In Orange, Connecticut, there is the PEZ Visitor Center. You know, those tiny little pieces of candy that come in a fun dispenser? This is the motherland.
"The creation of a particularly fine peppermint candy in 1927 by Eduard Haas III in Austria marks the birth of PEZ. Originally introduced in small tins, the refreshing candy proved extremely popular. The name PEZ comes from the German word for peppermint, "Pfefferminz" taking the P from the first letter, E from the middle letter and Z from the last letter to form the now iconic brand name PEZ. The original shape of PEZ candy was round and called 'PEZ drops.' The candy quickly changed to the familiar brick shape we still manufacture today," reads the website.
In 1935 a new PEZ candy factory is built in Czechoslovakia to manufacture candy on a larger scale. In 1948 the compressed sugar tablets are sold in small pocket sized tins until inventor Oscar Uxa patents a small mechanical box for dispensing the tablets. In 1949 the first dispenser is officially introduced at the Vienna Trade Fair. The original dispenser held the same number of tablets (12) as today!
PEZ starts U.S. operations in 1952 establishing in New York City. All goods sold, however are imported from Europe and distributed throughout North America. On December 2, 1952, PEZ is awarded the first U.S. patent number for a dispenser: 2.620.061. In 1956, PEZ introduces an innovated dispenser called the space gun. 1957, PEZ adds a three dimensional character head to the top of a dispenser. The Halloween Witch becomes the first traditional character head dispenser in 1957, while Popeye adds to the variety as the first licensed character in 1958.
During the 1960's, PEZ continues to bring a new dimension to the dispenser base with sticker and die-cuts. PEZ showcases some rare and unusual candy flavors, such as Licorice, Flowers, and Chlorophyll. PEZ Pals are introduced. The PEZ Boy is designed as a detective who dresses up in disguises to solve mysteries. With these various disguises he becomes different characters such as Policeman, Knight, Sheikh, and Doctor. These character are shown in the PEZ Comics inserts that came packaged with the dispensers.
In 1973 PEZ in the US grows to the point that, in addition to distribution, the company begins to manufacture the candy domestically. PEZ breaks ground on a new warehouse and manufacturing facility in Orange, Connecticut on November 19, 1973. In 1978 PEZ introduces interchangeable rubber head character dispensers.
In 1984 Europe adds small tabs to the bottom of the dispenser base to help it stand upright. This feature is introduced in the United States in 1987. These tabs are referred to in the collector community as 'feet' and help determine year and value of vintage dispensers.
As PEZ collecting grows in popularity during the early 90s, the first convention is held in Mentor, OH in 1991. In 1993 Forbes features PEZ on its cover and the prestigious Christie's auction house holds the first ever pop culture auction featuring PEZ. In mid 90's PEZ reintroduces two popular products - peppermint candy and the 'regular' dispenser. The Tweety Bird Dispenser was featured on an episode of the popular Seinfeld television show.
In 2000 PEZ introduces Fuzzy Friends, the first plush dispenser. The early 2000s also brought General Mills PEZ dispensers and candy as premium giveaways with the purchase of selected cereals. In 2005 PEZ releases the Star Wars Collectors Set. This was the first PEZ limited edition set. In 2007 PEZ celebrates its 80th Anniversary with the launch of a Disney Mickey Mouse collectible tin.
In 2011 the PEZ Visitor Center was opened in Orange, CT. The Visitor Center has hosted many guests over its first decade where fans enjoy over 4,000 sq ft dedicated to all things PEZ! The 2010's also saw the introduction of several fan favorites including the PEZ Presidential Series, PEZ Connectibles, and new innovative gift sets like the Finding Dory Fish Bowl set, and seasonal candy flavors! In 2021 the PEZ Visitor Center celebrated it's ten year anniversary with an exclusive PEZ Treats Cupcake. Only 1000 were produced and lucky fans can register their dispenser here. As PEZ embarks on it's 100th anniversary in 2027, we continue to bring America's favorite characters to life through the iconic PEZ Dispenser. We are proud to partner with America's favorite licensors to bring you the candy with character - PEZ.
Blue Heaven Restaurant is located in the historical Bahama Village in Key West. It is an iconic landmark for Floridian-Caribbean cuisine, key lime pie and live music, according to their website.
For me, however, Blue Heaven will be the place that I realized I had COVID-19. Now, I didn't necessarily catch it at the restaurant. It's just here that I noticed my sense of taste and smell wasn't as strong as it should be. Which, of course, didn't help my dining experience.
"Opened by a pair of free spirits, Suanne and Richard, Blue Heaven has become its own well-known destination in Key West. The chickens and cats roaming the premises are almost as famous as the food. Blue Heaven is al fresco dining, Key West style: canopies of tropical foliage, improvised art (a leopard-spotted mannequin, a rooster graveyard, jolly-colored coconuts and trap floats) and a sail strung between trees providing shade," reads the website.
I enjoyed some fresh fruit, which just felt fitting inn the warm weather. I also always crave grapes or other fruit when my tummy is just a bit upset.
For my entree, I ordered the Caribbean "BBQ" Shrimp, which is pan-blackened Key West shrimp deglazed with Red Stripe beer, finished with butter, served with skillet corn, black beans and organic rice. Plus veggies and bread.
Now, I imagine this is full of flavor. Maybe a bit spicy. Maybe a bit sweet. But, I couldn't really tell you. I know I was super excited to try it, but my tastebuds were not on the same page. It was then that I realized... I gotta go home.
Next time, I will be sure to try it, COVID-19 free.
Grade: ?
Cuban Coffee Queen is a Key West coffee shop that is no-frills yet a bit of a tourist hotspot due to its location.
"At Cuban Coffee Queen, our passion lies in offering exceptional coffee experiences, rooted in the rich traditions and flavors of Cuba. We are dedicated to not only providing the highest quality coffee but also sharing our extensive knowledge on coffee roasting, all while upholding our core Christian values. We are committed to establishing a nurturing and supportive environment that celebrates the love for coffee and fosters a sense of community," reads the website.
Cuban coffee - also known as cafecito - is strong and a bit sweet. It's made by combining espresso with a whipped sugar foam. It's not for the faint of heart (me).
Grade: B
Have you really been to Key West if you didn't get a slice of Key Lime pie?
Located on the historic Key West Bight, Kermit’s Key lime pies are known as the best. They are simultaneously creamy and tangy.
"Made with their in-house key lime juice and topped with fluffy whipped cream, this classic Key lime pie features a traditional graham-cracker crust and a rich, tart filling that is just scrumptious. When Kermit Carpenter opened his namesake Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe in 1993, he was on a mission to serve the best Key lime pie in Key West. Located near Mallory Square (where you can often find Kermit jokingly pretending to toss pies at tourists), Kermit’s Key lime pies and Key lime pie on a stick are the real deal," reads Gold Belly.
Grade: A
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