Enjoy Fresh Florida Lobster with Hundreds of Foodies
August 7-10, 2014
A hearty appetite and a fondness for lobsters are mandatory during the 18th annual Key West Lobsterfest, a celebration of Florida lobster set for Thursday through Sunday, August 7-10. The events salute the tasty crustacean following the August 6 start of the Florida Keys lobster season.
Known as spiny lobsters, the Keys’ clawless crustaceans offer sweet and tender meat. Many people prefer them steamed with melted butter, while others enjoy their lobster baked and stuffed, blended into a creamy bisque or chilled in crisp salads.
The festivities are to kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 7, with a mouthwatering lobster boil at the Sunset Tiki Bar & Grille (617 Front Street). As well as lobster, the feast also includes shrimp, andouille sausage, corn on the cob and new potatoes, in addition to live entertainment.
Friday night’s schedule features a lively Duval Crawl with more than a dozen featured bars, plus a jammin’ party at Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex (202 Duval Street).
The festival’s undisputed highlight is the tastebud-tempting Key West Lobsterfest Street Fair, set for noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 9, in the 100 through 500 blocks of Duval Street.
Lobster lovers can sample offerings ranging from tantalizing appetizers to traditional dinners with all the trimmings. All lobster served will be caught by Keys lobster fishermen, ensuring fresh-off-the-boat flavor, and dishes will be prepared by chefs from leading local restaurants.
Attendees also can browse and buy vendors’ art, crafts and merchandise and rock to the sounds of a free outdoor concert. The music is slated for 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with performances by top local and regional acts on a stage at the intersection of Duval and Greene Streets.
The festival’s savory schedule concludes with a Sunday lobster brunch at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Key Resort (3990 S. Roosevelt Boulevard). Reservations are required; call 305-293-1818.
Key West Lobsterfest benefits a scholarship fund for Key West High School students. For more information on the weekend, visit keywestlobsterfest.com.
