So, the title of my blog may be deceiving, since I didn’t actually have a cheeseburger while in paradise, but I did visit the supposed inspiration for the popular Jimmy Buffett song on a recent trip to the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Florida.

Located on the secluded island of Cabbage Key, the open-air restaurant is located in the island’s old house. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year. After arriving by boat, I was ready for some of the delicious cuisine the restaurant has become famous for.

The restaurant is also known for the one-dollar bills adorning the walls, ceiling and most surfaces. People leave money taped to the walls with their messages, and there’s even one from Jimmy Buffett displayed behind the bar. The casual atmosphere on the secluded island was perfect for a warm, early June afternoon, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

I started the meal sampling some cold Gulf shrimp in the shell and chilled smoked salmon served with dill horseradish sauce. While I didn’t try a cheeseburger, I did opt for another popular menu item, the black beans and rice topped with blackened mahi mahi. It was delicious.

I finished my meal with an equally buzzed-about menu item, the homemade frozen Key Lime pie. It’s an old Florida no-bake recipe. In one word: yum!

— Kimberly Krol, editor in chief