Marie-Michelle’s at Venetian Village. Bon Appetit!!
A fine dining experience at Marie-Michelle’s at Venetian Village in Naples left us looking forward to our next visit to this lovely epicurean treat. Having a birthday celebration dinner, one can never really be sure if it will be a treat or be tragic, but make no doubt about it, everything from the lovely view to the tasty ceviche ensured another future visit. Dining either outdoors, with a lovely romantic view of the twinkling lights on Venetian Bay or indoors, as we did, we were ensured great service. Our server, Sebastian, never left us having to ask for anything….if only life could be that easy!
Our starter of Coupe de Ceviche Marine au Cilantro et Citron Vert was tasty and tender without an overpowering “pickling” taste as some we’ve had in the past. The mussells were extremely tender as was the shrimp.
My entree, Saumon aux Crevettes Roses ã la Graine de Moutarde, Alaskan King Salmon baked with whole grain honey mustard glaze, garnished with jumbo shrimp and lemon beurre blanc, was everything is should be. Not a heavy base of beurr blanc, just light enough to enhance the fish. My husband’s choice of Brochette Filet Mignon Sauté Flambé au Cognac et aux Trois Poivres, a Pan seared fillet mignon flambé with Cognac with pink, black and green peppercorn sauce, finished with a touch of cream, delighted him. He said it was cooked exactly the way a filet should be and was extremely tasty. Nibbling at his sauce, I can also assure you that the sauce was perfect: not to spicy, but amusingly fragrant.
To finish this, our desert choice was the Coupe de Mousse au Chocolat ã l’orange. Served in a chilled martini glass, it was a tasty mousse, light and chilled just right with a bit of a bang in the aftertaste department. I was disappointed that it wasn’t what they advertise on their website. There was no l’orange and no base glaze, nor was it served in a thin chocolate bowl as was advertised. Be sure to ask before you order, we will on our next trip.
All in all, it was a satisfying experience, topped off with a gracious french (cheek) kiss from Marie Michelle, who puts you at ease, warms you with her hospitality and makes you feel welcome as if you were dining in her own home.