Escargot 41– a Hidden Gem in Naples, Florida
“Eat well, laugh often, love abundantly.”
Last month, I went to visit my mom, Callie, in Naples, Florida. One night, we went out to dinner at Escargot 41, a fabulous French restaurant, with Richard.
Escargot 41 is a hidden gem nestled away in a shopping center between K-mart and Homegoods on Tamiami Trail. My mom learned about this wonderful delight through word of mouth. Reservations are required as the place is small, the food is made to order, and it is a popular establishment known for its exquisite cuisine. Foodies will definitely enjoy the dishes served at Escargot 41.
The place itself was very European, quaint and showcased beautiful paintings. It was inviting, classy and a perfect, little place to enjoy a delicious meal, great company and an evening out.
After our waitress took our order, she brought us all a complimentary soup. Each shot of pure heaven was served on various decorated dishes. It was a great start to our meal.
Next, we received our appetizer, escargots bourguignone, which consisted of six large escargots bourguignone baked in classic seasoned parsley-garlic butter. The escargots were fresh, large and flavorful. They tickled our taste buds with pure delight.
Richard and I ordered a soupe a l’oignon gratinee, which was an onion baked soup with croutons and emmental cheese. My mom ordered the spinach, goat cheese and beet salad special. I am not a huge veggie or salad person, but her salad was amazing. If given the choice again, I would have had an extremely difficult time deciding whether to order the soup or salad. I loved both. (Note: I would have asked for no beets on my salad as I do not like them.)
Our main course arrived. My mom ordered one of the specials, bouillabaisse, a fish stew. I ordered the canard roti aux pruneaux, which was a half crispy duck rubbed with fresh garlic salt and served with a plum port wine sauce. Richard ordered the poulet a la facon du pegot, which was a chicken breast sauteed, mushrooms, smoked sausage, garlic, baby shrimps, Italian thyme, in a lightly creamed brown sauce. We were all extremely happy with our meals.
Our bellies were full, but how could we not take a peak at the dessert menu? Well, I am glad we did. We shared the most amazing chocolate souffle I have ever tasted. It was light and fantastic — a pure delight in our mouths. It is one of the best desserts, if not THE best dessert, I’ve ever had.
Everything about Escargot 41 was fantastic — the food, the atmosphere, the service, the price. It is definitely a venue we will visit again.
Tasty Delights…
- Looking for a great restaurant? Check out my recommendations.
- Read my other restaurant blogs.
- Cook my favorite recipes.
