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Last evening, the Princess and I journeyed across the Caloosahatchie River to Ft. Myers. Our destination was Society, a new restaurant, and we were going to watch our musician friend, Brian Markley, perform. As it turned out we had a very enjoyable evening: we knew the music would be good, but we discovered a pleasant surprise in the restaurant itself.

For his part, Brian is a talented musician of eclectic taste. Accompanied by Rick Edwards on electric bass, he sings and plays guitar. Making use of technology, he uses a loop pedal to record his guitar so he can also solo on trumpet. And, who else plays a set that includes the standard, “Fly Me to the Moon”, Lou Reed’s “Take A Walk On the Wild Side”, and Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”? If you are in the Southwest Florida area, check out Brian. He keeps busy and you can find his upcoming gigs on Facebook (@BrianMarkleyMusic).

As it turned out, the evening was Society’s opening. We enjoyed glasses of house Pinot Grigio at a hightop at The Treehouse, an open-air bar that features a hydroponic garden (where the restaurant grows its own herbs). The staff was enthusiastic and answered all our questions. After Brian and Rick’s set, we moved downstairs to the spacious dining area-"area", because it includes both a large dining room and lots of outdoor tables for the alfresco-minded. We opted for the indoors.

Service was prompt and efficient. The ambience was high-tech- large LED screens behind the bar and a black-and-copper motif adorning the tables and counters. The menu was the creation of CIA-trained Chef Todd Erickson, a partner in several Miami restaurants and a winner of the Food Network’s competition, “Beat Bobby Flay”. Her Highness and I opted for two appetizers- an airy boa bun and a lump crab cake with an indescribably (literally) sauce- and to split the entre ͐. Our choice was a cauliflower “steak”, a thick bunch of the vegetable poached in a savory broth, then finished on a wood-burning grill. It was served with a farro pilaf and a tasty coconut-based sauce. It was sublime both in texture and taste.

The menu is varied- rib-eye steak, sushi, and a raw bar among the selections. We skipped dessert- we could not have eaten another morsel- but the Sweets menu looked inviting and featured a South Florida staple, Key Lime Pie. 

Society was indeed a serendipitous discovery. It is reasonably priced, makes use of locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, and offers a delightfully creative menu. We will return. 

Society is located in the Bell Tower Shops (US 41 and Daniels Parkway). You can check out their website at www.societyfortmyers.com