Restaurant Index
The Elephant Bar | Crave | La Trattoria Caffe Napoli Capt'n Con's Fish House | Ariani |
The Prawnbroker | Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille | Robin's Restaurant | Red Bone Alley |
Randy's Fishmarket Restaurant, Naples, FL
Written by Louis S. Luzzo, Sr. This is a job not without its certain advantages. Every so often, we are reminded of how lucky we are to do what it is we do. The ability to not just report to you about great restaurants, great food, wine, ideas and lifestyles, but to be able to experience those things personally, then bring them to you so that you might enjoy them also, is to us, a privilege. Why am I saying all this here, in this month's Casual Spotlight you may ask? Well, I'll tell you. 
Randy's is that kind of experience. We first heard about Randy's from our dear friend and the chocolatier for Gourmet Girl, Ingo Wullaert. Since our visit to the eatery, I have thanked him again and again. Simply put, this is the most outstanding pure seafood experience we have had in a long while. I dare say that it may be the best, simple presentation of this ingredient, fish, that we have encountered in Florida to date.
The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is homey, warm, and invitingly casual, with a touch of whimsy. Each table is set with a different wine bottle, available for purchase. Industrial style open ceilings are accented with a 'nesting' flock of Flamingos high in the rafters. Fun without crossing the line to kitch, the menu also reflects Randy's great sense of humor, with descriptions like, "Grouper Fingers; "I'll bet you didn't even know grouper had hands!" The staff is friendly and attentive, and throughout our time there, the emphasis was on two main points; the fish, and making sure we felt welcome and comfortable. Our meal was some of the freshest, most simply prepared and tasty seafood we have ever eaten. Bar none. I know I know, you'll say, "There are many great seafood restaurants out there." We agree. Some we have even covered.
But, friends, I think you have come to understand that we, Elaine and I, have extremely high standards when it comes to food, be it casual or high end fine dining. I also hope that you have come to understand that we don't pull any punches or give credit where it is not due. That is especially true of me and those of you who have met me know that to be a fact. Some appreciate me for my intolerance of 'not speaking plainly', some resent my abruptness and would have me 'candy coat' and not offend. Whether you are one of the former, or one of the latter, the fact that 2+2 must equal 4 is how I live my life. No apologies offered.
That said, if you have the chance to experience Randy's and pass it up, the loss is soley your own.
I grew up spending most of my summers on the beaches of New Jersey. The 'Shore'. My mom and dad exposed me to great local seafood, taught me how to eat clams on the half shell (only Little Necks baby!!), steamers and we spent hours at family clambakes, cracking crab after crab after crab. There is also an abundance of really great seafood houses all along the miles and miles of New Jersey coastline. I would hope with all that 'seafood experience,' I could say that I have a good idea about quality seafood.
For me Randy's is at the top of this list. I ordered a half dozen Little Necks to start and not only were they fresh, they were sweet and tender as only a Little Neck can be. No grit, no sand, and if I closed my eyes, I was back on the dock in Jersey, with the captain of the local clamming boat having just arrived back in, where he would shuck these little jewels while standing on deck, literally right out of the ocean, and offer them up to us as we clamored to get our share.
Impressive, and not found in most casual establishments like this, was a generous wine list. Great ales are on tap and also offered is a cute selection of tropical drinks. I had a glass of Randy's Fishtail Ale while 
Elaine chose the Sunday Special 'Calypso Rum Punch.' For starters, Elaine enjoyed a bowl of delicious Seafood Gumbo with plump, huge pices of fish. The offering had just a hearty enough hint of heat as to be interesting, yet was not overdone so as to take away the purity of the fish itself. I opted for a cup of the Conch Chowder which was good by all standards, the chef letting the conch speak for itself.
For our entrees, I selected the Black and Bleu Grouper Sandwich, fresh blackened grouper fillet, topped with creamy 'homemade' bleu cheese dressing and served on a special toasted bread made for Randy's by Todd Johnson. Elaine chose the Daily Special Escolar Salad, blackened escolar 
(butterfish), served over salad and canteloupe slices and served with the 'homemade' blue cheese dressing.
Of note here is that all sandwiches come with a choice of french fries or potato salad, cole slaw and served with lettuce
and tomato. All dressings are made 'in house'. The Grouper Sandwich was marvelous, fresh as can be, the blackening having great Cajun zip that added flavor without masking the fish. If you are a grouper fan, this is a winner. It is also served as an entree on the dinner menu. The fries were some of the best I've eaten, cooked perfectly crisp outside, while moist and tender inside, with not a hint of oily or greasy anywhere. Cole slaw was tasty and actually refreshing, not gooped with an over abuundance of mayo.
While most restaurants offer the same blackening spice blend for every dish that bears the name 'blackened,' Elaine's Escolar Salad came with the fish blackened with a spice blend that differed from the one that I experienced. It was thoughtfully created, so as to bring out the subtle, rich texture and flavor that butterfish is known for. The fish was perfectly moist and tender, flaking at the mere sight of the approaching fork. That kind of attention to detail is what we believe sets Randy's
apart from the rest. We have to mention here that the bleu cheese dressing is amazing, with chunks of the cheese the size of cherry tomatoes. We can't remember the last time we were offered a dressing like that. 
The dessert selection here is truly wonderful. Randy is known for his Famous Key Lime Pie, which was featured as one of the best in the country by QVC in the early 2000's. It did not disappoint. We also enjoyed the Ricotta Cheesecake and a decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie that is to die for. A note here is that Randy's will ship his nationally renown Key Lime Pie, so if you are interested, you can get more info at his website: www.randysfishmarketrestaurant.com.
Last but not least is 'The Market.' Randy's fresh fishmarket case boasts the freshest seafood around. Whether it was caught in local waters, or flown in from the waters of the north Atlantic, they offer the best quality available. Keep in mind that quantities are limited, as thier fish arrives daily,
so visit early and call ahead for any special requests, and they will be happy to try to accommodate all your needs.
They stock many varieties of fish on a daily basis, including escolar, grouper, hog fish, monk fish, mahi mahi, snapper & swordfish to name a few. Selections vary with availability each day. Also offered are oysters, clams & mussels along with a wide variety of shrimp.
By popular demand, Randy also has a great cookbook, available either at the store or online.
Overall, if you are a local, or you are coming to the Naples area on vacation, your experience will not be complete without a trip to the waters of Randy's Fiskmarket Restaurant.
Oh, and tell em "Gourmet Girl sent you!"
Randy's Fishmarket Restaurant
239-593-5555
10395 Tamiami Trail N
Naples, FL 34108
Red Bone Alley
Part of the "On the Road with Gourmet Girl "
By Louis S. Luzzo, Sr. When Elaine first mentioned her wanting to do a road piece and we decided to add this periodic feature to the format, I wondered how the dynamic would materialize. As a writer, you hope for quintessential moments that would define the public's perception of "road piece", but the more I though about it, the more I realized that it has all been done before. I was about to start planning and fussing and getting my "itinerary" ready when I noticed her, out of the corner of my eye, laughing at me shaking her head.
She said "Let's just go and just let it happen." For me, music to my ears, as I love to just take things as they come when traveling. I'm a "here's where we start", and "here's where we need to get to" kind of traveler. What happens in between is anybody's game.
We hit gold on our first night out. I, as a Yankee it seems, had never been to a 'Cracker Barrel.' 
Elaine suggested that if I were to truly consider myself a foodie, I at least needed experience this once in my life and now was good a time as any. After walking into the store and wrapping my head around the enourmous selection of what seemed to be everything ever created then given a country twist, we made our way to our table.
This is when we met Miss Brandy Smith. A self described, "Dixie Girl to the core!", she was a delight to talk to as she guided me through the "Southern American" offerings. She suggested the "Southern Sampler", that way I get to "taste a broad range of all the fixins." It was this young lady's enthusiasm about food and her finding out what we do at Gourmet Girl, that led the conversation to Redbone Alley. She emphatically stated that they had "some desserts that were so deliciously good, they made you wanna smack yer Gramma!" My kinda girl. Thanks Brandy.
Lou
Redbone Alley, Florence, SC/ September 15th, 2008
You could never anticipate as you pull up to this department store space at the end of a nondescript mall what you will encounter as you walk through the doors of this highly prasied restaurant.
A two-story high space with an open atrium. A back porch with glowing lanterns. A children's area with patio seating next to an old ice cream truck. An upstairs balcony overlooking the alley. A sports bar and grill. Low Country landscape murals painted by Charleston artist David Boatwright. All in all, a little something for everyone.
In 1993, Dale Barth's dream became a reality with the opening of Redbone Alley Restaurant & Bar in Florence, SC. Named after Barth's daughter's coon hound, Redbone, the restaurant offers an extensive bar, live entertainment and a clothing line featuring the Redbone Alley hound.
The food is fresh and innovative South Carolina regional cuisine. Closely tied to the land, sea and rivers that abound in the region, South Carolina's cuisine is influenced by hundred of years of French, Mediterranean, African, English and West Indian cooking.
Dedicated to offering his customers the freshest food possible, Barth and his staff start every day early by gathering the day's ingredients -- produce bought directly from local farmers -- honey gathered by South Carolinian beekeepers, Darlington County rice, freshly caught Atlantic seafood and the highest quality aged Western beef flown in daily.
They are doing it right at this eatery and even though we stopped just for a quick lunch, the offering was excellent.
Our waiter suggested the house specialty Low Country Shrimp & Cheese Grits, (echoing Miss Brandy's sentiments exactly), cheese grits piled high with spicy shrimp, seared ham, mushrooms and green onions. Boy, were they ever right. Simply marvelous.
Also touted as a must is the Mac n' Cheese "Red Bone" Style, grilled chicken, sauteed mushrooms and pancetta, all tossed with a 3 cheese cream sauce with tender penne pasta. Also excellent.
For dessert we ordered, Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie, warm and chewy chocolate chip, pecan cookie pie with vanilla bean ice cream and the Apple Crisp, a hefty portion of really hot crisp loaded with Granny Smith apples, pecans and caramel sauce and served with vanilla bean ice cream.
All I can say is, "Brandy, Y'all weren't kidding! Now where's my Gramma?"
Redbone Alley Restaurant and Bar
1903 West Palmetto St. Florence, Sc
843-673-0035
And of course, tell em "Gourmet Girl sent you...............!"
Robin's Restaurant, Cambria California
By Megan Diaz
September 2008
Robin’s, is located in the quaint town of Cambria. Established in 1985 it has continued to dazzle its guests with a unique and eclectic menu and personal passionate service. Even walking into the place on a Tuesday night, you will find the dining room and patio quite filled with locals and visitors from all over.
The locals are as friendly and embracing as the staff, many of them knowing each other by name as they have all been coming here for years. The tables are placed closed to together, enticing you to get to know your neighbor if you so choose. Regulars of this place love to get to know every tourist that happens in on this charming establishment.
The décor is soft colors, lots of flowers and early 19th century paintings like something you might find at your grandma's house. There is an earthy richness to the patio with a live vine wall separating you from the outside world. Movable heaters on the patio create a warm intimate space even on cool winter nights. Inside, the intimacy continues in the dining room with a warm fireplace and low lighting, making even the most proper of guests want to cuddle up with their loved ones and enjoy the view from the many windows onto the street below. Even though it is a more casual setting, Robin’s is also a local favorite pick for receptions and community events.
The freshest ingredients are used to make a wide variety of items from lunchtime sandwiches to daily seafood specials. The menu has a worldly feel to it, with cuisine inspired from every region, all cooked to perfection and beautifully presented in very manageable portions.
After dinner drinks such as chai lattes, are wonderfully done up in clear glass mugs, showing that Robin’s pays attention to the smallest of details when it comes to taking care of their guests. Entrees range from $9-$15 for lunch and $15 – $25 for dinner, priced to fit every budget. Be prepared to fall in love with Robin's if you choose to stop in, as locals say it is a must if you are visiting the area. Some regulars explained that they travel from up to an hour away just to enjoy Robin’s relaxing environment and charm, and I have to agree, the experience worth the drive!
The History of the House
Diagonally opposite the intersection from the Guthrie-Bianchini House, on the southwest corner of the intersection of Burton Drive and Center Street, stands the historic building that is now occupied by Robin’s Restaurant. However, this is not the first building to occupy that site.
The land itself, like all of Cambria, was owned by Don Julian Estrada who received a Mexican Land Grant called the Rancho Santa Rosa in 1841. Nearly the entire rancho went to Domingo Pujol, an attorney, who, in 1862, foreclosed on a loan he had made to Estrada. Pujol subdivided the rancho and sold the pieces to new settlers. This particular plot went to George E. Long in 1866, then to Samuel Pollard in 1867 and, in 1868, to George W. Proctor and George W. Davis. Eventually it came to be owned solely by Proctor who sold it to Charles and Mary Ivins in 1878 and they built a house on it which was located approximately where Robin’s garden is today. After their death, their son, Ernest, sold the house to Emma Anderson in 1901. After Emma’s death, her son, Charles, sold the house to Milton Mayfield in 1920. It was Mayfield who built the house on Center Street behind Robin’s in which Wilfred and Hazel Lyons lived for thirty years and which currently houses a portion of Cambria Bicycle Outfitters.
In 1934, Mayfield’s heirs sold the property to Frank and Mabel Souza. Frank was born in Cambria in 1899, the son of Manuel Souza who had come from the Azores to San Simeon to work as a whaler for Captain Clark. Mabel was also born in Cambria in 1905 but moved to San Jose when she was twelve to live with her grandparents after her father died of a heart attack. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley and completing two years of graduate school at Stanford, she was involved in an automobile accident which ended her banking career before it even got started. She moved back to Cambria and married Frank in 1932.
Frank and Mabel tore down the Ivins house and built the present structure in 1935 where they lived for thirty years along with Mabel’s mother. According to Mabel’s meticulous records, the entire cost of building the house was $2625.81 including five cents for sandpaper but not including the $42 charge for demolishing the old house. Frank worked on the construction of Hearst Castle and, in 1937, he was injured in a fall into the empty Neptune pool which crippled him for life. He died in 1964 and Mabel moved to her cattle ranch in Harmony where she lived until her death in 1993. In 1974, she sold the house to Dan and Shirley Miller who turned it into The Grey Fox Inn, one of Cambria’s finest restaurants. They closed off the front entrance and added the entry room and steps. It was the Millers who added the deck on the south side which was designed by local architect Warren Leopold, and the trumpet vine which engulfs the deck to this day.
Shirley Miller Doerr sold the restaurant business to Bob and Edie Anderson in 1982 and they sold it to the Clegg family. It was later bought by Robin and Shanny Covey who moved their restaurant into the old house. Robin’s began as a health foods store in the building now occupied by Chenoa on Main Street near the Bluebird Motel, and then became a restaurant occupying the Thorndyke House on Bridge Street and finally moved to its present location in the mid 1990s.
My Personal Dining Experience
Walking down the streets of Cambria, I immediately spotted where I would be eating dinner that evening. The building screamed character and personality. Dining there in the late evening, my uncle and I were excited to try some of the wide variety of items on their menu. Upon arriving we were warmly greeted, waiting only a few minutes before being seated on the patio, which to my delight was something as if from a fairytale book, with old wooden pillars and ceiling, stone floors and mosaic table tops. We were greeted by a lovely young waitress almost instantly and she acted as our guide through the menu and specials for the evening.
We decided to start with Indian spiced lamb rolls, containing English peas, crispy phyllo, served with mint chutney and yogurt. Looking similar to a spring roll, the first bite was an explosion of flavor. We were instructed to dip our lamb roll, and the chutney and yogurt were a perfect combination of flavors accentuating the flavor of the lamb, while not overwhelming it.
While enjoying our appetizer, with tables being placed closed together, we began to chat with our neighbors and found them just as delightful as the place itself. The Willies were from Santa Barbara, having recently moved to Cambria after falling in love with everything the town had to offer. They were well traveled, and my uncle and I being travel nerds ourselves, enjoyed lovely conversation with them over our first course.
For our entrees we chose the Malaysian Chicken Curry and Black Cod, pan roasted and served with rice and fresh squash. The cod, served with garlic Tasso jus, wild rice and roasted yellow and green squash, was perfectly seasoned and the aroma tantalizing. The fish was cooked to perfection, almost buttery and it melted in my mouth. The squash was an excellent accompaniment to the rice and deliciously enhanced by the sauce.
The Malaysian chicken curry was served with yellow curry, toasted coconut, pea tendril and cucumber salad with basmati brown rice. The dish was rich in textures and appearance with the powerful aromas that curry can create. Taking a bite you were greeted with a delicate balance of spicy curry, calmed by the pea and cucumber. With just a hint of coconut, which I was unsure about when reading the description, once I tasted the combination, my mind was immediately changed and this dish was a winner in my book.
The Willies took great interest in the fact that I was visiting from Florida. They proceeded to tell me a few places that I “just must be taken to” and even a few places in France where I was told that I should go to on holiday whenever possible.
Being wonderfully surprised and delighted at the cuisine I ended the meal with a chai latte which was brought to the table in a large clear glass mug with a swizzle cinnamon stick. It was delightful, like everything else my uncle and I had enjoyed.
After the meal we exchanged email addresses and warm goodbyes with our new found friends with hopes of seeing each other again. We left extremely happy with the entire experience and I know I will definitely go back again!
M
Beverly's La Croisette, St Pete Beach
By Louis Luzzo 
Now THIS is breakfast! Locals make this a regular morning stop and if you are visiting St. Pete Beach and miss this eatery, shame on you, because you will have truly have missed a fantastic breakfast experience.
Greeted at the door by Beverly herself, the place is packed almost everyday. She sat with us and explained that 'in season' she averages 400 covers (plates) during the week, does at least 600 on Saturdays and on Sundays, that number can reach as high as 800! Wow, that's a lot of chickens working very hard just to keep this place supplied with eggs! There was a line of folks waiting outside to get in and this was a Saturday in what is typically the start of Florida's slow season. It's almost as if this St Pete treasure needs to install a revolving door, as it never stopped opening from the moment we sat down until the moment we left!
Once we were served our dishes it was easy to see why. The Gourmet Girl had a wonderful variation of French Toast, made with croissants, and I had one of a series of Eggs Benedicts, called 'benny's', that was out of this world. We also shared a half portion of home made on premises biscuits with sausage gravy that could have been a meal in and of itself, the portion was so huge. Our waitress had advised me to order the home fries with my selection because as she explained,"dipping those crispy morsels in that sausage gravy is like you have died and gone to heaven."
She was so right and actually came over to watch the reaction on my face as I immersed myself in the rich, creamy and succulent sauce. You can bet that not only will we be back to this place when we are in St. Pete Beach, but with gas prices so high , this could become very expensive. I would have no problem becoming a regular even though we'd have to drive over an hour to get there. (Well worth the trip at twice the price!) Gee, I wonder if Beverly would ship to me every Sunday? Does she deliver? Yes! It really is that good!
Do yourself a favor and do not miss this oustanding breakfast experience the next time you are in St. Pete.
And this time, tell 'em, "the Gourmet Girl's guy sent you!'
Beverly's La Croisette
7401 Corey Avenue
St. Pete Beach
727-360-2253
Woody's Waterfront Cafe & Beach Bar, St Pete Beach
The fish was so fresh at this great little waterside eatery, I had to look around to see if the Chef might be throwing a line in right there and hauling in the day's catch direct to our plates. With a wonderful beach feeling and packed with tourists and locals alike, it was evident from the smiles and chatter around us that I was not alone in this sentiment. Live music, with the strains of Jimmy Buffet, made the experience a true Florida moment!
Woody's was built in 1945 facing the Gulf of Mexico, on an inlet called Blind Pass which was created by the hurricane of 1928. Originally established as a The Bait House, it served Florida's fishermen hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cold beer. In the early fifties, it was renamed the Sunset Inn, becoming a gathering place for the local community. Today, Woody's has evolved into a tourist and family restaurant featuring fine food & fun, still maintaining the atmosphere of the 50's & 60's and continuing to serve the local community.
Offering all that you could ask for in a casual beach cafe, Woody's serves up good sized portions with our waiter John actually sitting down at the table to chat while taking our order. A nice touch that had us feeling like old family regulars immediately.
We started with a basket of tender Fried Clams, cooked perfectly and served with both cocktail and tarter sauce and presented just like you'd hope it would be from a restaurant mere feet from the water. My partner Louis had one of the freshest and best tasting offerings of Blackened Grouper we have sampled anywhere in our travels and my Crab Cake was moist, tender and packed full of flavor and large chunks of delicious fresh crab.
If you are in St. Pete Beach and want a true casual waterfront dining experience, Woody's has it all.
And don't forget to tell them "the Gourmet Girl sent you!"
7308 Sunset Way
St. Pete Beach
727-360-9165
www.woodyswaterfront.com
Las Americas Grocery, Cape Coral
What you can expect is great food as if prepared in home kitchens all across Cuba. For non Cubans who have never had the pleasure of real & authentic Havana fare, this is the real deal. No Americanized versions of black beans and rice or pollo con aroze here. If you are already a true lover of this island nation's cuisine, you must try this little eatery. Other than traveling to Miami, or well known Bergenline Ave., back up in New Jersey (known as "Little Havana"), this is some of the best Cuban food I have tasted in quite some time. It’s only a short jaunt over the Cape Coral bridge from Fort Myers. As owner Gisell explains, "This is what we eat in Cuba (cooba).
Fried plantains, freshly made empanadas, oxtail and ‘Oh those croquettes.’ They are to die for. Take your time with ordering as, this is like stopping into a little roadside stand of the kind you would find in and around Havana. Best to just point and say "I’ll take that and this and a sample of those." The Cuban sandwich is easily one of the best on the Cape.There are 2 or 3 small tables, (drinks are self serve from the cooler located in the market) and a few tables outside are available. This is a true treasure if you are like me and adore well done Cuban fare, no frills. Just this great tasting food and prices that are unheard of, we ate like a King and a Queen for under $25.00.
Las Americas
1336 SE. 46th Lane
Cape Coral
239-549-4483
Elephant Bar Restaurant, Fort Myers
While I'm not one to usually spotlight a chain, the new Elephant Bar Restaurant in Ft. Myers is worth breaking with tradition, so put on your safari hat and come along with me on a trek into a restaurant with global cuisine that is sure to please the entire family.
Located in the Edison Mall on Rt. 41 north, this restaurant is a cross between fine dining and casual. The menu will take you exploring many different cultures and styles of cuisine, from Asia to the Tropics. There is an abundance of servers, all eagerly offering a warm smile and greeting while making sure that your needs are always met and that your dining experience here will be a pleasant and memorable one.
The decor is tropic and exotic without being kitchy or over the top, and though the dining room is anything but quiet, it is a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to have a good time with friends or family while enjoying a quality meal. The fare is a bit above the norm and definitely a cut above Friday's or Houlihan's.
"Elephant size” portions, to use the descriptive from their own marketing literature, are tasty and will give any diner, especially families on a budget, a great value for their dining dollar, while still offering a high level of quality. 
Appetizers like the Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls or the Soy-Ginger Calamari are made with fresh ingredients and a creativity not usually found in chain restaurant fare.
My favorite entree, and one that I think deserves a highlight here, was the Fiery Kung Pao Chicken. Sweet with a good amount of heat, this dish is well thought out and excellent.
Kudo's to Executive Chef/Partner Reinhard Dorfhuber for coming up with a creative and tasty menu.
For those who like a cocktail and grabbing a bite at the bar, this is a very unique space, offering all the menu items available in the dining room and is, in my opinion, a great place to come in and unwind.
With an extensive menu and a wide variety of cuisines, whatever your budget, the Elephant Bar Restaurant is a great place to grab good quality and casual fare in a one of a kind setting. I gladly add them to my Recommended Restaurants List....
And don't forget to tell them, "the Gourmet Girl sent you!"
Edison Mall
4125 Cleveland Ave. (Rt. 41 N)
Fort Myers
239-936-2775
Crave, Fort Myers
Malt Shop/Gourmet fusion describes this surprising little restaurant located in the Bridge Plaza Mall in Ft Myers. Pleasant and airy, specials of the day are written on a blackboard and a smiling and friendly wait staff greet you as if a long lost friend. Old tin signs and formica tables a la 1950, with stainless napkin dispensers, lend the space a whimsical small town diner feel.
When the food starts coming out of the kitchen, all comparisons to your typical diner fare end abrupltly and you realize you should never judge a book by its cover. This husband and wife team have taken comfort food to a new level.
Appetizers include Crave Dip, spinach, crab, mushrooms and shrimp served like a French onion soup with cheese perfectly bubbling over the top of what almost seemed a seafood bisque, chockful of these delectable goodies sided by crusty baked and flat breads. Or try the equally fabulous Stuffed Mushrooms, packed with moist sausage stuffing and topped with herbs and cheese swimming in a lush au jus.
Entrees include old favorites with imaginative twists. Take the Meatloaf, wrapped in Apple Bacon, served over perfect 'mash' potatoes, and shallot green beans, topped with a decadent Crazy Mushroom gravy. Mom didn't make meatloaf like this when I was a kid!
How about Vegatable Wellington for new take on an old standard? Roasted eggplant, portabello, spinach, zuchinni, roasted red peppers and lentil pate, wrapped in a puff pastry, baked and served amidst a tomato basil sauce. It arrives looking like a picture out of Food Arts magazine.
With its sense of humor evidently displayed, contrrasted by the seriousness delivered on the plate, this restaurant is quite refreshing and definitely a welcome addition to my Recommended Restaurants list. I can't wait to get there for breakfast and see what surprises they have in store for me. If you are in town for a visit or just looking for a relaxed meal with friends in a homey comfortable atmosphere, you won't go wrong with Crave....
And dont forget to tell them "the Gourmet Girl sent you!"
Crave
12901 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers
239-466-4663
La Trattoria Caffe Napoli, Fort Myers
Except for the bench and flowers, there is nothing special that lets you know this restaurant exists save for the sign. Located in a nondescript strip mall, you could never imagine the dining fantasy-land that awaits you behind their ordinary front door.
I felt like Alice taking a trip through the culinary looking glass as I stepped into this intimate 28 seat space. Once inside, I expected to see my grandmother come out from the kitchen, kiss me and tell me to go get washed up for dinner. If you walk in only somewhat hungry, one whiff of the incredible smells from the kitchen will cure that and be sure to get your juices flowing.
Casually intimate with unpretentious metal chairs and charming deocorations adorning the walls, you immediatlely realize this will be a unique dining experience. Executive Chef Gloria Cabral-Jordon and Chef Alfredo Huidobro are serving some of the finest, most creative fare in Lee and Collier counties. This is big league food served in a relaxing, almost living room like atmosphere that can hold its own with the best restaurants this area has to offer.
Appetizers like the Calamari Croccantia Duo Salsa, fried calamari served with a spicy pomadoro sauce for that traditional feel, with a fresh twist of also being sided by a pesto a la limon sauce, or the Eggplant Capasio with Prosciutto, both sliced paper thin and topped with a pesto that was as uniquely presented as it was in its flavor. Excellent pairings with amazing taste.
Entrees like the traditional Fettuccine Alfredo made new by the addition of Quail eggs, or the Scallopini di Vitello Marsala, thin, perfectly cooked veal with a wild mushroom ragu served over toasted Mediterranean Potatoes are as wonderful as they are imaginative.
At the table next to us, Woody and Jeanne remarked, "What's great about this place is the combinations on the plate and being close enough to visit with your neighbors!"
This is by far one of the best casual meals I have had to date and I will be looking for big things from this creative chef. Reservations are strongly recommended as this eatery is limited in seating and the quality of food coming out of the kitchen has people lining up at the door.
If you are vacationing here, this restaurant is a must destination for your schedule. Hopefully you'll be able to elbow your way in past the locals who come here, sometimes weekly, to get their fix of Gloria's magic.
And tell them "the Gourmet Girl sent you!
La Trattoria Caffe Napoli
12377 S Cleveland Avenue
Fort Myers
239-931-0050
Capt'n Con's Fish House, Pine Island
Located at the northern tip of Pine Island in Bokeelia, this out of the way little treasure is worth the trip.Nothing fancy about it, signs state 'Find a clean table and seat yourself," this mostly fried fish menu has not changed in years. It's a fish shack by any description, and service is good with a laid back small town attitude.
Fried shrimp, clams and an array of fish sandwiches are the no nonsense staples of this destination that boasts one of the best Gulf Coast views I have encountered.
The star of the show is the large selection of some of the best, fresh home made pies I have encountered anywhere. Our server rattled off an impressive list of the pies (all 15) and though the choice was hard, the Blueberry and Chocolate Coconut were our favorites. Also offered were Coconut Cream, Banana Cream, Apple, Cherry and Pecan, just to name a few more.This small informal restaurant is worth the trip out to Pine Island just for the pies and views alone. You won't be disappointed.
And tell them "the Gourmet Girl sent you!"
Capt'n Con's Fish House
8421 Main St.
Bokeelia
239-283-4300
Ariani, Cape Coral
Walk into Ariani and the first thing that hits you is the mandolin and viloin music that conjure images of Italy and set the mood for the rest of the evening.
As you are led to your table the images become a reality as the walls are covered with murals depicting scenes of Chef Dario's birthplace. We came to find that they were painted by the chef himself. Laughter and good cheer abound at this Cape Coral landmark that has been serving authentic Italian family fare for over two decades.
Then there is Chef Dario himself ,who presents what is the quintessential picture of an Italian chef. He hops from table to table, wine glass in hand, dispensing his brand of charm and hospitality, making you feel as if you have actually stepped into his personal dining room at home, which essentially you have. He explained to me that he is always here to meet and greet customers and to oversee the abundance of good food coming out of his kitchen.
Such delights as Fried Calamari Venezia, or Eggplant Turnover a la Ariani are dishes that give one that warm feeling associated with good, down to earth Italian fare. His signature 'Bucco's' and the Special Grilled Italian Sausage with Penne, the dishes we ordered on the night we visited with him, were wonderful.
Ariani offers that traditional taste of Italy and Chef Dario and his staff make you feel like part of the family from the moment you enter, to the moment you leave.
If you are looking for quality food in a relaxed, homey atmosphere, you can't go wrong with this restaurant. The place is always filled, so be sure to make rservations when you go!
.....and tell them "the Gourmet Girl Sent you!"
Ariani
1529 S.E. 15th Terr.
Del Prado Mall
Cape Coral
239-772-8000
The Prawnbroker, Fort Myers
Look in any Southwest Florida dining guide and you'll see that there is certainly no lack of seafood restaurants. All offer that familiar Florida cuisine that you have either come to love or you have come to avoid. Some offer it with a new twist, some try to jazz it up cajun, carribean or any number of new and unique variations, in order to lure tourists and locals alike to their restaurants. There are many who do seafood well, but few if any, do it better than the Prawnbroker in Ft. Myers.
In its 25th year, this restaurant has a history of serving up some of the freshest and consistantly good seafood dishes to be had anywhere on the Gulf Coast. While not fancy by any stretch, this comfortable and casual family eatery has not tried to reinvent itself over the years, following every new trend to come along. They know what they do well and the secret of their success is the ability to stay the course and concentrate on providing you with some of the best fish to come out of local waters.
Creative dishes such as Portabello Hemmingway, a marinated portabello mushroom stuffed with crabmeat, topped with grilled shrimp and a fresh dill and lemon butter sauce or Coco Mahi Mahi encrusted with coconut, baked and topped with Parrot Bay Rum and pineapple juice are just two of the offerings listed on what's called the 'Fresh Fish Report.' A specials menu that is prepared new each morning based on the local fishermen's daily catch.
These creations sit beside tried and true favorites such as Stuffed Shrimp, Scampi, or the ever popular Surf and Turf. This may be simple fare, but it's done to perfection, served by a well seasoned, attentive and pleasant wait staff.
My meal there was proof of why this restaurant is consistantly chosen in numerous magazine polls and competitions as one of the top seafood destinations in Florida.
If you are looking for a real taste of what Southwest Florida's Gulf waters have to offer, there is probably no finer fishing expedition you could take than to have a relaxing meal at this Ft. Myers tradition. Reservations are recommended.....
....and tell them "the Gourmet Girl sent you!"
The Prawnbroker
Restaurant & Fish Market
13451-16 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers
239-489-2226
Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar and Grille, Sanibel Island
When the words Sports Bar are used, you immediately conjure up images of hot wings, burgers and fries with loud TV's blaring out the current game. While you can get all of the above mentioned menu items, the TV's are subdued and island and light rock music is piped softly in the background. This restaurant and its menu are anything but your everyday, run of the mill bar and grille.
Named for the central character in novels written by local best selling author Randy Wayne White, Doc Ford's boasts an imaginative menu filled with what Executive Chef Greg Nelson refers to as 'Global Fusion'.
Appetizer items such as Carribean Jerk Nachos, two fresh round corn tortillas topped with jerk chicken, Cuban black beans, melted Monterey Jack cheese, cabbage, tomato, and cilantro salad, or the Mussels, steamed in a broth of roasted garlic, shallots, Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, white zinfandel, and a hint of cream and butter, are not offerings typically found on your average sport's bar menu.
Entrees include such delights as Polynesian Chicken, grilled marinated chicken breast topped with honey mustard curry glaze and served on a bed of brown rice, tossed with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, roma tomatoes, toasted pistachios.There is also Campeche Fish Tacos. Freshly grilled grouper with shredded cabbage and a papaya Pico de Gallo, in a flour tortilla, served with a Cuban black beans and rice.
After a day at the beach, or if you are looking for a relaxed meal in an informal island setting, this restaurant is a must. The staff is friendly and the service is good . For a real unexpected treat, do yourself a favor and head over to Doc Ford's, 
you won't be disappointed.
And tell them "the Gourmet Girl sent you!"
DOC FORD'S
SANIBEL RUM BAR & GRILLE
975 Rabbit Road
Sanibel Island
239-472-8311