Instead of making New Year’s resolutions to eat less or indulge yourself less (pledges that are usually broken within a few days or weeks), why not make a resolution to enjoy more? In other words, replace January’s too-typical caloric austerity and “good for you” activities with quality experiences and flavors to savor.
For the best of both, start the New Year with a fantastic food festival in the Florida Keys — rich in creative cuisine, soul-warming subtropical sun and foodie fun. And this January, you’ll find four major culinary events to choose from.
Gargantuan shrimp are served at one of the Upper Keys’ past food and wine fests. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Each one spotlights local chefs’ creativity, indigenous ingredients like fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood, and premium spirits. Equally enticing are the glimpses they offer into the Florida Keys island chain’s unique heritage, intriguing culture and laidback, warmly welcoming vibe.
The calendar of cuisine begins with Uncorked: the Key Largo and Islamorada Food and Wine Festival set for Jan. 7-17. The 11-day food, wine and spirits celebration generally features 30-plus palate-pleasing events at Upper Keys venues.
Festival highlights include happy hour wine tastings, the Keys’ version of the popular television cooking show “Chopped,” a progressive “Dine Around Islamorada” gourmet dinner, kids’ and adults’ chocolate-themed events and several appearances by chef/restaurateur/author Tony Leck from Guernsey in the British Channel Islands. And don’t miss Jan. 16’s signature outdoor “Grand Tasting” at Islamorada’s Pelican Cove Resort & Marina.
Next on the “menu” is 11th annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival, a gathering of Keys commercial fishermen and fans of fresh fish and seafood. Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, the family-friendly feast takes place Jan. 16-17 at Key West’s Bayview Park.
Grilled Florida lobster tails often highlight the menu at Keys seafood soirees.
There you can chow down on savory seafood selections included fresh grilled Florida spiny lobster, “pick and peel” Key West pink shrimp, stone crab claws, fried local fish, smoked fish dip with crackers, lobster bisque and more. Each year, all the seafood is prepared and served by local fishermen and their families.
Tasty as it is, the ocean’s rich harvest isn’t the only attraction. There’s also dessert (Key lime pie, anyone?) plus nonstop entertainment and booths featuring art, crafts and other items. And the musicians include the legendary Paul Cotton — who was the longtime lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the acclaimed country-rock band Poco.
Lovers of fine food and equally fine vintages can indulge their appetites at the annual Key West Food and Wine Festival. The Jan. 27-31 festivities pair adventures in flavor with adventures in the continental United States’ southernmost city.
Nearly 40 events are planned for culinary explorers, including some staged on beaches and in outdoor locales suited to Key West’s typically balmy January climate. Highlights include the “Sunset on the Harbor” Grand Tasting, “Duval Uncorked UnDone” on the island’s lively main street, a tasting spiced with burlesque performances, a traditional Key West shrimp boil and even a “haunted happy hour” saloon ramble.
Savor chilled stone crab claws at the Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival.
The mouthwatering month comes to a close with a weekend honoring a Keys favorite: sensational stone crab claws. The Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival is set for Jan. 30-31 on the famed island at the head of the Keys.
This year as in the past, attractions include fresh conch, local stone crab and other seafood — plus entertainment and fun for the whole family (including fireworks). Learn culinary tips at cooking demonstrations … feast and frolic during shrimp eating, Key lime pie eating and costume contests … explore booths displaying offerings by arts and crafts vendors … and let the kids romp in a lively play area.
If those aren’t enough, consider two other reasons for “resolving” to savor Florida Keys flavors in January: the Lower Keys’ Grimal Grove Arts & Chocolate Festival set for Jan. 23, and the Jan. 31 Master Chefs Classic culinary competition and gourmet tasting in Key West.
And let’s face it — resolving to indulge your appetite for Florida Keys food and enjoyable experiences is one resolution you can keep all year long.
