By Louis Luzzo & Elaine Giammetta

We are foodies. Through and through. I assume that describes most of you, seeing as you are here reading this article. As foodies, we live for certain moments. Foodie moments. Those occasions when the planets align just right and all the energy of the universe converges to produce special experiences in either dining, cooking, creating or tasting. If you have been reading us for some time you are familiar with our phrase, "On this particular night." We use it to explain that every restaurant will have its good and bad nights. If you happen to hit an off night, things may not be so terrific. If you hit the restaurant on a good night, your experience can be memorable and satisfying. Those restaurants at the top of the heap always rise to the occasion with excellent service, exquisite food and artistic presentation, much more often and consistantly than those that are lower on the eschelon list.

Then there are the standouts. Eateries that night after night hit all the marks and can be counted on to deliver a dining experience that wows you to the core. The Old Captiva House, helmed by Chef Jason Miller, is just such a restaurant. This, friends, is a dining destination, no matter where in the world you reside. Drive here, boat here, fly here. It's that good. Living abroad and looking to make the most of the devalued U.S. dollar? With the accomodations of the resort at your fingertips, plan your vacation here. Local Floridian, an hour is a mere pittance in payment in order to get here. Coming from elsewhere in the U.S. or the east coast of Florida? It's worth the flight or drive.  

Set amidst the tropical splender of 'Tween Waters Inn Island Resort on Captiva Island, the restaurant has a long history of delivering quality food and service, along with a great price point that will smile on any diner's wallet.

In 2004, 'Tween Waters brought in Chef Miller to oversee all things culinary at the resort, including its fine dining mainstay, The Old Captive House. Good, sound management often makes good, sound decisions and bringing this young chef in was a moment of pure genius, whether they knew it or not.

The restaurant is everything "old world Florida" should be with an elegant yet relaxed  island atmosphere. Spectacular views, seen through French doors that surround the restaurant offer you views from the tropical flora and fauna of the gardens, to vistas of the resort's private beach, its palm trees swaying in the gentle breezes of a Gulf of Mexico awash with the orange and golden rays of a quintessential Florida sunset. 

The waitstaff is friendly and clearly having a good time, always smiling because they know the culinary delights awaiting their patrons. Each time our waiter Kevin emerged from the kitchen, his beaming smile along with  the merry lilt of his Jamaicon occent mon gave away his pure delight at watching us dive into each new creation he brought to our table.

We could go on and on, but we think you get the picture. Though you can't share the taste and aromas of our wonderful meal, as "the tasternet" has not yet been invented, we hope the pictorial flight of our eight course extrvaganza whets your appetite and provides you some glimpse of the extraodinary dining experience that awaits you at this wonderful restaurant. Enjoy.