There is far more to Naples than manicured golf courses, upscale shopping districts, luxurious hotels and resorts, and white sandy beaches. A day at the beach, a round of golf or tennis, or simply a day of shopping and browsing can take its toll on your energy. What better way to refresh and relax that a sumptuous meal at a fine restaurant or bistro?

Naples’ restaurants offer everything from casual dining to hearty traditional favorites, and the Naples area has attracted some of the world’s top culinary talents. Try the tastes of the Caribbean or Japan or France, or grab a light snack of local favorites like grouper and Florida stone crab claws.

Dock your boat at restaurants located on Naples bay and enjoy a lunch of some of Naples most popular, fresh seafood dishes along with an ice-cold beer or frozen strawberry margarita. You’ll also discover an abundance of sidewalk cafes, chic bistros and gourmet delis to serve you a delicious lunch, snacks and pastries.

Whether you are searching for a restaurant for your family, business associates, special event, or your significant other, you will find a restaurant to satisfy your needs. There are fine and casual dining options on fashionable Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, and at Bayfront. Dining Naples-style combines a fun, chic ambiance with flavorful culinary experiences. Choose from Caribbean, Floribbean, Thai, Italian, Irish, French, American and fusion cuisine. There are steak houses, seafood restaurants and bistros specializing in everything from pasta to sushi. Whatever your mood, Naples can provide a wonderful dining experience.

For dinner, you can experience a romantic evening under the stars at an elegant waterfront restaurant that offers culinary masterpieces. Or, you can visit a trendy, upscale Downtown Naples restaurant on Fifth Avenue South, or Third Street South, and select your favorite wine from Californian, France, Australian, Italian, South African and Argentinean vineyards.

The tropical climate is conducive to relaxed dining so when salt-air breezes pique your appetite the dining establishments of Naples will satiate your every taste. From seafood at waterfront restaurants, to hearty meals at downtown steak houses to exquisite Italian dishes, from formal to casual, the chefs of Naples will send you home feeling full and fulfilled.

Serving wine in one’s home gives an open invitation to guests to enjoy the warmth and friendship. Properly displaying this drink in one of the appropriate wine holders makes the over-all effect even more inviting. These containers are available in all shapes and sizes. Small, large, funny, expensive and inexpensive they all serve the same purpose; they hold one or more bottles of a delicious drink in an attractive manner.

These holders come in every type of material imaginable from jade crystal to plastic. They may contain one bottle or a large number of bottles, but they all need to follow basic guidelines to keep the drink in proper condition at all times. It is improper for a bottle to be left standing upright, as it does not keep the contents distributed evenly.

Anyone who is familiar with wine knows there are basics that must be observed when storing them in holders. Things such as keeping in a cool place, having them lay correctly, avoiding sunlight and vibrations are primary in allowing wine to retain its original color and taste. This rule is the same whether the brand is red, rose or white.

Many home decorators emphasize how important it is to have the proper liquor holder in a room since it will add to the overall appearance and, often, be the finishing touch. It can often be the center of interest with the rest of the room and harmonize with it. It exhibits one’s ability to not only coordinate but to choose what is appropriate for the overall decor.

Some people have special holders that are used as part of a decorating scheme on a holiday. Something such as Christmas or the Fourth of July might produce a single holder to add to the festive decorations. A Santa Claus or an Uncle Sam holder would be the perfect attention getter on such an occasion.

An adequate supply of good brands, properly displayed, is often what makes any special event a memorable one. While it is attractive it is even more enjoyable if guests can decide which brand they would like to try. Regardless of where such a get-to-gather is held, people will remember it for a long time to come.

These wine holders make excellent gifts as well. This is true especially if a friend or family member has a pet animal or other like or dislike. It will be possible to find exactly what will be appropriate for such a gift and, of course, a good bottle of the drink should accompany it.

Mayfair is famous for many things – glamour, grand buildings and green spaces, to name but a few. But for a certain visitor – the kind of person that puts fine food high in their list of life’s great pleasures – the number one reason why the affluent area is so highly regarded is because of the number of high-quality Mayfair Restaurants.

Mayfair is a favourite destination of fine diners and committed foodies, partly because it boasts one of the highest concentrations of restaurants with Michelin stars in the UK.

Here’s a quick guide to some Mayfair restaurants that possess a coveted Michelin star:

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Park Lane – This restaurant, based in The Dorchester Hotel boasts an incredible three Michelin stars, an impressive amount even amongst the high standards set by other Mayfair restaurants.

Benares Restaurant and Bar, Berkeley Square – Set in beautiful surroundings, this Indian restaurant has garnered many great reviews and one Michelin star.

Galvin at Windows, 22 Park Lane – Galvin is notable for its chic 1930s style, amazing views across London and incredible modern French cuisine.

The Greenhouse, 27a Hays Mews – Another of the many Mayfair restaurants offering French food, The Greenhouse is particularly proud of its wine cellar, and – of course – its Michelin star.

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Carlos Place – Darroze, a famous French chef, has already won a star for her Paris restaurant. Her authentic cuisine has earned her two stars for this London restaurant.

Hibiscus, 65 South Audley Street – Though it only opened in Mayfair in 2007, Claude Bosi’s fabulous restaurant has nonetheless managed to hang on to the two Michelin stars it gained when it was based in Shropshire.

Le Gavroche, 43 Upper Brook Street – Named after a character from Les Miserables, Le Gavroche simply oozes classic French style. As one of the most respected and influential Mayfair restaurants, it has more than earned its two stars from the internationally respected French restaurant guide.

Maze, 10-13 Grosvenor Square – Gordon Ramsay’s Maze is particularly noteworthy for its stunning interior, designed by David Rockwell – not to mention its great food.

Nobu Berkeley, 15 Berkeley Street – One of the most glamorous of all Mayfair restaurants, Nobu serves up fine Japanese dishes – including sushi – and managed to bag itself a Michelin star within five months of opening.

Pollen Street Social, 8-10 Pollen Street – Critically acclaimed, Jason Atherton’s eatery mixes up bar-style informality with a fabulously designed restaurant and the first standalone dessert bar in London.

The Square, 6-10 Bruton Street – Opened in 1991, The Square prides itself on using top-quality seasonal ingredients and creating elegant, fuss-free food. Its standing as one of the best all-round Mayfair restaurants has earned it two Michelin stars.

Umu, 14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair – Plush wooden surroundings grace the visitor to this acclaimed Japanese restaurant, which serves traditional cuisine from the land of the rising sun, with a modern twist that is all its own.

Wild Honey, 12 St George Street – Serving up a mixture of French and Mediterranean food, Wild Honey has not only earned itself a Michelin star, it is also one of the most reasonably priced of all Mayfair restaurants.

Southampton’s docks have long been a favoured destination for international travellers, and this global influence is evident in the diversity of its cuisine, which covers everything from traditional English meals to Indian, Spanish, Asian and other culinary influences. There’s a restaurant that can satisfy even the most discriminating taste buds in Southampton.

Of course, at the top of the list of Southampton restaurants are fine dining venues such as the Atlantis Bar Restaurant, Tonic Bar & Kitchen and Bleu, one of the newest sensations in town.

The Atlantis Bar Restaurant is renowned for serving Southampton’s prime culinary specialty — fresh fish. The a la carte menu is filled with an extensive selection of different ways to cook, including serving it as the popular Bretonne fish soup. Another specialty of the house is Poole Oysters. Atlantis Bar Restaurant has a great atmosphere for enjoying delights from the deep, blue sea.

Tonic Bar & Kitchen is an ideal venue for a light lunch and, perhaps, a few perfectly mixed martinis. As far as cafes go, this one is a notch or two above the rest. They also have an outdoor terrace, which is an ideal spot for relaxing and watching the world go by. House specialties include seafood kebabs; tuna melt Panini and southern baby back ribs.

Bleu is the latest Grill and Wine Gallery in Southampton. The food is superb and the ambiance is light, exuding a homey feeling amid the modern and stylish decor. But this restaurant’s main claim to fame is its exquisite wine gallery, where guests can select from an impressive collection of over 40 types of wine. These wines have all been carefully selected to enhance the dining experience, especially when served with meat and seafood meals.

Visiting vegetarians will also feel right at home in Bleu, which has a delectable array of vegetable-cantered dishes and complementary desserts such as bread and butter pudding and apple pancakes with caramel sauce.

If you’re choice of dining venues leans towards the more laid back, the place to patronize is Radley’s Bar & Restaurant. Located on Oxford Street, Radley’s exudes an informal air in a sophisticated setting. It’s the perfect place for diners who want to dress in casual attire but still experience a classy culinary experience. The food is great and features a wide range of a la carte dishes. House specialties include Thai crab cakes and sweet chilli beef. And perhaps the most surprising thing about this restaurant is its prices. Rest assured that this meal will not break the bank.

For the more adventurous tourists who prefer unconventional dishes from different lands, Southampton has its share of slight different restaurants to counter what may sometimes seem like the same boring and predictable food. Here’s a short list of the best such venues.

For starters, try out Los Marinos at the Canute’s Pavilion. Their Spanish Tapas bar is superb and the perfect place for people who want to sample a wide array of small and exotic dishes. Tourists with discriminating palates will likely find something they truly enjoy here. House specialties include fish and seafood tapas. There’s also a handful of delights for vegetarians, too.

Are you a fan of spicy Indian food? That’s exactly what the Spice of India restaurant has to offer. Located on Commercial Road, this famous Indian restaurant has a rare and refreshing atmosphere that will make a tourist feel precisely that he is in another place. House specialties include a wide array of meat, curry, Balti and Dhansak dishes as well as a number of vegetarian delights.

Now, if you’re in the mood for something truly different, try the unusual Asian cuisine at Gurkha Chef. Located on City Road, this one-of-a-kind restaurant features cuisine that is cooked the old Nepalese way — on clay ovens. House specialties include chicken in yogurt (known as Agena Ko Kukhura) and the Kathmandu favourite, Dolkha Ko Raksi.

Vegetarians will have to be careful about where to eat in Southampton because there are not a lot of veggie-only restaurants in town. Their safest choice is to dine at some of the exotic restaurants or to go Indian or Thai. Two of your best choices are the Taste of Thailand or the Olive Tree Restaurant.

The Taste of Thailand has a wide array of veggie cuisine and many of the regular dishes as well for your meat-eating friends. This is actually one of the most fun restaurants in town, with live bands performing regularly at night.

Meanwhile, the Olive Tree Restaurant provides an explosion of Mediterranean food. Located on Oxford Street, the Olive Tree serves excellent veggie dishes cooked in a uniquely Mediterranean manner. Veggie meals are served with a generous dose of Virgin Olive Oil and Buffalo mozzarella.

Among the vegan cafes in town, Allsorts Psychic Cafe has to rank as one of the best. Located on Carlton Place, Allsorts has a wide array of vegan savouries as well as healthy teas and coffee.

Miami is one of the country’s culturally and social diverse cities. It is incredibly attractive to tourists and receives one of the highest visitor populations in the nation. With all of this in mind it makes great sense that there are a wide variety of entertainment options and great things to do in this city, which is definitely the case. In addition, there are restaurants that offer some of the finest cuisine from around the world. And while that is undoubtedly the case, it should also come as no surprise that the most popular genre of food in the city is seafood. And you can definitely find great seafood in Miami.

From great festivals that are seafood oriented to some of the top restaurants and beachfront eating venues, seafood comes in all varieties and establishments throughout the city. Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Gill is one of the city’s popular mid priced establishments that offers great seafood as well as other menu options. From fresh tuna, to deep fried shrimp and grilled salmon, this is a favorite among locals and a great find for tourists. The smoked fish dip is one of the restaurant’s unique and intriguing appetizer options.

The Captain’s Tavern has been one of Miami’s great seafood establishments for over thirty years. Longevity is one of the strongest quality determining factors for a restaurant or any other establishment and Captain’s certainly has it. The atmosphere of the place is also extremely marine nautical themed and it features dark walls and salt water aquariums. Nautical art can be seen throughout the restaurant as well. In addition to the daily fresh catch there are land-based options for patrons who have the preference.

La Dorada is one of the fine seafood establishments located in the Coral Gables neighborhood. This elegant restaurant features a Spanish flair to the food, which gives it an original taste. The nautical themes in the restaurant’s decor also include a piano, which contributes to the ambiance and style of the place. Some of the great dishes on the menu include the seafood paella and tilapia that is baked in rock salt. This is one of the greatest places to find excellent Spanish seafood and there is also an extensive wine list to compliment your meal. These are just a few of the restaurants that are part of Miami’s great seafood scene though they also represent some of the diverse nature of it. You can also catch and grill your own seafood if that is your preference and it is one of the popular things for tourists to do while they are in town.

One minute I’m cruising around this really cool new website about the Oregon coast, and the next I’m cruising around Highway 101, taking in all the clean air, the beautiful sights, gobbling some wowing food and visiting a lot of funky secret spots I found online. It’s a wondrous trip that’s hard to forget.

It begins with this site Oregon Coast Beach Connection: rather new, but already huge and all-encompassing in its coverage of the upper half of the coast. I started by goofing around the virtual tours (not all of them are completed), which have on average 60 different stops along various areas of the coast. I found some interesting hidden beaches near Cannon Beach, down in Newport and near Manzanita.

The site has this awe-inspiring, sprawling news section, where I discovered some great restaurants and hotels. I used their weather page to check the forecast just before I left on this really sunny weekend in February – and just like one of their stories about “winter weather secrets” said it would be – it was exceptionally warm in February. See their news section at [http://www.beachconnection/news].

So I head out for the coast, first gobbling up insane seafood on the scenic, pristine Tillamook Bay at Pacific Oyster. They have this cioppino to die for. It’s thick, hearty and so stocked full of a variety of fish it puts a hatchery to shame. The oysters are like tender little chunks of beef: extremely rich and flavorful, quite powerful for their minuscule size. The smoked salmon burger was wonderful as well, and the view of the bay was magnificent. 5150 Oyster Drive. (503) 377-2323.

That night, I stayed at the Old Wheeler Hotel: a wildly romantic hotel in the tiny town of Wheeler that was carved out of an old building once ready to fall apart. This was totally amazing to discover, as the place has an extremely manicured, old world charm, with hard wood floors, chandeliers, clawfoot bathtubs and views of the untouched and pure Nehalem Bay. It’s been nicknamed the “Westin-Benson of the Oregon Coast.” I’m addicted and will be back. Hwy 101 and Gregory. http://www.oldwheelerhotel.com. 877-4theview.

Practically next door, it’s pure pizza heaven at a fairly new eatery called Guido’s Ristorante. The staff here was constantly hilarious – a little like watching the cast of “Seinfeld” interacting. But it’s the grub that was the real star of the show, with a thick, even juicy crust beneath a forest-like covering of innovative ingredients. The main chef there (he called himself Guido, but I think that was part of the gags of the evening) said he’d help me decide on my pizza selection and just make something up for me.

I shyly asked about meatballs on my pie, and he not only said “yes” but eventually brought me a masterpiece with various kinds of cheeses, a delicious marinara sauce drizzled on the meatballs and some kind of garden of vegetables which I can’t even remember. This place also had an outstanding view of the bay. 675 Hwy 101, Wheeler. (503) 368-7778.

The next day, I wander up just north of Manzanita to check out one of the incredible hidden spots I’d found at http://www.beachconnection.net. A set of grandiose cliffs and a small mountain hovers over the sleepy little beach resort, and on its north face lie some wild, weird slopes. The website said it resembled Ireland in some spots, and scenes from “Planet of the Apes” in others. Somebody nailed it on the head. You walk down these steep, grassy areas to come across a strange seascape of jagged, freaky rock structures and boiling surf. It was absolutely remarkable.

I again follow the website to a place called Hug Point, near Cannon Beach. I’d been here before, actually, but never seen the array of veiled pleasures and interesting details tucked away in one rocky area or another. There’s a waterfall, a few sea caves (one has some intricate structure inside that’s fun to crawl), and this rather mysterious road going around the point. According to Beach Connection’s site, the state had dynamited this road out of the rock in the early part of the century so old horse ‘n’ buggies and Model T’s could make their way around during high tides.

The area is a geologist’s wonderland too – but that’s another story.

Next up, I wander Cannon Beach and wind up in this tiny little wonder called Fultano’s Pizza. I ordered the penne pasta with meat sauce – and meatballs, of course. These meatballs are exceptional, with a marvelously multi-layered taste to them, like the subtleties you find in fine wine. The meat sauce is partially responsible for this, also with a few layers of goodness all its own. This place is a truly gourmet discovery, yet not only is it totally kid friendly but thoroughly has a romance element as well.

I came back here for dinner too, having this seriously delectable pizza with a sauce made from mashed grapes. This was fabulous, and I must say I’ve never had anything like it. 200 N. Hemlock and Second Street. (503) 436-9717.

That night, I bed down at a real charmer of a motel called the San Dune Inn in Manzanita, where I’m joined by my lady friend and her dog. This place is super dog friendly.

They have a large selection of movies, as well as other unique things I’ve never seen at a motel, like bikes for use of guests, volleyball gear, beach balls and other beachy equipment. Wow. We had a blast biking down to the beach (only a few blocks) and laughing as we got stuck in the sand. That night, after drinks at Guido’s beautifully hip little retro bar (just a few miles away), we dragged the bikes out again – although I’m not sure if this what the owners had in mind for these. 428 Dorcas Lane. http://www.sandune-inn-manzanita.com. 888-368-5163.

In the morning, we scarf down a combo of leftovers from Guido’s and Fultano’s, and slowly make our way north towards home. We stop at a castle-looking bed & breakfast called Arch Cape House and take a look around, completely awe-struck. Antiques filled these rooms, and the place looks like something between a castle and a ski lodge. We make a vow to the owners to be back and stay here next time. East Ocean Rd. – S. of Cannon Beach. http://www.archcapehouse.com. 800-436-2848.

Dining at a luxury restaurant is a wonderful way to relax and have great wine and food. Many parents have concerns about taking their children to a fine dining restaurant. Below are a number of tips to help make your fine dining experience with children pleasurable and not embarrassing.

1. If you have made a reservation several days or a week before, you can practice good behavior and manners with your children at home. Help them learn to say ‘thank you,’ and ‘please.’ Use positive reinforcement techniques. As well, if they are old enough, you will have to teach them to use cutlery and drink a beverage without spilling it. As well, if they are old enough, you can teach them how to properly order food. When you reserve a table, ask for a corner table for privacy.

2. When you arrive and park at the restaurant, it is time to have one more gentle and positive talk about how the children are to behave. Explain that they cannot yell, scream, and run around at the restaurant. Remind them that they have to consider the other people dining.

3. It can be a real hassle and distraction taking children to the restroom at a fine dining restaurant. Before you arrive, make sure the children have gone to the restroom.

4. When most people attend a fine dining restaurant, it tends to be between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This can be very late for children who may get hungry and cranky. Bring some snacks such as carrots or apple pieces for them to munch on while waiting for the main meal. While you are waiting for your meal, have some activity books such as crossword puzzles or coloring books to keep them occupied. Include the children in the table conversation. You can also ask your server for some bread or crackers for the children. To make ordering faster and easier, make sure you know what your children like and don’t have them experiment with new or spicy foods.

5. Children are curious and love to pick things up and put them in their mouths. Keep candles, sugar packets, cutlery such as knives and forks, and flower displays out of their reach. For very young children, take along a bib, bottles or a child’s special ‘sippy’ cup for drinking. Use high chairs safely.

6. When the meal arrives, look after the children first. Cut the meal up in small pieces for better eating. Make sure you have ordered the beverage to come with the meal. When the children are finished, ask the server to take their plates out of the way. If your children are anxious, skip dessert.

7. Very young children do not like to sit for a long period of time. Once everyone has finished eating, it may be a good time to leave. Older children will be able to sit for a certain period of time before they start getting fidgety and want to leave.

8. Be patient and try not to let small incidents bother you. Children can pick up on frustration.

Fine dining is a wonderful way to spend the evening. When taking children to an elegant restaurant, you greatly improve the chances of having a successful meal without any unpleasant incidents by planning ahead.

Austin, Texas, is well known for its exceptional restaurants, catering to all tastes, budgets and timeframes. If you’re looking for some specific culinary treat at any given time, odds are, you’ll find it here. The reputation is well earned, and new establishments tend to thrive in this colorful, varied city well, new establishments worth their salt, that is. One of these new hotspots that has recently come on to the Austin scene (and come on strong) is Primizie Osteria, a catering company and restaurant that’s taken up a cozy little home on East 11th Street, just East of Austin’s bustling downtown.

Primizie Osteria is the brainchild of chef and co-owner Mark Spedale. After an extensive, high profile culinary career that began at the Art Institute of Houston and took wound its way through California and New York, Spedale finally made his way to Austin. Soon after, the idea for Primizie Osteria took root, as Spedale began to realize the abundance of opportunity for restaurants like his, featuring high quality food and the freshest ingredients available. With delectable offerings like a cheese plate, featuring local artisan cheeses and locally-produced honey, Spedale has crafted a menu that is both highly sophisticated, and dazzling in its simplicity.

Primizie Osteria specializes in regional Italian specialties near and dear to Spedale’s heart (yes, he’s Italian), and their exotic rotating specials are always a treat. Another major component of the Primizie Osteria experience is the wine the staff takes great care in hand selecting wines of both quality and value, offering patrons a wide range of options (both culinary, and budgetary).

The menu features Italian classics like pastas (the gnocchi is particularly noteworthy, as is their incredible lasagna), salads, and panini. Their wood-fired pizzas are creative and delicious (like the Caprino e Balsamico, with fresh goat cheese, caramelized balsamic glazed onions and fresh greens; or the Pollo Arrosto Avocado e Pancetta, featuring roast chicken, pancetta, avocado, basil, and pecan-smoked scamorza cheese). Likewise their entrees and specials are always impressive, with offerings like wild boar, trout, and pork regularly gracing the menu.

And of course, dessert. The lemon cheesecake is light, fluffy and flavorful a decadent masterpiece. Primizie Osteria also offers homemade cookies and other traditional Italian treats daily (as well as Italian espresso, naturally).

Beyond the delicious food, patrons of Primizie Osteria enjoy a modern, yet comfortable atmosphere. Casual, yet sophisticated, the mid-sized restaurant’s open, airy floor plan, long wooden bar, and pleasant outdoor seating offer something for everyone. From private parties, birthdays, rehearsal dinners and engagement parties to romantic dates over a bottle of wine and a cheese plate, Primize Osteria offers Austin a unique East side haven for delicious Italian fare. But its East side location isn’t stopping Austinites from across the city from flocking to this wonderful new addition to the city’s culinary culture.

And for those culinary needs that extend beyond a small group dinner, Primizie Osteria offers professional catering, allowing people throughout the city to enjoy the sumptuous menu for almost any occasion, and any number of guests.

Did you know that a business meal is often a test for new hires?

That’s because at the dining table our manners are on display. Like it or not, we are judged by how we act. People who grab the breadbasket without offering anyone a roll, or shovel food into their mouths, make poor impressions. An employer may conclude that they are aggressive, insensitive, or immature, and question their potential for advancement.

Here are some tips for acing the interview at a business meal:

o Arrive on time or a few minutes early.

o Stick with the basics, such as soup, main course and beverage. Order an appetizer or dessert only if the host suggests it.

o Don’t order alcohol unless the host orders wine for the table.

o Don’t grill the server on how a dish is prepared, or reveal details about your eating habits. No one wants to know about your low-carb diet.

o Don’t order something like a gratin. It takes a long time to prepare and holds up the meal.

o Avoid foods that are messy or difficult to eat, such as lobster, spaghetti, cherry tomatoes (which squirt!), fried chicken, spare ribs, and corn on the cob. Choose foods that are easy to eat with a knife and fork, such as chicken, beef, fish, or quiche.

Proper table etiquette

o Know which fork to use. Look at your place setting. Your bread plate is always on the left. Glasses are always on the right. How can you remember? Easy. The words Food and Left each have four letters. The words Drink and Right each have five letters.

o Always pick up the utensils on the outside first. Then, just work your way in with each course.

Table manners that pay off

o Place your napkin on your lap and use it frequently to wipe your fingers and dab your lips. If you leave the table during the meal, put your napkin on your chair. Never put a soiled napkin on the table until the end of the meal, where you place it, gently crumpled, to the left of your plate.

o Don’t cut your roll in half, butter it and chomp into it. Instead, break off one bite-sized piece at a time, butter it and put it into your mouth.

o Thank the host in person. Then send a note after the meal.

Don’t get confused about why you are at the table. At a business meal you are really at a job interview that includes tableware. Your manners are on display, and you’ll be more likely to secure the job if you have good table manners.

B Y O (Bring Our Own) Might Way of thinking That have YATS Restaurant