Restaurants: Truffles, Bleu Provence, kosher-ish deli, empanadas, new brunch, Oktoberfest
If you thought German food and lobster rolls under one roof were unusual, we have something that bests that this week. It’s not new, just new to me and maybe you too.
We’re also in the midst of autumn truffle season, a delicacy mired in the occasional controversy given now-and-then bouts of violence during the foraging process. Poisoned dogs, gunfire, counterfeit goods. A tad like Netflix's Ozark, one of my favorite shows ever.
To start, Naples most famous restaurant is making news again. Read on.
Well that was fast
Via Instagram, the Cariot family of Bleu Provence fame announced they are once again at the helm of the most-awarded restaurant in Naples, the only one honored with Wine Spectator's Grand Award.
The family sold to Hoffmann Family of Cos. in late June.
As reported by Naples Daily News last week, Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate sold most of its downtown Naples real estate holdings, confirming the sale of 27 properties in its portfolio to M Development, the Aspen-based high-end developer.
Related: Hoffmanns announce plans to purchase the Bleu Provence in Naples
On second thought: Hoffmann family sells group of downtown Naples properties, remains committed to SWFL
How about a slice and can I see these in a 7?
While researching great sandwiches uptown for Friday’s upcoming JLB, I stumbled into a new-to-me cornucopia of shoes, Argentine specialty pantry staples and snacks like pizza ($13), sandwiches ($6 to $10) plus sweet and savory empanadas ($4). Friday’s special medialunas attract lines out the door.
Opened August 2022, Chinelas & Macanudo Mate is a hybrid biz where Chef Mike Picerno leads the kitchen. His charming wife Christine of Argentine heritage helms the artisan market within the shop. The couple owned a similar business in Chicago before moving to Naples.
The chinelas part is the first thing you'll notice inside, comprising a large display of “house slippers" that she designs and are hand-crafted in Spain and Argentina. Priced around $80, they would easily be double the cost on Third Street or Fifth Avenue South. Her footwear taps into the “quiet luxury” trend, recalling The Row or Vince (not Camuto). Gifts, specialty food and furniture too.
Christine also does tarot card readings ($40) by appointment and mostly after 4 p.m. Mine was eerily accurate.
The welcoming shop is a convivial gathering spot among South American ex-pats. During my half-hour there, I met shoppers from Chile and Colombia conversing en Espanol.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed Sunday.
(5417 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples; 239-325-8173; macanudomate.com)
Truffle season
One of the most fun spots to celebrate truffles is Casa Cotzelli, a restaurant within the gated Islandwalk community where we watched co-owner Gabriele Cotza shave truffles onto pasta. Risotto is also an option.
Many pricey high-end spots around town will have them. Remember: quality counts! And before your server starts shaving these lovelies that can run $250 per ounce on your plate, you might want to ask the price.
You can’t access the restaurant without a reservation as gate personnel are strict.
The casa is adding Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity) with unlimited courses including egg dishes, pasta choices, fish selections with house prosecco, mimosas, white wine and more. Kids under 10 are $10 per. Live music too. No to-go food allowed.
(6175 Towncenter Circle, North Naples; 239-592-5055; casacotzelli.com)
Kosher-style kitchen
Steve and Fran Katz's kosher-style delivery service now has a storefront. Katz's New York Deli is sharing space with Gourmet Mama. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Delivery remains an option.
(2063 Pine Ridge Road, Naples; 239-291-8340; katznydeli.com)
Dress dapper or flapper
On Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., Fleming’s hosts a “Roaring Good Vines” five-course $130 prix-fixe themed wine dinner nodding to the 1920s and Halloween with four pours from Jackson Family Wines. Scallop crudo, lamb lollipops and filet mignon are on the menu. Donning a thematic costume is highly encouraged, but not required. Reservations a must.
(8985 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-598-2424; flemingssteakhouse.com)
Axe throwing & alcohol: What's the wurst that could happen?
Artichoke & Co. celebrates Oktoberfest Oct. 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. with German food ($8 to $16 per dish) plus beer, live music, a pretzel bar, axe throwing, and more. $5 entrance fee.
(11920 Saradrienne Lane, Bonita Springs; 239-263-6979; artichokeandcompany.com)
Send scoops, news & deals for editorial consideration to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com by Friday at 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants: Truffles, new brunch, Oktoberfest, kosher-ish deli, more
