Conch Republic

Ahh... The Keys

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

While we're in "Pirate Mode" what say let's sail on down to the keys. Key Largo, Islamorada and of course Key West ... love em all.   And even if we can't get away to the keys, at least we can take a virtual vacation.

So let's fire up the grill and put on some Key Lime Shrimp, whip up an "Island Delight" cocktail and crank up the Conch Republic tunes.

When we're in the keys We have it all... just like Bogie and Bacall.

The pots are on!

The Plate... 

Key Lime Shrimp

Ok, this is a great summer recipe that is simple and delicious. Plus, what's better to celebrate an escape to the keys. Maybe a little Key Lime pie for dessert?

What you need... 

36 large shrimp peeled and deveined

1/2 cup Grilling Marinade (see below)

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp of Key Lime zest

Grilling Mariande-

1/3 cup white wine

3 tbsp fresh Key lime juice

2 tbsp finely chopped shallots

2 tsp white wine vinegar

1 tsp minced garlic

2 tbsp whipping cream

1 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

1 tsp Key lime zest

1 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp chopped fresh chives

What you do...

To make the marinade- combine the first 5 ingredients in a small skillet.

Cook over medium heat until reduced.

Stir in the whipping cream and cook until reduced.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter, 1 tbsp at a time, stirring until the butter melts.

Remove from heat and strain through a metal sieve.

Stir in the lime zest and salt.

Keep warm and stir in chives just before serving.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. 

Combine the shrimp, marinade, honey and zest in a large bowl and toss to coat.

Marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Drain the shrimp well before grilling.

Grill the shrimp in a grill basket for 3-4 minutes on each side.

The Playlist... 

Conch Republic 

Today we celebrate the unsung heroes of the islands, the balladeers of the beach. Here's to the local boys that help us "escape". 

Check out Michael McCloud's "Conch Republic", the national anthem of Key West. Michael is a regular at Schooner's Wharf and I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon than sitting back and listen to him sing about his favorite island.

The other array of local artist like Kelly Mcquire, Howard Livingston and our good friend Marty Nickel can be found in bars from Texas to Georgia; helping you take a virtual vacation even if you can't get away to the keys. And don't forget about Brent Burns... He tells us about living the life Jimmy Buffett only sings about.

 The "Playlist" runs on Spotify- Click on the link to listen to Conch Republic

The Bar... 

Island Delight 

What you need... 

2 oz Coconut rum

2 oz Pina Colada Mix 

2 oz Orange Juice 

1/2 oz Grenadine 

Ice 

Orange Slice

What you do... 

Mix rum, pina colada mix, orange juice and ice in a blender. 

Give it a buzz until thick and frosty. Pour into a glass and add the grenadine. 

Garnish with orange. 

Thanks to Rum Therapy for this cool recipe.

We Had It All...

Just Like Bogie And Bacall. 

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!