Happy Hour at Vergina in Naples

Stevan Stanisic
Apr 11, 2018
4 min read

The Bice Group are a consortium of restaurants in primarily the United States and the Middle East among other locations. They have a a number of locations in Florida, perhaps most prominently in the city of Naples. Starting with their original Naples, FL location, Bice, the Bice group has recently rapidly expanded their presence with other brandings. These include Kitchen, Cafe Milano, Virgina and the upcoming restaurant La Trattoria. Interestingly, all of these locations are with 1/2 mile of each other in Downtown Naples.

Having written about 2 of these establishments, Bice and Kitchen, I thought I would check out the happy hour at Vergina which was acquired by the Bice group almost a year ago.

Vergina, Naples, FL

The are considering changing the name to Monticello. Personally, I think this would be a big mistake as the restaurant’s present name has a significant amount of name recognition locally, being open for over 10 years before changing hands.

Bice group is doing a bit of different marketing at it’s Naples 5th Avenue S. locations, and offering a happy hour with most, if not all of it’s menu items at 50% off. I have my own thoughts on this, but more later in this post.

In all the years I have lived in Naples, I have never eaten at Vergina. Recently I discovered their happy hour, which runs from 3-5 PM. Their Menu items during this time are 50% off. They also have beer, wine and drink specials at happy hour. One can indulge themselves with this very good food and drink value in the bar area, the restaurant proper or at both of their outside dining areas.

Outside dining on 5th Avenue S., Vergina

Before ordering my dining companion (DC) and I were brought some bread and olive oil dip.

Ciabatta bread with herb/parmesan olive oil,

The bread was delicious, and the seasoned olive oil a perfect accompaniment. I wish there would have been more of it, and there was upon request.

Deconstructed mussels al forno

DC and I split an order of steamed mussels al forno. This seemed to be a deconstructed version, as the traditional dish uses roasted breaded mussels, forno meaning oven in Italian. These very large PEI mussels were served in a traditional sauce of olive oil, wine, garlic, red pepper flakes and parsley. The side of grilled crostini was a nice touch, and an ode to the more traditional version. The mussels were great, meaty and well seasoned. The broth, as usually the case, is a great dip for the bread served. I just wish there would have been more mussels but at happy hour prices it was all good.

We then moved onto our mains. I picked the pappardelle bolognese, ribbon pasta with a slow cooked beef and pork ragu. The pasta, made in house was very good, but the ragu ok, not the best I have had. Thank God for parmesan cheese, it always makes every thing better.

I also ordered a side of garlic broccoli rabe. Broccoli rabe is not really broccoli, but part of the family of cruciferous vegetables, their name derived from the Latin cross-bearing. This family of vegetables includes cauliflower, cabbage, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.They are high in vitamin C and fiber and there is anecdotal evidence for other health benefits. I thought this dish good, and large enough to share with my DC.

DC ordered the chicken Marsala.

Chicken Marsala

It was the star of the show. With this dish, chicken breasts are braised in a mixture of Marsala, butter, olive oil, mushrooms, and spices, and served atop mashed potatoes. Braised spinach is added as well. This main choice was fantastic, and definitely the winner in the war of the entrees that night. I will add it was a bargain at the happy hour price of $12.00, again all with a table side view of 5th Avenue S.

The food at the “new” Vergina was good to excellent. The happy hour offer is an extremely good value for prices in downtown Naples, and this promotional offer is highly recommended. The Bice group is becoming a culinary presence in downtown Naples, and their happy hour business model in their soon to be 5 downtown restaurants may be a game changer. That may be a good thing as I am hearing talk of $70 entrees in at least one of the downtown Naples establishments. To my knowledge, there is not one Michelin starred restaurant in the state of Florida but who knows, it may happen one day.

The food at Vergina is good, especially at happy hour prices and the seating along 5th avenue, sublime. I hope readers will check out this very good value.

That’s that for another post on Forks.

Verginia

700 5th Avenue S.

Naples, FL 34102

(239)659-7008

Vergina Restaurant Website

Happy hour from 3-5 PM daily excluding holidays; All major credit cards accepted; No happy hour kid’s meals, Valet parking available.