The drive from Miami to Key West is about 160 miles. One would think that cruising down the Overseas Highway at 60ish miles per hour would get you there in about 2 1/2 hours. Don't be fooled.
Almost the entirety of the Overseas Highway is a two lane road. Truck traffic, local traffic, and tourist traffic will make your trip at least 4 hours. Longer if you're dopes like us and make the drive between the Christmas and New Years holidays.
While the Overseas is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever made patience is necessary. Getting out and stretching your legs is a good way to clear your head.
There is no better place in the Keys to stop and do this than Sweet Savannah's Bake Shop & Ice Cream Cafe in Marathon, Fl.
Situated just off the main road near Mile Marker 52 Sweet Savannah's offers amazing cup cakes and ice cream. Perfect to soothe your children (and yourself) before tackling that last leg on down to Key West.
Sweet Savannah's is owned and was co-founded by Katalin (Kate) Koler who lives in Marathon. Katalin graduated from the Univ. of Toledo in 2001. Working her way up in the restaurant business Kate was recruited in 2004 to the Florida Keys to manage a popular ocean front restaurant. In 2006, her husband decided to purchase the local paper and needed help running the family business.
While dying a slow death behind a desk, Kate dreamed of opening a small cake shop. In 2011, Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop and Ice Cream café had its grand opening.
Featuring ice cream, bake goods, cupcakes and custom cakes. Sweet Savannah’s Key Lime Pie has been named the Best of Marathon for 9 years.
Sweet Savannah’s team and cakes have been featured several publications such as The Knot Florida, Florida Keys Weddings and Southern Bride.
In 2020, Kate decided to scale back from the larger weddings and focus more on small intimate affairs, the shop and most importantly her family.
This month we will feature Katalin and Sweet Savannah's and celebrate her as our November Chef Spotlight. Look for photos, recipes, and an In Depth interview throughout the month. Here is a little bit more about her.
First Restaurant Job
Street Scene on High Street in Columbus Oho. On my 1st day of training the only other waitress walked out.
Favorite Bar
Back in the day I would say The Char Bar in Columbus, Ohio. I really don't go to bars now. We do have a beautiful place called the Roof Top bar at Grassy Flats that overlooks the ocean.
Chef you most admire
I love Ron Ben-Israel, cake designer. The sugar flowers his team creates are gorgeous! And I just recently discovered Soma cakes and am really impressed. But honestly, my bakers and cake decorator here are so amazing and creative.
What would you choose for your last meal?
Lebanese food or Mediterranean - Cannot get it here in the Keys.
Culinary skill you would like to be better at?
Cookie Art - Like the intricate royal icing cookies. I do not have the patience, not even when someone else in my kitchen is creating them. I become very annoyed by how long they are taking.
Last TV show you binge watched?
Physical with Rose Byrne.
Most memorable meal?
Either Oysters at Felix's or Oysters at Atchafalaya - both in New Orleans... I love all the food in NOLA.
Favorite sports team?
Marathon Dolphins - My eldest is a TE1.
Favorite celebrity chef?
I can't really say...I don't really follow anyone. I did watch a lot of Kitchen Nightmares during lock down!
Most famous person you’ve cooked for?
I have waited on a few celebrities' way back in my Columbus days. It is rumored that Jlo loves our cupcakes, and that country singer Luke Combs loves our Key Lime Pie.
Preferred after work cocktail?
Old Fashioned with either Woodford or Traverse City Whiskey Co. Cherry Bourbon.
Advice for young culinary professionals? Go into the trades, work in a kitchen and on in FOH. Learn every aspect of the business!
Thank you Katalin! We look forward to getting to know more about you and Sweet Savannah's this month.
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