FYI-FOOD: Latest news briefs for local foodies
Flat Outrageous
Tijuana Flats, the fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant, has added the “Flat Outrageous” section to its menu. The Flat Outrageous section consists of new dishes, including three street tacos, crispy baja fish, lime steak and jerk chicken, as well as Philly cheesesteak flautas and chicken tostadas, an existing dish on the Tijuana Flats menu that is a variation on buffalo chicken.
Restaurant Week
Forty-five local restaurants prepare to take on Naples Restaurant Week from June 1-14. The goal is to encourage dining out at locally owned establishments. The three-course prix fixe menus start at $25 and $35. Reservations are highly recommended, although walk-in is also available. To see a full list of participating restaurants, go to NaplesRestaurantWeek.com.
King Estate wine dinner
A four-course dinner will take place Thursday, May 25, at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 23151 Village Shops Way, Coconut Point mall, Estero. The dinner will feature arugula and watermelon salad, braised pork belly, veal ossobuco ravioli, filet mignon and spicy colossal crab, and white chocolate bread pudding. $99 per person. 239-948-888. Ruthschris.com.
Catering to-go menus
BRAVO Cucina Italiana and BRIO Tuscan Grille are now offering new catering menus featuring catering pans that serve six to eight people; and offer appetizers and salads from $24-$32; and twelve entree choices priced from $62-$85; and can be mixed and matched. Family bundles are also available serving four people with 10 options for $49. You can also create your own pasta station, which serves 10 people and it’s $12 per person. More information and menus available at catering.bravoitalian.com/locations.
Last day of the season
Alexander’s will have its last day of the season on Saturday, May 27, reopening in the fall. Alexander's will offer its summer special: two dinners and a bottle of wine for $45. 239-262-4999.
Memorial Day specials
» Pinchers is honoring all military personnel, current and past, and inviting them to enjoy a free meal. Veterans and active military personnel who present a valid Military ID or proof of service will be offered a free meal, up to $17, at all Pinchers locations between Tampa and Key West on Memorial Day, May 29.
» In honor of Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, Hooters of South Florida is offering all Military personnel a free meal. Veterans and active military can choose from one of these free menu items: buffalo chicken salad, 10 piece boneless wings, Hooters burger or the buffalo chicken sandwich. Those interested must present their Military ID. Promotion is for dine-in only and a beverage purchase is required.
Tacos and tequila menu
Now through June 16, Tommy Bahama is bringing a refreshed version of its signature “Tacos and Tequila” menu: Crispy duroc pork belly tacos; kona longboard beer cheese steak tacos; spiked guacamole and fire roasted salsa; tuna tacos; shrimp tacos; fish tacos; vegetable tacos. The restaurant also offers a variety of margaritas including its latest, the Island Anchorita Margarita. 239-643-6889.
Summer specials
» St. Germain has a summer special — a dinner for two with a bottle of wine for $50. Entrees include stuffed shrimp, Norwegian salmon, pork tenderloin medallions, 8-ounce hand cut prime NY strip steak, 7-ounce herb crusted crunchy cod filet and crispy herb roasted chicken breast. 239-435-9353.
» School’s out for the summer, and Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants invite teachers to meet at Applebee’s to enjoy end-of-school specials. From Friday, May 26, through Friday, June 9, teachers who visit a participating Applebee’s location and show a teacher ID can enjoy free chips and salsa and two-for-one drink specials on select drinks.
National Wine Day
21 Spices by chef Asif will be celebrating National Wine Day on Thursday with 20 percent off any bottle over $50. During the summer, customers also will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Early Bird Menu, served daily from 5 to 6 p.m. 239-919-8830.
Pasta Flight Night
Pasta Flight Night will take place every Wednesday, starting May 31 and lasting through the end of summer, at Osteria Tulia. The Osteria Tulia team can make more than 80 different types of pasta, a process that takes at least six hours daily. Pasta Flight Nights — the pasta special where guests choose from a variety of three different pastas — are perfect for one person or to share in a group. Price per flight is $29.
Voyage menu
Café Lurcat has rolled out its new Voyage menu themed “East of Havana.” The menu, which changes to a different region of the world every few months, will feature starters such as yellowtail snapper sashimi and grilled jerk wings, and entrees such as heritage berkshire pork ribeye, Jamaican curried lamb and crispy red snapper. Desserts include Cuban rum cake and coconut lime sorbet.