Shrimp and Grits at the Perfect Caper, Punta Gorda, Fla.
Shrimp and Grits at the Perfect Caper, Punta Gorda, Fla.
Good eating is bountiful in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands and without a doubt, The Perfect Caper in downtown Punta Gorda, Fla., is the crown jewel of local restaurants. For the second continuous year it's earned a prestigious Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend magazine . The restaurant is also the first eatery in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands to receive the award.

Florida Trend magazine published the list of Golden Spoon recipients in the December 2010 issue and described The Perfect Caper as, “Smart new cooking in old Punta Gorda.” Chef Jeanie Roland and husband James have owned The Perfect Caper, a Eurasian bistro, since 2002.

Roland is a four-time nominee for a James Beard Foundation Award in the Best Chef in the South category. A 1992 graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, Roland has been a professional chef for almost 20 years. Speaking of the James Beard Foundation Award, between now and Dec. 31, 2010, you can cast your vote for Chef Jeanie for Best Chef in the South. This honor is awarded to one chef annually and we think it's time Chef Jeanie brings home the honor. This is how you can cast your vote:
  • Visit "The 2011 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards Entry Form" on the James Beard website (just follow this link)
  • Register (for free)
  • Choose the "Best Chef in the South" category
  • Cast your vote for Best Chef: Roland, Jeanie (you need to insert last name first)
  • Restaurant: The Perfect Caper
  • City: Punta Gorda
  • State: FL
  • Then hit submit to ensure your vote counts.  
Easy, peasy! The Perfect Caper serves lunch Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 to midnight and Jeanie’s Amazing Sunday Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Lounge is open daily 4:30 p.m. to close. The restaurant offers a menu fitting every budget and occasion including a nightly 2-course $20 prix fixe menu. Dinner reservations are recommended at (941) 505-9009 or www.theperfectcaper.com. You can even make reservations with your iPhone using the free OpenTable app. The Perfect Caper 121 E. Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, Fla. 33950 www.theperfectcaper.com Tel: (941) 505-9009