When I say I went for my first lunch in New Year to Naples Fl, people seem surprised. Naples is located on the very west coast of Florida. Meaning if you are in Miami it is in a totally opposite side of the state. So you have to cross the state. Sounds complicated but not really.
Naples is only 2 hours away from Miami Beach. And if it still seems far, a couple of my husbands’ co-workers live in West Palm Beach and drive daily to work in Miami. West Palm Beach is located at the same distance as Naples. So even that seems far, it is not far at all.
When you are seeking adventure and to see something new Naples has a lot to offer. But today I will talk about just my January 1st New Years escape and lunch.
It took us the minimum of planning. Also waking up early in the morning after New Years festivities are hard so while that was a plan so after several coffee mugs we were in the car heading west.
There are 2 ways to get to Naples. We chose the old road that goes from the 8th street straight from Biscayne Bay through alligator alley and Indian villages to the 5th street in Naples.
If you have special love for speed that probably not the best way for you to get there as the speed limit varies between 45 and 65 mph. But you will see tons of wildlife along the road. It is a preferred photographers place. So if you up for a peaceful scenic drive go for it and enjoy. If you always have i75 with its high-speed limits.
It was not my first time in Naples and I really love how the driving from Calle 8 you get into 5th Avenue filled with small boutiques and cozy restaurants. Parking is free everywhere so get your spot and walk along.
Naples is famous for its antique auto show and as Miami, for sports cars Naples is for antiques.
You will see classics parked right next to regular cars and you can span a picture or 2.
While we were snapping pictures and looking for interesting cars the hunger hit. There are plenty restaurants of different styles and cuisines to choose from but as that was our last day of diet cheating (we went all in during December deciding to get back to our Keto diet and exercises on Jan 3rd) we decided for Italian.
First, we saw this restaurant while driving along the street looking for parking spot. And it looked pretty elegant and cozy at the same time. It had a nice seating area outside. But the real surprise was when we approached to check out the menu.
HAPPY HOUR! EVERYTHING 50% off.
And you know I can’t pass on a good happy hour.
Prices on the menu were pretty reasonable but slashing them in half was just beyond excited. Of course, coming from Miami Beach we asked all conditions and all restrictions on happy hour and were told there is none.
We also were told that this happy hour is offered 24/7/365 yes, you read right. No days off even in the busiest time of the year happy hour is on.
And so we chose Vergina for our first lunch of the year.
As we still had to drive back home we decided not to drink much but only to have a glass of wine for my husband and a prosecco for me. (because bubbles are a must)
As an appetizer, we ordered meatballs and also 2 different kinds of pasta.
Bread came with olive oil and pieces of cheese. An appetizer was a very good sized and flavor wise were the best that I have had so far.
Pasta was fresh and cooked to perfection. My husband got Tagliolini bolognese made with beef and pork ragu and I chose 4 cheese and pear Fiocchi with parmesan sauce and truffle oil.
With our Keto diet, we haven’t had pasta in a long time. And during our cheat December even that we planned for it but it didn’t happen. So when you crave something for so long time your mind starts building the perfect taste in your imagination and many times you get disappointed. But not at Vergina.
That was so good and tastefully made dish.
While we ere sitting and chatting we saw several different plates passing along and I have to tell none of them lacks in presentation. I also liked that the menu wasn’t one of those never-ending ones but also offered a little for every taste.
The list of wines and drinks is big and remember, all the menu is 50% off.
I have to especially thank Augusto, the manager (check the video ) and if you go there ask for Laurence to be your server. His suggestions were right o point and the service was exceptional.
When we were driving to Naples we were planning to have an Ice-cream after lunch. Well, those happy hour dishes actually come at the regular size and we could not finish and took a doggie bag back home. Of course, there was no space for ice cream in our bellies.
We went for another walk after the meal and after checking several bars and restaurants I can say this is the best happy hour. There were others that would offer 50% off doing but what are drinks without food right? Another offering selected appetizers at a discount. But Vergina was the only one with the whole menu in happy hour.
After several sunset pictures, we head home. We took i75 because you don’t want to drive alligator alley with all its wildlife at night.
It was a short lunch trip so we promised to come back and explore the city a little more. Stay tuned for new posts and let me know in the comments if there is something specific you would like me to write about.
what to wear
Vergina is located: On Fifth Avenue South 700 Fifth Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102
