Key West and the Help Yourself! Restaurant

Taking a break from the Hudson Valley winter, Key West is a pleasant destination. Key West is a small island at the end of a chain of islands (the Keys) that stretch south of Miami, westward, into the Gulf of Mexico. There is a two lane highway that runs that distance, over many bridges, about 150 miles. The highway is Route 1, the same route that travels along the entire east coast,  all the way north into the state of Maine. There’s also a small airport on Key West served mainly by propeller planes from other Florida cities like Ft Lauderdale, Tampa, and Ft Myers. Usually the flights are about one hour, and they’re fun, the pilot’s just a few seats away and the views are fantastic. And, there’s also a daily ferry service from Ft Myers too. The leisurely but direct cruise through the Gulf of Mexico takes 4-5 hours and docks right in the harbor area of Key West, beautiful.

Major cruise ships frequent the island as well. Virtually every day there is at least one, and usually two or three, beautiful cruise ships docked there, allowing the passengers several hours to visit and tour Key West. Boating and water sports and fishing trips abound off Key West. The beautiful waters are a huge attraction for the visitors and the locals of the island.

Once there, bicycles, motor scooters and small battery powered cars are plentiful. Key West is easy to navigate and fun to explore. There’s the famous Duval St, with restaurants and shops along its entire length. Interestingly, Duval St runs from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Gulf of Mexico on the west. Catch the sunrise in the morning and the sunset from Mallory Square in the evening. Ft Zachary Taylor is a beautiful state park on the tip of the island with a great beach and sunsets that are amazing to see.

One of the best little restaurants on Key West is called Help Yourself, and it highlights organic, whole natural foods. Interestingly, it was founded by a recent resident of the Nyack and Piermont area, Charlotte (Charlie) Wilson. She has created a wonderful menu featuring salads, wraps, bowls, and juices, all made on-site with great care and attention. The menu is varied, and although mostly vegetarian, it also includes shrimp, organic salmon, free range chicken and organic eggs (for breakfast of course). In addition, the restaurant features a number of super healthy raw food selections. There’s a vegetable lasagna, made with layers of fresh cut produce, a taco made with Brasil nuts, and zucchini noodles with peanut sauce. And of course, there are the best smoothies, the perfect drink for the Key West climate. These drinks are made fresh with coconut milk and organic fruits and vegies, each to order. Excellent.

On Sundays, and this is special, Charlie has organized the very first organic Farmer’s market on Key West! Its takes place right outside the restaurant with fresh produce which arrives there in the early hours of the morning from Homestead, Fl along with fresh coconuts, baked goods and fresh fruits. A true community gathering.

 

Make certain to visit Charlie and Help Yourself Foods during your visit to Key West. The retaurant is located at the intersection of Fleming and Margeret St’s, just two blocks from the harbor area. Also visit their website for Charlie’s weekly updates on healthy living; www.helpys.com

Simon Sez…

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