Tuesday, Sept. 30, is it.
That’s your last day to take advantage of Sizzle Dining days.
We caught up with event co-founder Guy Clarke earlier this week when he was headed to another participating restaurant.
“I try to hit all the restaurants participating for the first time,” he said. “But with more than 40 this year, it’s hard to do.”
A record 127 eateries in Lee and Collier counties signed up for the annual event that is a win-win for everyone.
“It supports restaurants, it supports servers, it supports kids,” Clarke said. “We’re coming off an extremely slow summer, so we need this.”
Diners enjoy prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus for discounted prices of $19, $29, $39, $49 and, in a few instances, $59, depending on the venue.
And for each meal purchased during Sizzle, $1 is donated to Blessings in a Backpack, a local nonprofit that provides elementary students with food and nourishment during the school year.
Last year, more than $60,000 was raised.
And so far this year?
“We only have numbers up until Sept. 16,” Clarke said. “We’re winding down, over halfway through. But we should beat last year’s total meals sold.”
There’s still time to make sure they hit Clarke’s original goal of $80,000 raised.
Head to sizzledining.org, browse the 127 menus (which may take a bit with 127 of them), pick your restaurants, make reservations if applicable and enjoy.
We’ll see you out there.
In other foodie news …
31 Produce
After 17 years, this U-pick, farmers market, breakfast & lunch spot, gem panning station and critter petting area in Alva closed for good on Sept. 21 due to eminent domain for a road widening project.
On the Bay
A soft opening will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, for this Fort Myers Beach waterfront restaurant previously known as Matanzas on the Bay. A grand opening will follow on Oct. 3. Expect fresh seafood from chef Jose Rivera, daily live music and oh, those views. 416 Crescent St.; (239) 463-3838; matanzasonthebay.com or find on Facebook
Iguana Mia
This longtime Cape Coral staple is celebrating its 35th year on Cape Coral Parkway. It’s such a huge milestone, all three locations are joining in. From Sept. 26-28, enjoy fajitas for 2 — two small fajitas and a pitcher of house margaritas for $35. Offer available after 4 p.m. that Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. Follow on Facebook for more.
Marina Cantina
We also have an eye on this tin tiki next to Salty Sam’s Marina on San Carlos Island. Formerly The Shrimp Dock & Grill, this waterfront restaurant will serve Florida favorites and Mexican cantina flavors. A grand opening is coming soon. 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach; follow on Facebook.
7&7 Gourmet Gelato Factory
This cute gelato shop is serving up fresh and flavorful gelato daily in Cape Coral. It opened earlier this month in Chandelle Square, taking over the space previously occupied by Cuban Family Restaurant and Kreips & Juices. 1127 Del Prado Blvd. S.; follow on Facebook.
Cheesesteaks.com
Kevin and Nicole O’Brien are at it again. The duo behind the “best cheesesteaks south of South Philly” is expanding into Bonita Springs. Ever since opening a brick & mortar location in Naples in August of 2024 (it began as a food truck), their sandwich shop has been a huge hit, selling out regularly. So get ready, Bonita Springs. Quality ingredients are brought in from Philly, including the seeded or plain rolls filled with shaved ribeye, Cooper American or Cheez Wiz, and with or without onions. Look for a Nov. 3 soft opening at 28811 Tamiami Trail S. Follow cheesesteaks.com on Facebook for updates.
Philly Pretzel Factory
Cape Coral will get a taste of Philly, too, when this franchise comes to Pine Island Road. Coming soon signs are up in Unit 211 at the Fountain Shoppes, where Radio Shack was located. A (long delayed) location is also expected to open in Fort Myers. Follow Philly Pretzel Factory on Facebook for more.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral, Fort Myers dining scene sizzles with handful of new restaurants on the way
Reporting by Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
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