TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / Nachos, Bacon Cheese Fries, and a Margarita at the Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
There really is nothing quite like good ole Texas-style barbecue.
And in Key West, the place to sample this classic American fare is the Gas Monkey Bar & Grill, 217 Duval St.
On a recent trip to this temple of “great food, cold beer, and live music,” General Manager Mick Reed was itching to show off the cuisine his restaurant is fast becoming famous for.
Though the format of this column generally involves one drink and one appetizer, Reed has other ideas.
Before long, I am presented with a heaping plate of Bacon Cheese Fries, a virtual mountain of Garage Nachos, and a “Top Shelf Margarita” to chase it all down.
While the ingredients of the Bacon Cheese Fries are all top shelf, the fries are a treat in themselves.
“We cut the potatoes, then soak them in water for 24 hours,” Reed said. “Once they’re blanched and cool down, they’re ready to fry. We put a lot of love into them.”
Topped with fresh queso cheese and chunky bacon, they’re delicious.
I turn to the nachos, and discover, to my surprise and delight, that Reed has topped them with a portion of his award-winning barbecued pork. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delectable, and complements well the Monkey Barbecue Sauce, queso, smoked Gouda, romaine, red onions, and pickled jalapeno. It’s a truly filling dish, but also somewhat refreshing, thanks to the crisp lettuce and jalapeno slices.
Then there’s the Margarita. As with the food, this drink is made with high quality ingredients, and put together with a special twist.
“It’s infused with fresh limes” Reed said. “And made a little differently. “We hand-squeeze the limes night and day, and you can really taste the difference that the fresh fruit makes. The tequila is Milagro, and we also use Gran Marnier, instead of Triple Sec, which tones down the tequila somewhat.”
Like everything else at the Gas Monkey, the results speak for themselves.
The Gas Monkey Bar & Grill’s kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information, call 305-294-0103, or visit www.gasmonkeykeywest.com/
[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]
No Comment