CAMILLE’S

SHADE-O-METER RATING

2 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “NOT FEELING IT”

What’s Camille’s? It’s a restaurant in Key West. Our server claimed that they’ve been around for 65 years, but the Facebook page says 20 years. Regardless, they’ve been in Key West for quite a while.

Poised on the edge of the United States and at the center of a wider Caribbean world, today’s Miami is marketed as an international tourist hub that embraces gender and sexual difference. As Julio Capo Jr. shows in this fascinating historical book, Miami’s transnational connections reveal that the city has been a queer borderland for over a century.

Was there an age restriction? No. What time did we go? Around 6:00 p.m. How was the maître d’? The server sat us. They didn’t have a maître d’. What was the décor like? Rather funky.

What was the seating like? They have two dining rooms. One is larger than the other. Both rooms have some cool bench seats as well. What was the atmosphere like? Casual. The vibe is diner-ish, but a high-end diner. What was the crowd like? Mostly locals.

How was the cruising? You’ll have to go to Island House if you want that (and you can dine in the nude there as well, if that tickles your fancy). When’s happy hour? They have a full bar, but sadly, there’s no happy hour. What libations were ordered? A white wine for $10.75—outrageous price.

Was it served timely? Yes. How was the drink? Table wine. Nothing more can be said about it than that. What was ordered? A Shanghai Calamari appetizer for $12.95, meatloaf for $17.95, and seafood pasta for $27.95. Was the food served timely? Yes.

How was the food? They have 2 for 1 “Signature Entrees” for dinner, and now I know the need for the discount. The meatloaf was wrapped in bacon, and it came with red-bliss mashed potatoes and green beans. The gravy on the meatloaf was so salty that you could have had a stroke right there at the table. The bacon around the meatloaf was undercooked. However, the caramalized onions on top of the meatloaf were pretty good. The white sauce in the seafood dish was fine, but the seafood itself was slightly overcooked. And Madame Camille is cheap as well, trying to pad out the dish with spaghetti to trick you. Regarding the calamari appetizer, the calamari itself was bland. It was also obvious that the dipping sauce was merely Caravelle chili sauce straight out of the bottle.

How was the service? The servers were pleasant, but they were also a bit quirky. You get the feeling that some of them drink the nights away on their houseboat on Stock Island. What stands out about the place? Two things: the décor, and the fact that it’s not on Duval Street. If you’re looking for a restaurant that doesn’t have a lot of tourists, then this is it.

What could be improved? The restaurant is known for breakfast and lunch. We’ve been there for lunch, and it was excellent. But, unfortunately, this review is for dinner. In that area, they need to improve the quality of the food.

What was surprising? There was a straight couple next to us on a date, and every time we looked over, the bitch had another shot in front of her. But then again, her date was carrying on about the bible, so maybe miss thing needed the drinks to get through the meal.