While walking around St. Armands Circle last week, I could not help but notice the sign in the former Cork and Bottle Shop space announcing a new Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar. I hope that this place will hit the mark, as I have always liked the corner location, just found the build-out to be odd and confusing. It seems lately that Japanese steakhouses are popping up more, most recently on University Parkway near Fresh Market.

 

 

Speaking of University, we went over to John Dough the other day in the Cooper Creek shopping plaza. I can’t say I was overly impressed (I think you can’t beat a sandwich at Main Bar downtown), but I was happy to see the inviting loaves of challah bread at the counter and even more excited to see that my favorite yogurt store, Whiteberry, is opening a second location right next door within the next few weeks. Their yogurt is so creamy and tastes richer than some others, yet plenty healthy. Raspberry is my favorite flavor, just straight up. If you are more of a plain yogurt type, try diced mango and kiwi as toppings, a very nice plenty of sweet fruit and tart frozen yogurt.

 

 

The challah bread at John Dough looked nice and fresh.

Just on the other side, Total Wine has to be the grape mecca of Southwest Florida. I knew exactly what I wanted and the service was incredible. How they were able to lead me right away to each section and bottle was quite impressive and took away the feel of a giant warehouse store.

 

 Total Wine really is a total experience.

Yes, again I see another restaurant going into the former space of Urban Reef, formerly Esca, and a few other non-notables. “Enjoy” is the name and let’s hope the focus is on good and consistent food and service. They may just have a winner if they do so.

 

Other notables:

The Hyatt has opened their boathouse for weekend happy hour with live music. And I am happy to see both Ophelia’s and Libby’s continuing their Sunday brunch menus during these dog days of summer.

 

 

 The Hyatt Regency has opened the Boathouse for weekend happy hour with live music.