While on a week long quest for the Best Keylime pie in the Keys, a good friend told us his old buddy owns a restaurant in Key West called Blue Heaven.   Located in historic Bahama Village a hundred years ago this shuttered blue building sold spirits, hosted cockfights, gambling and Friday night boxing matches refereed by Ernest Hemingway.  A dance hall, a bordello and a playhouse had occupied the 2nd floor while downstairs was a billiard hall and ice cream parlor.

A couple of free spirits Suzanne the artist and Richard the writer’s business saga began in 1992 with no money down, some gardening tools and mom’s church cookbook. From their house boat on the far side of Christmas Tree island depending upon the seas, they motored in daily to create their dream.  Later Richard lured his brother down from a chef’s position in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and their Floridian- Caribbean cuisine was born.

The feel good vibe upon entering is the epitome of laid back Key West style as you’re greeted by roosters, chicks and cats that roam freely in this eclectic open air courtyard. With a tropical almond tree in the middle of the fine dining area, canopies of tropical foliage, improvised art, a rooster graveyard and a sail strung between trees providing shade in this whimsical setting. We had the pleasure of having a fabulous brunch with owner Richard Hatch, southern gentleman that epitomizes the island lifestyle.     As we drank assorted tropical drinks he mentioned that Jimmy Buffett had dined here while his band The Coral Reefers were here quite often.  The live music was great fun but the food from the assorted eggs benedicts, to blueberry pancakes from scratch, Jamaican jerk chicken and fresh seafood were all sensational.

After sampling a dozen keylime pies the Home of the Best Key Lime Pie with mountains of baked meringue topping, tasting like a slice of heaven is here.

Everything here’s First Cabin, where the libations are flowing and the roosters are crowing at the end of Route 1.