Is anyone else as ticked off with Toyota as I am?  I had a ‘79 truck and liked it. I now have a 2006 Avalon and like it too.  Every time I call the dealership and inquire as to when they plan to do the recall on my car, I am told that I will get a letter in the mail.  Supposedly they have fixed the unsold cars on the lot and the rest of the world can wait.  It is just as well, the repaired cars are still whacked.  Sorry for my ranting and raving.  Needless to say, this will be my last Toyota.  My father was a mill wright at Buick for nearly thirty years. I guess it time to give them another try.  Am I the only person pissed off with Toyota?

See ya soon, Mike

Afternoon with the boys.

John Frinzi, Jim Morris and Sunny Jim stopped by and played a couple happy hours a few weeks past and it don’t get any better than that.  The guests got their socks blown off having had no idea that the happy minstrels were stopping by.  Elizabeth and Brady were swaying to the beat and she said the crowd had a ball.  Well to make a long story short check out the  boys by the pool. Afternoon with the boys. It’s worth to listen to get a feel for what the guys are all about.  Like a step back in time.
Who sang, “play that funky music white boys”?

See ya, Mike

3rd Annula Green Living Awards

Thanks for all the votes!!!!! Well we are standing strong at 26%. There are still a few more days left to vote so if you have not yet please do Glee Green Living awards. The staff and I have worked very hard for the past few years to try and make Eden House a green hotel. I am sure you are aware of the many changes you see in the rooms but also behind the scenes there are many. We have put in solar power for the pool/hot tub, water heaters on demand, recycle as much as we can, a new washing system, I could go on and on. We really hope to do well so the staff can really feel like there amazing effort is noticed and as always we are open to suggestions of any kind.

Cheers Elizabeth

Eden House

Did anyone check the Farmer’s Almanac?  This poop is for the birds.  I know, here I am whining and you guys are up to your chins in show.  I just feel so bad for our guests - we don’t have any heat. We have bumped the pool up to 89 degrees and the spa to 101 but the guests can only drink so much hot chocolate and booze.  It is starting to feel like The Shining Key West style.  ”All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”  I have taken the voodoo doll out of the freezer and have put him in the oven.  Was it Martha and the Vandellas who did ‘Heat Wave’?  The calvary is on the way - but if they don’t get soon, it will be too late. Love, Mike

Eden House Gift Shop

The Eden House online store is up and running. Who would have thunk it? We are starting to go back and reproduce t-shirts from thirty years ago. I have been planning to do this for the past decade. My how time slips away. Also working on getting copies of some photos of the property taken during the filming of Criss Cross. Henrietta’s world famous Coconut Strips, regular and key lime, will also be available. My mouth is starting to water as I write this. Elizabeth keeps telling me if I would do these letters more often they would be much shorter. I think she means they would be much more interesting. Sorry to take up so much of your time if you have bothered to read this infomercial.

Angles Nest

Now that the Eden House ‘Regulaaaars’ giveaway has ended, it is time to put the finishing touches on the Texas giveaway. That’s right - for a seven and a four night stays at the beautiful Angel’s Nest. We have gotten some a pretty good response but it could be better. Don’t blame it on the economy – it is just a stamp and postcard. If you win, you can go to the Dr. Pepper bottling plant in Dublin, Texas where they still use pure cane sugar in their Dr. Pepper. The taste is amazing - cane sugar really makes a difference. To us Dr. Pepper freaks it is like a fine brandy. The plant bottles on Wednesdays and they have a very good deli on site. If you can’t make it to Weatherford (just outside Dallas/Ft. Worth) you can pass your stay along to a friend. Would this be called re gifting? We’ll have the drawing in March. Yes, your stay can be broken up into a couple stays or split up between a couple couples if you like. Candice will make it happen and she lays out one mean breakfasts. Put your info on as a strange post card and we will do the rest.
Heather’s going away to college raffle is over halfway there. If you have been dragging your feet – STOP IT! Help me put this puppy to bed, I need to clear space in the attic. I have been sending Heather the checks as they have been coming in and it has been a great help. Last summer’s special went so well we are bringing back. We’re calling it Elizabeth’s September Special. Kinda catchy isn’t it? We are changing the format this time around because everyone was confused last year, epically the staff. That goes without saying, doesn’t it? Here’s the deal – stay with us from September 1st-October 8th a minimum of four days (no maximum days) and get equal number of days at 50% off. No brainer, huh? We say that now. On Saturdays we have our regular happy hour plus hors d’ oeuvres, so get ready to mingle. This special can be applied to ‘Biker Weekend’ & Labor Day weekend but not with other specials.

Give us a call 800-533-5397 (KEYS) or drop us an email at info@edenhouse.com and check for availability. Don’t delay!

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is back and they are better than ever. You might remember them when they were on Virginia St many years ago. They call themselves a sushi restaurant – sake bar. I think they are much more. I especially like the edamame to kick things off. The avocado spring mix salad is delicious, huge to boot not to mention great price. Numerous rolls to choose from but one warning – steer clear of the tempura. Way too greasy for my taste and it was the same when they were on Virginia St. Try the Teriyaki Fish – you can’t go wrong. My favorite desert (perhaps on the entire island) is the Fondants au Chocolat. I’m not going to try to describe it – JUST GET IT! You can thank me later. Patricia will greet you and tell her I said hi. 1401 Simonton St (south) lunch 11:30-2 M-F Dinner 6-10 daily 293-0304

La Creperie Key West, this place rocks! But take my advice and start with the sweets. My favorite this week is the ‘fresh pineapple w/coconut and caramel’ crepe or is it banana, sugar and key lime w/ gelato. If you are still hungry after your dessert, how about the Norwegian Smoked Salmon w/a light lemon & chives cream sauce - the crepe is made with buckwheat? special omelets daily. My drink of choice is chai tea on ice. Herbal teas, espresso and cappuccino also available. Sandwiches and Panini if you must. Owners Sylvie & Yolande have been selling their wares from a small cart around town for years and now their new location on the corner of Thomas & Petronia Streets (Bahama Village). Tell the ladies I send my love. 7 days a week - 7:30 til 5 PM 300 Petronia 305-517-6799 (Cash Only-ATM coming soon)
El Siboney is the place for Cuban food. The garlic chicken is my choice. Dump the entire bowl of black beans over the yellow (saffron) rice and wave the basket when you want/need more hot overly buttered Cuban bread (baked fresh daily on the island). Split a flan with a Con Leche to seal the deal. In season you better get there early but it is worth wait if you are late. At this location years ago was the Cuban Restaurant called La Lechonera. La Lechonera had printed over the entrance to the dining area, “once on the lips, forever on the hips”. That about says it all. El Siboney have just open another location in Marathon. Look for it on your way down. I don’t know where it is or the address in Marathon but I have heard it is just as good. Daily 11 til 9:30 PM 900 Catherine Street 305-296-8850
I have taken a couple restaurants off my recommended list. The Good Life on Virginia Street has gone out of business. They’ll be missed. Jose’s Cantina, on White Street, is still in business but I no longer go there and the less said the better. Can’t believe I’m taking the high road. Salsa Loco has moved to the rear of Cowboy Bill’s on the corners of Angela & Duval Street. Still good eatin’ there.

I’m bringing back Besame Mucho by popular demand. The service has improved greatly - just like in the old days. By this I mean the owners are there. Soy candles, unique jewelry, lots of interesting stuff you won’t find any place else and they offer free off street parking. When I use the words unique and interesting I mean it ain’t cheap but for that special person you can’t go wrong - good value. Mon - Sat 10 10 til 6 PM Sunday 10 til 4 PM 315 Petronia Street 305-294-1928

John Frinzi

Ronny Elliott and lovely new wife, Dawn were down over Fantasy Fest week. Ronny is a great musician and needless to say, we have talked music for years. I never tire of hearing him tell stories about artists that he has performed with or folks in the industry. On this visit Ronny turned me onto an amazing musician, Dan Reeder, who is on John Prine’s label, Oh Boy! Records. Do yourself a favor and check Mr. Reeder out. Just enough profanity to spice things up.

John Frinzi, Jim Morris and Sunny Jim stopped by the Eden House last Friday and Saturday and played during happy hour. WOW! It doesn’t get any better than that. Tom Corcoran slipped in wielding a bottle of wine and his trusty camera. This photo is a result of a good bottle of wine, a steady hand and a pair of aging eyes. Thanks John, Jim, Sunny Jim and Tom. You’re always welcome at the Eden House. Tom just sent me this YouTube video - check it out you won’t be disappointed.
While I am rambling I should mention that the Alex Rutledge commemorative room is in operation. It is the apartment that Alex stays in when working on a case in Key West. It over looks Dredgers Lane.

Deb and John Koch were down for the month of January – staying on one of the Torch Keys. Coll and I got together with them a couple times and sure wish they would wipe that ‘shit eatin’ grin off their faces’. I think this is a prelude of what the future holds for these two free spirits.

Terry Davis and Dave (love of Terry’s life) were down over New Years. Terry ran the Eden House back in those insane late 70’s. If you passed through back then you know full well what I am talking ‘bout. What happened in Key West is the 70’s….stayed in the 70’s. Iggy Pop once said, “I don’t do drugs any more but I still think high.

Weddingskeywest.com

My daughter Jessica and Tyler Lockwood got married at the Eden House this past December and it was amazing. I couldn’t have imagined that it could be so wonderful, cosmic and refreshing all at the same time. It was a year in the planning……..that Dylan quote comes back to mind. We’re all glad it’s over and wouldn’t change a thing. Then again, Ernie Banks use to say, “let’s play two.” It was so much fun that Elizabeth and Jessica are going into the wedding business. The new web site is weddingskeywest.com Yes, another brain fart. Wish us luck. If you or a friend needs any help with a wedding, big or small, check us out.
Brady just turned two months on the young meter. Elizabeth and Chris are on cloud nine. I only hear him cry when he hears my voice. I have a strange affect on adults too.

Haiti

I want to start off by thanking everyone for all the support you have given the people of Haiti. It is hard to believe that Haiti could get any worse off and then BAM! If it weren’t for bad luck the people of Haiti would have no luck at all. I sent some shirts over that were just on the verge of making a come back…in style, that is. They would have been HOT when the sequel to ‘Dance Fever’ goes into production in 2015. Yep, that’s why they were on the first Coast Guard Cutter leaving Key West. I’ve often heard the line, if you haven’t worn it for X amount of months get rid of it. Their time had come.