Pulledporkstreetacowithcilantro-limeaioli
Sanibel has no shortage of places you can waltz in with a fresh coat of sand dusting your feet and a sun-kissed look on your face (or, in my case, gunning for first prize in a lobster lookalike contest).
But no matter how you find yourself after a morning (or day) of splashing and shelling, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and a meal that will make you go, “Wow,” at T2. Seriously, it was one of the best I’ve had in a while in Lee County.
Though it’s technically T2, since it officially opened in January, they also go by “T2 Traders” to make their association with one of the isle’s long-standing class-acts known. The shared heritage—same owners and same executive chef, Mike Patnode—can be felt from several of the Traders dishes popping up on the T2 menu (like the garlicky white gazpacho and super-tender baby back ribs), as well as the focus on quality service (the living embodiment of a group hug, waiters pool tips with the front staff, which encourages everyone to be extra helpful, letting guests and workers leave happy).
The menu here is more skewed for everyday dining, with a healthy selection of flatbreads and tacos (all tortillas are made in-house!), along with sandwiches, salads and bigger plates. Cocktails are creative, and even something as basic as water, gets a beautiful presentation with a slice of lemon, flamingo napkin and bamboo paper straw. As for the décor, it’s modern without being generic, colorful without being garish and beachy without looking like a catalog for a certain famous retailer from around here.
P.S., as with Traders, T2 has an adorable little store across from its door, simply called T2 Gift Shop.
See for yourself why this should be a must-stop on your next Sanibel sun-day fun-day.
To plan a visit: T2 Traders The Village Shops 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (239) 558-8919 t2traders.com
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