Dining Out - a Table Apart (Bonita Springs, FL)

It was a chance dining experience. We were off to an evening at the theater in Fort Myers (30 miles to the north of where we live) and my wife had checked out the local restaurant guide (Sharon Kenny's "Where Should We Eat?"). She had found three possibilities on our northbound trek. One was in North Naples; the other two were in Bonita Springs.

The appetizer - the adventure

Now, we know what "season" means in southwest Florida. Simply put, one dare not go out to dine, period, while the snowbirds are in town! Restaurants, everywhere, are plagued by lines, lines and more lines. Even reservations are risky, unless one locks in a date and time several days or longer in advance.

But, our plan was simple. It was before 6 o'clock and we should be able to get a seat, even if it wasn't a good one. We'd drive by the first restaurant (North Naples), check the parking lot and make decisions from there.

Being a Rapid Rewards Dining member, I also stole a quick look at the restaurant listings before we left home. I wanted to see if we could earn some airline miles while we enjoyed a nice dinner. I found that two of the restaurants my wife had chosen were listed. I also found very flattering reviews of A Table Apart (4295 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs FL 34134; 239-221-8540). Somehow, I managed to miss the part that noted "reservations suggested."

Armed with the "Where We Should Eat?" restaurant guide in hand, we headed out.

As we passed the first restaurant, we decided to go to A Table Apart, a "hole in the wall" restaurant. Labeled as "'rustic global cuisine' with an emphasis on French and Hawaiian tastes," we weren't exactly sure what we would find there. Pictures of the restaurant's exterior didn't exactly exude "top shelf" status. Later on, we discovered that owners, Jeff and Jessica Acol hail from Hawaii and France, respectively. So the eclectic menu mix became easily explained.

About two miles from the restaurant, I realized that without a navigation system, it would be like rolling the dice when we arrived at Bonita Beach Road. Should we make a left or right turn? After all, we only had the street number for the restaurant.

So, we called the restaurant to verify. It's something that I, as a guy, routinely do. That's because I'm "in touch" with my female side.

The hostess provided directions, but then almost shattered our dining hopes. She queried us, "Do you have reservations?" "NO," I replied. "Oh, we don't have anything available until 9 o'clock...unless you are willing to sit at the bar," she replied. "We have two seats open right now. How far away are you?"

"Would you save those for us? We are turning onto Bonita Beach Road right now," I quickly responded.

Moments later, we arrived at the restaurant and were ushered to our bar seats.

The main course

The first thing we discovered was that were overdressed. Most of the patrons were in far less dressy attire. Most of the patrons were also much older than we were. In fact, the sea of hair colors ranged from white to grey and densities ranged from thinning to bald.

Then we noticed that there were booths (reminiscent of a dinner); an array of four-seater tables and a relatively small bar. The décor was definitely not that of a classic 5 star restaurant (as we knew).

But, we had our seats. Although they were angled to the bar, making it a bit tough to get into, the couple dining to our right shifted their seats slightly to allow us easy access.

That started a dialogue that quickly transformed into a full-blown discussion centering on recommendations about what to eat. You see, we had landed next to repeat customers who dine at A Table Apart each year when they visit the area from Wisconsin.

What ensued involved not only an enjoyable eating experience, but also some thoroughly entertaining conversation. We learned about the menu choices, the special evening menu and, perhaps most importantly, the dessert menu.

For starters, my wife had a Caesar Salad; I opted for the Pear Salad. Both were delicious. This was followed by Grilled Filet Mignon (my wife) and a Honey Bourbon Glazed Bone In Pork Chop (me). Both were "to die for." The Sweet Potato Brulee that accompanied the Pork Chop was heavenly.

For dessert, we decided to share a Hawaiian Sweet Potato Pie. The color (a purplish tinge) gave us cause for concern. But once we tasted it, we knew better. The flavor and the richness provided just the right ending for one of the best meals we have ever eaten in the area.

The ending

Actually, the real best ending centered around the price. The two of us managed to dine, including a single glass of wine and a nice tip, for less than $85.

Oh, and as we were awaiting our desert, a really young couple, out after celebrating their daughter's one year birthday earlier in the day, sat down to our right. Before we realized it, we were passing on recommendations to them. Could it be that the angled seats are angled for good reason?

Anyway, the bottom line to our evening dining experience (and dinner is the only meal served at the restaurant now: hours 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily) rated 5 stars! The food was great, the service impeccable and the comaraderie truly enjoyable.

If you are looking for something different and that's easy on the wallet, you need to try A Table Apart. But, don't be daring, like we were. Call ahead for reservations. And ask for the bar! It's an experience unto itself!