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Most of the best things that happen in the Florida Keys happen on or in the water, but the Tasting Florida Keys History food tasting is an exception to that.

I was sitting at the back bar at Robbies in Islamorada (if you’re going to eat at Robbies, I highly suggest the back bar; it’s infinitely more fascinating than the bar or tables at the Hungry Tarpon) when I saw the sign: Tasting Florida Keys History.

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I’ve known the historian (called a “foodstorian” in the marketing), Brad Bertelli for years and he was, in fact, the bartender serving me my burger. It was November, far too chilly to spend much time in the water, and I already knew listening to Brad wax poetic about Florida Keys food history would be a good time, so I signed up.

That’s how I found myself spending Thanksgiving morning at Robbie’s, feasting on conch chowder and sipping a rum runner.

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Our group was small — only six of us — so we had plenty of time to ask questions as we sipped and ate. We started with rum runners, a Florida drink invented right up the road at Holiday Isle Tiki Bar (currently Three Waters Resort & Marina). Word to the wise: If you book the 11:30 a.m. tasting, don’t skip breakfast. Brad’s rum runners are not for the faint of heart. And of course you’ll want a clear head so you can remember all those delicious Florida facts he’ll lay on you during the next hour. (Also, no refills — so sip slowly and make it last!)

After that, of course, came the food: conch fritters and conch chowder. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Brad did an excellent job of allowing us to appreciate the taste of the conch while explaining how harvesting t has meant devastation for the species.

No Keys food experience would be complete without, of course, key lime pie. The ingredients for this do not vary and, no, it should not be green. As we lingered over the pie — the hour gone far too quickly, as was my bowl of conch chowder — Brad told us about key limes. I have, in my lifetime, eaten my weight (and likely yours) in key lime pie. Despite that, I learned something new about the tiny fruit.

Exactly what I learned, I won’t tell you. You’re going to have to taste for yourself.

Tasting Florida Keys History

Tasting Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli Robbie’s of Islamorada, 77522 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Mondays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. $60. robbies.com; 305-664-8070. Booking in advance required; the experience is designed for small groups and fills quickly.

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This post appeared in print an online at The Gabber Newspaper in January 2026.