Kennedy's Cove

I visited the Cove on both Wednesday and Thursday, having the blackened 8 oz. filet the first evening and the blackened 16 oz. strip steak the next. filet is not my first choice in steak cuts but it was truly fantastic which i cannot say was true for the strip. the filet was easily the best i've ever had - butter and blackened spice drenched tenderness that melted in my mouth.
each group enjoyed the Cove's fried olive with asiago cheese appetizer. very tasty. the wednesday night crew also enjoyed the clams casino which were also excellent.
each entree was served with salad or soup, a choice of potato (everyone ordered either the twice-baked or twice-baked sweet potato) and a slice of heavily buttered bread.
i was full by the time i got to my potato sides, but from what i was able to stuff into my belly, the regular and sweet twice-baked were pretty good. the sweet potato could have almost been mistaken for cake it was so sweet (which suits me fine).
i would strongly recommend everyone to go and try the filet and judge for yourself.

Shango

the group had an opportunity to visit Shango last night. some of us enjoyed a few beverages from the bar before sitting down. note: they only serve beer and wine (and ryan's soda).
the restaurant crowd was loud which was bolstered by live music; a pianist who started his set with 'the girl from ipanema' (it got better from there though with some diversity: some jazz, some beatles and stones etc.)
the group started with sweet potato and parmesean fries - both were excellent. i also tried the goat cheese salad which was excellent as well.
i started with the gumbo which was awesome and ordered the creole meatloaf as my entree which i enjoyed but sdisappointed as i really liked the buttermilk fried chicken entree that i tasted - tender and well-spiced. i also sampled the ahi tuna (good), mac & cheese (good), penne (excellent) and i think the grouper (good).
i didn't hear any complaints except that the tuna steak should have been ordered rare.
all meals were reasonably priced.
i would definitely give Shango the thumbs up and would like to visit there again.

Curly's

i ordered the fish brettone, curly's fresh fish entree sauteed with mushrooms, capers and a white wine and butter sauce. it was very rich and, unfortunately, after having some of the ricotta or goat cheese-stuffed pablano hot pepper and the recommended black bean soup (both excellent) i was in no position to make much of a dent in my entree. but what i did have and what i shared was enjoyed by everyone. i also enjoyed a sample of the chicken ochee entree. i would recommend both.
curly's has a caribbean slant to it and considers itself to be fine dining which is supported by the the price of the meal.
i was not too fond of the dining room music (from the get-go which started with a jimmy buffett ditty) but the companionship and conversation minimized it.
i would definitely like to go back and try some of the other entrees.