Don't know what to order on Sanibel? Some tips for you!

There are some things on Sanibel that come naturally.

We all know where the best shelling on the Island can be found.

And we know there is probably no place better than Ding Darling for observing nature.

We know that going out at dusk without some form of mosquito repellent is risky.

And leaving the Island on a Saturday morning between 10 and noon or arriving that day between 1 and 4 will probably entail traffic.

But the really big decisions remain a challenge.

Where to eat is difficult enough a question, but what to eat is even more problematical.

Well, we can not claim to know everything, but we do think that ordering the signature dish at our great restaurants is a good way to start the process of choice.

And here is a sampling of the best signature dishes at some of the most popular Island restaurants.  (Please keep in mind these are not necessarily our favorite places to eat: but they are considered among the best by other Sanibel travelers as well as travel writers)

The Mad Hatter, according to Frommer's is "One of Sanibel's best choices for a romantic dinner, this New American Gulf-front restaurant... has a view that's perfect at sunset. The ever-
changing menu features flavors from around the world".  Actually located on Captiva, the Mad Hatter features Bouillabaisse, Black Grouper, Rack of Lamb and Day Boat Scallops as signature dishes.

Sweet Melissa's on Sanibel continues to be very popular among diners and writers. The Fish Stew there is described as "exploding with goodness" by one reviewer.  The dish features mahi-mahi or redfish combined with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, chorizo and fennel, accented with a lemony saffron cream. This former specialty dish is now a regular item on the menu, in response to diner demand.

George and Wendy's Sanibel Seafood Grille is about as colorful a place as you will find on any Island, complete with an art gallery to entertain the eye as the food delights the palette.  Casual dining by nature, George and Wendy's has now added an outdoor option to their venues and gluten free selections to their venue.  One of their best is the Sweet Bourbon Marinated Salmon, marinated in bourbon and pineapple juice, then grilled and topped with sweet soy. Served with coconut jasmine rice and Asian stir fried vegetables.

OK, now we are going to admit to a bias here.  Cip's is a fairly new restaurant on Sanibel and has quickly climbed the charts in the way of popularity. We are among its supporters.  We love the options in outdoor dining and the selections this warm-hearted eatery offers at very competitive prices. Among the dining delights is the  Beef Tenderloin Au Poivre,  8 oz. beef tenderloin topped with a brandy peppercorn sauce. Served with asparagus wrap and scalloped potatoes.

We would love to know of your personal favorites on Island.  And we will be back another day with more of ours!