Since I really can’t say it better, I’m hoping that the folks over at the KWF&WF won’t mind if I lift their own description, word-for-word, about the event:  “Key West’s famous Duval Street will be electric as the Key West Food and Wine Festival hosts “Duval UNCORKED” tantalizing revelers with a mile long wine tasting, food sampling and shopping extravaganza. This Key West Food and Wine Festival party promises to be the event that can’t be missed.  Duval Street’s chic boutiques, funky shops and fine galleries will flow with a large selection of wines from famous wine regions while the neighborhood’s best restaurants will be serving samplings of their signature dishes. Toasting, tasting and shopping will be infused with the gusto of Key West’s personalities, performance artists and other sexy and sophisticated spectacles.”   (Click here for a montage of views from last year’s event.)

Anna with culinary cronies, Executive Chef Rick Boyer of The Inn at Biltmore and Michel LeBorgne, VP of New England Culinary Institute

Now a little info about my dynamic entrepreneur friend, Anna Toole-Hutchens, the owner of SaborAM.  Anna’s passion for art, creativity and cuisine, bolstered by formal training at the New England Culinary Institute and a gastronomical career developed under the guidance of internationally renowned culinary talents, has served her well through decades of experience as both executive and personal chef to some of the most discerning palates in the world.

The story of how Anna’s cheesecakes came about is one of unexpected inspiration, as is so often experienced by the creatively gifted.  She was one day enjoying a companionable moment with friends at an al fresco cafe in Manhattan when she noticed a chocolate shop across the street.  Dashing over to make an impromptu purchase, she returned to the table with a selection of bittersweet confections, the perfect compliment to the Champagne and cheese plate they were sharing.

During her return trip home to North Carolina, her imagination soared, as she reflected on the magical combination.  What culinary delight might be concocted to recapture the experience?

After years of fine tuning, one day in her cozy Cashiers cottage, Anna’s determination was rewarded.  From a preservative-free combination of quality ingredients and culinary vision, the first of her spectacularly indulgent line of cheesecakes was perfected!

One thing led to another, as they say … the “seal of approval” from  the executive chef of Asheville’s exalted Biltmore Estate … a spotlight on CBS Sunday Morning’s feature segment, “Chasing Down the Best Cheesecakes” …  an inquiry from  “For the Gourmet” … then Williams/Sonoma … and, ultimately, that bastion of luxury, Neiman Marcus … where her cheesecakes were featured in its prestigious 2010 Holiday catalog.

What’s next for Anna?  She is soon to be interviewed by Wine Enthusiast for a feature article.  And, of course, there’s that fabulous event in Key West, “Duval UNCORKED”.  Don’t miss the chance to meet her and savor a sample of her uniquely silken-textured, mousse-like creations at The Tropical Inn on Saturday, January 29!

We’re participating in one of the signature events, “Duval Uncorked”, of the Key West Food & Wine Festival, coming up the last weekend in January. And I’ve been asked to be the guest writer for the December issue of the Festival’s newsletter. Following is a sneak preview of the article.

Be sure to reserve your room and buy event tickets early!  Last year was the Festival’s inaugural event and it sold out.  This year looks even more promising.   Click here to check it out: Key West Food & Wine Festival.

As the owner of a Key West bed and breakfast, I’m occasionally asked what to expect of a stay at The Tropical Inn.  Those new to the B&B experience sometimes think it means questionable standards, lack of privacy, and forced mingling with other guests.  Not so!  Each establishment is regularly inspected and must adhere to the same health and safety standards as hotels and resorts.  And how much you choose to interact with the hosts and fellow guests is exactly that:  your choice.  Your privacy will always be respected.

When visiting Key West, not to stay at an inn (here, we interchangeably call them “bed and breakfasts”, “B&Bs”, or  “guesthouses”) is to miss an integral part of the history, culture, and character of the island.  Offering most, and often, more, of the amenities expected in a traditional hotel, the typical Key West bed and breakfast exudes island style.  It is smaller  — and therefore, far more intimate — than larger accommodation choices.  A B&B stay is a distinctive brand of hospitality; not just a pretty room, but a comprehensive travel experience.

Inns range from simple and economical to sophisticated and lavishly indulgent.  Each is a highly individual lodging establishment, offering guests unique accommodations in a variety of sizes and styles — an enjoyable alternative to the “one size fits all” hotel.

The ambience of each reflects the personality of the owners who, as often as not, are also the hosts.  Architecture and decor is indicative of the innkeepers’ personal taste rather than the standards of a remote corporate office.  Some are gated compounds, further contributing to a sense of comfort, security and serene privacy.  No chain hotel can rival the character of a gracious old home, drawing its personality from its history, unique appointments, lovely gardens with pools and hot tubs, and individually designed accommodations, many of which have private outdoor areas that allow interior and exterior spaces to seamlessly blend.

At a B&B, expect a more casual, relaxed and friendly attitude than is usually found in institutional hotels. You won’t find elevators, room service, or a porter to carry your luggage.  Instead, you’ll be shown about the property and invited to make yourself at home, partaking at your leisure of all the amenities provided to enhance your stay.  Breakfast is included in your room rate. Enjoy it on your private patio, in the shade of a wide veranda, or in a secret garden nook tucked away amidst riotous tropical foliage.

Key West Innkeepers love what they do and are genuinely eager to make your stay the best it can possibly be.  They’ll gladly attend to your requests and share with you all the island’s  “best kept secrets”.

Most inns are located in Old Town, within easy walking distance of all you have come to see and do.  Sightsee, shop, enjoy water sports, or party, assured in the knowledge that the quiet relaxation of your beautiful home-style accommodation is conveniently located just a short distance away.

When attending the Key West Food and Wine Festival, make the event all the more memorable by enjoying the hospitality of “that great little B&B” that perfectly suits your own personal style.

Junkanoo Band

Whew.  Goombay Weekend this year seemed to be  one of the most heavily-attended in recent memory! Honoring Key West’s earliest settlers, Bahamian residents who migrated across the water in the early 1800s to help colonize the fledgling American seaport, the annual Goombay street festival is a celebration of the cultural connection between Key West and the Bahamas. Highlights  included a Junkanoo band leading costumed marchers in a parade down Duval Street, a 2-day street fair, and nonstop entertainment by popular Bahamian, South Florida and Keys musicians and bands.

Goombay’s high energy level was a fitting kick-off to Key West’s 31^st. annual Fantasy Fest, the Southernmost City’s 10-day masking and costuming gala, running now through next Sunday, Oct. 31.   What began as a rag-tag and humble respite from the doldrums of the tourism “off season” is now a highly-organized,  internationally-known event representing a $30-million annual infusion to the Keys economy.

Fantasy Fest 2010 King Chris and Queen Anne

Concurrent with Goombay, the Coronation Ball on Friday night saw Key Westers, Chris Elwell and Anne O’Shea, crowned king and queen of Fantasy Fest 2010.  They earned their crowns by raising the greatest share of more than $207,000 for the Keys’ AIDS Help organization.   That sum was accrued through a series of non-stop parties and fundraising events spanning the past couple of months, staged by a field of royal contestants.

Not for the timid, Key West’s annual blow-out – this year’s theme is “Habitat for Insanity” — will entertain an anticipated 70,000 visitors with over 40 masquerade balls, parties and costume competitions for the adventurous and creative, bold and bawdy.  The excitement builds each day, leading up to the festival’s two peak events:  the masquerade march through the streets of Old Town on Friday and Saturday night’s grand parade down Duval Street, the island’s main drag.

Read more about it online at http://www.fantasyfest.net — then start making plans to join us for next year’s festivities.  The Tropical Inn is strategically positioned right at the mid-point of Duval Street, so it’s the perfect base for all that is Fantasy Fest, and a “ringside seat” for the parade.  Reservations for FF 2011 open on November 1, so be sure to reserve early for the best room selection!

We still have a few rooms left, so there’s no reason to miss the party next weekend, September 18-20.  Call or book online from the Tropical Inn website today!

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