Restaurant Week 2012
Taste what makes The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel so special during this deliciously local and sustainable culinary celebration featuring local chefs and a wide variety of area restaurants. From October 5-14, our warm Gulf waters and natural islands become a beautiful backdrop for a week filled with special 3-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Wine tastings paired with live music, exclusive cooking demonstrations, tours and classes. These are just a few examples of what happens when you combine amazing food with the perfect location.
Unplugged & Uncorked events with former Bad Company bassist Paul Cullen are unlike anything you've experienced. The combination of funky jazz and outstanding wines encourages you to relax and enjoy the good life. The Twisted Vine will be serving a perfectly paired meal with Paul's Wines and musical accompaniment.
Featuring Executive Chef: Brian McCarley C.E.C
Thursday, October 4, 7:00pm
$82 per person
What goes great with four gourmet courses? A Nice Toast! Tarpon Bay Restaurant is located at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort- recently awarded Florida Green Lodging' s Three Palm eco-friendly certification. This indulgent dining experience features sustainably harvested seafood and produce. The dinner will feature four courses and a bottle of wine for $69 per couple inclusive of gratuity and tax.
Featuring Chef Noel Willhite
http://www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com/
October 5-14, 5:30-9pm
$69 per couple (two guests)
Dinner Reservations are recommended. Please call 239-390-4295 or visit opentable.com
Guests will experience a tour of Rabbit Run Farm, a hydroponic farm, to learn about the variety of heirloom plants being grown and how the hydroponic grow system works. The sustainable farming practices used at Rabbit Run will be the focus of the tour material, including the farm's dedication to sell only to local restaurants and customers. Following the tour a culinary class will be presented inside the farm cottage where Chef Kristina San Filippo will demonstrate a selection of recipes using Rabbit Run Farm produce. Guest will then enjoy a salad and vegetarian entree for lunch featuring the recipes presented in the culinary class.
Featuring hosts: Denise Muir & Chef Kristina San Filippo
http://www.rabbitrunfarmllc.com
Thursday, October 11, 10:00am
$40 per person
This Culinary Experience will start with a guided tour led by the City of Bonita Spring's own Mayor Ben Nelson to explore this charming downtown area filled with history and personality. Following the tour, lunch will be served at the quaint Survey Café, a restaurant created by Lori and Ben Nelson in 2009 in a 1940's Florida Style house in the heart of Historic Downtown Bonita Springs. Serving breakfast and lunch, and dinners during season, the Cafe is a place with character, great food, a unique and comfortable atmosphere. Proper environmental practices are important to the Cafe, using Grounds for Change coffee, organically and locally grown food whenever possible and environmentally friendly paper products and cups. The Survey Cafe is a place people love, a place people call their own, a place that people can't wait to share with their friends. Dog friendly too!
Featuring: Chef Jason Little
http://www.thesurveycafe.com/index.html
Tuesday, October 9, 10:30am tour followed by lunch.
$26.00 per person
How often does the Executive Chef of a restaurant allow you, the guest, to help prepare lunch? Join Chef Michael Ragusa for a rare opportunity at The Sandy Butler & Shoal's Restaurant on Saturday October 13. Guests will be able to shop for ingredients in The Sandy Butler, a gourmet specialty market, and then take those ingredients next door to Shoal's Restaurant & Wine Bar for an interactive experience of preparing lunch with the Chef. Fresh farm produce from the restaurant's own local farm will be incorporated into the meal and accented with locally sourced seafood.
Bios for company owners:http://www.sandybutler.com/who-is-the-sandy-butler
Featuring: Chef Michael Ragusa
With more than twenty years of experience in the restaurant and retail industry, The Sandy Butler Executive Chef Michael Ragusa specializes in directing fine dining operations. His focus on detail and his artistic and tasteful presentations have earned him praise from restaurant critics and guests alike. Before joining The Sandy Butler Group, Chef Ragusa led culinary operations at several top restaurants throughout the country. Chef Ragusa prides himself on developing innovative culinary creations using only the freshest ingredients.
Saturday, October 13th, Lunch Experience starts at 11am
$40 per person, includes tax and gratuity
Sustaining fisheries means sustaining fishermen. Chef Seaver will speak on how we can use the sustainable seafood movement to reconnect consumers with the source of their seafood and that how by doing so creates opportunities for added value to follow added responsibility in a fishery.
Enjoy coffee and light refreshments at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill overlooking Matanzas Pass
Sunday, October 14, 8:45-10:00am
$5 per person, max: 100
The public is invited to a complimentary presentation by Chef Barton Seaver ….who will elaborate on why he chose to use sustainable foods in the kitchen and the impact the sustainable seafood industry has had on the world.
Sunday, October 14 11:00am
EDISON STATE COLLEGE-Rush Auditorium Free to the public! Max: 150
8099 College Pkwy
Room J103
Ft. Myers, 33919
FREE ADMISSION
For Cod and Country is part of Seaver’s mission to help us engage in a more sustainable food system on nearly every level. The story of successful conservation is a lesson of responsible consumption. It is a tale of the opportunity that we have to make tasty and personally sustaining choices that keep our needs in balance with what the world can provide
October 14, 2:30-3:30
Located at Sanibel Island Bookstore
1571 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957
FREE ADMISSION
For the finale to our 10 day deliciously local and sustainable culinary celebration Chef Melissa Talmage will host an eloquent evening of eclectic dishes, delectable wine and the chance to be up close and personal with Chef Barton Seaver to learn more about the critical issues of the World's seafood supplies. This dinner will be held at Sweet Melissa's Cafe on Sanibel Island, a local favorite for inventive food incorporating locally grown produce with responsibly harvested seafood. Each of the 4 courses will be paired with a complimenting wine. The exhibition kitchen will allow guest to observe Chef Melissa and her kitchen brigade prepare the meal while Chef Barton shares his ocean friendly and holistic approach to enjoying the bounty of the sea in a sustainable and healthy manner.
Sunday, October 14, 6:00pm, $100 per person inclusive Max: 40
*Hosted in part by the Sanibel Chapter of START-Seafood Savvy
Twisted Vine Bistro prides itself in an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with over 30 wines by the glass. Twisted Vine Bistro grows house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden! We have also partnered with Roots Heritage Urban Food Hub a non profit organization locally growing our in season produce for the freshest veggies around. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sunshine Grille is now open!!! Formerly known as the Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Lounge, is still serving all of your favorite dishes. In addition to our previous menu, we are also serving gourmet flat breads prepared in a wood fire stove with fresh oak and wood fired steaks to fill out the menu, including a Ribeye and a Porterhouse, to go along with our famous wood fired Filet Mignon.
Chef Jeff is native from Hawaii and is a graduate of the western culinary cordon bleu of Portland, Oregon. He has 12 years experience in establishments such as: "Lafite" at the Regisrty, Naples; "Tanglewood" at the Hyatt Coconut point, "Lone Eagle" at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe and "Alan Wong" at the Four Seasons Kona, Hawaii. Chef Jeff was also hired to be the culinary advisor on the show "Top Chef" when the show came to Hawaii in 2006.
The Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant blends American, French, and Asian cooking traditions with fresh Florida seafood. It offers genteel hospitality and innovative cuisine. Diners are drawn to its postcard views of the Gulf of Mexico and spectacular sunsets.
Rabbit Run Farm is a hydroponic farm that uses organic pest control methods and specializes in heirloom vegetables, strawberries, and various tropical fruits. Open to the public on Saturday's from 11am - 3pm. Stop by and see for yourself!
2 Locations:
5100 S. Ceveland Ave.
Ste. 313 (In Sam's Club Plaza)
Fort Myers ,FL 33907
Phone: 239-931-3474
OR
13021 N. Cleveland Ave. (Inside the Best Western Hotel)
Fort Myers ,FL 33907
Phone: 239-931-3474
Casual seafood with a focus on locally sourced, daily specials at a reasonable price and a generous portion.
The Survey Café was created by Lori and Ben Nelson in 2009 in a 1940's Florida Style house in the heart of Historic Downtown Bonita Springs. Serving breakfast and lunch and dinners during season, the Café is a place with character, great food, a unique and comfortable atmosphere. Proper environmental practices are important to the Café, using Gounds for Change coffee, organically and locally grown food whenever possible and environmentally friendly paper products and cups. The Survey Café is a place people love, a place people call their own, a place that people can't wait to share with their friends.
The Scholl family is proud to welcome you to experience flavorful, signature dishes created by Executive Chef Michael Ragusa, using only true, fresh ingredients sourced from the Shoal farm and grove, other local and regional purveyors, and from our signature products found in The Sandy Butler Market right next door. We offer Florida cuisine in a relaxed upscale atmosphere. Whether you are on vacation, business, or local our competent staff will show you the right way to enjoy Florida food in a fun way.
Casual bistro atmosphere with upscale food with an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced and sustainable product.
Chloe's is conveniently located just past the lobby at the DiamondHead Beach Resort & Spa, a certified Florida Green Lodging property. Enjoy an evening of delight as you unwind in our tropical oasis. Our dining room is the perfect place to enjoy the outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico. Watch the beach goers pass by as you enjoy one of our mouth-watering dishes. Don't forget to come and enjoy Chloes scrumptious Sunday Breakfast Buffet that will leave you feeling in bliss.
Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant represents the ideal blend of Old Florida charm and modern day sophistication. Our Four Star restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Lunch served daily from 11:30 am - 4:00 pm Bar Menu served daily from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Dinner served daily from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Reservations are highly recommended. Please call 239-283-3999. In addition, our 1926 historic lodge, Island House, Cottage or Boathouse offers the perfect atmosphere for your relaxing getaway.
Traditions on the Beach - the award winning beachfront restaurant located inside the historical Island Inn on West Gulf Drive, Sanibel. Directly on the beach, Traditions On the Beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets and casual fine dining. The dining room, together with its full bar and restful lounge are steeped in old Florida charm serving casual Italian & Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Traditions On the Beach features live music and entertainment, just right for rounding off the perfect evening.
The Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market, open in 1982 has established itself as "Southwest Florida's Seafood Specialist". One of Florida's "Top 100 Restaurants" (Florida Trend), and now one of Florida's "Top 200 Restaurants" (Florida Trend), The Prawnbroker has been consistently chosen as Ft. Myers' favorite seafood Restaurant in almost every local poll or competition, including numerous Taste of The Town and Gulf Shore Life Magazine selections. The dining rooms and bar make a comfortable, polished casual setting for your dining experience.
The Prawnbroker Restaurant is open for dinner 7 days: Sunday through Thursday 4:00-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday 4:00-10:00 pm. The lounge is open daily at 4pm with happy hour until 7 pm featuring discounted cocktails and appetizers. The award winning retail fish market is open Mon-Sat from Noon-9:30 pm and on Sunday from 3 pm. Reservations are recommended (call 489-2226)
Gluten-Free Menu available.
LET THEM EAT FISH!
or steak, or shrimp, or pasta...
The Fun Italian Restaurant
The island's original wood-fired pizzas" are just the beginning of what makes Matzaluna Sanibel Island's family Italian Restaurant. Over 20 combinations of pasta dinners from just $11.95 (including soup or salad and fresh baked bread) are available.
Affordable veal, tender chicken, choice steaks and of course only the finest seafood (Italian style) in a casual market-like setting make Matzaluna "Sanibel's Italian Kitchen".
Directions To Matzaluna: Cross the Sanibel Causeway. At the four-way stop (Periwinkle Way), turn right, go .6 of a mile and look for us on the right hand side.
Gluten-Free Menu available.
Opened in 1978, The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market has established itself as Sanibel Island's Seafood Specialist. Having moved from its original location in 1991, The Timbers Center at 703 Tarpon Bay Road (across from the US Post Office) is now the home to all of the concepts that have made The Timbers so popular.
The Timbers Restaurant is the award winning dinner-house that anchors the center. The Sanibel Grill is Sanibel's only true Sports Bar serving lunch seasonally and dinner nightly until 11pm. The Retail Fish Market is where the islanders buy their fish, steaks and seafood. The Big Bamboo Oyster Bar is open seasonally offering oysters & clams by the piece, along with cooked shrimp, smoked fish and stone crabs.
7790 Cypress Lake Drive
Ft. Myers, FL 33907
Phone: Phone: 239-437-4377
The University Grill is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 11:00am-2:30pm. Dinner is served from 4:00-9:00pm on Sundays, and 4:00-10:00pm Monday-Saturday. Happy hour is 4:00-7:00pm. Reservations are accepted at dinner, and reservations for large parties only are also accepted at lunch. Call ahead seating is available. Call 437-4377 for further information.The University Grill is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 11:00am-2:30pm. Dinner is served from 4:00-9:00pm on Sundays, and 4:00-10:00pm Monday-Saturday. Happy hour is 4:00-7:00pm. Reservations are accepted at dinner, and reservations for large parties only are also accepted at lunch. Call ahead seating is available. Call 437-4377 for further information.
Born in Paris France, Chef Christian Vivet came to the U.S.A. via Disney World and E.P.C.O.T. Center's French Pavillon. From the French Background music, to the warm welcome of Mari (the Chef's wife) to the inviting selection of French wines and food, you will be instantly transported to Paris (without the Jetlag!) Escargots from Burgundy, homemade Pate, luscious Vichyssoise, Coq-au-Vin, silky sauces, Profiteroles and creme brulee are sure to please the most discerning palate. For this occasion Chef Christian will work will local seafood and produce to accentuate his love for his new Homeland!
8771 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: 239-765-1040
or
Phone: 877-798-4879
At Flippers on the Bay you can enjoy dining al fresco for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that delights the tastebuds. Overlooking the backbay waters of Estero Bay while sipping a cold beverage, it’s easy to understand why this restaurant has been voted the “best waterfront restaurant” on the island. For starters, the open-aired restaurant is one of the only restaurants on the island serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The casual, laid-back ambiance is one you’d expect from a beach location. What you don’t expect is the exceptional cuisine that comes out of the kitchen during all three meal periods. This is NOT your typical island food. It’s a combination of fresh, classic items with flavorful sauces and perfectly cooked accompaniments. It’s no surprise that the food is so good. The Executive Chef Juan Cruz has cooked alongside some of the country’s best chefs: Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck. The El Salvador native spent the past 20 years building his culinary career in some of the finest kitchens in the country, primarily in California.
Coming soon... The Grape will be transforming into South Fork Grille, bringing fresh and local ingredients to your plate. Same owners (Donna and Joe Sofia), new concept! Come and experience a taste preview during Restaurant Week.
Superb Japanese cuisine that is Fun, Fascinating and Delicious. Teppan-Style cooking at your table by expertly trained chefs or traditional service in our sushi lounge with entertainment wed-sun from 6:30-10pm where ou can savor Japanese delights like Sashimi, sushi and makimono. Large comfortable full service bar in an atmospher that was voted "Best decorated in Ft. Myers 2011"
The Blue Giraffe is the place for casual island dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Our fresh local seafood will make you happy. Our island-renowned chowders will please your palate. Refreshing salads and mouth-watering steaks will have you asking for more. As for dessert, are you ready for hand-dipped Edy's Grand Ice Cream, or a rich cappuccino for a closer? We thought so. Why shouldn't island dining be as much fun as everything else on Sanibel? Dine outside, on our boardwalk or inside at hand-painted tables, inspired by local artist. Relax at our bar, sipping on a nice wine, a frosty draft or bottled beer or one of our signature frozen libations. Good food and good fun, that's the ticket at the Blue Giraffe.
Welcome to The Melting Pot. We offer a truly unique dining experience created by the art of fondue. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, a long overdue date night, or celebrating with a group, The Melting Pot restaurant is perfect for any occasion. Tailor your visit with a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and dessert. Or, come by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection. That's not to say, we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie.
Launched in February 2012 and located next door to the Norman Love Confections Chocolate Salon in Fort Myers, Artisan Gelato by Norman Love features handmade authentic Italian gelato, made daily without preservatives and produced with the same creativity and integrity that has made NLCs award-winning chocolate so sought after. The Euro-chic gelateria serves artisan gelato made with an American twist, sorbet, shakes and sundaes, along with a full menu featuring rich French crepes and traditional, authentic Belgian waffles. The refreshing and unique gelato flavors (18), which change daily, include sweetened raspberry, hazelnut, chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, coconut, peanut butter and mango. The beverage menu includes Italian soda, espresso, cappuccino, latte and fresh lemonade.
My dream to open a tea room has been nestled in my soul for over ten years. Fond memories of experiencing beautiful teas with my sweet sisters has spurred the dream into reality with the wonderful help of my amazing husband, family and friends.
With our tea room vision in mind, we discovered this adorable yet neglected Florida bungalow built circa 1919. For over a year, extensive remodeling and challenging repairs have been accomplished by the labor and expertise of my husband and his team. It has been well worth the wait, and we hope you will agree as you enjoy a delightful time with us at the Wisteria Tea Room.
Bubba loves America and his stamp is all over this place including the creation of "just good food". You will soon understand why Bubba's has been called "America's Favorite Roadhouse"
Watch dolphins play while you dine. Waterfront dining featuring the finest fresh local seafood, choice steaks & award winning ribs. Enjoy spectacular views of the Harbor. The long time local's favorite on Fort Myers Beach. Full bar with live music daily on the Upper Deck bar. Casual inside & dockside dining. lunch & dinner server daily. Come by car or boat!
Bayfront Bistro is a beautiful waterfront dining experience at Fort Myers Beach's premier location within Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina. Arrive by land or water, and sit back and enjoy the stunning surroundings as you delight in the tastes of the Bayfront Bistro kitchen.
13499 S Cleveland Ave. Ste. 143
Fort Myers (Bell Tower Shops), FL 33931
Phone: 239-463-3838
Bistro 41 is more than a great restaurant, it’s a great experience! Known for its causal fine dining atmosphere and extraordinary culinary cuisine and wine offerings, the restaurant has been a dining destination in the Bell Tower Shops of Fort Myers since 1997.
2 Locations:
Miromar Outlets
10801 Corkscrew Rd #195
Estero, FL 33928
Phone: 239-949-7960
OR
Majestic Palms
11561 Majestic Palms Blvd #110
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: 239-437-4551
Simply put, Orange Leaf is America’s Frozen Yogurt™. We believe that the average American wants to make healthier decisions, but will most likely not make the healthier decision when given the choice between a rich and creamy traditional frozen dessert and an icy, bland frozen yogurt. At Orange Leaf, we provide you with decadent flavors reminiscent of your childhood trips to the local dessert shop as well as fruit-based flavors that will suit even the most health conscious individuals. Orange Leaf offers 16 flavors daily with over 36 different topping choices.
Guest will receive 25% Off total purchase.
Available October 5th Through 14th
Promotion honored at Miromar Outlets and Majestic Palms locations
Frozen Yogurt is 49 cents per ounce.
We are an Italian restaurant thats been in Lee County for 34 years same owners. LaMotta's is were the local go to eat Italian.
Chef Ryan Blackstone: Ryan grew up working in various restaurants in Wrightville Beach, North Carolina. Having grown up in a family that loved cooking, Ryan always wanted to be a chef. Ryan trained under two five star chefs and at the age of 24 he was hired on as Executive Chef at The George on the Riverwalk in Wilmington North Carolina where he remained for a number of years. Looking for fun in the sun, Ryan recently moved to Fort Myers and landed at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.
Yanos is an upscale contemporary restaurant featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, salads, boutique wines and more. We are a fun, casual neighborhood place, perfect for a quick bite, a relaxing dinner with friends or a meeting with clients. With a unique and dynamic menu, and a wide variety of wines, we will surely be able to satisfy all of your tastes and wants.
The 2012 Beaches of Fort Myers and & Sanibel Restaurant Week will feature participating restaurants and unique culinary experiences from October 5-14.
Diners may simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the ten days to enjoy the special prix fixe menus. To participate in a culinary experience, tickets must be purchased in advanced on this website. Availability is limited.
The green leaf indicates a "green" restaurant. This means the restaurant has made a commitment to implement sustainable business practices that might include; purchasing locally grown produce or locally harvested seafood when available, conserving energy, and recycling.
A: Click here to find a list of Green Properties
A: Taste of Coconut Point: October 7, 2012
OKTOBERFEST: October 19-21 and October 26-28, 2012
Taste of the Town: November 4, 2012
Taste of the Islands: November 11, 2012
Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are appreciated. There is no guarantee that walk-in guests will be accommodated. To make a reservation, diners may contact restaurants directly.
Yes. We encourage you try several of the participating restaurants. Each one has a different prix fixe menu with a wide variety of culinary delights.
No. Some of the restaurants will also offer their regular menu as well. Diners are encouraged to try the special Restaurant Week menu, but it is not required.
A: See Farmer's Market Locations
A: Top Ten Green Restaurant Practices
A: Participation in one of the Unique Culinary Experiences enters you in a chance to win