Latin-inspired dining meets casual elegance with a view at the Ocean Key Resort’s Hot Tin Roof restaurant

 
BY TERRY SCHMIDA

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

The jury may still be out on famed former Key West playwright Tennessee Williams’ assertion that “Humanity is just a work in progress.”

However, there’s no mistaking the evolving excellence of the dining experience at Hot Tin Roof, a fine restaurant named in his honor, at the Ocean Key Resort, 0 Duval St. Executive Chef Scott Mauer and his culinary team have created a superb Latin-inspired menu with an island twist that has brought diners back time and time again.
For nearly two decades now, this quintessential Key West eatery has been delighting customers with its tastefully appointed dining room – decorated with a painted ceiling and wall murals created by the distinguished late Key West artist Jeff Beal – and its patio, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

“I’d have to say that the hospitality all our staff practices is what really makes Hot Tin Roof special,” General Manager Mark Englehart said. “We offer well-crafted and well-presented dishes that reflect our Latin theme.”
Conveniently located at the the foot of Duval Street, Hot Tin Roof is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or Sunday brunch while taking in the maritime panorama visible on three sides of the restaurant.

Sunday brunch at the restaurant is so extraordinary that is has won first-place in its category at the Bubba Awards. two years running.

Later in the day, as the warm Caribbean sun begins its descent into the Gulf of Mexico, Hot Tin Roof is once again the place to be; the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the stunning spectacle–either from the patio, the cozy bar, or a table in the dining room.

These days, many diners choose to start their evening meal with the Little Gem Salad, a new menu item. This gourmet treat fuses fresh tomatoes with pickled red onion, Humboldt fog cheese, and “billionaire’s bacon,” all topped with a sublime buttermilk dressing.

Another popular new salad option is the Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad, which also includes off-the-tree fresh avocado, a basil puree, white balsamic vinaigrette, garlic, and crostini.

What would a true Key West meal be without chilled seafood options? Hot Tin Roof has them in abundance. Especially popular these days is the Tuna Poke, which melds fresh local tuna with avocado, jalapeno, and seaweed salad.

Tuna fans can also get their fill ordering the Island-Spiced Tuna main plate, with the uber-fresh local fish presented with coconut rice, tostones, and a mango coulis.

Then there’s the Charred Octopus.

Perfect for sharing, this dish serves up the mollusk with potatoes, and is seasoned with parsley and a delightful lemon vinaigrette. Also offered in the “for sharing” side of the menu is the delicious Grilled “Al Ajillo” Shrimp plate, which is served with poblano chile, maduros, and avocado.

For those who prefer their main course to be land-based, Hot Tin Roof offers a variety of mouth-watering options, including the new, Exotic Spice-Rubbed Prime NY Strip, served with a Yukon gold potato gratin, charred broccolini, and Cabernet butter.

For dessert, there’s a fantastic and authentic Key Lime Pie, sweet and delicious Cuban Coffee Creme Brulee – as well as some newer treats, such as the Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Tart, with peanut semifreddo.

Or course, Hot Tin Roof boasts a comprehensive wine list, and cocktails honoring the spirit of Tennessee Williams such as the Rose Tattoo, with Ciroc red berry vodka, raspberry, lemon, sugar, and Prosecco; and The Glass Menagerie, with Patron silver tequila, kiwi, lemon, and sugar.
Yes, the jury is still out on Tennessee Williams’ views on humanity, but the verdict is in on the Hot Tin Roof: It’s a fantastic place to eat!

Hot Tin Roof serves breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday brunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner is served from 6 to 10 p.m. daily. Locals receive a 10 percent discount on food and drinks. All credit cards are accepted. Parking is available at Mallory Square, next to the resort.

For reservations, or more information, call 305-296-7701, or visit http://www.oceankey.com/

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