Naples: Alberto's

Our wonderful week in Marco Island (and I do mean wonderful on many fronts, including the perfect weather) was very slightly curtailed by Mike’s travel schedule, which required him to leave Friday night vs. the usual Saturday afternoon.  That being the case, we decided to dine in Naples before dropping him off at the airport. 

Dining in Naples is a real treat.  There are loads of top notch restaurants, many of which are Italian (Naples attracts a European crowd).  Due in large part to the competitive nature of the market and to the older clientele, most downtown Naples restaurants offer “too good to be true” early bird specials.  Although we almost always opt for late vs early dinners, we decided to take advantage of the numerous great options available to us.

After checking out a few places, all of which looked excellent, we opted for Alberto's on Fifth, a classy place with lovely outdoor seating. We were able to get one of the last outdoor tables, and, believe it or not, enjoyed a first class meal and excellent service for $20 per person.  Too good to be true, as the dinner included two courses and a glass of wine.

Mike, Jess and I each had burrata as our appetizer, and wow, was it good.  Instead of seafood, I opted for homemade pasta (when in Rome, I guess); the others had shrimp and scallops skewers.  Everyone raved about their meal.  We'll definitely go back, and check out other Naples early bird specials next year.

After dinner, Jess treated us to ice cream at Marble Slab (using one of her gift cards).  It was en route to the airport.  

 

(*photo taken from Trip Advisor)

Marco Island, FL: Verdi's

 

 

After another two year blogging break (and returning from a recent trip to Florida) , we are back! Our first real dinner out in Marco was at Verdi's. This is a family owned restaurant near the bagel store and Italian deli. It was Jess' first time there but the others had been before. The food was absolutely outstanding. Unfortunately, we came on an "off" night and we waited forever to get our food. (Side note: every other table seemed to get their food in a timely manner. Maybe we have bad luck?) Jess mentioned our really long wait to our waitress and she did end up giving us free desserts and a glass of wine. She should have compensated us without needing to be told to do so. Oh well.

 

As far as our meals, we hit the jackpot! Mike had the chipotle scallops with bacon. Bob enjoyed swordfish which was prepared perfectly he said. Nan has the Chilean Sea Bass which had an Asian glaze (hoisin sauce). Jess decided to go "all out" and get crab-topped flounder over a big portion of melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi. The meals all came with a standard house salad. For dessert, we had a decedent flourless chocolate cake and crème brulee. At this point, we were all full but had a hard time resisting free dessert.

 

Luckily, we left happy campers since the  food quality and taste made up for the lackluster service. We will most definitely return!

 

Naples, Florida: Sea Salt

Sea Salt

We rented a car for the day to drive to Naples. Although we usu
ally like to eat at Nemos, we decided to stay in Old Naples for lunch since we were already having such a wonderful time walking around in the sun. We spotted Sea Salt and decided to try it. The inside had a lot of seating (very open and airy), but we decided to sit outside because the patio looked like a lovely place to enjoy the nice weather (especially under the toasty heat lamps).

They brought us some warm bread with three different salts to try with olive oil. One was very sulfuric (tasted like eggs) that Jess and Nan liked but the men didn't care for. Olive oil+warm bread+sea salt=very interesting concept that most restaurants don't serve.

For lunch, Nan, Jess, and Mike ordered delicious Grouper sandwiches that were served with sweet potato fries. I would say the best sweet potato fries you can get anywhere! Bob ordered Swordfish soft tacos which he said were also very tasty. The food was very fresh and plentiful.

We would definitely return to this spot. Eating outside for lunch was perfect way to kill a few hours in Naples.

Marco Island, FL: The Italian Deli

The Italian Deli

The strong winds and cool temperatures did not allow for poolside
sunbathing. Instead, father and I decided to walk to the Italian Deli
for some exercise and to procure the evening's meal. During lazy
Florida vacations, planning the next meal is the the only mandatory
activity.

As we arrived at the small deli, a crowd of older Italian men,
characters rather, dined on chicken parmiganos and chatted in the
small seating area. The proprietor of this establishment, a New York
City ex-patriate with sausage fingers, recommended a large feast for
the evening's family dinner. We ordered lasagna with meatballs and
pasta fagioli soup. Minutes later, we were heading back to the
apartment with a heavy tray and full bag. Our arms were quite
exhausted after a long trek carrying literally kilos of food.

At dinnertime, mother and sister prepared, or re-heated, the food and
we dined around the table. The lasagna was rich and meaty layered with
ribbons of ricotta and a sweet and vibrant San Marzano tomato sauce. A
crusty bread loaf was the ideal vehicle to soak up the piquant gravy.
The pasta fagioli soup was a nice addition as well, speckled with
beans, bacon, and pasta in a rich broth.

This deli is a great place to pick up a delicious Italian meal to eat
in the peace and quiet of your home (and avoid Marco Islands abundance
of geriatrics) Run by a charming and possibly mafia-affiliated
gentleman, this deli is a unforgettable destination on Marco Island.

(Nan, Bob, and Jess returned a few nights later for a pizza. Very thin crust and right out of the oven. We ate there and it was delish!)




Eating it all in our condo....

(It tasted 100 times better than it looks!)

Naples, Florida: The Blue Heron

An annual tradition

For the past six or seven years, we’ve spent New Year/s Eve at Blue Heron.

Blue Heron is a quaint white tablecloth restaurant on the Isles of Capri, which are about a 10 – 15 minute drive from Charter Club. The restaurant is on the water, but we get there too late to enjoy the view. The owner, Alex (a very fit and friendly woman) knows us and saves our table for us at our “usual” time – 9 p.m.

Blue Heron has a fairly broad menu. At first blush, list prices are very high - $55 – 70. However, when you consider that the entrees come with soup, salad, rolls, dessert and coffee, all of which are superb and very plentiful, it is actually a good deal.

This year, our friends Alan and Eve Hyatt drove in from Boca Raton to join us. Eve is a picky eater, to say the least, but the waiter was able to honor her many requests and keep a good sense of humor about it. Alan said it was one of the best meals he’s ever had (and was kind enough to treat us).

As usual, Jess ordered cioppino (I can’t blame her). Nan and I had the special – sea bass. Alan went for veal and Eve for lobster. We had a few bottles of wine to accompany the meal. Despite being full to the brim, we all made room for the desserts – homemade key lime and peanut butter pie (and nonfat sorbet for Eve – ugh).

We’ve started the countdown for next year!

(On our way over to the Blue Heron is Allan's convertible!)

Key West, FL: Azur

Azur

Azur is a hidden gem located many in a residential neighborhood many blocks away from the touristy areas (Duval St.) in Key West. We found this place by luck (we peaked into a quaint B&B and took a brochure on our way out which mentioned Azur)!

The restaurant is small and only has about 15 tables. There were no open tables when we first arrived so we waited outside on their front patio sipping Rose wine.

Once we were seated outside, we knew immediately what we were going to order since we had a sneak peak of the menu while waiting. The entire menu looked fabulous! Nan and Jess decided to get a BTL Crab Cake (lump sauteed crab cake on ciabatta roll with applewood smoked bacon, beefsteak tomatoes, and salsa verde mayo $14.95). It came with a side of orzo salad and the meal was truly one of the best sandwiches we've ever had. Bob had the "Pigs of Bay" sandwich (fennel roasted pork with shaved red onion, Fontina cheese, and salsa verde $11.50) which came with chips. He said it was outstanding.

Everything on the menu looked superb and we would recommend it to anyone visiting Key West who doesn't like TTs (tourist traps).

(We even loved the natural bath salts they had for us in the bathroom in lieu of hand soap!)

(Dad's pork above)



Nan eating the crab cake BLT

Chicago: Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery

#75 in the Nation

Ever since Bob saw that this brewery was rated 75th in the world, he knew he had to try it. Nan, Bob, and Jess drove to Flossmoor, IL to check out this brewery. Flossmoor is a lovely, quiet southern suburb with a few shops and restaurants. You would never guess that it would be home to such a highly-rated brew pub.

Floosmoor Station was offering two dollar 12 ounce beers. Bob tried two different kinds and said both were good (although not THE best he's ever had). Nan tried a light ale and enjoyed it as well. For lunch Nan and J had yummy (HUGE) salads with fruit, cheese and chicken. Bob ordered a sausage patty, which he said was also very good. The waitress was friendly and helpful and the prices were good.

After we left FS, we stopped at Jewel on the way home to pick up ingredients for dinner. Since it was J's last night in Chicago for the summer, she requested Nan's homemade pizza. If Floosmoor Station is ranked #75 in the world for beer, Nan's homemade pizza is ranked #1 in South Loop.

It tasted as good as it looks!

Chicago: Freddy's

This Italian deli located in the rather boring neighborhood of Cicero is a true gem. We never would have found this place in a million years. Thanks to Bob for recommending it. The joint is tiny--they have fresh pastas, sauces, bread, beverages, and other authentic Italian food on their shelves. The deli counter has tons of salads, rice balls, pizzas, sandwiches to order, etc.

Everything is so fresh, authentic and inexpensive. Nan, Bob, and J shared a large salad with artichokes, feta, tomatoes olives, one rice ball, one slice of artichoke pizza, and one tomato/mozz/prosciutto salad (oh, and two drinks) for under $20. You can't eat at subway for that price. Every bite we ate was outstanding. It reminded me of a place you'd see in a small town in Italy. Normally I (Jess) prefer thin crust and this pizza was a square pan pizza ('medium crust'). However, it was still very good--especially loaded with artichokes.

Bob thought the gelato was the best he's ever had. Chicago Magazine rated it the best in Chicago. It was creamy and rich. We tried limoncello, pistachio, and fruit of the forest.

This place gets 5 stars. We will return soon!

Chicago: Bonsoiree

Yet more celebrating for Nan's birthday......Bob and I went to Bon Soiree at 2728 W Armitage. What an amazing treat! It is a small, simply decorated room with subdued, tranquil lighting. One can order a 4, 7 or 12 course meal. Thankfully we picked the 4 course one. The food is French traditions with a Japanese flair. Each course is served in a very unique dish and the food is so creative and delish. We had a lobster/octopus salad, corn vichyssoise, pork chop replete with popcorn pesto and real pieces of popcorn, too. For dessert it was "Milk and Cookies" arranged beautifully with a incredible brownie, three cookies and a drink that reminded me of a Dreamsicle. Yum, Yum, Yum. They change the menu seasonally, so i will definitely return again. Having a $60.00 Groupon wasn't so bad either.

Chicago: Cafe des Architectes

Nan's Birthday lunch with the Joes

In honor of Nan's birthday, Mike and Jess took her to Cafe des Architectes which is located in the modern Sofitel hotel downtown (E. Chestnut Street). Mike recommended that we should go there and we are all so glad we went. The meal was very special.

Before we ordered, we enjoyed a lovely assortment of fresh breads with delicious olive tapenade. Deciding what do order wasn't hard for us at all. We all knew we wanted to order from the 'executive lunch' which allowed us to get an appetizer, salad, entree, and two mini desserts for $22. Nan and Jess had identical meals: cold creamy tomato/roasted red pepper soup, a shaved fennel with shrimp salad, perfectly cooked halibut. Everything had such amazing flavors. Mike had the same salad but instead of fish, he had beef tenderloin and instead of soup he had a unique corn/oxtail salad. Our desserts were different: raspberry creme, raspberry 'jello', passion fruit tapioca, and chocolate mousse.

The most unique part of the meal was the presentation. All four courses were presented on four little white square plates which sat on top of one large plate. The portions were perfect too. None of us left hungry or too stuffed. We think more restaurants in America should serve like this place does!

Since it was Nan's birthday, she was surprised with blueberries on a plate with a French chocolate macaroon and fresh mint. Yum!

Overall, we all rate this place five stars for the service, food, ambiance, and presentation.

NYC: Kellari

The Goldins dined at Kellari for a post-theater meal. Specializing in fresh seafood from the Medditerranean as well as oceans around the world, the restaurant displays the catche-of-the-day on ice for hungry customers to see. The ambience of the spacious dining space is rustique, with exposed wood beams, wine barrels and oversized vases and planters.

We all ordered whole fish. As the meal was prepared an assortment of complimentary appetizers were served. The chickpea spread was rich and specked with garlic, a great dip. The salty olive mix was a perfect accompaniment to the white wine. Radishes were brined in a sweet solution to balance the bitterness of the under-appreciated vegetable. The undisputed star of the appetizers plate was the hard sheep's milk cheese. Sliced from a large wheel, this strong cheese piqued the collective appetite of the family.

The fish was grilled and dressed simply with olive oil, lemon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The preparation emphasized the flavor and freshness of the fish. While the average (unsophisticated perhaps) dinner might seek a more complete meal with sauces, side-dishes, etc, this minimalist approach to grilled seafood allows full appreciation; nothing to mask the true flavors of the sea

One must savor these moments of pure and wholesome seafood. In a planet of dwindling populations and unsustainable fishing, the opportunity to eat pure, unadulterated and high-quality seafood must be treasured, for opportunities like this might be limited.

Recommended for those whole love fish and value freshness.

*picture taken from website

Chicago: Cibo Matto

Earlier in the week Bob and Nan had dinner with our friends Haywood and Hassie Solomon, who live in Atlanta most of the year. They asked us to select the restaurant, and we picked Cibo Matto in the Wit Hotel on State and Lake.

We made a reservation for 8 p.m. but got there about 20 minutes early and decided to check out the rooftop bar. It is on the 21st floor and has great views of the city. It is very hip - it reminded us of a South Beach place. Haywood and Hassie were already there, finishing up a drink. We decided to head down to the restaurant since it was pretty loud in the bar.

The restaurant is beautifully designed. We got a semi-private booth, ordered our first of two bottles of delicious Pinot Grigio, and began to review the menu. The waiter recommended that we each have an appetizer and entree and split a pasta. We decided to take him up on his suggestion. Bob has grilled octopus, Nan a fresh mozzarella salad with lots of interesting greens and nuts. I don't recall what the Solomons had but they couldn't stop raving about their dishes. The "primi" was an amazing bucatini with egg, some wonderful cheese and bacon (which they cure on premise). The entrees were fabulous = halibut (Nan), short ribs (eaten with a fork by Bob), Kobe beef (which provided Hassie with a lunch the next day) and skate wing (I talked Haywood out of the whitefish, for which he will be eternally grateful). We actually had a bit of room for dessert (don't ask how) so we split a scoop of gelato and a chocolate tort.

The food, atmosphere (or ambience, as Nan likes to call it) and service couldn't be better. What a treat (and we were treated!)

Chicago: May Street Market

BYOB (no corkage fee) + Living Social coupon + excellent food = a wonderful Monday night dinner

Since our Living Social coupon ($25 for $50 worth of food) expires in three days, we decided to drive to May Street Market to use it up. The place was pretty empty when we walked in at 7:30 but the food and decor looked great.

For appetizers, Jess and Mike ordered the gazpacho (yum!). Nan and Bob ordered the grilled watermelon salad which came with a 'shooter' of watermelon juice (alcohol-free). We all thoroughly enjoyed our first dishes.

For the main course, Dad had the famous duck burger which came with perfectly crispy fries. We all had a bite and agree that it was one of the best 'burgers' in town. It came with figs and cheese and was served on a soft bun with a sweet taste. Jess ordered grilled tilapia with an olive tapenade and a summer squash salad. Mom ordered duck gnocchi and Mike enjoyed the smoked pork shoulder. We all loved our meal and our waiter was attentive and helpful.

Overall, we thought this place was a great value for the money and plan to return again.

*pictures taken from website