Cape Cod Times - February 3, 2008
The first morning of my trip I spent searching for a coffeehouse recommended by a friend. Though located right on Route 1, the Key Largo Conch House is all but concealed in a grove of trees. When I finally glimpsed it, I had to brake hard to turn into the parking lot.
A shaded path leads from the parking lot to the tiny restaurant and coffeehouse. The thick foliage seems to absorb the surroundings; sitting on the wraparound porch I almost forgot that a four-lane highway runs just a few yards away.
The staff members are friendly and, I later learned, engage in familiar banter with customers after only a few repeat visits (sturdy mugs of café con leche plus free wireless Internet plus stupendous fish tacos equal instant customer loyalty).

