A serving of crawfish at the March 5, 2016 festival in Homestead.

Notwithstanding trying to work through the concept of having a Mardi Gras and Crawfish Boil in March, the music was lively in Losner Park on Saturday. The parade is billed unabashedly as, “short, enthusiastic, and with the most beads per person”, and lives up to that. It’s only about two blocks long and there are plenty of beads to be thrown to the crowd. People get into the spirit with masks, colorful hats, and other attire. There are also lots of purple or green shirts with gold accents. I’ve about decided that in view of wanting to have a parade while it’s still light, but also being able to segue into nighttime for the adult party aspect, having the festival in March can really be promoted as, “Missed Mardi Gras? Come to Homestead for a final round of celebration.” I think that would bridge the gap for those of us who have a cultural attachment to traditional timing.

Anyway, there was a nice crowd and it certainly looked as though everyone was having a good time. With Mickey McGuire, the on-site Director (Program Manager?) for the Seminole Theater as Mardi Gras King and me as the Queen, our driver, Kevin from Sabates Chevrolet, was a pro and a fun guy. The bright yellow Camaro was a happy coincidence that literally matched the yellow of the special event tee shirts.

I didn’t try the hurricanes, although I suspect they went down smoothly as they usually do. Crawfish were too messy to try to deal with considering I was wearing one of my silky (with some bling) tunics, but Hubby was able to arrive after a full day on the water and he had them along with a bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo. These events are always a lot of work to put on and hats off to everyone who has a part in that.

When you go on these trips where you have an event scheduled to end late in the afternoon you always have to choose about your return. Do you plan an early evening flight or stay over an extra day? The decision is a little trickier in a situation you are unfamiliar with. For example, we travel to Washington, DC fairly often and I know how long it takes to get from different points to the airport and about how long it takes to get through security and so forth. I also know there are multiple flights and if I cut it too close on one, the odds are I can take a later flight if I have to. More importantly, it’s only a two-hour flight back, plus it’s east coast time. When traveling in winter, weather delays are always possible, especially from a place like Chicago.  In other words, we made the decision to fly Monday morning rather than try for a Sunday flight. As a morning person, I’m fine with getting up very early to catch something like a 7:00 a.m. flight. Hubby, not so much, and unless I really have to, I’ll book us later. That was the plan for our return. Events transpired so we were not delayed due to local weather, but rather some other circumstance. Fortunately, I got a robo-call from the airline to alert me and we were able to relax in the hotel for an additional hour.

Then there was an additional delay for take-off. That added up to two hours which put us into Miami at 5:30. Traffic has been worse, and rather than eat out again, we swung into the grocery store on the way home for a roast chicken and salad. Still, it made for a longer day than I’d hoped. On the “up” side, Hubby was able to have his deep dish pizza. With it being a local specialty, it stood to reason there would be a place at O’Hare and there was one in the food court. I could have my own choice of something else and after that we popped into the bar near the gate where they had one of the local beers as well. So, if one must be delayed, being in an airport where there are decent services does help.

Our World Underwater opened at 5:00 yesterday and we had a fairly steady stream of people coming to the booth. The film presentation didn’t start until 8:00, and Richie was not the first presenter as we had thought. In other words, by the time we finished up and actually left partway through, it was already late. We’d eaten pretty heavily at lunch knowing the schedule, and naturally the hotel bar was jammed when we arrived. The regular restaurant where we’d had lunch was still open, but quite frankly, I hate to enter a place with only thirty minutes until closing time. I don’t like to be rushed and even when the staff doesn’t act as if  they want you to please leave, you know that’s how they’re feeling.

Anyway, somewhat like when I made my trip to MA this past summer and didn’t get a lobster roll, Hubby has been looking forward to authentic Chicago deep dish pizza (not my thing, but he enjoys it.) So far, we haven’t been anywhere that serves it. The first night when our friends picked us up, we all agreed going to a family-friendly place was important. It didn’t occur to us that the hotel would have flatbreads instead of Chicago style.  There was no way we were going off in search of restaurants that late last night and tonight we’re planning to be with a small group going to a well-known steakhouse. Not that we don’t both love a good steak, mind you. Ah well, maybe tomorrow night. Hubby did have a new porter last night that he really liked.

Keys Bite in Key Largo, between the highways, around MM 99.

You know how it goes. A new restaurant opens up and you go past and look. Then you hear positive things about it and you say, “We really need to stop there.” Then months go by before the timing works out. That’s how it’s been for us with Keys Bite in Key Largo. (http://floridakeysbite.com);99000 Overseas Hwy; 305 451-4834

As I have written in previous posts about places in the Upper Keys, if you’re not on the water, you have to make some choices. Do you go for atmosphere (whichever type you choose), focus more on the food, or do both?  I would say Keys Bite has a focus on food and has made the most of their location. The décor is appropriately tropical and the landscaping around the small terrace is a combination of hibiscus, palm, and a couple of other plants that will provide a “green screen” as the plants mature. It was obviously done with a professional (or at least skilled) eye. They have selected to be a breakfast, lunch, and dinner place with a strong Mexican flare as well as the expected regular fare. Hubby opted for the fish sandwich as he almost always does in trying new places and I had the chicken melt. They don’t have beer on tap, but the bottle selection provides a nice variety and I had a glass of pinot grigio. The service was friendly and prompt, the food good and competitively priced. The Mexican dishes being served at a nearby table also looked good.

Although they don’t have a water view, they are between the highways which does make it nice from an entry/exit perspective. Granted, they are next door to Mrs. Mac’s II, so those who want the familiar instead of trying something new might gravitate there instead. On the other hand, Keys Bite has been in business for a little while now and they seem to be holding their own. Pay them a visit and decide for yourself.

Watching a new small business succeed is always fun. A new small business devoted to chocolate is delicious as well as heart-warming. Key Largo Chocolates at MM 100.5 Bayside (real address is 100470 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037; 305 453-6613 http://www.keylargochocolates.com) has multiple sections. The main part with their beautiful array of chocolates in the cases and shelves with packaged goodies is what you see first. You turn to the right to see the special display of their fudges and if you’re craving ice cream, pivot left. I can’t say that I’ve tried every type of candy they have, but what I can say is that every piece I have tried is terrific. And no, I am not about to designate a favorite, although I suppose some people are able to. They do ship and if you’re looking for a serious “Wow Factor” for an event – forget regular desserts and bring these folks in. They’ll create something memorable.

I haven’t had the chance to chat with the owners Kristie and Bob Thomas for more than a few minutes in passing so I can’t relate their background. What I can say is they have made a name for themselves and if you want a special gift for someone, pop into their shop and spend a little time. Their whimsical bright green and pink colors complete with their flamingo mascot Lucy are as eye-catching as their candy is.