questions and widespread interest.

World-renowned marine life artist and Keys resident Wyland painted a sea turtle on the art car's hood.

It’s definitely something to see. The value of the artwork alone is estimated at more than $30,000 — and that’s no surprise, since it includes original pieces by masters including world-famous marine life artist Wyland, who painted a classic sea turtle on the vehicle’s hood during a recent show at his Key West galleries.

The other images are equally representative of the Keys’ environment and history. For example, there’s Fran Decker’s series of three paintings saluting the Oversea Railway that connected the Keys to the “real world” in the early 1900s. Impressionist William Welch chose to depict Key West’s famed (and lavishly turreted) Southernmost House, while Pam Hobbs painted a rendition of the historic Key West Lighthouse.

Karen Beauprie saluted Key West’s onetime sponge harvesting industry with an image of men hard at work in the sponge market, and David Harrison Wright featured the Schooner Western Union sailing majestically toward a palm-fringed island.

The Keys' colorful flora is represented by Janis Childs' vibrant image.

Janis Childs was inspired to recreate the lush flowers blooming throughout the Keys; Sally Binard captured the region’s living coral reef in a scene featuring two indigenous yellowtail snappers. There’s even an icon for cat lovers: Sherry Sweet Tewell’s engaging feline waving a friendly paw.

But those are only some of the images adorning the vibrant vehicle. From its hood to its back fender, the art car is a traveling microcosm of the Keys’ colorful atmosphere and experience.

If you’re a friend of the enticing island chain, and want to help support a worthy heritage project, consider investing in a raffle ticket for Bruce Neff’s unique car. You don’t have to attend the April 17 drawing to win — and you just might find yourself the proud owner of the one-of-a-kind Key West art-o-mobile.

Topics: Arts, Highlights, History, Key West, Local Color, Voices Main Archive

The Keys are very much alive with visitors this season. The weather has been glorious, with sunny days and temperatures in the mid 70s. These are perfect days to relax by the pool, at the beach, or on one of our snorkeling adventures like the Fury’s or sailing adventures on vessels like the Schooner Adirondack.

Key West's spring weather is perfect for a catamaran excusion on the popular Fury.

After your sailing or snorkeling excursion check out the Blackfin Bistro, owned by brothers Joseph and Michael Castellano and their good friend Thomas Quartararo. These guys came to Key West in 2009 and have been serving some great food in their dining room and garden area.

Our weekly Tea Dance has been packed with gay guys and girls and our friends dancing away their Sunday afternoons. Check out the theme for each Sunday Tea Dance and also see what other entertainment is being offered at La Te Da.

Pearl’s Patio, at the well-known Pearl’s Rainbow, has been providing locals and visitors with great live entertainment. Recently Michelle Dravis, Susie Comet, Robert Douglas and Chief Billy & Bob Paul have performed at this quaint Key West establishment. Check Pearl’s calendar for upcoming entertainment.

Kicking in during April are concerts at the Waterfront Playhouse featuring Keys artist Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band — and Terri White, recently starring as Matron Mama Morton in the Broadway production of “Chicago” (and previously headlining in New York’s “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Barnum.” These stellar performances will be held at the San Carlos Institute, founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles in Key West.

For cafe con leche, Five Brothers is a winner.

The historic tie between Cuba and Key West is reflected in the island’s Cuban-American population, a vibrant part of our “One Human Family.” Stroll or bicycle our residential areas, and you’ll encounter Cuban markets and sandwich shops where café con leche, bucce, and Cuban mix sandwiches dominate the menus.

My favorite, though, is the medianoche — a sandwich that originated in Cuba and contains roast pork, ham and Swiss cheese. A great cousin to the popular Cuban mix, the medianoche is served on a sweet egg bread that melts in your mouth.

Where’s the best Cuban food in Key West? Five Brothers on Southard Street has been a neighborhood staple for more than 26 years and offers daily lunch specials. Sandy’s Café shares space with the M & M Laundromat, but don’t let that deter you (Yelpers will appreciate the more than 20 reviews of this locals’ hangout). The Cuban Coffee Queen is another hidden gem, located on Margaret Street in the Historic Seaport. Eat at the Queen or order sandwiches to go.

I guess you can tell I like sampling local cuisine in our wonderful island restaurants. Though we’re a small city — roughly two miles by four miles — we have a gastronomical mix that rivals that of any large city. And, for an added plus, you can walk or bicycle to most of our restaurants and cafes.

Hungry? Try Blackfin Bistro's amazing mussels in saffron sauce.

While you’re reading this, I’m promoting the Keys and Key West at Germany’s gigantic ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. Founded in 1966, it now features more than 150,000 square meters of exhibit space and more than 10,000 exhibitors.

The Keys raised a rainbow flag at our booth more than 12 years ago and drew a good bit of attention, since there had never been a promotion of gay travel at the event. Today there’s a huge LGBT travel section and gay travel is listed as an official “segment” of the travel industry along with cruises, cultural, adventure and eco-tourism. We’ve come a long way, baby!

Topics: Arts, Food, Key West, LGBT, On the Water, Restaurant Picks

For a passionate angler on vacation in the Florida Keys, there’s nothing worse than a day when the seas are too rough to go fishing. Some spend their forced inaction inside, prepping their equipment for the next day, while others catch up on their sleep.

Many years ago during a Keys vacation, it was too windy for Charlotte Ambrogio to go fishing, so she went shopping instead -- and bought a house!

Twenty-five years ago, Charlotte Ambrogio spent a dreary non-fishing day shopping for a purchase that changed her life.

“It was too windy to go fishing, so we bought a house,” she said simply.

Today, the one-time vacationer is a permanent resident of Islamorada and director of many of the area’s major annual fishing tournaments.

Charlotte grew up in Long Island and Connecticut, where she loved the beach and surfing. Her grandfather was a dedicated angler who fished from Nova Scotia to the Bahamas, following giant tuna. Some of her favorite childhood memories are of time spent offshore fishing with him.

“I didn’t get to go very often, because in those days they didn’t really think women should go fishing — but when I did go, I loved it,” Charlotte recalled. “My favorite species to target was dolphin. I have wonderful memories of how beautiful the colors of water and the colors of the dolphin were, and I’ve been hooked on fishing ever since.”

About 15 years ago Charlotte, in the words of a song by Keys musician Howard Livingston, “looked in the sky and waved her plane goodbye and became another castaway.”

In 1995, the Connecticut castaway was inspired by the Milford Striped Bass Club, a fishing club she was involved with in Connecticut, to join with Upper Keys sport fishermen to found the Matecumbe Anglers Fishing Club.

Charlotte congratulates winner John Dobson (left) and Captain Drew Kleine after their victory in Islamorada's Backcountry Fly Championship.

Shortly after that, Charlotte realized how much Key Largo’s Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary needed funding — so she organized a fundraising auction and fishing tournament.

During the event, a fellow angler offered her the opportunity to organize a tarpon tournament.

Then, like a fortunate angler surrounded by a school of fish, Charlotte “caught” one tournament after another.

“Becoming a tournament director wasn’t something I planned to do,” she admitted. “Like most things in life, it just happened — one tournament led to another.”

In the past 10 years Charlotte has personally founded three tournaments: the Del Brown Permit Tournament for permit on fly, the Backcountry Fly Championship for redfish and snook on fly and the Women’s Fall Fly Classic for redfish, tarpon, snook and bonefish on fly.

Though she’s worked on many angling challenges, the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament remains closest to her heart. The first tarpon tournament she directed, it benefits the Don Hawley Foundation — which provides financial assistance to professional fishing guides in need.

Still a passionate angler and happy Keys resident, Charlotte shares a smiling moment with her son Raymond.

From her home base in Islamorada, widely known as the sportfishing capital of the world, Charlotte lures in hundreds of anglers from across the globe to compete in her tournaments each year. She credits her success in part to the richness and variety of fish species in Keys waters.

“You can go within a few minutes of Islamorada and catch bonefish, tarpon, snook and redfish on one side,” she explained, “and then go offshore and catch everything from dolphin to sailfish.”

Charlotte herself has retired from fishing tournaments, and instead sticks to organizing them (she currently oversees 10!). But in her spare time, she still indulges her passion for fishing at sunset off Islamorada.

“I just love seeing fish — almost as much as I love catching them,” she said. “When you’re out looking for fish, then you see them in the distance and you see them coming closer and how beautiful they are in the water … it makes me feel very lucky to have this right at our back door.”

Topics: Islamorada, On the Water, Profiles, Voices Main Archive