The Veranda

Very few restaurants in Southwest Florida can boast the tenure and success of The Veranda. Then again there aren’t any other restaurants quite like The Veranda. For the last 47 years, the iconic downtown Fort Myers establishment has been offering white glove service in two historic, turn-of-the-century homes nestled between a concrete jungle of government buildings.

If the vintage walls could talk, they would tell the stories of politicians and judges, brides and widows, the stories of the thousands of people who picked this special place to mark everything from major life events to casual happy hours.

You feel that history the minute you walk in. You see it documented on the walls and read the story.

Those menus also contain a wide range of dishes, from decadent to light and everything in between. Many have a Southern flare. All are made from scratch, from bread and desserts to mashed potatoes, sauces and jellies. Fewer and fewer local kitchens take these extra steps on a day-to-day basis. It’s a labor of love and makes a noticeable difference to the discerning palate.

The Veranda also preserves the art of tableside preparations. You’ll find classics such as Caesar Salad for starters, Chateaubriand as a main course and Bananas Foster for dessert.

The tableside dessert is a showstop­per, a sizzling production that fills the dining room with an intoxicating aroma. One that has you saying, “I’ll have what they’re having” before you’ve even placed your drink order.

It begins with heating brown sugar and butter. Next, rum and banana liqueur are added to create a brilliant warm flame. The crescendo is a sprinkling of cinnamon that makes the production literally sparkle.

Fresh bananas are then added to the sauce. Once heated, they’re spooned over ice cream and the caramelized sauce is drizzled on top before serving.

Caesar is not the only salad con­structed tableside. Spinach salad is tossed tableside with a comforting, warm bacon vinaigrette.

The Veranda’s famous Southern Grit Cake is a popular starter. Pepper Jack cheese is melted into creamy grits. The dish is topped with flavorful grilled Andouille sausage. Or try the escargot appetizer. It comes in a rich, stilton bleu cheese sauce. The Lobster Bisque is so good you’ll want to drink it when no one is looking.

A signature seafood entrée is the Southern Sampler, which includes Flor­ida grouper, gulf shrimp and sea scallops with a decadent prosciutto cream fettuc­cine. Another seafood entrée, pistachio crusted Chilean Sea Bass, made its debut three years ago and is still flying out of the kitchen. It’s served over rich, creamy Parmesan-Reggiano risotto.

This spring, look for even more inven­tive menu debuts. The Veranda owner Paul Peden teases dishes such as wild game and more. “We are adding some distinctive items, creative appetizers and new daily specials,” he says.

When it comes to juicy meats, land­lubbers have numerous options. Steak choices include a center cut filet mignon, grilled ribeye and USDA Prime New York Strip, all cut in house. But it’s hard to turn down the baked rack of New Zealand lamb in a savory rosemary merlot sauce.

You’ll want nice wine to match. The list covers lots of ground with a selection of older vintages and names that you won’t find anywhere else. Some premium wines, usually only served by the bottle, are now offered by the glass, thanks to a new wine preservation system at The Veranda. It’s an enjoyable way to try something new without committing to an entire bottle.

The bar is dimly lit and cozy, with high-backed chairs, vintage photos and piano music as a backdrop. It’s a popular spot for classic cocktails and conversa­tion before dinner or after a long day.

Then there is the patio. It comes alive at night with twinkling bistro lights strung overhead into the trees. If you’re

lucky, you might just catch a bride and groom toasting. It is a popular spot to reserve for special occasions.

In fact, the entire restaurant lends itself well to special occasions. But you don’t need one to dine in this casually elegant place. It’s ideal for anyone look­ing to exhale after a long day or week. To sit back and surrender to professionals to guide you through an enjoyable dining experience.

It’s also a fantastic spot to host clients and business dinners.

To the casual observer, The Veranda seems to never change. But the reality is, things constantly change. Peden is always refurbishing and updating the aesthetics in and around the historic buildings. What doesn’t change, however, is the five-star service and attention to the smallest of details.

Some of the staff have worked here for decades. The team, from the kitchen to the servers to the bartenders, form a well-oiled machine with a mission to make each visitor’s experience one they will be talking about for weeks to come.

“The people who work here are proud and know the business of taking care of people,” says Peden. “This is truly a one-of-a-kind place, with its historical presence, atmosphere and great service. Sometimes I sit and think how it feels almost magical at times.”

If you’re looking for a place with con­sistently good, house-made food; if you want a place to linger and rediscover the art of conversation; if you are seeking an establishment with a story, sophistication and service that can still be fun with that intangible element of magic, it’s time to make a reservation at The Veranda.

The Veranda is located at 2122 Second St., downtown Fort Myers. The bar and piano lounge open at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday with live entertainment. Dinner is from 5-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Indoor and outdoor seating. Private dining is available, large parties included. Reservations are encouraged. Call 239-332-2065 or visit www.verandarestaurant.com.