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
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
'80s Heartthrob, 67, Files for Divorce From 6th Wife
'80s Heartthrob, 67, Files for Divorce From 6th Wife originally appeared on Parade. An actor who has had hearts fluttering for decades is about to get divorced for the sixth time. Lorenzo Lamas, 67, portrayed hunky Lance Cumson on over 200 episodes of Falcon Crest, which aired from 1981 to 1990. Lamas later starred on Renegade for several years and played Hector Ramirez on The Bold and the Beautiful for a couple of years. According to TMZ on July 8, Lamas filed for divorce from his current wife, Kenna Nicole Lamas, 40. The media outlet indicated that Lamas listed the date of their separation as January 21, and he requested that neither party receive support. On January 16, Lamas talked with Fox News about keeping his relationship with his wife going. "Communication, communication ... I would say forgiveness is a big part of it. Also, not putting blame." Lamas added, "Because in a relationship, there's two people, and it takes two people to make it or break it. And if you're always like blaming each other for this and that, you're just never going to have that peace. You know? So maturity, communication, forgiveness." In February 2021, Lamas gushed over her in a Facebook post and revealed they were engaged. "Kenna and I got engaged in Vegas last night. I know I know, what the heck was she thinking?! One things for sure, we both feel like we've won the love lottery with each other." Lamas continued, "Since our first embrace, she's held me captive. She fills my heart with feelings I've never felt, dreams I've never had and wishes I've never thought of." "Kenna Nicole, the love of my life, said she'd take my hand in marriage in order that we spend our lifetime together as one and I couldn't feel more joy in my heart," his post noted. People noted that the couple wed in October 2023 and initially met in April 2020. '80s Heartthrob, 67, Files for Divorce From 6th Wife first appeared on Parade on Jul 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
8 hours ago
- New York Post
Ángela Aguilar announces ‘Libre Corazón Tour,' NJ show. Get tickets
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. Most 21-year-olds are enjoying their summer vacations right about now. Ángela Aguilar is built a bit differently. The popular regional Mexican singer just announced her 'Libre Corazón Tour' that will send her to theaters, arts centers and music halls all over North America from October through December. Advertisement She'll kick off the run with a gig at Newark, NJ's Ritz Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24. 'I decided to take some time to create something real,' the Los Angeles native shared via Instagram. 'LIBRE CORAZÓN 2025 is a tour born from the love I have for my music, for mariachi, and for everything that has shaped me. It's a show built with respect, designed for the whole family, and created with my heart fully rooted in who I am.' This outing will also serve as the debut for her recently-released fourth studio album 'Nadie Se Va Como Llegó' that hit shelves in May. Advertisement ''[Nadie Se Va Como Llegó'] isn't so much for me. I think it's for all the other women that I've met along the way who haven't had that privilege to sing what I want, dress how I want and express myself the way that I want,' she told AP News. Prior to the 17-show run, the Gen Z icon will headline a pair of 'Los Aguilar with Orchestra' gigs alongside her father Pepe Aguilar and brother Leonardo Aguilar at their hometown Hollywood Bowl in LA on Aug. 15-16. Elsewhere, her husband Christian Nodal is scheduled to headline arenas all over the country on his 'Pa'l Cora Tour,' which includes two shows at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 4. We're keeping our fingers crossed Aguilar pops in. Fans Aguilarticas can purchase tickets for all upcoming Ángela Aguilar shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale for the 'Libre Corazón Tour' is Friday, July 11. Advertisement Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event. One dollar from every ticket sold — as well a portion of what she makes doing meet and greets — will be donated to The National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON), according to a press release. Ángela Aguilar tour schedule 2025 A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below. Advertisement Los Aguilar with Orchestra As noted above, a family affair is going down at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 15 and Aug. 16. Pepe Aguilar and his two children — the aforementioned Ángela and Leonardo — will base the concerts 'on their extremely popular Jaripeo: Hasta Los Huesos shows' the venue's website says. 'These massive celebrations of Mexican culture—complete with circus acts, folklorico dancers, and lasso throwers—have sold out arenas in the US and Mexico. They'll team up with Enrico Lopez-Yañez and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra to bring the party to the Bowl.' Tickets are cheap on Vivid Seats; as of now, you can grab inventory for as low as $26 including fees. Christian Nodal tour 2025 The young singer's 26-year-old husband has shows booked all over the country this November and December. If you'd like to see him live, tickets for all of Christian Nodal's 2025 concerts can be found here. Ángela Aguilar set list Aguilar's most recent full concert was in June 2023 at Inglewood, CA's YouTube Theater. Here's what Set List FM reported she played that evening including a number of classic covers. Advertisement 01.) 'El gustito' (Linda Ronstadt cover) 02.) 'Déjame vivir' (Juan Gabriel & Rocio Durcal cover) 03.) 'Prometiste' (Pepe Aguilar cover) 04.) 'Mi destino fue quererte / Cielo rojo / La basurita' 05.) 'Lo busqué' (Ana Gabriel cover) 06.) 'Rayando el sol' (Maná cover) 07.) 'La llorona' 08.) 'La malagueña' 09.) 'Debo hacerlo / Caray / Me nace del corazón / Querida' (Juan Gabriel cover) 10.) 'Piensa en mi' 11.) 'Contigo en la distancia' (César Portillo de la Luz cover) 12.) 'Luna lunera' (Eydie Gormé cover) 13.) 'Amor prohibido / Si una vez' (Selena cover) 14.) 'Como la flor' (Selena cover) 15.) 'En realidad' 16.) 'Qué agonía' Encore 17.) 'Paloma negra' 18.) 'La chancla' (Antonio Aguilar cover) 19.) 'Dime como quieres' 20.) 'La tequilera' Ángela Aguilar new music On May 28, Aguilar released her fourth studio album 'Nadie Se Va Como Llegó.' Advertisement The brief, romantic affair serves as a showpiece for the young singer's impressive vocals, which accompany all 12 soaring songs here. Our favorites include the impassioned record opener 'El Equivocado,' gorgeously arranged mariachi-infused title track, sweltering 'No Te Culpo,' tango-ready 'Corazón De Piedra' and cinematic, swooning 'Libre Corazón.' Best of all though is the majestic 'Un Minuto De Silencio' and its hair-raising a cappella. Nice touch, Aguilar. Isolating your vocals (even from the near perfect music backing her) only makes them all the more powerful. To hear for yourself, you can find 'Nadie Se Va Como Llegó' here. Huge Latin artists on tour in 2025 Advertisement Many gifted vocalists that primarily sing en Español will be out and about this year. Here are just five of our favorites you won't want to miss live. • Maná • Anuel AA Advertisement • Banda Ms • Los Tigres Del Norte • Ana Gabriel Who else is taking their talents to the people these next few months? Take a look at this list of all the bigggest Latin artists on tour to find the show for you. This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
Eater
9 hours ago
- Eater
Find Glorious Pakistani Chopped Cheeses at This East Village Restaurant
is a born-and-raised New Yorker who is an editor for Eater's Northeast region and Eater New York, was the former Eater Austin editor for 10 years, and often writes about food and pop culture. The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City bodega mainstay. Burger patties are chopped and grilled together with spices, onions, and American cheese, turning into a glorious gloopy mess, paired with tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo, and placed in a hero or kaiser roll. And now there's a new restaurant aiming to offer a South Asian spin to the classic city sandwich, as first reported by EV Grieve, swapping a burger patty for chapli kebab. Nishaan will open in the East Village at 160 First Avenue, between Ninth Street and 10th streets, sometime this summer. Owner Zeeshan Bakhrani's approach to building Nishaan's halal menu stems from his upbringing. 'Looking at the dishes I enjoyed growing up as a Pakistani kid and an American kid,' Nishaan says, and figuring out how to 'combine them in a way that honors both dishes and it's not just two dishes slapped together,' he says. Take the star of Nishaan's halal menu: He didn't just want to take a chapli kebab and place it into a burger bun. He thought about the DNAs of the patty-shaped kebab and a chopped cheese, taking the chapli kebab spices like adobo and cinnamon, cooking the meat on a griddle, mixing in pepper jack and American cheese, and dropping it all in a hoagie. (He thought about swapping in a paratha, the flaky South Asian round bread, but decided it would be too much.) In addition to the chapli kebab chopped cheese, he's making a Buffalo chicken iteration with tandoori spices. The bihari barbacoa tacos at Nishaan. Nishaan 'I like combining cultures,' Bakhrani says. He explains how cultural dishes have morphed into something different because a main element wasn't available, or there are other ingredients that work better. 'The invention of the dishes themselves is through some sort of limitations,' using what is available, he says. Bakhrani is also making bihari barbacoa tacos, for which the tender, smoky shredded beef is cooked with bihari spices, topped with a tamarind salsa, resulting in a 'smoky chipotle taco,' he describes. And his elotes chaat combines Mexican and South Asian snacks. He tops corn with tamarind chutney, chaat masala, a lime-cilantro sauce, bhel (crispy rice), and cotija. It's 'the greatest thing I ever made,' he says. The forthcoming restaurant will also offer loaded fries, like the Noom Dhoom masala with an achari mayonnaise and a chopped cheese iteration. Bakhrani isn't stopping at savory items. He's riffing on a viral dessert with the Dubai chocolate paratha. He plans on creating what he describes as a 'funnel cake-ish' version where he will deep-fry the paratha, add powdered sugar, pistachio sauce, hazelnut sauce, and kadayif (shredded crispy filo). It's 'nutty, chocolatey, flaky,' he says. 'We describe it as a flash croissant.' There are drinks too. He's making a gulab jamun cold foam, a take on the syrupy South Asian dessert. His comes with cardamom coffee topped with a saffron cardamom rosewater cold foam and dehydrated gulab jamuns. Then there's the strawberry rosa sago milkshake, for which he makes strawberry coconut rosa jellies, mixed with strawberry ice cream. The elotes chaat at Nishaan. Nishaan Before Nishaan, Bakhrani had been making food on his own for a while as he worked in finance product management.. He had already done a food collaboration with halal mini-chain Namkeen, resulting in the garam masala hot chicken in 2023. He also ran pop-ups in his hometown of Chicago as well as Dallas. But Bakhrani got laid off in 2024 and had to figure out what he wanted to do. 'I know how to cook, I know how to sell food,' Bakhrani tells Eater, so, on a whim, he applied to be a vendor at Smorgasburg. To his surprise, he got accepted and started the stall in late August 2024. His Smorgasburg signage emphasized the sandwich, calling the stand the 'home of the Pakistani chopped cheese,' which was intentional. 'I heard somebody walk by, and they were like, 'Oh, I don't know what Pakistani food is, but I've had a chopped cheese. I want to try that,'' he recounts. 'I'm like, 'Yes, that's exactly what I wanted: food that is familiar but different.' With the pop-ups and lack of a day job, he wanted to open something of his own. 'I'm the kid of immigrants,' he says, 'there's nothing but work in my brain.' A restaurant front allowed him a permanent space to cook, experiment, hire staff, and interact with customers. The small counter-service restaurant will have about 10 to 14 seats. The design will take its cues from the Wazir Khan mosque in Lahore, emphasizing floral geometric shapes, Bakhrani explains. There's an inherited arch structure from the address's predecessor, Mexican restaurant Sabor A Mexico Taqueria. 'I want to leave a mark on the cuisine, but I want people to have that feeling of, 'Hey this is going to be my comfort food spot, when I'm hungry; when I'm thirsty; when I want something that satisfies the soul; I come here and eat it.' The restaurant's name means 'mark' in Urdu, because he wants his food to leave an impression.
