In the Age of Coronavirus – Never-Never Land

In her 1986 book “Key West Writers and Their Houses,” local celebrity and friend Lynn Kaufelt referred to Key West as Never-Never Land. Pretty much on the mark.

It is extraordinarily expensive to live in Never-Never Land. Just ask Peter Pan. Now we have a pandemic that, like everywhere in the world, is wreaking havoc – destroying lives and livelihoods as it takes down whole industries. The people we know from our local restaurants are preparing for tough sledding ahead.

Locals famously pull together in our Southernmost city: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Here’s how one tough gets going by implementing a creative way to help Key Westers help one another.

Uva? Who Knew

Uva is Italian for grape, and Uva on Fleming Street is a tasting room and wine bar, owned by one of KW’s eclectic character. No airs here with Mark’s New Jersey swagger. Behind this no-BS, good-natured maverick is a solid understanding of wine. Some-time vocalist in a heavy metal band, Mark is evidently also a solid entrepreneur when it comes to drumming up commerce for KW businesses and its locals.

Only Open for Take Out Service

In an effort to help halt COVD-19, the state of Florida has mandated that all restaurants in KW are closed to sit-down service. The restaurants Mark mentions below are among our favorites.

Hi Dick,

Here are the details of the discounted package I have set up:

Uva will be open 11am to 7pm, everyday, until we can restore full service

We are not pouring wine by the glass, but are selling bottles to go and for delivery.

We are offering a 15% discount to all residents of the Florida Keys

Also, if you order takeout service from the restaurants below, bring your receipt to Uva, and I will give you a 20% discount off any wine!

• Thirsty Mermaid
• Antonia’s
• Lola’s Bistro
• The Flaming Buoy

We are a close and strong community. Please help support local businesses.

We are all part of the fabric of this magical island.

Warm regards,

Peter Pan

(aka Mark Gambuzza)

P.S. In the Age of Coronavirus: a Homemade Throat Sanitizer.

P.P.S. If you can’t find hand-sanitizer, you can make your own.