Bliss has been on my radar for awhile, and this weekend my husband and I joined another couple for dinner at this small Columbian eatery on Petronia Street. I made reservations and was very glad that I did as the place was packed. And even though the space is small, we did not feel cramped.
The menu is filled with superlatives like “best sangria ever” and “best fresh guacamole ever.” We decided to try both in addition to our entrees.
We started with the red sangria; this had little tiny bits a fruit floating on top which did not look appetizing, but we braved a sip and it was delicious. Later on in the evening we tried the white sangria as well. This also had the tiny bits of fruit floating on top and proved to be equally delicious in a different way, and very fruity rather than dry like many white sangrias I have tried in the past.
For appetizers we ordered the “best fresh guacamole ever” and the Cartagena (shrimp and calamari sautéed in tomato basil broth with white wine and garlic and served with cheese bread). Both were incredible. And yes, the guac would certainly be in our top two! Both the guacamole and the chips were fresh and we ended up devouring the first order and getting another one. The seafood in the Cartagena was tender and delicious, with all of the flavors melding nicely together. The accompanying cheese bread was like a breadstick made of puff pastry with cheese rolled inside. This was quite tasty on its own and in combination with the seafood.
Unfortunately, they were out of the Mom’s casserole which I am assuming was because grouper season here in Key West is closed; so fresh, local black grouper is unavailable until May. The grouper is baked in a béchamel sauce made with white wine, fresh fish broth and fresh herbs and topped with bread crumbs, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It sounded heavenly and we will have to go back to try it this summer hopefully! Both guys ordered Grandma’s shrimp while Laura ordered the fettuccine and I ordered the yellowtail snapper.
The yellowtail snapper is their signature dish. The fish is encrusted with a blend of Japanese bread crumbs, fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese and pan seared, served with a light cream caper sauce, white rice and sautéed spinach. It was one of the best fish dishes that I have had in a restaurant. Again, the cream sauce was very light and was a nice addition to the fish.
The Fettuccini was tossed with fresh mushrooms, spinach and parmesan cheese. This was a tasty pasta dish and a perfect options for vegetarians, although you could add shrimp or chicken if you would like.
Grandma’s shrimp were sautéed in a light cream sauce with white wine, garlic, shallots, fresh mushrooms and fresh tomatoes and served with white rice. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the cream sauce was delicious, yet light and did not overpower the delicacy of the shrimp.
The desserts sounded wonderful, but we were pretty full so we just ordered coffees and a Columbian hot chocolate to end the meal. The coffee was strong and rich and the hot chocolate was great and a dessert to itself.
Yes, we will be going back to Bliss again in the future. Not only was the food surprisingly good, but the service was too. The owner is involved in all aspects of the restaurant, from prepping the food and preparing the sauces to acting as hostess and waiting on tables.
Before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West or the rest of the Florida Keys, be sure to read my other restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog.
And to see what is happening on Key West during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
Island Genn
Key West Concierge
