Students get real-life graphic arts experience with Al Caprese restaurant
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts teacher Sue Sommer was passing by the local Al Caprese Restaurant and Pizzeria, with its artful exterior, and decided to stop in and talk to the owners.
Always looking to find real world experience and portfolio pieces for her students, the Business/Computer teacher asked if the owners would consider a student project — having a class redesign their menu.
“I liked the real-world aspect of that, it isn’t a textbook assignment. This is actually something that might get a job done,” Sommer said.
Owners James and Monique Brand gave Sommer the go-ahead, and recently, the two top student designs were profiled at a community night, which was also the ribbon cutting for the business recent joining of the North Fort Myers Chamber.
Now, two of her eighth grade students have actual pieces for their portfolios — something many can not fathom to have at that age.
Two students were chosen as having the best design for the new menu, Simon Aguilera and Cecily McIlwain. He designed the top exterior of the menu, she the interior.
“It was a tough choice,” said owner James Brand concerning the exemplary deigns presented by many students.
“It meant a lot because I have never received anything like this award,” said McIlwain. She is planning on being an event planner.
Aguilera said, about working hard for the top achievement, “It was a surprise, it was choices for now, for a later time in life opportunity.”
He plans on becoming a chef.
The combination bistro and pizzeria is located in Weavers Corner Shopping Center — the Winn Dixie Plaza — at the far end facing Bayshore Road. You can’t miss the picturesque exterior. An Italian scene has been recreated over the windows. Inside, there are Tuscany murals, along with brightly painted walls and a small fireplace.
At the restaurant, there are pastas including linguinis, pennes, fettuccinis and more. There are also subs, pizza and calzones, all to go.
Everything is made fresh at the restaurant. They even make their own hot fudge for desserts.
James Brand is a master chef, trained by both a French and Italian chef, and has worked at restaurants, country clubs and resorts. Monique also has extensive restaurant management experience.
The business is a family affair. Besides the husband and wife owners, their daughter Melissa who works with them is also a highly-schooled chef. Staff includes friendly servers Kristin Hannah and Pam Greene.
The owners would like to let everyone know they now have their beer and wine license, something they had been trying to attain since opening.
“We also are introducing new summer salads as part of our new lunch menu,” said James. There are also new sandwiches.
Known as of one of North Fort Myers “best kept secrets” due to their off-the-grid location, the restaurant is a popular spot for any who have been there, who recommend it to friends.
There are daily specials.
Al Caprese Restaurant and Pizzeria is located at 4529 Bayshore Rd., at the end of the Weavers Corner shopping plaza. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 Monday through Saturday. They are open Sunday 2 to 8 p.m.
The phone number is 217-0500.