Spent the weekend in Naples, land of the chardonnay-swillers. Needed a break from Miami and all the "magic" of the Magic City. You know how it is. Naples was perfect. Boring, but so necessary. Low population density, lots of wide streets and empty restaurants. Best of all, sunsets over the water, a perk of the West Coast. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort (above), a classy resort with plenty of panache. At night they light up a firepit and everyone gathers around like it's the village square and talks politics. Had dinner at Baleen, sibling to Miami's restaurant of the same name, but much better food. Started with a tuna tartar (how could we not?) and moved on to a luscious rib eye and grouper with red wine risotto.
We also spent a night at the Naples Grande Resort, surprisingly urbane and stylish for the Gulf Coast. Lots of white leather, orange chairs and mod glowing bars.
There's a Golden Door Spa on the premises with a Asian-minimalist courtyard with cooling reflecting pools. At the end of your treatment they give you a shot glass of organic strawberry juice, a nice touch.
Topped off the weekend with a massive slice of cake at Strip House. It was my birthday, after all. 24 layers of chocolatey goodness just about sufficed. I hope this pic adequately conveys the ganache largess here. It was a glacier of cake.
4 comments:
Damn, your mercury levels must be off the charts haha. Food does look much better than Baleen on Grove Isle. That place has been stuck in a downward spiral for some time. That is one colossal piece of cake!
Never been to the Naples Grand but like that Ritz. Would you stay at Naples Grand again over the Ritz? Happy Bday
I think both places have their merits. Depends what you're looking for. The Ritz is great b/c you have access to both the golf and beach resorts if you stay at either. But the Naples Grande is definitely aiming for a more hip vibe.
That cake looks DELISH!! Happy Belated Bday!!
Post a Comment