Let il Tesoro Tickle Your Tastebuds

Antipasti goodies

My recent trip to Italy made me realize I've been quite negligent in getting the word out, on some amazing stateside, Italian restaurants I've dined at lately, such as il Tesoro on Sanibel Island.

This is one of my favorite physical spots on the island, a location tucked away in tropical foliage. The building itself has housed a number of successful restaurants but many move on as they outgrow the small intimate space. The wooden floors, the low ceilings, very romantic and cozy.

But what about the food this small kitchen continues to crank out? The menu is full of pastas and fish, as well as hearty selections such as lamb shanks, braised short ribs, veal and more.

I started with a plate of delicious meats, cheeses, olives, artichokes and other antipasti delights, after being tempted by them from the counter, as soon as I walked in the door.

Next up was the Lobster Agrodolce ($17). The lobster tail is tempura fried, served with tomato and red onion salad and a sweet and sour sauce. What a treat. The Fuggotini ($15), or "stuffed purses" were full of goat cheese, roasted pear and sautéed with brown butter and fresh sage. There was nearly a fight over the last bite.

il Tesoro's Fuggotini

I also tried a perfectly cooked swordfish special over a rich and creamy risotto and the Lamb Shank Osso Buco; it is braised with a spicy tomato and roasted eggplant sauce, served over saffron risotto ($35). Filling and fabulous.

And by all means....save room for dessert; decadent cannoli's, tiramisu and other daily treats.

There are SO many things on the menu that look and sound SO good, I can't wait to go back and try more at this island treasure.

The owners have a second location in New York City that I would assume is just as fantastic as on this island. So my NYC friends, let me know when you go! Bravo il Tesoro. I'll see you again soon.

Sunset Snackin'

I took a drive to Sanibel Island yesterday for a little therapy, some decompression. It had been a long day and a slow drive so I stopped at the Sunset Grill for a sunset snack. The Grill is just before the bridge over Blind Pass into Captiva.

I've had great food at this restaurant in years past but wanted to check it out under the new management. "Sexy Eyes" by Dr. Hook was playing on the radio as I was seated on the outside deck; I wanted a view of the beach across the street. Truth is every seat, inside or out, has a view of the Gulf of Mexico through the sea oats.

The appetizer menu was tantalizing. I settled on the Lobster Crabcake and a glass of Girard Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp wine was perfect for the beach and a fair accompaniment to the rich sauces drizzled on the plate. One was a vanilla beurre blanc, the other mango. When mixed together they almost tasted like an Orange Dreamsicle.

The first couple of bites were amazing but by the end, the sauce had become a little too sweet for my palate. My very attentive server tried to tempt me with "homemade desserts" but I had someplace to be....across the street for the sunset!

My appetizer and glass of wine cost as much as an entire meal at some restaurants but it was therapy after-all (and still cheaper than my usual "shoe" therapy). By the way; the brilliant purple, red and orange sunset turned out to be the perfect dessert!