Around The Islands With Anne

Sundial’s Three Restaurants Are Open To The Public With Gulf Views And Fresh Décor

By Anne Mitchell

The islands’ easy living season is now in full swing, with plenty of dining options featured at local restaurants and eateries. It’s a time for special deals and a chance for us locals to drop into our favorite places for impromptu meals with friends and family.

It’s also a time when restaurant managers are able to refurbish their dining rooms, add seasonal produce to their menus and offer summer specials.

With that in mind, I plan to feature our local dining establishments in the weeks and months ahead, so you can check in right here to find out what’s happening, where the specials, are, get the latest on local entertainment and generally hear the scoop about the Sanibel/Captiva dining scene, whether it’s fine or casual, take-out or frozen desserts.

One major item of interest is that Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, notably its restaurants and public areas, are beautifully refurbished and redesigned – and is now open to the public.

The lobby, bar and dining areas at Sundial are a sight to see with their smart and sleek décor that takes island style to a new level.

Diners can choose from Waterview with its panoramic view of the gulf, or the mare causal Turtles Café & Patio and Sea Breeze Café. I have experienced happy hour on the spacious patio overlooking the beach and have promised myself more of the same. And if you want to eat poolside, there’s Turtles Tiki Bar, with live music by island troubadour Danny Morgan from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Happy hour is twice daily, from 3 to 5 p.m. and Turtles and 5 to 7 p.m. in the Sea Breeze Café.

Sundial holds BBQ Blowouts all season long from 1 to 4 p.m. Every Saturday there’s a buffet with offerings including grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, mahi-mahi and pulled pork along with fresh salads, corn on the cob and baked beans, plus a selection of fresh fruits. Price is $19 for adults and $12 for children five years and older.

Sundial Resort is at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, phone 472-4151.

Speaking of makeovers, Thistle Lodge’s flagstone veranda also has a new look complete with comfy seating and a cozy style.

Resort manager Frolian “JR” Ramirez, Jr. said, “We asked Lubner Group to revitalize the space with an updated and relaxing look that would be appealing for social gatherings.  They did such a great job that the outside deck has now become a popular gathering spot for resort guests, with many taking photos of the area.”

Thistle Lodge is located at Casa Ybel Resort, 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, phone 472-9200 or 472-3145.

Sanibel’s Island’s Il Cielo has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on the TripAdvisor website, and is extended to qualifying business worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

Said Alison Copus, vice president of marketing for TripAdvisor for Business, “The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world with recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.”

Il Cielo is located at 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 472-5555.

Meanwhile, folks are rocking and rolling – and a lot more – at Enchanted Ballroom on Sanibel.

Owners Susan Scott and David Flory, who opened the studio three months ago, said they have watched brides and grooms learn their first dance, singles shed those extra pounds and couples – though much laughter – decide who leads and who follows.

Scott says the most frequently asked question is “Do I need a partner?” That’s not necessary.

In the past month they have held a West Coast and a Rumba workshop, which involved focusing on one dance style for two hours. They performed at the Dance Festival at BIG ARTS and held Friday Night Dance Parties at the dance studio, along with a Night Out on the Town.

Last weekend, Scott and Flory completed in a national competition in Naples returning with the Top Competitor Award.

This month weekly group glasses are in full swing and there will be a Friday Night Dance Party on June 21 at 8 p.m.

Enchanted Ballroom is at 2496 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel, phone 579-0468.

Island Sun (June 14, 2013)