Even a hurricane can have a silver lining.
This is something Betsy Barnwell, the owner of the Farmer’s Market Restaurant in Fort Myers , found out on Friday morning, Oct. 11. She said she arrived at the restaurant around 10:30 a.m. just as breakfast was winding down at the popular and historic eatery on Edison Avenue. The restaurant, known for its southern food menu, opened in 1952 and today stand’s as Lee County’s oldest restaurant.
Someone pointed out one of the customers to Barnwell. She scanned the tables and then she made eye contact with what looked like a very familiar face – someone she has seen before.
Little did she know at the time that the encounter she was about to have would lead to a new, delicious and permanent addition to the Farmer’s Market menu.
“Are you …,” she said.
Before she could finish the sentence, the person said:
“Yes, it’s me.”
Jim Cantore, the globally recognized face of the Weather Channel , proceeded to introduce himself. He then asked Barnwell what she recommended he and his producer order for lunch. She told him to have the “Friday Special” — baked chicken with cornbread stuffing. He also ordered the fried green tomatoes. Cantore’s producer had meatloaf, Barnwell said.