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Recently I was sitting at the pool, wasting time and listening to a broadcast on PRI (Public Radio International). The subject was Social Business Development. The speaker was 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yanus of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. The bank has its focus on the poor and small loan programs with significant impact. I was amazed at the statistics he was discussing. 98% of the loans his bank gives out are repaid in full. They set up a personal relationship with each of their borrowers. They assist and advise each of them and follow up with support as needed. Most of the borrowers are poor women, eager to start a small business that will help them and their families get out of the grip of poverty.

Recently the bank began a program for beggars. They determined that as long as beggars were going house to house trying to get food, they might also carry along a small item for sale i.e. a toy for a child, or a small household item that might be useful. Continue Reading »

Had the chance to dine out a couple of times during my recent trip to Fort Myers. Two meals, two very different experiences. This post focuses on where TO EAT in Fort Myers. Click here to see where NOT TO EAT in Fort Myers.

Eating Down Under

This dining experience was at the Outback Steakhouse, at Belle Tower in Fort Myers. We called ahead and though they don’t take reservations, this gave us “one up” on others standing in line. We were seated immediately. As we sat down, the happy hour clock was just ticking past the deadline but our waitress, Adrienne let us slip under the wire and we happily ordered double drinks all ’round. Great.

The coconut shrimp was, as always, fabulous. I’ve tried them at other restaurants, but they are never as good as Outback’s. Some secret ingredient. We ordered steaks: The Outback Special Sirloin, and two Victoria Filet. (The 7 oz was more than enough!) One of my guests ordered his, medium rare. When he discovered it was even a little too rare for his taste they took it back for a little more heat-no worries. The salads and sides were fine. Their sweet potato is always a hit. I tried the Blue Cheese Pecan Salad but was disappointed. Too much cheese for my taste. But my friends had no trouble finishing it off.

There was no way we could add a desert to the meal, but we did buy a slice of classic New York cheese cake with raspberry sauce to enjoy later that evening. Very good. I give the Outback 4 out of 5 stars!!!

. . . . .

I know the Outback is part of a nationwide franchise. But they are still a good bet for a great meal. Consistently they have served great food, great drinks in a great atmosphere. For casual dining, this restaurant is a safe bet.

Had the chance to dine out a couple of times during my recent trip to Fort Myers. Two meals, two very different experiences. This post focuses on where NOT TO EAT in Fort Myers.

Parrot Key – Never Again!!!

Our visit to the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill was a dining disaster for me. It is known as a great fun time watering hole. Located on the docks, it’s set up to imitate a bar in the tropics. Open air with tables scattered about, waiters in Hawaiian style shirts rush about serving drinks and dinners. By the time we arrived, happy hour which ends at 6 pm was just over. No double drinks. But that was ok, we should have checked ahead of time. They don’t take reservations but we were lucky and got a table not far from the small stage. Entertainment was scheduled for 7 pm.

We ordered Tommy’s Cosmo Martinis and one Havana Mojito. Both good selections. But after the drinks, my dining experience went straight downhill. The Tropical Safari Calamari were undercooked, soft and mushy. I ordered the Sizzlin’ Sandbar Scallops, grilled, served in a basket with Caribbean slaw and sweet potato fries. The scallops were barely cooked, much less sizzlin, the sweet potato fries were cold and overcooked. The slaw was great. I should have asked for a large bucket of slaw and have been done with it.

My friends, on the other hand, had good meals. The Stuffed Lobster special was fine, though not the sweetest my friend had ever had, and the Gorda Grouper my second guest ordered was “really good.”

Perhaps I just lucked out with the bottom of the food barrel that night. The wait staff were ok, the entertainment which came on late, was one guy with a boom box who entertained the little kids. Not what I expected.

Would I go back? I’m sure it’s a great drinking spot, and for a wild night out with the guys, it might be just fine. But for a quiet evening and great food? Look elsewhere. I give it 2 out of 5 stars! (The slaw was good, after all.)

Click here to check out one restaurant in Fort Myers I can recommend.