Key West Food & Wine Festival 2011 VIP Welcome Party

Clinking Glasses

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Last night, I joined an enthusiastic group of VIPs poolside at the Southernmost Hotel to kick off the 2^nd Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival. We were getting a head start on our upcoming four-day extravaganza (Jan. 27-30).

As I savored the crisp tropical notes of a glass of Michael Sullberg California Chardonnay, I heard the buzz that Sullberg’s son, Sean, would be representing the winery at the most popular event, Duval Uncorked, on Saturday. I soon got more insider info from organizer Mindy McKenzie that Donald Patz, one of the founders of Patz & Hall Winery, and Chuck Easley of the cult-fave T-Vine wine would also be on hand. With 50 stops on Duval Street I needed a strategic plan if I was going to taste wine from my choice vintners in three hours.

Instead of importing celebrity chefs, the festival organizers are showcasing the town’s own culinary talents and abundant fresh seafood. I am looking forward to stuffing myself silly with luscious Key West pink shrimp and Florida lobster tails straight off the boats. So is charter captain Greg Daniels from Big Coppitt Key, 10 miles north of Key West. Daniels came to Duval Uncorked last year and said he was “kicking himself” for not doing the entire festival, so this year he bought a VIP pass for the whole weekend.

But then there's Jean Hilkens who tells me how he was lured to Key West from Amsterdam when he saw the festival’s signature image—a table with wine on the sandy beach—on Facebook. “I looked at that picture with the wine and the water, and I said that’s where I want to be in January when it’s cold! He won’t be disappointed; the weather forecast predicts sunshine and a high of 69 over the weekend.

Tomorrow night we’ll all meet at Southernmost again for the 90 Miles from Havana Barefoot Beach party, followed by a trolley ride through the historic old town to wine strolls in neighborhoods like Petronia Street, Key West Bight and Mallory Square. And then there’s bowling with coconuts at Blue Heaven where the roosters roam. It’s not too late to come on down. keywestfoodandwinefestival.com, southernmostresorts.com

Tags: Florida Keys | Key West | Key West Food & Wine Festival