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Last weekend I was traveling with friends through the great state of Maine: Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, that area. Enjoyed the sea air, quiet harbor (in April the tourist crowd is still not in full force) and the ocean. Even played a little golf at the par 3 at Merryland Farms, a great place to practice your short game!

By mid-afternoon we were hungry. We could have gone to one of the usual spots the tourists invade – but there is a great restaurant on Route 1 in Wells that the locals call “home.” The Maine Diner has been serving fabulous meals for 25 years. You don’t survive that long among the locals without a great reputation for delicious food and great service! Simple and unpretentious, with a counter and tables packed into two rooms, the place is famous for its prize winning chowder, generous portions and home made desserts. They have a limited wine and beer list, children’s menu and serve breakfast anytime! Prices are mid-range.

Usually the place is packed. (The tourists have, in fact, found the place and passed the word around.) We were fortunate. Although it was nearly 3 in the afternoon we were lucky to find one empty table in the main room. 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.