The Truluck's in Naples is brand-new. It's not listed in any of the major restaurant guides, and you'll be hard-pressed to find mention of it anywhere but the phonebook. However, given the quality of the food, this is sure to change. Truluck's did not start out in Naples. In fact, the first one was founded by a group of Texans, and the original location was in Austin, Texas. Every day, they would fly the seafood in fresh from a Florida processing station, and the Texas Truluck's became so popular that people began to show up at the Florida station, intent on buying some crabs or tuna filets. The owners noticed this and decided to start a second location in Naples to appease the audience there. Sure enough, the restaurant began to flourish. Even during the off-season, it's necessary to make reservations at least a day in advance. The restaurant itself is located on 5th Avenue, just outside of the town center. It features a piano bar, as well as indoor and outdoor tables.
Upon arriving, you are shown to your table as you pass by coolers displaying the day's selection of crabs, ranging in size from the little blue crabs to the massive Alaskan king crab. The menu is simple, but everything on it is excellent. Truluck's features a small selection of chops and chicken dishes, but it's best known for its seafood. Any of the fish filets are wonderful, though the scallops are a definite standout. Most of the entrées cost about $20, and the appetizers are about $10 (try the crab dip). If you're in the mood for an entire crab or a nice fried lobster tail, it'll cost you. Expect to pay market price. The king crab, which weighs in at a whopping 2.5 pounds, costs around $70. If you have that kind of disposable income, the expenditure is well worth it. The crab is succulent and flavorful beyond anything you've ever tasted.
Though the entrées are superb, make sure to save room for dessert. This is a Texas restaurant, and the portions reflect that. The desserts are bigger than anything you've seen before. A slice of carrot cake is about a foot high, and the crème brulee has a diameter of at least 8 inches. Though everything they offer is good, Trulucks' signature desert is a fruit-and-pound-cake-stuffed chocolate shell, made by coating a paper bag in semi-sweet chocolate. This is topped with whipped cream and served with vanilla ice cream. Luckily, the hospital is only a few blocks away. With its Texas-sized portions and unique entrées, Truluck's is well worth the small fortune you'll spend there.
Try to eat at Truluck's while it's still unknown, because one thing's certain: it won't stay that way for long.