Stocking a Weekly Rental in Key West

A weekly rental is a great way to experience Key West and allow yourself time to fully unwind.  One of my favorite parts of a weekly beach rental is stocking the house.  Really!  It gets me in the vacation mode.  I like to cook at least three or four meals (maybe two lunches and two dinners) using local ingredients, but you may not, so shop accordingly.  Also have supplies on hand for a quick, effortless lunch for that day when things don’t quite run on schedule.  Here are a few suggestions.  Watch the video

At the start of the week, stock up at Fausto’s Food Palace, a local institution on Fleming Street (yes, you’ll see us all there). Then pick up booze at Conch Republic Liquors on North Roosevelt.  If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to take a cab, but you’ll save enough to pay for it and have a much better selection than in Old Town.  Get your liquor for the week, but you can supplement your wine supply later at Fausto’s, which  also has a good selection.  See www.Faustos.com.

Fausto’s

  • Olive oil
  • Sherry wine vinegar (very versatile)
  • Capers
  • Kalamata olives (and green if that’s your Martini preference)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemons and limes
  • Cilantro and parsley
  • Salad greens or a head of Boston lettuce
  • Tomatoes (go with plums, and get a few so that they can ripen during the week)
  • Avocado (see above)
  • Mangoes (see above), papayas and bananas
  • Jalapeno
  • Spanish onion and red onion
  • Garlic
  • Fausto’s own orange marmalade
  • Pistachios, almonds and cashews (for cocktail hour)
  • Tortilla chips
  • Coffee (try the Bustelo Cuban)
  • Orange juice
  • Pineapple, guava, passion fruit or papaya juice (for rum punches)
  • English muffins
  • Half and half
  • Tonic and club soda
  • Turkey and swiss cheese (from the deli case)
  • Sourdough bread (you can use for sandwiches or dinner)
  • Good Bloody Mary mix (we like Tabasco brand)
  • Popcorn
  • Charcoal and starter (if you are lucky enough to have a grill)

Conch Republic Liquors

  • Mount Gay rum
  • Myers dark rum
  • Margaritaville tequila
  • Triple sec
  • Hendricks gin
  • Stoli vodka
  • Johnny Walker Black Scotch (for late nightcap)
  • Chilled white wine (so you can get started right away)
  • Chilled rose (ditto)
  • Red wine
  • Vermouth
  • Beer (try Kalik from the Bahamas)

 

Eaton Street Seafood

  • Freshly made shrimp salad (on day one)
  • Fresh fish, shrimp and seafood on the day you cook (opens at 11:00 am daily)

Now you are ready to relax.  The bar is stocked, and you have fresh, healthy provisions to make breakfast, island salsa, olive spread, guacamole, turkey sandwiches, salads and all sorts of other combinations without another serious shopping trip.  Just pick up your fish or steak, head home and enjoy!

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