In William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a passionate Juliet insists a rose would scent as candy even when it had a unique title. In the case of delicacies and cocktails, nonetheless, “completely different” names aren’t unusual — and the explanations for them are sometimes intriguing.
For instance, Cuba’s savory shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce is known as ropa vieja, translated as “outdated garments.” In accordance with culinary lore, the traditional dish earned its unusual moniker as a result of the shredded beef resembles torn rags.
Some old-time Key Westers recall a libation dubbed Harry’s Coronary heart Starter. Why is it referred to as that? Composed of Outdated Grand-Dad bourbon whiskey and orange juice, it was apparently a most popular morning “wake-up name” for former president Harry Truman, who spent about six months of his presidency at Key West’s Little White Home.
Species of meals fish can have uncommon names too — like grunts, the finned centerpiece of a standard Key West dish that additionally options grits. They’re referred to as grunts due to the sound they make when reeled in.
Avocados, one other fashionable ingredient in native recipes, have been as soon as often known as alligator pears. The designation seemingly got here from their pear-like form and bumpy inexperienced pores and skin that appears a bit like an alligator’s conceal. Though extensively used previously, the time period “alligator pear” is nearly forgotten as we speak after the title of the flavorful fruit (sure, it truly is a fruit) developed into “avocado.”
An identical naming evolution has occurred on the Key West Cooking Faculty, which opened final spring at 291 Entrance St. It’s now often known as the Key West Cooking Present to raised talk the entertaining, experiential nature of the learn-and-dine courses.
“We’re not a coaching heart for culinary professionals — as a substitute, we’re an attraction for enthusiastic residence cooks,” stated Kelly Marshall, a Key West restaurant veteran who oversees the ability’s operation and choices.
“Company inform me our courses are like being within the studio viewers for a TV cooking program with a celeb chef, however you get to eat too,” Marshall stated. “So we modified the title to replicate that sense of vitality and pleasure.”
Throughout every demonstration-style class, chef-storytellers present a glimpse of Key West’s historical past by delicacies, and showcase the steps for making ready a four-course meal of island favorites.
Whereas they watch the culinary motion unfold, friends savor the satisfying programs with fellow lovers. As with a televised cooking present, applause and laughter are frequent — and “viewers members” be taught all of the preparation methods, suggestions and shortcuts wanted to recreate the featured dishes at residence for household or mates.
Each lunch and dinner “exhibits” are introduced Tuesday by Saturday. Every provides a novel expertise, in addition to various dishes and menus that highlight completely different elements of Key West’s colourful tradition. Reservations are required to be a part of the “studio viewers” (name 305-294-COOK).
Final Bites
Dish of the week: Avocado salad. Diced avocados, English cucumbers, finely chopped pink onion and grape tomatoes are the celebrities of this refreshing salad. The fresh-as-fresh combination is topped with a dressing that options lime juice, garlic, herbs and a touch of honey.
Hungry for extra? Go to keywestcookingschool.com.