Restaurants that succeed in downtown Fort Myers seem to share several distinctive characteristics.

For one thing, they tend to be owned and operated by restaurateurs with considerable experience not only in Southwest Florida, but also in larger, metropolitan areas or at world-class resorts in exotic destinations. The food and service reflect as much. Also, the owners appear to regard downtown as more than just a location, but rather a commitment to contribute to the area’s redevelopment.

Patio 33 possesses all of these winning traits, due to the talents of owners Denis Meurgue (the executive chef), Lisa Meurgue (his wife), Roger Mercado and Stacey Trippe. The foursome opened for business last October in Patio De Leon, one of the area’s most historic and charming commercial complexes.

Since then, the restaurant has attracted customers from all over Southwest Florida. In fact, some loyal patrons travel weekly from as far away as Marco Island, where the Meurgues owned the Island Cafe from 2000-2005.

Chef Denis has brought some of his most popular signature entrées from the Marco eatery to Patio 33. They include: Crispy Duck (half), topped with a dried fruit port wine sauce; Cowboy-Style Beef Short Ribs, brushed with barbecue marinade; and Teriyaki Pork Shoulder. Each is slow-cooked on a rotisserie.

Both the lunch and dinner menus are filled with imaginative offerings that reflect the chef’s impressive culinary career. A native of France, Chef Denis has worked for a variety of world-renowned restaurants. Among them: Chicago’s Le Perroquet; Little Dix Bay Hotel in the British Virgin Islands; Mount Juliet, a mid-18th century, 1,400-acre country estate in Ireland; and The Biltmore hotel on Florida’s east coast. In 1999, he was selected as one of the Top 10 chefs of the year by The South Florida Gourmet.

Now, diners in Fort Myers may enjoy the benefit of Meurgue’s global training against the appealing backdrop provided by Patio 33. The interior of the two-story restaurant, formerly occupied by Varian’s, has been extensively renovated and sports a more colorful, contemporary look than before.

In addition to fresh paint and new upholstery, the ceiling also has been changed. Exposed pipes have replaced the metal-tiled ceiling panels, giving the space a more sophisticated, industrial look. Further, the new owners have maximized the structure’s greatest assets, namely its three bars (two upstairs and one downstairs) and a shared courtyard for outdoor dining. Weekend nights are especially spirited, with live music upstairs (Thursday - Saturday) and downstairs (Saturday only) after the dining room closes.

Located just two blocks from the Fort Myers Yacht Basin and close to Harborside Event Center, Patio 33 attracts dinner patrons clad in everything from khaki pants to tuxedos. Downtown workers who eschew fast food but are pressed for time dominate lunchtime. Takeout is also available.

At any hour, diners are treated to foods and flavors they won’t find anyplace else. Lunch and dinner menus are similar, with many of the same starters (including the best-selling Asian Spring Roll with mango chutney), salads, soups and desserts. It was especially refreshing to see appetizers such as Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio served at lunch (and for only $6.50). However, sandwiches (accompanied by a salad) are offered only at lunch.

The intriguing sandwich selection includes Oven-Baked Goat Cheese (with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, served on toasted bread), thinly sliced Roast Beef and Garlic Boursin Cheese (on French bread), and Melted Brie Cheese, Mushrooms and Onions (served in a warm, fresh quesadilla). Like most of the lunch fare, sandwiches are very reasonably priced from $7 - $8.50.

The dinner menu contains twice as many appetizers, several side dishes (such as French fries with truffle oil) and about a dozen exquisite entrées. And while the prices are decidedly upscale (averaging around $24), the quality and presentation justify them. Some of the most popular entrees include Seared Salmon Fillet (topped with citrus butter and basil oil), a 10-oz. New York Steak Gratiné (with gorgonzola cheese) and Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb, drizzled with a garlic Provencale sauce.

With Patio 33’s tantalizing array of “Sweet Temptations,” frequent diners know to save room for dessert. Numerous sinfully delicious selections range from Lemon Mousse with Raspberry Sauce and Warm Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream, to Warm Chocolate Fondant with Chocolate Sauce, among others. Patio 33 also offers a variety of soft drinks, bottled water and coffee, as well as an extensive wine list and full liquor bar.

The restaurant’s owners have done much to distinguish Patio 33 from the crowd. In an effort to reach residents and area workers who often go elsewhere for take-out dinners, Patio 33 provides carryout meals in microwave-safe containers. Better yet, patrons who pick up before 6 p.m. get a 15% discount.

Other unique touches include Patio 33’s fixed-price, four-course menu for special occasions. On Valentine’s Day, for instance, diners were served canapés, and given a dazzling choice of spectacular appetizers and entrées, as well as dessert for two, for just $45 per person.
Besides promoting its own interests, Patio 33 regularly supports community causes, fellow downtown merchants and various non-profit groups, including the Florida Repertory Theater and the American Cancer Society, among others.

A popular site for fundraisers, Patio 33 is also available for private parties.

Patio 33 is in downtown Fort Myers between First and Hendry streets. Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 11:30 am - 2 pm. Dinner hours: 5 pm - 10 pm Monday Ð Wednesday; and 5 pm - 11 pm Thursday - Saturday. Reservations are recommended by calling 239-33PATIO (337-2846). Menus available online at www.patio33.com