Naples question for Patrick
 

Hello Patrick. We'll be in Naples Feb 1-5. Yipee!! I'll be taking your dining advice for Campiello,Bravissimo, and Buon Gustaio. Reservations for any or all? I'd also like to try Tommy Bahama for lunch. Does a good time exist to try to avoid at least some of the crowd? When we were there 2 years ago, we tried to go at least a couple of times, but went elsewhere because of the waits. For our last night, I'd like to have dinner at Baleen, which I loved from our last visit. What time should I make the reservation, if I base it on the sunset? I realize it may be a rather early reservation, but that doesn't matter. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I'm not Patrick but I thought I'd mention that those TB people always make it sound like a long wait but then it's not. I had a great lunch there.

The weather is mighty fine here now ((#))

Make the reservation based on the sunset. Check your local listings.

I'm not Patrick either, but can offer you this advice...

When making your reservation at Baleen, start out by telling the restaurant reservations person that you will be a guest in the hotel (which would be true the minute you walk through the hotel's doors, right?!).

We wanted a sunset dinner, which is the best part of the dining experience at La Playa, IMHO. It sounds as if you are desiring dinner reservations at about the same time of day as we chose.

From past experience, there were certain seating times that were held for hotel guests only. Once we learned of their game-plan, we had to call back under a different name. We stated that we were guests of the hotel that night (which we were not registered guests). They don't match the restaurant list with the hotel's guest list.

My Mom says that their fillet of beef encrusted with blue cheese is the best ever.

Also, while Campiello's is probably my favorite restaurant in town, my second favorite would more than likely be Pazzo's on 5th Avenue. {Thanks again Patrick for leading the way for us with the Campiello suggestion!}

Have fun!

Neat Naples Website:
www.ExploreNaples.com

Thanks for the advice Paul.

Good advice above.
First of all about Baleen. Sunset for February 1 is 6:10, so you'd want a reservation for 5:30 (kind of an early bird dinner!). I think Paul's suggestions above are great for how to do the reservation.

Tommy Bahama's is anyone's guess. I've eaten lunch at Campiello so many times because TB told us it would be a good hour wait -- so we went across the street for immediate seating at Campiello -- not as popular for lunch as dinner. Normally they say arrive before noon for immediate seating, but we arrived one day at 11:45 and got the last table -- then there is a pretty long wait since everyone has just been seated. But relax at the bar with a drink, or stroll their two shops on either side of the patio until your vibrator signals you if you have to wait.

On the other hand a couple weeks ago we drove by Tommy's at about 6 PM and saw tons of empty tables, whipped into a parking space and got immediate seating which was great since we had 8 PM theatre.

Definitely do reservations for any of the above, although frankly Bravissimo is the one you need it for the least. It's only a couple blocks from my home and we've eaten there several times in the last month. I still love it, but it seems to be a real undiscovered gem, and I've never seen it completely filled. Depending on what you want -- Pazzo might be a better bet if you're looking for "trendier" and busier atmosphere. But if you want a quiet and refined night, Bravissimo will please.

And hey, Paul, when are you coming down. We doing lunch again at Campiello or try something new?
And a new recommendation for your parents -- near them. Have they done the very casual Calistoga Cafe and Bakery at Airport and Vanderbilt? Simply wonderful. It's such a hit they're already doing three or four more of them!! You order the greatest "gourmet" California type sandwiches, soups, or salads at a counter then pick your table inside or out. Today I had a marinated pork, mozerella, chipotle sauce, sauteed red onions, and roasted red peppers on a great bread that was pressed and grilled (a pressata). Amazingly delicious. Open 7 AM until 8 PM.

Thanks Patrick! One more question that I forgot to ask. Except for Baleen,what price ranges can I expect from the other restaurants mentioned? Just curious.

None of the ones you mention are terribly expensive. For dinner, they are all pretty much the same price (including Tommy Bahamas). First courses average about $7. Main courses average in the low to mid 20's.
My favorite at Campiello is a half wood spit-roasted chicken with a porcini risotto that is wonderful and less than $20, I think. Do I ever order anything else? Bravissimo's veal saltimbocca is wonderful, and so is their braised oxtail -- much like an osso bucco. People rave about their unusual lasagna, but it is only made on Saturday nights, so I've never had it.

Dear Patrick,

First of all let me tell you how sorry I am to hear of all that has been happening in regard to information on the post of FR&R. Lee is such a neat guy - you both are! All my best to you both, and your Mom too, of course. Hang in there buddy. Life is great, even now.

Perhaps you missed a November post of mine when we decided to visit Hawaii this year rather than Naples (Christmas) & Scottsdale (February). We have never been to the islands and are looking forward to our Easter visit. Staying in Hana for 3 nights, then Kaanapali for 7. Have received wonderful advice here from both Roxy, and Here Today Gone2Maui.

I miss seeing you, and all that Naples has to offer. Especially the weather!!! Right now it is around 15-degrees in your former state of MI. So cold you don't really want to even go outside. I hate this time of year in MI. :-(

I sent my folks your posting regarding Calistoga Cafe. Yes, it is right across the street from them and I know the new building with the blue awnings - I watched it being built. Thanks for thinking of them. They always appreciate your advice. My parents stopped by the restaurant one night after a late movie they took in. They were closed and cleaning up as my folks looked through the windows. They both look forward to trying it one day soon.

Have you heard the new Ruffutti Organ at First Pres yet? It seems I wrote you about it. March 13th is the big concert/dedication. Wish I could be hear it, but there is not an appropriate flight out of Naples for me to catch, to both be able to see the Sunday night concert and be back to work on time Monday morning in Walled Lake.

Have a wonderful Sunday. I owe you a letter so watch your mailbox.

All My Best,
Paul