The best sellers tend to be Mimi’s signature dishes, which are clearly marked on the menu. Among them are good old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pie, Mimi’s Pot Roast and Mimi’s Chopped Cobb Salad. Other popular offerings include the Pasta Jambalaya (chicken breast, shrimp, Cajun sausage and pork loin in Creole tomato sauce, served on penne pasta), Hibachi Salmon (flame-broiled and drizzled with honey-teriyaki glaze) and an exceptional Bleu Cheese & Walnut Salad. In addition to the expected greens, cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this signature salad includes dried cranberries, walnuts, bacon, tomatoes and strawberries.

Entrees include bread and a choice of soup or salad; salads are served with a choice of several different freshly baked muffins. There are also dozens of specialty and classic sandwiches and burgers, along with tacos and wraps. Each comes with a choice of French fries, coleslaw or the soup du jour. There are also numerous appetizers and pasta dishes, as well as one of the healthiest children’s menus in town. Although it includes ever-popular fried items (such as French fries), it also offers refreshing alternatives, such as fresh fruit and mashed potatoes.

Mimi’s offers free refills on soft drinks, tea and lemonade. In addition, it has a nice selection of wines by the bottle (all for less than $25) or the glass. Cappuccino and other specialty coffees from the Espresso Bar are made with fresh beans ground to order, and served in huge cups designed to hold double servings. All desserts are $4.99 and fabulous, although the New Orleans Bread Pudding gets the most raves. Baked from scratch with French bread, raisins and pure vanilla, it is served warm with whiskey sauce and whipped cream for a treat quite unlike anything else served locally.

The same can be said for Mimi’s breakfasts, which run the gamut from pancakes and French toast to three-egg omelettes and other egg favorites. Most egg dishes are served with fresh-squeezed orange juice, red skin potatoes and a freshly baked muffin. House specialties include three types of Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Quiche (bacon/Swiss or cheddar/broccoli), Breakfast Burrito and Huevos con Tortillas, as well as low-fat or low-carb choices.

Although breakfast is advertised from 7 a.m. - noon weekdays (2 p.m. on weekends), breakfast items are available upon request at any time. That sort of service and the long hours are just part of what make Mimi’s a notable addition to the Bell Tower’s existing, quality restaurants.

(Mimi’s Cafe is open daily at 5070 Bell Tower Shops Road in Fort Myers. Hours are from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m., with lunch/dinner service starting at 11 a.m. daily. Phone: 239-561-0073.)