This was a revisit since the last time was so good we wanted to explore the menu more extensively. Our server Ally was incredibly welcoming and attentive. We ordered the Fried Calamari and Coconut Shrimp Appetizers. The Coconut Shrimp are freshly battered, fried, and served with an out of this world Mango Chutney. The Fried Calamari was fried to perfection and topped with Thai Chili Sauce and Sriracha Aioli on the side. Previously we had planned a visit as part of a day trip to Islamorada from Coconut Creek. We arrived at a large new parking lot and walked along the beach to the hostess who immediately seated us. Our waiter Marzen came over and promptly took our drink orders.
Once the drinks arrived we ordered the Crab Cake for an appetizer. All that I can say about the crab cake is “simply incredible”. You need to stop here just for this. The Crab Cake is loaded with Lump Crab Meat, seasoned to match its Seafood Perfection, prepared fresh to order and is served over Pommery Mustard. We then ordered the Grilled Mahi Caesar and the Alligator Reef Salad which also comes loaded with Lump Crab Meat, Hearts of Palm, Avocado, Shrimp, Grape Tomatoes, and much more. The Mahi Caesar was absolutely delicious and with a fairly large amount of Freshly Grilled Mahi Mahi.
They serve good original dishes and the drinks are handcrafted with fresh ingredients and are true thirst quenchers. The 88 Relaxer did the job and I heard from Doris that the Blood Orange Margarita was made with fresh ingredients and Premium Tequila tasting delicious and refreshing. Taking a quick look at the menu, it appears like typical dishes that one would expect to see in the Keys. However, to the trained eye, it is apparent that they have added some really good twists to the typical fare (eg the Key Lime Pie with Meringue was prepared with a Baked Alaska twist) and this is what transports the delicious flavors all the way to awesome.
On a side note, before even ordering our lunch, we both agreed that we just had to order a Cuban Sandwich “to go” and I must say it was spot on. Just as good if not better than anything that Miami or North Jersey could put out. We didn’t get to eat it until about 3 hours later and it was a hit. Our server, Marzen, suggested the homemade potato chips. Next time, I know that the chips will not make it all the way home. We both thoroughly enjoyed it all.
It was a perfect mid-week reset for us. The setting is even more breathtaking in real life. It’s totally laid back, relaxing, friendly and welcoming and the business is professionally run. We will be back soon and bring others to enjoy this Slice of Heaven.
One response to “Marker 88”
Been a while since I’ve been back , lived there for awhile 35 yrs ago and have previous to that 5x a yr vacation since 1957 . Been about 8 yrs since I’ve been back but coming up in 2-3 months . Thanks for the info