Author Archives: Xsivjosh

For several years Bha Bha has been one of our favorite restaurants in Naples. The service has always been spot on and the food has been an exotic delight. This year it’s been impossible to get a short notice reservation. We finally got one for last night and went with our friends from Chicago, DaveContinue reading “Bha Bha Persian Restaurant in Naples: Improving Food, Declining Service”

We went last night to Verdi’s for about our fourth time this year. The last three times we went mainly for the outdoor seating and were rewarded with a bonus of excellent dining experiences. Our friends Roger and Cathy chose the restaurant and we were more than happy to return and, this time, sit veryContinue reading “Verdi’s American Bistro on Marco Island”

Every time we visit Bobby and Debbie in Nakomis, we are driven to eat at our favorite Korean restaurant in Florida. In and around Philadelphia there is a plethora of Korean restaurants. Not so in Florida. In Naples we got our first one just last year. Shilla is in an outside shopping center. It’s ownedContinue reading “Shilla Korean Restaurant in Sarasota”

We are visiting our friends Bobby and Debbie in Nakomis, FL, just north of Venice. Our mission: eat and drink well and have fun. After a light happy hour, we went to Roessler’s restaurant. I have never been there, but Bobbie and Debbie have been there before and were impressed with both the ambiance andContinue reading “Roessler’s in Sarasota,FL:A Continental Delight”

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 menuContinue reading “Bleu Provence in Naples: a very special occasion every time”

In Philadelphia we enjoy tons of Uzbeki and Russian restaurants. I shop at several Russian supermarkets as well as small Mom and Pop shops. The choices of prepared foods as well as raw ingredients is impressive. Quite the opposite in Naples. We just got our first Uzbeki restaurant. The choices are limited, but truly deliciousContinue reading “Afsona finally brings Uzbeki food to Naples”

Perfect for Sue and Zola’s last night in Naples. We enjoyed a round of perfectly made cocktails at the outdoor bar before we sat for dinner. Nice ambiance and very pleasant bartenders. It’s amazing how much I have missed having a professional make my cocktails for me. I’m no slouch at mixing drinks, but I’llContinue reading “Claw Bar in Naples”

Had dinner with our friends Sue and Zola who are visiting Naples this week. Took them to Lima Pisco Bar at their new location in East Naples. Started dinner with Pisco Sours, their signature cocktail. They started us off with an Amuse Bouche of tomato soup. This course is always delicious and is often potatoContinue reading “Great Dinner at Lima Pisco Bar in East Naples”

This is a big favorite of ours and pretty simple to make at home. The tenderloins usually come in a package of two, so we marinate them both and freeze the one we haven’t used for a later date. I make a foil tray that can be placed on the grill and used for theContinue reading “Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pablanos and Onions”

A refreshing happy hour cocktail. The original Shmengie was made with just Vodka and Triple Sec. I’ve altered it and upgraded it with Lillet and Cointreau. Both ways it’s a fun cocktail. 1/2 oz Lillet 1 oz Cointreau 3 oz Vodka Shake with ice 30 times. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with a slice ofContinue reading “The Shmengie”