The first thing you notice is how busy this quaint restaurant is -- and families are welcome! I had the Chicken Parmesean Sandwich, and it was delightful! I was just there for lunch, but judging from the number of chairs out front for patrons, they do get busy for dinner. The menu features two dozen different fish dinners alone, and that doesn't include shrimp, lobster, or oyster menu items! You can also get ribs and steak -- and I've yet to have bad ribs here in SW Florida! So jump on into Red's -- it's located at 10880 Stringfellow Rd in Bokeelia. Call ahead and check the wait time at (239) 283-4412. They also have take-out! MORE PLACES TO COME!

The Shrimp Shack, just opened on Pine Island Road, is a favorite spot of none other than Trent Butler, our local morning news anchor on NBC-2. I've only been to this location twice, and he and his family were there both times, so either he owns the place or he loves it. Anyway, Shrimp Shack doesn't disappoint. From the New England Clam Chowder, the Manhattan Seafood Chowder, or the Whole Belly Clams, you'll make a good choice no matter what. They're located at the corner of Pine Island Road and Skyline, at 756 Pine Island Rd SW in Cape Coral, next to one of my other favorites, Carrabba's! Call ahead if you like to see what kind of wait time you're looking at. Enjoy! (239) 772-1060.

Wow. This has got to be one of my favorite restaurants, and if YOU like chicken -- or even if you think it's just okay, you MUST try their Chicken Bryan dish. Indescribable and delicious! Turns out last time I was in I asked them if they had a "Steak Bryan", and they smiled and said, "Yes, it's called Filet Bryan." I ordered it, and now there are two dishes I won't be able to choose between! I guarantee you'll love Carrabba's if you even like Italian food a little bit. Visit their new location on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, right next to Shrimp Shack, at 762 Pine Island Rd SW. Call ahead seating and "Carside Carry Out" at (239) 574-2797. You WILL enjoy this!

Man. If I had to choose, this may be my favorite restaurant around. The atmosphere is super tropical and fun, and it's a great place to bring out-of-state visitors to, as it completely embodies what our lifestyle is all about! Of the many times we've been there, nobody at my table has ever been disappointed. Now here's a tip: The West Indies Patties are a fabulous appetizer, but they also make for a great main course! They're almost like big croissants filled with wonderfully seasoned beef, and they come with some kind of creamy dip that makes you sorry when you take that last bite! The ribs are great, too. This one stands as a guaranteed thumbs up, so enjoy it. Bahama Breeze is located at 14701 S. Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. Why not call ahead to see what the wait will be -- not that it'll be a problem -- there's a very cool outdoor cabana with a fire pit and seating all around -- and live entertainment! Pull up a drink and a seat and relax. (239) 454-9234

A family-owned restaurant with one of the largest selections of fish and seafood. They prepare their own sauces, smoke their baby-back ribs and roast their prime ribs to perfection. We love the atmosphere, which is sooo, family-feeling! Their local commercials on television are great, they remember you after a couple of visits, and it's just an all-around great place to eat or to bring your out-of-town guests! Don't miss this one, located at 4875 Pine Island Rd. N.W., Matlacha, FL Their number is 239-283-0113.

When we were back in California, Macaroni Grill was one of our favorites, and it sure carried over to Florida! We were distressed when it burned to the ground a couple of years ago, but to our relief, they rebuilt it and it's as tasty as ever! You'll enjoy their GIANT bowls of pasta, or any of their other dishes. Try the house chianti! They've just served their hundred-millionth glass! Yes, 100,000,000 glasses! That's it. I'm going there now! 13721 S. Tamiami TraiL, Ft. Myers, FL 33912. Call (239) 433-7786

Well, it used to be the Spaghetti Shop, then it was Candi's. Now it's the best it's ever been, in our opinion! This has become an elegant dining spot, with intimate lighting for an evening out with someone special. You can always enjoy the waterfront seats, and even dock your boat and have a meal. From the Caloosahatchee, at marker 58 take the Chantry canal west to the end, hang a right on the Meade canal, and a left on the Honolulu canal. It's down at the end on the right. From the midpoint bridge and points south, drive up Del Prado to SE 12th Terrace -- Chicago Select is across from CVS Pharmacy. You won't be sorry! We had the New York Strip and it was excellent and cooked to our specific order -- for a pleasant surprise. They're located at 1217 Del Prado Blvd South in Cape Coral. Call them at (239) 772-7707.

Here's a shot of Chicago Select's intimate interior. Enjoy