Betting Big On The "Bucket"

The popular Mercato Shops in Naples is full of trendy places to hangout; places that while offering good food and a cool scene aren't necessarily inviting for families or for diners in a more casual mood.

That all changed in May, when the Rusty Bucket opened its doors. A family friendly tavern, the new restaurant serves well prepared comfort food with fresh and local ingredients. The craft beer selection is quite impressive, the wine list is quite adequate and the cocktails are made with fresh squeezed juices. The dining geek in me loved the fact that the menu offers drink pairing suggestions, for appetizers as well as main courses.

Fresh and delicious grapefruit margarita

We enjoyed a hearty selection of appetizers including a tangy hummus platter and mouthwatering pork potstickers with sweet chili and ponzu sauce. But it was the fried pickles that had the entire table talking. These were not wimpy little pickle chips, but a healthy sized spear. Dipped in batter you would expect for fish and chips, the fried treats were perfectly crisp; good on their own but even better with the side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Palate pleasing pork potstickers

The main courses range from giant sandwiches and ribs, to burgers and fish. The grilled salmon with a soy glaze, stir fried green beans and sticky rice was so simple, yet simply delicious. The meaty and moist fish was seared with a pleasant crisp, and fantastic flavor.

Perfectly pan-seared salmon

This menu has a little bit of something for every diner, to please both diets and cravings. The Rusty Bucket has a kids reading program and the Blue Plate specials make eating here affordable for the family. In addition, it's a great spot to catch a game on the manyTV screens throughout the dining room and bar.

Rusty Bucket's signature 'Big Sicilian' pizza

Next time you are shopping at or passing by Mercato and want a good meal along with good service, kick it at the bucket, the Rusty Bucket.

"Pure" Entertainment

Pure has one of the hottest night sceens at The Mercato Shops in Naples. What many people don't know is the chef is pretty hot also. Yes, Pure has a chef, a full kitchen and a menu that will leave you wanting more.

My parents were in town and wanted to take me out to celebrate some recent accomplishments so I suggested giving Pure a try, especially since managers are trying to get the "dining" word out.  We were escorted to a VIP booth in a prime location by the bar. It was plush, with over-sized pillows and enough room to more than double our small party. I wish I knew who to thank for the entertainment that night. Mom and Dad were treated to quite a fun show; a birthday party of beautiful girls with martini's, tugging their low tops up and their short skirts down; while striking silly duck faces for the camera.

We wanted to try a little of everything so asked for the Chef's Tasting Menu. We surrendered all control to the chef, Josh Mitchell, and he began sending out course after course of goodness. Starting with a trio of shrimp, we moved to salads (the Spinach was great but the Summer Salad rocked). Next up was beef in a veal reduction, then chicken with goat cheese and spinach, and finally a sweet apple fritter for dessert.

At 9:45 the music level started to rise, the ropes were up at the doors and we were feeling like dinner was definantly over. The once navigable bar had become packed. We weaved our way to the exit, leaving behind a coveted VIP table, now reserved for bottle service. Until next time.