With 80-degree temperatures in peak winter, it's no wonder Southwest Florida is brimming with people right now. And it's nowonder more and more new restaurants are launchingto cater to these crowds.
Here's a look at fivenewcomers that have recently opened or are coming soon across Southwest Florida— plus an opportunity to eat for a cause and a brewery celebration. It's all on this week's restaurant news.
New restaurants in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs
• Cape Coral has a new spot for breakfast, lunch, beer and wine— all served with a side of art. Art Cafe opened Feb. 14 at 3816 Chiquita Blvd. S. The restaurant specializes in Eastern European fare such as schnitzel and goulash for lunch, with crepes, omelets and layered-yogurt parfaits on the breakfast menu. Call239-540-2000 or visitartcafe.artfor more.
• From the team behind Bodega Olein Naples, the new El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar opened Jan. 2 in Bonita Springs. El Basquefocuses on cuisine fromthe Basque country in northern Spain. What's pintxo? It's the region's take on tapas;snack-sized bites typically served in bars with wine. El Basque's pintxos ($11-$17) range from garlic-chili shrimp in cilantro crema to white anchovies with shallots and capers. The restaurant also offers sandwiches, charcuterie and a handful of entrees that includeportobellos in Romesco sauce and a butter-based filet mignon. Find El Basque in the Prado Shopping Center, 25245 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs; call 239-301-4973 or visit elbasque.comfor more.
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• Lobster rolls for less than $20? Stake your place in line at the new Lobster Rolls No. 1 in Fort Myers and Naples. The restaurants formerly housed Eat Smart, a build-your-own-bowl concept. Now they offer four styles of lobster rolls, as well as shrimp rolls, smoked salmon rolls, lobster bisque, chowder and more. Lobster Rolls No. 1 is at8595 College Parkway, south Fort Myers,239-202-8795; and 7083 Radio Road, Naples, 239-692-8002; more at lobsterrolls-no1.com.
• The Tin Cityspot that formerly housed The Parrot in Naples will soon be home toSea Monkey Tavern & Grill, a place for fried seafood, salads, sandwiches and more. Sea Monkey's website promises a "Keys" vibe and a "family restaurant, where locals and paradise-minded vacationers can savor a great meal or sip on a tropical drink while enjoying marina views." The restaurant says it will announce an opening date soon. Find it at 1100 Sixth Ave. S., Naples; more at 239-241- 2422 orseamonkeytavern.com.
• Naples first whiskey sommelier? One can hope. The Delray Beach-based Warren American Whiskey Kitchen is opening a second location in the Naples Design District later this year. A sophisticated bastion, Warren's focal point is its private collection of more than 1,000 barrel-aged whiskeys.While some believe co*cktails at dinner are gauche, the restaurant’s “spiritual advisors” will help pair booze with each course. According to Trinity Commercial Group, "This location will include a mezzanine to house their private co*cktail club(.)" Trinity also noted that Warren's Delray outpost won"Buffalo Trace’sAmerica’s Best Bourbon Baraward for 2021." The new restaurant will be at 111 10th St. S., Naples; visitwarrennaples.comfor more.
Eat and mingle with local chefs
Tickets remain for the final installment of the season’s annual Culinary Adventure That Gives Back in Naples, where your dining destination is a mystery until your invitation is sent.
The annual series, presented by the Naples Woman’s Club, offers guests an opportunity to eat and mingle with chefs and local restaurateurs over lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. March 23.
ICYMI:Naples Woman's Club brings back bigger Culinary Adventure
New chefs this go-round include: Angela Jensen at Veranda E;Guy Minet at Chez Guy; Sebastian Maillard at Bistro La Baguette; The Bevy's Roberto Dago;The French’s Ryan Bleem; and Andrea Minopoli at La Pescheria.
Returning favorites include Barbatella,Bar Tulia,Bice,Dorona,Grappino, Lemonia,Ocean Prime,Osteria Tulia,Ridgway Bar & Grill,Sails,Sea Salt,The French,Truluck'sand 21 Spices.
Open to the public, tickets start at $150 per person and include a tax-deductible contribution destined for one of three local charities: Meals of Hope, the Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier Countyand Legal Aid of Collier County.
Sign up at CulinaryAdventureNaples.org or call 239-262-6331.
Fort Myers Brewing Co.celebrates nine years
Rob and Jen Whyte, founders of Fort Myers Brewing Co. in Gateway,are celebrating the ninth anniversary of Lee County's first craft breweryFeb. 24-27, and you’re invited to the party.
This four-day family-friendly event features live music, 11 food trucks, plusmore than 50 specialty beerson tap throughout Saturday.
On Sunday, attendees over the legal age can “kick the keg” with house-branded signature brewsincluding“Ninth Anniversary IPA” and more poured until the kegs are dry.
Musicians include Nate Michaels, Chasing Denver, Ralph Curtis, Tobacco Rd Band, Virgil Cain,DJ Kevin Schell, Neon Summer and many more.
Participating food trucks includeBeau’s BBQ, Easy Cheesy, Mobstah Lobstah, The Nosh Truck,King’s Tacos & Burritos, Viet Yum, Wicked Streatery,Mambo, Sweet Cheesus and others. Onsite parking is free as is admission. Visit Fort Myers Brewing Co.'s Facebook page for a complete guide to the event.
(12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Fort Myers;239-313-6576;fmbrew.com)
Restaurant news is a roundup of food and dining happenings in Southwest Florida. Send ideas and tips to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com.
