EAT: Latitudes, Sunset Key/Key West, FL

When in Key West, FL, you must make a reservation for dinner at Latitudes on Sunset Key. It requires a short boat ride over to the island, but be sure to eat outside at sunset. The views are spectacular! We sat at a small table amongst the palm trees overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Reservations are required, so book through Open Table.

Our server was very knowledgeable about food allergies, even though they did not have a gluten free menu. A nice side note, as it got darker, it was neat to be able to read a menu that was backlit. After chatting with our server, who checked with the chef on safe menu items, we started dinner with the Tasting of Beets, roasted beets, beet foam, goat cheese, pistachio crumbs, and black caramel pepper. Very tasty.

I decided on the Seared Sea Scallops for my entree. It included Mushroom Risotto, piquillo pepper coulis, truffled arugula salad, and balsamic reduction. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the risotto was a nice compliment.

My dinner companion took our server's suggestion of the Yellowtail Snapper with no corn. The snapper was accompanied by sweet baby peppers, chive risotto, and jicama lime salsa. It was very good and the salsa added to the flavor of the snapper.

If you have a special occasion or just want a nice dinner overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, go to Latitudes. The setting is fantastic. The boat runs continually to take you to and from Key West. Well worth the trip! I can't wait to go back during my next trip to the area!

Latitudes
245 Front St.
Sunset Key, FL (Key West, FL)
305.292.5394
http://www.sunsetkeycottages.com/latitudes-key-west

EAT Update: Fresh First, Fort Lauderdale, FL

I blogged about Fresh First, a gluten free restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, FL this time last year. To read that blog post, go here. I returned there for lunch yesterday. Not sure if it was even still in business, we know how allergy free restaurants come and go, I was pleasantly surprised by my visit. Fresh First was bought two months ago by a sweet couple, Eliana and Tarso, both of whom have vast experience in the food industry. Neither are gluten free, but continue the mission of previous owners to provide great gluten free, corn free, peanut free, non-GMO food in a dedicated environment. Both are vegan and have added quite a few vegan options to the menu, like egg free mayo and tofu options. Many of the menu items are still the same, so your favorites are still available. Just a note, the north location of Fresh First has closed. 

I was greeted warmly by the staff as I entered, finding quite a few diners eating a late lunch at 2:30pm. A steady stream of patrons dined and grabbed takeout while I was there. I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich, usually a no-go option for me at most places due to my egg allergy. The egg free mayo is homemade and with the addition of celery, dill, and Granny Smith apples, the chicken salad was most delicious. The gluten free, corn free bread had a nice flavor with the addition of herbs mixed in. It has been over three years since I have had chicken salad that I or my mom have not made! The sandwich came with a side of red cabbage coleslaw, which had a nice little kick with the addition of cumin and of course, the vegan mayo. 

While chatting with Eliana, I could see her passion to provide safe meals for those with food allergies was strong. All menu items are made in-house, so inquiring about ingredients is not a problem. I was really excited to see that Eliana and her staff were much more personable and helpful than I had encountered in my previous visit under the old ownership, so I know the new ownership will do wonders for the business. I look forward to returning on my next trip to the area. Oh, and make sure to order the Quinoa Cupcake with Goat Cheese Frosting for dessert! Delish!

Fresh First

1637 SE 17th Street (Yacht District, near the Cruiseport)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954.763.3344

http://www.freshfirst.com

Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm

EAT: Twisted Vine Bistro, Fort Myers, FL

When in Fort Myers, FL, you must head downtown. Nestled next to the water, downtown is bustling on Friday and Saturday nights due to great dining options and weekly events, like the Art Walk and Live Music. Be sure to check out Twisted Vine Bistro, right in the heart of the historic River District. Although they do not have a gluten free menu, our server was most helpful with suggestions and checked on the menu items we were interested in to make sure they were safe options. 

We started with the Butcher Board with no crostini (gluten). The generous portions of pate, sopressata, pork belly, and duck prosciutto was delicious with olives, cornichons, and apple slices. Great start to the meal and we did not even miss the bread!

I decided on the Pork Belly with celeriac puree, braised red cabbage, sour apple and maple. Wow, the puree is my new replacement for mashed potatoes. So tasty! The red cabbage was a great compliment to the pork belly, which was cooked to perfection.

My dinner companion ordered the Walleye Pike with manilla clams, andouille sausage, swiss chard, fingerlings, and pipperade. The pike was pan seared, then baked and was very flavorful. The clams and the sausage paired nicely with the fish.

With its quaint dining room and soft live music, Twisted Vine Bistro is perfect for date night or dinner with friends. They have an extensive wine list and pride themselves of offering unique and eclectic food options. They grow their own herbs and spices, as well as sourcing local ingredients to bring you the freshest dining experience possible. Even though they do not have a gluten free menu, the server can guide you through the menu and make modifications to the menu. I highly recommend Twisted Vine and will definitely be back!

Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239.226.1687
www.twistedvinebistro.com

EAT: Sharky's On The Pier, Venice, FL

I have to say, Venice, FL (west coast of Florida between Sarasota and Fort Myers) is not the mecca for gluten free options, but I was pleasantly surprised to find Sharky's On The Pier to be allergy friendly. A lot of the menu items at Sharky's are fried or have bread, but they also have an extensive two page Gluten Free Menu. Salads, Fresh Catches, Steaks, and even Pasta give gluten intolerance diners many options.

I decided on the BLT Salad topped with Grilled Shrimp. I opted to switch out the dressing to the Homemade Dill Ranch. The salad was really tasty and filling, plenty for dinner.

In addition to being known for great seafood, the sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico are spectacular. Located right at the pier, Sharky's has great outdoor seating and all tables have views of the ocean. Be sure to check out Sharky's On The Pier on your next trip to Venice, FL.

Sharky's On The Pier
1600 Harbor Dr.
Venice, FL 34285
941.488.1456
www.sharkysonthepier.com