Mad Fresh Urban Bistro

Had to try this after reading the rave reviews.  I ordered a chef's daily-special flatbread of Serrano ham and brie.  I had actually wanted to try one of his tartine sandwiches, but ordered the flatbread by mistake (I had had a stressful promotion interview immediately before and was a little out of it when I got lunch.)  The bread was perfectly crisp, not burnt at all (it actually flaked into two layers while eating), and ingredients were fresh and tasty (the fresh herbs used in preparation - I believe fresh basil - really made it pop).  One is enough for two diners - I had lunch and leftovers.

Service was friendly, gracious and excellent (it was quite a pleasure to watch my server doting on the handsome and dashing Chef Xavier and chatting up her regulars in between bringing my food and checking in on me.  As noted in other reviews, this is not a pretentious place - it's very much a locals joint that happens to serve excellent and creative food.  If one thing loses this place a star, it's the dining area.  It isn't BAD, but it's a bit cramped and the counter stools - very sleek '70s plastic scoops - are stylish, but uncomfortable.  This place needs a bigger home.  Xavier has spent his square footage on building a kitchen worthy of his talents, which is fine if in fact he intends to make Mad Fresh mainly a carryout or catering shop.

If I were staying a bit longer in Ft. Myers, I would want to try one of the cryovacked classic French dishes.  From his efforts at playing short order cook and perusing his resume online, I suspect Xavier's coq au vin or beef burgundy makes mine taste like a Banquet TV dinner.

Amazing!!! Fantabulous!!! Food, chef, staff, atmosphere...there are not enough words to describe how lucky Fort Myers is to have a place to eat like this...it is like going to a little French bistro in D.C. or NYC...without the airfare...enjoy...you will not be disappointed!!!

Super impressed with this place! The chef really knows what he is doing! I will be back.