Key West Lobsterfest features delectable dining

Lobster lovers will have the opportunity to savour sensational crustaceans during the 11th annual Key West Lobsterfest, a tasty salute to Florida's clawless lobster set for Friday to Sunday, August 10 to 12.

The festivities celebrate the bounty of the Florida Keys’ lobster season that runs from August to March. Lobsterfest is to kick off at 8 p.m. Friday with a welcome party at Rick's/Durty Harry's on Duval Street. Attendees can rock to the music of Cool Breeze on the main stage of Durty Harry's, or join a local radio station for a 10 p.m. live broadcast on the deck at Rick's Upstairs.

In addition, a Lobsterfest Duval Crawl is set for just after sunset on Duval Street, Key West's most famous thoroughfare, with drink specials available at all participating bars. Cost is $15 per person, which includes a commemorative Lobsterfest T-shirt, and proceeds are to benefit a scholarship fund for Key West High School students.

The following day is the fun-filled Key West Lobsterfest Street Fair where lobster offerings prepared by chefs from 16 local restaurants will be available, with dishes ranging from appetizers to full dinners with traditional trimmings. All lobster to be served at the event will be caught by Keys lobster fishermen.

The Keys' clawless crustaceans, known as spiny lobsters, are famous for their sweet and tender meat. Lobster often is served steamed with clarified butter, paired with a seasoned stuffing, napped in a rich bisque or cold in savory salads topped with creamy dressing.

As well as the crustacean chow-down, the street fair is to feature an unofficial lobster cook-off as participating restaurants' chefs vie for bragging rights. In addition, attendees can enjoy live music from top local and regional bands. Lobster lovers also can browse and buy from booths at the event's traditionally lively feast. Like the Duval Crawl, the street fair benefits a scholarship fund for Key West High School students.

Lobsterfest events are to end with a Sunday lobster brunch at In Kahoots, on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

For more information about Lobsterfest, visit Keywestlobsterfest.com.

For lodging information in Key West, the Keys Web site at Fla-keys.co.uk.