Mr. Bites’ pet peeve #145:
On certain food pages, there’s a tendency for people who disclose dining spots that are commonly referred to as hidden gems. Common refrains include “Don’t tell anyone so we can still get a reservation”, or “We don’t want it to get too popular.” Why? If someone makes something I love, I would want to share it with the world. Don’t you want the people who make delicious food to be rewarded for bringing your mouth joy?
This month’s column is dedicated to the restaurants and other assorted dining establishments that deserve to have a waiting list:
Lima Restaurant and Pisco Bar - 5047 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, 34113
In our area, we have some decent new American restaurants and way too many Italian restaurants - it's hard to come across much else of differentiation and quality. That’s why Peruvian treasure, Lima, is such a refreshing change of palette.
While I think the restaurant could do with a few less “white tablecloth” vibes, I would eat their ceviches under an overpass. Fresh, acidic and wonderful textures give all the mouth feels. Three different kinds but it’s impossible to tell which is better than any other because they are all sublime.
The rest of the menu has all the Peruvian classics like Lomo Saltado, Tenderloin Anchuchos and Macho Fish with the flourishes of a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef.
Order up a Pisco Sour and enjoy the flavors of the Andres, without having to make the hike!
Only Doubles – follow @onlydbls (on Instagram) for locations
After winning the coveted best burger in town by the Naples News, you would think Kyle Cravo’s around town pop-up would have lines around the corner wherever his signature orange tent pops up; alas too many people respond “What’s that?” or “Where’s that?’ when I’m pontificating about his perfect protein.
Usually setting up tent outside of chill beer spots like Brookside Market on Davis near the Gateway triangle; the stars here are his Wu-Tang-named RZA and ODB smash burgers. Occasionally, he’ll mix in a burger taco (no, really...its a nice twist!), or his most recent creation, a smash burger with truffle gouda, crispy Serrano ham and arugula.
Rumor has it, a brick and mortar spot is in the works. I can’t wait to see where else Cravo takes his smash burgers, and what else this beef genius adds to his menu.
Sendo De Café – 534 Park Street Naples, FL 34102
Without a website and hidden in plain sight off Naples’ 5th Ave South, the wonderful ladies behind the great Ichi Togarashi and Tong Yin have opened up a tiny dumpling and dessert spot.
It’s a small but mighty food experience with dumplings reminding you how great Ichi is a block East, but with the twist of too-many-to-name desserts straight from Instagram and right into your belly.
After the departure of my beloved Regina’s Ice Cream, this is our new go to after-dinner dessert spot downtown. My daughter, Little Bites, loves their diverse Boba teas, and I have fallen in love with their strawberry cream Japanese 'Sando' (aka sandwich).
One bite of this insanely simple white bread with cream and fresh strawberries and your eyes will pop from full sweet tooth satisfaction.
Bring your family in from out of town and maybe you’ll finally get the (grand)kids off their phones and looking up as Instagram desserts come to life.
Mr. Bites is always open to hearing about new spots, so for recommendations, comments or differing polite opinions, feel free to write him @smallerbites on social media.