Our Quest for the Best – Key Lime Pie

Any trip to the Florida Keys must include a sampling of Key Lime Pie. On our recent trip, my son Jesse and I decided to attempt to find the best. I must confess something up front. I do like Key Lime Pie, but it’s not my favorite. My preferences lie not with the tart, but with the super-sweet when it comes to dessert. Give me pecan, chocolate, sweet cherry, peanut butter, and especially graham cracker when I have a choice.

Jesse and I couldn’t wait until we hit the Keys to begin. Our first sample came from a restaurant in Orlando. We should have known better. The little one and a half by two inch sample with a dab of whipped cream the size of a Hershey kiss and a gummy, fake-lime slice just didn’t cut it. At $6.25 per slice, I expected more.

Our next stop was at the Islamorada Fish Market. The Key Lime Pie servings there are made in individual bowls. The pie tasted great as did the lunch that preceded the tart dessert. At the risk of burning out we had to try another slice after dinner at The Rooftop Café in Key West. The dinner was fantastic as was the Key Lime Pie. We dined with friends from Gallipolis, the Carmichaels. We live about eight miles apart, but had to travel 1000+ miles to get together. John and I were both members of the famous “Rodney Rangers” 4-H Club. Comments back and forth on Facebook led us to realize we would be in the Keys at the same time. Pictured below are Jesse and me with our Key Lime desserts.

John and Loralee recommended we try the Blue Heaven Restaurant while we were in the Keys. Jimmy Buffett has a song called The Blue Heaven Rendezvous and there are pictures of him singing from the platform that holds an old wooden water tank above the bar.

Jesse and I rented bicycles to get around the island and we biked to the popular eatery. We arrived at what we thought would be a slow time but had a 45 minute wait. We explored the neighboring area and also spent a little time in the gift shop. At Blue Heaven, the tables are outside and there are patio umbrellas above them. Chickens can be found wandering between the tables, scratching in the dirt and hoping for a handout. The décor kind of reminds me of Hillbilly Hotdogs.

Again the food and service was great, but the Key Lime Pie was beyond compare. Built on a graham cracker crust foundation, the pie was an engineering marvel. Added to the crust was a layer of tasty, tart Key Lime, but the best is yet to be described. I’ve seen deluxe meringue before, but none like this. The total height of the pie had to be approaching eight inches.  I’m pretty bold when it comes to dessert, but I suggested that Jesse and I split one of the towering treats.

OK, this is the winner. This is truly the best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys. But wait! Did we try them all? No way. If you've been to the Keys, you know everyone claims to have “The Best Key Lime Pie”, Grandma’s recipe, Dad’s Favorite, etc.

We must continue the quest on our next visit! We’ve been home less than a month, and Jesse is already talking about how he is ready to return to Key West. I wonder who makes the best Conch Fritters?

Mystery Writers in Orlando

Recently my son Jesse and I were fortunate to be able to attend Sleuthfest in Orlando Florida. It was a writer’s conference sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. There were about 300 writers and mystery fans in attendance.

There were so many programs offered that four were often presented at the same time. Choices, choices! It was the perfect place to learn from successful writers and to “rub elbows” with agents and publishers.

One of the highlights was the Saturday night banquet at The House of Blues at Downtown Disney. It was only a mile or so from our hotel so we decided to walk. 

There was a costume contest and Jesse and I went as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Jesse was surprised when I asked him to be Sherlock; he thought I’d want to be the famous detective. I explained that Dr. Watson was the one who wrote the journals of Sherlock’s experiences, so it would be natural for me to portray the writer.

Heather Graham’s band, The Rock-bottom Remainders played the music for the party with author Don Bruns guest-performing. Don does a great job with Jimmy Buffett tunes.

Jesse and I kept the costumes on for the walk back to the hotel and were surprised by six groups of people wanting to have their pictures taken with us. I guess even at Disney you just don’t see Sherlock Holmes every day.

Fly or Drive?

My son and I started making plans to travel to Florida a couple of months ago. I had a conference in Orlando and we planned to spend a few days in Key West “on the way” home. The big decision was, do we fly or drive.

Flying would be quicker, but there are many limitations. We must consider the two hour trip to the airport, arriving early to go through security, having to rent a car to get around in Florida, and of course the cost. A major problem with flying is the luggage limitations. I like to travel well equipped for any photographic opportunities that may arise.

So, we drove. The trip through the edge of Ohio, all of West Virginia, and most of South Carolina was rainy. About a third of my windshield wiper tore loose making it difficult to see unless I sat up very straight. No big deal, it was probably good for my posture. We watched and watched for a store that may have wiper blades. No luck.

Within five feet of the Florida state line the rain quit and the sun was shining. I guess that’s why it’s called the “Sunshine State.” I’ve not bothered to try to find a wiper blade since we arrived at Downtown Disney. I can’t imagine that wiper blades are a popular item at the Disney Store, or even Lego Land.

It doesn’t matter; we only need the wipers when it’s raining.