Farlow’s on the Water has long been known as a culinary destination if you are looking for a restaurant with a reputation of enjoying a delicious meal with excellent service. So it is with eager anticipation that their faithful customers look forward to the completion of Keith and Laurie Farlow’s new venture, a restaurant that will feature steak and handmade pastas with a modern twist on American cuisine. You will also be able to order a fabulous burger, Keith Farlow promises.
Keith and Laurie Farlow felt that the Farlow family had grown old enough in its senior management that it was time to look at another venture to give their long term employees the chance to participate in ownership. Farlow’s on the Water has been known for its fresh seafood and its Caribbean and Southern cuisine influence. The Farlows purchased the former restaurant, La Stanza, at 285 W. Dearborn Street as the location for this new venture has the support of the Dearborn Street merchants and will further enhance traffic to the West Dearborn Street for shopping and dining. The La Stanza’s owner, Al Kanacevic, was ready to retire and sell the restaurant, giving the Farlows a great location in the middle of the district. Those who are long-time residents of Englewood may remember some of the former incarnations of the building, including the Shell Patio. Interesting enough, when the partial demolition began for a building expansion, a wall that had been covered up was exposed, with shells embedded in it. The location also was the site of the Main Branch and the micro brewery Bootleggers Restaurant.
When the restaurant opens under Farlow’s ownership, with a name yet to be disclosed, it won’t be just any old steakhouse. The restaurant will have a special custom wood grill that will produce dry aged beef so look for steak lovers to descend from all over Southwest Florida. A dry aged steak produces a more intense, concentrated beefy flavor. It is also more tender and can have a nutty, earthy flavor. A wet-cut steak is one where you have a juicier, more succulent texture. If you aren’t a big beef fan, you can look forward to the homemade pasta dishes being created…