Chamber hails opening of two island restaurants
The SanCap Chamber recently hosted ribbon-cuttings at two island restaurants — for the reopening of the Sanibel Cafe on Sanibel and debut of the Crow’s Nest Steakhouse at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva.
“The islands have always been known for their outstanding dining scene, and these two restaurants certainly go the distance as we restore that reputation despite hurricane setbacks,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “We welcome back a longstanding island culinary tradition and applaud the first new island restaurant since the storm.”
Cafe owner since 2006, Richard McCurry credits the support of the Tahitian Gardens shopping center community and beyond for his restaurant’s recovery. The building’s 3-foot cement slab acted like a sponge and pulled water up into the building, plus the front window and hood fans blew out, letting in even more water.
“When we moved out of the cafe, Josh and Audrey Stewart from Adventures in Paradise sent a ‘Bat Signal’ out and put together a team of people overnight to help move everything,” he said. “We all helped each other out with whatever needed to be done — lot of check-ins to see who needed help or just to vent about the crazy times. We are grateful!”
Other island restaurateurs helped McCurry find storage space, and Sanibel artist Rachel Pierce painted a colorful mural and selfie station inside.
Insurance woes and the loss of his home stalled recovery, but thanks to community and chamber support, he was able to reopen with a limited menu and hours. The cafe is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
One of the islands’ first post-hurricane success stories, ‘Tween Waters reopened its doors on Dec. 19, facilitating the islands’ recovery with accommodations for restoration crews and displaced residents.
Since then, the resort has remastered its on-site dining scene, rebranding its casual restaurant and bar as The Shipyard and building the new Crow’s Nest Steakhouse above it in a multi-windowed fine-dining venue with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The steakhouse opened on July 6 as the only second-level restaurant on the island. In addition to fine house-aged steaks, it boasts an exclusive whiskey bar. Its Smoked Old Fashion is a signature cocktail prepared tableside.
“The concept has been wildly successful,” Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Director of Food and Beverage Kimmy McGonnell, which owns and manages ‘Tween Waters, said. “Reservations are strongly recommended, although walk-ups are available on a limited basis. If you want to celebrate, do the night up right or impress friends or loved ones with a one-of-a-kind spectacular view of the Gulf, there’s no better destination.”
“‘Tween Waters has elevated the island dining experience in more ways than one,” Lai said. “As the islands rebuild better and stronger, the Crow’s Nest ushers in a new era of eating, drinking and experiencing.”
The Sanibel Cafe is at 2007 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
‘Tween Waters is at 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva.