Bringing Food & Wine together in paradise
All about Pairings, People & Passion
We are talking about what happens in Key West and what we think is important in the food and wine business in our town and what we eat that matters.
This month we are talking about all things food and wine, specifically The Key West Food and Wine Festival held at the end of January.
We all must to eat and we all must drink, so why not the best there is to offer? In the end it’s about the experiences we create and the memories we make. I believe food and drink are the catalyst for bringing all people together throughout history. Through their art, architecture and community involvement, meet a few of the people that make it truly special.
ART
Meet Steve “Koz” Koslowsky, Artist and Co-owner of The Green World Gallery
A quote on The Green World Gallery website.
“we are passionate about supporting our communities and charitable events.”
Through his art, Koz takes us on a whimsical adventure under the sea and to tropical paradises. His canvases explode with vibrant colors as he portrays fish, sea horses, crabs, mermaids, reef life and palm trees. He is recognized by the “fun” that he creates in his art and the “smiles” that he brings to those that view it. Pamela and Koz live in Key West, Florida and Ortonville, Michigan.
Koz is the chosen artist for the 2015 official painting and this is his contribution.
KEY WEST FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ACRYLIC
This whimsical original acrylic has been donated by Koz and is being auctioned to benefit Boys and Girls Club of the Florida Keys.
To participate in the auction, please go to www.32auctions.com/Kozkwfwfkeywest.
Koz also painted our official KWFWF artist bike #4.
COMMUNITY
Meet Kellee Bartley, Event & Fundraising Coordinator for Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys
I can’t remember exactly how I met Kellee, but I am sure we were at a local wine bar sipping wine. I have worked with Kellee on a few projects over the past few years, one being The festivals Grand Tasting. Kellee is super detailed, works hard and is very creative.
I ran into her a month ago and she said, “I have an idea for a fundraiser” for her organization, and wondered what I thought. She told me her idea and I said “lets do it”
Kellee has created an event that is a fun food event that is involving over 30 individuals in our community raising money for a great cause, and this is her contribution.
LAST CHEF STANDING: FINAL CHEF CHALLENGE, EMCEED BY AMY CULVER
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 4:00PM – 6:00PM
ISLE COOK KEY WEST, 218 WHITEHEAD STREET
This is a culmination of a five week cooking competition where the final chefs will cook an amazing course with the basket of mystery ingredients given to them moments before the clock starts ticking! All attendees will get to vote for their favorite dish. Only one chef will survive and become the “Last Chef Standing”!
This is a fundraiser for Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys, the only nonprofit hospice and home health agency caring for all of Monroe County.
Hosted by Isle Cook Key West. Sponsored by Fausto’s
$45.00 per person.
Reservations are required. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.kwfwf.com
ARCHITECTURE
Meet Nancy Stock, Kitchen & Bath Designer and Volunteer for Truman’s Little White House
I was renovating my bathroom after hurricane Wilma and this is how I met Nancy. Nancy is quietly motivated and committed to everything she touches with passion.
Fast forward a few years and Nancy is a volunteer at the Little White House. She has worked in that kitchen for years helping produce events and needs the money to update the kitchen.
When she told me about her idea, I was very excited to help her develop an event that could raise money for this renovation. So far she has raised over $5000 and still counting.
Nancy’s event has sold out for the past three years and this is her contribution.
KEY WEST KITCHEN TOUR AND TOAST OF THE TOUR
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2:00 PM – 4:30PM
HOSPITALITY SUITE, CORNER OF CAROLINE & ELIZABETH STREETS, THE MARKER WATERFRONT RESORT
Board the Old Town Trolley at the Hospitality Suite and ride to a few of Key West’s beautiful homes to take a sneak peek into spectacular kitchens and outdoor culinary spaces while sampling delectable food prepared by Chef Martin Liz of Key West Personal Chef.
This event is a fundraiser for the Truman Little White House historically-accurate modern kitchen renovation. A complimentary 2015 etched glass is included. Sponsored by Historic Tours of America.
$80.00 per person for Kitchen Tour and Toast of the Tour reception.
Reservations are required. Advance tickets can be purchased from kwfwf.com
Boys and Girls Club of the Florida Keys,Truman Little White House historically-accurate modern kitchen renovation,Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys, Womankind, Helpline 211 of the Florida Keys. Are this year’s non-profit organizations being helped by the KWFWF.
Past organizations include, Wesley House Family Services, MARC, MCC cooking with love, SOS, Sculpture Key West, Sister Season Fund, Studios of Key West, Samuel’s House and more.
The Festival also believes in giving back to our community and this is our contribution.