Inside the Gulfshore’s Dining Scene.


Quite a Package Deal

Dine in style, year-round, at Bleu Provence! For only $21.95, from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, choose one appetizer, one entrée and one glass of wine from a generous selected menu, and enjoy a delicious Provençal meal in a relaxed setting. The décor is washed blue and white, inside and out, on the Areca palm-enclosed side patio. 

Perhaps practice your French with the wait staff and other patrons. This is casual elegance. Sample summer’s happy hour at the bar daily from 5 to 7:15 p.m., with $5 wine or highballs or $7 cocktails to accompany various tapas. Bleu Provence, 1234 8th St. S., Naples, (239) 261-8239.

Amador’s Newest Venture

Chef Richie Amador of Amador's Italian Restaurant

Amador’s Italian Restaurant recently opened in a spacious setting at 3310 E. Tamiami Trail in Naples. Chef Richie Amador’s fans note he was previously at Amador’s Bistro Italiano on Bayshore Drive, after holding court for years at Amador’s Italian Restaurant on the North Trail. Die-hard fans also know he was recently helping a friend at Joe’s Diner while the new site was being renovated.

The current Amador’s location in Courthouse Shadows, across from Naples’ Government Center, is the former site of Donna’s Silver Dollar, Donna’s Sports Pub, Trattoria Dino and, for old-timers, Roberto’s Italian Grill. Richie Amador is pairing with national restaurant entrepreneur Dino Redzic, of Dino’s and Wahoo’s Bar and Grill, for his newest Amador’s venture.

At the request of his patrons, the menu continues to offer Amador’s popular dishes. Chef Amador says, “During the summer, we can even cook special requests for you.” Nightly specials include Chilean sea bass Romano, veal osso buco and veal cannelloni.

The new restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., with live jazz on Friday nights. Amador’s Italian Restaurant, 3310 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, (239) 234-6810.

Welcome Back Chrissy’s