Key West's newest Asian inspired tapas restaurant, Taku, exudes upscale elegance without being stuffy. The menu is as delicious as it is playful, and the staff is chic yet friendly. Located at 613 1/2 Duval St. and run by the same owner as the Rooftop Cafe, Taku's dishes come in small, medium or large portions.
I was lucky enough to be accompanied to dinner by one of the mastermind's behind Dopecityheroes.com, a visual entertainment database of Key West's unique and unrecognized arts. Rob and the gang are heading out on the road soon for a six month tour, so he's gotta get in good eats while he can. Also, he took all the photos. (If you think they're good you should go to the site and check out his videos, they're even better.)
I was lucky enough to be accompanied to dinner by one of the mastermind's behind Dopecityheroes.com, a visual entertainment database of Key West's unique and unrecognized arts. Rob and the gang are heading out on the road soon for a six month tour, so he's gotta get in good eats while he can. Also, he took all the photos. (If you think they're good you should go to the site and check out his videos, they're even better.)
Kombu Cured Tuna with a Passion Fruit Vinaigrette, Fleur de Sel and Red Chili Sorbet
Our first dish of the night, the Kombu Cured Tuna ($7), came courtesy of sous chef Ryan Shapiro. The inspiration for the dish came from the cookbook of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and involves pressing the tuna filet between two pieces of seaweed, Shapiro said.
The tuna melted the second it touched my tongue, while the seeds of the passion fruit vinaigrette added an unexpected crunch. The tangy and sweet combination of the vinaigrette and red chili sorbet rounded out the flavors of the dish.
The tuna melted the second it touched my tongue, while the seeds of the passion fruit vinaigrette added an unexpected crunch. The tangy and sweet combination of the vinaigrette and red chili sorbet rounded out the flavors of the dish.
Lemongrass Chicken Lollipops and a Dragon's Breath Saketini
We were so stoked to get the second course that we forgot to take a picture until it was practically devoured (oops). The Lemongrass Chicken Lollipops ($6) had just the right amount of crunch on the outside with a tender, juicy middle. The presentation made it fun to eat and the by the end of the meal the Smoked Chili Dipping Sauce was licked clean off the plate.
The night of my 21st birthday the restaurant was kind enough to stay open for my friends and I to buy a round of drinks. My official birthday drink was Taku's best -- the Dragon's Breath Saketini ($8), raspberry Sake with lavender syrup, flowers, raspberries and fresh squeezed lemon.
The night of my 21st birthday the restaurant was kind enough to stay open for my friends and I to buy a round of drinks. My official birthday drink was Taku's best -- the Dragon's Breath Saketini ($8), raspberry Sake with lavender syrup, flowers, raspberries and fresh squeezed lemon.
Seared Rare Duck Breast with a Five Spice Foie Gras Emulsion
We finished out the night with the Seared Rare Duck Breast ($18) paired with a Five Spice Foie Gras Emulsion. Now I've never had duck before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I thought it was a little tough to chew, but full of flavor.
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