Farm To Table In Southwest Florida

Smoked, cured and pickled plate

When I was recently asked to dinner by fellow journalist and fellow food lover Chelle Koster Walton, I couldn't wait to get caught up over a meal at The Local in Naples. I was even more excited to find out I would be part of her "research" into the farm to table scene in Naples and Fort Myers for VisitFlorida.

Butchers cut double pork chop from Palmetto Creek Farms

Not long after we took our seats, Chef Jeff Mitchell kept the food coming out and every dish had something special, from local ingredients to bold spices and everything in-between. 

Smoked eggplant with goat cheese

The menu here changes every week, depending on what is fresh, seasonal and as local as possible. The Local also serves 'local' brews....not just from Southwest Florida but Florida in general. The wine list is affordable and has some unique selections.....probably the only part of the menu that is not local.

Peach granita, mango sorbet and mint chocolate chip custard

Be sure to read Watson's article as it gives a lot more info on the above food items, not only featuring The Local, but also other restaurants committed to serving items from area farms. It also gives insight into the farms themselves. Eat local!