Two summer festivals cater to region's year-round residents

Most of the region's food-focused festivals take place during the winter and spring, when tourism is at its fiercest and the weather the mildest. But for those of us who live in Southwest Florida yearround, braving the summer's humidity, heat and (potential) hurricanes, there remain a couple of culinary treats that elude those fair-weather visitors.

The first takes place Sunday, June 8 when the Taste of the Beach takes to the Fort Myers Beach sand for the first time. This year's event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be held on the lots at 1090 to 1100 Estero Boulevard, just past the Times Square area.

More than a dozen beach restaurants will compete in the culinary arena, serving a wide range of fare. And, of course, the annual waiter/waitress contest will pit the area's best servers against one another as they demonstrate their skills. Add in live entertainment by local musicians and you have an authentic beach party.

Parking will be available at Summerlin Square Shopping Center on the mainland, with transportation provided to the festival site. For details, contact the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 454-7500.

And it's not too early to make mention of the other big summer soiree with a food focus: Pine Island's Mango Mania. This year's celebration of all things mango will take place on July 12 and 13 at the German-American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. For details, contact the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce at 283-0888.

Cruise over to Crü for cooking how-to

Anyone looking to upgrade their domestic efforts should consider taking a lesson from the pros during Crusine cooking classes, offered one Sunday a month through December at Cru in the Bell Tower Shops, U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers.

Executive chef Brian Roland and sous chef Richie Wilim will lead monthly themed classes starting Sunday, June 22, with a two-hour session on sautéing and searing. Watch live in the lounge or via TV screens in the main dining room. Those who attend will get to sample the food prepared.

The rest of the lineup is as follows: July 27, grilling; Aug. 17, stocks and sauces; Sept. 21, tailgate party; Oct. 19, Oktoberfest; Nov. 16, Thanksgiving meal; Dec. 7, holiday feast. All classes start at 1 p.m. It's $55 per class, or $250 for five. Reservations are required. Call 466-3663 to reserve a spot.

Comings and goings

North Fort Tavern opened Wednesday, May 28, in the building previously occupied by Woody's Barbecue on U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. With menu items such as sliders, salads, cheese steaks and wings, it doesn't resemble Pinchers Crab Shack, but it's owned by the same people.

"North Fort Tavern is a place where neighborhood folks can come have a great meal at a great price and enjoy a game and a beer with friends," says Grant Phelan, the director of operations. "We're still focused on quality, but we're not centered around seafood."

The tavern, at 13101 N. Cleveland Ave., in North Fort Myers, is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Call 652-0800.

Chrissy's Restaurant has reopened at the corner of Airport and Radio roads in Naples. The 70-seat establishment serves breakfast and lunch, featuring omelets, pancakes, salads, sandwiches, pastas and specials. Owner Chrissy Bianchi-Rabil opened it in 1991 and sold it in 2005. When the space became available again recently, she decided to reopen it. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Call (239) 331-2955.

Java Moon Café and Grill on Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers has closed.