Mangia Mangia is a little pasta restaurant in Old Town Key West. It's a tiny place catty corner from Michael's restaurant, near the cemetery.

ANYway, ate their night before last... they make their own pasta, and it's REALLY awesome. I know you probably hear that a lot about a lot of different places, but the pasta at this place is truly outstanding... even eating it plain it has such texture - it's incredible.

I had the Duck. Awesome. We drank two bottles of an outstanding Paulliac - Elliot Baron's (owner) wine cellar is the best on the island, and I still don't know how he can afford to offer all the Bordeaux wines so DIRT CHEAP... but, I like it.

Long story short - go there... order the pasta with the duck, have a couple bottles of excellent red wines.

Elliot is a wine nut. He buys things when they first come out and holds them sometimes for a while. Then when he puts them on the list, he still only does a moderate markup even if the wine is currently much more expensive elsewhere. He really doesn't seem to believe or follow the fact the many wines get much more expensive with age or demand. He has two list so be sure when you go there to ask for the captains list. Thats where all the good stuff is. If he is ever around be sure to chat with him. He might even show you his wine room (actually it is more of a house). He is a character down here. Most people either love him or hate him.

Or love to hate him!

I think he's great! But, he IS controversial! Have you seen the hysterical "Wine Tips" he did for us on Key TV?

Yes, they are really funny. Another wine nut on the island is Sean McConnell over at Grand Vin. You get those two in a room together and you should see what happens. Its funny.