Meaty Bites and Late Nights
Do the words
'hot flash' bring to mind a favorite food that leaves you panting for a cold drink
and craving another bite all at the same time? Do your savage taste buds crave
salsa and chilies, wasabi or anything hot and spicy. We know you, and in your
honor, we've prepared an armchair tour of the islands' eye-watering, lip-licking,
rip-roaring foods.
Our zesty travels start on Fort Myers Beach at the Lazy Flamingo with a delicious order of Hot Wings. At the Lazy, Hot is hot, and if you think you can 'upgrade' to the Dead Parrot Wings, be advised: they are beyond hot. Only Lucifer himself could handle this appetizer! 7225 Estero Blvd., 765-6766.
On to Snug Harbor Restaurant. Chef Mike O'Connell steered us toward the fresh Blackened Fish Bites with key lime dip, Spicy Buffalo Shrimp, and an unusual Margarita Caesar Salad made with spicy marinated chicken breast, monterey jack cheese and fried tortilla strips. 645 San Carlos Blvd., 463-4343.
On to Sanibel where locals can always be found at Gilligan's. Owner Pam Irwin serves up Chile Caliente consisting of roasted banana peppers stuffed with spicy, pan-seared tuna and cheese. Your palate will appreciate the cooling island fruit salad this dish is served atop. 2163 Periwinkle Way, 472-0606.
Spicy minds want to know and at Tarwinkles, we uncovered Spring Rolls with red chili 'voodoo' sauce. Periwinkle at Tarpon Bay Road, 472-1771.
At Morgan's Rainforest, the menu included Aztec Alligator Tail with spicy Mayan sauce. Who could resist this? Middle Gulf Drive at Donax, 472-4100.
Then it's on to Thistle Lodge and a Poncho Burger for lunch with chunky salsa, jalapenos and monterey jack cheese. Casa Ybel Resort, 2255 West Gulf Drive, 472-9200.
If the desire to perspire overcomes you on the water, tie up at Over the Waterfront on North Captiva and bite into their popular Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwich for lunch, or the tempting Blackened Fish with Betsy's homemade mango chutney for dinner. Channel Marker 48 from the Intercoastal Waterway, 472-6994.
Barnacle Phil's famous Black Beans and Rice can also give your taste buds a jump-start, depending on how heavy-handed you are with Tabasco. Just be sure your eyes aren't watering so much you can't steer your boat! Channel Marker 48 from the Intercoastal Waterway, 472-6394.
Pine Islanders have been harboring a secret from the rest of us in the form of The Borderline, a popular Mexican restaurant that will surely fit the bill for spiceophiles. While it's not on the water, we hear it's worth the drive! 3002 Stringfellow Road, 283-4225.
Surely by now your mouth is watering, and you won't be satisfied until you've found some degree of that old familiar pain...the burning tongue, the tender lips, the tear-filled eyes...bring on the ice water!
- Compiled by Libby Boren