"I remember Papa"- A dinner celebrating Hemingway... a culinary journey through Key West and Havana, Cuba

Sunday night was spectacular.

Lon Lane's Inspired Occasions staff presented an incredible small plate themed dinner celebrating the land masses on each side of the Gulf Stream.

I was born and raised in Florida and Key West was a favorite destination.

I love the food, drink, two oceans, laid back atmosphere and most of all I love the romanticism of Key West's most colorful resident (in my mind) Earnest Hemingway.

It was this inspiration that prompted me to create a "I remember Papa" dinner celebrating two of Hemingway's favorite spots....Key West and Havana.

So...true or not .......It is true in my mind and now it is true in the minds of 15 satisfied diners.

Here is how the evening unfolded as we bounced back and forth across the famed Gulf Stream...


From the Bar:
Key West Margaritas
And the Havana Rose--Island Rum--Lime and mint with a pink sugar rim
Spicy Mango Sangria-with Jalapeno and Cilantro

Butlered Hors d' Ouevres:
Conch Fritters
Alligator Bites with a tropical Tarter Sauce
Lime and Coconut grilled shrimp with a touch of spice

Small Plate dinner:
Key West Seafood Gazpacho with shrimp, crab and avocado served in martini chillers.

Havana Salad with Spinach, Mango, Guava, Guava paste, a Sauteed Goat Cheese Medallion and Fried shallot rings. Dressed with a blood orange vinaigrette and served with Pecan cornbread spiced with dark rum and served with a tangerine butter.

Key West Baked Grouper

Filet of Fresh Florida Grouper topped with tomato, celery, onion, garlic, lemon, green peppers and fresh oregano. Baked until tender and fragrant.
Served in bowls with the pan broth.


KEY LIME SORBET

HAVANA STYLE ROPA VIEJA (Old Rope or Old Clothes)
An incredilby flavorful dish of shredded flank steak with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and of course red wine.
Served on a bed of saffron rice and garnished with fresh garden peas

And Finally .....A tribute to both Cities.
Grand Marnier Flan with a brulee orange cap,
House crafted Chocolate Habanero Ice Cream with a hint of lime
Caramelized Pineapple on a fresh sugar cane sugar.

Cuban Coffee

The night was magical.

Everyone loved the journey and pictured themselves in Old Key West or in the heart of Havana. On the Terrace at Hemingway's haunt or in the Gardens of a Havana Hacienda.

Chef Stewart Lane introduced each course serving as the culinary tour guide and the guests were mesmerized....

It was a night to remember for both Lon Lane's Inspired Occasions staff and the guests we had the honor to serve.

Let us take you on a culinary journey......It is a blast.

Lon