Key West restaurants – Dean Townsend Team

611 Grinnell Street #1, Key West, FL—OFF THE MARKET

It is no wonder that the most desirable area to live in Key West is its historic Old Town neighborhood. Amid picturesque Victorian era streets and a lifestyle lived visiting on front porches or strolling to dinner at favorite neighborhood eateries, Old Town is the authentic version of classic small town America that the New Urbanism movement has been recreating across the country for decades. There is simply no place as beguilingly beautiful as this veritable corner of paradise.

Just down the block from 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop—arguably the best place in Key West to enjoy a famous Cuban mix and an authentic Cuban coffee—there is a beautifully renovated, 3 bedroom/2 bath, cottage that just might be the family vacation home of your dreams. The charming yellow cottage, with impeccable curb appeal, is part of an Old Town compound of seven single family residences that share a large, resort style pool. Combining the benefits of single family home ownership with the convenience of a homeowners association taking care of the pool and landscaping, 611 Grinnell Street #1 is the ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy breezy, authentic Key West retreat.

A quintessential white picket fence, verdant landscaping, and a refashioned façade welcomes you home. Contemporary open-plan living abounds in the newly renovated interior. The lovely entry leads to a spacious, bright and airy, great room. A perfect office, two bedrooms, and an updated bathroom round out the front of the home. The stylish dining area and cottage style kitchen continue the wonderful flow. For added privacy, the tranquil master suite is situated at the rear of the home. Creating the best of tropical indoor/outdoor living, four sets of French doors open the home to a sunny private courtyard. Just steps from a private gate, the spectacular shared pool is ready for your carefree enjoyment.

Live the dream! Make this charming island cottage your new vacation home in heart of historic Old Town Key West.

—Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this delightful Old Town cottage.

Click here to visit 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop’s website.

We Can’t Get Enough of Keyviche!

Posted by Dean in Dining Out

Keyviche Seafood Eatery has quickly become our go-to destination for entertaining clients, family, and friends in Key West.

As the former home of Braza Lena was being renovated earlier this year, we were curious to see what would become of the vast space that originally housed one of the island’s first automotive dealerships. When the sign went up for Keyviche Seafood Eatery, we have to admit that we were a bit skeptical. With only one seafood lover in our family, we never expected to fall in love with this newest addition to the Key West restaurant scene. Were we ever wrong?!!! We can’t get enough of Keyviche.

After stopping to peruse the menu during my morning run, I was delighted by the wide variety of enticing culinary selections; offering far more than ceviche. I told Dean that we would be going to Keyviche that night for dinner.

From the moment we entered the dynamically designed space, we were more than impressed. With an eclectic and creative blend of traditional and modern décor—perfectly reflecting the restaurant’s contemporary take on authentic Peruvian cuisine—the colorful interior is festive and welcoming. We love the creative use of monochromatic Spanish tiles so much that we have brainstormed using them in our home. Keyviche has successfully created a space that is equally hospitable to both large gatherings and intimate encounters.

Keyviche’s food is terrific! For us, our dinner always begins with the Huancaina Salad: a heavenly combination of grilled romaine halves, croutons, and parmesan cheese, tossed in a classic Peruvian huancaina dressing. Every time we decide on our favorite entrée, we discover a new delectable delight. Dean started out loving the Peruvian Fried Rice and then fell for the Vegetable Stir Fry. On our first visit, I was blown away by the Seafood Soup and then I got hooked on the Huancaina Pappardelle Pasta. Our current winner is the Crazy Chicken/Pollo Loco: a lightly breaded chicken breast, flash fried, topped with Keyviche’s secret sauce, and served with cilantro rice and seasonal vegetables.

We have always said that the key to success in any business is making your customers feel like welcomed guests in your home. Daniel Balbi, Keyviche’s General Manager and a familiar face in Key West’s culinary scene, knows how to make his customers feel like they are his most important patrons. With a gracious smile and an open embrace, the charming Frenchman always leaves us looking forward to our next dinner at his wonderful establishment.

Having enjoyed more than a dozen delightful dinners at Keyviche, if we are not the restaurant’s biggest fans, we are definitely in the running.

Keyviche Seafood Eatery is located just off Duval Street, at 421 Caroline Street, in Downtown Key West, Florida. They are open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 until 10:00 and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 until 11:00. Reservations can be made at 305-432-9440.

—Keith & Dean

Click here to checkout Keyviche Seafood Eatery’s mouthwatering menu.

Square 1: Key West’s Best New Restaurant

Posted by Dean in Dining Out

We love Square 1's stylish décor! — We love Square 1’s stylish décor!

The spinach-ricotta gundi is devine! — The spinach-ricotta gundi is divine!

We love the latest incarnation of Square 1—now open in the legendary restaurant’s familiar location at 1075 Duval Street. Just down from our office in Duval Square, the new Square 1 premiered to rave reviews just a few weeks ago. With the culinary talents behind Banana Café and The Café joining forces to reopen the Key West favorite, Square 1 will undoubtedly continue to be a go-to dining destination for locals and visitors alike.

The seafood bouillabaisse special is a hit!

On Saturday evening, we joined our friends Jack and Kevin for another visit to the new Square 1. We were delighted once again with the wonderful service, creative cuisine, and stylish décor. Danielle, a familiar face from Banana Café, greeted us fondly. As soon as the cordial hostess showed us to our cozy table by the window, we were introduced to our attentive waiter, who kept us wanting for nothing during our lengthy stay. With a wide array of small plates, entrees, and specials to choose from, it was hard to decide what to order. For starters, we selected the devils on horseback, the café cream of tomato soup, and the chef was kind enough to create a special green salad just for Dean. For our entrees, Jack chose a wonderful seafood bouillabaisse special, Kevin and Dean were very pleased with their grilled hanger steaks, and I was thrilled with my spinach-ricotta gundi. We could not say enough about the delicious food, generous table, comfortable chairs, fashionable surroundings, and wonderful artistic touches. Without being rushed to turnover our table, we were free to enjoy desserts, after dinner drinks, and a special night out with friends.

Square 1 gets our vote for the best new restaurant on the island!

Keith & Dean

Click here to take a look at Square 1’s exquisite menu.