Author Archives: Dean

About Dean

Keith first moved to Key West in the 1990’s, after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mississippi University for Women. Key West’s unique combination of tropical small-town life and generous cultural activities ignited his imagination. Among the island’s colorful characters and regal palms, Keith brought his dream of becoming a successful art dealer and gallery owner to fruition. Although career opportunities eventually took him away from his beloved island home, he made a commitment to come back to Key West once he made his entrepreneurial dreams come true. In 2010, Keith joyfully returned to Key West. After teaming up with veteran real estate agent Dean Townsend in life, the two made the decision to team up as Realtors® in 2013. With the creation of The Townsend Team, a dynamic real estate partnership was born. Decades spent selling one-of-a-kind artistic treasures, proved to be a fertile training ground for selling Key West’s real estate gems. Keith consistently attends to the smallest detail, offers superior customer service and builds lasting relationships. Mastering the art of matching buyers with their dream homes is Keith’s primary focus. Experience, Creativity, Knowledge: qualities that make Keith Miller and Dean Townsend, The Townsend Team, your Realtors® of choice.

The Café in Key West, Florida

Just steps off Duval Street you will find one of our favorite funky Key West restaurants, The Café—home of the best spinach artichoke dip on the planet. Much to Dean’s chagrin, spinach artichoke dip is absolutely my favorite food and I am without a doubt a connoisseur of this king of comfort food. Although not on The Café’s regular menu, their bubbling hot spinach artichoke dip is almost always featured as a daily special. The Café’s recipe is extra creamy, packed with fresh cooked spinach, chunks of artichokes, and topped with the yummiest crispy melted cheese. I know, this can’t possibly be a low-calorie appetizer, but that is not the point. Sometimes, we just have to splurge. Besides, The Café offers one of the best selections of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes on the island, so how bad can it be?

The Café's yummy spinach artichoke dip with grilled pita bread.

The Café’s yummy spinach artichoke dip with grilled pita bread.

I should say that Dean and I are not vegetarians, vegans, gluten free, of follow any special diet—unless you count Dean’s addiction to milk chocolate and Orange Fanta. We simply enjoy delicious food. Since The Café serves a delectable selection of generously portioned dishes, it always delights.

Besides the incredible spinach artichoke dip, we love many of the wonderful items on The Café’s menu. For starters, we highly recommend the cream of tomato soup, the spring rolls, and the truffled French fries. Dean loves the falafel sandwich and I’m thrilled that they make their veggie burger with legumes, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, scallions and sunflower seeds. You will never forget the big-as-your-head Udon Bowl, made with homemade dashi broth, vegetables, shitakes, seaweed, udon noodles and tofu or clams. The selection of stir frys is terrific, the grilled pizzas are great, and the featured salads are more than fresh and tasty.

A stroll to The Café, at 509 Southard Street in Key West, is well worth it. If you simply can’t drag yourself away from your poolside lounge chair, The Café offers free delivery.

Keith & Dean

Click here to explore The Café’s terrific menu.

Jayme Barr-Nobles’ Exhibition at Lucky Street Gallery in Key West, Florida

Baglioni e Palace, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 12" x 9"

Baglioni e Palace, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 12″ x 9″

For years, we have been collecting the exquisite collages of acclaimed American artist Jayme Barr-Nobles. We simply can’t get enough of her art. Lucky for us, Jayme will have her newest collages on exhibition at Key West’s Lucky Street Gallery from March 27 to April 5, 2014. Constructed Realities will feature the work of three of the gallery’s accomplished artists: Susan Bailey, Lynn Bentley-Kemp and Jayme Barr-Nobles.

Swan Dive, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 20" x 10"

Swan Dive, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 20″ x 10″

As an artist, Jayme has it all. Not only is she insanely talented, she is a master of her technique, she possesses an artistic voice that is uniquely her own, and she does the work—not just talks about it. Jayme’s art has been shown in galleries from California to New Hampshire, has graced the pages of Art News , and has been exhibited at Art Miami.

So, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 24" x 24"

So, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 24″ x 24″

Being fortunate enough to see images of many of the collages she has created for her Lucky Street show, we can’t wait to see what we will add to our collection. Having lived with Jayme’s art over time, we can truthfully say that her work stands the test of time.

Electra & Iphigenia, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 12" x 9"

Electra & Iphigenia, Jayme Barr-Nobles, Collage on Canvas, 12″ x 9″

Join us for the opening night reception for Constructed Realities at Lucky Street Gallery, 540 Greene Street, on Friday evening, March 28, from 6:30 to 8:30. We bet you will love Jayme Barr-Nobles’ amazing new collages and that you will simply adore the delightful Jayme.

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy Jayme Barr-Nobles’ artist’s website.

1108 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,140,000.

A quintessential Key West cottage.

A quintessential Key West cottage.

We are not the only ones in love with 1108 Fleming Street. During our open house yesterday, we were delighted by the dozens of smiling people that had their heartstrings tugged by this charming Key West cottage.

Fabulous indoor/outdoor living.

Fabulous indoor/outdoor living.

Located on the quiet end of one of the most beautiful streets in Old Town, this quintessential Key West cottage stole our hearts when we first passed through the classic white picket gate and gazed upon the lovely bougainvillea-graced front porch. The picturesque entry welcomed us to a home that has been wonderfully designed and meticulously cared for.

We love the home’s light filled open floor plan with its gorgeous pine floors, painted wood walls and generous windows. The entry hall has a graceful staircase and opens to a dreamy guest room, an island style kitchen and a living room straight out of Costal Living. Upstairs, the master suite features an inviting bedroom, an exquisitely designed bath and a cozy office—with scuttles for superior old-fashioned ventilation.

Paradise.

Paradise.

The beautifully landscaped backyard, with its generous patio and heated pool, is perfect for tropical entertaining. Guests will never want to leave the picture perfect poolside guest cottage. With an outdoor shower, extra storage, and off-street parking on quiet Curry Lane, this slice of paradise has it all.

Keith & Dean

822 Washington Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,875,000.

Love the 1,000 square foot veranda.

Love the 1,000 square foot veranda.

We wish we were buying 822 Washington Street in Key West. Wow! Could we live large and entertain with style in this extraordinary single story home!

The spacious living room features a working fireplace.

The spacious living room features a working fireplace.

Designed by Key West architect Tom Pope, the home was perfectly created for its tropical island setting—allowing for indoor/outdoor living at its best. The 3,500 square foot, four bedroom/four bath home has a wonderful floor plan with spacious rooms flowing beautifully to the outdoors. We love that the living room, kitchen, family room and master bedroom all open onto the spectacular 1,000 square foot veranda, overlooking the 33 foot heated pool and walled garden. The generous and inviting spaces would not deter us from inviting as many as 200 to 300 guests for an unforgettable party.

Swimming laps in the 33 foot heated pool, sure would beat going to the gym.

Swimming laps in the 33 foot heated pool, sure would beat going to the gym.

Located in the prestigious Casa Marina District, just a short stroll from Flagler’s historic hotel, Higgs Beach, Louie’s Backyard, and Upper Duval Street, the home’s location is ideal. We could walk or bike to dinner in the evening or pull the car out of the home’s unusual oversized garage.

From the first time we toured this private and special home, we could not stop talking about its exquisite highlights and imagining the endless possibilities.

Keith & Dean

Chico’s Cantina in Key West, Florida

Love the mole chicken enchiladas at Chico's Cantina!

Love the mole chicken enchiladas at Chico’s Cantina!

We love the Mexican cuisine at Chico’s Cantina on Stock Island. Located at 5230 U.S. 1, just across the Cow Key Channel Bridge from Key West, dining at Chico’s is well worth the short trip.

Family owned and operated since 1984, Chico’s seasoned and friendly staff always makes us feel more than welcome. We love having our favorite beverages, along with a generous serving of hot tortilla chips and fresh salsa, placed before us as soon as we settle in. Decorated with a delightful mix of south of the border kitsch and old Key West charm, the covered outdoor patio is the perfect spot to relax with friends and family.

Famous for their locally caught fish tacos, Chico’s combines fresh ingredients to create a wonderful array of savory Mexican appetizers and entrees. I am usually torn between the delicious seafood enchiladas and the special mole chicken enchiladas. The fresh taco salad and the ground beef chimichanga top Dean’s list. Dean’s mom, Kathleen, is partial to both the cheese crisp and the deluxe chicken tacos. Chico’s tempting daily specials and generous menu selections keep us coming back for more.

Hands down, Chico’s Cantina serves the best Mexican cuisine in Key West.

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy Chico’s Cantina’s delectable menu.