Keylime Bistro wins Wine Spectator’s ‘Award of Excellence’ 2010
Island oenophiles can be sure that they’re never too far from a fabulous selection of wine — that is, as long as the Keylime Bistro is around.
For the fourth year in a row, the Keylime Bistro received the Award of Excellence from the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine.
After submitting an application, including their wine list and menu, to the magazine, owner Sandy Silverglide received word that Keylime Bistro would once again be ranked among many high profile restaurants from all over the nation.
“We’re in the company of some really fantastic restaurants. We’re the only one on the islands to win. When you look at the list and you see all the big restaurants, it’s pretty amazing. It’s an honor,” Silverglide said.
Wine Spectator only gives the Award of Excellence to restaurants if they fit the criteria, which includes a well-chosen selection of quality producers, how the list complements the menu in price and style and if the list offers at least 100 selections.
“Last time I counted we had about 201 kinds of wine,” said Keylime Bistro Manager Russ Boorman. “I’ve got a bottle of wine somewhere in the mid $20 range and that goes all the way up to $648.”
But even if your tastes — and your cashflow — are limited, Boorman says Keylime Bistro’s extensive list has something for everyone.
“We have a variety of wines from across the world. We still have a lot of the big wines, but with the economy the way it is, we’ve been trying to offer more inexpensive options so that people don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a good wine,” he said.
Silverglide agreed. “At the restaurant level, you have to decide how much money you want to invest in your wines and I’m just glad that we’re able to hang in there. Our wine reps give us a lot of direction and help us with the process. They know this is something we want to continue on with to make sure that we have a great presentation.”
Boorman noted that the bistro’s wine representatives have also said that many of the more expensive wineries have begun reducing their prices to accommodate wine lovers on a tight budget.
“I find it really refreshing that the wineries are reducing their prices — so that we can pass along the savings,” Boorman said.
But the Keylime Bistro is also focusing on making their food items more affordable.
“We’re now offering an early bird menu for those that are little bit more cost-conscious. People can come in and have dinner before the rush starts. The portions are smaller and each dish is $15 or less if you come in between 5 and 6 p.m.,” Boorman said.
“Our food is excellent! Our chef always does an amazing job and, recently, we’ve been shaking up our menu a little bit,” Silverglide said, noting that the Keylime Bistro has added new cold soups and has even introduced gluten-free meal options.
Keylime Bistro also offers daily live entertainment.
“We have some great performers. We’re really fortunate to have such talented people,” Silverglide said.
Boorman extended an invitation to anyone looking for a truly award-winning dining experience. “If you want to enjoy some great music, great food and great wine, come to Keylime Bistro.”
The Keylime Bistro is located at 11509 Andy Rosse Lane and is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch, dinner — and of course, wine.
For more information about the Keylime Bistro, call 395-4000.