Summer at Sea Salt, Naples Dining

Many Southwest Florida restaurants have summer menus that are not only full of seasonal specialties, but also spectacular deals, aimed to get the locals out of hiding from the heat. As I started previewing some a while back, I somehow got sidetracked. I found this draft, waiting sadly in its queue to see the light of day.

Sea Salt in Naples is quite spectacular, in its food quality, presentation, service and of course wine list. I recently got to sample some of the summer specials created by Chef/Owner Fabrizio Aielli and his Executive Chef Josh Zeman staff, like a delicious Zellwood corn bisque with double smoked gulf shrimp and potato hash. The rich, salty/sweet treat also offered a fun table presentation.

And how could anything be bad with these three magic ingredients: Lobster. risotto and truffles. I was hoping there was a vat in the back that I could dive into.

Another flavor packed dish was the White Peking Duck with celery root veloute, crispy parma ham, pear and currants. And one of my favorites, the Foie Gras saucisson; fennel potato puree, red onion jam, pickled mustard seeds

Just at the moment when I thought I couldn't possible eat anymore, pastry chef Chelsea Phillips sent out plates of decadence so beautiful it would make a grown man cry.

Try the summer specials while they last and take advantage of some outstanding Sea Salt specials such as lunch at the bar. It's only $12.95 and that includes a glass of wine. There are lots of 1/2 price options for happy hour, and the pre-sunset menu is 3 succulent courses for a mere $29.95.

Wednesday is half-price on bottles of wine under $100 AND no corkage fee if you have something special you would like to open from your home cellar. If you have not been to Sea Salt, or it has been awhile, now is the time to check it out; the tourists are gone, you can get a great seat and an even better deal on some of the best food in the area.  Cheers to summer in Southwest Florida.

KC American Bistro Beats the Summer Heat

As the summer heat gets even hotter, my summer menu sampling continues with KC American Bistro in north Naples. This is another one of those great, strip mall finds.

The small bistro first opened in 2009 where it became a standing room only space. Four years later, Chef/Owner Keith Casey expanded and more than quadrupled the capacity while still keeping some intimacy.

This bistro serves American regional cuisine; a spin on traditional dishes from around the country, integrating local elements in a way that  just makes sense and tastes great.

You'll find lots of seafood on the menu but also succulent lamb, beef and a refreshing watermelon salad. Like many restaurants, chef is offering a few new seasonal specials that you have to try before they go away

One of these items is the cornmeal fried oysters served with a green apple slaw, over a cajun remoulade that had just the right amount of kick, not to overpower the mollusks. The cornmeal was crisp and the oysters juicy.

Also new for the summer is the potato crusted Alaskan Halibut served over lentils, garlic spinach and potato. There were layers and layers of flavor and I couldn't put my fork down, trying each of them individually and in conjunction with the others.

Also new this summer, KC American Bistro adds a full liquor bar to its lineup. The great wine list remains, with lots of boutique selections and a nice by the glass roster.

For even more specials, pick up the July edition of Living Local and look for the bistro's ad along with my business review

Barbatella: Summer BOGO's and Brunch

For food and wine lovers, summer in Southwest Florida is exciting. Forget about the suffocating humidity and threat of hurricanes, we've got 1/2 price wine and pre-fix menu's that will make you sweat.

Some amazing places are putting forth some amazing deals to make us brave the heat and afternoon rains, Barbatella is one of them. The restaurant on Third Street South in Naples not only has some new summer dishes but equally impressive are the seasonal deals.

I got a sneak peak recently while sipping a floral and fruity Zibibbo from Sicily. Yes Zibibbo is a grape, it is typically on the sweet side, but this one was fresh, with more minerality; a nice summer treat served at Barbatella.

Gorgonzola and pistachio, wrapped in fig and salami

Some super specials this time of year include a happy hour that starts at 2:00 and an early dining menu; three delicious courses for only $21.50.

This restaurant has a courtyard, a cozy bar and an open pizzeria with a wood fired oven. The pies are fantastic, especially on Monday when it is buy one get one all day.

Other great deal include Wine Wednesday with 1/2 off bottles under $100 and Sunday when it is 1/2 off ALL bottles. The Sunday Brunch is also impressive with a three-course spread for $21.50 and $3 mimosa's all day.

There are specials almost every day of the week but they're not listed on the website at the time of this posting, so give them a call. Get out and enjoy their great food and drinks at amazing prices this summer.

More Than Meat At Ted's

Ted's new Farmhouse Salad

With Memorial Day weekend just days away, and the beginning of the summer season, many restaurants are shifting their menu's to reflect seasonal items and dishes that are suited for warmer weather.

I recently got to try a sampling of the new summer menu at Ted's Montana Grill at Coconut Point Mall in Estero. A little bit of trivia, this was the very first restaurant to open with the mall and nearly nine years later, it is still thriving.

The new salads with kale should be keepers! The Farmhouse was my favorite, kale and romaine, with chicken, cucumber, tomato, Gruyere, bacon, roasted corn and pecans tossed in a fresh lemon vinaigrette that had a nice kick. The dressings are made in house each day and they are delightful.

Ted's new Smoked Trout Dip

The new smoked trout dip for an appetizer is perfect for sharing. With a touch of paprika, this is not a dip where the smoke overpowers the fish, it has a nice balance.

As for drinks, all of them are made with fresh squeezed fruit juices, not bottled. What IS bottled is Ted's own label of wine. Bison Ridge comes in a chardonnay that is citrusy and fresh, with a sightly creamy finish. The merlot smells like chocolate and plum and tastes of cherry and herbs. And the cabernet sauvignon is full of cherry and red fruit, very pleasant with the bison burgers.

Bison Ridge wine is exclusive to Ted's

Bison is the big draw here but if you aren't interested in it, all burgers also come with the more traditional Angus Beef. Another plus for alternative burger connoisseurs, Ted's veggie burger is moist, flavorful and delicious, no hockey pucks here.

Of course there are lots of lighter items for the summer that involve fish and chicken, all made fresh everyday, nothing here is frozen. The atmosphere is always welcoming and chef Juan Rangel has a great story. Check out more on the Ted's Montana Grill location at Coconut Point in my latest 10Best article: Click here.

Don't forget dessert: strawberry shortcake on homemade biscuts