eapolitans are very in tune with what is happening on 5th Avenue South in the heart of Naples. Now it seems the rest of the country and world is aware of this very happening Avenue of shops, accommodations and of course, restaurants. Here is an overview of some of the eateries and wine shops that make up this beautiful stretch of Naples.

Yes, we all know about the tony restaurants that make up a big part of 5th Avenue South. But where do you go when you just want a good old fashioned hamburger and shake? CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER at 505 Fifth Avenue South (435-9796) has been doing well for 10 years in north Naples and now for five on the Avenue. Other locations are around the country as well. On 5th Avenue South their location is easily noticeable. Just look for the large (and I mean large) awning/umbrella out front. Known for its gourmet burgers - how about their famous pounder, which will get you on the “Wall of Fame” if you can eat it all, Cheeburger Cheeburger is more than just burgers.
Their decor is 50’s all the way, with a splash of neon, chrome and lively colors around. The food is all fresh and besides the burgers includes a Grilled Chicken Melt, BLT, Grilled Chicken Breast Salad, hand-cut fries and more. Don’t forget their famous shakes or root beer float to enjoy your meal with.
For a fun, casual meal and a step back to the way things used to be, lunch or dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger is the place to enjoy it in.

Who doesn’t like a good cup of coffee? For the best in specialty coffees, teas, cappuccino, espresso, pastries all in a great atmosphere, you must pay a visit to PJ’s COFFEE &TEA CO. CAFE at 599 on the Avenue (261-5757). Here is where one of the originals started all of seven years ago.
Guests can sit under the shaded tables on the corner beneath the Royal Poinciana or inside while perusing the latest issue of Taste or other publications. Catch up on the local news over a cuppa.
Owner Paul Palmer and his staff will be happy to sell you any one of their coffees or teas by the pound for you to take home. Stop in for desserts during the evening or make PJ’s your first stop in the morning. You’ll be glad you did.

Talk about having a bit of Naples’ history behind them. WYNN’S ON FIFTH at 745 5th Avenue South (261-0901) has been serving Naples since 1946! What kind of wine were they selling in those days? Manager Pete Seyez tells me that Wynn’s is little bit of everything, and how true.
Since their recent remodeling Wynn’s has scaled down their 5th Avenue South store to specialize in meals to go, which has become extremely popular in today’s lifestyle.

The food presented in just beautiful from casual breakfasts, lunches to exquisite dinners and more. Customers are fond of popping in to Wynn’s for a fresh sandwich from the deli and enjoying a meal underneath the shaded storefront with smart tables and chairs.
Baked goods are another specialty and here too the display case says it all. Beautiful. Items can be phoned ahead and picked up around back where parking is no problem. Gift baskets, an extensive wine selection and all of the little necessities are here for you at one of Naples most treasured businesses - Wynn’s on Fifth.

New owners have taken over THE WINE GALLERY&CAFE at 800 5th Avenue South (403-9853). Co-owners are Stefano of Amore Ristorante and Adrian Balanca. Keep an eye (and nose) out for their wine tastings. The Wine Gallery &Cafe specializes in Italian vino yet also has a broad selection of wines from around the world. The stylish bar is great for enjoying a few glasses with friends or with Adrian. Located in the heart of downtown, The Wine Gallery&Cafe is a great spot to purchase your next wine, either by the bottle or the case.

Laid back and loving his wines. Douglas Amaral invites you to enjoy his new wines "by the glass" menu at his Mangrove Cafe

The restaurant business in Naples has just exploded in the past year. The Fifth Avenue South district is just one of the many areas that have seen a great resurgence of fine dining. One great restaurant that was here before all of this new growth is the MANGROVE CAFE.
Chef/Proprietor Douglas Amaral and his wife Diane have seen the area develop nicely and they too have prospered with the times and through all their hard work. The Mangrove Cafe continues to provide diners with a new and exciting style of cuisine, which Douglas calls “Global Cuisine” For a selection of just some of the fabulous items they serve for lunch or dinner, please see their ad within this issue.
In addition to food, Douglas’ other passion is wine. He has recently installed a cruvinet in the Diva Martini Bar which can store and dispense opened bottles of wine without them spoiling. Here interesting upper tier wines are served by the glass for those who know and love the finer wines in life. This enables those who might not want a full bottle of white or red to enjoy a special wine by the glass. Some of the wines being poured are Kisler Chardonnay, Caymus, and William Selyem to name a few of the 50 that are available.
The prices are another thing that is great with this new cruvinet system. Douglas and manager and wine buyer Ray Boucher, have kept the prices per glass based upon the bottle price divided by 4. The bottle prices are very fair as well, at Mangrove Cafe. With over 200 wines in stock and with the list being changed weekly, customers can now enjoy the best in wines by the glass or by the bottle at one of the originals on Fifth Avenue South, the Mangrove Cafe.
The Diva Bar, which is part of the Mangrove Cafe, is open late and has a great mix of Neapolitans and out of town guests. In the restaurant, Sunset Specials are served from 5 to 6:30 with a lighter fare offered at a lighter price.

Neal Finelli