Alice's at La-Te-Da: A startling antithesis to the past, young and brash Alice Weingarten delights with her wild-print chef attire, collection of cat's-eye glasses, and vibrant lipstick. But her plates show a serious side, dallying in beurre blanc, white truffles, and lavender vinaigrette. Her Key lime pie is "black bottom": a veneer of deep chocolate ganache between from-scratch Key lime curd and classic graham cracker crust. She encourages pastry chef Sharon Madden to dream with daily specials such as a charlotte of Key lime mousse with "ice cubes" of clear lime-vanilla gelatin. Very clever. 1125 Duval Street, Key West; (305) 296-6706.

The Key Lime Tree: A souvenir shop honoring the itty-bitty citrus. Skip the mediocre pie, and stock up on sweetly scalding Key lime hot sauce, creamy Key lime mustard sauce, and oddities such as the alligator-shaped pasta. Snap the perfect vacation photo outside this quirky spot. U.S. 1, MM 95 Oceanside, Key Largo; (305) 853-0378 or 1-800-870-1780.

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe: If you missed the Key Lime Tree back at Key Largo, here is your second chance for a citrus-themed shopping spree--a bizarre bazaar--this one with funny man Kermit Carpenter. 200 Elizabeth Street, Key West; (305) 296-0806, 1-800-376-0806, or www.keylimeshop.com.

Seven Mile Grill: Okay, not the best pie, but a place you ought to see. This 48-year-old tradition is usually packed for breakfast. If you think that Key lime pie is a nutritious a.m. option, by golly, so do they. And if Rebecca McDaniel is waiting tables with the usual huge hibiscus tucked into her long brunette braid, you're in for sunshine and a laugh. For those who'd rather sleep till lunch, we hear they do an "honest fish sandwich." U.S. 1, MM 47.5 Bayside, Marathon; (305) 743-4481.