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CELEBRATE HEMINGWAY IN KEY WEST!

08.12.12

Review by Mark Elias

Photos by Andy Newman

Many establishments in Key West, Florida, can boast of having been a favorite watering hole for legendary writer, Ernest Hemingway. Fewer still can say he actually bedded down under their roof. The 86-year-old Crowne Plaza La Concha can truly boast that the infamous Hemingway both drank and slept here.

At just seven stories (the tallest on this tiny island city’s skyline), the newly-renovated Hotel La Concha now features “island-chic” furnishings in guest rooms and suites. Plus, “La Concha” (as locals call it) is still the nightly scene for one of the more popular sunset watching spots on the island. Yes, this very spot was mentioned in Papa Hemingway’s classic novel, To Have or Have Not and has helped cement La Concha’s terrasse as a literal place in history.

During our three-day whirlwind Key West stay, La Concha became the perfect base camp and jumping off point for a total deep-dive immersion into everything Hemingway when it comes to Key West. A full-service hotel, La Concha is located right on Duval Street, which just happens to be Cayo Hueso’s (Key West in Spanish) main drag. Great food and people watching occur at just-off-the-lobby Jack’s Seafood Shack. For those who are not right until they’ve had their first cup of Joe, the Island’s only Starbucks is located right there, too.

A Storied Past.

Ninety miles north of Havana, Cuba, and 129 miles southwest of Miami, Key West has been a storied destination for visitors ranging from pirates to politicians and everything in between.

Today, the tony island receives guests via scheduled airline flights from Miami and others cities, as well as an excursion stop for a myriad of cruise ship lines.

In the 1930-40s, Key West was so alluring that it became a favorite haunt for Hemingway. Yes, he called Key West home for 12 years. Locals say Hemingway had a daily habit of knocking off from writing at 3:30 p.m. each day to meet with friends over drinks at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The original location is now operated under another name, but Sloppy’s lives on at the corner of Duval and Greene Streets.

Since 1981, the bar has hosted the Ernest Hemingway Lookalike contest. Now in its 32^nd year, the three-day contest hosts actual lookalikes, celebrity lookalikes and people, who in their mind, think they bear more than a passing resemblance to Papa. This year, we were excited about contestant Michael Groover, who just happens to be the husband of TV chef Paula Deen (yes, she was there!). Judged by past winners ---- who seem to always up for a party --- this “contest” is actually a humid, drink-fueled experience that packs them in yearly.

Hungry? Key West is a tempting place to eat. We decided it was necessary to stop at the oldest restaurant in town, Pepe’s Cafe (806 Caroline St.). Pepe’s is a funky, fun place established in 1909. This casual café is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At night, steak and seafood reign supreme. Those in the know order the fresh catch “Pepe’s style” for simple, yet delicious fresh-from-the-sea are. Plus, Pepe’s rustic outdoor patio is just the place to unwind after a long day of fun-in-the-sun island activities.

Six toes and plenty of sun.

Day Two was the perfect day to start with a tour by Old Town Trolley Tours. (only $27.41 online for ages 12 and above and free for kids under 12!) Conductors offer insider info during their guided tours for a brief, yet fascinating look at this tiny town. A day pass is actually good for two consecutive days, and allows free on and offs at 12 island stops including Mallory Square, the Truman Little White House and Hemingway Home, among others.

Speaking of the Ernest Hemingway Home (907 Whitehead St.), visitors can receive guided tours through the restored home, museum and studio, which was the scene of some of his most prolific days as a writer. Also available for private events, the home is a must-see for literary fans, or those just into the mystique of the Old Man and the Sea. Hemingway left the island in 1940, but his legacy lives on via the forty or so six-toe cats (count them!) lingering about that are descendants of Hemingway’s original pet tomcat. Admission starts at $13 per person.

No trip to Key West would be complete without a two-hour Wind & Wine sunset sail on Danger Charter’s pair of historic schooners ($75 per person). With the word “wine” in the title of the cruise, we weren’t expecting any jug or box varieties to show up. Fortunately, Capt. Don McCullough did not disappoint. Crewmember Shaun Griffin poured an international collection of beers and wines complete with descriptions and advice. At the same time, ship mate Will Kinsey served cheese, fruit and vegetable platters. Voted the #2 Sunset Cruise in North America by Coastal Living Magazine, Key West’s Wind & Wine is truly head and shoulders above other sunset excursions.

For more information on Florida, Key West and Hotel La Concha, visit:

The Monroe County Tourism and Development Board 1(800) 771-KEYS (5397) http://www.fla-keys.com/

La Concha Key West. 430 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 (305) 296-2991

http://www.laconchakeywest.com/

Mark Elias is a Florida-based automotive journalist for Leftlanenews.com. Travel and music are his two other mistresses and he writes about destinations and the real life experiences of covering both. melias.media@gmail.com.

TASTE MUSIC!

07.20.12

On Aug. 15, which just happens to be the night before the annual three-day Sunset Strip Music Festival kicks off in West Hollywood, Taste Music comes to the Sunset Marquis Hotel for a multi-course wine paired dinner inspired by legendary rock photographer and featured guest, Bob Gruen. How cool is that?

Taste Music is sponsored by The Avenues: Art, Fashion and Design District of West Hollywood and Jaguar and is quite literally a backstage pass into music history with Gruen’s 40-year legacy ranging from Muddy Waters to Madonna as well as his iconic image of John Lennon wearing a New York City tee shirt.

Carlos Santana’s very own Casa Noble Tequila will serve as the evening’s opening cocktail party act. The menu has been crafted by Sunset Marquis Chef Burlion. During each tasting, the chef, sommelier and artists will present personal contributions to the menu sharing insider philosophies and inspirations behind the evening’s fashion, art, food and wine selections.

The cost of this intimate evening including cocktail and wine pairing, live artwork and fashion presentation is $225 per person inclusive of tip and tax. Taste Music benefits West Hollywood Elementary School’s art programs. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event at [url=http://www.avenueswh.com/tastemusic]http://www.avenueswh.com/tastemusic[/url]

What’s The Avenues?

The Avenues – Art, Fashion & Design District offers visitors unparalleled experiences in fashion, interior design, furniture, the decorative arts, food and spirits. Many of the most sought after luxury brands call The Avenues their West Coast home. Year-round Avenues activities encompass fashion and charity events, book signings, artist receptions, product offerings and demonstrations. Officially organized in 1996, The Avenues - Art, Fashion & Design District, located in West Hollywood, is the LA region's premier shopping destination. [url=http://www.avenueswh.com]http://www.avenueswh.com[/url]

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