Nirvana Indian Fusian Cuisine.
The food is a welcome addition to Southwest Florida. The chef cooks with a slight Madras style, and spiciness is adjusted to your comfort level. I enjoyed the Butter Chicken ($12), with tender breast meat cooked in garam masala and a tomato sauce. The Thai-inspired Massaman Curry ($12) blends curry spices with peanut sauce. Our special crumbled sweet laddu over ice cream is the best way to end a good meal. Nirvana Indian Fusion Cuisine, 9101 College Parkway, Fort Myers, 277-9101, www.nirvanafusion.com.
Mimi’s.
There’s a good assortment of salads, soups and sandwiches for less than $10. I recommend the large ($15) bouillabaisse, a generous portion with ample large scallops, shrimp and salmon in a rich broth. A sliced baguette with mild rouille completes the picture. The Niçoise Baguette ($9) raises tuna to a new level! French Chef Escoffier created Peach Melba in 1892, and Mimi’s $6 version’s fresh peaches and raspberry sauce over vanilla ice cream is just as refreshing today. Mimi’s, 2099 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, 566-2275.
Salmon at Bravo!
I like the Wood-Grilled Salmon Salad ($15), a healthy large plate brimming with asparagus, field greens and tomatoes, topped with feta cheese, shoestring potatoes and a light balsamic vinaigrette. The Rosemary Grilled Shrimp ($19) marinates large Gulf shrimp with garlic and rosemary. The shrimp are then grilled and presented on a bed of orzo and spinach—light and refreshing! Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Suite 88, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, 514-0042,
www.bbrg.com.Backyard BBQ School.
The next class runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Lodge Pavilion at Lakes Park in south Fort Myers. The Lodge is screened in, with ceiling fans and restrooms. Class size is limited to16 people to maintain intimacy and personal attention. Emmett’s thorough class covers smoking and grilling techniques, wood and charcoal fuels, temperature control, sauces and rubs. Spots fill up fast! Call 822-1088 or visit
www.backyardbbqschool.com/.
Cafe Luna.
Naples’ Café Luna fills the tables each night with a “veally good deal,” two dinners and a bottle of wine for $29! Select from six offerings—I hear the eggplant parmigiana and the chicken parmigiana are the best! For $5 more, the selection is widened to eight more. Café Luna, 467 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, 213-2212, www.cafelunanaples.com/
Grab a Bite at The Ritz