The Best of The Gulfshore 2008

DINING

Best Wine List
Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Finalists: Naples Tomato, Bleu Provence (Naples)
For discerning diners in Naples, wine selection is all about quality and quantity. The Grill and Artisans restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, have both been honored for multiple years with Wine Spectator magazine’s Best of Award of Excellence for the 1,600-plus varieties available. More than 1,200 club members can’t be wrong about Naples Tomato’s wine selections and enomatic wine-by-the-glass program. Likely the largest offering of wine varieties can be found at Bleu Provence, another Wine Spectator honoree.

Best House Drink
Aloha Mr. Edison at Blu Sushi  (Fort Myers, Naples)
Finalists: Bahamarita at Bahama Breeze (Fort Myers), Strip Teas at Strip House (Naples)
Just add a bikini and some cocoa butter and the Aloha Mr. Edison will transport you to a tropical paradise with its chilly mix of Van Gogh pineapple vodka and DeKuyper tropical pineapple schnapps. Keeping things tropical is the Bahamarita, a frozen margarita concoction of Cuervo Gold tequila, kiwi, mango and strawberries. A little more complicated, but equally refreshing, is the Strip Teas, a cranberry- and raspberry-infused version of the Long Island iced tea.

Best Crab
Truluck’s (Naples)
Finalists: Crü’s crab rolls (Fort Myers), Kelly’s Fish House’s stone crab claws (Naples)
With its own fishery and fleet of 16 boats that trap crabs daily off the Isle of Capri, Truluck’s sets the standard when it comes to fresh crab menu items. The classic spicy crab roll at Crü is nearly legendary in these parts—you can find it on the small plates menu if you’re one of the few who hasn’t experienced it yet. Kelly’s has been serving seafood the longest in Naples—since 1952—with classic, old Florida ambiance.

Best Chicken Taco
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant (Bonita Springs)
Finalists: La Bamba Mexican Restaurant (Naples), Flaco’s Mexican Specialties & Steak House (Naples)
Two white corn torillas, grilled chunks of chicken, cilantro and a squeeze of lime complete the irresistible and authentic el pollo los tacos blando at Maria’s. A variation on the theme can be found at La Bamba, where shredded chicken is paired with cubed tomatoes, cilantro and lettuce on two flour torillas. Flaco’s has also mastered this tried-and-true favorite—best when served with the rave-worthy sangria.

Best French
Bamboo Café (Naples)
Finalist: Bleu Provence (Naples)
Its name may conjure a different vision, but chef and owner Philippe Boet has created a completely charming and authentic French bistro at Bamboo Café. A fine meal at this quaint eatery should always include the bouillabaisse, with lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, clams and grouper. No doubt the superb and attentive service—along with the inventive cuisine, delightful décor and extensive wine list—once again have placed Bleu Provence among the best in Southwest Florida’s French dining.

Best Italian Dish
Zuppa di Pesci at Ristorante Gaja (Naples)
Finalists: Tortellini Dolofino at Nino’s Ristorante Italiano (Fort Myers), Lasagna Bolognese at Yabo (Fort Myers)
Gaja’s Zuppa di Pesci gets high marks for this perfectly prepared tomato broth teeming with clams, muscles, shrimp, calamari and fish. Nino’s cheese tortellini, diced chicken, artichoke hearts and Romano cheese in tomato sauce create a marriage of Italian fabulousness. Yabo’s menu calls its Lasagna Bolognese "The Best!" So who are we to argue?

Best Sushi
Blu Sushi (Fort Myers, Naples)
Finalists: Fujiyama Steak House of Japan (Naples), Tokyo Sushi Japanese Restaurant (Naples)
With names like It’s All Good and Sugar Mama, the specialty rolls at Blu Sushi are something special indeed, and we’re more than a little bit proud of the new teal Chillax martini, created in Gulfshore Life’s honor. If you’re not in the mood for the festive hibachi dining experience, you’ll definitely want to apply for membership at Fujiama’s Club Sushi, or check out the offerings at east Naples’ Tokyo Sushi.

Best Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen (Estero, Naples)
Finalists: Aurelio’s Pizza (Naples), Napoli on the Bay Pizza & Deli (Naples)
There’s absolutely no guilt in finishing an entire order of CPK’s out-of-the-ordinary pizzas by yourself. But if you can’t, they’ll give you one of those cute, yellow boxes to enjoy the rest of this top-notch treat later. Pizza champ Aurelio’s returns to the Best of the Gulfshore with its generous servings of Chicago-style pie. If it’s NYC-style pizza you’re after, Napoli on the Bay has the cuisine and vibe you crave.

Best Chinese Takeout
Charlie Chiang’s (Naples)
Finalists: Pei Wei (Naples), Ichiban (Fort Myers)
For Doubletree Suites visitors in north Naples, the best Chinese takeout in the area can be found steps from their hotel room at Charlie Chiang’s. (We recommend the Yu Shion Shrimp for its delectable sauce.) Newcomer Pei Wei at the Collection at Vanderbilt has quickly become a lunchtime favorite for its quick and tasty meals born from the masters at PF Changs. Ichiban adds its own style of Japanese and Chinese flavors to Fort Myers’ River District.

Best Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Estero, Naples)
Finalists: Chops City Grill (Bonita Springs, Naples), Fleming’s Steakhouse (Naples)
Talk to any steak aficionados about Ruth’s Chris’ thick cuts of beef, and you’ll see their eyes glaze over with a dreamy expression just thinking of how aged steak meets salt, pepper and butter. Long-time favorites Chops City Grill and Fleming’s continue to wow with their filets, Porterhouses, sirloins and more.

Best Breakfast
First Watch (Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples)
Finalists: Crissy’s at Bayfront/Crissy’s Wild Side Cafe (Naples), Skillets (Bonita Springs, Naples)
Regulars line up to partake in First Watch’s breakfast and brunch menu, with a selection that includes 11 omelettes ranging from spicy Cajun to Greek, signature "Crepeggs" and plate-sized pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles. Crissy’s also boasts out-of-this-world omelettes and French toast, while Skillets offers eggs in every configuration your heart desires.

Best Non-chocolate Dessert
Tarte aux pommes chaude a la mode at Escargot 41 (Naples)
Finalists: Carrot cake at Truluck’s (Naples), Key lime pie at Randy’s Fishmarket Restaurant (Naples)
Who says dessert has to be drenched in chocolate? Satisfy your sweet tooth at Escargot 41 with its warm, sweet apple pie, laced with caramel sauce—ice cream optional. Baked to order, it’s worth the wait. The rich carrot cake at Truluck’s and Randy’s signature Key lime pie may also test your commitment to the cocoa bean.

Best Business Lunch
The Veranda (Fort Myers)
Finalists: USS Nemo (Naples), Bistro 41 (Fort Myers)
Within walking distance of bustling government complexes, The Veranda is a favorite lunch spot for Fort Myers’ movers and shakers. Two turn-of-the-century homes were transformed into the restaurant, which has multiple smaller dining areas (perfect for discreet business deals). Last year’s winner, USS Nemo, is on the list again with its laid-back atmosphere; and Bistro 41 regularly draws a bustling crowd with its full lunch menu.

Best-kept Secret
Gaja Ristorante (Naples)
Finalists: La Trattoria Café Napoli (Fort Myers), AA Two Brothers Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine (Bonita Springs)
Gaja Ristorante, just west of busy Third Street South, features authentic Italian cooking by chef Gino Sciallis, who uses fresh produce and herbs from his own garden. La Trattoria Café Napoli in Villas Plaza is owned by chef Gloria Cabral-Jordan and features amazing paella and homemade pastries. AA Two Brothers Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine, tucked in Bay Crossings plaza, has big ambiance for a small space. It isn’t open for lunch, but dinner offerings are, of course, New York-style pizza—gourmet toppings even include clams—and an extensive menu of Italian dishes.

Best After-work Bar
Shane’s Cabana Bar (Naples)
Finalists: CinCin Mediterranean Bar & Grill (Fort Myers), Boston Beer Garden (Naples)
Shane’s Cabana Bar, an outdoor chickee hut with a full bar, can relieve the stress of a long day with beautiful views of the water and specialty tropical drinks. Although CinCin’s happy hour technically starts at 11:30 a.m., a regular crowd finds its way to the sophisticated bar when the workday ends. With no less than a dozen beers on draft and a full bar and TV screens viewable from any seat, Boston Beer Garden offers a more refined version of the sports bar with, naturally, a New England tilt. If you stay for dinner, we insist on the grilled chicken Caesar salad.

Best Deli Sandwich
Jason’s Deli (Fort Myers, Naples and Cape Coral)
Finalists: Wynn’s Market (Naples), Pastrami Dan’s (Naples)
With 10 different choices under the "Favorites" category—not to mention slimwiches for the health-conscious, muffalettas, po’boys, paninis and wrapinis—Jason’s Deli has a sandwich to please any palate. The deli at Wynn’s Market features imported salamis, fresh roast beef, roasted turkey, seasoned hams and heart-healthy chicken, plus a wide selection of imported cheeses. And offering big taste in a much smaller menu—pastrami and roast beef are the two sandwich choices—is Pastrami Dan’s.

Best Family-friendly Restaurant
RC Otter’s Island Eats (Captiva)
Finalists: Carrabba’s (Fort Myers, Bonita, Cape, Naples, Port Charlotte), Parrot Key Caribbean Grill (Fort Myers Beach)
If the tropical setting, live music and ring-toss game don’t keep your kids occupied, then the giant menu at RC Otter’s Island Eats will. To simplify the selection, go for the restaurant’s kids’ menu, featuring chicken fingers, cheeseburgers and mac and cheese. Carrabba’s also has a kids’ menu with typical American fare and popular Italian dishes: four-cheese ravioli, pizza and fettuccini Alfredo. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill offers open-air waterfront dining in a colorful, parrot-themed tropical restaurant. Its kids’ menu also includes tried and true favorites—chicken fingers, grilled cheese, hot dog, fish and chips, cheeseburger and buttered pasta.