Naples food and other questions...
Mar 29th, 2005, 05:44 AM
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Naples food and other questions...
Hi,
Two days to go until we leave for Florida, yippee. It is damp and miserable today in Ireland, and everyone I gleefully tell about our trip give me black looks (I can even sense them down the telephone...)
We get to Naples on Monday 4th after 4 days farther north, and have 10 nights booked at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Have a couple of questions, mostly about food, which is typical, and a couple of other topics, hope some of the Naples experts can help out:
1. Light lunch?
Sounds like we're in an area where we can fare sumptously three times a day (or six even...), but something's got to give, right?. I'd love to have a list of a few places we could rely on to drop by and get a great salad for lunch. Salad is a favourite, but other light lunch options would work too. Can be eat-in or take-away. What do you suggest?
2. Breakfast
Coming from the UK (Northern Ireland), where the most common restaurant breakfast fare is the 'Full Ulster', we're looking forward to spreading our wings at breakfast time. What's on offer in Naples? We'll try the Ritz breakfast sometimes, but I think I'll be sick if I have it 10 days in a row. All recommendations appreciated - we'd definitely like a good pancakes and waffles recommendation, but lighter, healthier options also appreciated...
3. Ritz Carlton Golf Resort
Anyone stayed there/eaten there/visited there, and have any tips to pass on? We can use the Beach Resort which we plan to do sometimes, but other than that have no particular plans to fill our 10 days. We don't intend to travel around much, this is mainly a rest and recuperate trip, so we wanted to pick a good hotel which we'd enjoy spending time in.
4. Sports
On our last big trip we spent a blissful half-day learning to surf, a day white-water rafting, some hours on a jetski. On this trip I am 5 months pregnant so can't do much, but there may be some things for an active pregnant chick to enjoy (who can sleep and eat 24x7 anyway??), and my husband will want to hear what sports/activities you've enjoyed in the Naples area.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Anna
Two days to go until we leave for Florida, yippee. It is damp and miserable today in Ireland, and everyone I gleefully tell about our trip give me black looks (I can even sense them down the telephone...)
We get to Naples on Monday 4th after 4 days farther north, and have 10 nights booked at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Have a couple of questions, mostly about food, which is typical, and a couple of other topics, hope some of the Naples experts can help out:
1. Light lunch?
Sounds like we're in an area where we can fare sumptously three times a day (or six even...), but something's got to give, right?. I'd love to have a list of a few places we could rely on to drop by and get a great salad for lunch. Salad is a favourite, but other light lunch options would work too. Can be eat-in or take-away. What do you suggest?
2. Breakfast
Coming from the UK (Northern Ireland), where the most common restaurant breakfast fare is the 'Full Ulster', we're looking forward to spreading our wings at breakfast time. What's on offer in Naples? We'll try the Ritz breakfast sometimes, but I think I'll be sick if I have it 10 days in a row. All recommendations appreciated - we'd definitely like a good pancakes and waffles recommendation, but lighter, healthier options also appreciated...
3. Ritz Carlton Golf Resort
Anyone stayed there/eaten there/visited there, and have any tips to pass on? We can use the Beach Resort which we plan to do sometimes, but other than that have no particular plans to fill our 10 days. We don't intend to travel around much, this is mainly a rest and recuperate trip, so we wanted to pick a good hotel which we'd enjoy spending time in.
4. Sports
On our last big trip we spent a blissful half-day learning to surf, a day white-water rafting, some hours on a jetski. On this trip I am 5 months pregnant so can't do much, but there may be some things for an active pregnant chick to enjoy (who can sleep and eat 24x7 anyway??), and my husband will want to hear what sports/activities you've enjoyed in the Naples area.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Anna
Mar 29th, 2005, 06:37 AM
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Anna, I hope our spectacular weather in Naples holds for you. It is 71 right now and I just returned from a spectacular morning beach walk.
There are so many new places in North Naples, I'm not sure what all I can tell you, but I'll try.
Breakfast. There is a great small place whose name escapes me, that is right next to the cinemas at the Pavillion Shopping Center, just down the Road from the Ritz. It's sort of upscale but not expensive -- really great and creative.
Skillets is wonderful for breakfast or lunch. It is on 41, south of the Ritz on the left hand side across from Park Shore Shopping Center (K-Mart).
One of my favorite casual places is actually walking distance from the Ritz, on the left (bay side as you head north on Gulfshore Drive). It's called Buzz's Lighthouse (you'll see the funky imitation lighthouse) and you can sit out on the back "porch" over the water. Their specialty is grouper ruebens. Trust me on this. They're great. Don't know about salads there.
At Neopolitan Way in North Naples is a nice casual place that is run by the same people as the wonderful Campiello's and Lurcat both downtown. It is called D'Amico and Sons. Great salads there, small pizzas, etc. Super for casual lunch.
Have you ever been to a PF Chang's, one of the US's most well respected "chains"? Contemporary Chinese food in a nice setting. Great for lunch. Their lettuce wraps are probably the biggest seller and are wonderful (especially the chicken ones). There is one near the corner of Immokalee Road and US 41, not far north of the Ritz. It is in front of the huge Expo (Home decor store). Right across the street is a probably our best Mexican restaurant, very inexpensive and super food. It's a little hard to see in one of the many tiny strip shopping centers, but is called Cilantro Tamales. Look for that if you want to try Mexican.
Any more questions? Just ask. Food in Naples is my favorite topic!
Sports? kayaking on the back bay from the Conservancey on Goodlette Road is wonderful, and probably suitable for you as well. There is also canoeing on the Estero River north of Bonita. The hotel can tell you about these options and how to get there.
There are so many new places in North Naples, I'm not sure what all I can tell you, but I'll try.
Breakfast. There is a great small place whose name escapes me, that is right next to the cinemas at the Pavillion Shopping Center, just down the Road from the Ritz. It's sort of upscale but not expensive -- really great and creative.
Skillets is wonderful for breakfast or lunch. It is on 41, south of the Ritz on the left hand side across from Park Shore Shopping Center (K-Mart).
One of my favorite casual places is actually walking distance from the Ritz, on the left (bay side as you head north on Gulfshore Drive). It's called Buzz's Lighthouse (you'll see the funky imitation lighthouse) and you can sit out on the back "porch" over the water. Their specialty is grouper ruebens. Trust me on this. They're great. Don't know about salads there.
At Neopolitan Way in North Naples is a nice casual place that is run by the same people as the wonderful Campiello's and Lurcat both downtown. It is called D'Amico and Sons. Great salads there, small pizzas, etc. Super for casual lunch.
Have you ever been to a PF Chang's, one of the US's most well respected "chains"? Contemporary Chinese food in a nice setting. Great for lunch. Their lettuce wraps are probably the biggest seller and are wonderful (especially the chicken ones). There is one near the corner of Immokalee Road and US 41, not far north of the Ritz. It is in front of the huge Expo (Home decor store). Right across the street is a probably our best Mexican restaurant, very inexpensive and super food. It's a little hard to see in one of the many tiny strip shopping centers, but is called Cilantro Tamales. Look for that if you want to try Mexican.
Any more questions? Just ask. Food in Naples is my favorite topic!
Sports? kayaking on the back bay from the Conservancey on Goodlette Road is wonderful, and probably suitable for you as well. There is also canoeing on the Estero River north of Bonita. The hotel can tell you about these options and how to get there.
Mar 29th, 2005, 06:45 AM
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Ooops. Can't believe I didn't notice you are staying at the Golf Resort, not the beach resort. All the above still applies, but I was referring to the distances to the Beach Resort.
Meanwhile from the Golf resort --
just south on Airport-Pulling Road and just beyond Vanderbilt Drive on the right is Calistoga Bakery and Cafe. You will LOVE this very casual place. You order at a counter and they call your name and you take it to a table, including a big outdoor patio. Their salads are wonderful!!! And their sandwiches are sensational. And they have the best iced tea in Naples.
Just west of the Airport/Vanderbilt intersection on Vanderbilt is a good sushi and Japanese place called Satori. And next to it is Lucca Deli, which has good and inexpensive light lunches and salads -- carry out or eat in.
Also if you head further south on Airport, just before Pine Ridge Road - turn in to the shopping center at the MacDonald's, there is a Sunrise Cafe. This is a sister to the Skillet's Place I mentioned above. Great breakfast and lunch. Super waffles and unusual pancakes also, as well as a lot of "healthy" options. If this place were next door to me, I'd eat there every morning.
Meanwhile from the Golf resort --
just south on Airport-Pulling Road and just beyond Vanderbilt Drive on the right is Calistoga Bakery and Cafe. You will LOVE this very casual place. You order at a counter and they call your name and you take it to a table, including a big outdoor patio. Their salads are wonderful!!! And their sandwiches are sensational. And they have the best iced tea in Naples.
Just west of the Airport/Vanderbilt intersection on Vanderbilt is a good sushi and Japanese place called Satori. And next to it is Lucca Deli, which has good and inexpensive light lunches and salads -- carry out or eat in.
Also if you head further south on Airport, just before Pine Ridge Road - turn in to the shopping center at the MacDonald's, there is a Sunrise Cafe. This is a sister to the Skillet's Place I mentioned above. Great breakfast and lunch. Super waffles and unusual pancakes also, as well as a lot of "healthy" options. If this place were next door to me, I'd eat there every morning.
Mar 29th, 2005, 07:06 AM
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Thank goodness for Fodors enthusiasts who make it a priority to check for new posts early in the day! Thanks Patrick, that helps heaps.
Yes, I have tried and love PF Changs during a couple of business trips, on both occasions I ate to the point of feeling very full, so I hadn't considered it a lunch option, but those lettuce wraps would just hit the spot! And I'm glad of the options close to the Beach resort, because we will spent some days over there and fit in lunch in that area.
I have some of the places you mention on my list already from previous replies you and others made to other posters, but it's great to have the prime locations pointed out which are good for our hotel, and meet our needs in terms of having the occasional not-terribly-over-indulgent meal! Appreciate this.
Anna
Yes, I have tried and love PF Changs during a couple of business trips, on both occasions I ate to the point of feeling very full, so I hadn't considered it a lunch option, but those lettuce wraps would just hit the spot! And I'm glad of the options close to the Beach resort, because we will spent some days over there and fit in lunch in that area.
I have some of the places you mention on my list already from previous replies you and others made to other posters, but it's great to have the prime locations pointed out which are good for our hotel, and meet our needs in terms of having the occasional not-terribly-over-indulgent meal! Appreciate this.
Anna
Mar 29th, 2005, 07:12 AM
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I LOVE Naples - was just there a few weeks ago. You'll have a great time! And we always eat really well down there.
Breakfast:
We always go to First Watch - on Immakolee and 41. They have the BEST pancakes I've ever had. Try the Banana and Granola pancakes!
lunch:
If you go to the Venetian Village, Maxwell's by the sea and Bayside are both lovely - great salads! Overlook the water.
Dinner - can't go wrong anywhere around here. Trulucks is down on 5th - very expensive but fabulous seafood - definitely need recommendations
The Docks - my favorite dish is here. Very casual - overlooks the water. Doesn't take reservations but fun.
Mangrove Cafe - on 5th - expensive but very good
Tommy Bahamas - casual, good food, fun place to hang out. Doesn't take reservations.
Amadors - call for directions. Wonderful family owned Italian!
Aurelios - great pizza - on 41 going down to the city center.
Have a wonderful time - let me know if you try any of these places!
Breakfast:
We always go to First Watch - on Immakolee and 41. They have the BEST pancakes I've ever had. Try the Banana and Granola pancakes!
lunch:
If you go to the Venetian Village, Maxwell's by the sea and Bayside are both lovely - great salads! Overlook the water.
Dinner - can't go wrong anywhere around here. Trulucks is down on 5th - very expensive but fabulous seafood - definitely need recommendations
The Docks - my favorite dish is here. Very casual - overlooks the water. Doesn't take reservations but fun.
Mangrove Cafe - on 5th - expensive but very good
Tommy Bahamas - casual, good food, fun place to hang out. Doesn't take reservations.
Amadors - call for directions. Wonderful family owned Italian!
Aurelios - great pizza - on 41 going down to the city center.
Have a wonderful time - let me know if you try any of these places!
Mar 29th, 2005, 07:17 AM
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Patrick,
The spectacular morning beach walk is just what I'm crying out for, so roll on Naples...
What on earth are grouper ruebens? They sound fascinating and I am definitely going to have to try, but what exactly will I be eating or drinking?
Anna
The spectacular morning beach walk is just what I'm crying out for, so roll on Naples...
What on earth are grouper ruebens? They sound fascinating and I am definitely going to have to try, but what exactly will I be eating or drinking?
Anna
Mar 29th, 2005, 07:28 AM
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hi egordon, and thanks for all the great recommendations! I will definitely be back to let you know what I thought of those pancakes!
At the last minute we've decided to packed PDA which has wireless, instead of any Florida travel guides. Access to Fodor's forum won out over the weight of several travel guides!
Anna
At the last minute we've decided to packed PDA which has wireless, instead of any Florida travel guides. Access to Fodor's forum won out over the weight of several travel guides!
Anna
Mar 29th, 2005, 11:10 AM
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Do you know what a rueben sandwich is? Corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut and usually a sort of thousand island dressing on rye bread grilled. Substitude grouper (fish) for the corned beef and you have the idea.
I always forget there is now a First Watch north (I go to the one near downtown across from Lowdermilk Park. Great breakfast place. I'd agree with all of egordon's responses with the exception of Maxwell's on the Bay. Yeecchhhh. (my humble opinion). But of course they are mainly all near downtown.
I always forget there is now a First Watch north (I go to the one near downtown across from Lowdermilk Park. Great breakfast place. I'd agree with all of egordon's responses with the exception of Maxwell's on the Bay. Yeecchhhh. (my humble opinion). But of course they are mainly all near downtown.
Mar 29th, 2005, 11:42 AM
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Hi AnnaG--I, too, am going to Naples for the first time in just 9 days and we are also staying at the RC Golf Resort--shall I look for you pool side? ;-) Seriously, your post answered many questions I had so thanks for posting--I love this forum! Hope you enjoy a wonderful trip
Mar 29th, 2005, 10:41 PM
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Hi Dcespedes,
Cool that you will be there too... I am so looking forward to it! Yes, watch out for us, although it could get dangerous if you approach every tubby-looking girl asking whether they are the pregnant one visiting from Northern Ireland!
Patrick, (blush), no I didn't know what a ruebens was, vaguely in the recesses of my mind I had heard of it, but thanks for the enlightenment! The grouper version sounds like my cup of tea
Anna
Cool that you will be there too... I am so looking forward to it! Yes, watch out for us, although it could get dangerous if you approach every tubby-looking girl asking whether they are the pregnant one visiting from Northern Ireland!
Patrick, (blush), no I didn't know what a ruebens was, vaguely in the recesses of my mind I had heard of it, but thanks for the enlightenment! The grouper version sounds like my cup of tea
Anna
Mar 31st, 2005, 08:26 AM
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We just got back from 9 lovely days in Naples.
Breakfast: First Watch, definitely. (Near Lowdermilk Park). Be prepared for a long wait, but it's worth it. Eat outside. We went twice and I could have gone every day!
Lunch or dinner: I second the recommendation of Tommy Bahama -- great casual, relaxed atmosphere.
We took a side trip to the Corkscrew Sanctuary and did the 2.25-mile boardwalk into the Everglades. It was worth the trip.
Have a great time!
Breakfast: First Watch, definitely. (Near Lowdermilk Park). Be prepared for a long wait, but it's worth it. Eat outside. We went twice and I could have gone every day!
Lunch or dinner: I second the recommendation of Tommy Bahama -- great casual, relaxed atmosphere.
We took a side trip to the Corkscrew Sanctuary and did the 2.25-mile boardwalk into the Everglades. It was worth the trip.
Have a great time!
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