D I N I N G
&
N I G H T L I F E
REIMAGINE BRUNCH IN NAPLES The Naples Grande Beach Resort serves up an interactive brunch experience. By Meryl D’Sa-Wilson
Mel's Diner
The Naples Grande Beach Resort knows that a vacation is not complete without a dining experience that stays on your mind well after you leave. The resort’s signature restaurant, The Catch of the Pelican, offers a veritable menu of options to ignite your palate, including fresh local seafood, steaks and vegetarian dishes. But its latest offering, Brunch “A La Kitchen,” is what has everyone talking. Brunch “A La Kitchen” is a new concept at Catch of the Pelican that lets diners behind the scenes and into the kitchen itself. Guests are welcome to a live-action station where they can watch the chef create limited-time seasonal dishes. According to Paradise Coast Parent, “This isn’t just brunch; it’s an entire experience. They took brunch as we know it and raised the bar!” The all-you-can-eat options include a locally sourced seafood and raw bar, a variety of tapas-style dishes and desserts. The menu features small plates like Caprese Avocado Toast, Tropical Açaí Bowls and all-time favorites like Banana Pancakes and Crème Brûlée Stuffed French Toast. For seafood lovers, the Lobster Hash brings two favorites — lobster and potatoes — together, while the freshly made catch of the day tapas style plates are another tasty option. Pair your food with a Mimosa or a bottomless Bloody Mary. At the famous Bloody Mary Bar, you can customize your drink with more than 48,000 combinations of rims, toppings, spirits and sauces. Work with your very own Bloody Mary Maker, who will assist with creating your masterpiece! This all-new brunch experience with a rotating menu of fresh and seasonal local ingredients takes place every Saturday and Sunday. Other culinary options at the Naples Grande Beach Resort include the beachfront Rhode’s End and the breakfast-only Aura Restaurant. For poolside Bajainspired sandwiches, there’s the Gulf Coast Oasis pool; and you can always grab a coffee or meal on-the-go at Spressi Marketplace. If you wish to enjoy a craft cocktail and sushi, the resort is home to Mantra lounge or the Sunset Veranda.
70
N E A P O L I TA N 2 0 2 2
Elevated Fine Dining
In the mood to get dressed up and treat your taste buds to some fine dining? Andre’s Steakhouse and T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House are two top contenders. Andre’s is a wood-accented steakhouse known for its chops and lobster tail. They also carry nearly 4,000 bottles of wine in the cellar, so you’ll have lots of choices. T-Michaels is renowned for its Seafood Tower decked with oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab legs and lobster, as well as the mouthwatering Bone-In Rib Eye, a T-Michaels specialty. Other favorites include the Lobster Bisque and Local Grouper. During your stay, make your way to Cibao Grille on Neapolitan Way. Here, Chef Yohonny Nolasco blends American dishes and Caribbean spices into seafood and prime steak cuts to bring you a memorable fine dining experience.
By the Beach
Want to grab something to eat while at the beach? Naples has a variety of restaurants that serve everything from drinks and seafood to all-time favorites just off the sand. On the more buttoned-up end, The Turtle Club is another place to unwind with fine outdoor dining and an array of seafood specialties after a day of shopping and sightseeing. When you are done with your meal, take a stroll down the beach, sinking your toes in
J. Kevin Foltz (2)
The Catch of the Pelican
If you feel like having Asian food, then Vegan Kitchen and 21 Spices are worth considering. The aptly named Vegan Kitchen on Neapolitan Way prepares vegan dishes with Asian influences. Think: fried rolls, pho, pad thai, Thai curry bowls and more. At 21 Spices you can enjoy modern Indian cuisine and classic dishes with meat and vegan options.
