Best of the Gulfshore 2006

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. The panel of local notables we assembled to help choose this year's Best of the Gulfshore are constantly out and about in Southwest Florida, making it their business to know which martini place has a smooth hand with the vermouth, which Mexican food will make transplanted Southwesterners smile and what establishment has the most stylish nightly crowd. Their expertise and enthusiasm created a stellar list, which includes some perennial winners (a toast to you, Grill Room at the Ritz-Carlton) and some novel delights, including shops that bring a new level of luxe to our retail landscape. Enjoy!

DINING

Best Wine List

The Grill Room at the Ritz-Carlton (Naples)

Finalists: Ridgway Bar & Grill (Naples); Zoë's (Naples)

Although it's a myth that the Gulfshore has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the country, we would bet that we have more knowledgeable wine enthusiasts per square mile than even the grape-heaviest region of California. These connoisseurs have declared-and we second their assertion-that the wine list at the courtly Grill Room is the one by which all others should be judged. An owner's loving touch-and depth of wine expertise-are evident in Ridgway's 600-plus-bottle wine list and the 1,500 or so choice vintages that make up Zoë's offerings.

Best Martini

Diva Martini Bar (Naples)

Finalists: Blu (Fort Myers and Naples); Chops (Bonita Springs and Naples)

Dig the secret identity: the respectable Mangrove Café becomes dance-happy Diva Martini Bar after dark. But never fear-the signature chilled libation keeps up the café's excellent reputation. Couture cocktails also match the top-notch cuisine at Blu and Chops.

Best Seafood

Tropical Reef (Naples)

Finalists: Real Seafood Co. (Naples); Red's Fresh Seafood House and Tavern (Bokeelia)

Colorful presentations and a deft touch with spices keep the buzz swirling around Tropical Reef; we hope rumors of an expansion are on target. "No frozen fish" is the rallying cry that has diners from all over the Gulfshore packing Red's in Bokeelia, while fresh catches and stellar service are onboard at the Real Seafood Co.

Best Mexican

La Casita (Fort Myers)

Finalists: Cilantro Tamales (Bonita Springs and Naples); Meson Ole (Naples)

Mi casita, su casita-you'll always feel at home in the bright, busy La Casita, where you'll find a novel spin on comfort food with its authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Cilantro Tamales also offers comfort food just like Mom didn't used to make. The nominally Spanish Meson Ole sneaks a few Mexican favorites onto its menu while also pouring the best margarita this side of Tijuana.

Best French

Cote d'Azur (Naples)

Finalists: French Deli (Naples);

Le Lafayette (Naples)

It's nearer the Cocohatchee River than the Riviera, but one taste of Cote d'Azur's Gallic specialties and you'll be whisked to the heart of France. Also bearing the French flag proudly to the Gulfshore: the young owners of Old Naples' intimate Le Lafayette and the friendly folks at the bustling French Deli.

Best Italian

L'Amore (North Fort Myers)

Finalists: Bella Rosa (Fort Myers);

Sale e Pepe (Marco Island)

Like a big pizza pie? That's L'Amore, but veal, pasta and other favorites also shine at the atmospheric North Fort Myers restaurant. Romantic elegance characterizes Bella Rosa, and over-the-top entrées and appetizers earn a four-star rating at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort's Sale e Pepe.

Best Sushi

Blu (Fort Myers and Naples)

Finalists: Origami (Fort Myers and Naples); Sushi-Thai (Naples)

Come for the people-watching and stay for the food at both locations of ultra-fresh, ultra-hip Blu. Origami has a long history of turning formerly staid Midwesterners into lifelong sashimi freaks, and beautifully presented fresh fish is a standout at Sushi-Thai.

Best Thai

Sushi-Thai (Naples)

Finalists: Em-On's (Naples);

Siam Hut Thai (Cape Coral)

If a new love interest has you tongue-tied, make a date at Sushi-Thai, where the intriguing Eastern décor is guaranteed to spark conversation-at least until your oohing and ahhing over the delicately flavored curry makes talk impossible. While never sacrificing flavor for spice, they'll make it as hot as you want it at Naples' reliable Em-On's. Diners head to the Cape from all over the Gulfshore to enjoy Siam Hut Thai's subtle mastery of basic Thai ingredients.

Best Other Ethnic

Roy's (Bonita Springs and Naples)

Finalists: Bha Bha (Naples); P.F. Chang's (Naples); World Bakery (Naples)

If Roy's were a musical, it would be South Pacific: a long-running crowd favorite whose fusion-influenced Pacific Rim cuisine is guaranteed to please. Light Persian fare, sophisticated Chinese-American entrées and yearn-for-the-homeland Cuban specialties can be found at Bha Bha, P.F. Chang's and World Bakery, respectively.

Best Pizza

Peppino's (Naples)

Finalists: Aurelio's is Pizza (Naples); Salvatore's (Fort Myers)

What goes into the perfect pie? Peppino's isn't divulging any secrets, so you'll just have to pull a chair up to the eatery's red-checked tablecloths and enjoy one of its authentic New York pizzas. No imitators have yet produced the special, smoky sauce that made Aurelio's famous, and the doughboys at family-friendly Salvatore's throw an unrivaled crust.

Best Burger

Ridgway Bar & Grill (Naples)

Finalists: Bonita Beach Grill (Bonita Springs); Waterfront Restaurant

(St. James City)

You name the time and we'll meet you at the place: Third Street South's Ridgway Bar & Grill, for a 10-ounce, pure-beef bistro burger. Beachgoers and boaters alike are welcome at the casual, laid-back Bonita Beach Grill, near Barefoot Beach, and Pine Island's aptly named Waterfront Restaurant.

Best Steak House

Chops (Bonita Springs and Naples)

Finalists: Andre's (Naples); Preston's (Naples)

Our panel of judges had no beef with naming trendy Chops the best in this category, thanks to its quality cuts and a menu that ventures beyond the usual. A cult following has developed around Andre's sizzling sliced steaks, and loyal diners find a classic steakhouse experience at Preston's.

Best Breakfast

Chrissy's Wildside Café (Naples)

Finalists: Caffé dell'Amore (Naples); First Watch (Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Naples)

Good morning, sunshine. Even if the warm staff at Chrissy's Wildside Café can't make you smile, we dare you to hold that frown while you bite into one of Chrissy's sumptuous crêpes. Shell-seekers at Naples' Lowdermilk Park can fortify themselves with coffee and croissants from Caffé dell'Amore across the street, and everything tastes better with a side of fried potatoes at First Watch's several locations.

Best Brunch

Tie: Ritz-Carlton (Naples); Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort (Naples)

Finalists: McGregor Café (Fort Myers); Naples Grande Resort & Club (Naples)

Golf or Gulf? It makes no difference. Either of the Ritz-Carlton's two area properties is the place for a relaxing brunch. And if the former Registry Resort's quick change into Naples Grande Resort & Club has left you rattled, collect your nerves with a mimosa at the resort's revamped Sunday brunch at Aura, its lobby restaurant. Those hungering for a hometown vibe with home fries will find that oversized omelets and other breakfast standards are served until 11:30 on weekends at the bucolic roadside McGregor Café.

Best Desserts

Ritz-Carlton (Naples)

Finalists: Café Lurcat (Naples); The

Melting Pot (Fort Myers and Naples)

Even if there's no room at the inn at this always-popular beach resort, you'll need to save space for a delectable, meal-ending creation when you dine in one of the hotel's restaurants or ballrooms. One's melted, the other melts in your mouth, but The Melting Pot's rich chocolate fondue and Café Lurcat's tiny hot doughnuts are both deliciously above the norm.

Best Waterfront

Tie: Baleen at LaPlaya (Naples); Rumrunners (Cape Coral)

Finalists: Matanzas Inn (Fort Myers Beach); Turtle Club (Naples)

LaPlaya's flagship restaurant offers luxe Gulf views, while canal-cruisers find a smart-casual atmosphere at Rumrunners. A slower pace of life interrupts the usual Fort Myers Beach revelry at the historic Matanzas Inn on Estero Bay, while you'll want to get there early for a coveted Gulfside seat at Naples' Turtle Club.

Best Romantic Meal

Veranda (Fort Myers)

Finalists: The Banyan Room at Sanibel Harbour (Fort Myers); The Grill Room at the Ritz-Carlton (Naples)

Although the gracious Veranda has been voted Best Romantic Meal many times, never have we had such compelling evidence as panelist Jim McLaughlin's revelation that he married the lovely Marty Ambrose there. Marty and Jim, here's to you crazy kids. If you're looking for a place where your innermost confessions can be whispered with impunity, try the wood-paneled elegance of Sanibel Harbour's Banyan Room or the exclusive atmosphere of the Ritz-Carlton's Grill Room.

Best Business Lunch

USS Nemo (Naples)

Finalists: Bistro 41 (Fort Myers); University Grill (Fort Myers)

No first mates here: The fusion-inspired seafood of USS Nemo attracts only captains of industry. In Fort Myers, power goes out to lunch at Bistro 41 and the University Grill; fortify yourself with fine American cuisine at either place if you've got a big deal in the works.

Best-Kept Secret

Tarpon Lodge (Pine Island)

Finalists: The Banyan Room at Sanibel Harbour (Fort Myers); The Fish House (Bonita Springs)

Do you promise not to tell? Yeah, that's what we said to our panel. Suckers! Our nod goes to Pine Island's clubby Tarpon Lodge, where presidents, potentates and regular guys will all feel welcome. A discreet, Old World ethos also prevails at Sanibel Harbour's Banyan Room. For a completely different kind of good time, try 50-cent oysters on Sunday at the lively, canal-front Fish House, but please save some for our panel. That one was a true sacrifice.

Best After-Work Drink

Crü (Fort Myers)

Finalists: Campiello (Naples);

Fleming's (Naples)

Working for a living or just working it, you'll want to join the after-five crowd at Bell Tower's happening Crü, where the spirits are as pure as the whole-foods menu. A stylish crowd gathers in the courtyard at Third Street South's Campiello, and the opportunity to try rare and sublime wines by the glass makes Fleming's a must for those Gulfshore commitment-phobes who aren't ready to be wed to a whole bottle.