As we give thanks, remember those facing hard times

This space is customarily devoted to the culinary pleasures available in Southwest Florida to those fortunate enough to have disposable income.

Before we get to this week's installment, I'd like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and offer a gentle reminder that in 2007, more than 36 million Americans lived in what are called "food insecure households." That's almost 24 million adults and more than 12 million children who don't have enough to eat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Considering what's happened to the economy in 2008, we can assume that number now is much higher.

While it's hard to believe that a vacation paradise such as this could have hungry residents, those who run food pantries and soup kitchens report record demand and doubt their supplies will meet the unprecedented need this year. New statistics put unemployment at more than 9 percent in Lee County and 8 percent in Collier County, above the national average and well above this time last year. Many of those who are hungry are young children and seniors on fixed incomes. The Harry Chapin Food Bank estimates there are at least 100,000 Southwest Floridians who fit this description.

COURTESY PHOTO Justin Schaeffer, chef/owner of For the Love of Chocolate, captured the judges' hearts with champagne and key lime truffles at Sweet Charity. Consider making an extra effort to combat hunger this season. Buy a less expensive bottle of wine at dinner and donate the difference to the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Both Publix and Sweetbay offer shoppers checking out a chance to buy a bag of food to contribute to Harry Chapin. Drop your extra change in the Salvation Army kettles. Hold a canned food drive at your office and donate everything to a soup kitchen or food bank.

It doesn't take a lot to make a big difference in the lives of so many who have so little.

Chefs serve up just desserts for charity

Here's one creative way to help the hungry: Grand Court in Fort Myers recently hosted Sweet Charity, bringing together pastry chefs for a friendly competition. It was a fine showing: Key lime pie (with raspberry faux caviar) from The Joint, double-chocolate cookies from Lee County High Tech Center North's culinary arts students, whisky cake and toffee coffee from Nita's Sweet Bean Café, Spanish tarts from La Trattoria Café Napoli, Key lime cupcakes from The Flying Pig, bananas Foster made to order by Grand Court, red velvet petit fours from Bistro 41 and truffles and sipping chocolate from For the Love of Chocolate.

And the winners were: For the Love of Chocolate's Justin Schaeffer took the top prize with his champagne truffles, Key lime truffles and heavenly sipping chocolate. (Yours truly and Vino columnist Jim McCracken were among the judges.) The People's Choice went to Tony Arias, Grand Court's director of dining services, and his bananas Foster.

About 160 people attended, raising more than $1,300 for Cape Coral Caring Center, which helps families in need by supplying food, utility payments and money for children's prescriptions.

While relatively small compared to many of the local food fests, this one had lots of spirit as well as a worthy cause. It would be great to see it become an annual event that grows each year.

Mermaid Kitchen changes hands

The Mermaid Kitchen on Sanibel has reopened with new owners and a new chef.

Jenny and Andrew Edgar recently relocated from the United Kingdom. They purchased the restaurant in September and spent several weeks scouring every surface and revamping the menu before opening about three weeks ago.

In the kitchen is Executive Chef Michael Colter, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in the hotel industry for several years.

Mrs. Edgar says that while the name remains the same, but "our new menu is much more reasonably priced. Some of the dishes are quite sophisticated, but we also offer some more simple dishes as well. Everything is homemade, including our salad dressings."

There's a lot of fresh seafood available, pasta, salads and various meat-based dishes. From 5 to 6 p.m. daily, the restaurant offers a $13.95 special with a choice of four entrees.

The restaurant plans a special French dinner at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, which will include French appetizers, entrees and desserts with wine for $70, including tax and gratuity. Reservations required.

The Mermaid Kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch (as well as brunch on Sundays), offers a limited menu from 3 to 5 p.m., then dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. in season). There's a full bar, with happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. It's at 2055 Periwinkle Way. Call 472-1242.

New England seafood stars at Ariel's

Ariel's New England Seafood has opened in the space formerly occupied by El Portal. Billing itself as family owned and family style, it offers a variety of fish as well as some comfort foods. On the menu: clam or scallop rolls, oysters, haddock, New England fish and chips, meatball subs and pasta. It's at 1341 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Call 673-7273.

It's almost time to go Mad (Takeout, that is)

Has the wait driven you mad? Well, it's almost over. Really. Mad Takeout is expected to open its doors "just before Christmas," according to Shannon Yates, the mastermind behind the project.

I realize that readers of this column have seen previous predictions for the opening date come and go, but the equipment's in and the eclectic gourmet-to-go kitchen is just about ready to fire up the stoves and ovens.

Overseeing the operation is chef Ruth Cohen, known for her passionate devotion to ultra-fresh ingredients combined with minimal fuss to maximum effect. On the menu are sandwiches, salads, pizzas as well as hot dishes that will change regularly.

Mad Takeout occupies a storefront in Pinebrook Plaza, midway between Outback Steakhouse and French Roast Café, at 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 693- 8646.

Flying Pig supplies holiday feasts to go

Bask in the glow of your guests' praise without breaking a sweat. The Flying Pig offers its Seasons Eatings Holiday Pick-Up Menus, so that hosts need only order a meal, pick it up, take it home, heat it and take credit. See what's available at www.theflyingpig. net. It's at 7970 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. Call 337-3744.

Matzaluna celebrates 14 years

Matzaluna Italian Kitchen turns 14, so starting Monday, Dec. 1, and running through Friday, Dec. 19, the Sanibel restaurant offers a selection of entrees priced at $14.14. There will also be a $14.14 wine special. Matzaluna's at 1200 Periwinkle Way. Call 472-1998.

Pollo Tropical offers year of free meals

Pollo Tropical's Families Eat Free for a Year giveaway will award 15 families a year of free meals, which translates into one Family Meal a week for a year. That's a Pollo Tropical chicken, two family-size side dishes and dinner rolls for four. Anyone 21 or older may register at www.pollotropical.com. The deadline is midnight Sunday, Nov. 30.

Mark the calendar

*Ring in the holiday season with Cru's Executive Chef Richie Wilim as he leads the final Crusine class of the year at 1 p.m. Dec. 7. The theme of the class: holiday feasts. The class is $55 per person. Cru is at Bell Tower Shops, U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers. Call 466-3663 or visit online at www. crufoodandwine.com.

* It's Charles Dickens Christmas on Dec. 10 at Dolce Vita. Experience a culinary tour to jolly old 19th-century England with British specials as well as the restaurant's regular menu. There will be special entertainment and door prizes. Reservations are highly recommended. The last event in the culinary world tour the restaurant kicked off last February is Brazilian night, featuring new Latin American cuisine and live Brazilian music, on Jan. 14. Dolce Vita is at 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Call 472-5555.