Citrus, the newest restaurant on Fifth Avenue South in Naples, opened last month between Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub and Bellini Bar. It offers truly fresh seafood, some dishes served with a unique Ecuadorean flair by Chef Fauston Vega, who has also trained in Peru and New York.

 

Owners Paula and Jay Powell, visitors to Naples over the past 37 years, saw the opportunity to open on Fifth Avenue, and the local support has been terrific. Why call it Citrus? Paula explains, “Florida is the epitome of citrus, sunshine and seafood to us.” Opening day’s trial by fire was missing, well, the fire. It was Veteran’s day, when the gas lines in Lee and Collier counties were severed, leaving many restaurants without gas for cooking for five days.

 

Red snapper with crabmeat at Citrus.

Portions are generous at Citrus. One can make a delicious meal from a $10 appetizer and a good beer. I enjoyed the $14 trio of grouper firecracker, lobster purse and stone crab wontons. From the daily chef’s suggestions, I flipped over my $24 Cobia, served with island spiced diced sweet potatoes and pineapple; and traded bites with my companion’s $25 tender red snapper topped with stone crab claw meat. Citrus, 455 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, 435-0408.

 

 

The brand new Cool Hand Luc’s in Fort Myers is taking “green” to a whole new level. The coffee shop serves fair trade and locally roasted coffee, ethically traded tea, healthful snacks, and vegan and traditional hand-crafted ice cream. Ingredients are organic whenever possible. The shop is open from noon to 9 p.m. daily and offers free wireless Internet. It has a recycling program and also plans to compost all food waste. 2040 Collier Ave, Suite B, Fort Myers, 791-8666, www.CoolHandLucs.com

 

 

Martin Fierro Restaurant & Steak House is the spot for authentic Argentinean parillada, a unique grilling of varied tasty meats that holds its own against many of the best grilling chefs in Argentina. I’ve dined across the country and tasted quite a few steaks and parilladas to know! It’s the best deal in Southwest Florida for both quantity and quality of grilled meats. The fine beef is easy on the wallet, and with the huge portions, there are always tasty treats to bring home.
 

 Martin Fierro Restaurant & Steak House

 

 

Chrissy’s at Bayfront just returned to Bayside in Naples, next to Roy’s Restaurant, after leaving a year ago. The food is fresh, and the only change is that the menu, while still ample, isn’t quite as huge as before. Say hello to veteran owners Chrissy and Fadi Rabil.
 

 Crab Benedict at Chrissy's.
 

This has been a favorite spot of mine for brunch, and I’m glad it re-opened. Whether you have the Belgian waffle ($5), crab Benedict ($10) or a chipotle chicken salad ($8), portions are generous. It’s a popular place to dine. I’ve come here with friends, who bring their dogs to relax on the patio. Chrissy’s at Bayfront, 475 Bayfront Place, 353-4444.

 

 

Taste of Chicago opened last week at the former site of Havana’s, in Naples’ Greentree Plaza at Immokalee and Airport-Pulling roads, next to Em-On Thai. The restaurant is unique in offering authentic Vienna brand hot dogs and Italian beef with authentic Chicago Gonnella brand poppy seed buns, and homemade chips and fries. Chicagoans say this is the real thing, from the fat sesame seed buns to all the right toppings!

 

Chicago hot dog at Taste of Chicago.

Owners Bonnie and Rick Haas moved their original Taste of Chicago from Tennessee to Naples, where their sons have been attending Gulf Coast High School. Chicago-savvy diners say the “must-have” dishes include the $4 Chicago dog, Italian beef sandwich ($5), beef & Polish sausage ($4) and beef & brat combo sandwich ($7). $2.50 adds choice of chips or fries, and a 24-ounce drink. I’m hooked on the hot dog with all the colorful fixings! Taste of Chicago, 2366 Immokalee Road, Naples, 431-5439.

 

Austin’s Wine Cellar will be closing after 24 years at the same Fort Myers location. Frank Pulice, the boutique wine shop’s third and final owner, has been a terrific wine resource for Lee County since purchasing Austin’s in 2003. All items are on sale, continuing until all stock is gone at 12377 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. 275-7200, www.austinswinecellar.net.

 

 

Florida Gulf Coast University’s Resort & Hospitality Management Program is housed in a beautiful new building with a large, state-of-the-art kitchen and classrooms. The gem in the crown is the multipurpose wine-tasting classroom, where Culinary Institute of America-trained Ted Hudgins and program director Sherie Brezina have created a beautiful setting for hospitality students to learn about wine and food pairings.
 

 Wine-tasting room at FGCU's Resort & Hospitality Management Program.

In the future, look for courses and events to be available to non-students, too! Naples’ and Bonita Springs’ respective Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, whose Culinary and Hospitality Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. program gives scholarships, recently sampled wonderful cuisine by Naples caterer Fred Gardner and met students who intern at more than 200 local restaurants, clubs and resorts.

 

 

 

Let’s broaden our choices of great Southwest Florida restaurants together. Post your hints and experiences below or e-mail me at diningscene@live.com.