The Dish

Cristof's offers a small town feel with a big city taste

by lauren baugh

Imagine a TV show where everyone knows each other, and the town has a center. And in that center is a restaurant. And that restaurant happens to be an old home on one of the most revered streets in that town.

When talking about “the center” of Fort Myers, that can be broad term. In my world, though, “the center” happens to be on McGregor and Royal Palm. McGregor Boulevard is a beautiful drive to take anywhere (when it is not peak season and traffic overwhelms you). You drive from downtown Fort Myers to near Fort Myers Beach alongside the many beautiful homes, as well as the palm trees that Tootie McGregor insisted be planted all the way down McGregor. In addition to the Alliance for the Arts (did I mention our Bench Bar B-Q and Shrimp Boil will be there on March 26th?!) and the Fort Myers YMCA, there is another landmark: Cristof’s on McGregor. It is an old house that was remodeled into one of the coolest local dining spots. When I am setting up a lunch meeting, I most often hear, “Let’s go to Cristof's”, and I often respond, “Yummy!”. Driving by Cristof’s during lunch or the dinner rush will leave you intrigued, as it is always busy. Parking is sparse, but the restaurant is worth it. Each time I go, I run into several people I know both personally and professionally. On this day, I walk in to meet my party. In the back room, just before the bar area, who do I run into? City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. Who, by the way, took the time to say a Mayoral “Hello”. Whether it is a birthday dinner with friends, a date night with your significant other, or just lunch, you will be satisfied. You can sit outside and enjoy our beautiful weather, or you can sit inside and feel as if you are in your friend’s dining room – either way, you cannot go wrong. The LCBA has held several parties at Cristof’s. Sadly, I have only been able to enjoy the pictures because I was not with the LCBA at those times. I have attended many lunch meetings and board dinners at Cristof’s, and they have been amazing. Small town feel with hometown taste.

It does help my adoration for Cristof’s that I am often at the neighboring YMCA picking up my daughter after school. It is quite convenient to go to Cristof’s, and even my daughter loves it there. I should mention they have delicious chicken fingers. My restaurant companions and I usually agree that when one goes to Cristof’s for lunch, one must get the chicken salad plate. The restaurant also has several dinner specials nightly. Normally, this includes a unique fish dish, a delicious steak served with some variety of yummy sauce and a pasta with all kinds of seasonal options. I am a creature of habit and often lean towards the shrimp and grits, as that is a favorite of mine at many places. At Cristof’s, they provide a huge portion, so I am sure to get my money’s worth and make at least two meals out of it.

All the food at Cristof’s is as unique as the location. The service is always wonderful, and, like most places in the South, the tea is sweet. If you have a client in from another area or family and friends visiting, take them there. None of you will regret it!

Cristof Danzi (pictured left) is the owner of Cristofs on McGregor a neighborhood eatery located in Fort Myers Florida. Born in Sicily and receiving culinary training in Italy, France, England and Bahrain, Cristof was inspired by his father. With a Mediterranean influence and a passion for seafood, local art, aged beef and classic pasta dishes Cristof's lives up the hype with his amazing food and outside seating.

Pictured (top - clockwise): Cristof Danzi, owner and chef; Fresh Tuna - blackened tuna steak served over mixed greens with edamame, a julianne of red peppers, carrots & red onions and drizzle of homemade ginger dressing; seafood special; fresh ingredients are prepared everyday; dinner special; House Burger with bacon and cheese added - premium ground Angus chuck grilled to your liking, with lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted bun. 10231 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919

cristofsonmcgregor.com Phone: (239) 791-8473

Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour 3 - 4:30 p.m. daily

Lauren Baugh is the Executive Director at Lee County Bar Association and can be reached at lauren@leebar.org.