Photo // instagram // @nhabby

“Irma-kay, guys.”—Key West, Florida

Irma was no joke. The news you heard from frantic weathermen wasn’t wrong, just…exaggerated. We get it–disaster sells, but in all honesty Key West came out #blessed and is sitting pretty pretty. Now, more than ever, the wild, wacky, wonderful, tropical paradise needs you to know that we are up and running and taking reservations! They’re so eager to serve, the local restaurants have been giving great discounts and even some free meals, drinks, and goodies!

Here’s a round up of all the post-hurricane commotion…

It all started with Conch Republic Seafood Company who very graciously hosted a 3 day cookout for freshly returning locals! Saturday, September 22nd, Conch Farm busted out the banquet tables and served a much appreciated Mojo Pork buffet offering 2-4-1 drink specials to accompany the generous grub. Saturday came with chicken and steak fajitas, and Sunday capped off the food-filled weekend!

Photo // instagram // @ConchRepublicSeafoodCompany

El Meson de Pepe celebrated their 20th Anniversary on Friday, September 29th with free food and drink specials throughout the entire evening. Not just food, the party was completed with live music, dancing, and giveaways to thank their loyal customers. It was a whirlwind of fun and probably a disaster to clean up, but rest assured no permanent damage was done.

Photo // instagram // @elmesondepepe

Key West Food Tour’s favorite cuban spot, El Siboney, joined in with the free food frenzy offering patrons free lunch as “hurricane relief.” Their delicious special menu boasted many of it’s customer favorites even throwing in a complimentary glass of their fabulous sangria with each meal!

Photo // instagram // elsiboney_key_west

With so many savory items for the taking, Glazed Donuts swept in to offer a sweet treat! They challenged locals to “bite Irma back!” with their handmade hurricane shaped donuts. It’s hard to venture inside Glazed without walking away with a coffee drink from beans roasted in-house…there is always a “catch” with free, and it’s a darn good one!

Photo // Facebook

Oh, and did you hear? Fantasy Fest is FULL ON!

Photo // Instagram // historicseaport

Key West wouldn’t dare cancel everyone’s favorite colorful and naughty party to let their freak flags fly and is instead doing it BIG this year. Visitors count the days til the raucous Fantasy Fest begins, and now it couldn’t come at a better time to help refill the coffers and pockets of the hardworking locals desperately trying to get back to normalcy.  In fact, Key West Food Tours is launching the first ever annual “Boos & Bites” Halloween-themed drinking tour scheduled for Monday, Oct. 23rd. If you’re heading down during this week of wildness, be sure to join in on our tantalizing tastings.

KWFTs’ Seafood Lover’s Tour happily resumed operation Monday, Oct. 2nd and eagerly awaits the reopening of Blue Heaven from their seasonal closure to resume the beloved Southernmost Food Tour Oct. 14th. Spaces are available, so jump on a tour you’ve yet to try. Each have their own unique stops, dishes, and history!

Want to help?

This Go Fund Me page, Nourishing The Keys, was set up days after the storm to help feed those who were helping with the recovery efforts. They will use money to purchase items associated with preparing and delivering food to the residents and volunteers in the Lower Keys impacted by Hurricane Irma.   When restaurants/catering companies open, these funds may be spent on food from these companies to feed those involved in the recovery efforts.

If one thing comes of this article, it’s to inspire you to come see for yourself! Indulge at our island. Splurge with excursions, tours, spa treatments, dining out, and drinks.

Photo // instagram // islamoradabeer

Laugh, play, and tip generously!

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