The Key was a beauty; I should’ve known she was a heartbreaker

November 18, 2008 | Posted by: Rafa | Filed In: food, the Key

So in the past couple of posts I’ve come out in praise of some of the new offerings that have appeared on the Key. I may have been a little hasty in my assessments, and now I have to backtrack.

One way you can think about the Key’s establishments is as follows: Good Product, Good Service, Good prices. There are few establishments on the key that have more than two of those qualities, and it seems some of these new places are no different.

Let’s start with Entre Pues. I can still say the food is good, and I can also say that the prices are good, but the service has been short the last couple of times I’ve been there. I’ve also had friends relate similar experiences to me. One time they didn’t have hamburgers, another time they didn’t have anyone working delivery at 8pm, and another time they took an hour to bring my food while I was eating at the place.

The next place that I need to talk about is the Ibis Lounge. My hype for the place was huge, and I have to admit that it does deliver on many levels. Recently I went, though, and they told me their $5 beers were now $7; that it was just an opening week price. I went on Sunday at 8pm and it was closed. They have a good happy hour deal (2 for 1), but that’s the only kind of special there is and it ends at 8pm. It makes it harder to choose to go out when I can just pick up a sixer and save myself the hassle.

All that said, I still think these places are good. It also needs to be noted that business is business and business on the key isn’t cheap. After so many people came back to me with criticisms I just felt they needed to be addressed.

All that brings us to the following…

Patagonia in the Square. The new, new-place. The food was a little bland but it did have a good price and good service.

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My prayers have been answered: a hamburger & fries

October 22, 2008 | Posted by: Rafa | Filed In: food, the Key

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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The New Places

July 9, 2008 | Posted by: Rafa | Filed In: No burgers, food, the Key

Me and my friends have had a long running joke about food spots on the key. When we make plans to go eat lunch someone will always suggest, “that new place.” Unsuspecting friends will then excitedly ask, “What new place?,” to which we would get a hearty laugh.

See, the key hadn’t had a worthwhile lunch establishment open up for a good number of years until last month. Then in one swift month, three new places landed on the key. I’ve eaten at all three spots, and will attempt to give a good assessment of what they’re all about. It’s worth noting that it’s still impossible to get a good cheeseburger and fries on the key for under $10 (a good cheeseburger being defined as one where you can choose how it’s cooked). Anyway, on to the reviews.

Continue reading The New Places…

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