I’ve recognized about Purple Shoe Island Bistro for awhile, however I sometimes keep away from going downtown throughout busy season as a result of parking and reservations will be troublesome. So, with the season beginning to sluggish a bit, my husband and I together with our mates Lisa and Jason determined to strive it out. We made reservations for 6pm, fortunately. In any other case, I’m fairly certain we might not have gotten in because the place stuffed up rapidly after we arrived.
We had been seated instantly and given menus to peruse. Our server requested if we needed faucet, nonetheless, or glowing water. We went with faucet and a bottle of cabernet for the desk. They solely have beer and wine right here, however it’s a superb choice.
The Appetizers
There are 4 appetizers on the menu, every one has 4 items to it, so good for 2 {couples} to share. So, we opted to get certainly one of every for the desk.
Deviled Eggs with Scallops – It is a deviled egg topped with a seared scallop and drizzled with lobster sauce. Now, I’m not an enormous fan of deviled eggs. Nevertheless, I did actually get pleasure from this. The scallop was scrumptious as was the lobster sauce.
Shrimp Mango Toast -The toasted Mango bread from Cole’s Peace Bakery proper right here in Key West was topped with shrimp in a garlic, scallion and caper aioli with parsley and pink chili. This was superb! First off, I like the entire bread at Cole’s Peace, in order that they already had me there. However, the seafood was ready completely and the marginally candy with the savory was like magic in my mouth.
Baked Key West Shrimp – These shrimp had been stuffed with a Maine lobster stuffing and drizzled with a key lime, tamarind and honey sauce. Nicely, what’s to not like about shrimp and Maine lobster? I declared them scrumptious!
Lobster Roll Profiteroles – So, first it is advisable to know {that a} profiterole is mainly the shell of a cream puff. However as a substitute of a cream filling these had been stuffed with Maine lobster salad. So superb!
Whereas the entire appetizers had been superb, I must say that the Shrimp Mango Toast and the Lobster Roll Profiteroles had been my private favorites. My husband’s favorites had been the Shrimp Mango Toast and the Deviled Eggs with Scallops.
The Salads
There are two Salads on the menu right here. They’ve a Caesar and a Caprese. Lisa and Jason ordered the Caesar to share whereas Steven and I ordered the Caprese to share.
The Caesar is grilled hearts of romain lettuce with croutons and a parmesan crisp tossed with a selfmade caesar dressing. I didn’t do this, however they cleaned their plate off so I do know it was good.
The Caprese was superb. Recent ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata mozzarella, and recent basil, dressed with olive oil and balsamic. When you like tomatoes, this salad was perfection.
The Entrees
There are six entrees on the menu, and right here, all of us agreed upon the Seafood Medley. The recent fettuccini pasta would have been superb by itself. However, tossed with completely cooked scallops, mussels and shrimp and calmly coated in a fragile tomato, shallot and boursin sauce was heavenly.
Whereas the menu is clearly seafood heavy, there’s one non seafood choice for dinner. The Beef Stroganoff was a excessive contender to strive, however we simply went with the seafood vibe we had been feeling final night time. Black Angus skirt steak served in a discount sauce with bitter cream with portabello mushrooms over recent pasta sounds great, so I’ll simply have to return one other time! And the Yellowtail Snapper is their signature dish, so I should strive that finally as properly.
The Desserts
The 2 desserts that they serve are their award profitable Key Lime Pie and a Lavender Cheesecake. We ordered certainly one of every and shared as a result of we needed to strive each in fact!
The Key Lime Pie had an incredible graham cracker crust and a candy filling topped with recent whipped cream. Superb. And positively a prime contender for my favourite on the island. The others being Louie’s Yard, Kaya Island Eats, and Publix.
The Lavender Cheesecake I used to be not going to get as a result of I don’t like consuming floral flavors. However, a good friend of mine advised me that I needed to strive it. I’m so glad that I did. It was not floral in any respect. It was creamy however had a freshness to it. When you like cheesecake you’ll love this.
The Verdict & Different Issues to Know
All through the meal, the server was attentive with out being annoying. Our water glasses had been perpetually stuffed. And the meals was divine. The ambiance is welcoming and seating was cozy. That is my new favourite restaurant in Key West! I severely can not wait to return!
The Purple Shoe Island Bistro is situated on Petronia Avenue. For those who have lived right here for twenty plus years, you’ll keep in mind this constructing was as soon as dwelling to the unique Higher Than Intercourse in addition to to Bliss which I additionally beloved. There’s a small pay car parking zone proper throughout the road from the restaurant, however it fills up rapidly. We ended up having to park about two blocks away on Whitehead Avenue. So, if Uber is an choice, go along with that.
2025 Replace
Final night, my husband and I introduced some mates to Purple Shoe Island Bistro for dinner. As soon as once more, the whole lot was great. We ordered a few of our favourite appetizers. The deviled eggs with scallops, the shrimp mango toast, and the baked shrimp are common menu gadgets that we at all times order and they’re at all times superb. I then tried the brand new pear and blueberry salad with goat cheese. This salad was so refreshing and scrumptious, I need to return only for that! I additionally tried the meat stroganoff for a change, and whereas it was good, I’d most likely not reorder that as for my part it doesn’t examine to the opposite seafood dishes which might be on the menu. However, the dill sprinkled on the meat dish gave it a very nice freshness to the plate. My husband at all times will get the seafood medley which by no means disappoints. And naturally, we couldn’t depart with out sharing a chunk of the lavender cheesecake which is without doubt one of the most superb desserts I’ve ever eaten anyplace!
Extra About Key West
See what is going on on the island throughout your go to by trying out our Key West Occasions Calendar. And, for different issues to do and see in our island metropolis, go to our Key West Net Web site.
However, earlier than making your reservations for dinner whereas in Key West try our restaurant opinions! I’m certain that Prim Rib received’t be in your listing for each night time of the week! Be happy to Electronic mail Me if in case you have any questions on Key West!!
Island Genn
Key West Concierge
