Taberna

Many Southwest Florida restaurants slow down in summer. However, Taberna, like the weather, is heat­ing up with a variety of new seasonal menu items and dining specials that are big on flavor and easy on the wallet.

Taberna occupies the space formerly home to Burntwood Tavern in Naples’ popular shopping and dining destination, Mercato. Both restaurants are owned by the Monven Group with Taberna hold­ing the title of the company’s newest concept. Monven Founder Bret Adams describes it as an “urban tavern.”

Some menu items may seem familiar to fans of Burntwood. A few of the signa­tures have been carried over or tweaked. The famous Smashburger is one of them. A juicy beef patty is smashed on a hot griddle with onions then placed on a bun with American cheese. What takes this burger over the top is the special sauce.

Adams says it adds a punch of flavor with a hint of sweetness. Although he won’t share the ingredients, he did re­veal the secret sauce was inspired by the famous one found on sandwiches at the iconic Bob’s Big Boy restaurant chain.

French fries accompany the burger. They are hand cut and blanched every morning, then fried to order.

Smashburger aside, Taberna’s menu is more elevated with items such as Beef Carpaccio and Branzino. Branzino is not the only fresh fish served here. Guests can also choose from grouper and salmon. Preparation is customized with options that include pan-seared, blackened and beer battered.

For summer, these fish entrees come with creamy, fresh sweet pea risotto, asparagus and a sweet-and-savory honey balsamic glaze.

Carnivores can’t get enough of the thick Twin Filets of beef. Taberna also serves a succulent 10-ounce Angus Sir­loin steak. Add a gorgonzola crust to either one if you are feeling decadent. The meat is cooked on a wood-fire grill to impart a rustic flavor.

For a smaller portion of beef, order Prime Rib Sliders. Each slider is piled with thinly sliced, medium rare prime rib. Havarti cheese and creamy horseradish give the appetizer a nice zing. Zucchini Fritte is an appealing appetizer for plant-based diners. Slices of fresh zucchini are lightly fried and served with a bright lemon aioli as well as a pomodoro sauce for dipping.

If you like pasta, skip to the rigatoni section of the menu, a unique offering by Taberna. The freshly made pasta serves as a base for four dishes including Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Par­mesan. Both include provolone cheese and pomodoro sauce. For something with a spicy kick, order Sausage Ala Vodka with Italian sausage, scallions and mushrooms.

Finally, there is Shrimp Carbonara. Think traditional carbonara but with a seafood upgrade. It has salty applewood smoked bacon, a bit of fresh spinach and rich Alfredo sauce mixed with those same rigatoni noodles.

New seasonal items getting rave re­views include a summer salad featuring arugula and strawberries. The dressing is white balsamic with some truffle honey for a sweet twist. It also has feta cheese and is topped with Parmesan crisp for a salt to balance the sweet.

Strawberries and feta also make a cameo on the Chicken Salad, along with sweet summer corn and avocados. “We base our menu on Mother Nature and what she is providing at the time of year. We also consider trends,” Adams said about crafting Taberna’s menu.

When it comes to dessert, there is only one word, and it is Beignets. Adams spent some time in New Orleans and has made sure these delicious balls of pastry dough are prepared just like the ones you would find in The Big Easy. They are made to order. Hot from the fryer and dusted with powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth. Strawberry sauce and hot fudge come on the side.

The transition from Burntwood Tav­ern to Taberna came at a perfect time, according to Adams. Mercato was under­going some renovations and upgrades, and the interior of Burntwood needed some sprucing up as well. It was built from reclaimed Midwestern barnwood. “The wood might last 15 years or more in Ohio, but that’s not the case in Florida’s climate,” Adams said.

The heat and humidity were taking a toll. Taberna still has wood and that warm feeling it generates but with a modern flare. The restaurant has giant garage doors that open to the plaza and stay that way almost all year.

The bar is the focal point with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a wel­coming spot where regulars gather for their favorite libations including Tab­erna’s signature Jack & Jill. Bartenders infuse vodka with blueberries and use this as a base. It’s shaken with fresh lemon juice and elderflower liquor for a light, refreshing beverage that goes down way too easy. The Espresso Martini and Smoked Old Fashioned also get a lot of attention.

The bar entertains two Social Hours a day during the summer months. The first is from 3 to 6 p.m., and the second is from 8 p.m. to close. Guest enjoy special pricing on drinks and half-off appetizers.

Another fantastic seasonal special is the three-course Summer Prix Fixe menu. Choose from a list of soups or salads to start. Next, any entrée on the menu fol­lowed by beignets for dessert. All are full portions and priced at $36 a person.

“We really want to support and ac­commodate locals, especially this time of year,” Adams said. “We live right down the street and want people to feel like they are guests in our home when they come here.”

Weekend brunch is both Saturday and Sunday featuring American classics such as Steak & Eggs, Omelet, Belgian Waffles and Eggs Benedict with Canadi­an bacon or prime rib. The menu also has Chicken & Waffles and a more healthful quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables and poached eggs, and lots more.

Brunch beverages such as mimosas, spritzs, and bloody marys are bottomless.

Taberna is poised to celebrate its two-year anniversary with enticing summer specials and superb service. Now is the time to enjoy this modern restaurant re­boot with upscale cuisine that is still com­forting and approachable. Reserve a table or grab a seat at the bar and let the friendly staff guide you through a delicious dining experience of outstanding value.

Taberna is located in Mercato at 9110 Strada Place in Naples. The restaurant is open from 11am to 9pm Monday through Thurs­day, 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am to 9pm on Sunday. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Social Hour is offered daily in the bar. Large parties can be accommodated and catering is available. For more information, call 239-631-6921 or visit mytaberna.com.