Grille caters to seafood lover

Key West Grille is one of the newest dining options downtown. It caters especially to seafood lovers, but also features steak and chicken, as well as a peaceful atmosphere that would appeal to anyone. The prices are a bit steep, but not out of line with the other dining options in the area.\nThe service was speedy and helpful. Our server seemed enthusiatic about the menu and feature items and checked on us frequently. \nAppetizer\nBefore we had the chance to order our appetizers, the waitress brought out a plate of complimentary garlic bread. It was average, but a little undercooked.\nWe ordered the soup of the day, which was the spicy chicken gumbo for $2.50. It had generous chunks of chicken and vegetables. But when the waitress called it "spicy," she wasn't kidding; it was almost too spicy, though some would appreciate the amount of zip. \nInstead of watching this reviewer guzzle half a glass of tea to cool her tongue, a server graciously offered to replace the selection with a more mild offering -- broccoli cheese soup. That extra attention and care was much appreciated. The replacement soup was smooth, creamy and had an excellent flavor.\nEntree\nWe ordered the Key West chicken penne for $9.95, which was mixed with red peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, squash, cauliflower and onions. It was seasoned with the perfect amount of garlic, basil and wine, smothered in a tangy red sauce. The chicken was well flavored and tender, while the penne was soft without being too mushy. This is a great option for those who are not big seafood fans, because this is one of the few dishes not served with seafood.\nWe also ordered the lemon and dill salmon, served with red potatoes. The potatoes were well-seasoned, but not quite warm enough. Some didn't seem entirely cooked. And the salmon, though topped with a flavorful lemon sauce, was a bit dry and not as flaky as it should have been. It wasn't the best salmon in town by any means, but it would still be a viable option for those who love seafood.\nDessert\nWe ordered the Key Lime pie and Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake. We've both tried Key Lime pie before, and this was by far the best we've ever had, especially in a land-locked state. The cheesecake had a brownie crust and was drizzled in a wonderful raspberry sauce. It was better than the average chocolate cheesecake, and was topped with a generous amount of whipped cream.\nThe server decorated the dessert plates with lime and raspberry sauces, which made the sweets appear more colorful and seem more personalized. It showed the restaurant spent time trying to make our food look more delicious than it already was.\nOverall\nKey West Grille might need some time to work out all the kinks a new restaurant encounters, but it has great potential. The outdoor dining would be nice during warmer weather. This is a good place for seafood lovers who are looking for a change of pace.\nKey West Grille, 110 N. Walnut, 333-9378. Reservations accepted.