PAST REPASTS

India Palace, 11605 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers; 939-2323.

India Palace is an establishment in which one of the world's finest cuisines gets the royal treatment. Although Indian food has a reputation for being ultra-hot - and it certainly can be - the kitchen here is happy to make it as mild or as fiery as you'd like. Tender palates will enjoy the tandoori items, the dal (lentil) soup, soothing raita and naan bread while those who like a bit more spice can choose from vindaloos, curries and a spicy onion chutney that will add more heat if desired. Everything I've ever eaten at this restaurant has been delicious. From the crisp onion bhaji and vegetable samosa, to the smooth, gingery dal soup, the tandoori items, the biryani and a real standout, bhindi, a dish that features tender crisp okra in a well-balanced sauce.

Il Pomodoro, 9681 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers; 985-0080

Brought to you by the former owners of Pasta & Pizza on Metro Parkway, Il Pomodoro is a bright, hip and lively Italian restaurant on Gladiolus just between Bass and A&W Bulb roads. Choose from some 40 entrees, a dozen appetizers and New York-style pizza (available by the slice at lunch). I can vouch for the mussels marinara, fried calamari, the Caesar salad, the chicken rollatini alla Toscana and the panseared scallops with asparagus and cilantro rice. One serving of creamy tiramisu was more than enough for two (that could also be said for just about every thing we ate). All the dishes I sampled were fresh, portions were huge and service made it seem as if we were at the home of hospitable Italian friends.