Latin Food in Lehigh Acres

Most people who go on "stay-cations" in the Fort Myers area end up at the beach. I ended up in  Lehigh Acres, a small inland community east of Fort Myers. There for not quite 24 hours helping a friend, I decided to call it a "stay-cation" to make it sound more glamorous and relaxing than it really was.

All jobs require sustenance, so my goal while there, was to check out the Latin dining options in between my sworn duties.

I had heard decent things about the somewhat new Mexican restaurant El Tarasco, but my experience was a bit of a disappointment. It was a Sunday night so maybe the A-team was home with family instead of in the kitchen and maybe because it was a pick-up order, details were overlooked in the packing. That being said, my expectations were much higher than what was delivered, both in flavor and value. Maybe next time I'll dine in and see if the experience is better?

Thank goodness for the breakfast sandwiches Monday morning from Los Amigos Grocery & Lechonera. The small spot features Puerto Rican fare for take out. The roasted meats smell divine and food served until it runs out; it always runs out.

My sandwich was massive, on pressed bread and loaded with ham, eggs, cheese and fresh cut vegetables. I can't wait to go back and try more from this spot.

The place I was really craving and perhaps looking forward to trying the most was Azucar. Serving traditional Cuban food, it was everything I hoped it would be. The Cuban sandwich was generous, the empanadas were flavorful and filling, and the tostones with garlic sauce had us fighting for the last one.

Another MUST try in Lehigh.

My circumstances required that all of the food was takeout and the photos just didn't do them justice so I opted not to share most. Instead I'll sacrifice, go back for more with a proper camera and update this blog at that time. I'm going to need an assistant, or two.

A New Chef For The New Year At Twisted Vine

For years, Twisted Vine Bistro has been a top spot to dine in downtown Fort Myers for it's cool vibe, extensive wine list and creative food, among other things, and it's status as a premiere dining destination is climbing yet another rung on the ladder going into 2016.

For starters, Chef Airon Adams has arrived from Chicago. European trained, with experience under top chefs from the around the U.S., he is all about approaching food "in a new and unique way." He says, "I want someone from Chicago to come here and say I got the best meal of my life in Fort Myers."

Seared scallop over truffled porridge

Take for instance Twisted Vine's new seared scallop dish. It is served over an irresistible truffled porridge with beach mushrooms, fennel jam, parsley vinegar, olive jus and pea tendrils. Beautifully presented, every element plays together with great finesse on the plate and palate.

Crab Cake

The substantial crab cake is all crab rather than filler with a delectable, black garlic emulsion and preserved lemon and chive.

The Lobster parfait is perhaps one of my favorite new appetizers. Butter poached, the crustacean is served over a rich and creamy parsnip puree and red wine demi.....this will knock your socks off. Don't share, get one of your own.

Duck Breast

The duck breast is simply amazing, cooked perfectly and paired spot on with spaghetti squash, baby turnips, soy chestnut and red watercress. It's one of the hot new items creating a buzz and delighting diners with comforting flavors that work well together.

The hanger steak is one of those menu items that upon reading the description, you might think twice about ordering; crispy fingerlings, salsify, sprout leaves, sechuan pepper, blueberry demi and kumquat gremolata. Don't think about it, don't try to imagine it, just order it. I promise it not only works, it will be a dish you talk about the rest of the week.

Candied Beef Short Ribs over polenta

You'll notice the new menu has a clean look, using more of the proper culinary terms for pestos and sauces rather than a lot of fancy adjectives to describe how delicious the dishes are. So this is where you need to put your "foodie" pride aside and ask your server to help interpret.

Too many times people don't order something that will blow them away, because they don't understand the methods mentioned on the menu and are embarrassed to ask.

Long time fans of Twisted Vine will find the menu listing different indeed, but you'll also find it to be extraordinary once you take a chance on some of the additions. I'm excited to see what else the chef and owners come up with for 2016.

Of special interest is the expansion next door. The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine will soon become downtown's hot new bourbon and blues venue, with a delicious gastropub menu serving late.

Congrats Steve and Denise Hollister on the fantastic changes at Twisted Vine and for always striving to give Southwest Florida a memorable dining experience.