Twisted Fork

"Twisted Fork" sounds like a weird name for a restaurant, but it's not referring to an eating utensil.  Jim thinks "Fork" in this case is referencing the part of a motorcycle that holds the front tire?  Located next to a Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles store in Port Charlotte, the name makes a bit more sense.  The building housing the restaurant appears to have evolved from a once-upon-a-time garage with multiple, closed garage doors still in place across the front of the establishment.  Inside, a taxidermy shark "swims" down from the ceiling with a T-Shirt in its mouth amid the dining tables. 

 

 

Along the ceiling a variety of lighting fixtures concocted from auto parts illuminate a wall of license plates, a USA and a Florida flag made from appropriately colored beer cans, and a wall montage of highway construction warning paraphernalia.  A wine bottle storage tower next to our table was fashioned from three lighted engine blocks.  Garage signage of all descriptions adorned the walls. 

A Saturday crowd filled the dining room shortly after we arrived, including a table of eight next to us wearing "Renegade Pigs" vests, jeans, bandannas, and sporting some tattoos and a beard or two to project the appropriate vibe for riding their Harleys that had followed us into the parking lot. But this is not a biker bar and restaurant, it had patrons of all descriptions and ages.  

Our table was surrounded by several large TV screens, and even one gigantic one, all of which were playing something different.  Visualizing all of this was entertaining, and it was not hard to wait for the delicious lunch which arrived in quick order.

 

There's an outside covered bar and eating area with music blaring loud enough to penetrate the inside dining area, but it wasn't overwhelming.  The wait staff were efficient and attentive.  The usual afternoon rainstorm arrived early while we were eating, relieving the humidity outside a little bit.  After eating, we strolled through the gift shop briefly and stopped to take some photos of the front entrance where a couple of antique looking cars were displayed.  

I'm certain we'll go back there.  It is a fun place, and provided an entertaining break in the day along with a very good meal.