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Let's Do Lunch/Dinner...
Bistro 41
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When it first
opened at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort
Myers, Bistro 41 was in a class by itself.
Now, almost 10 years later, it still is.
Despite the proliferation of restaurants in
proximity, Bistro 41 remains one of the
area's most sophisticated dining
establishments, offering creative cuisine
that is neither over the top nor overpriced.
More important, it has remained consistent
over the years. Thanks to diligent
management, an extremely professional staff
and an unwavering commitment to quality,
patrons know exactly what to expect: an
exquisite dining experience that will leave
them eagerly anticipating their next visit.
It's difficult to define the Bistro's menu
and atmosphere in comparative terms, as it
is unlike any other in the area. That
inimitable character is one of its
strengths. What's more, its softly-lit
interior is stylish enough for special
occasions, yet informal enough for casual,
spontaneous get-togethers.
What further distinguishes Bistro 41 as a
trendsetting restaurant vs. one that's
trendy is its unfailing ability to
accommodate changing tastes and times
without sacrificing its original appeal. To
stay current and fresh, the restaurant
recently underwent a significant interior
renovation, complete with new wallpaper,
floor coverings and lighting, as well as
redesigned restrooms. Also, a curved wall
was installed to separate the once-open
display kitchen from the dining room,
enhancing the restaurant's intimate
ambience.
Between the dining room, bar and outdoor
patios, the restaurant can accommodate
approximately 160. And even though it lacks
a designated room for private parties, the
Bistro is a popular choice for gatherings
ranging from birthday parties, baby showers
and rehearsal dinners to corporate functions
and chambers of commerce after-hours events.
All private parties have the option of
ordering from the standard menu or
customizing one in advance. Either way, they
won't be disappointed.
From day one, the restaurant has provided
classic dishes with innovative twists, both
at lunch and dinner.
Remarkably, after nearly a decade, the
Bistro's menu is just as inventive and
satisfying as ever. It is clear that the
kitchen staff works beautifully as a team
under the direction of Executive Chef Jeff
Carpenter (a classically-trained graduate of
the Culinary Institute of America) and
Executive Sous Chef Teh Peng from Malaysia.
By experimenting daily with combinations of
various fresh (and sometimes exotic)
ingredients, the duo is constantly creating
unique dishes from unconventional
combinations.
Typically, the more original offerings are
featured on the Bistro's special lunch and
dinner menus, which vary daily. For example,
one recent dinner feature was Pine nut and
Pecorino-encrusted Hawaiian Sunfish, with
caramelized plantains, lychee beurre blanc,
persillade cream and sautéed green beans.
There was also a pan-seared Black Grouper
(with asparagus-crabmeat risotto, Cipolla
onion butter sauce and brunoise of
vegetables), oak-grilled, mojo-marinated
Grilled Swordfish (with rosemary whipped
potatoes, sugar snap peas and spicy shrimp
gazpacho), as well as veal and beef entrees.
Less adventurous taste buds will be equally
thrilled by Bistro's regular menu. Both the
lunch and dinner menus feature fresh
house-made soups and salads, including the
signature Bistro Salad (mixed baby field
greens, walnuts, pine nuts, Portobello
mushrooms, red onions, sun dried tomatoes
and Gorgonzola cheese, tossed with a
balsamic-pesto vinaigrette). Grilled
chicken, shrimp or salmon may also be added
to any salad for a small, additional charge.
Main dishes are listed under "Classics,"
which range from comfort foods such as
meatloaf, pork, chicken and pasta dishes at
dinner, to pizza, quiche, gourmet sandwiches
and other intriguing offerings at lunch. The
lunch menu's Uptown Macaroni & Cheese, for
instance, is baked and includes artichokes,
roasted peppers and basil, with an Asiago
cream sauce topped with a prosciutto-Parmesan
crumb topping. Side dishes, desserts and
coffee are also available any time.
Bistro 41's prices are surprisingly
reasonable, particularly considering the
caliber of the food, staff and presentation.
Most lunch items range from $5 - $10; dinner
entrees average around $15, with nightly
features in the $25+ range.
In addition to a full liquor bar, Bistro 41
has an outstanding wine list with more than
150 selections from around the world. While
the dinner menu includes at least two
featured wines (by the glass or bottle)
accompanied by thorough descriptions,
patrons can always depend on the
knowledgeable wait staff to make
recommendations upon request. Those wishing
to learn more about the world of wine won't
want to miss the restaurant's monthly
tasting, which resumes in May. Held every
third Thursday from 5-8 p.m. during the
off-season, guests may enjoy a flight of
exotic and interesting wines accompanied by
appetizers at a cost of just $20.
Additional renovations are also slated for
the off-season and are expected to be
underway by early summer. Plans call for
expanding the bar and enclosing the existing
side terrace. The new room will be
air-conditioned, and feature a barrel tile
roof, garden area and French windows to
reflect the provincial look of a European
bistro. An adjacent, covered terrace near
the north entrance will provide outdoor
seating for 40, with additional open-air
dining for up to 16 on the restaurant's east
side, by the fountains. During construction,
only the terrace will close; thankfully, the
restaurant will remain open.
(Bistro 41 is in the Bell Tower Shops at
13499 S. Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers.
Open daily at 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Sunday -- Thursday, and until 10:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday. Reservations
encouraged. Phone: 466-4141)
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