Watts: Season’s best, Part 2 – Dishes from Marco-area restaurants that impressed
With Easter in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking a look back at the standout dishes we discovered during that January through March period. If you missed part one, read it now at marconews.com.
SZECHUAN CHICKEN
The Szechuan chicken ($18) at KJ Chinese Bistro and Sushi on Marco Island features chunks of all-white meat chicken and assorted veggies. To be fair, you can get the Szechuan sauce with beef, pork, shrimp or tofu as well. You pick your rice — fried, white or brown.
And the best part? I ordered it medium heat and – for the first time ever – a restaurant has gotten it right. Way to go KJ! I highly recommend this dish! Especially for all of you like me who’ve been ordering medium and either getting mild or hot! (From those other places.)
KJ Chinese Bistro and Sushi
- 537 Bald Eagle Dr
- Marco Island, FL 34145
- 239-394-4666
- toasttab.com
- Grilled avocado
'GRILLED AVOCADO'
An appetizer topped the bill at Sunset Grill.
The “Grilled Avocado” ($14) is stuffed with black bean and corn salsa and topped with goat cheese and a siracha aioli.
The presentation was amazing. And the flavors made for a varied and delicious blend.
Perhaps my favorite thing was the flatbread triangles that accompanied the dish. I’m a sucker for carbs!
Sunset Grille
- 900 S. Collier Blvd, Marco Island
- 239-389-0509
- sunsetgrilleonmarcoisland.com
‘ROCK SHRIMP’
An appetizer also highlighted our visit to TheSen in South Naples.
The “Rock Shrimp” is tempura fried shrimp on a bed of greens with a “creamy sauce” (like spicy mayo but much better).
TheSen Asian Noodle Bar
- 6821 Collier Blvd Unit 102, Naples
- 239-304-9652
- app.masa.plus
LINGUINE WITH HOUSE-MADE MARINARA
It may sound simply, but that’s part of the appeal.
The linguine with house made marinara ($11.99) at The Crazy Flamingo comes with the “legendary garlic bread,” my main reason for ordering it. You can add chicken ($6 more), mahi-mahi or ahi tuna ($7.50 more), grouper or salmon ($6 more).
You get a lot of pasta (I took nearly half of it home for a second night of eating). The marinara has a spicy kick to it, which I loved. And the bread, heavenly!
The Crazy Flamingo
- 1035 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
- 239-642-9600
- thecrazyflamingo.com
TURKEY ON CIABATTA
The turkey sandwich ($12.99) was absolutely my favorite dish from The Brooklyn Delicatessen (Marco Island).
The shaved turkey is piled high. The bread is fresh. You can pick from lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, roasted peppers, oil and vinegar.
We got it all, except oil. The sandwich is amazing.
The Brooklyn Delicatessen
- 247 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island
- 239-970-0046
- thebrooklyndelicatessen.com
PHILLY CHEESESTEAK
A sandwich also won our hearts at Z's Music Kitchen in South Naples.
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich ($15.95) comes with hand-cut fries or slaw.
The sandwich is piled high with thinly sliced top-round roast beef. It has green peppers and onions and is covered with melted provolone and served in a hoagie roll. Huge!
This dish earned the highest praise of the night (and I had the grouper).
Z’s Music Kitchen
- Freedom Square, 12655 Tamiami Trail E., Naples
- 239-304-9552
- zsmusickitchen.com
That’s it for now. Happy Eating!
More'Watts for Dinner': Season’s best – Dishes made the biggest impressions
AndNow You Know: Our Daily Bread Food Pantry awarded $50,000 grant