Welcome to personal reviews and recommendations brought to you via the Momma Meter. Your momma might be your momma, or your wife. In my case, my momma wasn’t much of a cook, so my gauge is my favorite cook on earth (she knows who she is).
Momma Meter:
• 6/6: This dish feels like it came straight from momma’s kitchen; full heart, perfect technique, comfort that heals, no shortcuts, extra depth of flavor.
• 5/6: Almost there, missing just a little of that nurturing magic.
• 4/6: Solid, but more “good restaurant” than “momma’s table.”
• 3/6: Tasty, but lacks the soul-depth.
• 2/6: Functional, but no emotional warmth.
• 1/6: Just food, no momma energy.
Red Shoe Bistro (6/6!!)
Thursday night dinner was the Red Shoe Bistro. What an incredible little restaurant!! The Shrimp and Mango toast was to die for. Then a simply incredible yellow tail snapper main course. Capped of by the best key lime pie in the keys. They make it themselves with a recipe from
Max
Cafe Sole (6/6)
When you walk up to a restaurant you know nothing about and are welcomed by the owner of 30 years, that’s special. John is a precious soul that cares about his baby, Cafe Sole. I heard his team meetings, his shared vision for the night, his discussion of the
Max
Santiago’s Bodega (6/6)
6/6 on the momma meter. I didn’t think any restaurant would deserve 6/6, but this takes the cake. It’s one block from some other eateries with lines for miles, and there’s plenty of seating. It’s the most delicious tapas food I’ve ever eaten.
Max
The Docks (5.5/6)
Max’s reviews today includes a wonderful lunch and dinner spot near Key West. Stock Island is the home of The Docks, a fresh seafood market and restaurant and bar that is a “must visit” location on your trip to the keys.
Max
Boondocks Grill (4.8/6)
Sometimes life gives you little gifts, tonight’s dinner was that. I drove to the Square Grouper only to find it closed on Sundays and heading back stopped in at Boondocks. Since I’m solo sitting at the bar I asked “can I just get fish and veggies?” and they said “of
Max
worth the stop!
Olives (4.5/6)
This is such a cute little Mediterranean spot. The food is very good, though the space itself is tiny. If you are included you can easily share a meal at this place so don’t buy two for the two of you. I’m a sucker for Turkish Coffee and
Max