OAKLEAF— If you drive about 489 miles south, you’ll land on a place where Brandon Wallace said is the key inspiration behind all his culinary endeavors.

Although small, Key West is marked with a large presence beyond its clear blue beaches, bright orange sunsets and historic landmarks. It’s a bold representation of various cultures, foods and experiences blended into one.

And it’s everything Wallace said his new food truck embodies.

“We just want to bring the island vibes, the family feeling and good flavor to the area.”

Cafe Key West is the county’s newest cultural fusion on wheels, representing some of what the Florida Keys has to offer and bringing the unique tastes of the southernmost point to residents.

From Bahamian and Cuban cuisine to the blends of Puerto Rican fare, Wallace said customers will find some of the key dishes that shaped his childhood—family recipes passed down from generations—and find something that tastes like home.

Wallace, who’s from Key West, runs the food truck with his wife Ruth and children Brandon Jr. and Raliyah. He said they decided to start the business after realizing there wasn’t much of the specific cuisine available locally.

“So, my wife, family, just thought ‘Hey, why don’t we bring our flavor up this way,’” Wallace said. “We know there are a lot of Key West people up here, so we’re here to cater to them.”

Conch fritters are a staple in Key West.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

From main meals like empanadas, pinchos, seafood salad, Key West fried chicken, and Key West fried pork chops, to traditional oxtails, Wallace said they offer a range of authentic, made-from-scratch cooking to suit any palate.

One of their bestsellers, which he’s proud to say truly transports customers to the southernmost point, is the conch salad and fritters.

“Our quality is what we live by, so it’s quality over quantity. And good food takes time.”

While Wallace said he and his wife balance the business with their full-time jobs, they try to venture into the community whenever they can, whether that be local festivals, weekend markets or parked at their frequent spot on Blanding Boulevard.

But next on the list is eventually expanding to a permanent brick-and-mortar location, bringing the island vibe to life. Until then, Wallace said, you can expect good food and a good time.

Unlike the road to Mile Marker 0, Cafe Key West won’t be ending anytime soon.

From Bahamian and Cuban cuisine to the blends of Puerto Rican fare, Wallace said customers will find some of the key dishes that shaped his childhood.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD