 Bonita Springs, Fla. – Mel’s
Diner, affectionately known as “Southwest Florida’s kitchen,” added a
number of “gourmet”-inspired dishes to its comfort food-filled menu
earlier this year, including the popular Sanibel Chicken Salad and
Chicago Chicken Muffelatta.
Now, with summer in full bloom, the company has expanded its menu even
further, offering a new set of culinary delights inspired by the
season. New items include such tantalizing creations as Yukon gold
mashed potatoes, and Granny Smith apple and cranberry bourbon stuffing,
among others.
One of the highlights of Mel’s new summer menu is the Pistachio-Crusted
Grouper. For the dish, grouper filet is hand-dipped in buttermilk,
dredged in a flavorful pistachio flour and sautéed in light vegetable
oil until golden brown. The fish is then paired with a fresh Key
lime hollandaise sauce and served alongside confetti rice (rice mixed
with roasted red pepper and fresh chopped parsley) and fresh steamed
seasonal vegetables.
“The pistachio crusted grouper is unique and is a great ‘light’ summer
item that is full of flavor,” said Fred Scherger, director of culinary
operations for Mel’s Diner.
“The ingredients used complement the summer months and the dish has been well received by our staff and guests.”
Founded by Chris Karakosta in San Carlos, FL in 1989, Mel’s Diner
originally set out to mimic the look and feel of Karakosta’s first
eatery, the Chicago-based family style diner, Dimitri’s. Before Mel’s,
Karakosta owned and operated two other establishments in the southwest
Florida area, the upscale steak-and-seafood spot, The Green Onion, and
Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page, one of the region’s first sports bars.
Currently, the chain boasts 10 locations throughout southwest Florida
and plans to add four more stores by 2007, including spots in Naples,
Cape Coral and Sarasota. While its reach may be widespread, each store
continues to pride itself on the family friendly service, high value
and made-from-scratch comfort foods that made the original location
such a success.
For more information, visit http://www.melsdiners.com.
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Media Contact:
Quantified Marketing Group
407.936.1010
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