The New Year and healthy eating go together like James Bond and femme fatales. People make their yearly resolutions to eat better, lose weight and start exercising. It’s almost as predictable as a Cialis commercial on the History Channel. The New Year comes and goes along with the resolutions. Gym memberships go unused, and eating healthy is about as exciting as a kick to the ribs. People say healthy food lacks taste and leaves them unsatisfied. True healthy eating doesn’t include juice dripping burgers from Cheeburger Cheeburger, or sauce smothered General Tso’s chicken from Charlie Chiang’s, but it can still be bursting with taste, and can give you a lot more late day energy. Not to mention a smaller waist line. I’ve researched the healthy eating subject in Naples, and have found some great tasting food that will make eating healthy enjoyable and not seem like a job.

For Goodness Sake
Organic and Natural has gone main stream. However, it is one thing to promote these as part of a marketing strategy and an “image” of healthy food, and it’s another to actually follow through and use them in the food you prepare. At For Goodness Sake, with two Naples locations, 2464 Vanderbilt Beach Rd # 528 and 7211 Radio Rd, they have been dedicated to true healthy eating since 1984. Their café serves a menu full of tantalizing items that will have you making them a regular part of your “I want to see my abs” diet. For Goodness Sake offers Fruit Smoothies that are thick, rich and made with a refreshing blend of your favorite juices and frozen organic fruits. Need a boost before your work out? Try one of their Protein Smoothies, made with a body-building blend of nutritional supplements and fruits. For Goodness Sake also serves healthy salads, organic wraps and sandwiches that include chicken, turkey and tuna. They also serve a variety of juice drinks including shots of wheat grass. Cheers!

UFood Grill
If you’re looking for great food with lots of flavor and variety, UFood Grill fits the bill. Located at the intersection of Airport and Immokalee Rd, UFood Grill is proud to give customers the fast and healthy meals they want. Health conscious people these days want to feel good about the food they eat. That’s why UFood Grill has created an easy-to-navigate Dietary Guide which breaks down the menu for several special dietary needs, including clearly highlighted Vegetarian, Reduced Sodium, Reduced Fat, Gluten Free and Low Carb items. You can add, subtract, and substitute- however you want it prepared is fine by them.

I think the best thing about UFood Grill is taste, hands down! Their national chef has designed a broad menu of better-for-you versions of traditional favorites and innovative original creations. They take a back-to-basics approach to tasty, healthful cooking, where everything served is rooted in quality, from choice meats to natural organic ingredients, fresh produce, whole grains, light cheeses and dressings. All of their menu items are baked, grilled or steamed. Nothing is fried.

Planet Smoothie
Planet Smoothie falls somewhere between refreshingly level-headed and sanely visionary. They have a wide range of smoothie categories and are sure to have something that will pique your curiosity. Choose from Coffee Smoothies, Energy Smoothies, Cool Blended Smoothies, Weight Loss Smoothies, Protein Smoothies, Multi Vitamin Smoothies, Low-Carb Shakes and Breakfast Smoothies. Each one of these categories has five to six smoothie choices. With names like Liquid Alarm Clock, Mr. Mongo, Shag-a-delic, Yo’ Adriane and my favorite, Two Piece Bikini, Planet Smoothie definitely earns its visionary title and stands out among its peers.

Food & Thought
You can look right into their kitchen… nothing fancy, but always clean and busy. You’ll see vegetables and fruits being chopped and everything being prepared from scratch every morning. Food for Thought’s food preparation is second to none. You’ll see smoothies being made with no ice, no water, no sugar, just 100% organic fruit. You’ll find only veggies, fish or fowl, never red meat. You’ll enjoy beans soaking properly for hours before they are cooked, soups made with reverse osmosis water, never tap. They cook with the highest quality olive oil, never canola, soy or hydrogenated oils. You’ll never see an aluminum or Teflon pot or pan back there. Food & Thought claims that no other restaurant in Florida has a higher food cost ratio. This place is truly cut from a different mold.

Notables
I also wanted to make a quick mention of Salad Creations, Tropical Smoothie Café and Calistoga Bakery Café. At Salad Creations, to go along with their menu of nutritious and tasty choices, they invite guests to “create their own” meals with the assistance of enthusiastic “salad chefs.” With three Naples locations, Tropical Smoothie Café not only tempts their customers with fresh smoothies, but also a bounty of sandwiches, wraps and soups. Calistoga Bakery Is known for gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches, artisan breads and pastries, custom roasted coffees and espresso, all served in a comfortable environment. I have found they have some of the best sandwiches in town. But don’t take MenuGuy’s word for it. Try it!

Eating healthy used to mean consuming lima beans, snacking on rice wafers and eating salads with bland low fat dressings or no dressing at all! Things have changed. Taste no longer has to be sacrificed while eating healthy. Be sure to try some of the restaurants I’ve mentioned and let me know what you think. I think you’ll love them just as I do. You can search for other area healthy eateries at www.MenuVenueSWFL.com

Bon Appetit!
-MenuGuy

By Drew Sterwald - New-Press

Crü, one of Fort Myers’ higher-tier restaurants, closed its doors Sunday after almost five years at the Bell Tower Shops.

Business has been dropping since the real estate bubble burst, and the restaurant’s high food standards made staying open costly, said Liz Kagan, who owned the restaurant with her husband, John.

“We’re very disappointed,” she said. “We can really pinpoint it directly with the economy. It kind of started in 2006. It got really bad in 2007 and continued to get really bad in 2008. We thought it would get better, but we didn’t want to sacrifice what Crü was.”

Business was down 60 to 70 percent, Kagan said, as Crü became a special-occasion splurge even for those who had been regular customers.

Crü opened in March 2004, headed by chef Shannon Yates, who now has Bacchus in the Bell Tower. The restaurant built a reputation on “lush wines and pure food” that focused on natural ingredients and specialty organic produce.

In 2006, Yates and members of his Crü team were invited to prepare a lavish feast for 75 at The James Beard House in Manhattan. For chefs, that’s akin to a musician playing Carnegie Hall.

Kagan credited the staff with working hard and creating wonderful food over the years. Crü employed 25 to 30 people when it closed.

“I’m disappointed for them, not just for the people who were there to appreciate it,” she said.
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Gift certificates for Crü purchased in the last 90 days can be exchanged for cash. Call Karen Pratt at 357-4220 for more information.

BY AMY SOWDER - News Press

When David Zimmermann talks about his homemade ice cream, it’s almost indecent.

Go ahead, ask him to give the scoop on some of his flavors. We did.

“Our royal turtle is a nice, dense, deep, rich chocolate ice cream rippled through with ribbons of caramel and sprinkled with succulent salted pecans,” says Zimmermann, co-owner of Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream, a Bonita Springs establishment since 1979.

The only thing more decadent than talking or reading about delicious food is tasting it.

Succulent delights from this establishment and 30 others await visitors’ taste buds at the 15th annual Taste of Bonita.

More than 7,000 people are expected to attend the food festival at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

The fest is organized by the Rotary of Bonita Springs to raise money for local and international charities.

Festival chairman Tony Valego dropped the admission fee in 2007 and will keep it free again this year.

“I’d rather get people in and get the restaurants exposure,” Valego says. “The whole idea is for them to go to many restaurants and try bits.”

Royal Scoop has participated in the fest for 14 years, but Zimmermann still meets people who haven’t heard of the restaurant.

Zimmermann will bring about seven or eight flavors out of the shop’s 44. Last year, he had to return to the shop twice and went through 90 gallons of ice cream at the festival.

“Our grandaddy is butter pecan. It’s our best seller. If we don’t bring that one, we’ll get stoned,” he joked.

Cindy Thurber will start smoking her Tiki Bar Cafe pulled pork the night before the festival so it will be nice and savory.

Thurber opened her casual, Florida-Caribbean-themed restaurant on Bonita Beach Road almost two years ago.

She also ran out of food last year - less than two hours after the festival began.

To solve that problem, she’s going to serve smaller portions at a cheaper price. And bring more food.

How much?

“A lot, a lot, a lot,” Thurber says.

Michael Cirella, the owner, manager and chef of Cirella’s Italian Bistro and Sushi Bar, will also return for the second time.

He’ll dish out sausage and peppers, meatballs made from a family recipe and sushi, such as tuna and California rolls.

Cirella opened his Bonita Springs restaurant in 2006. His brother and father run two other Cirella’s restaurants on Long Island.

It’s a trend in New York to add a sushi bar to any new restaurant, so he decided to bring it on down to Florida.

“Everybody loves Italian, and everybody loves sushi, so why not combine them?” Cirella asks. “You satisfy every taste.”

by news-press.com

The fourth annual Downtown Wine & Food Tasting will take place from 3 to 7 p.m, Saturday in downtown Cape Coral.

Trolleys will take participants to 16 tasting locations across the downtown area. Samples of red or white wine will be offered at every stop as will different foods from some of the area’s top chefs.

Tickets are available at: True Value Hardware, June’s Hallmark, Ralph’s Place, Cape Dog Bakery, (all in the Big John’s Plaza) Ron’s Barber Shop and Time to Make Wine in Club Square.

The ticket price is $20 and includes passport to all wine and food tasting locations, trolley shuttle service, and a commemorative wine glass.

Check-in booths will open at 2:30 p.m. in Club Square by Time to Make Wine and in the Big John’s Plaza near Razzle Dazzle. The trolleys depart from both locations.

For more information visit www.downtowncapecoral.net or call 549-5615.

What number one attraction brings the tourists, blue hairs, and gypsy souls to Southwest Florida? It’s our ocean. Florida has over 1,197 miles of coastline, and over 663 miles of beaches that lure people to our special part of the world. Now that the winter months are sneaking up on us, the temperature will once again be favorable for dining outdoors. What better place to enjoy savory dishes than on our biggest attraction… the water! So prepare your nervous system for sensory overload as I take you to some of the best waterfront, sunset gazing, and romantic restaurants Naples has to offer.

The Bay House is a hidden gem that many people know nothing about. The Bay House is located in north Naples on the Cocohatchee River just west of 41. Tucked behind large mangroves, this old Florida style building turned upscale restaurant has a rustic outdoorsy feeling. Guests are treated to beautiful views of the Cocohatchee River and thick mangroves. The Bay House has a graceful personality that will certainly give you the feeling of being somewhere special.

Baleen, located in the La Playa Beach Resort on Vanderbilt Road, is one of the high-end waterfront restaurants that will take your breath away. Yes, it may cost a pretty penny to enjoy this treasure, but it will be well worth it. Imagine yourself sitting on Baleen’s outdoor patio with your special someone while you both enjoy butter soaked lobster, gazing at the Gulf of Mexico hoping to catch the elusive green flash. Think it can’t get better? How about having your table set up on the beach before you arrive? You can dine and catch those last glimmers of sun while sand slides between your toes and flickering tiki torches cast their light on your faces. La Playa is the type of place that will make every effort to make your fantasies come true. Baleen is a must-experience Naples destination.

Riverwalk, The Dock, Pinchers Crab Shack, Kelly’s Fish House, and the Boat House are all located on Naples Bay. Each place offers views of passing armadas and relaxing carefree vibes for patrons dining on great seafood, but each has a distinctive personality.

The Riverwalk and The Dock are sister restaurants that boast casual dining over the water with a dock atmosphere. With wooden floors and open air seating, diners are truly in for a treat as they feast on entrees like grouper, mahi mahi, jambalaya, and other palate pleasing pleasures. Relax in the cool breezes and let your stresses fade, because dining at these two local favorites makes everyone feel like they’re on vacation.

Pinchers Crab Shack is a relatively new addition to the Naples Bay scene. Replacing Pier 41 in Tin City, Pinchers is known for their fresh locally caught seafood. Their atmosphere is as laid back as a Buffett song, with decor that will remind you of an old Florida fishing lodge. Pinchers has an amazing raw bar that consists of clams, oysters and cold stone crab, to name a few. Just remember to wear your bib as you hammer through the stone crab, because those little suckers make you work to get at their succulent meat!

Kelly’s Fish House has been in operation since 1952, which makes it the oldest seafood restaurant in Naples. They offer a full menu of skillfully prepared seafood dishes including grouper, oysters, crab, scallops, clams, and for the land lover, steak and chicken. Shake off the sand and relax at Kelly’s full service bar, or stay for dinner in their nautically themed dining room. Kelly’s Fish House claims to be known world wide for their unique shell filled tables, excellent service, riverfront location, and great wine and dessert selections. Stop in and see for yourself.

If you are looking for fine dining just a few paces from the Gulf of Mexico’s white sand and emerald water, then you must investigate HB’s On the Gulf at the Naples Beach Resort, and The Turtle Club located on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort. Along with Baleen, these two restaurants are the cream of the crop in Naples when it comes to waterfront dining or just plain dining period. They boast some of the area’s finest seafood, steaks and chops prepared by award winning chefs.

Last, but undeniably not least, is the Naples Princess. It doesn’t get much more waterfront than sailing on a 96 foot air-conditioned luxury yacht, and enjoying double entrée dinners as you cruise by multi-million dollar homes, playful dolphins, and soak up the setting sun. They have several cruises to choose from each week. Cruises such as simple sightseeing excursions, a sea breeze lunch buffet cruise, an hors d’oeuvre cruise, and the dinner cruises that offer pork loin and chicken, prime rib, fresh fish, roast beef and many other mouth watering combinations. The Naples Princess truly is a special experience. Take in the beauty and enormous wealth of Port Royal, the unspoiled wild life that features dolphins and bald eagles, and then you can ponder the immensity of it all as the setting sun slips under the unobstructed horizon. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of the Princess, I urge you to weigh anchor and set sail.

I wish I had room to keep going on about these and other coastal feeding grounds, but, alas, I can’t. Here are some others worth a quick mention.

The Venetian Village is home to some tremendous restaurants such as the M Waterfront Grill, which just opened, The Village Pub, Bayside Seafood Grill, and Cloyde’s Steak and Lobster House.

There’s Olio on Naples Bay that is part of the new Naples Bay Resort, and the Bambu Tropical Grille at the Bayfront Inn.

Relish the waterfront, it’s why many of us moved here, and why thousands of tourists flock to our shores. You can search for other area waterfront restaurants at
www.MenuVenueSWFL.com.

Bon Appetit!
-MenuGuy

Here is a list of restaurants and their Thanksgiving days status. More restaurant information will be added as it comes in. Have a great holiday!

Ted’s Montana Grill is open for Thanksgiving - Restaurants will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Nov. 27, with reservations accepted at most locations. For a list of restaurants and telephone numbers, visit www.tedsmontanagrill.com

CRU in Ft. Myers – Close

Boat House Grill in Naples – Closed

Cruisers Malt Shop & Grill will be closed for Thanksgiving but they will be taking pie orders for take home in time for Thanksgiving,

Bellini on Fifth will be open for lunch and dinner with our regular menu. We will have a few
Thanksgiving specials as an addition to our dinner menu (ie. Butternut Squash
Ravioli and more).

Ridgway Bar & Grill will be open noon to 9 PM.
Serving Roast Turkey with all the fixings $22.50 - child’s portion 15.00. Other entrees and light plates will be available as well. For reservations - 649-5552

Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar will be open noon to 8 PM
Roast Turkey with all the fixings $22.50 –
For reservations 649-5552

Bistro 821 in Naples will be open and serving a special menu.

The Dock at Cryton Cove will be closed.

The Riverwalk in Tin City will be closed.

Pazzo! Italian Café will be closed

Chops City Grill in Naples and Bonita will be closed.

Yabba Island Grill in Naples will be closed.

Blue Water Bistro at Coconut Point will be closed.

ZiZi’s at Bellasera will be open serving a fantastic menu.

Bamboo Café in Olde Naples is open for Thanksgiving beginning at 4 p.m.

Handsome Harry’s is closed for Thanksgiving.

Watermark Grill in Naples is open til 10:00pm and they have a roast turkey dinner on special, plus regular menu.

The Beach Pierside Grill, Dockside Sports Pub and Matanzas Inn & Restaurant on Ft. Myers Beach are closed for Thanksgiving.

Ristorante Ciao in Naples – Closed

Bleu Provence in Naples will be closed.

All area Miller’s Ale House locations will be closed.

Stoney’s Steakhouse in Naples will be open serving their regular menu and a special Thanksgiving menu.

Dine at participating restaurants on Saturday, Oct. 25 and 20 percent of your food bill will be donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

If you are a restaurant that wishes to participate, call 239-335-0583 or e-mail ememoli@gannett.com

Participating restaurants include:

Arizona Pizza

10431 Corkscrew Commons Drive, Estero; 239-337-4992
Web site: arizonapizzatogo.com
Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Arizona Pizza

8700 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers; 239-481-8242
Web site: arizonapizzatogo.com
Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Arizona Pizza

547 Pine Island Rd., North Fort Myers; 239-656-1388
Web site: arizonapizzatogo.com
Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Bagel Bagel Café

13391 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers; 239-985.3013
Web site: bagelbagelcafe.com
Saturday hours: 6:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Serving: Breakfast and lunch
Cuisine: Sandwiches, smoothies and espressos
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Chicago Pizza II

132 Pine Island Rd. #108 (Mel’s Diner Plaza); 239-573-7900
Web site: thechicagopizza.com
Saturday hours: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Pizza, pasta, wings, Love Boat Ice Cream
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Eagle’s Nest Café

10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive, Estero; 239-949-4222
Web site: fortmyersembassy.com
Saturday hours: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. lunch, 5p.m.–10 p.m. dinner
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: American
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Hemingway’s Island Grill

8001 Plaza Del Lago No. 113, Estero; 239-495-7240
Saturday hours: 11 a.m.–midnight
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Island, American, Cuban
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Hogbody’s Beach House

1103 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; 239-574-6600
Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., seven days a week
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: American
Credit cards accepted: Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Iguana Mia of Bonita Springs

28051 South Tamiami Trail
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
1.866.MEX.EATS
Website: iguanamia.com
Hours: 11 am – 10 pm, seven days a week
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Iguana Mia of Fort Myers

4329 Cleveland Ave. No. 601
Fort Myers, FL 33901
1.866.MEX.EATS
Website: iguanamia.com
Hours: 11 am – 10 pm, seven days a week
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Jimmy’s Pink Cadillac Café

16641 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers; 239-267-4132
Web site: jimmyspinkcadillaccafe.com
Saturday hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cuisine: Casual American
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

LaMotta’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria

15660-24 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers; 239-482-5505
Saturday hours: Noon–9 p.m.
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Italian Food, Pizza, Sandwiches
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Over Easy Café

630 Tarpon Bay Rd. #1, Sanibel; 239-472-2625
Web site: overeasycafesanibel.com
Saturday hours: 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Serving: Breakfast and lunch
Cuisine: Breakfast, sandwiches, salads, wraps
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Prawnbroker Restaurant

13451-16 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers; 239-489-2226
Web site: prawnbroker.com
Saturday hours: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Serving: Dinner
Cuisine: Fresh Florida seafood — shrimp / fish / raw bar / steaks and more
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Mastercard, Visa

University Grill

7790 Cypress Lake Drive
Ft. Myers; 239-437-4377
Web site: prawnbroker.com
Saturday hours: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Cuisine: Fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, sandwiches, salads and Italian specialties
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Mastercard, Visa

I had the great pleasure of being invited to the Bonita Springs Aussie inspired Outback Steakhouse for a food tasting a couple days ago and was blown away by what I learned and by what I tasted. All of my preconceived expectations for this boomerang toting restaurant chain went right out the window when I met Brooke Jackson the regional trainer and Jon Paul Jackson the Proprietor of the Naples Outback Steakhouse. They showed me that not only could they cook up a mean steak but also a smorgasbord of other enticing dishes.

MenuGal and I arrived and met our hosts. Yes, I think I have found a new MenuGal to accompany me on my dining adventures. The search has been long and exhausting so lets hope she keeps your favorite MenuGuy around for a little while!

I ordered a James Boag’s Premium Lager, which is a crisp Australian beer that I had never tried before. MenuGal had some fufu fruity frozen something or other. She is usually a good beer drinker so I was a little confused. What can you do.

Brooke and Jon Paul had the kitchen prepare a banquet for us to sample as they explained each dish. Let me start off by saying that when I say banquet I literally mean half of the menu. I’m not even kidding. It was an amazing presentation that had me picking my jaw up off of the floor.

We started off with appetizers of Spinach Artichoke dip, Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp and Pan-Seared Lump Crab Cakes with Lobster. The Coconut Shrimp came with a Creole-marmalade sauce that complimented the sweet coconut perfectly. I loved that the crab cakes had real lobster meat mixed in with the crab. I liked how they just weren’t the normal crab cakes that you get anywhere. It showed me this chain isn’t afraid to mix things up a bit.

Our next course consisted of two specially seasoned iceburg wedge salads and a Blue Cheese Chopped Salad. I only tried a little bit of the wedge salad, which was delicious because I was attempting to save as much room as I could for the main entrees. And room we would need because we were about to be over taken by the stomach busting spread that was to be placed in front of us.

Let me go through the items that were brought out for us to dig in to. We were served the Rack of Lamb, Baby Back Ribs, the Outback Special which is the 9 or 12oz. center cut sirloin, 2 Alice Springs Chicken dishes, 2 Tilapia with pure lump crab meant, a Chargrilled Ribeye and one Victoria’s “Center Cut” Filet that came with a couple scallops wrapped with huge succulent shrimp. All of this came with various sides that ranged from Whole Grain Wild Rice and Sweet Mashed Potatoes to Asparagus and dressed up baked potatoes. This sounds like a lot of food, but truthfully, I think I’m leaving out a couple items. It was crazy. Our entire table was covered in food along with a full server tray that helped to extend the tables surface area. There was only one thing left to do. Dig in.

I think we tried a little of everything, but I did focus on a couple dishes that really made me surrender my inhibitions. I went wild for the Lamb. It was tender, moist and cooked to perfection. I also dove right into the juicy Baby Back Ribs and the Filet. MenuGal got full pretty early into the main courses due to all the appetizers and salads that bombarded us earlier, but I was undaunted. I kept eating and eating. I knew I was going to be miserably gorged and pay for it later, but I didn’t want one dish to go untested and risk offending our gracious hosts whom went to a lot of work to really showcase their restaurant. MenuGal shot me a couple “Oh My God” looks of amazement wondering where I was putting all this food. I just thought, party in my tummy so yummy, so yummy. Could you pass the sirloin this way please?

Believe it or not, we also were treated to 3 desserts. We some how found room to put a pretty good hurtin, on the Chocolate Chocolate Tower, Sydney’s Sinful Sundae and some smooth Key Lime Pie. My favorite was the Sydney’s Sinful Sundae, which is rich vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted coconut and topped with homemade chocolate sauce and whipped cream. MenuGal ate just about the entire Key Lime Pie herself, and here I thought she was full.

Meal finished. It’s a good thing too, because I was about ready to burst like a cheap party favor.

I want to give a ton of credit to Brooke and John Paul. They were extremely educated on their product and you could see the passion on their faces. They taught me a lot I didn’t know about Outback. Like nearly all of their food is homemade daily by top notch chefs and that they go out of their way, and around the world to find the best cuts of meats and ingredients. I really enjoyed my experience and think you will too.

Bon Appetit Mates!
-MenuGuy

Click here for the Outback Steakhouse locations in southwest Florida.

As you know, the Olympic Games just concluded in the populous host city of Beijing. The editor at PULSE and I thought it would be a great time to do a story on local Asian cuisine. As a side note, I heard a story that all the restaurants in Beijing were ordered to take dog off their menus during the Olympics, and here I thought it was an urban legend that the Chinese ate dog. I digress; the Naples area has some great Asian fare that is an absolute must-try, including two new restaurants that had this local foodie fumbling for adjectives. So brush up on your chopstick skills, and join me for a taste of the local Far East…Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels excluded.

Stir Crazy
Let’s start with the brand new Asian restaurant at the popular Coconut Point Mall. I was lucky enough to be invited to their opening night on August 4th. Their freshly prepared Asian dishes feature the bold and delicious flavors of China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Their highly acclaimed menu offers more than fifty dishes ranging from traditional Chinese favorites to innovative specialties from across Asia. Stir Crazy brings the kitchen right out into the dining room so that every guest can witness the exciting culinary art of preparing fresh Asian dishes. About every 45 minutes, a chef hammers a real gong drum while others light towering flames from their woks as guests cheer. It’s really a great touch. Guests get to experience all of the action at the Market Bar. You can pick what type of veggies, noodles and meats you’d like in your dish. The trained chefs will cook your dish in flaming woks right before your eyes. Don’t lean in too close or you’ll be missing an eyebrow or two.

Harvest Moon
The second new Asian restaurant in the area is Harvest Moon. This establishment isn’t just another place that serves great modern Chinese cuisine, which it does, but it also serves up top notch evening entertainment. But first, let’s describe the chow. Harvest Moon offers an outstanding happy hour of half price on all drinks. Yes, when I say all drinks, I even mean the popular top shelf. I’ll have a Makers Mark and Coke, please! The happy hour also includes half price appetizers. Some of the more popular dishes are the Tomato Beef, Curry Mussels and the many different entrée combos that they offer. Now, for the entertainment….do you Salsa? Harvest Moon offers Salsa lessons to anyone who wishes to shake and sizzle on the dance floor. Call for their schedule. You can strut your stuff Friday and Saturday nights while some of the area’s top DJs fire up the crowd. You could say Harvest Moon is the Noodles/Nooshi Lounge of North Naples except Asian Style.

Noodle Saigon
As we head south on 41, the next stop is Noodle Saigon for a taste of authentic Vietnam. I like to think of myself as an adventurous eater. I have tried everything from snails, sushi and octopus to fried chicken gizzards and frog legs. Noodle Saigon was my first real experience with real Vietnamese cuisine, so I was excited to try something new. They start you off with these interesting rice wafers. They’re a type of rice noodle with shrimp paste seasoning. I was looking for something different and that’s what I got. You can’t judge this book by its cover; you have to let the food do the talking. The dishes consist of a lot of noodles, fresh seafood and wonderful curries. Cooked with bold spices and seasonings, the food at Noodle Saigon will give you a kick in the pants and leave you talking about your next visit.

Charlie Chiang’s
Charlie Chiang’s might just be my favorite Asian restaurant in town. Charlie Chiang’s takes Chinese food to another level. They offer a large menu with all of the traditional names such as General Tso’s Chicken and Crab Rangoon, but they really shine with specialty dishes such as Sweet-Soy Glazed Short Ribs, Creamy Sesame Jumbo Shrimp and Lamb of Two Seasons. Located on the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, Charlie Chiang’s offers a chic atmosphere, which includes a full sushi-bar and a romantic outdoor seating area that overlooks the river. If you think this sounds like a great place, just wait till you walk through the door.

Sushi Thai
Sushi Thai started off with one small nondescript north Naples location on US 41, and now has three locations including their newest on 5th Avenue S. With an upscale yet casual atmosphere, Sushi Thai showcases an enormous menu of Asian, Japanese, sushi and Thai dishes that will leave you coming back over and over again. Dishes include Shrimp in a Blanket, JB and Volcano Rolls, and large selections of noodles and choice of meat entrees. I could be wrong, but I think the majority of guests come for the amazing sushi.

Notables
Blu Sushi – This upscale uber modern sushi joint is one of the “be seen” places in town and, surprise, the food is out of this world!

Noodles Cafe - Yes, I know this place is Italian, but they also have some great sushi
prepared by some of the area’s top sushi chefs, so they are definitely worth a mention.

Chop’s City Grill – Chops will dazzle you with amazing flavors, food presentation, and fine dining atmosphere,

Fujiyama Steak House – Japanese style hibachi grill that will entertain you with its cooking, and keep you coming back with the delectable cuisine.

I hope you enjoy the aforementioned restaurants as much as I do when you’re looking for some chopstick chow. Everyone at PULSE and I would like to congratulate all of the American athletes at the Beijing Olympics. We are inspired. You can search for Asian and other cuisines, menu info, pricing and restaurant reviews, at
www.MenuVenueSWFL.com.
Bon Appetit!
-MenuGuy

Drum roll please (literally), now introducing the newest addition to the Coconut Point mall…Stir Crazy, the only Asian restaurant located in the massive complex. I was lucky enough to be invited to the grand opening on August 4th. Guests were emphatically greeted by rhythmic Asian style drumming at the entrance, which had diners and passerby’s alike taking pictures and watching in wonder.

My friend and I are seated quickly even though there was a 25-minute wait (have I told you it’s good to be MenuGuy?) We were greeted by the smiling face of Shannon, our server who suggested some interesting Asian style beers. We went with the Kirin Light and Singha, a strong Thai beer.

Stir Crazy features a large open kitchen with an army of highly trained chefs cooking delicious dishes in sizzling flaming woks. Every 45 minutes or so, a large gong is hammered and a handful of chefs ignite their woks into towering flames to entertain the applauding patrons. The décor is modern with a couple enormous chopsticks clamping down on a shrimp prawns mounted on the ceiling. Stir Crazy can also seat guests on their outdoor patio or around the upscale circle bar. Wherever you’re seated you can smell the bold aromas of Far East spices being prepared.

Our appetizers of Crab Rangoon and Lettuce Wraps arrive and we both quickly consume the tasty morsels. I almost always order Crab Rangoon when I dine at an Asian restaurant and Stir Crazy’s definitely rank right up there with some of the best. Am I making you hungry yet? Well just wait until the main course.

Another interesting facet of Stir Crazy’s operation is their Market Bar. Upon being seated your server hands you a Market Bar menu so that you can create your own stir-fry. You choose your meat, type of noodles or rice, and then take your menu up to the Market Bar located at the left side of the kitchen. You then pick your vegetables and other fresh additions to your stir-fry, then watch the trained chef season and sizzle your meal right before your eyes. It’s quite the show.

Our entrees arrive steaming hot as we prepare our chopsticks for the work ahead. My friend orders Orange Peel Chicken on a bed of white rice and broccoli, while I choose the Kung Pao Shrimp. The Orange Peel Chicken was crispy bites of chicken smothered in a classic orange sauce. The Kung Pao Shrimp was seasoned with Red Peppers, peanuts and hot chili peppers, so yes the dish had a kick which I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t break into a full on sweat though, so the average person will have no problem with the spice level. I finish my meal with a glass of Estancia, a Pinot Noir from Monterey Valley. Very smooth, very dry, the perfect nightcap.

Shannon gave us some great suggestions for dessert but we were to full to finish our main courses so a rain check was definitely in order. We collected our doggie bags and satisfyingly made our way out the doors.

Stir Crazy’s upscale modern Asian atmosphere blends itself perfectly with the other high quality restaurants at Coconut Point. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for an entertaining upscale casual dining experience. Being that it was opening night I expected some mishaps or slower service, but I was complete blown away by the fluidity of the operation and how knowledgeable our server Shannon was. She knew the menu inside and out. The only thing I would change would be not forgetting the left-overs in the car over night, typical MenuGuy.

Bon Appetit!
-MenuGuy

Click Here for Stir Crazy’s Page on MenuVenueSWFL.com

Stir Crazy
23106 Fashion Drive Suite 107
Estero, FL 33928
239-498-6430
www.StirCrazy.com