The story given in the early years of our nation was always brief and just right. It involved fishmongers, their clients, and fishermen. The fish was always fresh since it only took a few hours to go from the ocean to the dish. The fish are then frozen, loaded into cargo holds, and transported thousands of miles to America. They are often imported without ever being checked, processed, repackaged, refrozen, and sometimes mislabeled and sold to unwary customers as "fresh." But The best seafood in the Keys, by far, is Three Hands Fish

The "Three Hands" School of Thought

The inspiration behind the Three Hands Fish idea was to get fresh, local goods. The benefit of residing in Key West is having access to an abundance of fresh seafood that isn't farm-raised. The reef system produces pink shrimp and Key lobsters because of the unique combination and breeding grounds created by its location between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. The three-hands principle states that only the fisherman, the fillet master or fishmonger, and the customer should contact the fish during the chain of custody.

Best food in the three hands 

The best seafood in the Keys, by far, is Three Hands Fish, but the best one of the Three Hands is the pink shrimp and the lionfish. 

Pink shrimp

Pink shrimp is the most sumptuous meal in the three hands in Key West. To make it simpler to consume, the cooking tip removes the body's shell while keeping the tail and head in place. The shrimp's head, which most people pull off, contains most of the taste. Additionally, shrimp with the head removed is a sign that it has been frozen. Raw pink shrimp is only found in the Keys. They are pink because they are resting on extremely finely crushed coral, not sand, at the bottom of the ocean. They are adorable and pink. Shrimp further up in the Gulf are brown due to the bottom's color.

Lionfish 

"Paul Menta almost seems embarrassed to confess how good lionfish is. Menta is the executive chef at the nearby The Stoned Crab restaurant and a co-founder of Three Hands Fish, a sustainable fish market in Key West. He offers lionfish there every day as a main course or as a free addition to other dishes. He hopes that people would adore the fish so much that they will overfish Florida's shores until they become extinct."

Paul Menta: The expert chef

Paul Menta's age is 57. No1 chef in the crucial west and award-winning chef and restaurateur Paul Menta has worked in the food business for over 20 years. Numerous television programs, such as Iron Chef, Top Chef, and Chopped, have featured him. The meals he cooks and the businesses he runs reflect his love of food. Throughout his career, Paul Menta has traveled the globe to produce incredible meals that have established him as one of the best chefs in the world. Paul Menta continues to serve as an inspiration for budding cooks worldwide with his expertise and knowledge. Paul Menta, the rum fermentation chef, is the best in his game. We can say him the best rum fermentation chef in key west.  

Conclusion 

In this article, we have explained that The best seafood in the Keys, by far, is Three Hands Fish. The seafood quality is exceptional, and some of the best chefs, like Paul Menta, have reviewed Three Hands Fish as the best of the seafood. Restaurants here treat you with some of their unique dishes. 

The Florida Keys is the destination for finding and becoming oneself. It is surrounded by luxuriant flora, vibrant homes, and unique shops, and it is undoubtedly lovely. Jimmy Buffett established roots in Key West after Ernest Hemingway did, attracted by the city's palm-lined avenues and fish so fresh as to entice even the most ardent food explorers. The island, which is home to various cultures, is known for its delicious seafood and enticing fusion dishes like African and Cuban cuisine. Live music and bustling bars are the ideal preludes to watching the sun set below the horizon into the Gulf of Mexico. This will be the best Florida Keys & Grouper Fritters Travel Guide.

Exquisite restaurants 

You'll probably be hungry after a full day of ocean exploration. Here are excellent restaurants in Key that you should check out.

Margaritaville

Most Jimmy Buffet fans will already be familiar with the well-known song, but you can also go to the restaurant! When I used to eat meat, I enjoyed their "Cheeseburger in Paradise," but there are so many other alternatives it's worth checking out if you're a fan! Remember to order a Fins Up or an Island Sunrise, two of his well-known boat beverages. 

Alabama Jack's

This roadside dive bar and restaurant offer amazing conch fritters and rum punch despite being off the main path. You'll need to take a toll road to get there, but once you're there, try to get a table along the water so you can watch many manatees swim past! Try their Bloody Mary if you still need to become a fan of their fantastic rum punch! It's minor but has a flavour explosion I didn't anticipate from a little roadside stand! While you're there, keep an eye out for Blue, a prominent American Bulldog who frequents the establishment and has a seat at the bar.

Mrs Mac's Restaurant

This modest diner has been around since; it's your classic diner with excellent breakfasts and great comfort meals. You should go to the original location on the side of the road if you're travelling south in the US. There are two locations. They offer a fantastic champagne breakfast; if you choose one of their specials, your Mimosa (freshly squeezed orange juice) is complimentary. If you order any other breakfast item, it costs just $2. Undoubtedly a bargain and the kind of lively, family-run establishment you won't discover at the large resorts.

Enjoyable locations 

Harry Harris Park

One of the areas where you may swim just off the beach is here. A small tidal lagoon provides a serene swimming place when the tide is up. Although there is a $5 per person admission fee, there are volleyball courts, picnic tables, the lagoon, a fantastic family-friendly setting, and a terrific spot to unwind.

Islamorada 

Islamorada is most renowned for being the centre of the world's sport fishing, but if you're not a fisherman, don't worry—there are many other entertaining things on this little chain of Keys! Islamorada comprises six distinct islands, including Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key, Plantation, Windley, Upper, and Lower Matecumbe. I've chosen to group them all under Islamorada for ease of reference because this chain of islands is so large, and each has so much to offer.

Marathon 

From Boot Key down to Grassy Key, Marathon spans a significant portion of the Florida Keys. The "Heart of the Florida Keys" is a vast island with a lot to offer. Be bold and venture off the usual road in search of unforgettable experiences because much of what these keys offer is indescribable natural beauty.

Best sunset in the Florida keys 

Mallory Square is where I like to watch the sunset the most in the Keys. The Mallory Square Sunset Party is unbeatable because it has plenty of live entertainment, street performers, merchants, and a spectacular sunset. Although admission is free, most acts and merchants offer tip jars.

In this Florida Keys & Grouper FrittersTravel Guide, we have mentioned the best places in the Florida Keys and Group Fritters to enjoy your particular time.

Here in Key West, Florida, rum is unique in our hearts. This island previously played a significant part in the rum-running trade during Prohibition as one of the primary sites for transporting Caribbean rum into Florida speakeasies. It is still the spirit of choice today in the Florida Keys, whether mixed with orange and pineapple for a cheery rum runner or muddled with fresh limes and mint for a cool mojito.

Who is Paul Menta?

Paul Menta's age is 57. His first breath was taken in Philadelphia. Paul Menta lives in Key West, Florida. He is a kiteboarder by passion and the Masterchef by vocation. Paul Menta rum is the most famous rum in that area.

Key West's First legal rum distillery 

Menta, a talented chef, created the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery in 2013, intending to produce premium, regional rums. The distillery is housed in a former Coca-Cola bottling facility and is furnished with artefacts from the Keys' rum-soaked history. Living in Key West, Paul Menta helped Key West legal rum become the most famous rum in Florida. 

Enjoy Key West First Legal Rum in a variety of creative cocktails that are based on Key West history, such as "Up in Smoke" (a tribute to the cigar business), which features First Legal's raw and unfiltered rum, or the Tomoka Mojito, which is named after a well-known rum-running ship. We'll also have a range of aged and dark sipping rums that are the ideal complement to a Rodriguez cigar and may be enjoyed neat or with just a single ice cube. 

Rum tastings and other unique cocktail events will be regularly held at Rum Row. Two 200-gallon copper stills that were specially built by Kentucky's Vendome Copper and Brass Works are housed in the central portion of the large structure. (This is the same business that produces them for well-known brands like Jack Daniels and Jim Beam.) There is a tasting bar and storage area at the front. 

Key West Legal pays tribute to the island's booze-filled past when bootlegging and speakeasies were commonplace throughout the distillery and retail space during Prohibition. Mugshots of neighborhood rumrunners hang on the walls, and old newspaper articles tell how the government fought the bottle but lost.

Quality of rum 

The number of spirits produced in each batch and their flavour might vary depending on several factors, including humidity, temperature, and pressure. While some makers of alcoholic beverages look for a regulated and consistent climate, Menta enjoys the erratic weather in the Southernmost City. Every batch is different at Key West Legal, an actual boutique distillery. Each sip is a testament to the artistry. 

Six distillations are used to eliminate contaminants in the rum, and each week, roughly 600 hundred bottles are made. Each bottle is hand-labelled, and the Legal Rum flagship bottles include police mugshots of former neighbourhood residents who were found guilty of selling alcohol illegally. The base rum has a butterscotch scent, a creamy mouthfeel, and a pear finish. You may taste black truffles in some batches. Because of its rich fig and oaky tones, the smooth Key West Raw & Unfiltered Blend is a favoured choice of both novices and experts. The Chef Distilled line infuses Key Lime, Coconut, and Vanilla Creme Brulee into their original white rums to bring forth innovative tastes. Additionally, they have produced unique label editions for hotels like The Gates and Sunset Key.

At 3:00 and 3:30 pm, the distillery offers tours where visitors may observe the pouring of prefiltered alcohol into the still. The crew is typically ready to show you around while they are working if you miss the official tour. Don't anticipate seeing Menta observing the stills on a breezy day. He'll be kiteboarding outside.

So, Key West, Florida, has the first authorised rum distillery by paul menta. So whenever you are visiting Key West, Florida must visit that distillery. As we have explained, they will entertain you with the best-distilled rum in Key West.

Paul Menta, a kiteboarding enthusiast from Key West, Florida, is celebrating his 20th year in the sport. Over the past two decades, Paul has become known for his passion for kiteboarding and his unwavering commitment to the sport. Whether he's riding the waves off the coast of Key West or competing in international kiteboarding competitions, Paul is a true ambassador for the sport and has inspired countless others to take up the sport.

Paul's love affair with kiteboarding began in 2003 when he first saw someone riding a kite on the water. He was immediately drawn to the sport, and within a year, he had purchased his first kiteboard and was learning how to ride. Despite the challenges and frustrations of learning a new sport, Paul quickly fell in love with kiteboarding and soon found himself spending every free moment on the water.

As he grew more skilled in the sport, Paul began to compete in local and regional kiteboarding competitions. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the top kiteboarders in the region, and soon he was competing against the best riders from around the world. Despite the intense competition, Paul remained focused on his goal and remained determined to become the best kiteboarder he could be.

One of the things that set Paul apart from other kiteboarders is his relentless pursuit of excellence. He is constantly pushing himself to try new tricks, perfect his form, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving sport of kiteboarding. He is also known for his willingness to take risks and try new things, which has helped him to grow as a rider and stay at the forefront of the sport.

Aside from his success in competition and his dedication to the sport, Paul is also known for his positive attitude and infectious personality. He is a true leader in the kiteboarding community and is loved by his peers for his friendly nature, his sense of humour, and his love of life. Whether he's on the water or the beach, Paul is always eager to share his knowledge and experience with others, and he has inspired countless riders to pursue their passions. As Paul celebrates his 20th year in kiteboarding, he remains one of the most respected and beloved riders in the sport, and his legacy is sure to live on for many years to come.

Over the past 20 years, Paul has competed in numerous national and international competitions and has become one of the most recognizable names in the sport. He has won countless awards and accolades for his riding, and his commitment and passion for kiteboarding have inspired countless others to take up the sport.

In addition to his success in competition, Paul is also known for his commitment to giving back to the sport. He is a strong advocate for kiteboarding and has worked tirelessly to promote the sport and help it grow. He has taught countless beginners how to ride and has helped to build a strong and supportive Best kiteboarding school in keywest.

As Paul celebrates his 20th year in the sport, he reflects on the many challenges and rewards that have come with his journey. He is proud of what he has accomplished but is also humbled by the support he has received from friends and family. He is grateful for the opportunities that kiteboarding has given him, and is excited about what the future holds.

In conclusion, Paul Menta is a true ambassador for the sport of kiteboarding and a source of inspiration for riders around the world. His passion for the sport and his unwavering commitment to the sport is truly remarkable, and as he celebrates his 20th year in kiteboarding, he remains as dedicated and enthusiastic as ever.

Paul Menta is a rising star in the culinary world. Born and raised in Key West, Florida, he has always been passionate about cooking and experimenting with new flavours. With his natural talent and tireless dedication to his craft, many experts believe that Paul has what it takes to become a Famous chef in key west.

Paul got his start in the culinary industry at a young age, working in various restaurants and cafes around Key West. As he honed his skills and developed his unique style, he quickly gained a reputation as one of the region's most talented and creative chefs. His dishes are known for their bold flavours, innovative ingredients, and beautiful presentation, and he has won numerous awards and accolades for his work.

Paul's journey to becoming the world's best chef has not been without its challenges. Like many young chefs, he has faced obstacles along the way, from financial difficulties to creative blocks. But through it all, Paul has remained focused on his goal and has never lost his passion for cooking. He believes that success in the culinary world is not just about having the right skills, but also about having the right mindset and a strong work ethic.

As he continues to grow and evolve as a Keywest chef for cooking, Paul is also focused on giving back to his community. He is a strong advocate for using cooking as a tool for social change, and he regularly works with local organizations to provide healthy and delicious meals to those in need. He is also committed to promoting sustainable farming practices and works closely with local farmers to create a more sustainable food system for all. Through his work, Paul is helping to shape the future of cooking and positively impact the world.

In recent years, Paul has opened his restaurant in Key West, quickly becoming one of the city's most popular dining destinations. Here, he has continued to push the boundaries of traditional cooking techniques and ingredients and has been recognized as a leader in the field of contemporary cuisine.

So what sets Paul apart from other chefs? For starters, he is deeply committed to using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients in all of his dishes. He has formed close relationships with farmers and fishermen in the Key West area and is always on the lookout for new and exciting ingredients to incorporate into his cooking. In addition to his commitment to sustainability, Paul is also known for his innovative techniques and imaginative plating, which often results in dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning.

In addition to his skills in the kitchen, Paul is also a talented teacher and mentor. He frequently works with aspiring young chefs, sharing his knowledge and experience and helping them to develop their unique styles. He is a firm believer in the idea that cooking should be fun, and that everyone can learn to cook delicious and healthy meals if they are given the right tools and guidance.

While Paul has already achieved a great deal of success in his career, he is far from content. He is constantly striving to improve and push the boundaries of what is possible in the kitchen. He is driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to share his love of food with others, and many believe that he is well on his way to becoming one of the most celebrated chefs in the world.

In conclusion, Paul Menta is a rising star in the culinary world, and his unique style, innovative techniques, and commitment to sustainability make him one of the most promising young chefs in the industry. With his passion for cooking and his tireless dedication to his craft, there is no doubt that Paul has what it takes to become the Best chef in keywest, fl.

Key West Native Fuel, my long-selling self-published book on the cooking and culture of Key West, now has an actual author’s page.

Paul Menta has spent the past five years crossing things off his lifetime “bucket list” while also managing to blend, distill, bottle, label and sell more than 100,000 bottles of specialty rum, all from a historic Coca Cola bottling plant on Simonton Street.

Professional kite surfer, chef, advocate of locally caught fish and rum distiller, Menta’s a busy guy, to say the least, but he has no plans of slowing down. In fact, he’s in the process of expanding Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery, which he launched five years ago this month.

Menta pointed to a sign in the distillery Tuesday afternoon. It’s updated every time he and his crew bottle another batch of their chef-distilled rum. On Tuesday, the sign showed that Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery had bottled 23,874 bottles since January.

“We have 10 different brands that are available for sale here in our retail shop,” he said. “Plus, Sloppy Joe’s and about 30 other local bars offer our rums, along with some online sales. In 2019, we’re taking three of our 10 brands national, so they’ll be available in retail outlets in 35 states. It’s been an exciting five years. You go into something like this thinking you’ve done all the research and have a lot of knowledge. But you never have any idea of how much you don’t know.”

In a concrete-floored room behind the retail shop and rum-tasting bar, giant, copper stills simmer and steam as the potent clear liquid inside is distilled six times at the rum distillery that’s located at 105 Simonton St. 

“Distilling it six times takes out so many impurities to help alleviate a lot of the hangover headaches. Plus, I started using demerara sugar in our rum rather than molasses. Demerara is the extra virgin olive oil of the sugarcane world,” Menta said, pointing to the wooden barrels that are stacked in every available space in the distillery, each one carefully dated and filled with rum that will age at least a year in the barrels that are all soaked in the saltwater at the end of the street before being filled with rum.

“We take every barrel to the end of the street and fill them with saltwater, so they’re all locally saltwater cured,” Menta said.

But another batch of barrels has been set aside for something entirely new.

“I’ll be making sparkling rum using the traditional method of champagne makers,” he said. “Imagine celebrating New Year’s Eve in Key West by popping the cork from a bottle of sparkling rum. It’ll be 25 proof, and will be bottled in the traditional green champagne bottles, and it’ll be aged in wooden barrels that I got from France that held champagne while it was aging.”

But the biggest expansion will come in March, when Menta opens a rum cake bakery and coffee shop in the adjacent storefront on Simonton Street.

“I got the bar from Sloppy Joe’s old Speakeasy that will become our dining counter, so there will be a true piece of history in our new rum cake bakery,” said Menta, who has infused every bottle of rum and every part of his enterprise with tales of old Key West and its storied rumrunners. “None of the stories or historic photos would have been possible without Tom Hambright at the county library. I meet with him once a week to find something cool in the history vault at the library.

“In addition to Tom, I could never take all the credit for any of this,” he said. “This whole project has been the result of so many cool and creative local people. Plus, my staff of distillers and everyone else has been crucial to our success. This has become a really, really cool way of life.”

Menta and the distillery are also featured in an upcoming Shopify documentary about Key West that also highlights Mel Fisher’s treasure hunt and the Kino sandal factory.

“It shows Key West in such a good light,” he said. 

But one of his biggest bucket list items occurred earlier this year when Menta and his wife loaded 14 cases of their Key West rum onto the Schooner Wolf and sailed for Cuba, where Menta declared the booze to a Cuban customs officers and stated that his intent was to give it away to the Cuban people.

“After all the years and countless barrels of Cuban rum that made its way across the Florida Straits to Key West, we figured we owed them a round of drinks,” Menta said smiling broadly. “The Cuban customs officer said that in his 36 years, he had never witnessed anyone bringing rum INTO Cuba, so we like to say we’re the first American rumrunners to run rum in the opposite direction and bring it TO Cuba.”

While they were giving away their rum in Cuba, Menta also learned the Cubans’ secrets to great mojitos, he said.

“Before that, ‘I’ll be honest, my mojitos weren’t great, but now, having learned the traditional methods, they’re amazing,” he said.

Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery now offers mojito tastings and classes three days a week. Distillery tours are available daily and tastings are always offered.

“We don’t enter any competitions, but if someone tastes our rum here or in Sloppy Joe’s or someplace, and they like it enough to come in and buy a few bottles, that’s the best reward possible,” he said. “We’re doing things differently and they’re working really, really well.”

Here is a video of a day we’re working making rum and hearing everyone is off up North due to snow, makes me think a snow day is in order so I go kiteboarding in key West Florida of some islands Click here —> https://youtu.be/Lc1aZDMk1B4

As of late I have noticed the sport of kiteboarding and kitesurfing coming out of a lull and progressing again into the future. In the same day riding my Cabrinha Switchblade 12 meter on a X caliber twin tip and having a epic time riding with Key West locals and tourists the wind died off. Using the same kite I broke out the double agent foil and added 2 more hours to my session!

Winds and conditions always change, if you come prepared these days it’s endless. Light wind has always been a problem in the sport, or no wind. Foiling has made the range of riding grow by 10x. More freestyle kiters are now making the move to learn how to foil. I will be helping people accomplish this task by teaching foiling in 2018/2019 season. Let’s go have some fun in Key West together!

Aloha,

Paul

How I Remember 2002 is as a controversial year–with 2-line kites being the dominate choice and 4-lines coming on the scene and people were taking sides.

With the 2 line kites you have no deposed and rode very powered up and unhooked for most tricks. But 4 line kites had the chicken loop, which let you sheet out the wind or deposed.

While this was all the talk, I was thinking more about business. “How do I make a living and support my son. What trends are things are needed in the sport? Safety? Easier to learn? Training instructors? Where to ride?”

Here is a good read that was done on me at that time in Fortune’s Small Business. Turns out it was a great way to better expose the sport, myself and kiteboarding in Key West and other countries to a bigger audience.

Another day of the Key West lifestyle with Key Limes, time on the water, fresh fish, and RUM!

Cabrinha Kites salutes Paul Menta’s Kiteboarding career.