Since the moment I stepped foot on the island of Key West in any type of permanent capacity, I have noticed two things. (OK, a few more than two, but whatever, work with me here). Number one, is that there are an abundance of really good restaurants.
Yes, there are also a few crappy ones, and there are some that I will not revisit, but overall, we have a lot of really good, independently owned dining establishments. There are many places where we have gotten to know both the owners and staff simply from dining on a regular basis. I am thrilled to have an abundance of choices.
The thing about Key West, though, is that it is an island at the end of the road. The nearest Wal-Mart is about 130 miles away, Target is even further. We have Home Depot, Sears and Ross. That is about it. So when locals lament about our lack of shopping (there is always the internet) and eating (huh?) I am amused and slightly horrified at the same time. Why? Because (Number two) it seems that all of these people want one thing: The Olive Garden. I am not kidding. It is an actual topic of conversation around town. Now, I like unlimited salad as much as the next person, but really? The Olive Garden?
Just the other night I was talking to some people that live on Big Pine Key. When I mentioned that I was baffled by the overwhelming desire for an Olive Garden by pretty much everybody, and that I just didn’t get it, she laughed. Her response? “You just haven’t lived here long enough.” I can honestly say that I don’t think I will ever live here long enough to long for an Olive Garden. Instead, I will console myself with amazing gnocchi (and other stuff) from Azur, fresh fish and unique takes on everything at The Flaming Buoy, small plates at Santiago’s, sushi at Origami, omelets, burgers and more at Blackfin and many, many other local places. Where is your favorite? And where do you stand on The Olive Garden issue?
10 thoughts on “The Olive Garden Obsession”
Reminds me of a business trip I took to NY. I was in a smallish town just north of NYC. Clients asks what I’d like for dinner and knowing where I was I of course asked for really good Italian. “Oh, we have this great place that just opened up.” Where did he take me? Yep. The Oliver Garden.
Oh my… while I do think they have a decent salad (since it is hard to screw up lettuce, tomatoes and onions) and breadsticks, there is just no need. Especially when there are other choices!
As a full-time resident of Key West, I can’t help but comment on this one, Stephanie. Agree: I find the shopping options to be dull to desperate. I order online whenever I need something, or I drive to Miami. For food, well, I’ve heard the Olive Garden wine before as well and simply can’t agree. There’s a Denny’s, TIGF, and Outback if you’re really craving junk. Meanwhile I don’t eat out as often as you! but my honest opinion of KW eateries is that they are mostly over priced–but then, what isn’t over priced in KW. The price you pay for living in paradise. My default preference is to dine at home, with friends or family. We have everything we need at the local grocery markets and while we pay a premium, we do have quality – mostly. If I do dine out, I love Azur – first choice. I have had quality and value at Braza Lena (a chain) and also Hogfish Grill, El Siboney and certain items at the new Turtle Kraals are pretty good – under new management by Pat Croce. I love Origami!!! Square One was good the last time I was there – Steak Tartar. The Grand has never disappointed. Salute has a great Yellow Tail salad, and sister restaurant, Blue Heaven – a tourist favorite, has an excellent breakfast or try the grilled cheese sandwich – it surprised me. Martin’s is good on Thursdays, local 1/2 price menu. Old Town Bakery has awesome sandwiches and pastries – cinnamon buns YUMM! Le Creperie is amazing – everything is really good there for breakfast or lunch. And Harpoon Harry’s is a terrific value for breakfast lunch or dinner – if you need comfort food and economy. I know I’ve missed some others, but writing this down has me convinced that if you want to eat in Key West you shouldn’t be disappointed. There are plenty of options. Who needs Olive Garden. Let’s get a TARGET! Shopping for basics is tough, but if you’re shopping for extravagance and beachy type stuff you’ll probably find something to suit. There really are some wonderful stores and classy proprietors that wow us with their offerings – T-shirt shops excluded. hahaha! Cheers! JN
Most Americans judge their restaurant experience by three criteria:
1. Amount
2. Price
3. Quality of food
….in that order.
Olive Garden is perfect for the American palate.
Ugh. (I am not disagreeing, by the way, just lamenting that is the way it is in many places…)
I am from the Chicago suburbs, so I’ve been to Olive Garden a number of times as sort of a last minute, I need something to eat option, but I have never been crazy about it, so I agree, I don’t get the hype. Having said that, I never really seem to hear of people wanting Olive Garden down here. The one my friends and I often bring up is Chipotle.
You’re right, though, there are plenty of great independantly owned restaurants in Key West, so chain restaurants are not something we should be longing for. Keep the focus on Target, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, etc… And by the way, whenever I feel the need for a Chipotle burrito, I just call Bad Boy Burrito and as soon as I take my first bite I think, “Chipotle who?”
…and Trader Joe’s!
At least I get the Chipotle thing. Decent, cheap fast food. If I want a good meal, I am never going to choose chipotle. But sometimes you just need a quick lunch and a burrito bowl will do. Then again, Bad Boy is a good choice, as is Amigo’s (although this being an island, neither is particularly inexpensive!)
Yes! Trader Joe’s! We definitely need a Trader Joe’s!!
I have thought the old Publix would make for a perfect (if not way too big) location.
When Albertsons was closing, I immediately thought there should be a Whole Foods there (or Publix Greenwise) and a small Trader Joe’s in the old Albertsons Liquor store.