CULINARY CLASS
LITTLE EATS Dim sum has existed for thousands of years, ever since Chinese travelers along the Silk Road stopped at teahouses for rest and sustenance. Along with their tea, they were served bite-sized morsels that slowly morphed into an art form. Literally translated, dim sum means “to touch the heart.” When expertly prepared, these ethereal dumplings do exactly that. Usually presented in batches of three or four and served from rolling carts, dim sum accommodates groups and allows each diner to consume as much as he or she wants. Although dim sum is technically part of the Cantonese culinary tradition, it is popular throughout modern China. While the elderly tend to indulge after morning tai chi, restaurants are packed with businessmen and workers come lunchtime. Finding dim sum outside the major metropolitan areas of America, however, can be a challenge. The most popular variation on a Japanese or Thai menu is shu mai (dumplings filled with ground shrimp, pork, or both), but these are usually not prepared on the premises. In Naples, O’mei China Bistro (omeinaples.com) serves a dozen dim sum plates as appetizers. Choices include Peking duck rolls, scallion pancakes, and pork fried dumplings. But
while dim sum is often a morning or lunch experience in China, O’mei China Bistro is only open in the evenings. Local dumpling lovers received another option last September when Fort Myers’ Ginger Bistro (gingerbistrousa.com) opened a second location in Cape Coral. Every day between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., the restaurant presents classic dim sum in the Hong Kong style. The 40 dishes on offer range from vegetarian (crispy taro turnovers and pan-fried turnip cakes) to exotic (beef tripe with ginger or braised chicken feet).
NI ’s curated dining guide for Greater NAPLES THE LISTINGS The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights. = NI’s Dining Hall of Fame* *Dining establishments that have won three or more Dining Awards in the same category are inducted into NI’s Dining Hall of Fame.
BOKAMPER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL Kim Bokamper may have retired from football, but he’s still scoring at his sports bar. 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples; 8001 Plaza Del Lago Dr., Estero (bokampers.com) BRICKTOP’S Boasting classic dishes and an outstanding brunch. 5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (bricktops.com) BROOKS GOURMET BURGERS AND DOGS Brooks augments its traditional menu with exotic proteins. 330 Ninth Street S.; 12655 Tamiami Trail E.; 845 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (brooksburgers.com)
AMERICAN
KC AMERICAN BISTRO As the name implies, American regional cuisine is on tap. 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (kcamericanbistro.com)
7TH AVENUE SOCIAL Eclectic Southern fare, craft cocktails, and live music in the evenings. 849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (7thavenuesocial.com)
THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its brunch is one of the best in town. 5323 Airport Pulling Road, Naples (thelocalnaples.com)
BALEEN Dine amid tropical surroundings indoors or on the patio to soak up the view. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort.com)
M WATERFRONT GRILLE Contemporary decor, a view of the bay, and fine cuisine. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (mwaterfrontgrille.com)
THE BEVY Everything old is new again at The Bevy (short for beverage), and the specialty cocktails are divine. 360 Twelfth Ave. S., Naples (naplesbevy.com)
RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL Master chef Tony Ridgway continues wowing diners with classic American cuisine. 1300 Third St. S., Naples (ridgwaybarandgrill.com)
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THE ROOSTER Serving breakfast and lunch daily except Mondays, and dinner on Tuesday and Friday evenings. There’s a new menu every week, and the flavor is distinctly Southern. 600 Goodlette Road N. Suite 101, Naples (theroosternaples.com) SEASONS 52 A rotating menu of healthy, seasonal dishes and international wines. 8930 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (seasons52.com) TAVERN ON THE BAY This popular sports bar boasts huge televisions, great comfort food, and a lovely view of the Gordon River. 489 Bayfront Place, Naples (tavernonthebay.net)
TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR Born in Naples, the Tommy Bahama laid-back lifestyle is full throttle in this festive eatery and bar. 1220 Third St. S., Naples (tommybahama.com) THE WINE LOFT OF NAPLES Upscale bar, lounge, and dining in Mercato. 9118 Strada Place, Naples (thewineloftofnaples.com) YARD HOUSE Offering an electric atmosphere, an array of hearty American entrées, and plentiful tap options in a family-friendly setting. 4251 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (yardhouse.com) NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | APRIL 2019
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