Even Key West canines, like "blog dog" Giulio shown here, have been enjoying the warm January weather. (Photo by Steve Smith)

We do dress up a bit. On occasion you’ll see us in jeans, cargo shorts, and shirts with collars — and I recently sported my tux jacket with a nice pair of shorts. When you pack for a visit here, remember that you won’t need dinner jackets, ties, or “spit-shined” shoes.

(And if you see the weather in mainland Florida looking cold, remember that Key West is 156 miles southwest of the mainland and we rarely share the same weather — except for the fabled sunshine!)

Key West is known for great eating, as I wrote in my November blog. One of the great upcoming “foodie” events is the third annual Key West Food and Wine Festival, which starts Thursday, Jan. 26, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 29.

The Key West Food and Wine Festival offers innovative cuisine, fine wines and unique island experiences.

This gastronomic celebration offers creative cuisine, premium wines, and unique events only found on our subtropical island.

Kick off the weekend without your shoes or sandals as you join friends for a beach party like nothing you’ve ever attended before. Then play at the historic Key West Aquarium while you sample fine wines and savor delicacies from land and sea. You might spot mermaids, sharks, turtles or indigenous tarpon as you enjoy entertainment by Fancy Pants Entertainment during the “Turtles and Sharks and Mermaids, OH MY! Grand Tasting.”

Chocoholics will experience true bliss when fine organic chocolates are paired with perfect wines during the “Life is a Glass of Chocolate” event at the Lush Bar located at the Green Pineapple on Duval Street.

On Saturday evening, the island’s renowned Duval Street becomes an appetizing avenue during “Duval Uncorked 2012.” The neighborhood’s finest restaurants will be serving samplings of their signature dishes, while the chic boutiques, funky shops and galleries offer wines and hors d’oeuvres. As you stroll you’ll meet Key West’s many personalities and performance artists, and see stellar spectacles.

Stone crabs are a delectable, and renewable, Florida Keys seafood specialty. (Photo by Bob Care, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Each day, the festival schedule offers many events, venues, tastes, and experiences to choose among. Take the weekend to stroll the neighborhoods from Bahama Village to the Historic Seaport. Other events include cooking contests, food and wine seminars, and outdoor markets.

Tickets and/or festival VIP passes are needed for the events and are available at the Key West Food and Wine Festival website. There you’ll also find information about participating lodging and comments from previous years’ guests.

If you can’t make the Key West festival, the end of January brings the third annual Stone Crab & Seafood Festival in Key Largo.  Set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29, it’s a great family event featuring local seafood, live musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and fun for the kids too!  Key Largo is a short trip from mainland Florida down the recently completed 18-Mile Stretch.

So tantalize your palate, and have the time of your life at one or both of these fabulous festivals. After all, there’s nothing more delicious than the flavors of the Florida Keys.

"Forbidden Broadway" graces the Red Barn's stage through mid-January. (Photo courtesy of the Red Barn Theatre)

For example, all our theaters are up and running with fabulous seasons. Among them is one built as a carriage house in 1829. Used on and off during the 1940s by the Key West Players, and operated in the 1970s as a venue for puppet shows and piano concerts by renowned pianist Yehuda Guttman, in 1980 it became the now-beloved Red Barn Theatre, located at 319 Duval St.

Headlining the Barn’s 32nd season is a stroll through “Broadway in Paradise” — the Tony Award-winning show “Forbidden Broadway” runs through mid-January.  Featuring one of my favorite Keys performers, Marjorie Paul-Shook, this musical spins through 75 costume changes.  Following “Forbidden” is the 2010 award winner “Red.” Tickets to this intimate theater sell out quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead to avoid being disappointed.

A five-minute walk brings you to the 150-seat Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square. The theater’s founding Key West Players have been entertaining the island for more than 70 years. I remember the days when the playhouse had no air conditioning and uncomfortable seats, but (as always!) darn good theater.

The Waterfront Playhouse is wowing crowds with "August: Osage County." (Photo courtesy of the Waterfront Playhouse)

The stage has been graced by some of Key West’s best talents including former Fantasy Fest kings Tom Luna and George Murphy.  Kelly McGillis, Charles Busch, Terrance McNally, Israel Horowitz and Carl Hiaasen are among the luminaries that have performed there.

This season opened with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Best Play winner “August:  Osage County,” a dark comedy that transforms a family gathering into a mélange of sex, secrets, and really inappropriate behavior.  It’s said to be one of the best shows ever at the Waterfront, so watch a brief video of “August” and make your plans now to see this “bitch of a family reunion.”

The Tennessee Williams Theatre, located on the campus of Florida Keys Community College, brings monthly performances to its stage giving us a chance to see big-city entertainment in our island setting.  Built in the 1960s with Tennessee Williams himself assisting in the groundbreaking, the theatre is operated by the Performing Arts Centers for Key West/Tennessee Williams Theatre.

Blog author Steve Smith wishes everyone a Happy New Year ... no matter WHAT the Mayan prophesies say!

The 2012 season kicks off with The Midtown Men, starring four from the original cast of “Jersey Boys.”  On Feb. 3, you can join them in celebrating the sounds of the 1960s at their one-of-a-kind concert.  Other upcoming performances include Monty Python’s “SPAMALOT” and the world-renowned Pilobolus.

As well as great theater, we celebrate local seafood as one of our treasures. On Jan. 14, join us at the Florida Keys Seafood Festival in Bayview Park. We feast on fried fish, grilled Florida lobster, stone crab claws, Key West pink shrimp, conch fritters, and smoked fish dip.

The event features live entertainment and is a social gathering with members of our One Human Family.  Stake out a comfortable spot to spread out, because at 6 p.m. the Keys’ own Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band take the stage for a free two-hour concert under the stars.

If you believe in a popular interpretation of Mayan prophesies, we’ve got just one year left until the world ends on Dec. 21, 2012.  Make your plans to visit us in Key West soon; in fact, if you can’t get here beforehand, come down Dec. 20 — I’m sure we’ll have a special event taking place!

Spotted at a Key West Business Guild pre-holiday mixer are blog author Steve Smith (right), guild executive director Rebecca Tomlinson (center) and guild office manager Patrick Shanks.

Since many of you may be heading this way during the festive season, this week I’d like to stimulate your appetites with a tour of some of my favorite Key West eateries.

Mornings are always a treat with a variety of Keys twists on the breakfast experience — like the wide choice of Eggs Benedict served at Blue Heaven in the heart of Bahama Village. Choose from ham, vegetable, filet mignon, or their special lobster benedict. Add a slice of warm homemade banana bread, and you have a feast! Blue Heaven’s dining is outdoors with live music, wandering hens and “gypsy” roosters running around the courtyard. Their own Bloody Mary will kick-start your day.

If you’re longing for French cuisine, check out La Creperie just across the street from Blue Heaven. Serving savory and sweet crepes, this café will tantalize your senses with the aroma of strong French coffee, sizzling butter, and a mixture of accents from around the world. I find it hard to pass up their Croque Madame followed by a “Red Velvet” sweet crepe. Other favorite French cafés are Banana Café and Croissants de France, both located on Duval Street.

Yolande and Sylvie are the guiding spirits behind the great La Creperie. (Photo by Rob O'Neal)

If I sleep in and feel “brunchie,” you’ll often find me at Harpoon Harry’s. This true 1950’s diner is located across from the Historic Seaport on Caroline Street, and owners Robert and Ron will greet you and offer you a “Bloody Harry.” In their diner you can try fish tacos, Blue Plate specials or half-pound burgers. You’ll dine with colorful local fishermen, politicians and pundits, drag queens and tourists.

If a quieter spot suits you better for brunch, try owner/chef Drew Wenzel’s Azur Restaurant. Azur offers al fresco lunch by a waterfall, or an intimate moment in their dining room surrounded by the works of local artists.

Around midday, stop by Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe on the corner of Elizabeth and Greene Streets. Pieman Kermit can be seen in the street offering a Key lime pie to the riders of our local trolleys as they make the turn beside his emporium. Kermit has been featured on the “Today Show” and the Food Network, decked out in his chef’s jacket and Key lime green chef’s hat. (For a real treat, try his frozen chocolate-dipped Key lime pie on a stick!)

Key lime pie guru Kermit Carpenter doesn't really throw pies at visitors -- or does he?

Time for dinner? Discover El Siboney for an authentic Cuban meal where fresh pork, seafood, and chicken are cooked with olive oil, garlic, and secret spices. In true Cuban fashion, the meals are accompanied by black beans, yellow rice, and fried plantains. If you favor fresh seafood Paella Valenciana, call in advance and bring a couple of friends — I don’t think I’ve ever seen as large a dish of paella served anywhere.

A hidden treasure and favorite of mine is the Flaming Buoy Filet Company. Owners Fred Isch and Scot Forste are outrageously entertaining and their dinners are over the top. Steak with blue cheese sauce, black grouper, and scallops wrapped in bacon will tickle your palate. Their lip-smacking lobster mac & cheese is beyond amazing.

When it’s time for dessert, stop in to Flamingo Crossing. For many years this ice cream parlor has churned flavors that include mango, Cuban coffee, guava and passion fruit gelatos. Try the guanabana (soursop) for an interestingly unique Key West flavor. The place offers front-row seats on a busy Duval Street corner, where you’ll suddenly find you have become a part of the colorful fabric that makes up our community. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Till next time … bon appetit!

Knowing how to "cook the catch" is a skill ... though it leaves you dependent on those whose skills center on boating the catch.

Many people don’t realize that Key West lies around 156 miles southwest of Florida’s mainland (and only about 90 miles from Cuba). And, no, we can’t see the lights of Cuba on clear nights — but we can catch the fun on Duval Street after the sun goes down.

One of the many questions I’m asked is if I enjoy fishing. Fish is one of my favorite foods, but I rarely do the fishing myself.

Captain Karen and Captain Debra run Venus Charters, one of our gay-owned excursion boats, and would love to have you join them on a fishing trip. Captain Karen’s reputation for fishing is equaled by her skill in leading snorkel and dolphin-watching trips. And if you’re looking for a commitment ceremony, both captains Karen and Debra can fulfill your wishes for a wedding on the water.

I love the girls of Venus Charters, but will enjoy my fish at one of the local restaurants like Seven Fish, a small and intimate eatery on Elizabeth Street.  There they serve the best fresh catches daily. (Reservations are a must as the restaurant has limited seating for their renowned, palate-pleasing meals.)

A group of friends prepares to embark on a fun-filled Blu Q cruise in Key West waters. (Photo courtesy of Blu Q)

A new fun waterfront spot is the Boathouse Restaurant, owned and operated by the same people as Duffy’s Steak and Seafood, Pisces, and Abbondanza. The Boathouse is on Key West’s historic harbor beneath the Commodore, another seafood and steakhouse from the same group — a casual restaurant totally open to the water.

Take a stroll along the harbor walk before or after dinner, and you will pass Sebago Catamarans, the Blu Q, and the Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry. For many years Sebago has hosted a “Women Only” sunset champagne cruise every Thursday, as well as daily “Island Ting” adventures and sunset and snorkel trips.

The Blu Q offers snorkeling and kayaking trips with picnic lunches for guys, as well as sunset sailing trips for all every day. Join them on a 40-passenger catamaran and experience the Keys as never before (clothing optional, of course).

If you’re a history buff, you can tour Fort Jefferson, a Civil War fort that lies 70 miles west of Key West in the Dry Tortugas — reachable via the Yankee Freedom high-speed ferry. This day trip starts at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m.  Enjoy a continental breakfast before you depart and a buffet lunch at the fort.

Fort Jefferson, lying on a tiny island in the Dry Tortugas nearly 70 miles west of Key West, is a favorite spot for visitors eager to snorkel the cool, clear waters. (Photos by Rob O'Neal)

All you need is a towel, camera, and sunscreen as the Yankee Freedom provides all the gear AND freshwater showers. Tour the largest brick structure in North America and imagine being a Union soldier during the Civil War, stationed on this rock. Swim and snorkel around the fort, catch some sun, and head back to Key West for dinner and unique nightlife.

Have you ever wanted to fly?  Key West now offers a “James Bond-style” jetpack flying experience. After a brief training with the crew learning how to take off, fly, hover, and land, you will soar over the ocean, powered by jets of water!

Look for me at San Diego Pride July 15-17 in Balboa Park, and at Northalsted Marketdays in Chicago August 13 and 14.  I’ll be looking for you with all the information you need to plan your next visit to the Florida Keys!

At the Key Largo Conch House, the show stages the Conch Republic Fritter Contest to determine who can eat the most conch fritters in 15 minutes. Below, watch Adam coach an engaging — and unexpected — underdog contestant in how to chow down on the classic Keys appetizer.

Other eateries spotlighted include the Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island, where Adam enjoys the “Killer Hogfish” sandwich of locally caught fish in a casual waterfront atmosphere. FYI, the Hogfish is a must-visit spot for its great seafood (especially world-class smoked fish dip), friendly crowd of regular customers, and wonderful old-Keys vibe.

And what would a food show be without dessert? Musician and Florida resident Vanilla Ice joins Adam at Key West’s Blue Heaven to taste the historic spot’s towering meringue-topped Key lime pie (see below). He also explains why the Keys are home to the best Key lime pie anywhere.

Scheduled episode airtimes and dates (all Eastern/Pacific time) are 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9; 9 p.m. Sunday, July 10; 12 a.m. Monday, July 11; 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13; 12:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14; 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16; 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 17; and 12:30 a.m. Monday, July 18.

Be warned, however: watching is guaranteed to whet your appetite for your own food-focused Keys exploration.

Luckily, the Key Largo Food & Wine Festival is coming up July 29 through Aug. 7, Florida lobster season begins Aug. 6 and Key West Lobsterfest is set for Aug. 12-14. So make reservations now — and get ready to savor the flavors of the Florida Keys.

In this column, guest blogger and former Key Wester Joseph McLaughlin offers his insights on rediscovering the island.

Because his piece talks about so many wonderful elements of Key West, I decided to share his insights with you. Therefore, here I present “Rediscovering Paradise” by Joseph McLaughlin. Enjoy our island through his eyes!

******

Key West is known by many names — Cayo Hueso, the Conch Republic, the Southernmost City — but most of the time it’s just called Paradise. I began my journey to rediscover Paradise by leaving a chilly, rain-soaked Boston and landing in Key West where I was greeted with sunshine and warm temps. A good start!

I needed to RE-discover Paradise because, after living there for almost five years, I left to work in Las Vegas and on a ship that took me around the world. During my years away I often wondered if moving back was to be part of my path. So, how better to consider those thoughts than to celebrate my birthday there?

Royal poincianas delight visitors and residents with their exuberant color. (Photo by Joseph McLaughlin)

Soon after arriving I was bicycling around the island on a beat-up loaner — a woman’s bike with ape-hanger handlebars. Because I was visiting in May, the island was awash with blooming trees and shrubs.

My favorites: the umbrella-shaped canopies of the royal poinciana alight with blood orange colored blossoms, night air filled with the irresistible scent of frangipani, and bougainvillea which blooms everywhere in a painter’s palette of color. The light is sharper and more intense than the gentler northern light. Colors are so enhanced that the sight of vivid blossoms surrounded by varied shades of green and backed by a deeply-hued blue sky is almost mesmerizing.

To visit Key West and not go out on the water is practically a crime; I booked a snorkeling trip on the Blu Q, my favorite catamaran. The sky that day was almost cloudless and the water was a dreamy 86 degrees! At one point I was kneeling on a submerged sandbar in chest-high water while enjoying the warmth and sipping sangria. That’s hard to beat!

The Key West Cemetery is an oasis of peace and tranquil beauty. (Photo by Joseph McLaughlin)

Strange as it may sound, my favorite place on the island is the Key West Cemetery. Many of the graves are above ground due to the island’s low-lying topography and high water table. One evening I gazed down the length of the cemetery at the orange-hued, newly-risen full moon … and speaking of moonlight, I’ve always loved how the tin roofs of the old wooden homes glowingly reflect the lunar light. It adds a touch of mystery and magic to a nighttime ride or stroll.

And I can’t forget the restaurants! Some of my favorites are Nine One Five, where I dined on a series of small plates including devils on horseback, tuna tartare and a cone of fries with aioli; Square One with Patrick (aka Patticakes) holding court behind the bar, where I feasted on duck pad thai while sipping one of the best martinis around; Sunday brunch at Croissants de France sitting under the twisting branches of a 150-year-old Spanish lime tree; and Banana Café, where I enjoyed my favorite dish of smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers on toasted French bread.

Azure skies and turquoise waters make Key West hard to resist. (Photo by Joseph McLaughlin)

Of course I visited Camille’s, owned by Michael and Denise (I used to work there part-time), where lunch consisted of crab cakes benedict and a delicious con leche (Key West shorthand for a café con leche).

I left Key West with a suntan, a relaxed look on my face, and sore muscles (darn that bicycle!), but still didn’t know if moving back was in the cards. But, heck, it sure is tempting!

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.

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!

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!

Revelers in Cuban dress conga down Key West's Duval Street during a festival celebrating the Cuban culture. (Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Key West is located just 90 miles from Cuba, and the two islands have a cultural connection that dates back almost 180 years.

In the early 1830s, Cuban people began migrating to Key West in search of personal freedom. Among them were scores of skilled cigar-makers who quickly founded factories. By the mid- to late-1800s, Key West was known as the cigar manufacturing capital of the world — producing an astonishing 100 million hand-rolled cigars each year.

Given this rich heritage, it’s no surprise that Cuban food is the most popular ethnic cuisine in Key West. Cuban delicacies include ropa vieja (which, translated literally, means “old clothes” !!!!). Fear not, however — it’s actually a fabulous concoction of shredded beef, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and red wine.

Picadillo, a seasoned ground beef, is another favorite — as are pork chunks marinated in lime and garlic or mojo criollo marinade. Cuban entrees are typically served with black beans, yellow rice, Cuban bread and fried plantains that add a lovely sweetness.

El Siboney's specialties include this savory dish served with traditional yellow rice and sweet plantains. (Photo courtesy of El Siboney)

For a lighter meal, try a traditional Cuban mix sandwich — a blend of meats and cheeses on Cuban bread flattened in a press that looks like a waffle iron. (Oddly enough, you can get the best Cuban mixes at a take-out window beside a Key West laundromat.)

If you’re seeking a sit-down meal, try the authentic Cuban fare at two leading Key West restaurants.

El Siboney is an out-of-the-way spot in a quiet residential neighborhood. Since 1984, the inexpensive family-friendly eatery has served Cuban specialties including world-class roast chicken (and world-class portions; these chickens clearly worked out with weights). Accompanied by black beans and yellow rice, Cuban bread and sweet plantains, the chicken is perfectly seasoned and so tender it practically falls off the bone.

Of course El Siboney also offers ropa vieja, picadillo, savory roast pork and much more.

Great food and great fun rule at El Meson de Pepe. (Photo courtesy of El Meson de Pepe)

And don’t miss El Meson de Pepe, which stands next to Key West’s Mallory Square (site of the renowned nightly sunset celebration). It offers indoor dining in a huge room decorated with intriguing Cuban-themed memorabilia — plus outdoor dining in a unique and wonderful garden festooned with lights. A Latin band plays every night to entice kids, oldsters and everyone in between to dance.

El Meson’s specialties include Cuban pork dishes, ropa vieja and picadillo, and of course black beans and rice with Cuban bread. Believe it or not, the menu also offers wonderful chicken wings marinated in mojo criollo.

FYI, you can immerse yourself in Key West’s Cuban heritage at the Cuban Cultural Exposition, held March 13-26 at the beautiful Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden — an arboretum, garden, wildlife refuge and educational center located at the island’s entrance.

The canvases of Cuban artist Sandy Rico are spotlighted during the Cuban Cultural Exposition. (Photo courtesy of Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden)

The festival’s attractions include a domino tournament, Cuban cooking class, lively dance exhibition and lecture on Cuba’s medicinal herbs and plants, plus a spotlight on the dramatic canvases of Cuban artist Sandy Rico.

You’ll also find an exhibit titled “Viva Cuba Libre — The Chugs of Cuba,” featuring photos of primitive makeshift vessels (called chugs) that carried more recent Cuban refugees to freedom.

The undisputed highlight, however, is Hot Havana Nights, a lavish Latin party at the garden set for 7 p.m. Saturday, March 26. There you can dance to the sounds of Havana Soul while enjoying mojitos, authentic Cuban food, fine cigars, and an auction of handmade Cuban crafts and artistry — a perfect celebration of the historic connection between Key West and its neighbor 90 mlles across the water.