OO

Enough people had asked about Farfalla, that I had to dig a little deeper and come up with the name. It'd be a hike for you Patrick, but you could always take a little holiday at Coconut Point and give it all a try. Let us know if you do get up there, and what you thought.

We've got Roys in Tampa (Outback's corporate headquarters) too. Roys, Lee Roy Selmon's, and Flemings all came in together, side by side, when International Plaza was being developed. Don't know the percentages, but many Roys are company owned, not franchise operations. Outback owns/franchises Flemings, Lee Roy Selmon's, Bonefish Grills, Cheeseburgers in Paradise and Carrabbas as mentioned. Chris Sullivan seems to be following right along in Norman Brinker's footsteps!

Patrick

Thanks a lot for the suggestion OO. As if I don't already spend too much eating out, now you want me to add the cost of a hotel for overnight with dinner, too??? LOL

I'm a little confused by your post. Are you saying the Roy's in Tampa is or is not owned by the Outback corp.?

OO

Patrick, Yes, Outback owns Tampa's Roy's. 3 or 4 years ago Outback formed a joint venture with Roy Yamaguchi to develop and operate Roy's Restaurants worldwide. I don't know if Yamaguchi still retains sole ownership of some of his original locations and this affected only new development or what the story is with that. I wasn't familiar with them until they came in here.

Wish I could talk you into a trip to that hotel--even if just to walk the public areas and grounds. gt; It is so pretty! And just think how much nicer it'd be after a nice dinner and bottle(s) of wine not to have to make that drive back! Of course that puts an inordinate burden on Farfalla to (out)perform, doesn't it? That may be a bit much. It is a terrific restaurant if you happen to be staying in that area though!

Paul

Thanks, Olive Oyl, for the tip on Ristorante Farfalla. I have been wanting to check out the new Hyatt, so I will probably do all this on one trip from Naples in December.

I will be taking my parents out for a late lunch on New Year's Eve. This might fit the bill well, and also to check out the new hotel on the same day. It's always fun to watch big places like that get ready for their "big night out."

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions here regarding restaurants in Naples. I have hit a few of the best due to Patrick's great suggestions.

Happy Trails To All,
Paul

Lilmsfoodie

We love Farfalla...I live in fort Myers but spend much of my working life in Estero/Bonita and so the Roys/Chops/Farfalla restaurants are ones that we enjoy frequently.

Another SW Florida Home baked favorite of mine is Traders. It is near Bonita Bay on 41. It is very artsy and owned by Chicos. Excellent food and great wine list for its type. This is an offbeat winner that will eventually expand nationally. LilMsFoodie