Perfect Caper -- Awesome Value for Punta Gorda Top Restaurant

Pardon my effusing again about one of my Punta Gorda favorites -- the Perfect Caper is just well perfect. Last night, friends and I stopped by for a bar dinner with 2 for 1 drinks.   All of my companions had the Perfect's burger, which is in my mind the best in Punta Gorda (only one other burger comes close -- Hendricks' -- more on them later.) Served with thinly sliced beautifully crisped fries, the freshly ground burger is just delectable.

But last night I went for another favorite, the duck salad, with huge slices of lean marinated duck cooked to a point that results in a melt-in-your mouth experience with each bite.  It's by far the best duck meal I have had anywhere.  It is served over a salad of  baby mesclun greens, toasted pecans, dried cherries, goat cheese, and finished with a cherry vinaigrette.  I also took a nibble of my companion's calamari, another Perfect Caper delight, with just enough heat and sweetness to titillate the taste buds.

I often hear people gasp when I say I'm going to the Caper -- their notion is that it is over the top for their budget.   The great thing is that you can experience this exceptional New-York quality eatery without taking out a second mortgage.   The Caper offers several specials -- including a two-for-one menu luncheon menu (check days) and  some evenings (which includes the burgers). They also have a fixed price menu where you can get an appetizer and entry for $20.   Find more details on their specials at their website or call.   

Here is a sampling of the tantalizing entrees on their fixed price menu:

PAN CRUSTED SEA SCALLOPS - Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops in a Brown Butter Pan Sauce served with Whipped Golden Potato & Sautéed Spinach

GRILLED PETITE FILLET OF BEEF - Petite Fillet of Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potato, Seasonal Vegetables & Roasted Shallot Jus

PERFECT CAPER COBB - Traditional Cobb Salad with Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Egg & Point Reyes Blue Cheese tossed in Caper & Whole Grain Mustard Dressing, topped with an All Natural Chicken Breast

MISO IRISH SALMON - 4 oz. Pan Seared Organic Salmon, Chili Lobster Broth, Micro Sprouts, Udon Noodle

MAHI - Chipotle-Lime Infused Grilled Corn Relish, Mashed Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, Lemon Butter

CURRY SCALLOP - Grilled Scallop, Green Curry, Asparagus, Basmati Rice

PENNE POMODORO - Organic Penne, Tomato Sauce, Fresh Basil, House Made Mozzarella

M0MMA’S CHICKEN - Buttermilk Fried, All Natural Chicken Breast, Cheddar Grits, Organic Swiss Chard, Sweet Corn Sauce

During the summer our wonderful Punta Gorda restaurants need your support -- here is one place you can go now without the crowds that fully book this local gem during season.  

If you go: 


121 E Marion Ave # 121
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-3635
(941) 505-9009


Open Mon-Tue 4:30pm-9pm; Wed 11:30am-9pm; Thu-Fri 11:30am-10pm; Sat 4:30pm-10pm; Sun 4pm-10pm

Jazz music on Thursday night.  And I'm told the great guy at the keyboard returns soon on Friday nights.