My Blog - a.k.a. Don's Take On Naples and Bonita Springs Florida

New restaurants are very welcome - especially these days when so many of the classics have disappeared from the Naples scene. You need to drive to the new fashionable Mercato development at Vanderbilt Beach Rd and US-41 to experience a fresh new restaurant with great atmosphere, moderate pricing, and incredible dishes inspired from across Asia. AZN is tucked away deeped inside the shops and restaurants of Mercato.  Once you arrive, you enter a beautiful contemporary environment softened by lots of wood, bamboo and fabrics draped from the ceilings and walls.

Margaret, Nick and I dined there last week and can't wait to return.  They offer a wonderfully diverse menu with something sure to please everyone. Margaret and I started with the pork-filled dumplings (potstickers) which were delicious.  I had a mixed green salad with ginger dressing as the next course. AZN has a fantastic sushi menu where Nick had no problem of selecting a large combination platter with sushi rolls and nigiri which was presented in a substantial sized wooden boat. Nick said it was some of the best sushi in Southwest Florida. Margaret and I opted for more cooked entrees.  She had the Steamed Salmon with Ginger and Scallion and I chose one of the house specialties - the Seven Flavor Basil Beef.  Margaret thoroughly enjoyed her salmon which she commented was prepared perfectly. My beef dinner was a spectacular fusion of flavors, spice, and the right level of "heat" to engulf the taste buds but not send me running for water to put out the fire in my mouth!

Although the three of us were completely full and quite satisfied with our meals, we had to experience the signature dessert - a large apple covered with caramel and dark chocoate, rolled with some nuts and drizzled with white chocolate. This was thankfully sliced into about 10-12 pieces allowing everyone to enjoy.

You've got to try this new restaurant. It is very high on my list of recommendations to Naples and Bonita Springs visitors and those of us that live here year round. Enjoy!

AZN
9118 Strada Pl
Naples, FL 34108-2683
(239) 593-8818
www.aznrestaurant.com