Sunday Brunch---Italian Style

Limoncello Tiramisu 

When restaurants open, they often do it in phases, adding to their portfolio of offerings a little at a time, hoping to perfect--as much as possible--before adding more. That is indeed the case with Melograno Italian Gourmet, the latest addition to the dining scene at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral.

Sampling the new pastries and specialty jams

Sunday Brunch at Melograno is done Italian style. It is official, it is legit, and it will only get better now that the restaurant's new baker has arrived from Italy. He is getting used to how bread rises in the heat, humidity and air conditioning of Southwest Florida.

I got to sample some of his experiments and they are coming along nicely. The beautiful mini tarts I tried were filled with Italian creme and berries, fig and grape with a hint of spicy mustard, spiced pear with coffee bean and cocoa, and more.

The restaurant is also introducing it's private label organic jams. The concentrated flavors are used in a variety of dishes from sweets to meats here, and they include pear vanilla, peach amaretto and lemon lime.

Deconstructed crostata with caramelized apples

The dough in the deconstructed crostata (with caramelized apples and pine nuts) does not have any yeast, is light and easy on the sugar. With misty eyes, owner Augusta Malacarne describes it as "Sunday morning in Italy."

Spaghetti nests with prosciutto and carbonara  

The Nidi di spaghetti alla Carbonara or spaghetti nests, began as a kid friendly dish but adults love the flavors; proscuitto, carbanaro, mozzarella and even eggs in the middle if you like.

Crepe special with mushrooms and rich cheeses

Satisfying the American palate that is used to big flavors and sauce, Melograno has specials like this crepe with mushrooms, ricotta and other cheeses: decadent.

Puffed frittata with prosecco infused fruit salad

Bread, eggs and bacon are made into a puffed frittata, with a mild hollandaise sauce. This dish comes with a prosecco infused fruit salad sprinkled with basil. I loved this combo. Malacarne says, "Italian basil has a little mint quality and prosecco makes every body happy."

I had mine (prosecco) in a glass, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. You can also have prosecco cocktails with fresh Sun Harvest juices.

Other brunch options at this waterfront spot include a nice selection of imported, cured meats and cheeses, lamb and eggs, a seasonal hash and Panino Melograno; pomegranate whipped creamy ricotta and caramelized shallots on toasted baguettes with Melograno's signature pomegranate mustard.

I'm always looking for restaurants that serve a Sunday brunch with unique dishes, lots of bubbles and a great atmosphere....Melograno has all three. Cheers!

The Wait Is Over For Melograno; New Restaurant In Cape Coral

For months, Melograno has been tempting people at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, with its chic yet rustic interior, imported Florentine tiles, and beautiful Italians with their intoxicating accents, promising to open soon.

Soon is finally here! In it's second week of operation, Melograno is only open for dinner, Wednesday through Saturday......for now. So much more is in store. Serving foods from Italy's 'cradle of cuisine,' Lombardia and Emilia Romagna in northern Italy, the food here has an authentic yet modern touch.

I was so excited to finally check it out and didn't know where to start. Choosing a plate of grilled vegetables, mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma we had it with a beautiful, crisp sparkling rose. Manager Robert Loseto takes great pride in the wine list and offers expert advice when it comes to at pairing.

Green Florida Soup

Next up was the Green Florida Soup, made creamy by pureeing avocado and potato. It also had onion, cilantro, tomatoes, peperonino and perhaps some other goodies, but nothing was overpowering. It was very thick, rich and balanced in flavors.

Insalata Melograno

The Insalata Melograno was even more unique; a stack of chickpeas, quinoa, artichoke and pomegranate. Vegetarians are going to love this 'meaty' dish. I wasn't sure what to think of the combo at first, then I got one of those bites, the perfect amount of each flavor, and I was hooked. Wine could be a challenge with this one. We had a refreshing, yet substantial Gavi

Strozzapreti alla bolognese

Most of the pasta is made in house so I had to try some, opting for the strozzapreti alla bolognese. The pasta was al dente and I could actually taste it as it was not swimming in sauce. The combinations of meat in the bolognese were flavorful and once again, not over served. Chianti was in order for this dish!

I really wanted to try the prawns over caponata or the asparagus stuffed chicken with a light gorgonzola cream, but there was no room at this point. Darn, I'll have to return.

Melograno is adding items to their dinner menu a little at a time. Eventually they will be adding entertainment to the roster as well. Look for lunch and breakfast soon, and a bakery full of thoughtfully made treats with the highest quality ingredients. Bravo Melograno.

Ready, Set.....Hurry and Open!!!

It's the best recipe for a new restaurant.....BUZZ. That is exactly what is happening at the soon to open Melograno Italian Gourmet Bakery and Bistro at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral. Tarpon Point houses the Westin, beautiful waterfront high-rises, a marina and shops, however, it is in need of another quality dining option.

Locals have been lighting up the phones for reservations and information. But anyone who has ever opened a business knows the harsh reality of dealing with last minute permitting, inspections, etc. That being said, all is in place and the doors should be opening any day now.

Some of the beautiful tiles you'll see at Melograno

The photos you see were taken a couple of weeks ago, plastic protecting the beautiful furniture and accessories from all of the last minute prep work. Much of the interior was brought in from the 'mother land,' including lovely tiles and the Cadillac of coffee machines.

A premiere Italian coffee machine for delicious cafe!

It's the first US location for the well established, family restaurant in Pomponesco, Italy.

Melograno is committed to serving local, fresh and healthful food. You may find it an odd combo, a bakery with a juice bar, but that is one of the many great things going on here. And speaking of the bakery, gluten free diners will be ecstatic at the offerings.

This case is soon to be filled with mouthwatering treats

Besides the bakery, fresh juices and bold coffee, there is a bistro section where you can dine on authentic Italian cuisine, with a gluten free pasta option.

I've seen the menu, met the chef (from the mother land as well) and when I actually get to taste his creations that sound so good, I'll be sure to pass on a full review. In the meantime, they are set and we are ready for Melograno to open.

Best Italian Dining in the Fort Myers Area

It's so funny.....when I first updated this list over a year ago for 10Best, a travel and tourism division of USA TODAY, I excitedly told a restaurant owner the next time I went in, that he made the top 10. He sneered "ya, but #7!"

He obviously thought he should've been higher. I said YES #7! Out of the hundreds of Italian joints in our area YOU were in the top. Still not good enough for him. And after looking at the list a second time, he was right.....I moved him to #5. HA!

But this is new list (click to read). Yes, some of the longtime local favorites are still on there but there are some new contenders in town. MANGA!

Linguini and clams, restaurant bumped from the list ;-(