The Dish

Arts & Eats Café offers organic conversation, art and fresh food

by lauren baugh and anne dalton, esq.

Did you ever imagine having an artist prepare a sumptuous brunch for you? And then you get to eat it in a smart café, chock-full of incredible visual art? If that’s a “yes” (or even a “why not?”), no need to go to France. The Arts and Eats Café is for you! The Arts and Eats Café is in Fort Myers, in the Edwards Building on the Alliance for the Arts campus. Drawings, paintings, sculptures, or any other artist medium – the Café walls sparkle with them. Whether you are in the mood for a quick and freshly-made gourmet cappuccino, latte, sparkling flavored Italian Soda, or a full-fledged breakfast or lunch, you receive a hearty welcome at the door from the Café baristas and chef.

I am delighted to be accompanying past LCBA President Anne Dalton to brunch. This is a favorite Saturday spot for Anne and Lila, her standard poodle. Lila’s weekly scrambled egg is made to order by Chef Josette and enjoyed by Lila in the Café’s outdoor dining area. I bring my artistically inclined young daughter, Eden, who enjoys her breakfast and receives a personal tour of the Union Artist Studios and Gallery, which is on the second floor of the same building. The Café’s co-owners, renowned local artist David Acevedo and the well-travelled Jamie Burdette, give the tour. David is a co-founder of Art Walk and owner of the DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery. His work can be found in collections worldwide. Jamie amuses us with stories of their travels in Spain, Italy, Budapest and many more places. They even give us some good travel tips! Anne and I chat about life, the LCBA, her past career paths and travels, my life and all things in between. If you are a creative – or like relaxed creative spaces – you will LOVE this café. It draws a wide spectrum of patrons, from just plain folks like Anne and me, to families, singles and couples. The Café provides all children art supplies, and Eden amuses herself by drawing figures with watercolor pencils. She even receives a few pointers (and accolades, if I may say so modestly) from Acevedo. He circulates among the diners to make sure both food and ambiance are perfect. All the food is freshly made while you (briefly) wait, including a variety of “hand-helds” that can quickly morph into a salad upon request, to desserts and other baked goods. Eden opts to go with a HUGE, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and a bottle of water. I test their monthly special, an Italian Sandwich.

Anne shares with me she has tried most things on the menu and enjoys them all. On this day, she has a hard time choosing among the Grilled Cheese on Crusty Bread with Soup, or PB and Nana Toast or the Egg and Cheese Quesadilla with home-made salsa. She finally opts for a Hot Veggie Panini with Spicy Peanut Sauce.

The Italian Sandwich is perfectly proportioned and tastes great. All the ingredients practically leap out of the basket into my mouth. Fresh ingredients are a big part of a good Italian sub. Anne takes a bite of her crispy panini and lets out a “WOW!” Right then, I know I will be coming back to experience the rest of the menu. I ask Chef Josette to identify the Café’s most popular drink. The barista, Julio, makes it for me – an Iced Latte with Oat Milk and Lavender. Anne chooses a classic hot Cappuccino with Almond Milk. I am pleasantly surprised at my hipster coffee. I honestly thought it would taste like perfume, but it has just a slight hint of lavender, which is very pleasant. It goes perfectly with my latte. Candidly, I was not sure it was a smart combo, but it truly works. The Café has a main room and two private rooms. One is in a rotunda with open ceiling – perfect for fall and winter private dining with a crowd. The second is furnished with a large dining room table and chairs. It is where they hold “Art Talks at the Edwards” each Sunday from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. A brainchild of David and Jamie, the event is open (free of charge) for organic conversations, critiques, art demonstrations, networking, brainstorming and more.

Photos top row: art that bestows the walls of the cafe. Second row: Italian sandwich, co-owners Jamie Burdette and David Acevedo. Bottom row: mask adorning the outside of the building. Alliance for the Arts - Edwards Building 10051 McGregor Blvd Suite 101 Fort Myers, FL 33919

239.980.1394

Tuesday - Friday 10AM–2PM Saturday & Sunday 9AM–2PM Closed Monday

Available for take-out, catering or advance meal prep as well.

facebook.com/artsandeatscafe

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