Our first visit to Bleu Provence was about thirteen years ago on our first trip to Naples. I was shocked to hear that Naples was in Florida, having always assumed it was in Italy.
We were escorted into a very lovely dining area and given menus and a book entitled “Liste des Vins”. The menu was very appealling given my proclivity to French food. The wine list, which the Wine Spectator lists as one of the best in the world, was almost intimidating in size and selection. Having been to France several times, I recognized many of the very pricey bottles and started to feel sad/envious/poor/out of place/resentful/jealous, etc.
A nice man came by and asked if we needed any help with the wine list. I said “Are you the owner?” He said yes he was and introduced himself as Jacques. I decided to be a wise guy.
“You have many impressive wines on your list” I said. “Plenty of Grand Crus and valuable wines from all over in the $200 plus range.”
“Yes we are very proud of our wine list and cellar. May I help you make a choice?”
“I’m wondering if you have ANY more affordable wines for $30 or $40?”
“Monsieur, we have many wonderful wines for about $35. If you permit me to pick something out for you, I’ll be happy to serve it with your meal. If you don’t like it, just return it to us. We will drink it.”
I was impressed and have been enjoying this restaurant ever since.
Bleu Provence serves Southern French/Provencal cuisine. It is a charming, welcoming restaurant. The setting is casual. On any given night you might see people wearing suits or shorts and a polo shirt, maybe even flip flops. The servers appear to be dressed for a bistro. The bar is smallish and efficient. Cocktails are always well made and offer an impressive choice of spirits.
The indoors is decorated in blue tones with decent spacing between tables to offer adequate privacy. The garden is surrounded on three sides by trees, bushes and fencing, protecting you from the wind coming off the port and bay, one block away. It is a very pleasant, romantic setting.
Many people, including us, bring their children and grandchildren. The environment seems to encourage good behavior as well as culinary exploration. All of our kids enjoy a special night out here every time they come to visit us in Florida.
Prices on the menu are very fair considering the quality and quantity of food on your plate. When I recommend Bleu Provence, many people say they think it’s going to be too expensive. I tell them about the “Early Dining Menu” for $39.99. It’s a truly special opportunity to enjoy three courses, full portions and several choices from the full menu. Maybe not cheap, but an excellent value for a special occasion and an opportunity to try the place.
We happened to go twice in the past two weeks with two couples who were leaving Naples and wanted a special meal. No argument from me.
On our first visit we shared two appetizers: the Country Pate Terrine and the Sauteed Frogs legs (not pictured). For entrees Sue had the Mussels with truffled fries. Barb had the Loup de Mer (a sea bass). Zola and I both had the Pork Shank. The two wines we enjoyed were around $40 each, chosen by Jacques.
We shared the Tarte Tatin with ice cream and a Cheese Plate for dessert.
Our last meal with Sol and Carin started with a Porcini Mushroom and Chestnut Veloute for Sol. It was an amazingly creamy mushroom soup with an extreme depth of flavor. I had the Provencal Fish Soup, similar to a Bouillabaisse, which also appears as and entrée. Carin and Barb split a Mixed Green Salad.
Sol and Barb both got the Loup de Mer. Carin got the Wagyu Filet Mignon with excellent Potato Gratin and Caramelized Onion and Parsley. I ordered Wagyu Short Ribs Bourguignon, an incredibly delicate and delicious dish.
For dessert we all shared Warm Pear Frangipane Tart with Lavender Ice Cream and the Profiteroles.
I feel that Bleu Provence is easily the best all-around restaurant in Naples when you take into consideration the excellence of service, the high quality of cuisine, the choices of wines at every price point and the value for your dollar. It’s a place that I and my family and friends consistently enjoy. I recommend that you give it a try.
JoshEatsandDrinks 