When pondering where to go for lunch or dinner, Shell Point Retirement Community is not likely to be the first place to spring to mind. Considered by many to be Lee County’s best-kept secret, most visitors to Shell Point are pleasantly surprised to find that several of the community’s dining venues are open to the public. One of them is the Palm Grill.

Tucked away at The Woodlands at Shell Point in south Fort Myers, the Palm Grill has developed a loyal following among Shell Point residents and a few in-the-know locals since opening a few years ago. But with convenient access to Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and all of south Lee County, this diner’s delight is slowly gaining public notice.

It doesn’t take long to recognize that the Palm Grill has all the benefits of a private country club without the required membership and high prices. In addition to its first-class ambience and professional wait staff, the restaurant offers diverse lunch and dinner menus with surprisingly affordable prices.

Diners also will be pleased to discover that the surroundings lend themselves to casual attire. Even so, the restaurant’s tropical, semi-secluded setting is reminiscent of an exclusive island resort, which makes it the perfect backdrop for special occasions, as well.

The dining room has been thoughtfully designed and decorated to be as comfortable as it is elegant. Seating features a mix of booths and tables, and is configured to maximize privacy without sacrificing the feeling of openness. Lush palms, mahogany woodwork and colorful art bring a West Indies touch to the interior.

The majority of the room’s 75 seats overlook a sparkling waterway and nature preserve mangrove beyond. Those who want an even closer perspective on nature and a sharper view of Shell Point’s abundant wildlife may opt for a stroll before or after dinner along the expansive outdoor deck.

The menu, daily specials, informally refined atmosphere and other features make the Palm Grill a must-try. Just keep in mind that because it’s in a private community, this restaurant has limited hours of operation, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Palm Grill also offers all menu items to go. Orders can be phoned in and picked up during regular hours, a convenience for those who live near Shell Point.
The restaurant’s menus feature a number of standard favorites along with daily specials. In order to utilize the freshest fruits, vegetables and other weather-sensitive items, Chef Joel Bachhuber and his staff change the menus seasonally.

The lunch menu is filled with appealing selections, including a daily chef’s special. Mid-day diners will appreciate the options, which include omelets. Large, fluffy and accompanied by toast, various omelets can be made to order with a choice of cheese, as well as ham, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers ($8.95).

There is also a well-rounded selection of more traditional daytime fare, such as sandwiches, salads and soup du jour. In addition to such standard favorites as the Reuben and the Woodland Club, there is a Fresh Fish Sandwich, featuring local and imported daily catches, and a Premium Palm Burger. As burgers go, this one’s name says it all. It is big, juicy and cooked to order. It is served on a toasted Kaiser roll with all the fixings, as well as smoked bacon and a choice of three cheeses.

The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is another of the grill’s noteworthy creations. Served on a toasted ciabatta roll with the usual trimmings plus a bleu cheese sauce, it features a grilled, boneless, skinless chicken breast, dipped in a slightly spicy Buffalo sauce. Like most of the other sandwiches, it is $7.95, although the fish sandwich is priced at $9.95. All come with a choice of French fries, fresh fruit or the grill’s signature Jicama cole slaw.

There are also a couple of delicious appetizers. The Smoked Salmon Plate contains an impressive portion of sliced, smoked salmon, served with capers, red onions, toast points and cream cheese. Similarly, the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes (pan sautÉed and served with a remoulade) could be a complete meal. For an additional $3.95, either appetizer can be ordered with a small salad.

Larger salads range from Spinach and Classic Caesar to The House Palm Salad and Golfer’s Salad. While the golfer’s greens are of the iceberg variety, the house salad contains mixed baby greens tossed in a pesto-balsamic vinaigrette, garnished with hearts of palm, candied walnuts and cherry tomatoes, sprinkled with crumbled bleu cheese. All salads ($5.95 - $7.95) are available with a choice of extras, including chicken ($3), shrimp ($5) or salmon ($7.50).

Except for the Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail (dinner only, $7.95), all of the salads and appetizers listed above are available for lunch or dinner Ñ and at the same price, no less. Otherwise, the biggest difference between night and day menus is the dinner entrees. Each is accompanied by warm bread and a choice of the Caesar or house salad.
Most entrées range from $11 - $15, although the burger and Calves Liver are both under $10, and the Filet Mignon is $21.95. Nearly all are served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Entrée highlights include: Pork Tenderloin (marinated and grilled, topped with a balsamic, dried cherry sauce); Herb Grilled Atlantic Salmon (served with yellow rice and fresh vegetables); Gulf Shrimp Scampi (seven jumbos sautéed in garlic butter, served with pasta and fresh veggies); and Stir Fry Mahi Mahi (encrusted in sesame seeds, grilled and served atop stir-fried vegetables with rice).

Perhaps the one minor drawback to this exceptional establishment is that there is no bar or wine service. However, a variety of other beverages is available, including coffee, espresso and cappuccino. To finish your meal, the Palm Grill also offers a molten lava cake, an outstanding bread pudding and other tempting freshly made desserts.

Reservations are not required, but for parties of eight or more, it is best to call ahead. As local restaurants fill up during season and wait lists exceed an hour, consider this hidden gem an original, refreshing alternative.

(The Palm Grill is at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane in south Fort Myers. Open Tuesday -Saturday for lunch from 11 am - 2 pm and for dinner from 4 pm - 8 pm. For reservations or to place a carry out order, please call 239-454-2059.)