Taste of Key West Celebrates 20th Anniversary

What's the formula for a memorable a 20th anniversary?

Invite people you like. Check.

Ensure there's plenty of eclectic food and generous spirits. Check.

Find a picturesque setting. Check.

That's how, after two decades, Taste of Key West will roll onto the Truman Waterfront Pier on Monday, April 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. A benefit for AIDS Help, the event promises a bounty of beverage and palate-pleasing plates.

According to Jeremy Wilkerson, Director of Community Relations for the Agency, it's a perfect example of a community assembling and doing what each does best.

During the three-hour event, foodies can stroll a horseshoe of edibles, savory and sweet, along the Waterfront, from appetizers and main course bites to sinfully-rich desserts.

"Every fork lifted, every plate cleared, is due to the generosity of donating food service owners and managers. Over 50 participating restaurants give us their time, staffs and product... chefs create gourmet bites of Keys cuisine... vintages from 100 wineries and vineyards are provided by Republic National Distributing Company," Wilkerson notes.

Admission to 'Taste of Key West' is free. Attendees purchase commemorative wineglasses for $6 apiece, and food and wine tickets for $1 apiece, prior to tasting the featured cuisine and vintages. Tickets are then exchanged for foods and beverages "costing" three to eight tickets each. This year's Commemorative Wine Glasses sell for $6 each. Participants can begin arriving at 5:00 p.m. to purchase their glasses and tickets prior to the gates opening promptly at 6:00 p.m.

New for 2015 is a limited number of VIP packages featuring exclusive "early entry" admission at 5 p.m., $25 in tasting tickets and a commemorative 'Taste of Key West' t-shirt, plate and wine glass. Cost for this is $75 per person.

Says Scott Pridgen, Executive Director of AIDS Help, "This makes the 20th year we've been astounded by the people who help make this evening so gratifying, down to the free transportation to and from. And the Gulf and ocean views sure doesn't hurt."

Old Town Trolley Tours will once again provide free shuttle services starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Pier House, with stops at the Westin Key West Resort, the La Concha, the corner of Simonton and South Streets and the Casa Marina. The last return leaves Truman Waterfront Park at 9:00 p.m. There will also be plenty of free parking, but biking or walking is strongly suggested... for both convenience and to work off those calories!