New Year in Key West

Congrat's on your booking. What is the weather typically like at that time of year?

Rod,

Typical weather is in the mid to upper 70,s. Not uncommon To be in the 80's and I have experienced the unusual 50's... With the crazy weather we have been having in this country, who knows what we wil get.....
 
That's great if the temps are in the 70's and 80's. We were down there this year (not on the boat) in February and the day we got there, 80's, next day 70's during the day and 50's at night. I still went snorkeling out at Dry Tortugas.
 
Just saw this thread. We will be arriving at the Galleon on the 29th. We already have reservations at Michael's for the 31st. Evil minds think alike?

You're not kidding, what a coinsident! Glad to hear it. I'll put your info on the first page, so we can keep track of our group.

We just got caught by surprised, after getting off the phone with Mchael's. As of now, they're booked. They offered only two available slots, 6:30pm and 10pm. At this time I only heard regarding confirmation from "Retreat" and "Gimmy Time" crews. So, I was booking for 9 people (4 or possibly 5 people for my crew, 2 for "Retreat" and 2 for "Gimmy Time"), for now. If you see that our head count needs to be adjusted, let me know. Considering the circomstances, admiral and I decided to reserve 10pm. So, I need your input here, folks.

It's time to start brainstorming and working as a team and come up with best approach. Thinking loud here. Idealy, I was hoping to get 8-8:30pm reservations, which would allow time for comfortable dinner and then head over for the "shoe drop". This would keep majority together for the celebration of the New Year.

Option 1: Having dinner at 10pm will put the dinner at limited, say no more than 1.5hrs time. We need to get out of the restarant at least by 11:30pm. We can also come let's say around 9:30pm and see if we can be sitted before 10pm.

Option 2: We could try switching reservations for 6:30pm and work in the "opposite direction", by streatching the time and start dinner a bit later. However, I'm positive that there will be point in time when they'll start "rushing us" out of there, b/c they have other reservations. So, by about 8:30-9pm I'd say we're expected to leave the table. So, what we do between 9pm and 11:30pm? Do we find a cool place to socialize and have drinks? Possible, but as you all can imagine, there will be thousands of people having exactly the same agenda.

Option 3: Find an alternative place that can accomodate our group at the time most convenient for us. I'll scan my library on previously found places. But, this where team work could really help.

Let's hear your thoughts, guys.
 
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Alex,

Loui's BackYard, Latitudes and Hot Tin Roof are 3 additional choices. Loui's Backyard is at the opposite end of town not to far from the Southern most point. Nice spot on the water. Latitudes is on Sunset Key and requires taking the shuttle. Hot Tin Roof is on the second floor of the Ocean Key Resort overlooking the harbor.
 
Thanks for your input, Steve. I'm looking at my notes and see couple more places, which are Azur and Shor American Seafood Grill.

We just left a VM with Latitude. I remember that last year they explained their priority routine. Residents have priority and whatever is left goe to general public. We'll see how they respond this time. But, I'd love to try this place, as it sounds very cool.
 
Quick update: We got in touch with Latitudes and were told (similar story like last year), that they have “prime time” reserved for residents. They told us that party of 9 they can accommodate if we were to take 5:45pm ferry to cross over. They would serve us as soon as we arrive, say 6-6:15pm. We didn’t feel in the rush to take this “deal”.


Admiral and I talked more about our 10pm reservation at Michael’s and we thought that we can do the following. Granted that this is a bit late for majority’s dinner time, but we could meat for some snacks and drinks some place and then head over for “official New Year” dinner. We don’t really have to rush for the shoe drop and could celebrate the New Year right at Michael’s. Then, after midnight we could walk the Duval street. This puts us at comfortable pace during dinner.



What you guys think?
 
We are late to this, but perhaps we could get together after dinner. Set a meet time at the shoe drop or a bar close by, then ring in the new year!
 
Michael’s looks good to me for the 10 dinner and since several us are in the same boat basin, Galleon and Conch Harbor might be good to have "Docktails" there to get together before going to dinner.

 
Michael’s looks good to me for the 10 dinner and since several us are in the same boat basin, Galleon and Conch Harbor might be good to have "Docktails" there to get together before going to dinner.


Sounds like a plan. :thumbsup:

I hope Steve is on board as well.
 
A non attendee throwing out a thought for you - or just a comment.

When we were there in May we stayed at the Galleon. One night we went over the restaurant at the Hyatt next door, don't remember the name - but easily found.

Not normally a fan of a hotel restaurant - but this was outstanding. We felt the food was on par with Micheals. Its on the back side, opens up to the water, great view.

They may be booked already - but thought I would throw the experience out for what its worth.

Interesting note - I got a call from Stock Island today - asking if we were coming down - they wanted to save space for us. Never had marina's calling for business before.

Sounds like you are on a great track for the group,

Mark
 
Mark,

Thanks for the tip. It sounds very inviting, I'll look in to it.

It's funny you mentioned, I got the same call from SIM today. I appreciate their do diligence, but IMO they missed critical component to their approach. After I explained what our plans are, they didn't ask why we decided not to stay with them and what could they do to earn our business in the future. IMO, not having this info makes the outreach call meaningless. They simply confirmed that I'm not coming there. I don't know what value this brings to their business.
 
That's great to hear, Steve.

Quick update: I just got off the phone with restaurant at Hayatt (BTW, coincidentally, this is the "Shor American Seafood Grill" I had on my list). They have no problem accommodating our party at 8pm. At this time they weren't sure if they're doing pre-fixed menu or buffet style, but they'll keep me in the loop. So, no time wasted, the reservation has been made for 8pm.

Thanks again for the feedback, Mark. I've never had first hand experience with this place. Knowing your satisfaction, surely gave me comfort level booking with them.
 
Quick update: I was able to add 9 more people (for Robert and Kevin's crew) to our New Year Feast at Shor American Seafood Grill (restaurant at Hayatt). So far we have party of 18 scheduled for 8pm on 12/31/15. I'll be updating first page with info on the New Year Eve Feast participants.

New Year Eve Feast will take place at
SHOR American Seafood Grill
601 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 809-4000
http://www.shorgrill.com/content/hpr/shor/en/key_west.html
DATE: 12/31/15
TIME: 8PM


List of Feast Attendees:
[CSR Name], [Boat Name], [Number of People]
Alex F, Inspiration, Party of 5
COD, Retreat, Party of 2
shadow9999, SeaDuced, Party of 4
N/A, Bad Habit, Party of 5
Gimme Time, Gimme Time, Party of 2


Anyone else wish to join us?
 
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Hello all! I would like to join you for NYE! Still trying to get a headcount. I just moved our boat to Faro Blanco for 4 months and have spoken to the dock master, I am under the impression they can offer a package of some sort for a group... the facility is really nice and I am very impressed with the service.

I would really like to make it to the dry tortugas over that week, I know it is a haul and fuel is an issue for our boat, however if anyone from the group plans on heading that far west over nye (weather and winds permitting) please let me know and perhaps we can coordinate an excursion.

Greg
 
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Keep us posted, Greg.

I'm not sure if we can make to Faro Blanco as a group. Based on the info I have, our dates are a bit off for FB, but we all end up in Galleon for 5 days from around 12/28 or 12/29.

My itinerary is:
12/24-12/26 Hawks Cay Resort
12/26-12/28 Faro Blanco
12/28-1/2 Galleon
1/2- heading back north. I was thinking stopping by Bahia Honda, but it's still TBD.

P.S. for those that consider joining and haven't made any reservations, keep in mind that as it cuts close to the date, your docking options are very limited. While restaurant for NY eve can still accomodate us, I wouldn't hold off on it for too much longer.
 
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Hey Alex,

I have my my son and 3 of his friends driving down on 12/30 or 12/31 and staying with us for a few days. Not sure if they would like to join us for dinner. Do you know if they can accommodate 4 more?
 
Hey Alex,

So I'm just curious (and a little jealous lol),
  • When are you leaving the NY area?
  • What route are you taking?
  • What do you expect to burn for fuel?
  • How long do you expect for the trip to take?

Truth be told I'm just in awe of the trip. I love Key West and just the thought of having your own boat there WOW.

Very HAPPY following seas and fair winds my friend.
 
Hey Alex,

I have my my son and 3 of his friends driving down on 12/30 or 12/31 and staying with us for a few days. Not sure if they would like to join us for dinner. Do you know if they can accommodate 4 more?

Steve, based on my last call with the restaurant management, it seems like we have a little room to play. But, if you could find out if your son and his buddies are willing to give a little more of a commitment, that would help. Hey, they need to eat anyway, why not come with us? BTW, my daughter (18 y/o) is coming with her friend (also 18 y/o). Hence, I have a party of 5.

Do you want to give it a day or two and see if you and Greg (seaGreg) can get better info on your party head count?
 
Ok, just confirmed and they are in....no brainier, free meal for them and then they go do their own thing.....So we have Brandon, Brittany, Adam and Stephan joining us....
 

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