Playful Décor, Serious Dining

. When it comes to prime steaks and extensive wine lists, the local restaurant scene is about to get more competitive. Ruth's Chris Steak House confirmed it is opening two locations: at the Coconut Point Towne Center in Estero and the Coastland Center in Naples. Both are set to open late this year.

. Zoë's new executive chef, Duy Pham, has been shaking things up at the Fifth Avenue hotspot. Originally from Denver-where he opened the luxury Luna Hotel-Pham has already walked the "South Beach meets New Orleans"-style restaurant through two menu overhauls. Now, "it's a little more diverse," Pham says. "Anything from duck to pork chop to veal chop." The restaurant now serves fois gras and caviar, but the most-requested new dish is Chilean sea bass. Zoë's

also has a new back room, which offers reservation-only, seven-course tasting meals. 720 Fifth Ave. S.,

(239) 261-1221.

. The best-kept dining secret in Bonita Springs is out: We hear the customers at Uncle G's Deli on Old 41 Road are willing to line up out the door for the spicy gator sandwich. Chef Gerard Crimmins (Uncle G himself) says he simply "caters to the working guys." 28482 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, (239) 390-7053.