When I thought about writing this month's piece regarding Style, I immediately exhaled and thought “what does a man whose sole stylistic choice involves wearing a Lucha Libre mask know about style?” (Yes, we'll talk about that more in a following issue to come!) Other than that, and a strong dislike for when men wear golf shirts and flip flips to nice restaurants, I’m not sure I have much to add to the conversation, but, never one to avoid a challenge, here’s Mr. Bites’ thoughts on the culinary style culture of the Paradise Coast.
In a world where what’s trendy and popular has a shelf life of hot mayonnaise, there are a few things that stand out as fad-proof and evoke timeless style: the little black dress, a well-tailored suit, and knowing "before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off".
For this reason, our first feature is that of the legendary Sails Restaurant at the very end of tony 5th Ave South. With some of the most well-heeled clientele found anywhere, any visit to Sails can turn into a mini-Met Gala. What brings their patrons out isn’t just their stylish ambience or culinary adventure, though - it's their impeccable service with a staff whose motto surely is “good service never goes out of style, but great service is iconic". Their sleight-of-handed staff doesn’t seem to allow a napkin to go unfolded, a plate to go without bread, or a glass to be half-full. Magically, though, you never feel like you’re being overly fawned over; just treated as one would expect in a world where 'the customer comes first' notion has been lost on some, but never at Sails. While everything on the menu is exquisite, I'm partial to their Passion de Mer cocktail and Little Joe tenderloin; it's always a tough dessert decision between their soufflés or sticky toffee pudding. One can't possibly forget a memorable experience at their unlimited champagne brunch too!
For me, another example of timeless style is a good glass of whiskey; and, there is no more stylish place in town to have that glass of whiskey than Warren Naples. The Warren is where Gatsby decadence meets modern flair. Like the aforementioned spirit, its ambience is rich in brown and caramel vibes with a soft yellow lighting style that's really difficult to look bad in. The waiters are decked out in attire that presents them as more of mixologists, and the menu has a vast list of whiskeys and other libations bound in classic leather, as if you're reading the 'Bible of Bourbon'. What pairs well with their awesome selection of whiskeys you ask? I particularly like their lobster mac and cheese, Gloria's KFC (Korean Fried Chicken), and the smoked short rib.
On Marco, Marek's is now The Collier House Restaurant where they combine Southern grace with modern hospitality. Originally constructed in 1882 by the pioneering Collier family and renovated again just recently, this is one of the island’s most enduring architectural landmarks where worlds of Modern Coastal and The South collide brilliantly. From their wraparound porch to light-filled dining rooms, every detail is not only stylish but represents the rich heritage of Old Florida. And, their menu is of course similarly inspired by those same roots with stars such as their 'Tar Heel' ribs slow-smoked to perfection, 'Low Country' crab cakes that whisk you away to Charleston, a tender filet tip 'Snobtini' that exemplifies southern decadence, and a very aptly-named 'Marco Midnight' cocktail to wrap up your evening.
Fashionably yours in deliciousness,
Mr. Bites