Robyn GeorgeFort Myers News-Press
June is already shaping up to be a busy month for SWFL foodies.
Here’s a taste of what’s happening, including a new Cuban restaurant in my neighborhood (!!!) and highly anticipated openings in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral.
Old Cuban Restaurant & Bar
Technically this breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant off Pine Island Road inCape Coralopened in May. But we’re including it in this month’s roundup since we made our first (and certainly not last!) visit there just two days ago. Owner Dave Tan is looking to duplicate the success of his Miami restaurant —Rinconcito Cubano Criollo — on this coast.
Although the menu is vast, everything is made in-house. Breakfast runs all day and includes eggs dishes with or without steak and ham, biscuits and gravy, French toast, waffles, pancakes and more. Lunch has been the most popular time and includes authenticCuban favorites— oxtail, crispy shredded beef, grilled chicken, pork and steak dishes, imperial and classic Cuban sandwiches, burgers, empanadas, croquetas, salads, pastries and so much more. Our Tuesday daily special of fried pork chunks and two sides was a tender and flavorful bargain at $12.49 as was a hearty portion of rice with chicken at $12.99. We’ve heard Friday’s tamal casserole is a must too.
Old Cuban took over the spot Gregory’s Fusion Restaurant occupied in the Diamond Billiards and Mid Cape Fitness-anchored plaza for four-plus years. While the flooring, booths, tables and chairs remain the same, the lighting, bar area and décor have been updated to fit the new vibe. It’s open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with live music from 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Welcome to the neighborhood!1242 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; (239) 541-8491;oldcubanrestaurant.comor follow onInstagram
Mellow Mushroom
This quirky pizza joint will make its Cape Coral debut 2.5 miles down Pine Island Road from Old Cuban Restaurant on Monday, June 10. The 5,800-square-foot restaurant with 126 indoor and 60 outdoor seats will open next to Gator Mike’s.Mellow Mushroom, celebrating 50 years, is known for its fun vibe, stone-baked pizzas, wings, burgers, fresh salads, craft beers and co*cktails.
Two locations are in Fort Myers — in the Whole Foods-anchored Daniels Marketplace plaza and near Florida Gulf Coast University in theUniversity Village Shops. The new Cape one will feature Cape Coral-themed décor with historical photos of the city, murals and owl-shaped door handles — a shout-out to burrowing owls. See you Monday.53 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; (239) 539-2099;mellowmushroom.comor follow onFacebookandInstagram
Zaxby’s
Fresh, made-to-order Chicken Fingerz are coming to Lehigh Acres on Monday, June 10. The first 100 guests to make a purchase at the new Lee Boulevard location will get the “Deck of Dealz” voucher for free food and discounts. The popular chain is also known for wings, chicken bacon ranch loaded fries, Zalads, fried pickles and its signature sandwich (hand-breaded chicken fillet, pickles and Zax sauce on a toasted potato bun).
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The new 3,012-square-foot white farmhouse-designed restaurant has seating for 56 and a double drive-thru. It will be the third Zaxby’s in the area, joining two in Fort Myers.5557 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres;zaxbys.com
The Capital Grille
Thepopular fine-dining steak and seafoodrestaurant will open Monday, June 24, at Bell Tower in south Fort Myers. It’s taking over Mimi’s Café’s now demolished spot near Jared The Galleria of Jewelry along Daniels Parkway. Part of theDarden familyof restaurants (Olive Garden,LongHorn Steakhouse, Ruth's Chris, Bahama Breeze and more), The Capital Grille features dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and a highly acclaimed wine list. The 10,156 square-foot restaurant — with Fort Myers-themed art and photographs adorning the walls —includes a dining room (which will open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner daily), a lounge, six private event spaces and the chain's signature chrome lions.5070 Bell Tower Shops Ave., Fort Myers; (239) 722-3116;thecapitalgrille.com.
Oahu Fresh Bowls
Mike Cardascia is bringing flavors of Hawaii to Fort Myers when hisNaples-based superfood caféopens its second location. The new restaurant is set to open mid-June in Palm Pointe Shoppes just south of Page Field on Cleveland Avenue. Oahu’s specializes in poke bowls, burritos, acai soft serve, boba and more. When it opens, hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. According to a recent Facebook post, the first 100 guests will receive free acai for a year.11621 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 20, Fort Myers; (239) 331-2200;oahufreshbowls.comandFacebookfor updates.
The Causeway
This Bonita Springs food hall and barsuddenly closedtwo weeks ago. While its future is being decided, a social media post announced it will host some parties since “this beer won’t drink itself.” The first is Saturday, June 8, from noon to 8 p.m. There will be food discounts from cheesesteaks.com, up to 50 percent off drinks (including the beer wall!!!), and live music from Jesse Hughes of Chariot Duo (noon to 3 p.m.).Follow onFacebookfor the latest updates. 28280 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect atrhgeorge@fortmyers.gannett.com
