Key West… as seen by Miss D

So this past Sunday, The Handsome Captain™ went “practice-fishing” in preparation for the upcoming World Sailfish Tournament.  Left to my own devices, Helen of Grand Vin suggested I engage in “practice tasting”. It just so happened that Stephanie from Noble Wine Estates was hosting a tasting where bottles ranged in price from $40-$200 each…at 11am.

How could a Priss refuse?  Sips from Alexander Valley…Alsace…Tuscany…Colombia Valley…Loire and ohhhhhhhhhhh, there goes my head.

I SO needed to eat…but where?  Ah yes…Grunts (409 Caroline Street) recently started serving food and I hoped they were open.  From Grand Vin to Grunts, I had more than a peppy stride and in my head, wondered how many of those Key West Steps I was taking…yet I had too much momentum going to actually stop and access her site on my phone.  Okay, so one stop at Express (they were having a sale) and 1 dress later, I was rollin’ rollin’ rollin’.  However many steps later, I arrived.

My first impression was “Wow, inexpensive…let’s see the menu”.  I was prompted to go to the window to order and checked out the rest of the menu there.

I  was indeed impressed with the menu.  Expecting burgers, wings, and assorted fried bar food, I was pleasantly surprised to see healthier items.

Although not a large menu in quantity, the choices are varied and can appease every taste.  Avocado Caprese Salad, hummus, & quinoa for those desiring lighter fare and Keys’ favorites Conch Po-Boys, breaded fish sandwiches on Cuban bread, fish tacos, and conch chowder.  In addition were choices with a Peruvian flair.  What to do, what to do?

After ordering, I enjoyed a lovely table and having the courtyard to myself.

The manager came out, introduced himself, and spoke with me for a while.  He asked how I had heard that Grunts served food as they had only been doing so for a couple of weeks.  Although he told me that he has only been here for 6 months, he completely understood the Coconut Telegraph when I simply answered “I’m a local”.  He went on to tell me how lovely he thought the property was.  I agree.

So out came Part 1 of my lunch, and not a moment too soon.  (Note: It did NOT take a long time…Priss was just REALLY in need of food).    Grilled Veggie & Quinoa: Grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, Greek olives, grilled portobello and Peruvian quinoa salad all dressed with a red balsamic vinaigrette.  The quinoa was excellent and the flavor of the spices combined with the balsamic was spectacular.  Tasty AND healthy, it’s a winner.  With the exception of the bread, I totally scarfed it down.  Sure, I could’ve taken half of it home…it was just so delicious that I didn’t WANT to.   GUESS how much?  Nevermind, I’ll tell you…$7.95.  What quality food that actually fills you can you get for $7.95?  Heck, you have to throw another nickel in just to get one of those frozen drinks at Flying Monkey Saloon!

Prepping me for “Lunch, Part Deux”, my lovely server brought me some accompaniments and explained their varying degree of caliente.

And there it appeared…and I was feeling full.

The fish wrap: grilled fish with romaine, slaw, vine-ripened tomatoes, red onions (for those who order them–I didn’t), fresh avocados, and chipotle mango chutney.  The slaw was Asian and I was sure to find that out before I ordered…I don’t do that runny, white stuff <shudder>. This wrap was DELICIOUS and for me, didn’t need any of the bottled sauces…the combo of spicy, hot, and sweet was perfect with the mild fish.  However, I could only eat half.  Boo.  By the way, the wrap was $8.95.

Throughout lunch, I kept hearing this BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG.  It was a familiar sound from a restaurant we tried in Marathon and I wondered if I would be right.

I was.  The manager (why can I never remember names when I was introduced like 10 minutes prior?) was pounding and voilà! Cracked conch!  He kindly brought me part of Sunday evening’s special listed here…Thyme and garlic marinated conch over herbed rice.  I couldn’t finish it, but I had enough to know that I would order it as a dinner entrée.

How is it I have never been to Grunts, not even to have a drink?  One day, before I lived here, I was on my way there and saw some familiar faces at Flying Monkey, so I never got there.  Then, they were closed for a while…then, I moved to Key West and rarely went to that end of town.  However, now that I have found Grunts and their wonderful food, I’ll surely return.

As much as I enjoyed both items, I cannot wait to try new ones…especially the Peruvian entrées since I haven’t had that cuisine since Miami 2007.   Grunts Bar & Grill is open Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm-10:30pm.  For free delivery, call 305-294-8280.  Also check out their Facebook page where they post daily specials.  When you need a little break from the madness of Lower Duval (and a break for your wallet) here’s your place…and now with food!  I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

PS–There are approximately 3,138 steps from Grand Vin to Grunts and back