New restaurants include Sanibel gem in Fort Myers; tastes of Brazil, Mexico, India in Cape
Cape Coral gained three restaurants and a doughnut shop, while Fort Myers is up a brewery and a gem of a restaurant.
Estero, meanwhile, is plus one with a bar & grille in Miromar Outlets.
Here's a quick look at what's been happening:
We were thrilled with the March 28 opening of Melissa Donahue's south Fort Myers restaurant. Donahue is a 2019 James Beard Awards nominee and owner of Island Pizza on Sanibel. Her Sweet Melissa's Café was an island favorite for 14 years when Hurricane Ian hit and destroyed the restaurant in 2022. After doing pop-ups on select nights at Island Pizza, we're delighted to see her back full-time. Her new off-island location is in Uva's Vino & Tapas' old spot.
We were so excited to have a taste of her famous fish stew (shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, fish and house-made chorizo in a tomato saffron broth with Pernod aioli) that we stopped by on opening night. It. Was. Amazing. Welcome back, Melissa. 16230 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers; (239) 990-6889; reservation strongly requested via OpenTable; sweetmelissasrestaurant.com or on Facebook.
Marco Gonzalez and Horacio Mendez opened this Mexican restaurant April 1 in Sip & Dine and Slate's old spot in South Cape. It's been completely redone inside, including a decorative fountain in the entry, murals on the walls and heavy wooden furniture crafted and shipped from Mexico. According to Gonzalez, who also owns Tacos Mexican Restaurant on Hancock Bridge Parkway and La Fondita on Pine Island Road with Mendez, tradition is big here.
'It's more traditional Mexican food,' he said. 'Like you would get at grandma's house in Mexico.'
It's all here, from caldo de res (beef soup), street tacos and papa loca to enchiladas, fajitas and burritos. Customers have been dropping by for quick lunches and leisurely dinners.
'Everyone has been loving our food,' Gonzalez said.
It's open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 4820 Candia St., Cape Coral; (239) 257-1560; follow on Facebook
This former 1950s church (followed by lots of small businesses) made its long-awaited debut in downtown Fort Myers on March 26. And we're happy to say it's all we were hoping for. The brewery, on the northeast corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Fowler Street, has a clean, modern look highlighted by the inviting indoor/outdoor open-air bar with plenty of seating. It blends nicely with the historic charm in the original wood tresses and church pew seating. The 12 Swamp Cat beers on tap (plus a few collaborations) are offered along with a variety of food from three on-site vendors — Dynamite Street EatZ, La Playa 787, and Tiny Bites Good Eats. Enjoy it all in the cool (physically and vibey) taproom or in the (dog friendly!!!) outdoor 5,000-square-foot beer garden, aka The Refuge. There you'll find umbrella-covered picnic tables, a lawn, a stage area for upcoming live bands and a fire pit.
More: New brewery in downtown Fort Myers welcome refuge in former 1950s church
'You can't just open a brewery and have decent beer nowadays,' co-owner Chris Gutierrez said. 'You have to have more. People have been waiting a long time for this. Everything has to be fantastic to keep people coming back. We know that. Hopefully, this will become one of the best destinations in Southwest Florida.'
We know we'll be back. 1943 Fowler St., Fort Myers; opens at 11 a.m. daily; some parking is available on site (enter from Hough Street) but more is offered a short walk away at Royal Palm Avenue and Thompson Street; (239) 887-3223; swampcatbrewing.com or follow on Facebook for more.
This new Indian restaurant in the ever-capable hands of Suman Chaniyil opened March 22 in South Cape. Two days later, we were there, happily chatting with Chef Sam himself in what used to be the raised Subway next to Nice Guys along Cape Coral Parkway. The transformation is simply stunning. All traces of the fast-food sub shop have been replaced by modern elegance and a menu to match. All the traditional Indian favorites are there too, with the flavors and sauces we've come to love from Chef Sam. It's open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily for lunch; 4:30-9:30 p.m. for dinner Monday to Thursday and 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations preferred. 1414 Cape Coral Parkway E; (239) 848-5756; Indianbreezeusa.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
Owner Jairo Rodriguez started serving Cuban and Brazilian food from his new restaurant in Pi Theory Pizza's (and IRagazzi's) old spot on March 14. Open for lunch and dinner, it specializes in Brazilian steakhouse cuisine with grilled lamb, steaks, chicken, pork tenderloin, chorizo, octopus and more. With two similar restaurants up and running in Miami, Rodriguez certainly knows what he's doing. Check it out for lunch or dinner. It opens at 11 a.m. daily. 159 Hancock Bridge Parkway, Cape Coral; (239) 766-3663; thecapebraziliangrill.com or on Facebook and Instagram
This bar & grille made its Miromar Outlets debut on March 23. Based out of Northern Cleveland, the family-style restaurant features shareable appetizers, burgers, wings, pizza, wraps and specialty entrees served in a fun environment with live music.
'We're thrilled to welcome Rush Inn to Miromar Outlets,' Jeff Staner, vice president of Miromar Outlets, said in a news release. 'Their incredible food and welcoming atmosphere will be a fantastic addition to our diverse lineup of dining options.' 10801 Corkscrew Road, Unit 428, Estero; (239) 319-5816; miromaroutlets.com or follow on Facebook
Husband and wife Cedric Willis and Arlene Noboa opened their ultracool and friendly doughnut and ice cream shop March 24 in the Publix and Rib City-anchored plaza at Hancock Bridge Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral.
"It's always been a dream of mine to own a franchise," Arlene said. "And doughnuts and ice cream are the best of both worlds. Everyone loves it and I want to spread that feeling throughout the community."
Yonutz features more than 40 flavors of mini, classic and deluxe doughnuts, ice cream, milkshakes, refreshers and more. It's best known for its smashed donut — an ice cream-filled, hot-pressed doughnut that's warm on the outside and cold inside. We have to admit, we're kind of-sort of-extremely excited to try it. 106 Hancock Bridge Parkway, Suite C-11, Cape Coral; (239) 471-7994; yonutz.com or follow on Facebook
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sweet Melissa's, Hacienda Jalisco lead list of restaurant openings
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Richard Simmons' longtime housekeeper denies ‘kidnapping' him, says he was happy in final years
Richard Simmons' longtime housekeeper and companion Teresa Reveles is speaking out about the late fitness guru's final years. In a candid conversation – her first broadcast interview – Reveles told the 'Today' show about the unique nature of their relationship, and claimed that he was incredibly happy in the years before his death on July 13, 2024. She began working for Simmons decades ago, in 1988, and while some rumors have claimed that she was to blame for his disappearance from the spotlight in his later years, she denied it. When host Liz Kreutz asked about speculation that she'd 'kidnapped' him, she laughed and replied, 'No, I think he kidnapped me!' While she said their relationship wasn't sexual, she did admit they were very close. 'He (fell) in love with me right away, that he says, 'No, you're never going to leave me,'' she explained. She said that to her, he was 'like a brother … like my father, my friend, my boyfriend, my everything.' 5 Richard Simmons with his longtime housekeeper and companion Teresa Reveles in 2017. Facebook / Teresa Reveles Reveles insisted that she and Simmons weren't romantic partners, and said that if anyone was confused by the unconventional relationship she shared with him, 'It's their problem. We were very happy, and the last ten years was the most happy years.' When asked about Simmons' sexual orientation, which he never publicly disclosed, she refused to answer, but when she was asked if she ever knew about any romantic partners he had, she said, 'Me. He never love anybody like me.' She added, 'Well, he wasn't my lover, not sexually, but he kissed me all the time.' 5 Richard Simmons in 2017. He died on July 13, 2024 at age 76. Richard Simmons/Facebook 5 Teresa Reveles on a boat during a trip in 2018. Facebook / Teresa Reveles As for how secluded Simmons became in the years leading up to his death, she said, 'He was not happy that he was getting old, OK? He says, 'No, I want people to remember me the way I was.' You know … full of life.' Reveles was the one who found Simmons after he died. She said that was a 'crazy, sad day,' but that he had been 'very, very happy.' 'I never saw Richard, in 36 years, unhappy, or mean, or upset,' she said. In a message to Fox News Digital, Tom Estey, Simmons' longtime friend, said, 'Let's CELEBRATE Richard – the human being. It's nearly his Birthday. I worked with him for 30 plus years, and more importantly, we were close friends even longer. I choose to celebrate these milestones.' On July 11, 2024, Simmons suffered a fall and spent the following day in bed. On the morning of July 13, Simmons was found unresponsive on his bedroom floor. Authorities were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The fitness instructor and TV icon died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office announced two months later. The 76-year-old's manner of death was ruled as an accident. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular was listed as a contributing factor. At the time, Reveles told People, 'When I saw him, he looked peaceful.' 5 Richard Simmons speaks to an audience before a summer fashion show at Grand Central Terminal in New York City on June 2, 2006. AP 5 Richard Simmons poses for a portrait in Los Angeles in 1992. Getty Images She said that when she found him, his hands were balled into fists, and explained, 'That's why I know it was a heart attack. I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same.' The day before he died, Reveles said Simmons' leg was hurting from a fall the previous day. Simmons passed away one day after his birthday, July 12. She told him, 'Let's go to the hospital. Maybe you broke your leg.' Simmons protested, 'No, Teresa, not on my birthday. Why [don't we] wait, and we do it in the morning?' 'But in the morning, it was too late,' Reveles said. Los Angeles Police Department officials confirmed to Fox News Digital at the time that there was 'no foul play' suspected in his death. Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco and Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Los Angeles Times
11 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Pepe Aguilar drops new song for immigrant rights: ‘I'm not making a cent off this song'
Storied Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar is using his platform to elevate the struggle and celebrate the dignity of the immigration experience in the U.S. with his latest single, 'Corrido de Juanito.' The track, which dropped Friday, explores the societal and emotional trials of being far from home while attempting to make the best of life. The song was originally written and recorded by former Calibre 50 vocalist and accordionist Edén Muñoz in 2017. Aguilar's take on the song comes at a time when its message takes on a heavier meaning as Immigration and Customers Enforcement agents have increased their presence in Los Angeles under the directive of President Trump. The 'Por Mujeres Como Tú' singer's track with a message also acts as a monetary service to the immigrant community of L.A. All the proceeds from the song will go to the immigrant rights organization Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). 'I'm not making a cent off this song. We're giving away everything, not only from the song, but from my latest released album,' Aguilar told The Times following the single's release. '[CHIRLA] is helping immigrants to fight this battle legally and peacefully and respectfully. That's why I created this song, and that's why I decided to donate whatever it makes and whatever my album makes, for the time that it's more valuable.' The advocacy group focuses on the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees in L.A. and throughout the state of California. Its services include free and low-cost legal services and community education. 'We thank Pepe Aguilar for using his voice and platform to defend and support the immigrant community that is foundational to their fan base,' CHIRLA executive director Angelica Salas said in a statement. 'Thank you for your invaluable support and for uplifting the presence and contributions of immigrants in the U.S.' Following the onset of the ICE raids in June, the 56-year-old Grammy winner posted a message on Instagram in support of the immigrant community. 'I'm not going to fight the system; I'm going to peacefully resist it with art, with memory, with culture, with tradition, with respect,' said in the June 7 social media video. In the same post, he announced that he would be working on a version of the song that was released today. Aguilar, who is headlining at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 15 and 16, first heard the song at an awards show around the time of its initial release and felt deeply impacted by its message. 'I was really touched by the lyrics and the truthfulness of the song,' Aguilar said Friday morning. 'I had a lump in my throat when I first heard it and then it was a hit.' Flash forward to 2025 and he revisited the Calibre 50 track while singing bohemias with his family at his daughter's house a few months back. 'Something called me in at that party to sing the song and I had never sang it before,' he said. 'I didn't know what it felt like to sing the song and when I sang it, I loved the way it sounded.' It was after that experience that he knew he needed to record his own version. 'Now, with everything going on with all these deportations and with immigration, I think it's a song that applies tremendously to create consciousness around this subject and to portray a reality that is lived by millions,' Aguilar said. 'There are millions of Juanitos that are unable to go back home or unable to go to their loved ones funerals and are afraid of being deported, but at the same time they are working and helping the engine of America to remain stable.' Aguilar channels the pain of homesickness and the worry of becoming forgotten that immigrants face on the daily. 'It's been almost 14 years since I've gone back to the land I was born,' Aguilar sings in the single's opening lines. 'Everything has now changed, I beg God that they don't forget about me.' The 'Perdonóme' vocalist shared a direct message to the people currently being most affected by the ongoing ICE raids. 'No están solos, we care for you, and when I mean 'we,' I'm talking about everybody that understands your situation, not only Mexicans, but I have a lot of friends that are not Mexican, even a lot of full-blooded Americans, who are tremendously worried about what's going on,' Aguilar said. '[A] lot of associations want to do something about this unfair situation, a tremendously unfair and historically unfair for a country like the U.S. I believe in the principles that created the United States, and I hope that those principles are used in this tremendously sad situation.'
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Shark Chomps Pelican in Florida, Swimmers Unfazed (Video)
Are Floridians numb to sharks? Sure seems like it, as recent footage showing a large shark just a few feet from shore, rampaging in the water, munching a pelican, and swimmers a mere few feet away…just standing there nonchalantly, and watching it all go down. Reporting on the video, awesomely-named Louisiana country music station 97.3 'The Dawg,' described: 'A video on social media shows a small crowd of beachgoers standing in the water as a large bull shark reportedly eats a pelican. You can see some people rush out of the water as the shark approaches the shore, but two women closest to the shark were undeterred by this potential threat.' Yeah, those two women seem totally unfazed; watch below. The footage was posted on June 20th on a Facebook page called 'All Things Navarre Beach & Pensacola Beach Official,' with the caption: 'Footage captured of a shark taking down a pelican yesterday at Pensacola Beach! Be careful & alert.'And while the action is most obviously happening between the bull shark and the bird, most people couldn't get past the fact that these two women just stood there, very close, and watched as the vicious attack went down. One commenter wrote: 'Probably should get all the way out of the water. These are the ones you can't feel sorry for if something were to happen. I promise that shark is quicker in that water than anyone in the picture. Best of luck have fun.' In other Florida shark news, at the same spot in Pensacola, an angler hooked an 11-foot, 1,000-pound tiger shark, then posed with it for this insane photo: And before that, avid surfer Matt Bender was attacked by a shark while surfing at New Smyrna Beach – aka the 'shark bite capital of the world' – getting his arm totally shredded in the process. And yet, he vowed to paddle back out once he's healed up. Yep, safe to say, Floridians are thoroughly desensitized to shark Chomps Pelican in Florida, Swimmers Unfazed (Video) first appeared on Surfer on Jul 10, 2025
