Chef Karl Key West

The Key West Cooking Show has a tree in The Remarcable Tabletop Christmas Tree and Wreath Auction on Tuesday, December 2nd at the Opal Key Resort Ballroom. Stop by and bid on this one-of-a-kind culinary themed holiday decoration. Passes to the Key West Cooking Show demonstration shows and cocktail classes, merchandise and culinary ornaments.

The Christmas trees at the seaport are shining bright and the street lights are dressed for the season as we countdown to the arrival of that jolly old elf at the end of the month. While you’re out searching for those perfect Christmas gifts, don’t forget to take a little “me” time and enjoy the magic of the holidays.

Stop by the Key West Cooking Show and treat yourself to a delicious meal, a seasonal cocktail, or a slice of Key Lime Pie at the bar. There’s plenty of festive fun happening this week!

Special Events

Friday, December 5th – 7:00 pm
James Beard Award–winning chef Norman Van Aken will be joined by his son, chef Justin Van Aken, for a special culinary demonstration featuring the phenomenal cuisine that put them on the map.
Tickets available at KeysTix.com.

Saturday, December 6th – 1:00 pm
The big man himself—resplendent in his fur-trimmed red suit—will be upstairs at the Shops at Mallory Square, right in front of the Key West Cooking Show! Bring your pets, kids, and kids-at-heart for a holiday photo with Santa.

Schedule for the Week

Tuesday, December 2nd
• 11:00 am & 1:00 pm — Conch Fritters, Mojo Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie

Wednesday, December 3rd
• 4:00 pm — Caldo Gallego Soup, Picadillo, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie
• 7:00 pm — Caldo Gallego Soup, Seafood Risotto, Tia’s Flan

Thursday, December 4th
• 11:00 am & 1:00 pm — Bollos, Grits-N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie
• 7:00 pm — Mariscado Soup, Swordfish Picatta, Rice & Broccolini, Tia’s Flan

Friday, December 5th
• 11:00 am & 1:00 pm — Avocado Salad, Ropa Vieja, White Rice, Tia’s Flan
• 4:00 pm — Shrimp Ceviche, Mojo Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie

Saturday, December 6th
• 11:00 am — Tostones, Picadillo, Black Beans & Rice, Tia’s Flan
• 4:00 pm — Conch Fritters, Grits-N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

Get your tickets at KeyWestCookingShow.com, and may your holiday season be joyful, delicious, and bright!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Here’s hoping you spend the day surrounded by friends and family, celebrating life’s wondrous bounty. For those who want to leave the cooking and the cleanup to someone else, the Key West Cooking Show will be hosting two Thanksgiving buffet seatings at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Thanksgiving Buffet Menu:
Butternut Squash Soup • Slow-Roasted Turkey Breast • Sage Stuffing • Mashed Potatoes • Homemade Gravy • Green Bean Casserole • Oven-Roasted Honey-Glazed Carrots • Cranberry Sauce • Pecan Pie

But if you’re looking for some delicious regional fare throughout the week, here is the schedule for November 23–29:

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday, November 25
• 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM — Conch Fritters, Mojo Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie

Wednesday, November 26
• 4:00 PM — Caldo Gallego Soup, Picadillo, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie
• 7:00 PM — Caldo Gallego Soup, Seafood Risotto, Tia’s Flan

Friday, November 28
• 4:00 PM — Shrimp Ceviche, Mojo Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie
• 7:00 PM — Conch Salad, Snapper with Shrimp Creole & Rice, Guava Bread Pudding

Saturday, November 29
• 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM — Tostones, Picadillo, Black Beans & Rice, Tia’s Flan
• 4:00 PM — Conch Fritters, Grits-n-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

Special Event Next Week

Santa Visits the Key West Cooking Show!
Saturday, December 6 • 1:00–3:00 PM
Bring the pets, kids, and kids-at-heart for photos with the jolly old elf himself.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!!

Thanksgiving Day is just a little over a week away!
Everyone’s getting into the holiday spirit, and before you know it, Christmas and New Year’s will be here too. While you’re out searching for that perfect gift, take a break and enjoy a delicious meal and some entertaining culinary fun at the Key West Cooking Show with me. And who knows—maybe the jolly old elf himself will pop in for a bite!

Join me this week for the following shows:

Tuesday, November 18th

11:00 am & 1:00 pm

Conch Fritters

Mojo Roast Pork

Black Beans & Rice

Key Lime Pie

Wednesday, November 19th

4:00 pm

Caldo Gallego Soup

Picadillo

Black Beans & Rice

Key Lime Pie

7:00 pm

Caldo Gallego Soup

Seafood Risotto

Tia’s Flan

Thursday, November 20th

11:00 am & 1:00 pm

Bollos

Grits-N-Grunts

Key Lime Pie

Friday, November 21st

4:00 pm

Shrimp Ceviche

Mojo Roast Pork

Black Beans & Rice

Key Lime Pie

7:00 pm

Conch Salad

Snapper & Shrimp Creole

Guava Bread Pudding

Saturday, November 22nd

1:00 pm & 1:00 pm (please confirm if this should be 11:00 am & 1:00 pm)

Tostones

Picadillo

Black Beans & Rice

Tia’s Flan

4:00 pm

Conch Fritters

Grits-N-Grunts

Key Lime Pie

Special Event – Time to Talk Turkey!

Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00 pm
Your final chance to sharpen up your Thanksgiving culinary skills!

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Let us handle the cooking and the cleanup.
11:00 am or 3:00 pm

Tickets for all events are available at:
keystix.com/calendar?tag=Key%20West%20Cooking%20Show

Happy Holidays!!!

Repost from keysweekly.com

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST? PLAN NOW FOR A ‘FAIL-PROOF’ THANKSGIVING FEAST Almost everyone has experienced a Thanksgiving dinner “fail” and can recount the story in vivid detail. Maybe it’s about a deep-fried turkey explosion that required a visit from the fire department, pumpkin pies that slid off a slippery baking sheet and smashed on the floor, a turkey massacred...

Greetings, friends and family!

The season is finally upon us! The holiday commercials have started on TV, Home Depot has the Christmas decorations out, and—like it or not—Mariah Carey has returned to the airwaves. 😄

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away! Looking to spice up your menu for the biggest pig-out of the year or your upcoming holiday party? Join us at The Key West Cooking Show and learn:

🦃 How to prepare the traditional American turkey feast
🌶️ How to add Cuban, Jamaican, or Creole favorites to your seasonal spread

🦃 “Turkey Talk” – Holiday Cooking Class

Perfect for first-time Thanksgiving hosts or anyone wanting fresh ideas for the classics!

🗓️ November 15th & 22nd
⏰ 7:00 pm

📅 My Weekly Schedule • November 2nd – 8th

All shows feature delicious tasting portions & lots of fun!

Tuesday, November 4

• 11:00 am & 1:00 pm — Conch Fritters, Mojo Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie

Wednesday, November 5

• 4:00 pm — Caldo Gallego Soup, Picadillo, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie
• 7:00 pm — Caldo Gallego Soup, Seafood Risotto, Tia’s Flan

Thursday, November 6

• 11:00 am & 1:00 pm — Bollos, Grits-‘N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie
• 4:00 pm — Conch Fritters, Mariscado, White Rice, Guava Bread Pudding

Friday, November 7

• 4:00 pm — Shrimp Ceviche, Mojo Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Key Lime Pie
• 7:00 pm — Conch Salad, Snapper, Shrimp Creole with Rice, Guava Bread Pudding

Saturday, November 8

• 11:00 am & 1:00 pm — Tostones, Picadillo, Black Beans & Rice, Tia’s Flan
• 4:00 pm — Conch Fritters, Grits-‘N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

🎉 Holiday Parties at The Key West Cooking Show
We’re ready to host:
• Office parties
• Trolley-ride pre-game parties
• Private celebrations

📞 Call 305-294-2665 to reserve your time slot today!

🧙‍♀️✨ Calling All Witches, Warlocks, Goblins, House Elves & Muggles! ✨🧙‍♂️

The witching week is upon us!

Join us for a spellbinding celebration of magically delicious cuisine all week long — culminating in a Halloween feast worthy of Hogwarts itself. Rumor has it a certain Hogwarts Headmaster may make a special appearance… 🎩✨

Come for the spells — stay for the food and spooky treats!
Here’s my enchanting schedule for the week of October 28 – November 1:

🕸 Tuesday, October 28
🕚 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Conch Fritters
Mojo Roast Pork
Key Lime Pie

🕷 Wednesday, October 29
🕓 4:00 PM
Caldo Gallego Soup
Picadillo
Key Lime Pie

🕖 7:00 PM
Caldo Gallego Soup
Seafood Risotto
Tia’s Flan

🧹 Thursday, October 30
🕚 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Bollos
Grits-N-Grunts
Key Lime Pie

🎃 Friday, October 31 — HALLOWEEN NIGHT!
🕓 4:00 PM
Shrimp Ceviche
Mojo Roast Pork
Key Lime Pie

🕖 7:00 PM
Conch Salad
Snapper with Shrimp Creole
Guava Bread Pudding

👻 Saturday, November 1
🕚 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Tostones
Picadillo
Tia’s Flan

🕖 7:00 PM
Conch Fritters
Grits-N-Grunts
Key Lime Pie

💫 Reserve your seats online and enjoy a 10% discount at
🔗 keywestcookingshow.com

🌴 Welcome to Fantasy Fest Key West 2025! 🎭

Because of all the fun and craziness happening this week, I’ll be working day shows only (except Wednesday). Here’s my schedule for October 21st–25th at the Key West Cooking Show:

📅 Tuesday, October 21st
🍴 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Menu: Conch Fritters, Mojo Pork, Key Lime Pie

📅 Wednesday, October 22nd
🍴 1:00 PM – Garbanzo Bean Soup, Jerk Chicken, Guava Bread Pudding
🍴 4:00 PM – Caldo Gallego Soup, Picadillo, Key Lime Pie

📅 Thursday, October 23rd
🍴 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Menu: Bollos, Grits-n-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

📅 Friday, October 24th
🍴 11:00 AM
Menu: Avocado Salad, Ropa Vieja, Tía’s Flan

📅 Saturday, October 25th
🍴 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Menu: Tostones, Picadillo, Tía’s Flan

🎉 The Key West Cooking Show will close at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 25th for the Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade!

Stay safe out there — and remember, if you see me, you didn’t see me. 😉

Exciting Update from the Key West Cooking Show! 🌴

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve updated our show hours to make it easier than ever to enjoy our fun, flavorful, and interactive Key West cooking experiences! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunchtime adventure, an afternoon escape, or a full evening of culinary entertainment, we’ve got something to suit every appetite and schedule.

Join us for three one-hour shows at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, where you’ll watch, learn, and taste your way through authentic island-inspired dishes. For guests who want to linger a little longer, our special two-hour evening show at 7:00 PM offers an expanded menu, more stories, and extra time to relax, sip, and savor in true Key West style.

Each show is a unique blend of cooking demonstration, storytelling, and delicious tasting — all set in the heart of Key West’s historic Old Town. Whether you’re a local foodie, a culinary traveler, or someone just looking for a fun night out, you’ll leave full, happy, and inspired to bring a touch of island flair into your own kitchen.

🍴 Reserve your seats now at: keywestcookingshow.com

👨‍🍳 Here’s my show schedule for this week:

Tuesday, October 7

🕚 11:00 AM: Conch Fritters, Mojo Roast Pork, Key Lime Pie

🕐 1:00 PM: Conch Fritters, Mojo Roast Pork, Key Lime Pie

Thursday, October 9

🕚 11:00 AM: Bollos, Grits-N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

🕐 1:00 PM: Bollos, Grits-N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

Friday, October 10

🕓 4:00 PM: Shrimp Ceviche, Mojo Roast Pork, Key Lime Pie

Saturday, October 11

🕚 11:00 AM: Tostones, Picadillo, Tia’s Flan

🕐 1:00 PM: Tostones, Picadillo, Tia’s Flan

🕓 4:00 PM: Conch Fritters, Grits-N-Grunts, Key Lime Pie

✨ Come hungry, bring your friends, and experience the warmth, humor, and hospitality that make the Key West Cooking Show one of the island’s most unique attractions. Every show is packed with laughter, flavor, and that signature Key West charm.

We can’t wait to cook, laugh, and share a taste of paradise with you! 🌺

Cooking With Pepa

Join me on Friday, October 10th at 7:00 PM at the Key West Cooking Show as we help Floyd Jenkins (aka Pepa Mahogany) raise funds for his King of Fantasy Fest 2025 campaign, benefiting the Florida Keys SPCA.

I’ll be serving up a delicious menu featuring:
🍲 Garbanzo Bean Soup
🦞 Lobster Enchilados
🍮 Guava Bread Pudding

The evening will also include a silent auction and raffle prizes.

🎟️ Tickets are $150 per person and available at: FKSPCA.org/donate/floyd-jenkins

Come enjoy incredible food and support a fantastic cause!