// Written by: Adam Douglas // Design & Layout by: Chelsea Coolsaet // With a list of more than 200 tequilas, an impressive and innovative
menu, and the leadership of Don and Angela Smith, new local restaurant Agave Southwestern Grill promises to become one of Naples premier dining experiences. Situated in a free-standing building on the corner of Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach Road, Agave’s location allows it to maintain a unique autonomy from the Mercato dining scene, while at the same time compelling it to surpass the lofty standards already set by the many successful, high-end restaurants in the surrounding area.
Jackie Fishburn, Agave’s General Manager, exudes confidence
in the new culinary concept. Although the menu is labeled “Southwestern,” Agave’s inspirations seem to reach across the globe, and also include influences from Spain, South America and Native American cultures. To Fishburn, this means that Agave’s food “will seem familiar to many diners, [but] it will also be different from anything they’ve ever experienced.” Similarly, Don Smith, owner of both Agave and Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs, wishes to “employ the standards which have made Angelina’s such a tremendous success [while] developing Agave with its own separate identity and image.” It seems as though Agave’s owners and management agree on a guiding philosophy: To balance tremendous variety, unique and fresh ingredients, and restaurant-dining value. Thus far, the formula has proven successful as Agave’s ambiance and menu complement each other brilliantly. The décor is distinctive and welcoming, and the menu is the same. Agave features a 300-person main dining area that features earth
tones, regional décor, and a handcrafted, log ceiling. The atmosphere is very upscale, yet inviting, and has been designed specifically to fit Agave’s unique identity. In addition to the main dining room, the restaurant also offers guests three private dining room options for larger parties or business meetings, an open station dedicated to making fresh tortillas and tamales, and two outdoor seating areas for cocktail service and al fresco dining. One of the private dining rooms doubles as a tequila tasting room, and its transparent, glass walls are lined with some of the most artistic and exclusive bottles of tequila that I have ever seen. The bar area is equally stunning, including a multi-tiered tequila
tower, and a rotating library-style wooden ladder. The drink prices are reasonable, especially considering Agave’s location in Naples, and their vast selection of wine, tequila, and signature cocktails. This doesn’t mean, however, that guests are not afforded the opportunity to indulge. Honestly, I thought the bartender was joking when he mentioned that Agave serves a $5,000 margarita, but then I saw it printed on the menu. After my initial shock subsided, I soon discovered the reason behind such a lofty price-tag. In addition to its rare and exclusive ingredients (1800 Coleccion Tequila), the $5,000 margarita includes a diamond tennis bracelet and a Ritz Carlton resort and spa package. I recommend keeping this cocktail in mind for the next time a friend or co-worker promises to buy you a drink – if it works, I’m jealous, and if not, at least you’ll have a good laugh.
10 | Pulse Magazine SWFL 10 | Pulse Magazine SWFL Agave’s menu is described as “tequila inspired, real wood fired,”
and a majority of their menu items seem to center around their signature hickory and cherry wood-burning grill. Entrees include grilled ancho-glazed salmon over poblano-corn rice ($20.50), center- cut beef tenderloin topped with goat cheese gratin over smoked jalapeno-cheddar mashed potatoes ($28.50), and a number of other authentic dishes ranging from Chile Relleno to tamales. Agave’s menu also includes sections designated specifically for fresh-made ceviches, hamburgers, moles, and items from “grandmother’s kitchen.” Guacamole is prepared table-side, and tortillas are made fresh when ordered. Agave’s dedication to using fresh, natural ingredients is clear, and this sense of commitment certainly shows in the food that comes out of the kitchen. Even the quesadillas and hamburgers are extraordinary, not to mention well-priced at around $10. Given the superior quality of the food and the diversity of the menu, Agave should appeal to every type of diner. In addition to providing the Naples community with an exceptional
new restaurant concept, Agave has also created more than 100 new jobs for local residents. “Starting a new business in this stage of the economy lets people see what an economic engine a restaurant can be,” says Smith. “Few other industries can demonstrate that kind of immediate impact on a community,” he continues. After speaking with several members of the staff, I can see that his enthusiasm is shared among his new employees. They can barely contain their excitement for what they have worked so hard to create and refine. I’m certain that their dedication only further assures Agave’s impending success. I encourage you to visit Agave Southwestern Grill, open daily from 11:30am until midnight, so that you can share in my excitement for Naples’ newest restaurant and only tequila bar concept.
Agave Southwestern Grill 2380 Vanderbilt Beach Road (239) 598-3473
www.AgaveNaples.com
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