BREATHING NEW LIFE

Ocean Safari Restaurant Worth The Exploration

is a Keys native who has a passion for all things food. She runs the local food blog, “Florida Keys Eats.”

This past weekend, Florida Keys Eats was invited to Ocean Safari Restaurant & Lounge at MM 73 in Islamorada. If that name isn’t ringing any bells, you may be more familiar with its former nickname, the Dead Animal bar.

Let me tell you, these animals have come back to life and are ready for a fresh start. My first impression upon pulling into the parking lot was, “Are we at the right place?” It looked completely different; the gorgeous manicured grounds were the first thing to catch my eye. I swear it even looked like they raked the sand.

The building was sparkling with a new wrap-around deck to get you as close to those oceanfront views as possible. If basking in the Florida sun isn’t your mood, you won’t miss a thing sitting in the A/C. The panoramic windows let you see every ocean wave from your table.

Service was above and beyond; every staff member was on their A game. Within five minutes they had taken my drink order. On this day, a mojito was calling my name. Let me preface by saying I’ve had mojitos galore in my life, including at a bar run by Gloria Estefan which specializes in the minty cocktail. I didn’t think it got any better than that, but this mojito at Ocean Safari was “ahhh-mazing.” I ended up having some conversation with a couple one table over who also let the waitress know it was the best mojito of their life.

The menu had so many tempting items and we were encouraged to try as much as we wanted. The tuna tartare appetizer was enormous. It was enough to share as a table appetizer. It was a fresh and light starter with a spicy kick.

Next, we noticed the fried pickles and saw they opted to serve them in spears as opposed to the traditional chip. Where has this fried pickle spear been all of my life? The minute I bit into this, the fried pickle chip option officially became obsolete. Only fried spears for me from here on out. The ratio of batter to pickle was all you could dream of when ordering it.

For entrees, we tested out their fish and chips, served classic Englishstyle with beer batter and cod. In my opinion, beer batter is the best version of fried and it’s surprisingly not available at many restaurants down here. The batter had an audible crunch and no oil. It was textbook beer-battered fried fish. I couldn’t stop dipping everything into their housemade tartar sauce, maybe the tastiest tartar sauce I’ve ever had.

We finished our calorie coma with the ocean safari seafood roll. Think lobster roll but shredded lobster, crab and whole shrimp. Served cold in a warmed bun with a little romaine and tomato, it came with a side of fries and coleslaw. Again, big enough to share and quality ingredients.

Currently, Ocean Safari is in its soft opening stage but will be officially open Friday, June 2. Honestly, spending the afternoon here was so pleasant.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

The 2023 Allkeys Boys Soccer Team

Key West was the dominant Keys team this year in boys soccer, beating Marathon twice and splitting against Coral Shores with one win and one tie. The Conchs ended their season with a 12-5-2 record, which included a lateseason run deep into the FSHAA 4A playoff bracket. The only thing to stop the Conchs would be an overtime shootout against eventual state champion Gulliver Prep. Though they lose quite a few of their starting lineup, Key West’s bench should be deep enough to repeat their success next season.

Fifty miles up U.S. 1, Marathon ended with a winning 10-9 record, winning a postseason game and gaining momentum for next season during a rebuilding year. The team will lose just four athletes to graduation.

The Coral Shores Hurricanes ended with a 6-7-1 record, including an opening-round playoff win. Coral Shores returns most of its lineup in the fall, making for some exciting in-county play next year.

Congratulations from the Keys Weekly Newspapers to the 2023 All-Keys Boys Soccer Team.

Jonathan Gvili Senior, Key West Midfielder

Key West’s Jonathan Gvili is listed as a midfielder on his team’s roster, but anyone who caught a Conch game this season might have noticed that he was all over the field. The senior two-time captain led his team to the ninth-place spot in the state, scoring at will and defending just as readily. Gvili racked up 21 goals and 9 assists this season and was selected to the Florida Senior All-Star Team. Gvili is described as an extremely hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team, filling in for other positions when needed and exuding an infectiously positive leadership style.

Henry Herrera Senior, Marathon Midfield/Defense

A natural leader, Henry Herrera helped solidify the Dolphins’ defense this season. The senior workhorse shouldered multiple roles when needed, playing as midfielder at times and amassing a dozen goals and 6 assists.

Mikail Marshall Sophomore, Marathon Midfielder/Forward

Described by coach Kelley Cruz as “a force on the field” and “a man of few words,” Marshall spoke with his play instead. He is one of the fastest players Marathon has seen in years, using that speed to net 11 goals and 1 assist this season.

Fabbianho Louis Jeune Sophomore, Marathon Defender

Described by his coach as “the backbone of the defensive line,” Fabbianho Louis Jeune was a force for Marathon’s defense. His combined speed and strength are his greatest asset. The multi-skilled defender even managed to score a goal of his own this season.

Cardona Sophomore, Marathon Forward

Cardona scored 10 goals for the Fins this season and was a threat any time he touched the ball. Cruz liked the fresh perspective he brought to Marathon’s game, adding, “It didn’t matter how tired he was, he wanted the ball the very next play.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Burga led the ’Canes in scoring this season, carrying the load all the way to the district final game. Described as a hardworking leader, Burga returns to the pitch for one more season next year.

Weinstock was a three-year varsity athlete for the ’Canes, earning two shutouts this season and amassing 217 saves. The senior keeper held down Coral Shores’ defense, keeping them in many matches this season.

Smondy Joseph brought a lot to his team this season, but his biggest contribution was his energy. The utilitystyle midfielder scored 1 goal and 3 assists this season and helped control the play and tempo of the game with his energetic style and speed.

Temkin made the most of his cross country training this season, transferring his stamina to the soccer field. Described as a dependable player with enormous potential next season, Temkin should help carry the ’Canes deep into playoffs in ’24.

Bahri was a four-year varsity player for Key West, scoring 9 goals and adding 8 assists in his senior season. Bahri’s natural leadership commanded as much respect from his teammates as his stealthy shot did from his opponents.

The Conchs’ last line of defense proved integral in their deep run into the playoffs. Karel Bublak kept his team in the game in several key matches this season, including a pair of shootouts in district games. Bublak registered three shutouts, and when there wasn’t much action in the net, he made use of his skills on the other side of the field, earning an assist.

Vazquez was crucial in the Canes’ defense this season, using his expert ball control and precision passing to keep the ball on the other side of the field for much of the game. The senior was a four-year starter for Coral Shores, leaving a big hole in their defenses next season.

Fleuridor’s greatest asset is his speed, and he isn’t afraid to use it. The freshman forward blazed past defenders, scoring 15 goals and 3 assists this season. The Conchs have not had such a prolific scoring freshman in quite some time, giving cause to hope for a repeat of Key West’s stellar season in coming years.