New & affordable: Making breakfast the most important meal of the day in North Naples
Partners Taulant Lako and Jon Mane, who serves as manager, opened Blu Jelly on Aug. 10 at 2650 Immokalee Road.
The new spot for affordable all-day breakfast that's beautifully plated offers so many choices among each of the cafe's specialties. Prices per person before tip and tax average $12, unless you order a New York Strip skillet for $20 or salmon eggs benedict for $14.
A weekday $10 early bird menu runs until 9 a.m. and features egg combos with pancakes – buttermilk or potato, French toast plus biscuits and gravy.
Substantial omelets are served with toast, sliced tomatoes, potatoes and fresh-cut fruit all included in the price. Fluffy buttermilk pancakes are made with cake flour. Belgian waffles hot off the iron may prove irresistible for anyone with a sweet tooth. Adding jewel-colored fruit for oomph and nutrients may ease the guilt.
Lunch is served from 10 a.m. until closing. Lako is especially proud of the salads: 10 selections spanning classics like Cobb and Caesar to the nifty "strawberry fields" with romaine, berries, candied pecans, craisins and blue cheese crumbles. Grilled pita accompanies each.
The space, formerly Araya Sushi, got a refresh, as did the adjacent patio with sun-protecting umbrellas and fauna.
What's in a name?
Originally, the café signage said Blu Jam, which happens to be the same name as a popular small chain in and around Los Angeles that was founded in 2006.
”We ended up changing the name. We didn't realize in the beginning that there were existing restaurants in California, so we got advice from our lawyer to make the change now. We're not trying to copy anyone."
“We don't want to step on anybody's toes; we're not the kind of people who copy others. So good luck to them. We have our own thing,” said Lako.
Beer, wine and wine-based spirits (trending through town) hover at $5. Most menu items are under $15. Hours: daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ample parking.
Connect with this reporter at diana.biederman@naplesnews.com
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: New affordable cafe boasts bountiful breakfasts, great salads
