By Shayne Benowitz

In Key West, it’s always exciting when something new comes along. Living on a tiny island at the end of the road with endless summer weather, it’s easy for the days and even the seasons to blend together. Frankly, this post is overdue because a lot of new bars and restaurants have opened up over the last year. Here’s Fury’s new favorites!

Fury Girls partying at McFadden's.

McFadden’s This spacious bar on Greene Street (formerly Guy Harvey’s) opened just in time for Spring Break to major fanfare with a huge party and bikini contest. It was a quick way to endear itself to the locals. Since then, we’ve been flocking for the cheap drinks and great live music. Rumor has it a gaggle of Fury ladies (and gentlemen) were dancing it up there ‘til the wee hours on a recent Saturday night.

Key West Pretzel Co temptations at the new Fury booth.

Key West Pretzel Co. Now that the Ultimate Adventure and Commotion on the Ocean are departing from the Historic Seaport at the end of Greene St, the crew has been raving about Key West Pretzel Company on Lazy Way Lane. I tried it for the first time this weekend and decided to order just about everything on the menu. The pretzel dog was a tasty indulgence smothered with a variety of mustards, ketchup, onions, and relish. As if that wasn’t enough, I ordered a cinnamon monster pretzel covered with glaze and walnuts. To wash it all down, a homemade frozen lemonade with fresh mint, of course!

Square tacos at Amigo's.

Amigo’s When I’m in the mood for Mexican, the craving is acute. Lately, the Fury crew has been hitting up the new kid in town, Amigo’s. With their home-pressed, square-shaped corn tortilla tacos, the guys who brought you the Cuban Coffee Queen have created another local’s favorite. Located across the street from Captain Tony’s this place is always bustling. Lucky for us, it’s close to work and they deliver, too!

The Fury crew & friends hanging at the Porch.

The Porch Some nights there’s nothing better than lounging on a breezy front porch with your best friends and a bottle of wine. When we’re not doing this at Nicole and Annabelle’s house, you can find us at the Porch on Caroline and Duval. This place walks the line between a relaxing night out and a raucous party with a great selection of wines and craft beer. It draws an eclectic crowd of the island’s locals, so you’re sure to run into someone you know and potentially meet someone new.

These are the tried and true new Fury hot spots. I’ve heard rave reviews about the newly opened Sweet Tea restaurant on Upper Duval serving affordable southern comfort food. I’m also anxious to try Fin, a Caribbean small plate concept restaurant from the boys who brought us Blackfin Bistro, one of my personal favorites. See ya around town!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. Find her at web.me.com/shaynebeth, follow her at twitter.com/ShayneBenowitz, or email her at Shayne@furykeywest.com.

The dining room at Santiago's.

By Shayne Benowitz

Some people enjoy the lazy days of summer, but in Key West, and especially at Fury, we don’t get a break until after Labor Day. September is notorious for being a sleepy month on the island. That’s great for visitors scooping up off-season rates on accommodations and you’ll enjoy our tropical paradise sans the crowds. Some local restaurants close for vacation, but others stay open and offer great specials.

WARNING: Some of these deals are for locals only. Double check with the restaurant if you’re from out of town! Either way, these are some of the hottest spots on the island you won’t want to miss.

50% Off: Grand Café (Duval St & Caroline St)

Cuisine: New American with Caribbean flare

Ambiance: Casual sophistication in the heart of Duval Street

Notable Dishes: Tomato bisque with jumbo lump crabmeat, seared scallops in key lime beurre blanc, grilled bluefin tuna with wasabi aioli

Fury Girl’s Tip: There’s a quiet little bar nestled in the back, perfect for an after dinner cocktail and dessert.

50% Off Monday-Wednesday: Santiago’s (end of Petronia St)

Cuisine: Spanish-style tapas with a New American twist

Ambiance: Island chic with an urbane edge

Notable Dishes: Beef tenderloin with bleu cheese butter; grouper seasoned with fennel, lemon, and coriander; saganaki: haloumi cheese flambéed with brandy; prosciutto and provolone croquettas; sangria

Fury Girl’s Tip: Order 2-3 dishes per person to share. If you’re still hungry, order more! Save room for their delicious bread pudding dessert.

25% Off: Bagatelle (Duval St & Front St)

Cuisine: French Caribbean

Ambiance: Tropical chic at the foot of Duval

Notable Dishes: Mussels in black peppercorn cream, hearts of palm salad, honey fried lobster tale, filet mignon with gorgonzola

Fury Girl’s Tip: Exceptional martini menu. The espresso martini is made with chilled Illy espresso and will perk you up for the rest of the night.

nine one five's tuna dome.

20% Off before 8pm: nine one five (Duval St & Olivia St)

Cuisine: East meets West

Ambiance: Modern tropics at the quiet end of Duval

Notable Dishes: Tuna dome: dungeness crab covered in ahi tuna sashimi, Thai style whole snapper, steak frites au poivre

Fury Girl’s Tip: Head upstairs to the sexy and chic point5 wine and tapas bar after dinner.

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth

The crew at Captain Tony's.

by Shayne Benowitz

Dive bars. They hold a special place in the hearts of many. Come as you are, drink cheap, and have a great time. Although not always my cup of tea, I’ve definitely had some great times in the local dives. These classic Key West watering holes hit the spot when you want to kick back without care.

Stephen & Nicole trying to flip a quarter into the grouper's mouth.

Captain Tony’s

The site of the original Sloppy Joe’s where Hemingway used to hang is located right off Duval Street on Front. It’s a dark hole in the wall with pool tables, the occasional live musician, and walls lined with memorabilia. Named for a much-loved and somewhat infamous Key West character, Captain Tony’s is a great spot for some trouble. It’s one of Captain Westy’s favorites. We like to grab the benches around the unused fireplace and if we’re feeling frisky we’ll order up a round of the house specialty rum punch. They’re tasty with a distinct pineapple flavor and they come in cool souvenir cups!

Beers, peanuts, and dollar bills at the Chart Room.

Chart Room

This little hideaway is tucked into the Pier House Resort. It’s small, dimly lit, lacking ambiance, but flush with peanuts, free hotdogs, and a fun dice game. Things get silly at the Chart Room. Sit at a large round table with your friends and order up a round of Jack & Cokes or some bottled beers and play Ship, Captain, Crew. All you need is the dice and a bunch of dollar bills.

Ashley, Jill, & Shayne with root beer barrels.

Green Parrot

There’s nothing secret about the Green Parrot, one of the most loved and frequented bars amongst locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s live music on a Saturday night, midday beers, happy hour, or closing it down at 4am, the Parrot is always full of surprises. My favorite memories have been quieter nights with a good group of friends playing darts, drinking beer, eating popcorn, and of course a few rounds of root beer barrels!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Lobster!

by Shayne Benowitz

The traps have been set. It’s the start of lobster season. With ideal summer weather the last few days, the water has been placid and clear. Now the harbor is also dotted with buoys marking the traps. For our Key West parasailing captains, they’ve got to be vigilant and steer clear of them. For everyone else, it’s time to feast!

Before lobster season is open to the pros, Key West holds a “mini season” where amateur divers can scour the reefs and rocks for the first catch. Annabelle and Cassandra, a couple of Fury gals, and my favorite little concharitas have been lobstering during mini season since they were little girls, and this year was no different.

Annabelle and Cassandra (far right) with friends.

They hit the water both days of mini season, and snagged 30 lobsters by midday. Having never been lobstering or even spear fishing myself, I’m truly impressed with these lovely ladies and hope they’ll take me with them one of these days!

In the meantime, I guess it’s time to hit up A & B Lobster House for a little surf ‘n turf. Or maybe Annabelle and Cassandra will have me over for dinner!?

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

A busy day on the parasail docks.

by Shayne Benowitz

There is no denying that this island has heated up in a flash over the last couple of weeks. While many lament the humidity and the sweltering sun, most of us at Fury are thrilling over ideal conditions on the water. Hot sun, cool ocean, soft breeze, calm seas, and unlimited visibility at the reef.

Working in the sun can sometimes act as an appetite suppressant, but we all need fuel to get through the day. This time of year, we’re craving cold, fresh, and filling treats and meals. There’s not always a lot of time, so we’re big fans of anything that’s mobile and delivery is a must. Here’s a quick guide to some Fury-tested and approved quick bites to take the edge off the summer heat:

COFFEE

I am done with hot coffee for the summer. There is nothing eye-opening about a hot cup of Joe in 90 degree heat. Fortunately, Key West is flush with iced coffee alternatives. I’ve been a huge fan of the Coffee Plantation’s iced latte with skim milk and Sugar in the Raw since my earliest days at Fury. New to the scene is Old Town Bakery with their strong iced coffee and an assortment of delicious baked goods.

The Coffee Plantation on Caroline Street.

LUNCH

When we’re truly jamming on the parasail docks, we can spin through the entire day without a break. Sometimes a liquid lunch is the best alternative. Captain Shon and I have decided that smoothies are the only way to go on days like these. We’ve recently become big fans of the Cuban Coffee Queen’s Re-Hydrator, a blend of bananas, mangos, and mixed berries. I’ve also been a faithful of Help Yourself’s Tropical Green smoothie with pineapple, mango, banana, cucumber, cilantro, spinach, and lime. Both restaurants also serve up super hydrating coconut water, which I am pretty much in love with!

Help Yourself on the corner of Fleming and Margaret.

Becky and Kayla, a couple of our check-in gals, are fans of the newly opened vegetarian lunch spot Green Republic. The menu is extensive, but the girls rave over the California Dreamin’ wrap with hummus, provolone, lettuce, tomato, avocado, green pepper, and sprouts. Sounds pretty yummy to me!

HAPPY HOUR

Of course, frozen drinks on a tropical island is pretty obvious, but it’s not something I drink everyday. I met our cruise ship liaison Nicole and Fury Surf Shack’s Meredith for post-work drinks at Sunset Pier yesterday. Nothing sounded so refreshing as a pina colada mixed with strawberry daiquiri. Meredith was on board with the frozen drink craving and opted for a margarita while Nicole ordered a frosty Red Stripe. The setting on the water is exactly what you want in a tropical bar, not to mention its prime location where Fury boards the Ultimate Adventure and the Commotion on the Ocean. Grab your drink to go!

ICE CREAM

I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of ice cream, but when the temperatures heat up, I crave lemon sorbet. Head to Flamingo Crossing or Gelato on Duval for this or any other ice cream flavor you can dream up!

Nothing beats the heat like the sea breeze or a cool dip in the ocean, so of course, let Fury be your Key West guide. See you this summer!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

The new facade at la Creperie.

by Shayne Benowitz

There’s been something missing in my life over the past year. For breakfast, I’ve grabbed a fruit parfait and coffee with coconut milk from Help Yourself or a bagel and cappuccino from the Coffee Plantation. Bad Boy Burrito and Cole’z Peace have been there for lunchtime deliveries. Upper Crust Pizza, The Café, and the occasional Chinese takeout have fed me dinner. But… I haven’t had my crepes!

As a gal who just doesn’t cook, La Creperie on Duval Street was a staple in my weekly meal plan. Since a fire devastated their quaint façade over a year ago, I’ve gone without. But not anymore! Last week, Yo and Sylvie reopened the beloved Creperie in the heart of Bahama Village to excited local fanfare. Mosey down Petronia Street and you’ll find the new and improved establishment now boasting sidewalk café seating, spacious room at the bar, and an expanded menu.

Since they’ve reopened, I’ve been in at least four times. It’s truly a local’s hideaway where you’re greeted warmly and certain to see somebody you know. My first trip back, Stephen and I went for a post-matinee movie late lunch. I ordered the goat cheese salad over a bed of mesclun greens with walnuts, tomatoes, golden raisins, herbs de Provence, and balsamic vinaigrette on a buckwheat galette. Needless to say, it was exceptional. Stephen opted for the salmon galette served in a light lemon chive cream sauce.

Nicole joined me on the second round. She was in the mood for something sweet, so she went for the classic Nutella, strawberry, and banana crepe. Delicious! I was still in the mood for savory, so I ordered the prosciutto, egg, and swiss with sautéed tomatoes and spinach in herbs de Provence. Absolutely outrageous!

In addition to crepes, they’ve also got a delicious selection of paninis. My favorites: #2 chicken, goat cheese, tomatoes, and green pesto and #3 prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and roasted red pepper pesto. The new menu also includes French onion soup, croques monsieurs, and escargots!

I’m certainly not the only one at Fury who is excited for the return of the Creperie. Justin, whose girlfriend’s mother Yo is one of the owners, was there with his mom sampling a panini and the new cheese plate. Nicole and Becky, as well as Eli and Kenna, have been in to indulge on the red velvet crepe: homemade raspberry coulis, chocolate ganache, fresh strawberries, and toasted almonds topped off with English custard ice cream and whipped cream. There is so much more on the menu that I can’t wait to try (brie, bacon, and Granny Smith Apples. Fresh pineapple, coconut, and honey)! All I have to say is, ooh la la!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Colorful facade of the Cuban Coffee Queen.

by Shayne Benowitz

It’s a New Year! Change, resolutions, fresh starts, new perspectives. A new year is always invigorating and exciting. As 2009 turned to 2010, new hot spots in food and entertainment have sprung up all over the island. Key Westers now have exciting restaurants and a brand new local’s bar to patronize in the new year. So here it is, Fury Girl’s picks for the next big thing, the latest and greatest in Key West in 2010.

Cuban Coffee Queen

So you hit Duval Street hard last night. You’re lying in bed hungry and hung over. What’s a poor little girl or boy to do? Call the Cuban Coffee Queen, of course! A café con leche and the Key Wester sandwich (two eggs, American cheese, bacon, sausage, or ham pressed on Cuban bread for only $5) will certainly get the job done. They’ve also got a variety of blended smoothies such as the “Hang Over Helper” and super hydrating coconut water. At Fury, we keep their delivery guys hustling with orders all day long. Lunchtime, they’ve got a great Cuban mix and daily specials to sate any hungry belly. The prices are low and no order is too small. Need a cup of coffee now, give them a call, 305-294-7787.

Blackfin Bistro

The boys of Blackfin.

Filling a void in Key West’s gastronomic landscape, Blackfin Bistro has landed on the 900 block of Duval with French bistro fare served late. For that hungry, hung over boy or girl who decides to roll out of bed around say 3pm or 4pm, mosey over to Blackfin. They serve breakfast until 5pm. The eggs benedict are amongst the best on the island and the croque madame is a delicious indulgence. In the mood for lunch or a late dinner? Their menu of gourmet burgers with hand cut fries is to die for. Opt for the Diablo burger with a spicy, savory sauce, goat cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. The dinner menu boasts an array of fresh seafood and steak options, as well. Prices are reasonable and definitely commensurate with the food’s quality. Opt to dine in the airy back patio for a relaxing meal any time of day or night.

Gelato on Duval

Gelato!

Blackfin certainly boasts some tantalizing desserts such as fresh berries and crème and a warm chocolate cake, but if a scoop of icy, creamy confection is what you crave, stroll down Duval to the only gelato stand on the island. Here you’ll find a fresh assortment of fruit, chocolate, and other imaginative flavors. The portions range from kid’s size to large and allow for flavor combinations. I’ve spent a few evenings lingering over samples with the Fury crew. I’m a big fan of the white chocolate raspberry and the lemon sorbet.

El Alamo

El Alamo right off Duval Street.

With hang over cured and bellies full, it’s time to head to the new watering hole that local’s quickly staked as their own. Boasting dollar draft beer and an open patio, El Alamo is located on a side street just off wild lower Duval Street. Buy a pitcher for a rousing beer pong tournament, challenge your friends to a game of corn hole, or show off your skills on the billiards table. Live music is featured nightly and there’s big screens inside to check the scores of your favorite teams. Without a doubt, you’ll run into a member of the fun and friendly Fury crew on any given night at this new laid back, yet bustling outpost.

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

by Shayne Benowitz

Ashley, Becky, Shayne, and Jill outside The Good Life.

I’ve always thought Madonna and Sheryl Crow had it right. “Girls just wanna have fun!” And of course, “All I wanna do is have some fun. I’ve got a feeling I’m not the only one.” This is certainly true for the girls of Fury. We spend our working day surrounded by the Fury boys who vastly outnumber us. For the most part, it’s lots of fun. But there are definitely times when we need a little break. Lately, we’ve been embarking on semi-regular girls’ nights out.

We lose the red board shorts, dab on a little make up, and hit the town. So what’s our idea of fun? Well, for the first official late summer girl’s night out, I invited Ashley, Jill, and Becky over to my place for a little pre-dinner cava. When we hang with the boys, it’s all beer all the time, but with the girls we pop the bubbly!

The Good Life

We headed over to The Good Life for dinner, one of Key West’s newer restaurants that none of us had tried. When we arrived, we saw that they had a summer special with 50% off bottles of wine and $5 starters. The night just got a little more fun! The location is slightly off the beaten path in an unassuming cottage on the corner of Packer and Virginia. The interior was kitsch and cute, and we grabbed a cozy table.

Jill selected a tasty pinot grigio and we sampled crispy shrimp egg rolls and tomato basil bruschetta. Another must try starter is the lobster mac & cheese. It’s not priced on the specials menu, but it’s definitely worth it. The cuisine is a gourmet fusion of American, Caribbean, and Latin flavors. Amongst the entrée standouts was Becky’s lemon piccata snapper. The food was great, and of course, we were never at a loss for conversation. Before too long it was time to order up a second bottle of wine and peruse the dessert menu. Yes, when Fury Girls go out, they go all out! We opted for the ridiculously indulgent homemade doughnut with ice cream and caramel espresso glaze.

Thoroughly stuffed at this point, we paid the bill, which was a steal for the amount of food and wine we ordered. We weren’t quite ready for the night to be over, so we headed to Salsa Loca for a nightcap. Since most of us had an early morning at work the next day, we were good little girls and went straight home after that.

What’s next on Fury Girls’ Taste of Key West? Join us for dinner at Seven Fish!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer working on her debut novel. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.