Let’s Go to Dinner

THE VERANDA RESTAURANT

This is a very special restaurant in downtown Fort Myers. The Veranda was once two houses located at the corner of Second Street and Broadway. These homes were joined together in the late 1960s by Peter Pulitzer, of publishing fame. Paul Peden purchased the buildings in 1978 and The Veranda was born. Since the original dwellings were two homes, the tables in The Veranda provide unique and charming places to enjoy your dinner. My favorite place to dine is the courtyard. With a koi pond, stunning botanicals and a waterfall, dining under the twinkling lights is an experience not to be missed.

Now to the food. Upon being seated you are served mini corn muffins with red pepper jelly, a great way to start your dinner experience while enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.

If you are starting your dinner with an appetizer I can recommend the pan seared jumbo sea scallops. The scallops are served atop baby arugula with a lemon beurre blanc sauce.

Where salads are concerned, I have two recommendations. While Caesar salads are on many restaurant menus, The Veranda’s is prepared table side for two. The Spinach Salad is also composed table side and is served with a warm bacon vinaigrette.

When ordering an entree, I usually go with the New Zealand Lamb Chops which is paired with a delicious rosemary Merlot wine sauce. If it is seafood you are craving, try the Southern Sampler. This dish is served with a mixed grill of fresh fish, gulf shrimp and sea scallops and prepared over prosciutto cream fettuccine.

If you still have room for dessert I lean towards the classics. There are two that I highly recommend, try the Florida Key Lime Pie and the Vanilla Cream Brûlée.

While many restaurants are closed for holidays The Veranda is open with a price fixed menu. Make sure you make your reservations in advance.