By Rachelle Lucas
 

Ever see an item on a menu that makes you applaud with excitement? I had exactly that kind of moment at Truluck's Seafood, Steak and Crab House in Naples last weekend when I saw that Florida stone crabs in Naples were finally in season. Fresh caught just that afternoon, a friend and I ordered a plate of stone crab claws to share. They were perfectly prepared, chilled and pre-cracked for easy shell removal and served with side of creamy mustard sauce. In addition, we ordered several other items from the menu a la carte to have a light tapas-style dinner and save room for Truluck's decadent desserts.

Located on Fifth Avenue in downtown Naples next to Inn on Fifth, Truluck's has an elegant atmosphere, extensive wine list and even live entertainment. One of the things I appreciate about their wine selection is that Truluck's offers the option to order a sampling of wine instead of a full glass, allowing you to pair your wine perfectly with each course.

In addition to Florida stone crab claws, other tantalizing seafood choices include Truluck's famous crab cake mac-n-cheese, Hot 'n' Crunchy Ruby Trout with rice pilaf, mango marmalade and ole fashioned tartar sauce as well as their Blackened Grouper Pontchartrain smothered with crawfish tails, gulf shrimp and blue crab with a spicy Creole sauce. Truluck's Naples also has a great selection of juicy steaks and decadent desserts. Be sure to save room for their "chocolate purse," a rich chocolate bag filled with pound cake, fresh fruit, cream, drizzled in warm chocolate syrup and appropriately themed for all of the shopping available on Fifth Avenue.

Given the 2011 Editor's Choice Award for Best Fresh Florida Crab and the 2011 Reader's Choice Award for Best Seafood by Gulfshore Life Magazine, Truluck's Naples downtown is the place to celebrate the start of Florida stone crab season.

IF YOU GO
  • Call ahead to make reservations. I recommend requesting a table on their covered porch with romantic market lights while you enjoy your delicious stone crabs in Naples. Check out Trulucks.com or call (239) 530-3131.
  • Check out their live pianist in the Stone Crab Lounge and request a song.
  • Stay the weekend and book a room at the classy Inn on Fifth right next door, so that after a night of indulging in delicious food, you can walk upstairs and drift to sleep in a cozy bed. 
  • The Stone Crab Festival is on October 28 - 30, 2016.