If the clock is nearing lunchtime and your hunger pangs are setting in, this tempting reminder of why Keys cuisine is world-renowned is certain to tickle your appetite. Whether it’s the finest seafood you’re craving, from mahi mahi and lobster to conch and Florida stone crab, or a welcoming slice of Key Lime Pie relished alongside a refreshing ice-cool cocktail, a vacation in Marathon will send you on a spectacular, taste-bud teasing, gastronomic journey that’ll always leave you wanting to come back for more.
The Original Marathon Seafood Festival
Surrounded by a crystal-clear ocean teeming with gourmet delicacies, Marathon is one of the top global destinations in the world to sample the finest seafood fresh off the boat, which is why the tropical island will be the center of attention from March 12th through 13th when thousands of visitors will head to the annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival, the second largest Florida Keys event.
It’s taking place at the Marathon Community Park MM 49 oceanside and will showcase the best seafood from the waters of the Florida Keys, with a lively party atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for sampling the luscious island flavors. There will be bucket loads of conch served in a whole manner of different ways, from fried golden fritters and ceviche to chowder and ‘conchwurst’ sausage, all expertly prepared by local chefs creatively crafting their seafood according to Keys-based recipes.
Ten Not-to-Be-Missed Florida Keys Flavors
- Pink shrimp sautéed in scampi
- Stone crab claws
- Broiled lobster tail
- Mahi Mahi fish
- Smoked fish dip
- Florida Keys scallops
- Caribbean jerk chicken
- Golden deep-fried conch fritters
- Key lime pie
- Key lime rum blended in a tropical cocktail
After the Festival, Tempt Your Tastebuds at Butterfly Cafe
A talented team is also passionately working behind the scenes at Tranquility Bay Resort where the sourcing, preparation and serving of food and drink is taken as seriously as our welcoming Southern hospitality. This is why the resort is home to Butterfly Cafe, the number one rated restaurant in Marathon, boasting a mouth-watering menu which leaves diners feeling spoiled for choice. Here’s a sample of some of our Butterfly Cafe favorites:
Starter
The fresh, fruity samba salad is a perfect option after a sun-soaked day by the ocean. It tastes exotic with its blend of mango and avocado, and is certain to keep you longing for a main course. For seafood fans, how about tucking into the conch chowder, or perhaps you’d be tempted by some Key West pink shrimp in our shrimp cocktail.
Main
Ocean-fresh seafood remains a favorite on the Butterfly Cafe menu, particularly the grouper complemented by a tropical coulis and selection of seasonal vegetables. Popular dishes also include the scallop risotto, coconut shrimp, mahi mahi with a mango salsa and the yellowtail snapper served with sherry brown butter. You can even help create your own unique dish featuring fish you’ve caught during the day which our team will gladly cook for you exactly how you like it. If it’s not fish you fancy, try the Cowboy which boasts a 22oz bone-in Angus ribeye or the Caribbean jerk chicken with a delicious fruity pineapple chutney.
Dessert
The Butterfly Cafe award-winning Key Lime Pie will tempt any sweet-toothed diner, as will the ‘To Die For’ sticky toffee pudding and tropical cheesecake with a refreshing blend of mango and passionfruit. The friendly and welcoming restaurant staff will be on hand to recommend the perfect choice of wine to accompany your dish. If the whole family are dining together, children are catered for and the restaurant opens at 6pm to suit an early bedtime.
Shaken, Stirred and Blended to Perfection
Throughout your vacation at Tranquility Bay Resort, you’re guaranteed to take time out at TJ’s Tiki Bar for a midday tropical smoothie, a bit of lunch, a mid-afternoon snack, or a pre-sunset cocktail. Imagine you’ve just stepped out of the sunshine and into the shade for a cool down. You need a long, fruit-based cocktail to go hand-in-hand with this slice of paradise, so may we suggest the Blueberry Mojito? It’s bursting with flavor and packs a punch with its well-balanced blend of Stoli Blueberry, fresh mint and lime juice. Then there’s the Key Lime Pie cocktail which is an absolute must for savoring the original flavors of the Florida Keys. Key lime rum is blended with vanilla ice cream and rimmed with a Graham cracker crust; it is the ultimate taste sensation from TJ’s Tiki Bar!
