Ibis Lounge - Is this the watering hole we’ve always wanted?

Apparently this place, the Ibis Lounge, is set to open tomorrow (Tuesday). This is a real bonafide bar/lounge,  not some restaurant with a bar ala Linda B or Sushi Siam. It’s been in the making for about a year now with a “coming soon” sign that’s been on the windows. It’s located at the Key Colony Plaza shopping center, near the back.

We have to make this place ours, guys. Linda B. is the only other bar on the key and it’s completely dominated by the key’s old guard. This place has real potential, and considering we’re probably the biggest demographic of bar patrons on the key, it only makes sense. Hopefully the prices are good enough not to price us out. We are, after all, the demographic that tailgates at Yacht Club Friday-nighters to avoid paying for drinks.

I’ll be at this place at around 9pm on Wednesday to check it out if you want to come by and have a drink. I’d go on the opening night but I figure it will be packed with the owner and his friends.

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My prayers have been answered: a hamburger & fries

It’s happened. There’s finally a place on the key that will serve you a decent hamburger with fries, for under $10. I found it at a new Colombian restaurant in the Galleria. Before I get too excited and blow my proverbial load let me tone down my own hype and tell you what’s not good about it.

First thing to be said is that the burger isn’t cooked to order; it’s a cafeteria burger. That said, it’s way better than the DG burger or the Beach Club burger because it’s loaded with toppings that make the whole thing taste great. It’s got cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, potato sticks (papitas), ketchup, mayo, and tartar sauce. Yea, you read that right: tartar sauce on a frickin’ hamburger. It’s crazy and it’s crazy good. The cheese oozes off the burger; it’s not some Kraft single, it’s something a little better. The potato sticks and the bacon add a little crunchiness to the whole thing.

When you first walk up to the place you’re not sure if it’s nice to the point where you should be better dressed. The decor and all makes it look like a more upscale restaurant than the menu suggests. Don’t let this throw you off, though. It’s as casual as going into the DG or Sir Pizza; walk in after a long boat day and no matter what you look like, you’re good.

Do not get worked up or turned off if the waiters initially approach you in Spanish and you can’t speak it. The place is brand new and Colombian, so the staff is primarily Colombian and I’m sure the guests right now are still primarily Colombian. Don’t let that deter you from getting what you deserve. Speak however you want and make them bring you that burger. Don’t forget to order the fries; they come on the side.

You’ll have to try it for yourself to be sure if it’s as good as I say, but I doubt you’ll be disappointed. Too lazy to head over there and check it out? No worries, they deliver! A hamburger and fries delivered to your house for $10. We truly live on an island paradise now.

The place is called Entre Pues and the phone number is 361-5486. Click here to see the entire menu.

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KB Speed Lap Record - 20m49s

Last week I challenged Andy to set a world record time for a lap around the key on boat. He did it, from Bear Cut bridge all the way around. The record is now set at 20m49s. I’ve told people, and I’ve gotten a couple of responses like, “oh my boat could destroy that time.” Really? Well that sounds awesome, but until you actually do it, it sounds like a bunch of bullshit to me.

Here’s Andy breaking world records:

And here’s the lap time:

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Zoning Voting Back on the KB ballot

As much as I’d like to make my case here on Rat Radio about who I want for president, I’ve told myself I’ll refrain. There are some issues which I have no problem endorsing, though, and the zoning laws of the key is one of those issues.

Back in June 2007 Key Biscayne voted to make all major zoning changes require voter approval, and it passed by a landslide majority. The council was notably upset by this; it stripped away one of their most important powers. It basically paralyzed the council to deal with zoning.

When it happened it was largely in response to the new Sonesta plans and what was deemed extreme negligence on behalf of the council towards what Key Biscayners really feel makes an island paradise. I have to argue that it’s a good thing we have the right to vote on zoning changes. While it makes the council ineffective in dealing with these problems, that’s exactly what we want. We don’t want a council that can easily make huge changes to the key without approval. We want a council that has to take a lot of time to make big changes. We want a council that has to present a case that is appealing to Key Biscayne residents, not just to Key Biscayne business interests. I have no doubt that bigger means better for Key Biscayne businesses, but I feel that residents get the short end of the stick in most of these cases. By making sure we have to vote on zoning changes it makes sure the council has to sell the idea to a majority of residents, explaining why it’ll be good not just for business, but for everyone who lives here. It also needs to be said that the more money is made by Key Businesses, and the more residents there are on Key Biscayne, the more power the council has. So, in a sense, the council is biased towards making the key bigger.

If you agree with what I’ve said here, make sure you vote NO on reform referendum #193. If you vote yes to give power back to the council, all you’re doing is taking away one of your rights.

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Columbus Day Regatta this Weekend

You know it’s coming but I should say something anyway. People seem pretty pumped considering it hasn’t been that great the past couple of years. Hopefully this rain won’t haunt the bay on Saturday.

So are you going or skipping it? How about this Mashta flat alternate party I keep hearing about?

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Sweet Home Hialeah

If only we had this kind of talent making videos for the key…

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