What’s the Apps? / Tavern ‘n’ Town

Dakin Weekley

This week I take an escape to an otherworldly oasis on North Roosevelt just before the triangle to Tavern ‘n’ Town. Located in the Marriot Beachside, Tavern ‘n’ Town is darkly lit, which is a respite from the daily onslaught of sun on this island. The crowd, and there is a crowd on a Tuesday afternoon, is a mix of locals and hotel guests.

Something here is reminiscent of Carmen Rodriguez’s flawless performance of loungey jazz standards. The perfect cocktail to have seems to me a no-brainer, and I order up a Mango Mai Tai, mango rum, Amaretto, orange and pineapple juices, and a splash of Grenadine, topped with a cherry and orange slices. The rum and juices make the drink sweet and tropical tasting while the Amaretto adds a creamy finish and a good alcohol kick.

George, the bartender, hands me the happy hour menu which is a list of their regular appetizers, but at half price. I choose the Filet Tips and the Lemon-Crusted Scallop. The filet tips are served on top of an asiago potato gratin with a cabernet demi-glaze. They are moist and meaty. The demi-glaze is savory and sweet and brings to the front the overall umami flavor of the dish.

The sea scallop is served on a bed of Vermont white cheddar grits with a chive butter and topped with micro-greens. The outside of the scallop is citrusy which blends with the buttery flavor of the flesh and the cheddar in the grits, a subtle way to complement this favorite shellfish. Not to mention how well this goes with the sweetness of my Mai Tai.

Tavern ‘n’ Town is different from the usual Key West happy hour, particularly for those who live here. They are notoriously good to locals, to boot. It has a reasonable and popular happy hour, and Chef Rodrigo Alvarez has put together a menu of flavor-balanced items, and the drink selection is broad. Stop in to relax to live music, great drinks, and tasty apps at 3841 North Roosevelt in the Marriot Beachside.

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