"This is just what Marco Island needed!" is a comment often heard at Stonewalls, one of the island's newest restaurants. With around 100 eateries in the area you might think it would be im-possible to come up with a unique dining concept, but long time Marco restaurateur Al Landers and his business partners Tim Burke and Tom Garousi, seem to have done just that.Tom described the style as falling somewhere between Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread. There's a fresh, modern feel to the place with lots of space, clean lines, earth tones and an open kitchen. Their electronic menu, prominently displayed on two large fl at screens as you walk in the door, is a great idea as it can be changed with the click of a mouse according to the hour... breakfast, lunch or dinner... which keeps it simple and concise.Orders are placed at the counter which, if you're watching your weight, I have to warn you can involve a good deal of temptation as you'll be standing right next to a display case fi lled with the most delicious looking pastries, cakes, cookies and desserts.When the ordering process is complete, armed with a numbered sign to place on your table so the wait staff can fi nd you, you can help yourself to soft drinks (beer and wine is also available) and choose from a table either in the cool interior or under an umbrella on the pretty patio next to the outside bar. If you're just having a coffee (they serve LavAzza Italian coffee which is delicious and comes highly recommended) and a pastry, or maybe one of their many fl avors of gelato, ice cream or shakes, you can relax on a comfy sofa in the shade of the wooden gazebo.Service is fast, friendly and effi cient and when Chef Al created the menu he took inspiration from

contemporary western USA style cuisine, making simple, fresh ingredients the star of the show. Tempting omelets, waffl es and fl atbreads compliment the full breakfast menu and for lunch and dinner there's a selection of home made soups (usually four or fi ve choices including a fabulous seafood chowder which is rich, creamy and packed full of succulent seafood), salads, sandwiches, wraps and bur-ritos, along with gourmet fl atbreads, pasta and giant baked potatoes. The pasta dishes are particularly popular, with nightly specials like shrimp scampi and chicken parmesan and the baked potato toppings include Southwest, bacon, porky pig and broccoli cheddar. And, for 'little Stonewallers', there's also an enticing children's menu. Entrees come with a choice of healthy sides like pasta salad, side Caesar, cole slaw, cup of soup, lettuce wedge and black beans & rice, (no there's not a french fry in sight!) and it's all available for take out if you prefer to dine at home.At fi rst glance of Stonewall's imposing newly renovated building you would not be alone in thinking it was an expen-sive steakhouse. But the guys at Stonewalls don't hold with the convention that nice surroundings have to mean high prices and fast food has to be fried. The atmosphere here is relaxed and family friendly without the pressure to move you on so they can seat the next party... you're always welcome to stay a while to linger over coffee or dessert. The food is simply prepared, nicely presented, healthy fare and, even when you bring the whole family, there's bound to be something to please everyone and it most defi nitely will not break the bank. Stonewalls is located at 551 South Collier Blvd., across from the Surf Club and well within walking distance of the Marriott and Hilton hotels. www.marcostonewalls.com. 239.389.1995