There’s nothing like dining al fresco in Southwest Florida this time of year, particularly if you’ve been cooped up inside all summer. Sadly, those who like to dine out typically find themselves dining in at their local restaurant of choice, as so few of them have suitable patios or protected areas for enjoying a meal. While there are exceptions, most seem to offer open-air dining as an afterthought; a way to appease the smoking public or maybe accommodate a few extra bodies. Just the opposite is true at Taste of New York Pizzeria & Café in Fort Myers, strategically located in The Bell Tower Shops, across from the Bell Tower Cinemas in south Fort Myers. There, most of the establishment’s 120 seats are outside. Although the inside contains a number of cushy, high-backed booths, most patrons prefer sitting outdoors, at least when the temperatures are pleasant. And thanks to the gentle breezes from some gigantic outdoor fans, that’s usually the case.

Taste of New York offers two covered, fenced dining areas that can be fully enclosed in case of rain. Otherwise, they are allocated as “smoking” or “non-smoking.” There is also a sizable outdoor bar with several TVs adjacent to the larger dining area. It’s especially popular during happy hour and sporting events, although the entire establishment seems to do a good business throughout any given day.
The restaurant was established on Winkler Avenue in the late 1980s by Sal Basile, and has been open for almost 10 years at the Bell Tower. Robert and Deanne Serwin purchased the restaurant last year, retaining long-time Manager Tom Dietter, as well as the many other elements that have made the place such a tremendous success. While many nearby competitors have come and gone, Taste of New York continues to draw a crowd.

Hands-on management, great food and service, and large portions at reasonable prices make Taste of New York attractive to diners of all ages. During lunch, for example, all of the entrees, pasta dishes and specialty items are under $10. Salads, appetizers and the hot or cold sub sandwiches are always the same price, starting at $3.25 for a house salad and averaging about $6 for a sub.
It’s a casual family restaurant, but it can also be a romantic place to take a date at night. They have a loyal clientele, including some young adults who used to come in when they were kids with their parents. Day and night, the menu items are the same, and an extensive wine list is available. Although the prices and portion sizes of most entrees differ at lunch and dinner, patrons rarely complain about paying a few dollars more for twice as much food after 4 p.m. Further, the friendly wait staff happily supplies to-go boxes, usually without even being asked.

Due to the large number of choices available at Taste of New York, the house menu was recently redesigned to make it easier to read. The entrees are now divided into categories, including Chicken, Veal, Seafood, Pizza and Pasta, among others. There are also Gourmet and Hand-Tossed Pizzas offered in 12- and 16-inch sizes, both with dozens of options on toppings. The gourmet variety also comes with a choice of crusts and is available by the slice, starting from $1.95.

In addition to Stuffed Shells, Veal Marsala, Chicken Cacciatore, Seafood Fra Diavilo and other traditional selections, the menu contains several types of Calzone, Stromboli and other Specialty Items. All specialties are served with a meat sauce or marinara upon request. Also, with any pasta entrŽe, soup or salad is available for an extra 99¢.

One of the best selling dishes is the Pasta a la Forno. It features grilled chicken, shrimp and proscuitto sautŽed with a cream sauce and baked off with Mozzarella. (Order it for dinner and you’ll probably have enough left to enjoy for several more meals!) It is priced at $14.25 for dinner, which is about average, although entrees start at $9.75.

Taste of New York will deliver to individuals and businesses in proximity (with certain restrictions), and has built a thriving secondary business by catering to corporate clients. Pharmaceutical reps are among their best customers, frequently arranging to have pizzas or entire meals delivered to clients’ offices. In some cases, the restaurant has been known to deliver lavish luncheons, complete with pasta entrée, salad and rolls, for as little as $7.50 per person. Although a set menu is available, one can be customized upon request.

Obviously, Taste of New York is a well-managed operation. Between its professional service and expertly prepared food, it is one restaurant that is sure to remain a Bell Tower fixture for many years to come.

(Taste of New York Pizzeria & Café is at 13499 South Cleveland Avenue in the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on weekends. Catering, take-out and delivery available. Phone: (239) 432-0990.)