I’ve said this repeatedly — I’m not a foodie — but Harold Balink’s fabulous new whiskey & wine restaurant, Vybe, may be nudging me closer to being more of a discerning food aficionado, as my affection for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is fading now that I’ve experienced Vybe.
My taste in food can best be described as midwestern church basement. Give me all the egg salad and any kind of cheesey casserole with crunched up potato chips baked on top — and I’m happy to wash it all down with some Hawaiian Punch and a Twinkie for dessert — in other words, when it comes to food, my taste cannot be called sophisticated.
Elevating my boring palate
But, every now and then, I get the opportunity to enjoy some truly delicious, creative, and inspired dishes that elevate the whole dining experience — and that happened at Vybe last week when I was invited to a friends and family soft opening of what I believe will be one of the most innovative food and wine/cocktail spots in town.
I’ve been lucky to have a front seat for almost the last 25 or 30 years of Harold’s career as a chef and restauranteur. I remember the original Harold’s on Bay downtown (where the Firestone is now, and before Harold’s, the legendary Peter’s La Cuisine). Then there was the more casual H2 tapas spot which he opened about five years later right next door. Later on, Harold moved south and partnered with the late and absolutely unforgettable Chef Shannon Yates to bring the wildly popular Cru to the Bell Tower. In 2015, Harold opened Harold’s Restaurant in a strip mall in south Fort Myers — his loyal fans followed him south and he had to expand the space. And now — we have Vybe — which seems like the most Harold of all Harold’s projects.
Continuing to spread the love
Harold, who lost his wife, partner, and best friend, Julie to ovarian cancer in 2017, has built a reputation of spreading love and kindness. His social media posts are all about making the most out of life — his signature hashtags are #LifesTooShort and #LoveWins and walking into Vybe is like walking into a warm hug. The lighting and decor contain a hint of romance and plenty of coziness with warm gold tones, brick and comfy brown leather seating. The kitchen is open, and the bar looks like a work of art. The outside bar and dining area is just as lovely with grass walls and a neon sign and photo op that reads “Love Wins”.
Five stars for the food
And the food! The smaller plate concept works so well at Vybe. Our table consisted of Gail Markham, Doug Muerer, Melissa Vogt, and Marc Collins.— we ordered several dishes and happily shared. Stand-outs were the hamachi, a Japanese yellowtail that was sliced perfectly thin and surrounded by citrus fruit, and blood orange fennel. The wild mushrooms, brioche dumpling, with marsala sauce, was seriously to die for, and everyone was raving over the octopus dish! The cocktails were super creative, and I enjoyed a yummy espresso martini, which not only served as a nightcap, but as dessert. I wish I could have tried even more of Harold’s creations, but I was happily stuffed — I can’t wait to return soon, as I want to try everything.…