Food + Dining Main


A Matter of Taste

Five Southwest Florida restaurants feature heart-healthy, protein-rich Mediterranean cuisine.

BY May 26, 2016

 

Bleu Provence

The fare of France, Italy, Greece and other Mediterranean countries keeps “healthful” flavorful with simple, whole-food preparations featuring olive oil, fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry, whole grains and, yes, even wine!

Pictured starting at upper right: French Pea Gazpacho with Mascarpone Quenelle and a Beet Coulis; Grilled Scallop nestled on a Fresh Herb and Carrot Salad with Mango Juice; Lime and Orange Marinated Octopus with Butternut Squash and Potato; Grilled Loup de Mer with Fennel, Rosemary and Thyme; Rosace of Shaved Melon, Prosciutto and Aged Parmesan with Balsamic Reduction; Spring Octopus Salad with Pistou Sauce; Mollet Egg served over Fresh Provençal Vegetables; Niçoise Salad with Seared Ahi Tuna; Garden Salad with Carrots, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Endives, Red Cabbage, Lettuce, Radish and Popcorn Shoots; Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Blanc, 2014, Provence, France.

 

Campiello Ristorante

Fresh or water-packed fish is an important pillar in Mediterranean cuisine. Order grilled, baked or broiled fish, like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can improve the health of your blood vessels.

Grilled Organic Scottish salmon with Guanciale, Sweet Corn and Leek Fonduta; Shrimp and Citrus Salad with Hearts of Palm and Avocado.

 

Truluck’s

Turn to shellfish for a great source of iron, which helps the body provide oxygen to the cells, in turn giving you more energy. Oysters and shrimp are high in zinc, which strengthens the immune system and promotes healing.

Chilled shellfish platter.

 

The Local

Meals should be largely plant-based. Every juicy bite of watermelon is soaked with nutrients like vitamins A, B6 and C, while fruits and vegetables packed with fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Mediterranean Watermelon Salad with Organic Spinach, Red Peppers, Feta Cheese and Sumac; Pine Island Clams with Capellini, Crushed Red Pepper and Fresh Herbs.

 

Mermaid Garden Cafe

There’s no need to pass the salt. Herbs and spices should be your go-to when adding flavor to any dish. And healthy fats, such as olive oil, are the base to every Mediterranean meal.

Toasted Corn Tacos; Cinderella Salad; Soup of the Day.

 

 

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